Chapter fifteen or rather chapter 62 is here and hope everyone is ready! I'm so sorry for taking so long to get this out. Okay, so I tried to get this out for New Year, but I was trying to rush this out. I knew this was not going to look good if I tried to rush this out and was pressuring myself by doing this. So, to avoid getting burned out or making any mistakes, I decided to take it nice and slow.
Too bad I took it too slow and fell behind. I'm so sorry guys. I promise this isn't going to happen a lot. However, I'm also going to try avoiding rushing this out.
I want to make sure this story goes well and make sure you all enjoy it. So, thank you for being patient and hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Thank you again guys for the support. I appreciate it and time for a little recap.
Last time we saw Batman finished, the Demon Trials. It wasn't easy, but Batman succeeded. He was successful in defeating Ra's, which made me wonder something. While Batman and Ra's were clearly under the influence of the Lazarus Pit, I wonder what Talia was seeing.
Was she seeing what the two men saw too or did she just watch them run around, completely high off their minds? Well, in any case, Batman got the blood and is now on his way back. We also saw Ahsoka, and her team of Clones defeat the Riddler. And now have access to the security system of Arkham City.
Will they find out what Thrawn is up to? Will they succeed in stopping him? Will they make the cure in time to save everyone? And will the Joker come around to cause more trouble?
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 XV
Unknown Location
Batman had emerged from the chamber room where he saw his son waiting for him. No one else was around, since Damian said his mother left with her guards. Nothing was said between the two, but Damian could tell something happened. But he knows his mother needs some time alone and knows their path will cross again.
Batman decided to tell his son the truth. Of what happened in the room and how the effects of the Lazarus Pit changed Ra's. Making him into something else. A monster.
Damian was shocked by this and understands why his mother seemed upset. She looked up to her father and believed in him to be a good man with a worthy cause. So, for Damian to find out how he tried to use his mother as a shield, made Damian upset. And even understand why she left the chamber in a hurry.
The good news though is they got the blood and not a moment too soon. Oracle had gotten in touch with them along with Lux about what they found out. How all the hospitals on the planet, including the local small clinics have all reported hundreds of patients that have shown the same signs that Daniel has shown. Now, thankfully their condition isn't as bad as Daniel was earlier before taking the Demon Blood.
However, they are getting there and if they don't get the cure soon, they will die.
More good news came when they found out that Ahsoka and the Clones managed to defeat the Riddler. They have shut down the facility's security systems, which has allowed Abigail to hack into Arkham City's security systems. Allowing her to gain access to their cameras and computer systems. All except for Thrawn's computer systems.
They're on a different system and is going to take her time to hack through their defenses.
"It should take me at least an hour to be able to break through the security in order to find out about Protocol Ten. Thrawn's systems are doing all they can to keep me from finding out," said Oracle knowing that whatever Thrawn is hiding, can't be good.
"Just do the best you can. Once you got through, I'll need to make my way to where he's hiding," said Batman as he made his way through the tunnels with his son, to make their way back to the surface. "In the meantime, let Batgirl know we're on our way back. Once the cure is made, I want you to quickly distribute it, understand?"
"Way ahead of you," said Oracle as she contacted Lucius Fox about what happened and has begun manufacturing for the cure. "We've also worked out how we can distribute this cure, without the chancellor accusing us of something stupid. Speaking of…shall I hack into his files and see what he knows?"
"Whatever you feels will help, do it," said Batman as he took notice the signal is getting weaker. "We'll let you know what happened once we get to the surface. In the meantime, make sure Ahsoka and the others get out of the building. I have no doubt Thrawn will send his team to try to intercept them."
"Understood. I'll get to work on it. Just remember to get to the surface and send me a sample of Ra's blood. That way I can begin making the cure on our end," said Oracle knowing she has all the stuff they need to make the cure but needs the blood sample. "Once you get to Freeze, make sure he makes his samples of the cure. Just in case we don't make enough in time."
"I will and thank you, Oracle," said Batman as he thanks his sister for what she's done.
"Just please come back alive and don't die on me, okay? Please," said Oracle as she begins hanging up and gets to work on contact Fox to get working on the cure, while she also finds out what their enemies are up to.
Once that was done, Robin turns to his father. He's happy to see he's doing much better than before. He's also happy to know that whatever happened in the chamber, helped finally break his mother away from his grandfather. He just hopes it will in time have her leave this life for good.
Robin knows though this isn't over yet, especially with the Joker and Thrawn still posing a threat. "I hope you realize that the moment the Joker finds out we've double-crossed him, he'll come for the cure."
Batman knows this well and is prepared for it. "That's why we'll need to hurry. It won't be long before the Joker finds out, which means whatever he's planning will go into motion soon."
"You really think he has a plan?" Robin knew that was a dumb question and tries to correct himself. "I mean, in his condition, do you believe he really has anything that's worse than what Thrawn is up to?"
"When a man is near his end, they're capable of doing almost anything. Even burn the world down with them," said Batman as he stops in front of his son. "Now, imagine what would happen if someone like the Joker knows his end is coming and what he's capable of doing to leave his mark on the galaxy."
Robin didn't really want to think about it. He knows the Joker is crazy and unpredictable. He's also smart, which is a dangerous combination to have with his insanity and unpredictability. So, if he knows his end is coming, then he's got something big planned then.
Robin let's out a small sigh as he looks up to his father, knowing what he's going to do. "Even after all he's doing and knowing what he might end up doing, you're still planning to save him. Aren't you?"
Batman didn't need to answer his son, since he and Cassandra both know what their father is going to do. Even the others know, and they hate it. He knows why. He's not an idiot.
He knows what horrible things the Joker has done. Not just with the people of this galaxy, but even to them personally. It was the Joker that paralyzed his sister, it was the Joker who killed Anakin, and the Joker has even threatened to kill Daniel's children. Batman knows all of this and knows the galaxy would be better off without him, but he knows he can't let him die.
"Even with all he has done, to the people of the galaxy and even those close to us…I would still save him," it was then that Batman…Daniel remembered something his father taught him. "My father, he wasn't just the owner of a company, but also a doctor. He believes in helping anyone who needs help and whose life is in danger. If he believes there's a way to save someone, he will do it. Regardless of who they are or what they have done, he would still help them."
Damian knew his grandfather was a good man, much better man than Ra's. But he never knew he was a doctor or that he stood by such a code.
"In fact, one time there was a man who tried to assassinate him. He tried to kill my mother when she was pregnant with me, but failed when one of our guards stopped him," Batman goes on to explain how the assassin was badly wounded and they could have just left him to die on the ground, but instead.
"My father tended to his wounds. He saved his life, even after what he did. So, the assassin asked my father why he did what he did, despite what happened. And my father told him, just because of what he did, doesn't mean he wasn't going to stand by and watch him die, not when he has the power to save him."
Damian's eyes widen with what his father told him. His grandfather, not only did he save the man who tried to kill him and his grandmother but did it because it was the right thing to do. If it was his grandfather, Ra's, he would have let the man died or saved him, only to torture him later. This shows why his father really looked up to his father and understands now why he will still try to save the Joker's life.
"I know there will be those who think I should let the Joker perish for his sins, but if I know I can save his life, then I have to try," said Batman knowing as much as he doesn't want to, he knows if his father was here, he would try to save him.
Damian completely understands why his father is still willing to save the Joker's life. Even after all he's done, even if the others will hate it, Damian knows his father will do what he feels is right.
"Father, I understand. I still don't like it, but…" Robin let's out a small sigh, before he turns to his father and gives him a small smile. "…but I know it's the right thing to do. And I'm sure if grandfather was here, he'd do the same thing."
Batman nods in agreement, before he turns towards the tunnel and knows they have a long way to go. "Come on. Let's get back to your sister."
Meanwhile
Selina Kyle aka Catwoman is seen captured by Pamela Isley aka Poison Ivy, who was still angry for what she did. Selina came to try speaking to her, but it didn't seem to work and now Ivy has her wrapped in her vines. Thinking of how she's going to make her pay. Thinking of how she's going to suffer for how she wronged her.
Despite the position she's in, Selina didn't seem worried. "Are we done yet, Ivy? I told you, that thing with the flowers wasn't my fault. You know it. I know it."
Ivy though didn't believe this and still appeared angry. "You should have watered them. You said you would water them. Now, there's only one left and Thrawn has it."
"Thrawn has it? Gee, I never begged him as a flower guy," said Selina who didn't begged Thrawn for anything normal really.
"He's keeping it locked up to keep me from trying anything reckless," said Ivy knowing why Thrawn has her plant. "He knows it's the last one of its kind and knows if I try anything, he will destroy it."
Ivy walks over to the window that overlooks the prison city and scowls softly. "Just like he knows with the limited resources I have here, I can't grow more of my babies. He knows I can't grow what I need to break out of here and make him pay."
Selina now sees why Ivy is locked up in this place. She knows this is the only place left where she could grow what is left of her babies. What is left of her creations, since Thrawn had her lab and resources destroyed. Leaving Ivy with what she has left.
"Even if I had even enough power to take on Thrawn, he has my flower locked up tight in that vault of his. If he suspects I try anything, he'll have it destroyed before I can even break in," said Ivy knowing if she tries even going where the vault is kept, she'll never break in the vault in time to save her baby.
This is exactly what Selina is looking for. "Well, in that case. I think we can strike a deal. After all, you're talking to one of the greatest thieves in the world. And one that can break into any vault, without being caught."
"Don't make me laugh, Selina. Why would you risk your life for something of mine?" Ivy isn't a fool, like the men that Selina tricks. "No, you need my help to steal whatever riches Thrawn has locked up."
"All right. You got me," said Selina who admits what she's up to, but still tries to get a deal out of her. "I do need your help to get in where they keep the vault and steal whatever Thrawn has locked up in there. But I can also go in to save your little plant and bring it to you in one piece."
Selina knows she shouldn't, but it's not like she has much of a choice. If she refuses to save her plant, Ivy will know and will try to kill her. The last thing she wants is to have her coming after her for payback. But she also knows she needs a little more convincing.
"It's not like you have much of a choice, Ivy, especially with the rumors going around about what Thrawn is up to," said Selina as she hints to Ivy the rumors that have been appearing around the prison. "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?"
Ivy turns away from Selina and indeed knows what she's referring to. It's been spreading around more every day about Thrawn's plan for the criminals of the city. What he plans to do and how many are already bracing themselves for the worst. Even she knows it and has been trying to prepare herself, but knows once Thrawn goes through with this, her baby will be lost forever.
"I think it's a pretty fair deal, Ivy. I get what I want and you get what you want. Everyone goes home happy in the end. Deal?" said Selina as she waits for Ivy to give her, her response.
Ivy turns to Selina and walks over to her, clearly not happy with what she's about to say. "I should kill you…" said Ivy as she sees the calm look the other has, before she releases her from the vines. "Fine."
Selina lands on her feet, before she stood up and wipes the dirt off her suit. "What? No kiss? I'm kind of disappointed," even though she knows her kiss wouldn't work on controlling her mind, like with the men.
"OUT! NOW!" Ivy ordered as she has grown tired of having Selina around.
"As you wish," said Selina as she begins making her way out of the and heads outside.
Once she made it out, she sees some of the criminals across the street all running towards what appears to be a fallout shelter. All carrying supplies and equipment, before locking themselves inside. What she said to Ivy she knew wasn't a lie or even a rumor. From the looks of things, its all beginning to look like it's going to happen.
"Maybe I should have told Daniel about this," said Selina to herself knowing she should have told Batman about what she's heard, but she knew telling him a rumor she heard wouldn't be enough.
Yes, it would be a lead, but Thrawn has made sure to keep the full details of his plan hidden. Even a small leak like this wouldn't be enough to stop what he's planning. Even if it did get leaked out, would the people of this galaxy even care? Would any of them shed a tear if they all got killed off?
Would she care? Once she gets what she wants and gives Ivy her dumb flower, she's out of here. She doesn't care what happens to the people around here. This isn't her problem for long.
"And yet, knowing Daniel, he'd still risk his life to save them all," that made Selina smile a little, knowing he would care. He would care what happens to them and would risk his life to save them all. "Not just him, but that family and friends of his would risk it all to save us. Even if some of us don't deserve it."
Selina knew this much to be true and knows even now they're risking their lives to try stopping Thrawn. Even if Selina feels it's pointless and Thrawn will somehow succeed. In the end, that won't stop them. And they will keep on going, somehow.
Selina soon shakes these thoughts out of her head as she sees Ivy's plants making their move. "Focus, Selina. Just get what you need and get out of here. Let Daniel and his little family deal with everything else. While we take advantage and get what we deserve."
Selina soon leaps off and uses her whip to swing across to the nearest building. Before heading to where the vault is located and get her prize.
Coruscant
Abigail is seen with Tatsu as they begin going over everything that they were able to get from the security facility that Ahsoka and her team broke into. They were able to shut down the program that kept her from breaking in to Arkham City. To hack into all their cameras, their computer systems, and the jammers they have set around the prison. Despite this though, she couldn't hack into the more secured parts of the prison, like the large tower that Thrawn had set up.
She couldn't even hack into his systems and find out what he's hiding. So, she decided to hack into the chancellor's computer files and found something very interesting. How he's been taking bribes, how he's been aware of the disappearances of his enemies, yet did nothing about it, and has been moving around resources for programs to help the less fortunate to his own private accounts.
"It seems that Sharp has been a busy man," said Abigail as she begins draining his account to go back into those programs, and to the people. "This and sending this information to the Jedi will teach him to act like the same criminals he's been treating horribly."
"It's a shame he doesn't seem to have any information about Protocol 10," said Tatsu who is surprised that the chancellor himself doesn't have this information. "You would think the chancellor himself would have some knowledge about this."
"This is true," said Abigail as she leans back against her seat and tries to think about this. "The fact the chancellor doesn't have any information about it tells me that Thrawn is keeping him in the shadows. The very same guy who put him in this position. I don't like this. I don't like this at all."
Abigail doesn't like how the chancellor appears to now be nothing more than a pawn for Thrawn. The most powerful man in the galaxy, being used by the very same person that he gave control over this prison city. The very person who seems to be ahead of everyone. With his TYGER Guards running around kidnapping those who know anything secretive, to killing any who gets in his way, and even somehow found out their secret.
Her brother's secret as Batman, the family's involvement, and even their friends as well. He found about it all and yet they don't know what he's up to.
"If he's up to something, then chances are he'll make his move. Soon," Abigail suddenly got something from the security cameras in the prison city. "This is strange. There's been an increase in the number of TYGER Guards being set up around the prison. The prisoners also appear to be running to what appear to be secured locations. Fallout shelters?"
Abigail dint like what she's seeing and wonders if the criminals know something is up. "What is going on?"
Tatsu turns towards the cameras that is located outside the chancellor's office, when she noticed something. "My lady. What is that?"
Abigail turns to the screen and sees the chancellor appearing out of the office, before he is being attacked by TYGER Guards. They appear to incapacitate him and drag him away.
"Whoa, whoa, what? What the hell was that?" Abigail didn't like what she just saw. "They're kidnapping the chancellor?"
Abigail begins working on getting the camera to show them where they're taking the chancellor. They appear to be taking him towards one of the TYGER gunships they have. She begins hacking into the TYGER computer systems to track down the gunship. She knows the TYGER Guards have set up a tracking system to find out where their ships are going and even destroy them if they're taken by an enemy.
"It looks like they're flying him towards…the prison," okay, now Abigail is confused on what is happening. "Are they taking him to Thrawn?"
"Should we let Master Daniel know about this?" Tatsu asked wondering if they should do something to stop this.
"Daniel and Damian are still too far away," Abigail looks over to the tracker she had placed in the Bat suits to keep track of where everyone is at. "Cassandra is closer though. I'll send her to go find out what's happening. By the time the others get out from underground, they should be able to reach Freeze before anything bad happens."
"Understood. I'll let her know," said Tatsu as she begins contacting Cassandra and let her know what's happening.
Abigail didn't like what's going on around here. Thrawn not only had his men kidnap the chancellor, but they're now bringing him towards the prison. What's even scarier about this, is how easily they were able to do it. If Thrawn is now accelerating with his plans, then that means he'll likely come after them too.
Abigail begins contacting Ahsoka and the others to get them back here as soon as possible. They're going to have to get the senators to somewhere safe too. She'll also need to make sure Fox is safe and won't get hurt. Meaning, she might have to send Tatsu to go protect him from harm or maybe even call in a favor.
"I don't know what you're up to, Thrawn. But we'll be ready for you," said Abigail knowing she isnt going to let Thrawn beat them. "You come after my family and you will end up facing my wrath."
Abigail begins contacting Alfred and gives him the code to set up the security systems for the manor. If Thrawn comes after their home, then she'll make sure Alfred stays safe with their defenses.
"Daniel, you better hurry up with that cure. So, you can go after Thrawn and stop whatever he's up to," said Abigail as she begins getting to work on preparing them for the upcoming storm that's coming their way.
Arkham City
Up in the large tower, overseeing the entire prison city, Thrawn is seen going over everything for Protocol Ten. He made sure his TYGER soldiers are all prepared with their orders, have all the equipment ready, and have all the targets chosen. He knows his soldiers have all been trained for this moment. They have all been prepared for what they are going to do and will follow through with it without hesitation.
Any who did show any signs of resistance or even hint of hesitating on following through on his orders were to be eliminated. He had no time for those who won't follow orders. Much less any who refuse to do what is best for what he wants of them to do. He knows many will see this as a massacre for what they will do, but he knows in the end, this what is best for the galaxy.
And knows in the end, the majority will side with them.
The doors to his room opened and soon a human woman in her mid-30s. She has short black hair, fair skin, blue eyes, and appears to be wearing a military uniform. The same one the Republic officers wear, which is a dark silver color and a badge on their chest to show the rank they have.
Thrawn turns to the woman and recognized her. "Governor Arihnda Pryce. You're late," said Thrawn who wasn't pleased with her being late to get here.
"Forgive me, sir," said Governor Pryce as she apologized for her lateness. "I had to leave Maketh Tua with what I want her to do while I was away from Lothal. It's bad enough I have to deal with some insurrection on my planet. But now I have the Jedi sniffing around and want to send some of their own to investigate what's going on."
After Quincy Sharp became chancellor, he had given many close to him some power within the Republic, including those that financially supported his campaign. Thrawn made sure though those that would benefit the Republic would get the positions that can do that. Pryce being one of them.
She isn't like many within Sharp's ranks who kiss up to him and will do whatever he wants. She's smart, isn't fooled so easily by their enemies, and make sure she presents herself as a strong leader. While also shows she will put down any who are of no use to them. Discreetly of course.
It seems though she has been having some issues on Lothal. An issue he'll make sure that is taken care of soon.
"A matter we will handle once our task here is complete," Thrawn walks over to his table and turns on a hologram map of Arkham City. "I have already made the preparations for Protocol Ten. I presume you brought your soldiers as well?"
Governor Pryce nods in response. "Along with a few former Clone Commandos, who have agreed to join us. I presume you still want me to go through with my mission?"
"Indeed, I do," Thrawn pulls out a small disc from his desk and hands it to her. "This will have all you to infiltrate the building. Make sure the targets are taken care of and make sure none of them escapes."
"I understand," said Governor Pryce as she puts away the disc. "What of the Jedi and the manor? Are they to be taken care of as well?"
"Not by us exactly," said Thrawn as he explains what he means by revealing a hologram of Bane. "I have sent our masked mercenary to handle things with the old man. To finish what he started long ago. As for the Jedi, I have someone who will handle them for us. At least, keep them busy until we finish with our mission."
He isn't looking to destroy the Jedi, since he knows they will still serve a purpose in what he wants. But Thrawn can't have them getting involved. He knows they will, especially if their allies inform them of what's going to happen.
So, he'll have to make sure to keep them from getting involved. Even if it means sacrificing a few pawns.
"Is there anything else?" Thrawn asked as he walks away and back to the window.
Governor Pryce shook her head in response. "Nothing at all. I will see you then when the mission is over and inform you of its success."
Thrawn didn't say anything in response to what Pryce said. She didn't bother saying anything else and simply left the room. Once the door closed, Thrawn kept on looking out the window. Thinking about what Pryce said and knew that if things go the way he expects them to, then this night will end with the governor not making it back alive.
He sees a shadowy figure appear from the corner of the room. It was a Noghri. A 4-foot-tall alien with a electrostaff on his back and had used his cloaking trait to help keep himself hidden in the room.
"I've received word that the Batman and his ward are heading back to see Victor Fries. Inform the clown's girlfriend that they have the cure and ensure that she gets it," said Thrawn knowing he'll need to keep the Batman distracted a little longer to ensure his plans aren't interrupted before they can begin.
"And the girl," the Noghri asked referring to the Batman's other ward.
"Ah yes. Batgirl. I already have someone waiting for her when she goes to pick up the chancellor," said Thrawn as he reveals his plans for Batgirl. "I'm sure it will be a lovely family reunion when she sees who it is. However, make sure to complete with your mission, are we clear, Rukh?"
The Noghri, now revealed to be Rukh, nods in response towards Thrawn. "I will complete, my mission."
Rukh soon begins to leave the room as well, before Thrawn took a deep breath and sighed as he can feel the coming storm approaching. Soon, everything he has been working hard over for the last few years, will finally come to fruition. He knows once his plan gets underway and he eliminates any obstacles, no one will be able to stop them. Not even the Batman himself.
"Don't worry though, Batman. You and I will have our moment, when I deem it," said Thrawn as he watches as storm clouds begin to form.
The weather machine that the Republic has is soon activating. Setting what Thrawn feels is the appropriate weather for what's to come.
The coming storm is coming. Not good for Batman and his allies, huh? Also, yes, the Republic has a weather machine that allows them to have it rain on Coruscant. Why else do you think there was rain in Episode III when Palpatine brought a very burned Anakin back to the planet?
Also, yeah, I decided to bring in Pryce and Rukh. Both will have a role to play in what's going to happen. Along with everyone else. Things are not looking good for everyone, especially with what Thrawn has planned.
Not just for Batman, his it seems for the Jedi, and even Batgirl. How are things going to go next time? Think Catwoman will end up coming in to help? Or will end up staying out of the crazy shit that's going to go down?
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.