Chapter fourteen or rather chapter 61 is here folks and Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. So sorry for taking so long guys. I hope with the holidays now here and will be done soon, that things will calm down at work. I'm hoping so, since it was a fucking pain in the ass.
Still, glad to have gotten this done and I promise I will try to get the next one done much sooner. Still, glad I got to work on this some more. I have ideas for what is going to happen next time when I get to Arkham Knight. Oh yeah, that's gonna happen.
Got to end this series you know. I might make a lot of changes to the game for my story though. We'll see as time passes. But for now?
Let's do a little recap. So, last time we saw Batman and Robin arrive to find Talia. Batman has agreed to take part of the Demon Trials, in order to get Ra's al Ghul's blood.
Will he succeed? Will this be a lot like from the game? Will there be any changes? And how will the encounter with Ra's go?
Tune in today to find out and 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 chapter!
Story III: Chapter XIV
Unknown Location
Damian watched as his father entered the room to go through the Demon Trials. He wanted to keep his father from going through with them, since he knew how dangerous the trials are. He doesn't know much about what happens in the trials, but he knows it will test both his mind and body to see if he's worthy to carry the legacy of his grandfather, Ra's al Ghul. He also knows that many who have taken the Demon Trials, never returned.
They all failed and perished because none were worthy. He knew only his grandfather was able to survive these trials to get where he's at. He just hopes his father will be able to pass these trials, so they can find Ra's. Damian knows they don't have a lot of time and they need to hurry as soon as possible.
Talia turns to see how concerned her son looks and knew she too was concerned for her beloved. She knew how dangerous the trials are and how many had perished. She knows Daniel isn't like the other fools who have taken the trials. But she was still worried for his safety and sanity.
"If father…" Damian began speaking up but stopped to correct what he said. "When father passes these trials, what can we expect to find when we meet grandfather?"
Talia turns to her son after snapping out of her thoughts before she bluntly tells her son the truth. "Your father can expect to come face-to-face with your grandfather. Without you being there."
Damian was surprised to hear this, while also upset as well. "What are you talking about? Why can't I be there? Because grandfather will find out? Is that it?"
Talia nods in response, but also has another reason for doing this. "I understand your upset, but I'm doing this to protect you. For a long time now, your grandfather has tried to get your father to join him. To become his successor and take over. If he finds out about you, he will not hesitate to try using you to help him accomplish that goal."
"I can take care of myself," said Damian who knows why his mother is doing this but isn't afraid of facing his grandfather. "Besides, I remember you telling me his condition is worsening. How much of a threat can he still be?"
"Do not underestimate your grandfather, Damian," said Talia while sounding both serious and with a harsh tone in her response, which took Damian back a little, since he never heard his mother sound like this before.
Talia begins to calm down, before she continued. "You forget, my son, how dangerous the League of Shadows are. We have our eyes and ears everywhere. Members of our group from every part of the galaxy and stationed in some of the most powerful positions to even the lowliest ones. If given the word, they can take our everyone that are precious to those who stand in our way."
From the men to the women, and even without Ra's knowing it, even the children. These acts against the young are usually committed by members who aren't afraid to cross that line. Damian knew this but had forgotten about it. And since Ra's knows who Batman is, then he wouldn't hesitate to go after all those he loves.
Alfred, Aunt Abigail, Tatsu, Padme, her children, Cassandra, and others. Damian knows the length the League will go is never limited and knows their reach is truly great.
Talia walks over to her son and kneels in front of him, with her hands on his shoulders. "My son, when I said your grandfather's condition was worsening, I didn't mean physically. I meant more mentally. He isn't the same man I once looked up to. The Lazarus Pit has changed him into…something else."
Something that Talia fears every day and what this Ra's will do. "I'm afraid if he finds out about you, he will not hesitate to kill you to help your father finally cross that line. A line we both know he came close to crossing after what that clown did to…Skywalker."
Damian wasn't there when it happened, but he knows from what Abigail told him that his father came close to almost killing the Joker. How he almost snapped and came close to try taking his life. But he managed to stop himself before that could happen. Before the Joker knew how he almost made Batman become like him and give him what he's been craving for such a long time.
"I know you love your father and I know you want to be by his side when he confronts your grandfather, but understand that it is for your own good," said Talia as she begins moving her son's hair back, before she smiles at him. "Do you understand?"
Damian does understand. He doesn't like it and still hates it, but he understands what must be done.
"Your father will be fine," said Talia as she looks back at the door and knows Daniel will be all right. "Despite my concerns, I know he'll be all right, because your father has something, he's fighting for that the others who tried to take my father's place didn't have."
"And what's that?" Damian has an idea what that is, but he wonders if his mother knows it too.
Talia turns to her son and responds. "He's got heart. He isn't fighting to become Ra's successor for power, for glory, or for control. He's not even trying to be Ra's successor at all. He's going through all this to save the lives of the people, the innocent who are suffering."
Something she knows her father has completely forgotten. He's become so corrupted with the Lazarus Pit, to the point he's forgotten who he is and what he set out to do. Something she cannot stand by and allow to continue. But knows she can't do on her own.
"Once your father finishes with the trails, I'll take him to face Ra's. In the meantime, be ready to take him back with the cure," Talia explains that the substance that Daniel took inside the room will help him recover from the poison in his system.
However, it's only temporary. It will eventually wear off and he'll become sick again. So, once he gets the blood, to take it back to Freeze and make the cure. Before its too late.
"I know. I'll make sure he gets there without any detours or delays," Damian turns to the door and sighed softly. "Is there any place I can reconnect communications? I want to let the others know what's going on."
Talia nods as she begins taking her son to where he can contact the others. "Just remember, Damian. Stay on your guard, while you are here. For those who wish to take your grandfather's place know the end for him is close. And they will try to take the power for themselves if given the chance."
Talia knows this and knows if they ever take control, they will destroy all her father had worked hard to build.
"That's why I know your father will make it through this alive and will face Ra's on his own," and if he is successful, then he'll finish his mission, before more innocent lives are lost.
Upper Levels
Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex made their way towards where they believe it is where Edward Nygma is located. Where the Riddler is hiding out. Once they find him, they'll finish this and shut this place down. This will allow Abigail to hack into Arkham City and find out what Thrawn is up to.
So far, the other members of their team have managed to save some of his hostages. While also getting what they need to help with the mission. So, its up to Ahsoka and Rex to capture the crazed lunatic. And end this.
"The room just ahead must be where the Riddler is at. Do you have a plan, commander?" Captain Rex asked as he keeps his blasters on hand.
"Use the Riddler's own ego against him. That's the plan," said Ahsoka knowing Edward's arrogance and overconfidence will be his downfall. "Just be on your toe, captain. Nygma isn't known to play fair and is known to cheat."
"From what the boys told us, that does seem to be the case," said Captain Rex who didn't doubt that Riddler was going to try cheating in his own games to beat them. "I'm ready for whatever he has in store for us."
"Then get ready," said Ahsoka as they soon arrive to their destination. "Because we're here."
They stop in front of a large door, where the Riddler is waiting for them on the other side. They prepared to go through when a holographic image of the Riddler appeared. "Well, well, look what we have here. The former Jedi, who was cast out for her incompetence and her inferior weak Clone soldier. Both of you have come to die at the hands of the most intelligent and brilliant man in the galaxy. Are you both ready to lose?"
"The only one losing today, is going to you, Nygma," said Captain Rex as he kept his guard up. "We're ready for your little games. Just like how my brothers ended up beating your little games earlier."
Riddler clearly still upset with how the Clones beat his riddles and saved the hostages. "Those worthless insects all cheated! There's no way that I, the great Edward Nygma, could have lost to such inferior weaklings!" Riddler begins to calm himself down, before he refocused on his two foes before him. "No matter. As soon as I deal with you two, they're next."
"I don't think so," Ahsoka used the Force to break the door open and Captain Rex opened fire as soon as he saw something flying towards them.
It appeared to be flying sharp stars that have been shot off towards the two. Captain Rex and Ahsoka managed to destroy the stars before they could even reach them.
"Was that all?" Ahsoka asked while surprised with how quick that was. "I'm a little disappointed in you, Nygma. I expected more."
"And so you shall," said Riddler before the hologram was gone.
The room inside begins to brighten up. Ahsoka and Captain Rex walk inside to find what appears to be a large room. Lid by green lights and with a platform high above in the room. That must be where they can hack into in order to shut down the security systems. And allow Abigail to hack the prison's security.
However, the moment they stepped in, the Riddler would soon appear. In a large 20-foot-tall mechanical robot with a glowing green riddle symbol on its chest. Inside the head of the robot, is the Riddler himself. Staring right at the two intruders and controlling the machine.
"It seems you two have earned the right to die at my mechanical hands. I would normally avoid being part of something like this, but you fools have forced my hands," said Riddler as he summons at least two dozen DT-series Sentry Droids. "Now, destroy them all!"
The droids soon opened fire as they begin trying to take down Ahsoka and Rex. Ahsoka begins deflecting the blasts, while Rex hides behind her. Rex would act as their offense, and Ahsoka their defense. Ahsoka tries deflecting the blasts back at the enemy, but it didn't seem to work. Rex opens fire at the droids but found the blaster shots bounced off.
"Must be an energy shield," said Captain Rex as he tries firing at Riddler's robot, but found it too has an energy shield. "He's got one too."
"We'll need to find cover or find at least an opening to get in close," said Ahsoka knowing that these shields must have a limit before they overheat.
"Give it up you fools!" said Riddler as he begins aiming at the two intruders. "You two can't hope to defeat someone as brilliant and great as me! Its hopefess."
Riddler soon fires some rockets at the two intruders, while his droids stopped firing. Ahsoka and Rex see this, but Ahsoka got an idea. Using the Force, she managed to stop the rockets. She then begins to re-direct them back at the robots and even at Nygma himself. The rockets soon hit their targets, which appear to damage their shield.
"Rex! Now!" Ahsoka ordered as she charges into the attack.
Captain Rex does the same and charges at the enemy as he opens fire. He goes for the heads, which begins to damage them. Once he got close enough, he placed some grenades on the droids and runs off. Just before the grenades, detonated, destroying three of the droids.
Ahsoka meanwhile, ran towards three of the droids near her and leaps up to slash one of their heads off. She kicks the head towards one of the droids, causing it to stagger. The third managed to recover and opens fire, but Ahsoka leaps over to slash its weapon off. She slashes off its legs and then its head.
The second droid tries to recover, but Ahsoka uses the Force to crush its head and destroys it. Six droids down and fourteen more to go. The other droids begin opening fire their own set of rockets at their enemies, but they missed and so they begin to try reloading. But Ahsoka and Rex managed to charge in to take out six more droids.
Riddler saw what happened and lets out a loud angry yell. "No! I refuse to let you fools cheat me out of my victory!"
Riddler fires a rocket near Captain Rex, which misses, but the force of the blast managed to knock Rex to the ground. The droids opened fire, but Ahsoka ruses in and begins blocking their attacks. But soon they begin trying to surround her, so they can finish her off. They came close to getting behind her when they hear a loud yelling.
Looking over, they see Wrecker charging in and tackles one of the droids. He grabs its head and begins to rip it off from its body. Hunter, Tech, Echo, and Crosshair soon arrived as they begin joining in the fight. Hunter charges in with his blaster as he opens fire at the droids with Crossfire covering him.
Hunter slashes one of the legs off the droids and leaps on to its back, before stabbing it in the head. One of the droids tried to shoot at him, but Crosshair hits its head and destroys it. Another opened fire at him, but Crosshair avoids the shot and fires at the wall. Intentionally hitting it as the blast bounced off and hits the back of the droid's head, destroying it.
Echo and Tech fired their grappling guns to make their way up to the platform above. To try taking control of the facility.
Riddler sees this and activates his drone droids to attack. Ahsoka knew this is bad and turns towards Wrecker.
"Wrecker, throw me!" Ahsoka ordered.
Wrecker laughs as he grabs the former Jedi and throws her into the air. Ahsoka managed to land on one of the drones and begins trying to control it to force it to fly towards the other drones. Allowing her to slash through some of them, while Echo and Tech cover her. They managed to arrive to the platform as Echo begins hacking into the facility's security system.
All while Tech covers him. "How long will it take until you have control?" Tech asked as he avoids a blaster shot and takes out another drone.
"A minute. No wait, five minutes. No wait…" it was then that Echo realizes what's going on as he tries to hack into the facility. "Riddler is trying to keep me blocked out. We need to cut his connection with the facility."
"How do we do that?" Tech asked as he got hit on the right side of his shoulder.
"Tech!" Echo called out as he sees ten drones charging in at them.
Ahsoka leaps off the drone she was on and throws a Batarang at the drones. The Batarang blows up and fires small fast projectiles towards them. Shattering through the drones and taking them down. Ahsoka turns to Tech and Echo, who's tending his brother's injury.
"Tech, you hurt?" Ahsoka asked as she checks on Tech to assess his injuries.
"I'll be fine. The armor kept it from going through, but still hurt," said Tech as he turns to Echo. "Now, how do we cut off Riddler's control?"
"His cane," Echo replied as he turns to Ahsoka. "We need to destroy the cane he has, which he is using to help him control the facility and these droids."
"Perfect," said Ahsoka as she contacts Rex. "Rex, you get that?"
"Copy that, commander," said Captain Rex as he turns to Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair. "Boys, let's show Riddler what happens when he messes with us Clones."
"Hell yeah!" Wrecker shouted as he grabs one of the destroyed droids and uses it as a shield.
They soon begin to charge at Riddler as he summons more robots to attack. Meanwhile, up above, Tech uses his scanner to help him find a weak point in the Riddler's shield, which is still active. "Hunter, the shield's power weakened from the rockets earlier. If we can hit him again with another, then it will deplete the rest of its power."
"Copy that! Rex, Wrecker, and I will get those rockets. Crosshair, don't miss," said Hunter as he forms a plan of how to take the Riddler's shield down.
"I never do," said Crosshair as he begins moving to get a good shot at Riddler's suit.
While Wrecker took out his mini-gun and opens fire. Hitting the rest of the robots and destroying them, but Riddler keeps on bringing out more to replace the ones he lost. This was fine with the Clones since this allowed Hunter and Captain Rex to pull out the rockets from inside the destroyed droids.
Echo and Tech soon opened fire from above, to try distracting Riddler, who saw where they were at. "Get away from my computer, you worthless insects!" he begins to open fire at them, but they took cover to avoid getting shot.
Ahsoka leaps off and lands on some of the drones that came at them. She leaps off as Riddler sees her and fires at her. But instead of hitting her, he's hitting his own droids. Destroying them and weakening his defenses even more.
This distraction allowed Captain Rex, Hunter, and Wrecker to bring together the rockets they've gathered. Taping them up together, Hunter does a hand-signal to Crosshair, who has taken cover behind some destroyed droids. He signals back to Hunter, who proceeds to throw the rocket at Riddler. Crosshair lifts his rifle, takes aim, and the moment the rockets were close enough to the shield, he fires.
The shot hits the rockets, causing them to explode. The force of the large explosion hits Riddler's robot and knocks it to the ground, with him inside. Riddler's shield is soon down, and his machine appears damaged. Riddler lets out a loud angry scream and begins cussing loudly with what has happened.
Riddler begins charging up his machine's power and prepares to fire at the Clones. Until Ahsoka came down and slashes his robot's arms off. She then uses the Force to crush the legs, causing the robot to fall on the ground, face first. Wrecker leaps on the back of the robot and rips off the door that allows Riddler to go in his machine.
Riddler goes to grab his cane, but Wrecker grabs him and throws him out of the robot, to the ground.
"N-No! This can't be. I've planned out everything. I made sure my security system would be impossible to beat," said Riddler as he slowly got up, while coughing loudly. "There's no way a bunch of worthless stupid Clones and a weak pathetic former Jedi could have defeated the great Edward N—"
Hunter walks over and punches Riddler in the face, knocking him out. "You talk too much," said Hunter as Crosshair and Wrecker begin tying Riddler up. "Nicely done, commander," said Hunter towards Ahsoka.
"Actually? You all did an amazing job," said Ahsoka as she's given the cane from Wrecker. "Hey Rex?" she turns towards Captain Rex. "Would you do the honor?"
Captain Rex nods as he's given the cane from Ahsoka. "It would be my pleasure."
Captain Rex lifts the cane up and smashes the head down, destroying it into pieces. Once this was done, Echo was able to finally hack into the facility.
"We're in!" Echo called out to the others. "I should be able to contact Ms. Wayne about our success and she'll be able to finally hack into the prison without any problems."
"Then our job here is done. What do we do with him?" Hunter asked as he motions to Riddler.
"We're taking him with us. After what he did, he'll be facing a long jail sentence, especially since Thrawn will likely throw him under the bus," Ahsoka knows that Thrawn will likely destroy any records of Riddler involved with the facility. "Let's go home, boys."
Meanwhile
Inside the room, Batman looks around to see nothing but a table with a chalice on it. Batman didn't see anyone around or any signs of that this room leads to somewhere. So, its clear he'll need to drink this chalice to begin with the trial. Otherwise, why put it there?
"Welcome, Detective," Batman suddenly heard Ra's al Ghul's voice in the room, but he couldn't see him. "I am the great Ra's al Ghil. Before you lies your first Demon Trial."
Batman listened closely to the voice. It sounds familiar. Like the same way that Mother Talzin, Darth Maul's mother, would speak as she used her magic to keep herself from being seen. It wasn't impossible for Ra's to be doing the same thing, since Batman knows the League of Shadows and the Nightsisters had close ties together at one point.
"Simply drink from the chalice. It is that simple," said Ra's as he motions to the drink before Batman, which has a strange blue glow coming from it.
Batman walks over to the chalice and looks at it. He's sure if his sister was here, she'd tell him not to do this. But Batman has to do this. To save the people and stop the Joker.
Batman took the chalice and drank from it. Not exactly the tastiest beverage he's ever tasted, but he drank down every single drop, while Ra's spoke to him.
"Good. Feel the Blood of the Demon course through your veins, restoring your health, and twisting your will," said Ra's knowing that the drink will help Batman recover from the poison in his blood.
Batman could feel his strength returning. His suit was letting him know his body was recovering from the poison, but he knows for this trial he can't rely on his suit to help him. So, once he saw his health has returned, he shut off his cowl, so he can rely on his own eyes. Just in time too as the drink appears to be causing some sort of hallucination.
He sees the bricks before him breaking down and sees a whole new world appear before him. What he suspected appears to have come true. He knew that this trial was never going to test him physically, but mentally as well. And it seems that's where the rest of the trial will take place.
Within this strange world in his mind.
Batman walks through the hole in the wall and finds an illusion of Ra's standing before him. Looking around, it appears they're in some sort of distorted version of Coruscant. Ruins everywhere, rocks floating around in the air, but no signs of any people. Across from where they are at, he could see a large iceberg platform, where he bets, he'll need to get to.
"Your next task is simple," said Ra's as he moves on to the next part of the trial. "Follow me through this world and the trial is complete. Touch anything along the way and you will die."
Ra's soon disappears in a bright light before Batman sees him leaving a blue light trail for him to follow. All the way towards the iceberg platform. Batman looks down knowing he'll need to be careful. If he touches the ground or anything else, then it's over.
Batman took a step back, before leaping down and begins using his cape to help glide him. He dives down, then uses his cape to help lift him back up in the air. Once he got close enough to the iceberg, he uses his grappling gun to pull him towards it. Landing right on the platform and not touching anything else.
Batman walks over to see Ra's waiting for him, as the platform begins to rise. "These tests will prove if you are strong enough to lead my forces," said Ra's as he explains what the point of these tests is are. "They were made to test both your will and determination. To see if you can save this world from the evil that is destroying it.
Ra's once more disappears and leaves another trail for Batman to follow. This time, it was longer and with curves that go near some of the ruined buildings. Batman will have to be careful this time. So, he leaps off once more and dive bombs towards the ground.
He then uses his cape to help glide him back into the air. The deeper he dives, the higher he'll go thanks to the wind in this world to help him. Batman managed to avoid the buildings around the trail, while seeing another iceberg platform waiting for him. Batman sees the trail though going through a hole in a building.
So, Batman uses his grappling gun and fires it. He then pressed a button on it to pull him faster towards the hole. Batman soon pulls his cape close to his body and shoots through the hole like a bullet. Barely avoiding touching any bit of the sides of the hole.
Batman soon uses his cape again and manages to land right on the iceberg platform. There waiting for him, is Ra's. Laughing as if he was either impressed by what he did or is up to something. Soon enough something emerged from out of nowhere.
From a large puff of smoke, a ninja made of stone with a sword leaps over to attack Batman. Batman though blocks the sword and pushes it forward. The ninja stumbles forward, but when he turned around, Batman leaps up and kicks him right in the face. Sending him flying off the platform and disappears in a puff of smoke.
Another one appeared behind Batman and tries to attack him, but Batman leaps up and hits the enemy with a punch to the face. Soon the ninja disappeared in a puff of smoke as well before Batman turns to Ra's.
"Are you the one I have searched for, Detective?" said Ra's who is impressed with Batman's strength and resilience. "The one to succeed me and lead the League of Shadows? Let us continue and see if you are the one."
Soon, Ra's was off again. Leaving behind another long trail, but this time no iceberg platform for it to take Batman towards. Instead, it leads to a glowing portal that appeared out of nowhere. It seems it will take him to the next part of the trial.
Batman leaps off and glides over to the portal. Going through it as it leads him to somehow the sky. Where he is seen flying down towards a building down below him. With Ra's waiting for him.
Batman soon lands on the ground safely and turns towards Ra's to see what else he has in store for him.
"The Blood of the Demon has allowed me to live for 600 years," said Ra's who was much older than Batman had thought he was. "Imagine the good that you could do with such a gift."
With that, Ra's was gone again. Leaving a long trial for Batman to follow, which leads to a large area of a destroyed buildings, with the metal beams exposed. Batman though wasn't going to let this stop him. He begins maneuvering around the beams and their buildings.
Diving down and then rising back up, then diving down, and rising back up. He manages to avoid everything that could touch him and sees the iceberg platform waiting for him. He uses his grappling gun to help him get to it and lands in the center.
The moment that Batman landed though, he felt his strength weakening. Not rapidly, but it felt a lot like from the beginning after he got poisoned.
"I can see that your body is becoming weaker," said Ra's as he took notice of Batman's condition. "The small quantity that I have allowed you to drink will only keep you alive for a few more precious hours."
Batman knew this already though. He knew that the drink wouldn't cure him of the poison, and it seems the poison is now fighting through the properties of the drink. Still, a few hours is all Batman needs to get the job done. And get the cure as well.
"It is time for you to make the ultimate decision. I know you'll make the right decision, Detective," said Ra's before he disappears once again and leads Batman to where he needs to go next.
Batman follows him through an open canyon area, which leads to an area that looked like it used to be a factory. Batman manages to avoid the building and its platforms before he sees the iceberg before him. Batman fires his grappling gun and lands on the platform. The moment he did though, four ninjas made of stone appeared once again.
Batman was prepared though and leaps up to hit them with a roundhouse kick. This causes the ninjas to stagger back, while Batman charges in and kicks one of them off the platform. The other three charge in, but Batman leaps over backwards and avoids their blades. Batman punches the one in the middle, causing him to fall, while the other two swing their blades.
Batman blocks their blades with his wrist gauntlet, before seeing an opening. He pushes one of the ninjas away and grabs the arm of the other. He pushes him against the other and rushes over to punch them both. Both ninjas get knocked down and disappear, before the one he knocked out earlier got up and swings his blade.
Batman dodges and uses his wrist blades to slash the sword in half. Batman kicks out the ninja's right knee out, before grabbing his shirt and pulls him down. His face hitting the bottom of the hilt of his weapon. Batman then kicks him from behind and sends him flying off the platform. Disappearing like the others, before Batman turns to Ra's.
"Well done, Detective. You have done well, but it is time to face your final challenge. It is time to face me in person," said Ra's, who is now ready to face Batman and to finish the Demon Trials. "Complete this final challenge and the Blood of the Demon will give you the gift of eternal life."
Ra's soon disappears and shows another path for Batman to follow. Batman follows it and it once more leads him towards a portal. Batman follows it and heads inside the bright light. The light engulfs Batman as he keeps flying through it, until he arrives back into the room he started in.
Batman looks around to see everything seems to be back to normal and made it through the trials.
"Come and fine me, Detective," said Ra's as he spoke to Batman despite not being in the room. "Come and collect your reward."
Batman opens the door and finds Talia's guards standing out of the room. They seemed shocked to see he was still alive and wasn't dead like the others. None said anything though. Instead, they raised their blades and stood in a salute to the Batman.
Batman ignores them and simply walks down the hallway he came from, towards the steps. Back to the upper level and sees Talia waiting for him, but no signs of Damian.
Talia looks over and is both surprised to see Batman, but also happy that he came back alive. "You did it," said Talia who is relieved that Daniel made it.
"You sound surprised," said Batman who knows Talia probably was worried he wouldn't come back.
"Of course not. I always had faith," said Talia who never doubted he would come back to her.
"Where's Damian," said Batman as he looks around for his son.
"I had him wait outside. I knew the moment you finished the trial that I had to get you to see my father," Talia knows the drink he consumed won't keep the poison at bay for long. "But he also never gave up on you. He knew you'd come back to us."
Batman is glad to know his son is okay and knows where he's at. He figures Talia also send him away to make sure her father didn't know about him. While also probably to keep Damian from getting involved. Not that Batman had to worry, since if his son has faith in him, then he'll stay put and let him finish this.
"Your final challenge awaits you through this door," Talia explained as she points to the large doors behind her. "I must warn you though, my beloved, that this will not be easy. My father will not give you his blood so easily and will do what he must to force you to give in. To take his place."
"I know. I'm ready," said Batman knowing he'll be ready for whatever Ra's is up to.
"I pray the spirits will be kind to you, beloved," said Talia as she begins to open the door and let Daniel inside.
They walk in to find large number of machineries in the room. It seems they are pumping something through them. The equipment around this room looked old. As old as the areas that Batman has visited around this underground city.
In front of them is the leader of the League of Shadows, Ra's al Ghul. It appears he's standing over the source of the Demon Blood that Batman consumed and what has given Ra's his immortality.
Batman took notice of Ra's body. He saw his body looked frail. He was using his sword to help him to his feet. His skin looking pale, sickly, and looked old. He looked different than the last time Batman saw him.
"Welcome, Detective. It is time for your final challenge," said Ra's as he stood before Batman wearing an old looking armor, a side cape on his left side, and a demon symbol on his waist. "Kill me. Replace me as the Head of the Demon. It is your destiny."
"I will never kill. Not even you," said Batman who refuses to kill Ra's. "I came here for a sample of your blood. Not to kill you or take your place."
"Allow me to help you then," Ra's moves his sword up and stretches his arm out to Batman. "Use my sword. Take it all."
"No," said Batman who will not take Ra's life.
"Father, please. Listen to him. He only needs your blood to save—"
"Be quiet," said Ra's as he silences his daughter, who takes a step back and keeps quiet. Ra's turns to Batman as he moves his arms out. "And that is your final answer?" he begins to laugh softly before he falls backwards and into the Lazarus Pit.
Batman and Talia sees the machinery that is connected to the pit begins sparking electricity. They begin electrocuting the pit, which left Batman confused on what is happening. Until he sees Ra's appearing from the pit. Walking up the steps and looks rejuvenated.
His sickly form replaced with the young version that Batman recognized. His right arm's tattoo, glowing green as Ra's eyes glowed red for a moment before turning green.
"Now, only one of us can leave this chamber alive," said Ra's as his voice sounds exactly like it was earlier during the trials. As if multiple voices spoke at the same time.
Ra's grabs his sword and appears ready for combat. Batman motions for Talia to stay back, which she does. She knew right now; this monster isn't her father. And she also knows only Batman can stop him.
"We'll see about that," said Batman as he got ready to fight.
Ra's removes his cape and reveals his other tattoo glowing green as well. In fact, some parts of his body appear to be glowing. It seems what he took is now flowing through his body. Giving this strength to help him in this fight.
Suddenly, the ceiling begins to crack, and sand is shot inside the room. Batman knew this was the same illusion from before. Ra's making it seem like they're in some sort of large empty wasteland. But Batman knew it was just Ra's trying to get in his head.
Ra's soon appeared as he came flying down from the sky and lands on the ground across from Batman. "You should have killed me when you had the chance!" said Ra's as he floats off the ground before flying at Batman.
Batman sees his speed is much faster than the other encounters he had with him. Batman managed to avoid the attack and charges in at him. However, Ra's turned his body to stone and created other versions of himself. Forcing Batman to fight them all and try to figure out which is the real Ra's.
They all charged in at him, but Batman throws down a smoke pellet to cover the area around them. Batman quickly begins attacking the ninjas, taking them out one by one as they disappear. Before he found the real Ra's. He kicks him out of the smoke and begins attacking him. Ra's swings his weapon at him, but Batman manages to avoid his weapon and blocks it.
He drives his elbow to his face and drives his knee into his gut. Batman then jumps up and drives his knee under his chin, before hitting him with a roundhouse kick. Knocking Ra's away, before he disappeared.
Batman knew he wasn't defeated yet and was just waiting for him to emerge to attack.
Suddenly, Ra's emerged from the sand and appears to be floating in the air. "Witness the true power of my Lazarus Pit!"
The sand soon begins covering Ra's as he appears as a large sand monster version of himself. With long sharp blades appearing to attack Batman and his followers acting as a shield. Batman managed to avoid the blades and tries to find an opening. He found one with a gap in the defense, which he can use to attack.
But he knew he would need to use a long-range weapon against him. Luckily, he has his Remote Electrical Charge. He ends up firing it at the gap, which appears to have weaken Ra's. Not enough though as Ra's fires three large shuriken at him.
Batman managed to avoid the blades and fires more shots at the gap. Hitting Ra's and weaking him more and more. Until eventually he disappeared into the sand. Batman kept his guard up though.
He knew Ra's was still here somewhere and has to be ready.
Ra's soon emerged from the sand and attacks Batman. Swinging his sword at him as he tries to take him down. Batman blocks his blade with his wrist gauntlet. Batman could feel Ra's strength and how much stronger he was since their last encounter.
However, he did notice something different about the way he's attacking him. He's swinging wildly at him. Repeating the same attacks over and over, with so much anger. It seems what Talia told him is true.
The Lazarus Pit has affected his mind to the point, he's not thinking clearly. This is the opening he needed to finish this.
Batman blocks his last attack grabs his right arm with his left before Batman hits him with a headbutt. He then hits him with a backhand to stagger him away before he begins rapidly punching him. Not giving him a chance to defend or to counterattack. Batman's last punch knocks Ra's down to his knees before Batman drives his head to the bottom end of his sword's hilt and kicks him away.
Batman grabs the sword and stood tall over the defeated Ra's.
Talia, who watched the whole thing knew this fight was over. She knew Daniel was under the strong influence of the Demon Blood he took earlier. Made him see whatever it was in his head. This must be why so many who took the trial, never survived.
Whatever they experienced, was too much for them and didn't have the will to survive. But she knew Daniel would. She knew his will was far stronger than those before him. And he would survive.
She goes to her father to check on him and make sure he was okay. The moment she checked on him, Ra's pulls out a knife and soon grabs his daughter. Using her as a shield and holding the knife to her neck. Holding her as his hostage.
"F-Father! What are you doing?" Talia asked as knowing this isn't who her father is.
"Listen to me, Detective. And listen well," said Ra's as he kept his blade close to his daughter's neck. "You will kill me. You will lead the League of Assassins, because if you do not join us, I will kill not only the only person you ever loved, but I will also kill your daughter and son."
Talia's eyes widen when her father said this. Not only is he willing to kill her, along with the children, but he knew about Damian?
"Did you really believe you could hide such secrets from me, daughter?" Ra's asked her while he kept his blade to her neck. "I knew you were carrying his child; I knew you kept him hidden from me, and I knew you would send him to join his father. I had hoped he would eventually return to us and take my place. But because of you, he has become a disappointment."
"Ra's. Let her go," said Batman as he kept the grip of Ra's sword in his hand.
"No, Detective. I don't believe I will. She and your family will all die, unless you do what you know you must do. Take my blade and finish me," said Ra's in a threatening tone as he clearly shows he will do this. "You know there's no other way."
Talia turns towards Daniel, who looks directly at her eyes. As if both know exactly what the other is going to do. Batman pulls out from his left hand a Batarang, which has some buttons on it. Once he drops the sword, Talia grabs her father's arms to momentarily keep them from moving.
Allowing Batman to use his cowl to lock on to Ra's and throws his Remote Batarang at his opponent. The Batarang hits the side of Ra's head, which caused him to drop his weapon. Talia leaps up and kicks her father square in the face. Ra's staggers back and Batman rushes over to punch him right in the face.
This was soon enough to finally subdued Ra's, as he no longer had any strength to fight back.
Batman soon grabs Ra's by the throat and lifted him up. Slamming him against the wall, before he took out a device and places it on the side of Ra's neck. Soon, he presses down on the trigger, which pierces into his skin and begins taking blood out. Filling the vile on the device and getting the sample they needed.
"De-tec-tive!" Ra's struggled to speak as Batman kept his grip on his throat, until he freed him and dropped him to the ground. "You should have killed me."
"Yes, he should have," said Talia as she stood by Daniel and clearly was upset. "What kind of man sacrifices his own daughter? What kind of man threatens his own grandchild?"
Ra's begins leaning back against the wall, as the effects of the Lazarus Pit appears to be wearing off of him. "Sacrifices must be made to succeed in order for our mission to continue. You of all people know this, daughter."
"Yes, I do, but the moment we act the same way as the criminals we hunt down…" Talia felt so disgusted with what her father has become and knows this isn't the man she once knew. "You've changed. You're not the man who I swore to fight with, the man who I looked up to, and the man who…who was my father."
Batman was surprised to hear Talia speak like this to her father. If he said anything insulting about Ra's, she would have tried to force him to apologize. But after what he did, she no longer saw him as her father. And was angry.
He goes to comfort her, but she backs away. "Thank you for saving me, beloved. But your people need you. You need to go. You're running out of time," said Talia who knew Daniel has a mission to complete.
"Talia, I—"
Talia interrupts Daniel and turns to him. "I'll be all right. Just please be careful and please keep our son safe, okay?" she leans in and kisses Daniel gently on the lips, before she took her leave.
Batman knew he should try comforting her, but he knows she's right. Time is running out for the people of Coruscant. He needs to get the blood to Freeze and make the cure. And then deal with Thrawn.
"You're looking old, Ra's," said Batman as he turns his attention to his fallen foe as he decides to question him first. "What's really going on here? I thought the pit was supposed to keep you rejuvenated and help you regain your full strength. And yet you appear like how I found you."
"I've used the Lazarus Pit too many times," Ra's began to explain as he looks up towards Batman. "To the point its properties are now temporary. My youth is restored yes, but my strength weakens each time I use it. It has even begun affecting my mind. To the point that…well, you saw what I had done."
Ra's lets out a small sigh as he looks down at his hands. "I have lived for 600 years, Detective. My mind and body cannot take much more. Each time I enter the pit I am frightened of what will come out. To the point that I'm afraid I'll become the very thing I have spent my life fighting against."
"If you fear it so much, why not stop? Why not destroy it?" Batman asked wondering why Ra's hasn't taken any countermeasures to prevent something like this from happening.
"It's not that simple, Detective. I wish that it was, but…but I cannot bring myself to stop," said Ra's as he looks away, ashamed for what he has become. "Perhaps it's because I fear my own death. Perhaps it's because I fear who will try to take over and destroy what I have built. In any case, I cannot bring myself to destroy what has kept me alive for so long. It is a sickness that I have, and one I cannot seem to stop."
"The Lazarus Pit has corrupted your mind, Ra's. Its making you believe that without it, you'll lose everything you've done. But as long as the Lazarus Pit remains, then you'll become that you are fighting against. Is that what you want?" Batman asked as he sees Ra's looking at him, listening to what he's saying and not arguing against him.
A nice change from the many times they've spoken before. "This is your chance at redemption, Ra's. Not just for yourself, but for your daughters and grandson. Do this for them. You know if the pit falls into the wrong hands, you will be powerless to stop centuries of destruction and misery."
Ra's looks down from Batman and took in all he was telling him. He knows if the Lazarus Pit did fall into the wrong hands, then so many lives will be lost. All he has fought for will have been for nothing. And it will bring the end of society as he knows it.
As Batman prepares to leave, he turns to Ra's one more time to give him one more warning. "And one more thing, if you do decide to come after those that I love, then I promise you this. I will be back for you."
Batman soon begins leaving the room and begins heading back to his son. Once they regroup, they'll head back to Victor, get the cure made, and save the people. After that? He'll finish his mission and stop Thrawn before Protocol Ten is activated.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like Batman succeeded in the mission. He now has Ra's blood and will be able to get the cure. We also saw Ahsoka and her team succeed in their mission. Defeating the Riddler and making him pay for his little comments about the Clones.
What will happen next? Will Batman and Robin get the blood sample back in time? Will they be able to stop the Joker and Thrawn? Or will they run into more trouble?
Tune in next time to find out and you do 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. Also, sorry guys for taking so long to come back to this story.
I will finish this and when I do, I will get back to work on my other stories too. I will complete them and get them all done. Take care everyone and see you all next time.