Chapter two or rather chapter 52. Things are going to get very interesting now that Batman has arrived in Arkham City, along with Batgirl. How are things going to go with the two of them fighting to stop Thrawn? Will things go exactly like in the game?
Will we see the arrival of more favorites? Will we see some chaos being spread? Will we see the clown return? Or will a new threat rise?
Tune in today to find out. Also, I want to thank everyone for the support from the last chapter. I appreciate it and I'm glad the story is going so well. I am having a lot of fun with the story and looking forward to what is going to happen.
All right, it's time for the disclaimer. 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. Now let's continue with the story and enjoy the third Arkham story!
Story III: Chapter V
Arkham City
The courthouse in the lower part of Coruscant was made almost 50 years ago. To help settle disputes and minor charges for the citizens in this part of the city. The upper courts were made for more harsher cases and important trials. Such as terrorism, murder of someone of high power, and treason.
The courthouse was help set up by the Wayne Family who wanted to help the people get their justice. It was even where Harvey Dent made a name for himself and rose up to become a successful attorney. He helped defend the citizens of Coruscant and helped put away many dangerous criminals. This caused him to make a lot of enemies, especially from the crime bosses.
However, Harvey didn't let it get to him and kept on putting away these criminals. Until one day during a trial a crime lord took over the courthouse and used the people inside as hostages. Batman came in and saved the people, but during the fighting Harvey got half his face burned by acid. Harvey was saved, but the scaring brought out a darker side of him, which had suppressed for years.
As a child, Harvey had an unhappy childhood. His father had beaten him as a child, which left him severely traumatized and filled him with so much anger. This caused him to form a split personality and this side of him took over to lash out at a boy nearly killing him. The record was sealed, and Harvey was given help to control this darker side of him.
However, after the incident, this dark side of Harvey took over and soon he became a crime lord known as Two-Face. With one side still being the good Harvey who believes in being fair, while the other side is the bad Harvey who believes using fear will give them power. Both using the toss of their coin to decide the fate of their victims. One side scratched off that will have them do it bad Harvey's way, while on the other side of the coin they will be do it the good Harvey's way.
When Arkham City was built, Two-Face was locked in in the prison with his gang. They took over a part of the city and now use the courthouse as their base of command, while conducting trials.
Inside the courthouse, Two-Face is seen on a platform with a container of acid near him. His men are all seen gathering around with some new members as Two-Face flips his coin while talking to himself.
"The only way to get by in this place is to get ourselves some respect," said the good side of Harvey.
"Fear," the burned and evil side of Harvey replied. "That's how we get respect. Show them all how we get things."
"We should be fair though," said the good Harvey as he looks around the courthouse. "This is a place of justice, after all."
"Screw justice. Kill her and they'll all fear us," said the evil Harvey as he turns to his men. "Bring out the defended!"
Hanging over the vat of acid is Selina Kyle aka Catwoman. She is seen with her arms tied behind her back and legs.
"You certainly know how to keep a girl hanging, Harv," said Selina who didn't seem worried as she hung upside down. "Hey, have you had some work done?"
Two-Face hits her with the back of his left hand as he leans in close. "That's for stealing from us. No one steals from us!"
Selina shakes off the pain knowing she has been hit harder than that and begins pretending to act innocent. "I'm sorry. I've been a bad kitty. Untie me and I'll make it up to you."
"Let's see if the coin thinks you're telling the truth," Two-Face flips the coin into the air before catching it and placing it on his hand to see its heads. Meaning he won't kill her just yet. "This court is now in session."
Two-Face's men all cheer loudly as the court can now begin. As Two-Face goes over the charges set against Selina, a sniper is seen hanging on top of the room overlooking everything. So, in case whoever tries to break in will be shot down. As the sniper keeps an eye out, a shadowy figure can be seen sneaking up on him.
The sniper didn't have time to react before he is seen being tossed off the platform he was on. The men down below saw this and sees a cable wrapped around the man's legs keeping him from dying. Before the men realize this, the Batman and Batgirl glide down from behind attacking the men. Two-Face saw this and hid behind his blaster-proof glass room.
"The Bat and his welp are here! Kill them!" said Two-Face as he took out his blaster.
The criminals all charge at them as Batman tosses a smoke pellets on the ground to surround them all in smoke. The men stop charging and tried looking around for the two Bats. Batman leaps over and takes down two of the men before he ducks a swing from another thug's pipe. Batman grabs the pipe, kicks him in the right leg, and then hits him in the side of the face knocking him down.
Batgirl leaps over three of the men before she pulls out a staff. She lands behind them then hits them with her weapon knocking them away. She can feel two of the men coming behind her with their knives. She falls forward as she avoids their swing of their knives and then rolls backwards using her staff to trip both men down.
Batgirl leaps over and stomps her boot down the back of both men's heads knocking them out.
The men begin opening fire as they try shooting the two Bats. Batman and Batgirl throw their Batarangs then knock their weapons away. Batgirl throws her bola, which wraps around three of the men before it sends electricity shocking them. Batman rushes over and clothesline one of the men before he grabs him then throws him into two of the thugs taking them down.
The smoke begins to die down as Batman and Batgirl regroup. Until Batman and Batgirl both got shot by Two-Face as he used his blaster on them.
Two-Face moves his weapon close to Selina's head to finish her off. "Heads or tails, kitty cat?"
"Which one lets me out of here alive?" Selina asked.
Two-Face flips the coin and sees it landed on tails, which is marked off. "Not this one. Time to die."
"I vote for a stay of execution," said Catwoman as she broke free of the rope and slashes Harvey across the face. He falls off the platform and to the ground as Selina looks ready to make him pay. "No gun, Harv? Shame. This is gonna hurt."
Selina extends her claws, but Two-Face pulls out a second blaster. "Two guns, bitch!"
Before he can fire, a Batarang knock the weapon out of his hand and soon a cable wrapped around his leg lifting him off the ground. Selina looks over to see its Batgirl who threw the Batarang and Batman is the one who fired the cable. He ties up Two-Face's hands behind his back then leaves him hanging over the vat of acid.
"And I thought it was cats who have nine lives," said Selina who is happy to see both Batman and Batgirl still alive. She walks over to Two-Face and begins mocking him. "How's it hangin', Harv?"
She then proceeds to kick him in the gut as payback for his backhand. She then took the device from his pocket then puts it away before turning to both bat heroes.
"Anyone ever tell you that you're full of surprises?" Selina asked towards Batman, while Batgirl gives them some privacy as she works on tying up the men.
"I figured you could use my help, Selina," said Batman.
"You're right. I think I chipped a nail back there," said Selina in a sarcastic tone.
"Funny," said Batman as he sees Selina leaping off the platform. "I thought I told you to get out of the city before they closed it up. Couldn't get out in time?"
"Not really. I can still get out any time I want. I just needed to finish some unfinished business here," said Selina before turning to Batgirl. "Hey there, kid. I'm glad to see you're here. Still keeping Batman out of trouble?"
Batgirl nods in response. "I'm glad you're okay, Selina."
Selina smiled as she pets the girl's head before turning to Batman. "The fact you are both here tells me two things. One, you figured out whatever Thrawn is up to. And the other, you came to see me for some information."
"No and yes," Batman replied. "Thrawn mentioned something called Protocol 10. What do you know, Selina?"
"Never heard of it. But I know Thrawn is planning something big. I've been hearing he has been having his men train prepare for something big," said Selina only going with the rumors she heard about. "Maybe he's planning to expand the prison?"
"Or something else," said Batgirl figuring there's more going on. "Anything else?"
Selina turns to Batgirl and brings up some things she heard. "Only that Thrawn isn't like the other criminals the two of you have encountered before. He's smart…smarter than you," she turns towards Batman knowing how dangerous Thrawn is. "There's a rumor going on that he's been working with the Joker. But I don't think there is much truth to it."
"Why is that?" Batgirl asked.
"Because it's not his style," said Batman knowing Thrawn isn't stupid enough to work with the Joker. "He knows there's nothing to gain by working with him since it won't benefit the Republic. Unless there's something we're not seeing."
"That's a possibility," said Selina knowing there's more going on that they aren't seeing. "All I know is whatever they are planning involves you. Maybe that's protocol 10. Maybe you can talk to the ex-district attorney here. He did mention something about…"
Batman sees a red light aiming directly at Selina's head through the window. "Look out!" Batman tackles her to the ground just as blaster shot was shot through the glass.
Batgirl takes cover as did Batman with Selina figuring there would be another shot fired. But the laser soon disappeared, and they figure whoever tried to shoot them is gone.
"This place is dangerous. I like it," said Selina before noticing how close their faces are to each other. "You expecting a kiss?"
Batman got up and helps Selina to her feet. "You're not safe here, Selina. No one is. You need to get out of here while you still have time. If Thrawn is planning something big and doesn't want anyone finding out then he'll do whatever it takes to keep it a secret."
"Even if it means killing everyone," said Selina who got the idea of what Batman is saying. "I'll leave once I take care of one last bit of business…by the way, is Holly?"
Batman nods in response. "She's safe. My friends will make sure no harm comes to her."
Selina is glad to hear this as she took out her whip. "Be careful two and don't die on me," Selina soon took off leaving the two bat heroes alone.
Batgirl goes to where the shot was fired and begins tracing where the shot came from. Using her helmet's detective mode scanner to help her scan where the blaster hit the ground. Then where it came from through the glass. Followed by the trajectory of where it was fired from.
Batman walks over to her figuring she already got the location. "Do you know where it came from?"
Batgirl nods in response as she stood up. "The shot came from the nearby church. It's being used by the medical personal who were set up to help provide aid to the injured."
"Whoever is behind this will likely still be there. Let's go," said Batman as the two begin taking off to go after the assassin.
Meanwhile
Back at Abigail's apartment, Ahsoka is seen preparing to go out for her mission. She is assigned to sneak into the security system that was set up by Cadmus. It's a secured facility, which has TYGER guards set up to keep anyone from breaking in. However, Abigail found a way for Ahsoka and her team to sneak into the facility.
The idea is to sneak in, shut down the security systems for just enough time for Abigail to hack inside, and then escape before they are discovered. However, Ahsoka won't be able to break in alone since these men that work for Thrawn have been trained to take down a Jedi. Ahsoka also can't go as Batwoman since if she does get capture, she doesn't want the tech to fall into the wrong hands.
So, she decided she'll go as herself. Even use her old lightsabers to help her sneak in. But she'll also need a team to help break in. Captain Rex volunteered along with the most unpredictable team he has ever worked with.
Ahsoka is seen getting ready to take off when Rex showed up. "Commander, ready to go?"
Ahsoka turns to her friend and smiles. "Rex, you know you don't have to keep calling me commander. Just Ahsoka is fine."
"Sorry, old habits die hard," said Rex who keeps forgetting about that. "Still, I'm glad you asked me to come along. You could have just gone with the Bad Batch and that would have been enough."
"The Bad Batch are a great team, but you and I make a better team together," Ahsoka replied knowing she wasn't going to leave Rex behind. "Besides, I know your itching to get back into the fight."
Rex couldn't deny he did miss the good old days and was glad he will get another chance for some action. "So, what's the plan then?"
"We have to sneak into the security facility and shut it down. Just enough for Abigail to hack into the chancellor's office. Without being detected," Ahsoka explained knowing they'll need to use stealth for this one. "We'll also need to hack into the facility to keep them from alerting the guards outside."
"Shouldn't be a problem for us, commander," Ahsoka turns to see Sgt. Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair, and Tech walking towards them wearing their battle uniforms. "I assume we'll go in without killing anyone?"
Ahsoka nods in response. "I know that isn't something your team is used to, but for this mission we need to make an exception."
"Why? These guys are supposed to be the bad guys, right?" Wrecker asked who didn't see the problem.
"They are also working for the Republic," said Rex as he explains the problem. "They may be working for Thrawn, but it doesn't mean we should kill them."
"He's right. For now, we will only stun them or knock them out any way you can," said Ahsoka knowing the last thing they should do is kill anyone.
"I suppose we can try that then," said Crosshair who like Wrecker didn't like they can't kill them. However, they didn't say how to incapacitate them.
"I assume we have the schematics of the facility?" Tech asked as Ahsoka shows the facility's layout and how to get in. "Hmm, all right. I think I have a way for us to get the main security room without any problems."
"Good to hear. We should get going then," said Ahsoka as their ride soon arrived in the form of one of the TYGER guards' gunship.
"How did you get one of these?" Sgt. Hunter asked.
"A friend of ours stole one last week and we made sure to keep it from being reported missing. We then found a pilot that would be able to get it in here without any problems," said Ahsoka as the gunship opened and revealed a green skinned Twi'lek teenage girl around 16 years of age, with an C1-series astromech-droid. "Thank you both for agreeing to do this. I know this is a lot to ask of you to help us, especially what you went through, but…"
The girl raised her hand and shook her head. "I understand this is risky, but I don't care. Thrawn took my father away and locked him up in the prison. I want to do all I can to help break him free."
"I understand," said Ahsoka as she turns to the others. "If you are all up for this then let's get going. However, if we end up being discovered then we will be seen as traitors against the Republic. You understand?"
Rex turns to the Bad Batch and knew like him they are taking a big risk. If Thrawn finds out about them then he will use that as an excuse to try having Abigail arrested. So, if they get discovered then they have to do all they can to prevent word about their involvement from getting out. By any means necessary.
"Commander, I think the boys and I are ready to take any risk that comes our way," said Rex as he puts his helmet on.
The Bad Batch did the same with Wrecker yelling with excitement. Ahsoka smiles a little and turns towards their pilot. "All right, Hera. Let's get this thing in the air."
The girl now revealed to be Hera Syndulla nods and turns to her droid. "All right, Chopper. Let's get everything ready and get going."
Chopper understood and begins getting their equipment ready. Ahsoka and the Clones grab their things and begin heading into the gunship. Ahsoka knows they'll have to be careful on this mission. She'll need to make sure no one dies on this mission and they get out in one piece.
All while hoping Daniel and Cassandra will be okay. She wishes she was there to help them out. But she has to trust that they will be okay. If anything does happen, she has to trust they will get out of it together. And if rose comes to worse…they have backup.
Arkham City
Batman and Batgirl managed to make their way out of the courthouse. They managed to take down more of Two-Face's men, while also finding prisoners who weren't criminals. They were people who had helped make Arkham City and Wonder Tower, which is where Thrawn's is commanding his forces. It also appears there were others like them that have been rounded up and dropped off in the prison.
However, they have managed to survive thanks to some masked vigilantes who have been popping around helping people. Batman was told one of them was dressed as a black cat and the other when she screamed it sounds like a canary call. Batman knew who these two were and was told they were in the church nearby to protect the medical team. The church is an old one that once belong to a religious group long ago.
It has since then been used for a place to meditate and find sanctuary. When Arkham City was set up, it was used for a medical team to live in to help care for the wounded. They had protection from the TYGER guards. But then a few days ago they pulled out and left the medical team to fend for themselves.
Batman and Batgirl arrived to find three men wearing clown masks. They knew they are working for the Joker. They overheard them mention how Harley Quinn is inside and she isn't alone. They have to assume the Joker is inside too, which means they'll have to be careful.
So, they quietly take down two of the men before taking out the third quickly. Once he was down, they begin scanning the area.
"Alfred, we're at the church. It looks like Harley Quinn is inside and its possible the Joker is with her," said Batman as he informs Alfred what is going on.
"That's not good. But why would they be there?" Alfred asked doubting Joker is there just for the medical supplies. "If they know you are here then no doubt, they are setting a trap for you both."
"Then I better spring the trap and find out what they know," said Batman as he turns to Batgirl. "Find another way inside the building and be careful. If there are hostages inside, then we have to keep them safe."
Batgirl understood and fires her grappling gun before she heads off to find another way inside. Once she was out of sight, Batman begins going inside the church. He uses his mask's scanner to detect how many enemies are inside. It looks like five hostiles, including Harley, but no signs of the Joker.
So, he isn't here then. Still doesn't mean he can't get any information out of her. He did detect about a dozen people inside, including some who are wounded. So, he'll need to be careful when he goes in.
He opens the door and walks in as Harley Quinn begins doing some handsprings and flips as she goes to attack him. However, Batman caught her kick with ease and throws her to the ground. Batman then hears Harley's men cocking their weapons and aim them at the hostages.
"Let the lady go, Bat freak! Or these people all get it in the head," said the thug as he aims his weapon at the hostages nearby.
It appears they have them against the wall and are prepared to shoot them if Batman tries anything. So, Batman backs off until Cassandra can get in here.
"I think you should do what he says. It would be a shame to get blood all over my new outfit. What do you think, Bat-Brain? Like it?" said Harley as she speaks up and begins walking around Batman showing off her outfit. "What am I saying? 'Course you do. Who wouldn't?"
"Where's Joker?" Batman asked as he kept his guard up.
"Puddin'? Not here, sorry to disappoint you, but he's a little busy," said Harley as she explains what Joker told her to say if she comes across Batman. "Mister J is really not up for a visit right now. He's not feeling himself…well, actually he was earlier, but that's not what I meant. He's not doing so good and that idiot doctor I sent from here didn't help. I've seen more smarts from these bozos."
Batman was surprised to hear Harley telling him Joker is sick. Since he knew even when he was sick, the Joker would still go out to cause trouble. Something else is going on. He knew it has something now to do with why he targeted the church.
"I've got to run, boys. If he tries anything funny…KILL HIM!" Harley ordered as she walks out of the church and heads off to see Joker.
Batman meanwhile turns to the armed men as they keep their weapons locked on him. He looks beyond the men and sees one of the hostages is Dinah Lance aka Black Canary. Tied up and a gag over her mouth to keep her from using her Canary Cry. However, he looks up to see Batgirl making her way inside and landing behind Dinah.
Batman knows what she is going to do and prepares to make his move. The Joker's men prepared to fire if Batman makes any sort of movement. They know as long as they have the hostages, he won't try anything. Unaware that Batgirl freed Dinah and motions for hostages to cover their ears.
Batman sees his chance and drops smoke pellets on the floor before firing his grappling gun to escape. The men begin opening fire, but they missed their target. Dinah took a deep breath and soon fired her Canary Cry launching the men into the air and fall to the ground. Dinah stops using her attack and Batgirl leaps over as the men all groan in pain.
Batgirl rushes over and takes out each of the men until they were all taken out. Once they were down Dinah helps frees the hostages as Batman lands nearby.
"Dinah," Batman walks up to Dinah and speaks to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I came here to help the people," Dinah replied explaining her reason.
"Is Green Arrow here too?" Batman asked.
Dinah shook her head in response. "He knows I'm here but knows I can take care of myself. I came here looking for a friend of mine, but when I found out that Thrawn was throwing his political enemies in here…"
"You decided to stay," said Batgirl figuring that's why she decided to stay. "There was someone else with you. Who was it?"
"It's Ted, isn't it?" Batman asked as Dinah didn't say anything, but she didn't have to. "I thought he retired."
"Glad he didn't," said Aaron Cash as he approached Batman. "Without him, a lot of us would be dead."
"Cash, I'm surprise to see you here," said Batman who didn't expect Cash to be in the prison. "I thought you retired after Arkham Asylum closed down."
"Yeah right. When Sharp closed down the prison, it turns out there wasn't much work for an ex-security guard who failed to stop a mass breakout," despite knowing it wasn't his fault, Cash was still responsible for trying to keep order in the prison and the people who died. "So, I ended up working to help protect the medical team that come here to help with the people."
"Ted…Wildcat stayed behind to help the people and keep them safe," Dinah explained what happened around here. "I came to get him out, but when I saw how much he needed help, I decided to stay."
"Good thing too. With all the crazies running around here, I don't think we would have lasted long," said Cash who is glad that Black Canary and Wildcat helped them out.
"Where is he?" Batgirl asked noticing this Wildcat guy they are talking about isn't here.
"That crazy bitch took him along with one of the doctors and some of the medical supplies. Something about fixing the Joker," Cash explained and also explained how they wanted to use Wildcat to entertain the men with some fights. "They would have taken Black Canary, but they didn't want to risk getting their eardrums blown off."
"So, that's why she came in here," Batman walks over to where a sign reads 'bell tower' and and arrow pointing to the door. "Did she ever go up to the tower?"
Dinah nods in response. "She took something up there and then blew up the staircase. We don't know what it was, but they spend some time up there before coming back down."
"We'll go check it out," said Batman as he turns to Dinah. "In the meantime, stay here and once I find Wildcat, I'll send him back here with the doctor."
Dinah understood and knows she'll need to get the rest of the people into the church too. "Just be careful you two. There's a lot more going on here than we realize."
Batman understood and took off with Batgirl as they head to the tower. They head through the door and make their way to where they see a large bell on the ground. Sounded by debris, like it came crashing down from above. They look up and see indeed the staircase got blown up and destroyed.
Fortunately, they used their rocket boots and fly up to the entrance to the tower is at. They open it carefully and head inside. Looking around they see what appears to be bombs, which are all wired and in the four corners of the room. They also see what appears to be two Joker mannequins with two monitors on their head.
They also found the rifle, which was used to try killing Selina. Batman though noticed it wasn't manually being used by anyone in the tower. But rather remotely off-site. Batman begins tracking where it came from, while Batgirl noticed the bombs are all appear to have some sort of timers.
"I think we need to go," said Batgirl knowing this isn't good for them to stay in here for too long.
Batman nods in agreement and finished tracking where Joker is at. It appears he's in the old factory district of the city. As they prepare to leave, they found the door to be locked. Batgirl tried pulling it open, but she couldn't get it loose.
It seems it was automatically locked the moment they entered the room. They then see the monitors turning on and soon the Joker appeared. He hid in the shadow though. Preventing them from seeing his face completely.
"Well, look who it is. I haven't seen you for, how long has it been? Let's see, there was an prison, some monsters, and oh, that's right. You left me to die," said Joker while Batman and Batgirl knows that's not how things went. "Now you probably don't remember it that way, but who cares? You just need to worry about the bombs. Hurry up now. Clock's ticking."
Batman sees the timer on the screen as he grabs Batgirl then they leaped out of the window. He uses his rocket boots and begins getting them away. Just as the bombs went off and destroys the tower. Batman and Batgirl land on the nearby rooftop as they see what just happened.
Batman stood up and knows now where the Joker is at. "Let's get going and see what Joker knows."
Meanwhile, nearby a hooded figure saw everything that just happened. He watched the Batman and his ward arrive to the church. He watched the clown's girlfriend leaving with her men back to their hideout. And he watched the Batman escape with his ward from the explosion.
He knows something is going on in this prison. He could sense it and he knew it won't be long before all hell breaks loose. When that happens, he will seize his opportunity. And then he will have his revenge.
For now, though? He will remain in the shadows. He will wait to make his move. He will wait until everything goes his way. And he will do it by letting Batman do all the work for him.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like someone is keeping an eye on things from the shadows. Who could it possibly be? Also, it looks like Ahsoka is off on her own mission with the Bad Patch. How do you think that mission is going to go?
Also, yeah, I brought in Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Wild Cat. Wild Cat is a DC hero who trained Black Canary and so I brought him into the story. So, it looks like things are going to get more interesting around here huh? What will happen next?
Will we see Ahsoka and her team succeed in their mission? Will we see Batman and Batgirl encounter more trouble? Will whoever is spying on them reveal themselves? And who could it be?
Tune in next time to find out. If you like how this went, then please leave some reviews. If you didn't like this then don't leave a flame review. Also tune in next time to see how things will go for our heroes. Take care everyone and see you all next time.