Chapter 2
...Perusing the latest news, Ra's could not help but laugh. The Detective wins again!
He read and reread every last word in the various newspapers brought to him, but the details were still vague. One thing was clear: the Batman had defeated the Poison Lady with guile rather than brute strength. Of course, the corrupt and dying order he so futilely tried to protect had vitiated his victory, and matters were already sliding back down into chaos and decay.
Will he ever learn?
Reflecting on this comedy, a vague sense of interest filled him. Like me, this Poison Lady senses that the world is dying under the ravages of man, and drastic action is needed. Her intelligence and... other assets could prove useful...
He paused to think it over. Then decisively he shook his head. No. The Detective managed to beat her! How useful could she really be?
Not very. Still, it never hurt to acquire new contacts, sources, and allies. He made a note to investigate further prospects.
Sighing, he could feel the moment of amusement pass, and once again an angry sadness at the Detective's misguided actions filled him. A tragedy, really--such potential, still being wasted on such a hopeless quest. Perhaps my own crusade is doomed to failure, but at least I have the excuse of trying to save humanity itself.
What honor was there in fighting for a cause not only doomed from the start, but a failure even if it were to succeed?
None whatsover.
"Detective, you will have to do better than that," he said aloud to himself. Along with his disappointment, he felt an angry impatience growing within.