Chapter sixteen or rather chapter 63 is here and hope everyone is ready! I'm going to have to explain why I've been out for so much more than before. I started a new job, which involves me working a little more hour, but the pay is good. Just doing my best to make enough money, but I hope everyone will understand and not get pissed that this is taking a while.

I promise I will do my best to try getting these out without taking forever. Also, I wanted to let people know my friend theReaper13 is going to move a lot of his NSFW stories over to his Tumblr, while the other stories he's done will be brought over here. He's gotten a new job as well, but also is helping out his parents. So, he's unable to work on his stories anymore, but did ask me to bring his over to my page.

I have no problem with that, especially after all the help he's done for me and after he explained where he was going with his work. He's sorry for being unable to work on his stories, but life just got in the way. But he's in a good place, so going to support my buddy.

Now that we got all that out of the way, last time we saw things going a little better for our heroes. Or so we thought. It seems Thrawn is aware of what the good guys are up to and has some plans in mind on how to deal with them. Will Batman and his allies be ready for whatever Thrawn has in store?

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 XVI

Arkham City

Batman and Robin managed to make their way through the tunnel systems to try making their way back to the surface. They had managed to acquire the blood sample of Ra' al Ghul and can now make the cure for the Joker's poison blood. The same poison that's in Batman's system, but also in thousands of innocent people on Coruscant.

The number jumped up after Abigail got the updated numbers from the Jedi Council. They managed to keep this information hidden from the public. However, they knew its only a matter of time before the public finds out that they've been poisoned by the Joker. And will want some answers on how this happened.

As much as Abigail wanted to expose that it was Thrawn and the chancellor for what they did, Batman had her back down. Mostly because if the people find out what they did, then its likely Thrawn will go through with whatever he's planning before they can figure out how to stop it.

Batman also wants to make sure the evidence they have will be strong enough to lock up Thrawn, Sharp, and all those who helped them. It's unlikely that Waller or Tarkin will have allowed any paper trail to lead back to them. So, they'll avoid any prosecution…for now.

"Oracle, you there?" Batman asked as he and Robin make a turn down the sewer systems, after needing to find another way out.

"I hear you. How's it going? You two almost out?" Oracle asked while waiting to get a signal on where the two are at. Thanks to the tunnels they're in, she can't track them down.

"Had to go in a different direction," Robin explained as he follows his father towards what he hopes is another exit. "The one we came through before has been sealed off. It seems grandfather had ordered his followers to seal off the path we took to get back to the surface."

"Fortunately, Talia knew another way for us to escape," Batman later explained who is thankful that Talia has continued to help them. "The directions she gave us will lead us towards the area where the Penguin's territory is at. So, we'll be close by to assist Batgirl if she hasn't arrived to where Sharp is at."

"Well, she's already there, but no signs of Sharp just yet," said Oracle as she looks through the monitors in her room and knew that Batgirl is waiting on a high area for the chancellor to be brought in. "I still can't believe that Thrawn had Sharp sent to Arkham City. Not sure if this is cruel irony or a sense of justice for the shit he's done."

"I think it's a bit of both. It's ironic because he's talked about locking up every criminal from mob leaders to corrupted politicians in this place. To a sense of justice because the people he's locked up are also innocent people. Just those who knew something that Thrawn didn't want them to know or those that are Sharp's enemies," said Robin who knew that Sharp deserves to be locked up.

"It doesn't matter what it is. We still need to save him," said Batman who knew they needed Sharp alive for information, and for him to be locked up for what he did. "Once we make it to the surface, we'll go assist Batgirl. For now, though. I need some updates on the cure. How many have you've made?"

"So far? Over a thousand dosage. Still not enough, but luckily, we've gotten the factory working as fast as possible. I believe in about an hour or two we should have enough dosage for everyone who's been infected," Abigail explained who's confident they'll make enough of the cure to save everyone. "I can send one towards you right now, if you want."

"No," Batman replied knowing he can't accept the cure. "Focus every dosage for the people right now. I'll get mine from Freeze once I get back to the lab with him."

Abigail knows her brother wants to save every dosage for the people. They're the top priority above everything else.

"Understood. I also wanted to let you know that I've gotten control over the prison systems and preparing to help shut them down to get you inside Thrawn's facility," said Oracle knowing the sooner her brother is healed up, the sooner he can finish things with Thrawn.

"Good. Once I get the cure, I'm going after Thrawn," Batman also explains that he's going to send Batgirl and Robin to take care of Thrawn's men. "Once we've finished with Thrawn, I'm going after the Joker."

Oracle knew her brother wants to ensure the Joker doesn't escape during the chaos. Even in the clown's condition, she knows he will try to escape one way or another. She's not happy that her brother wants to save him, but she knows he has his reasons. She's just hoping by the time they make the cure; the clown would have died.

"All right. Well, just be careful," said Oracle as she looks through her monitors and noticed an increase of activity from the TYGER Guards. "I think Thrawn will make his move soon. They've also switched their radio frequencies, since it seems Thrawn has figured out your listening in. So, it's likely he's doing this to keep us from finding out what he's saying to his men. And where they'll attack."

"Just make sure the security system around the building is secured," said Batman who didn't want to take any chance of Thrawn launching an attack at the building where his sister, Padme, and the other senators are at.

"Don't worry. With this place crawling with Clones and a former Jedi, we'll be okay," said Oracle who also knows that Alfred is safe where he's at, especially how their security system around the mansion has prepared for an attack for a long time now. "Just make sure you three make it back alive, especially the kids. If I find out you brought those two with even a scratch on them, I will beat you down with my own chair, brother."

With that, she hung up on her brother and left him with those last words. Batman knew his sister may be in a wheelchair, but he knows she will find a way to beat his ass with her chair.

Once the communications ended, Robin cleared his throat. "Even in a wheelchair, she's still pretty intimidating."

"Yes, she is," said Batman knowing that his sister is the last person he wants to piss off. "Robin, once we make it to topside, I want you to head to Freeze's lab and give him the blood sample. I'll go help Batgirl and interrogate Sharp to find out what he knows."

"Are you serious? Why don't we both go and help her out?" Robin asked wondering why his dad is sending him away.

"Because we need to make the sure as soon as possible, before…" Batman begins coughing a little bit as he coughed up some blood and knew the Demon Blood he took was wearing off. "I also don't know how long it will take to get to Sharp and get what we need out of him. I'd rather the cure was finished being made by the time we get back, than wait for who knows how long?"

Robin hates to admit it, but his father is right. They can't waste any time and have to go get the blood sample to make the cure for his father.

"All right. Just remember to be careful though and try not to waste too much time," Robin didn't need to remind his father of how they don't have a lot of time.

Not just cause of the poison, but also cause of Protocol Ten. Something they still need to finish stopping before it's too late.

Batman nods knowing his son is right. The two continue to make their way through the tunnels and towards the exit. Batman knows that once this is done; he'll need to head back down here to make sure Ra's did leave. And gather more samples of the Lazarus Pit.

He knows this pit was different than the one he saw Ra's used before. The one he saw before didn't make him act this way. Maybe the property of this Lazarus is different from the ones of before. The ones that he used before didn't have the nasty side effect like the one Ra's used here. Perhaps it's far more powerful than the others?

Well, one thing is for sure. He has to keep his enemies from finding out about it. If any of them found out about this, it would be total anarchy. He can't allow such a thing to happen and will do all he can to make sure it never happens.

Meanwhile

Batgirl made her way up towards one of the large buildings, near the entrance into the prison. She was told that the chancellor, Quincy Sharp, was being brought here to Arkham City. Why? She doesn't know, but she knows one thing for sure.

If the prisoners find out the chancellor, who's the one who had the prison city built and had them all locked up here, they will want to make him pay. Maybe even try using him as leverage against the Republic. But if Thrawn brought him here, then that means he's of no use to him. Meaning, he's been using the chancellor to get what he wants and now doesn't need him anymore for whatever he's planning.

It's ironic really. Sharp wanted to lock up every single criminal into this crime-riddled prison. Criminals who in his view were polluting his galaxy. No matter what crimes they committed, he wanted them locked up.

Now? He's being locked up in the same place he's sent the criminals. Locked in the prison city, where she knows the criminals will all want revenge against him. And where they probably have a lot of horrible things up their sleeves to use against him.

She arrives to find Sharp being dragged from the entrance towards the center of the open area they are at. Batgirl recognized this area as where her father was brought in when he was taken to the prison. Also, the same area where the Penguin and his men were waiting for him. It looks like news of Sharp's arrival has already attracted some attention.

One of them, appears to be Bane himself. The masked mercenary, who had given her father so much trouble in the past. She was surprised to see him here after what happened at the prison. It seems he survived the Titan serum aftermath and wonders what he's up to.

She begins sneaking down to get close. She knows she can't attack Bane right away, not until she takes out those tubes of his to keep him from bulking up. Even without them, she knows he's still a threat. So, she'll need to play this nice and quiet.

"S-Stop this. Don't you idiots know who I am?!" Quincy Sharp shouted at the criminals, who dragged him over to Bane.

The men appear to be wearing a similar dark-colored mask like their boss. All armed with automatic blasters and some with some armored vehicles.

"Oh, we know who you are, Mr. Sharp," said Bane as he spoke with a foreign accent, but also in a polite manner as he approached the chancellor

"In fact, my men and I all met you at the old Arkham Prison, where you not only worked as the warden, but where you experimented on us all. Those same experiments that left us scared, both physically and mentally," said Bane as he kneels down in front of Sharp so he can look at him better. "Do you know what it was like? To be tormented by that bruja? To be in so much pain? And to suffer the way we did?"

Sharp begins trembling a little as he shows he's afraid. Afraid of what these criminals are going to do to him for what he put them through. He knows though those weren't his fault. He only did what he was told to do by Tarkin and Waller.

"I-It wasn't my fault. I was just following orders," said Sharp as he tries to pit the blame of what these people went through.

"That's not what you said, Sharp," said Bane as he begins recalling a conversation that Doctor Penelope Young had with Sharp, years ago. "If I recall correctly, I believe you told the bruja herself how you don't care what happens to us mindless rabid animals. That we don't deserve any mercy, that the only thing we're good for is being experimented on, and no one will care what happens to us."

Batgirl knew that Sharp was aware of the experiments done on the criminals, but sadly due to all the data being erased, they couldn't connect him to them. Still, she knew the guy deserves to be punished, but not like this. No, she will need to get involved. And it seems that time is now.

She sees Bane ordering his group to grab Sharp so they can begin punishing him. So, she knew now was her time to make her move. She leaps over and throws multiple smoke pellets to surround the entire area. She used this chance to confuse the criminals and grabs Sharp.

She uses her grappling line to wrap around him, then launched him up a nearby light post. She then went after the criminals and begins quietly taking them down.

Bane meanwhile stood outside of the smoke as he knew better than to go in there. Why waste his time looking for his foe, when he can wait to have the smoke clear and have them appear. He could hear his gang yelling and running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

Trying to find their enemy, but instead are all getting taken out. Bane could hear a lot of punches and kicks connecting to bodies. His men all yelling out in pain and even some being knocked out of the smoke. Falling to the ground and passing out from the attacks they just took.

Bane knew it wouldn't be long before the final man gets taken out, before he would make his move.

Soon enough, he heard one last loud yell before everything went silent. Around the same time the smoke began to clear. Bane looks on to see the piles of bodies all scattered around the ground. All unconscious, and in the center stood their attacker, Batgirl.

Bane recognized the girl and began to softly chuckle. "Well, this is a surprise. I never expected to see you again, niña. Much less ever expect the Batman to bring his wards in this prison city. He must be frightened to get in a fight with any of us on his own."

Batgirl knew her father didn't need their help to take down people like Bane, much less is frightened to fight any of them.

"I don't know how you survived Bane, but you shouldn't have come here," said Batgirl as she got ready to fight him. "I'm taking the chancellor with me, to answer some questions."

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen," another voice could be heard behind Bane as a hooded woman walks over to Bane.

Batgirl recognized the voice and soon felt her body shaking a little when she saw who it is. If it had not been for her mask, then Bane and her foe would have seen her response.

The woman removed her hood and revealed who she is. "Hello, daughter," the woman soon revealed to be Lady Shiva, Cassandra's mother. "It's been a long time."

Batgirl didn't say anything. She was completely stunned at the fact that her mother not only is here, but how long it's been since she last saw her.

"It's good to see you again, daughter. Although, I am saddened to see you under these circumstances," said Lady Shiva as she stood by with Bane, who didn't say anything, showing he's working with her. "When I heard how you ran away from your father to join our enemy, I became disappointed in you. Disappointed because you forgot everything that I taught you. Disappointed that after all that hard work, you ended up becoming a failure. What do you have to say for yourself, daughter?"

Batgirl feels her hands balling up in a fist as she felt so much emotion going through her body. She's disappointed in her? Disappointed in her for what she did? Disappointed after all she did for her?'

Batgirl looks directly at her mother with her eyes narrowed at her. "What you did for me? What you did?! What you did was put my life through living hell! You tried to make me into a monster like you!"

"A killer! To go around killing innocent men, women, and children without any regrets! You would beat me, hurt me, and discipline me for failing to do my job!" Batgirl felt years of holding all her emotions against her mother finally coming out. "I became part of the Batman's family because they care about me. They love me. You? You never gave a damn about me or even cared if I live or die."

Batgirl…Cassandra knew that was true. Her own mother never cared what happened to her or even cared if she got killed. What mattered to her is making sure her 'weapon' got the job done. And if she didn't, she'd punish her.

"You can be disappointed in me as much as you want, but I don't care. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, I'm proud of the family I'm fighting with, and I won't let you or your allies get away with hurting anymore innocent lives," said Batgirl as she stood ready to fight her mother. "So, I suggest you surrender now or else I'm taking you in."

Lady Shiva listened carefully to what her daughter said. She had hope she would have been able to put her in her place with her words and her presence. But it seems that she needs to be taught a lesson. A lesson she'll make sure she never forgets.

"If that is what you wish, then so be it…daughter," said Lady Shiva before turning to Bane. "As tempting as it would be to put you down, daughter, I believe I'll have Bane take care of that for me. Make sure to make her suffer for her disgrace."

Bane nods in response as he accepts the order before turning to Batgirl. "It's a shame. I was hoping to take on the Batman one more time, before whatever Thrawn is planning could begin. Still, perhaps I will still get my chance to fight the Batman, after I kill you."

Bane begins activating his suit, which begins causing a liquid to begin surging through his body. The masked villain begins to groan softly as his body begins to change. His body beginning to grow, not just in height, but also body size as well. The serum that Bane normally uses is called Venom and it helps make him become stronger than he was before.

However, Batgirl knew this wasn't like his normal Venom serum. Instead, it was the same one that was used when they fought in the Arkham Prison. The Titan formula. It was stronger than his normal Venom serum, and it made him a bigger threat.

Batgirl backs away a little knowing that even with this power that Bane has, she has beaten him before. Yes, with the help of her father, but she has fought against those with the Titan formula. She also knows Bane has a weakness. If she can slash through those tubes, then she'll be able to return him to normal.

Well, as normal as possible. Once she does take care of Bane, she'll go after her mother and bring her down.

Lady Shiva knew what her daughter plans to do and simply chuckles. "Going for what you believe is Bane's weakness, huh?" she then begins pointing towards his tubes. "Not this time. I've reinforced them with a special material that will make it impossible for you to beat him. Your only hope daughter of winning this fight will be to kill him. If you refuse, then Bane will do it himself."

Batgirl knew this isn't good. If her mother has reinforced the tubes, then beating Bane will be more difficult for her. She prepared herself though and knew she'll need to find another way to beat him and her mother…somehow.

"Kill her," said Lady Shiva as she stood back to watch Bane do his thing.

"With pleasure," said Bane as he begins his march towards the girl.

Bane prepared to attack knowing he'll need to take it slow against her. He will break her down first, then tear her apart, and leave her body destroyed for the Batman to find her. He knows once this happens; the Batman will become enraged. His anger will cause him to make his mistakes and it will allow him to beat him for good.

As he got closer, he suddenly felt something choking his throat. He looks on confused as he tried to breath, but couldn't get any air in. It felt like there's an invisible force choking him. He tried to look around to see who's doing this but couldn't see the one behind this.

Lady Shiva and Batgirl took notice of this as well. They knew something is wrong but didn't know what it was.

"Bane, what's happening? Who's do—" Lady Shiva's eyes widen when she suddenly felt someone choking her now, before being lifted off the ground.

Batgirl stood back knowing this is the Force. Someone is using the Force on her two opponents, but who? It was then she looks behind her mother and see a hooded cloaked figure approaching them. Whoever it was, they were walking with a cane in hand.

"Well, well. Hello there, child. We meet again," said the mysterious man as he stood now next to Lady Shiva, who is still struggling to breath. "And hello to you too, Lady Shiva. Forgive me, but I'm going to need a minute with your daughter, so if you and our large muscular friend don't mind…"

He soon lifts his hand, causing Lady Shiva to be lifted off the ground. Before he throws his hand sideways and launched Lady Shiva towards a power generator. Smashing into it and passing out from the attack. Batgirl knew right away who this figure is and got into a fighting stance.

The figure meanwhile turns to Bane and notices him struggling to fight back. "Oh my. It seems that Titan formula surging through your body is capable of allowing you to resist my attack."

Bane recognized the figure as well as he struggled to fight through his Force Choke. He tries charging in at him, but the moment he did, the figure leaps over him and pulls out his staff, which reveals what appears to be a lightsaber, hidden inside the staff. The figure ignites it, revealing a glowing red blade. He slashes through the tube, which causes the Titan serum to begin pouring out.

Bane can feel his strength fading. His body beginning to shrink in size as he feels the power of the Titan formula leaving him.

"It seems Lady Shiva's upgraded equipment is no match for a lightsaber," said the mysterious figure as he deactivates his weapon and places it back on his staff.

Despite being weakened, Bane still charges in at his opponent, only to be hit with a powerful Force Push. Launching Bane through a nearby building, before appearing to be knocked out.

Once this was done, the figure turns towards Batgirl, who was still in a fighting stance. The figure begins removing his hood and reveals his appearance. He was a red-skinned with dark markings Zabrak. With yellow piercing eyes, short horns around his head, and appeared to be in his 50s.

Batgirl knew it was him. It was the Sith apprentice to Darth Sidious. The one that killed Master Kenobi's master and had taken over the Separatist years ago. And the one she had encountered back at Arkham Prison. "Darth Maul."

The figure, now revealed to be Darth Maul begins to laugh softly as he hears the girl calling him by his name. "Formally Darth, my dear. I'm now just simply, Maul. And it's good to see you again, child. I'm sure your surprised to see me, especially after our last encounter."

"I am," said Batgirl who knew the last time she heard, Maul had been transferred to a more secured location after what happened years ago. "I heard you were also in critical condition due to an illness you suffered. I presume it's due to the Titan formula."

Batgirl knew her father had found out Maul was sick, but since he was locked in a secure area, he couldn't find out what he had. However, if he was sick the same way as the Joker got sick, then he should be on his deathbed. Hell, even Bane should be dead too. Unless maybe the formula he took was the imperfect one that Joker never got a chance to complete?

"Indeed, I was, and I should be dead," said Maul who knew death had come for him time and time again, yet he survived. "But then again, many thought I had died at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi back on Naboo all those years ago. And yet, here I am, still alive."

Batgirl knew there was no way Maul should be standing, especially with how much of the Titan formula he took. So, how in the hell is he standing?

Maul took notice of the child's confusion and decided to explain this to her, but first. He needed to deal with Lady Shiva, who struggled to get to her feet and pulled out her sword.

"Sorry my dear, I know you have your orders and I know you've been wanting a little reunion with your daughter, but…" he soon begins lifting her up with the Force as she dropped her sword. "I'm afraid I have my orders too and I can't let you interfere."

He soon sends Lady Shiva flying towards a wall, which knocks out the woman. Batgirl hears the loud thud though and rushes over to check on her. Yes, despite all the horrible things she's done to her throughout much of her childhood, she still didn't want her dead. A part of her did, but the other part of her knew she would never want this.

"What do you want?" Batgirl asked as she stood in attention, wondering what he wants. "Clearly this isn't about revenge, that's for sure. You mentioned orders. Who are you working for? And what do they want with me…or rather, the Batman?"

Maul knew the child had a lot of questions, which he wasn't surprised with. Since he too would have a lot of questions too if someone who he fought suddenly saved him.

"I'm afraid I'm not working for anyone. I was hired to deliver a message to the Batman. It seems the one who hired me wants to meet him. And soon, before whatever Thrawn has planned is unleashed."

Does Maul know what's going to happen? Does this person who's working know what Thrawn is up to?

"And before you ask, child. No, I don't intend to tell you what our dear warden is planning. I'm only here to deliver this message to you, to pass on to the Batman," it was then Maul sensed another presence and looks up to see who it is. "Speak of the devil."

Batgirl looks up to see her father has arrived. Batman glides down and lands next to his daughter, before looking over to see Lady Shiva, unconscious. He figures that Maul had something to do with this. Though he wonders why.

"Batman, Maul knows what Thrawn is planning. We need to…" Batgirl is cut off when Batman moves his left hand out.

"He won't tell us without a fight. And we don't have time to fight him," said Batman knowing with the poison still running through his body, the last thing he needs to deal with is another long fight. "I heard you came to deliver a message. What is it, Maul?"

"Straight to the point. As always, Batman," said Maul who knew the Batman isn't going to waste any time, and neither is he. "The one who send me wishes to meet with you. Near the old church that's close by to where the snowman is at. Go there and meet with him. There, he will tell you all you need to know."

"Who is he?" Batman asked wondering who this person is that send Maul to find him. "And why did you agree to do this, Maul? You're not the type to go around delivering messages for other people."

"You're correct, Batman. I'm not the type that does what others want, especially since I no longer serve anyone, but myself," said Maul as he turns his back towards the two heroes, with his arms moving behind his back. "However, the events that will soon come upon us has forced my hand. And these events will not only change the galaxy, but also decide its future."

Batman knew from Ahsoka that the Jedi can use the Force to try seeing into the future. The Sith can do the same thing, so Maul must know what's going to happen. If this is true, then he must know there's nothing even someone as powerful as Maul can do to stop it. This means, Batman will have to do his best to try to stop it.

"The one who send you, what does he want?" Batman asked knowing he'll get more out of what Thrawn is up to if he goes to the source.

Maul turns towards Batman and delivers the message.

"To meet him by the old church where you rescued those hostages from the Joker's men. Meet him there and you will have your answers. Although I would hurry to meet with him, before time runs out," said Maul as he looks over at the nearby clock and knew the time. "And from the looks of things, time is not on your side."

As he begins to leave, Batgirl prepares to go after him, but Batman stops her. He knows there's no time to chase Maul, especially in his condition. Instead, he motions for her to restrain Lady Shiva. Batgirl hesitated for a moment but knew her father has his reason for stopping her and goes to do what he wants her to do.

"You better hope we won't meet again, Maul," said Batman in a threatening tone, knowing the last thing Maul wants is to fight him.

Maul simply chuckles and turns away from the two heroes again. "I'm afraid that will be inevitable, especially with what will come next. However, rest assure it will be long after what happens here," he then turns his head towards the two heroes, before bidding them goodbye. "Until then, goodbye and good luck. I have a feeling you're going to need it."

With that, Maul was soon gone and disappears into the shadow from where he came.

Once that was done, Batman goes over and cuffs Lady Shiva before turning to Batgirl. "Are you all right?"

Batgirl turns towards her mother, before slowly turning back to her father and nods in response. "I haven't seen her since the night we met. I don't know how to feel about this though. Yes, she did try to kill me moments ago, but…but even then…"

Batman placed his right hand on her right shoulder and gives a small nod. "I know. Your feelings about her is mixed and you're not sure what to think about this. Know this though, she chose to try making you like her, a killer. But you chose to walk away from that and be with a family that does love you."

Batman then turns towards Lady Shiva, wondering once if she ever cared about her daughter. "And at least know that you won't have to ever worry about facing her alone ever again. We'll be here for you, no matter what."

Batgirl looks up to her father and appreciates everything he said to her. She knows he means every word of what he said. How they'll always be there for her, how her family will stand by her, and will always love her. More than she can ever expect from her biological parents.

"Thank you…father," said Batgirl as she gives her father a hug.

Batman moves his arms around her and returns the hug. But only for a moment, before looking at the clock and knew they're on borrowed time.

"Batgirl, listen. I send Robin to drop off the blood sample to Freeze. I want you to go to him and stay there until I return. I'm going to go pay this employer of Maul a visit and see what he knows," said Batman hoping this person will have what he's looking for and this isn't a trick by Maul.

"I should go with you. What if this is some sort of trap?" Batgirl didn't trust whatever Maul said and didn't want her father to go off alone.

"If it is, I'll be ready for it," Batman though knows it isn't a trap. If Maul wanted to kill him, he would have tried it moments ago. "Now go and be careful."

Batgirl nods and soon took off. Heading towards where Robin is at and hopes her father will join them soon.

Once she was gone, Batman turns towards Quincy Sharp. He grabs the chancellor and soon takes him towards a high building, then proceeds to hold him by his left ankle over the ledge.

"No! Please. No!" Quincy Sharp begs as fear took hold of him. He was panicking and didn't want to die. "You can't do this! I'm the chancellor!"

"You're a criminal who allowed Thrawn to arrest innocent people. Any who knew what he was planning, your political enemies, and any who you didn't like. I know all about it, Sharp," said Batman who kept the chancellor tangling over the ledge. "You deserved to be locked up in here with the very criminals you despised."

"I didn't know anything about what Thrawn did, I swear!" said Sharp, but Batman knew he was lying.

Batman lets go as Sharp begins to fall to the ground, screaming in terror. However, Batman had placed some cables around his legs to avoid killing him. Once he was halfway down, the cables stopped him descent and soon pulls him back up. Close enough for Batman to grab his left ankle again and pulls him up.

"Let's try this again. I want to know all about Thrawn and how you're tied into all this," said Batman who clearly is not in the mood for games.

"I'll tell you everything. Thrawn came to me back at the Asylum," Sharp began to explain, while doing all he can to avoid falling to the ground. "He told me he had friends; powerful friends. The sort of people who could make things happen. All I had to do was turn a blind eye to his operation, and work on my campaign. He said his friends would ensure that I won."

"Even if it means killing innocent people," said Batman who recalls how some of Sharp's opponents either disappeared or were found murdered, but they never found out by who. "Who are they? The ones who helped you and Thrawn."

"I-I have no idea," Sharp replied quickly as he continued to tell the truth. "I never met them. All my money though came from them. All I had to do was set up Arkham City and put Thrawn in charge; it made perfect sense. The scum of the galaxy needed to be punished. It would be my legacy."

"Well, too bad for you, the galaxy now knows of what you did," said Batman as he shows he's been recording everything and had send it to Oracle. "The people now know you've been aware of what Thrawn has done to the innocent people who were kidnapped by his men and locked up in this prison. Enjoy your legacy, chancellor."

Batman tosses the chancellor on the roof and lets him go. Once this was done, Batman begins flying off towards the church. He knows Sharp isn't going anywhere and knows when this is over, he'll go to jail for his crimes. He also doubts any of his allies will even bother lifting a finger.

Sharp is done. His reign as chancellor has come to an end and hopefully when this is over soon, the people will choose a new chancellor to take over. One that the people can trust. And one that will help bring peace to the galaxy.

Meanwhile

Maul watches as Batgirl and Batman took their leave. He was tempted to go after Batgirl and get his revenge, but he knew time was running out. He knew what was coming and this left him with little time to get his revenge. So, he begins taking his leave, when he saw the figure who hired him waiting for him.

"I did my part," said Maul towards the figure. "Do you have what I need?"

The figure nods in response before he pulls out a card. "Once you escape, you'll head to the hanger I told you about, and there you'll find the ship. Use this card to get in the hanger and you'll be able to make your escape."

Maul took the card and examined it. Despite agreeing to do this job, it didn't mean he trusted the other.

"If this turns out to be a trick, I will find you, and I will make you regret tricking me. You understand?" Maul threatened.

The figure didn't seem concerned with what Maul said, and simply replied. "I have no reason to lie to you, Maul. You did the job I asked you to do and I'm giving you what I promised. A means of escape from this world and from what's going to happen. If you don't believe me, you don't have to use the card then and you can find your own way off-world."

Maul knew he could simply do just that. He could try finding his way off this planet, but he knew that would be very difficult. He looks down to his arm knowing a microchip was implanted inside of his body. A chip that all prisoners have to help track them down and alert the prison of their escape.

If he did escape, Thrawn would most likely hunt him down and have him killed. Removing it would also prove to be very difficult. If anyone tries tampering with it, then it will explode. Taking the arm of the other with it.

Oh sure, he could just cut his arm off, but finding a prosthetic in such a short time wouldn't be so easy, especially with little to no money on him. Not only that, he's lost his lower half, the last thing he wants is to lose another body part. So, he decided to put the card away and hope that this figure what he promised will work.

"Good," the figure began to speak when he noticed Maul putting the card away. "If there's nothing else, then I shall take my leave."

Before the figure could leave, Maul wanted to ask him something. "Why the Batman? Why do you wish to speak to him? Why is he so important to you? Or should I perhaps ask more, why is he important to those you work for?"

Maul doubts this figure is working alone. No, he could tell this figure was a follower, much like him when he worked with Darth Sidious.

The figure turned his back to Maul and begins looking out into the city. "Let's just say, those I work for have been watching the Batman for a long time. And believe he's the one they've been searching for."

"Searching for? For what?" Maul asked wondering what's so important about the Batman to this group who seek him out. "What is he to you?"

The figure turns to Maul as he took out his sword, which begins to glow. "He is the one the prophecy foresaw."

The figure soon brings his weapon down on the ground, causing smoke to appear around him. Maul took a step back the moment the figure brought his weapon out and brought it down. He used the Force to make the smoke disappear, but found the figure was gone. Maul looked on confused and surprised by this.

He tried to use the Force to sense where the figure went but found he couldn't sense him. What sort of trickery is this? Is he like the Batman? Was he trained in the same way as him or perhaps this was some sort of sorcery?

Regardless, Maul knew he didn't have time for this. So, he looks out at the city, before he begins to make his leave. Out of Arkham City, out of Coruscant, and to a safe world to hide out in. Until he can regain his power and plan his revenge against all those who wronged him.

Meanwhile

The Joker is seen at his hideout, using an oxygen mask to keep him breathing. He knew he was running out of time. He knew he didn't have long. Even with all these blasted machines, doctors, and medicine at his disposal, it hasn't been enough. He knew if they don't get a cure soon, then he will die.

The Joker knew that Batman will find the cure though. He knows if he doesn't, then all those poor innocent people will die. They will all die a horrible painful death. And Batman knows this.

He can't accept letting all those people die. So, he will do whatever it takes to find the cure. Once he has it though, the Joker will take it for himself. And leave everyone to die, including the Batman.

Now, that's funny. He thought as he begins chuckling, but it was raspy and it caused him to later cough.

"Ah shut up you idiots!" Harley's voice could be heard, shouting at their goons out of the office. "I told ya! Mr. J is all right. Now, stop asking about how he's feeling and what the plan is if anything happens to him. And if anyone tries to bother us again, I'll have Mr. Hammer pay you all a visit!"

Harley slams the door shut, before she walks over to the Joker. "I'm sorry about that, Mr. J. Those stupid idiots out there have been getting noisy. I think they're starting to suspect what's really going on. What are we going to do?"

"S-Shut up, Harley," said the Joker as he removes his mask and tries to breath on his own. "I know what's going on *cough* but it won't matter in the end, anyways. Once Batman shows up with the cure, *coughs loudly* I-I'll show *coughs even louder* I'll s-how th-em al…" the Joker begins once more coughing to the point he grabbed his mask and begins breathing from it.

Harley rushes over to check on him, but Joker smacks her away. Although, it didn't have as much strength as it used to have. The Joker sat down on his chair as he tries to stop his coughing. He even began coughing up blood, which was now staining the mask.

Harley knew this isn't good. She calculates that the Joker has at least another an hour and a half or two at the most before…before…no! She knows the Joker will make it. He just has to.

Just then, she begins getting a message from one of their goons from around the city. She begins to read it and smiled. "Mr. J! Good news! Bats and his little sidekicks found the cure! They're on their way to the snowman with it."

The Joker hears this and begins to laugh or at least tries to. But he kept on coughing, but still kept on laughing. This was indeed good news. The cure is now within his grasp.

"H-Harley. Take a couple o-of ou-r idiots a-and get m-e my cur-e!" The Joker ordered as he increases the oxygen from his tank.

"Yes sir, Mr. J!" Harley grabs her hammer and soon begins leaving through the backdoor, before she turns to a shadowy figure in the corner of the room. "Make sure no one interrupts Mr. J until I get back, got it?"

The figure nods in response, before Harley took off and heads out the back exit. To round up as much idiots as she needs to steal the cure from the Batman and his little sidekicks.

That's the end of the chapter and again sorry for taking so long to get this out. Still, it looks like things aren't going well for our heroes win the end. Yes, they succeeded in stopping Lady Shiva and Bane, with some bit of help. However, it seems whoever this mysterious figure is, wants to have a word with the Batman.

It also seems like the Joker is now on the hunt to get the cure himself, or rather have Harley do it for him. Will she succeed? Can she get past Batgirl and Robin?

Will our heroes get the cure to everyone on time though? Will they be able to stop Thrawn from going through with his plan? Will save the day? Or will it end in tragedy?

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.