Chapter 24 has arrived and last time we saw how things went. Batman managed to beat Firefly thanks to the help of Obi Wan, who took out the last bombs. We also found out that Padme and the others got to the senate building to discuss what to do without the Chancellor. And we ended things with Bane getting to the Wayne home.
How will things go in this chapter? Well, read on to find out and thanks to those who didn't spoil it for the people who haven't played the game. I appreciate it guys. Also for those that don't know this, but this story is an AU (alternate universe), since someone asked me if this story is set in an AU.
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 XXIV
Coruscant
Padme Amidala arrived to the Senate Building for the meeting her friends made. She joined Senator Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Riyo Chuchi, Meena Tills, and Lux Bonteri to discuss what they were told about the news they were given by the Jedi. Padme invited Abigail to join them, while her friends Ahsoka and Tatsu stayed in the corner while they remained quiet. Padme had Abigail in the building to get her opinion as an outsider.
The senator were told the truth about the Chancellor and needed to discuss about what they are going to do. They were all shocked to hear the Chancellor was a Sith Lord and how he was behind the war.
The reason the Jedi told them about this is they were unsure if the rest of the Republic should know and risk many leaving to join the Separatist or become neutral. They were also concerned the reaction the people would give and how this could turn against them while the war is going on.
The senators knew if the rest of the senate found out about this, then there will be problems. Many might leave the Republic, become neutral, or join the Separatist. Keeping this a secret is also something they don't want to do, especially how they would be lying to the people. However, with the options that have been given to them there isn't much they can do.
"Are we sure we want to do this? I don't feel right lying to the people of the Republic. Even if it's for the greater good," said Senator Chuchi who felt uneasy about this.
"I don't like it either, but we have to do this," said Senator Bonteri who tried to convince the senator what is on the line. "If news of the Chancellor being a Sith Lord broke out a revolt might break out. It will also give the Separatist support and gain alliance from systems we worked so hard to gain alliances with."
"Lux is right," said Padme who agreed with the young senator. "I spoke to Abigail about this and she agreed that if the people knew the truth it will divide the Republic."
"Is that so?" Senator Mothma asked as she gets a nod from Abigail. "I supposed for the good of the Republic, we will need to keep this a secret. However, there is still one problem. We need a new Chancellor."
"Senator Mothma is right," Senator Tills agreed. "Right now the military is taking control, but we need a new leader who the people will turn to and who won't be given too much power."
Senator Bail Organa nods in agreement. During the war they had been discussing about how much power the Chancellor was receiving and how less control the senate had. They've been worried if this kept up then the senate would lose all control. That is why whoever they choose needs to be someone the people look to and is someone who can act for the good of the people.
"Still, even if we do decide who should be in charge it would have to be put in a vote with the rest of the senate," said Senator Organa who was concerned about the time. "We will need to make sure who we pick is someone the senators like and will be chosen soon."
"What about you, Senator Organa? Surely you can take up this position?" Senator Tills suggested.
"Not a bad idea, but if you want popularity it should be Padme," Abigail suggested herself, getting a surprised look from her friend. "No offense to Senator Organa, but I believe Padme is someone who the people will get behind and is someone the senators could get behind despite how some feel about her."
Padme wasn't sure if she should feel a little offended with the last thing her friend said, but she knew she was right. She knows there are some senators don't like her at all.
"Ms. Wayne is right," Senator Organa replied agreeing with the suggestion. "Senator Amidala should be elected as the new chancellor."
"Hold on a second," Padme interrupted as she stood up from her seat. "I mean, I appreciate the suggestion, but I'm not so sure about this. I want to help out in any way I can, but I'm not sure if I should become the chancellor."
"But Ms. Wayne is right," said Senator Bonteri as he spoke up. "You have been very supportive of the people, you aren't afraid to speak out, and I remember my mother telling me how there are some Separatist leaders who respect you despite being their enemy."
Senator Mothma spoke up next agreeing with Lux. "I know you are unsure about this, but we all know you can do this. We will help you with anything you need and we will be there to make sure you don't do this alone. However, we need to make a decision soon and try gaining support to go through with this."
Padme was still unsure about this since it would be a lot of pressure that she would have to deal with. Not to mention it will make her relationship with Anakin even harder to keep a secret, especially if she will be busy all the time. Still, she knew her friends are right and they do need a leader that the people will look up to. Plus, this will give her a chance to maybe figure out another way to end this war, peacefully.
"All right. I'll do it."
"Then it is agreed," said Senator Chuchi. "I will begin speaking to some of the senators I know and trust to see if they will support this."
"I'll do the same," said Senator Mothma as she turns to Senator Tills and Organa. "Let us meet up in my office in an hour so we can start pushing a meeting to get this passed."
The senators all nod in agreement as they begin to leave the room, except for Abigail and Padme who stayed in the room to speak. "I trust I will have the Wayne family's support in this?" Padme asked to her friend.
Abigail thought about it and then few seconds' later nods in agreement. "On the condition you promise not to use my inventions for war."
"Deal, now let's go over what I should say to the senate," said Padme as the two women continued speaking, while Lux stayed outside of the room to speak with Ahsoka.
"It looks like things are going to get better then?" Lux asked towards Ahsoka.
Ahsoka smiles softly and nods in response. "Hopefully, although the night is still not over. Oh and by the way, thanks for the save."
Lux smiles softly as well as he rubs his right shoulder. "I'm glad to have been able help, but I do wish Abigail wouldn't push me so hard during training. During the fight I swear I could feel my shoulder dislocating again."
Ahsoka chuckles softly. "Well, Abigail did say she wouldn't go easy on you…Boy Wonder."
Lux rolled his eyes when she mentioned the nickname Abigail gave him. "Very funny…still, I'm glad your all okay. I don't know what would have happened if I lost more people I cared about."
Ahsoka's expression changed and she could see Lux was really worried. She wraps her arms around him and gives him a hug.
"I know and I'm glad you were there," she replied hoping this will make him feel better.
The two broke the hug and stared at each other getting lost in each other's eyes. The two began leaning forward almost getting close to kissing…when both their communicators began going off.
Ahsoka answered hers first as Lux waits for her to finish. Once she does he thought they could try going back what they were about to do, when he noticed the look on her face.
"Ahsoka, what's wrong?"
Batcave
The Batwing came through the portal as Batman sees the facility is on fire. Thankfully Bane didn't know about the portal or maybe he did but didn't destroy it so he can come back here to see this. He sees part of the computers and where he makes the gadgets got damaged, but some parts of the cave look okay. He lands on the platform and begins looking for Alfred.
"Alfred!? Alfred!?" he tries using his cowl vision, but it isn't working.
With the computer down he figures that is keeping him from using it. Without it he'll have a hard time finding him, especially how big the cave is. He begins trying to fix the computer nearby as his cowl vision begins to work again. Once he got it working he begins looking for any signs of life.
He manages to find him below the platform, where he is on the ground. "Hang on, Alfred!" jumping down he glides to where he is trapped by some rubble. "Alfred, can you hear me? I'm going to get you out of there."
He manages to get the rubble off and checks on him. "Alfred, it's okay. I'm here."
"Master Daniel, you are all right," said a weakened Alfred as his breath became shallowed.
"Hold still. I'll get you some help," said Batman as he tries to lift him, but Alfred stops him.
"Daniel, don't add me to the weight you carry," said Alfred as his breathing became weaker and weaker until…it stopped.
Batman, no Daniel watched on as the man who raised him and his sister was now gone. He closed his eyes and feels his hands tightening into a fist. He could feel pain, anger, and sadness filling him. The memory of his parents being killed flashed before him as he felt the same feelings he did back then and feeling them once more.
How he couldn't do anything to save his parents. How he couldn't keep them safe and now he couldn't save his friend. Someone who cared for him and his sister when they lost their parents. Someone who they considered…family is now gone.
"No…NO!" Daniel punches the ground, which causes electricity to come out of his glove. He then realized that there might be a way to save Alfred, but he needs to work fast.
He begins lowering the charge, so it is enough to revive him. The same way medics use a defibrillator to jump start the heart.
He moves his hands on Alfred's chest and shock him, but it didn't work. "Come on, dammit!" he does it again, and again, and again, but each time with no success. "Don't give up!" he does it one more time as Alfred's heart began working again and he came back.
Alfred began breathing heavily and coughed loudly as Daniel felt joy flowing through him. "You're going to be all right."
Using his grappling gun, he fires it up and they head back to the platform. Daniel takes him to the infirmary that they have in the cave and sets him down on the bed to get some rest. He removes his mask and cape as he activates their medical droid. The droid reassured Daniel that Alfred will be all right, but needs some rest.
As Daniel stays by his friend's side, he hears him speaking to him. "I know I haven't always supported what you and the others do. But I understand now why you all do this. More than I ever did. I see the good you do in protecting the people when they need it, to keep them safe when there is trouble, and so that they don't…lose someone close to them."
Daniel didn't say anything as he stayed silent.
Alfred noticed this and continued. "I was afraid you did this for revenge or to make yourself feel better for what happened. That you feel it was your fault what happened to your parents and that you could have done something. But, there was nothing you could have done. If you did…you would have been lost too."
That was something Abigail told Daniel before. How she was glad her brother came back to them, since she was worried if they were all gone she wouldn't know what to do without any of them in her life.
"You should not carry such a burden on your shoulder though. Your sister and I don't blame you for what happened. We're also glad that you never used what you learned to hurt criminals to make yourself feel better, to make up for what happened, or to seek vengeance. You did it to protect the innocent, to make sure they don't suffer like you did, and so they can go home safely."
Alfred tries to get up, but Daniel stops him not wanting him to strain himself. Alfred however, moved his hand away from his chest and grabs his hand. "I am proud of you and I know your parents would be proud of you too. But right now, you need to go. You need to go out there, continue protecting the people, and keep them safe. Stop Bane, before he hurts more innocent people."
Daniel wanted to believe that, but after what happened he wasn't so sure if he can. "I couldn't defend you or our home. If I can't do that, then I can't protect the people."
Daniel makes his way to the computer where he hears some crimes going on, but with everything that happened he drowned them out and turns off the computer. He then began thinking back of the lives he couldn't save since this fight with the Joker began.
The woman from the bank, the Jedi who were killed, the innocent who were attacked, and how he almost lost his friend. All of these events have shattered his confidence and isn't sure what to do now.
Alfred, with the help of the droid walks over to Daniel, while carrying the mask to help him. "Master Daniel – now is not the time for doubt."
"I can't do it. I can't stop them," said Daniel who feels if he tries to fight again, more lives will be lost.
"No, you can't – not on your own. But you are not alone in all of this," said Alfred as he sets the mask down near Daniel. "You have your friends, your sister, you have me, and after what happened you also have the Jedi. A man's strength comes not from just bran and intelligence. But also from his allies."
The bats above them begin to wake as Daniel begins looking at the mask, while listening to Alfred's words.
"That is something Bane doesn't have. He doesn't have the same kind of loyalty, love, and purpose that you have. Together with our allies you will be able to stop them and save the people. But only if you don't give up and remember the reason why you are doing this."
Alfred turns to the picture of Daniel, his sister, and their parents. Daniel stares at the picture and knew he wasn't alone at all. Alfred turns on the computer as they hear the Jedi speaking with the Clones.
"The Joker has escaped his cell and is leading the riots at the Republic prison," said Master Shaak Ti. "Repeat: the Joker has taken over the entire prison. Multiple casualties, hostages – civilians and prison guards. Again, we have lost the prison. Master Skywalker is missing and Master Kenobi is calling for assistance."
Daniel knew he had to do something, but still had some doubts, especially if Bane is there. Alfred noticed this and took out something he was hoping to save for later.
"I was hoping to save this after you finished this fight, but…here. Perhaps this will also give you more strength to help fight for the people."
Daniel took the envelope and sees the handwriting is his father's. Opening it he begins to read the letter that his father left for him.
The last will and testament of the deceased, Thomas Wayne…
In the event of my death, I hereby declared all my worldly possessions pass to my children, Daniel and Abigail Wayne…
Daniel, I ask you and your sister to honor the Wayne Family legacy and commit yourselves to the improvement of the galaxy, its institutions, and its citizens…
Please, be strong together and never abandon one another. You are both young, but destined for great things. Make the most of your opportunities. Use them too give back to the people that have given us so much, to change the lives of the galaxy.
Do not be frivolous with this wealth. Please do not waste it all on fast cars, and outrageous clothes, and the pursuit of a destructive lifestyle…
Treat the people of the galaxy like family, watch over them, and use this money to safeguard them from forces beyond their control. My deepest regret is I will not see you both grow up into the good people I know you will both become. And finally, my children. I ask you both never abandon this city or yourselves to fate. We have lived through dark days, and no doubt there are more to come.
But it is the good and great people who stand up for the galaxy when others turn and run…In death, I will love you both forever.
You're Father, Thomas
Daniel finished reading the letter and feels some tears flowing down his eyes. He wipes them away and smiles at Alfred. "Thank you so much and your right. They need our help. Contact Abigail and tell her to stay at the Senate Building with Tatsu. See if she can hack into the security system in the prison so I can get an idea of what is going on."
Daniel takes his mask and hears the bats flying around them. "Tell Ahsoka and contact Robin to head to the prison, but to wait for me. I'll be there as soon as possible."
Alfred noticed where Daniel is going and what he is going to do. "You're going to use the prototype?"
Daniel nods as he presses the button against the wall and soon a door begins to appear. It opens and shows a new Bat suit. "Tonight is a good night to try it."
Coruscant
In the prison, Anakin and Plo Koon continue trying to find a way out of their cell. Anakin used some of the cloth from the prisoner's sleeves to help patch up the Jedi Master's wound. It wasn't bad, thanks to the armor that minimized the damage. However, the wound will be the least of their worries unless they can get out.
The alarm went off earlier and they heard what sounded like blaster shots outside of their door. The Joker and his men must have attacked the prison, which made trying to escape their cell even more important.
"We could try using the vents," said Anakin as he tries breaking open the vent in the cell. "Luckily the gas hasn't gotten through."
"That's because of the new upgrades the Wayne family donated to the prison," said Master Plo as he sat down and continued formulating an escape plan. "In the event of a poison or toxic gas being unleashed in the prison, the vents will block it off so it doesn't spread. However, escaping through the vent won't work."
"Why not?" Anakin broke the vent open and looks through to find lasers across the ventilation shaft. "Let me guess, more upgrades?"
Master Plo nods in response without facing Anakin. "Ever since we found out how Barriss Offee got into the prison. I'm afraid also trying to use our lightsabers to cut out of here will not work since we don't know how thick these walls are."
"Well, we can't sit here doing nothing," said Anakin as he activates his lightsaber and begins cutting through the wall. "Aren't you going to help?"
Master Plo didn't move, but did reply to Anakin. "He hasn't left the prison."
"Who?" Anakin asked as he continued cutting through the wall.
"The Joker, he's still in the prison. I can sense him," said Master Plo getting Anakin's attention. "Why would he stay in the facility and risk getting captured?"
Anakin thought about this question and then came to what he believes is the answer. "Maybe he wants to stay? As part of his plan?"
Master Plo nods as he gets up from the floor and turns to Skywalker. "Whether this was his real goal or not is unclear, but we do know is he planned this. Using someone to dress up as him and lure us into a trap is proof of that."
Anakin sighed as he turns to the man who was dressed as the Joker. "I guess waking him up and finding out what he knows would be pointless. I doubt the Joker would have told him anything of what he is up to."
"Unlikely," said Master Plo as he turns back to outside their cell. "This Joker is unpredictable and makes it difficult to get a reading on. There is not telling what he is up to and why attack this prison. What we do know after what has happened tonight is there is no limit to what he will do. If wanted, he could use this poison to spread across the city."
"Well then, that is why we have to get out and stop him," said Anakin as he turns to the wall and uses the Force to open part of what he cut, but found there are still more wall to go through. "Though this might take a little longer."
The door's alarm begins going off getting the attention of the two Jedi. They activate their lightsabers thinking it is the Joker's men and are trying to get in. However, they noticed the gas is beginning to get sucked away through the vent. Clearing the room of any dangers.
The door soon opened and they wait to see who is opening the door. To their surprise though it wasn't the Joker's men or the Clones, but it was R2-D2.
"R2!" Anakin was happy to see his friend coming in to make the save. "You're a sight for sore eyes, buddy." R2 replied chirping happily as it goes to free the two Jedi from their cells. "Good work, where are the other Clones?"
R2 replied informing them that many of the Clones were killed, the rest and the employees were taken as hostages, and the facility is under lockdown. Keeping the Jedi from breaking in to help save everyone.
"It appears reinforcement arrived, but they won't be able to get in unless we get to the control room," said Master Plo as they activate the ray shield to keep the prisoner inside. "Skywalker, I'll take R2 to find the control room and unlock the facility. Meanwhile, go find the hostages and get them free."
"What about the Joker?" Anakin asked.
"Don't confront him," Master Plo warned. "With how unpredictable he is most likely he will kill the hostages or worse."
"Worse than killing them?" Anakin then remembered the poison gas that killed the woman from the bank and knew that was what he meant. "All right and try to see if you can contact the Council to let them know of the situation. That way if we can't get the doors down, we can find another way in."
Master Plo nods in agreement. "All right and be careful. May the Force be with you, Skywalker.
"You too, Master Plo," said Anakin as he took off to find the hostages before the Joker tries harming them.
All right, that is the end of the chapter and yeah I brought in the letter from Arkham Knight. I hope everyone liked this chapter and also like how the others will now go after the Joker. Will they be able to stop him now that he has the prison? And will we see the other assassins in action?
Well, check out the next chapter to find out and if you like how this went then please leave some reviews. Just nothing negative please. If you don't like this then don't leave a review. Thanks also to everyone for the support and the reviews for the story.
I appreciate it guys and glad to know how much you like the story. Also thanks to my friend for his help and assistance. I appreciate it and I'll see you all next time. Take care and be safe.