Life Unexpected
Chapter 18
Gotham City Courthouse
Elissa stood in the gallery as she observed her best friend, Natalie, as she was finally adopted. She smiled as the judge went through the same thing that happened to the Wayne heir. The judge went on about how gratifying it was to see some find a family after so many trials and tribulations from the world. And when the judge asked Natalie if this was what she genuinely wanted, Nat didn't hesitate to agree. Elissa even saw a tiny smile grace the Latina's lips.
The Greens were elated when they heard their new daughter agree to be their daughter. After so many hardships Natalie genuinely desired to have a family. And the Greens were the ones that had not given up on her when she gave them a hard time or when she snapped at them. They cared about her and in turn so did she.
When the gavel slammed down and Natalie was officially pronounced Natalie Green, the family of three hugged. Natalie even had some tears building in her eyes as the day she once thought would never come had indeed arrived.
She had a family after so long.
Elissa smiled at the heartwarming scene. Truly, she was happy for her friend. She deserved just as much happiness as anyone.
When the three pulled apart, Nat with a kind expression on her face hugged Elissa in gratitude.
"Thanks for being here," the Latina said to her friend.
"Always," Elissa returned, hugging her back.
When they pulled apart, Elissa said to Natalie, "Congratulations."
Diana's House
Summer was in full effect. Both Dick and Elissa avoided summer school, so they had a free summer vacation. The only problem was that Elissa's friend, Natalie did not and was taking classes so that she could make up some credits.
Thankfully, summer school did not meet on Fridays and it just so happened that Diana and Steve were hosting a music festival in Aparo Park.
The raven-haired woman managed to score some tickets for the children.
An excited Elissa and Dick convinced Natalie to join them. Elissa got Dean to tag along. Dick was all ready for the festival, while Elissa was still getting dressed.
Bruce and Diana were talking about themselves and on when they could go out on another date.
"Maybe the weekend?" Bruce suggested.
"I have to work Saturday," Diana informed with a reluctant expression. "Sunday?"
"I'll see what I can do," the man replied, uncertain if he could clear his schedule for her. He was trying. He was! But he can't neglect both parts of himself. He cannot neglect his duties.
"Good," she smiled at him with that smile that made him a lovesick schoolboy. He turned his head away from her to avoid her noticing his red cheeks.
Her smile deepened when she saw his reaction. Inwardly, she was delighted to witness the effect she had on him. She liked it. The most difficult man she ever met was putty in her hands from some insignificant action from her.
Oh, the fun she would have with that information.
Before either could offer an utterance, Elissa came down the stairs from her bedroom. Her footsteps coming off as heavy thuds as she wore black ankle length boots.
When Bruce saw her, he almost popped a blood vessel.
His daughter wore a red tube top and a denim short skirt, gold bracelets on her wrists, earrings dangling from her ears. Her ebony locks curly and a touch of makeup on.
Her ensemble flaunting her belly.
Bruce's face swiftly turned into one of discontent.
The teenaged girl opened her mouth, only for her father to interrupt.
"Change," he demanded in a commanding tone.
"Why?" the girl asked, crossing her arms across her chest. She was oblivious to how much skin she was showing—flaunting her stomach. Or was that the intention as Dean was coming along.
"I don't like it," he ground out with a scowl.
"But I like it," Elissa returned calmly.
"I don't. Change. Now."
"Diana," Elissa whined. She hoped her mother would talk some sense into the man.
Diana while she was all for personal expression and it was Elissa's body, she agreed that Elissa could be a little more covered. "At least take a jacket," she suggested.
Elissa's hopes that her mother would come to her aid vanished in disappointment. "But it's hot out," she complained, pointing to the window. She pouted as her parents were hassling her regarding her outfit.
"Change or no concert," Bruce ultimately threatened.
Gawking, "That's not fair!" the teenaged girl protested.
"Life's not fair," the man retorted.
The Greek woman tried to be peacekeeper between the stubborn pair. "Okay, how about you at least put on a longer skirt and a jacket?" she suggested.
Bruce still refused to change his mind.
Elissa scowled in return and crossed her arms once more. She turned her head away from them both.
Diana calmly took her daughter into the other room while asking Bruce to wait on the porch.
Rather than argue, the man obliged and waited on the porch attempting to cool off.
With him gone, Diana took a moment to explain to her daughter the reasoning behind her father's obstinate stance.
"Your father is just being overprotective," she explained. "There may be drinking at the concert, and he doesn't want you being around drunk men who act like animals the moment you show a little skin."
"How is that my problem?" Elissa retorted heatedly. "It's not like I have a sign on my forehead that say, 'Come and get it'," she said harshly.
"I know that," her mother assured. She held her hand out towards her child in a manner to calm her. "And I agree with you, it's your body. You can do what you want with it, but just take my suggestion," she pleaded. "It will make Bruce feel better," she informed her.
Elissa took a moment to process her mother's words. Eventually, she stubbornly exhaled through her nose deeply. "Fine," she grumbled with resignation. "I'll get a jacket and a longer skirt," she grumbled.
"Thank you," her mother said gratefully. She kissed her daughter's forehead, a gesture that the teen was pleased to accept. "Go change. I'll talk to Bruce," she nudged the girl forward.
Elissa grudgingly complied walking up the staircase. She really didn't want to. But her mother asked her, so long as to make her father feel better. And maybe, just maybe, she felt she was too exposed. Perhaps she should reconsider her outfit.
With Elissa upstairs and Dick listening to music on his phone, Diana opened the front door and beckoned Bruce back inside.
Before he could utter a word, Diana cut into him instantly. "If you continue to constrain Elissa's ability to express herself, she'll start to wear clothes that will make us both uneasy just to spite us," she pointed out.
The dark-haired man instantly clamped up as he dreaded his daughter doing such a thing.
Suddenly, Elissa came down the stairs with a longer skirt that ended an inch above her knees and a jacket hanging on her arm.
"Happy?" she stated snarky. A firm scowl on her face as she resented the bothersome task to change clothes because of her father.
"Thrilled," the businessman answered dryly.
She glared at him out of the corner of her eyes, before Diana urged her towards the car, she called for Dick's attention too as they were beginning to leave.
Being ignored, Diana pursed her lips in annoyance. Bruce held a hand up towards her, silently telling her he would handle it.
Appreciatively, the woman kissed her boyfriend goodbye before she and Elissa went out the front door, leaving Bruce her house keys.
The man tapped the acrobat's shoulder, provoking him to jump in his seat.
Dick turned to the man with a look of surprise.
"They're leaving," he announced.
"Oh! I'm going!" he shouted as he stood up.
"Listen," the man spoke once more, stopping the teenager from catching up to the ladies. "Keep an eye on Elissa for me, would you?" he requested. He was a concerned father for a teenaged daughter that was going to a concert with alcohol being served.
"Bruce…" the teen started uncertainly. "I don't like the idea of spying on her," he argued.
"I'm not asking you to. I just want you to make sure she's safe. Can you do that?" he asked.
"Okay," Dick nodded his head.
"Thanks," the man nodded in acceptance.
The two locked the front door to the Greek woman's house as Bruce handed Dick the keys seeing as Diana was driving them. They would pick Natalie up from her house while Dean would meet them at the front entrance, where Diana would give them their passes and let them enjoy the concert.
Aparo Park
The Park was clamorous and festive. People of many ages were in the crowd, chatting, laughing, and shouting in excitement as they showed the security guards their passes to get through the front gate and into the music festival's main area. Light stations had balloons and party paraphernalia attached to them. Metal gates separated areas from other areas and blocked people from just walking into the concert without anyone the wiser.
The heat was normal for summer as people were in shorts and t-shirts.
So many bands were scheduled to perform that afternoon and late at night.
Imagine Dragons, Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry and about half a dozen others.
Diana had pulled up to the parking area where multiple cars cleared to park there resided. Diana and company exited the vehicle. A pouting Elissa had on her coat as promised. Natalie followed her with Dick right behind her as he sat in the passenger seat. They picked Natalie up on the way over. Diana sighed, as she mentally prepared herself for the day of busyness.
"Where's Dean?" the woman inquired of her daughter. Elissa had told her Dean would meet them there.
"He's by the front entrance," her daughter replied staring at her phone, in a text chat with the boy.
"Okay," the woman nodded her head. She pulled out the passes from her purse and handed them out to the teens. She let Elissa hold Dean's. "I have to get in there," she told them, moving some of her hair off her forehead that the wind blew. "I have my phone on. If there are any problems call me, you all have my number?" she received affirmed nods from all. "You all have money for food and such?"
Again, they gave the woman nods of agreement.
"Good," the relieved woman stated. "Have fun and stay together," she told them and departed. She navigated past the security guards when she showed them her identification and entered the main area.
When they lost sight of Diana, Nat asked, "So, where's Dean?" she looked at Elissa.
"He's coming," the dark-haired girl insisted. Anxiously, looking all over for him.
Soon, she saw someone flashing them with a wave as Dean approached with a smile.
"Hey! Sorry, I got a little lost," he explained embarrassed.
"It's cool," Elissa dismissed with a wide smile.
Nat and Dick were silent. The former with a sour expression while the latter was cordial.
"We going or what?" the Latina probed impatiently.
"Yeah, let's go," Elissa answered happily as the four trekked to the long line of people. When it was their turn to go in the guards let them in without a hassle as they flashed the special passes Diana had scored for them.
"What's with the jacket?" Dean suddenly asked as he noted faint sweat on the teen's forehead.
"My dad wouldn't let me go unless I wore a little more clothing," she gave him a disarming shrug and smile. "Do you… like my outfit?" she nervously inquired.
Dean glanced at her, eyes moving up and down to scan her attire. His silence made Elissa nervous as she began to regret wearing such clothes.
"Yeah," he said breaking the silence. "You look hot," he said boyishly.
Instantly, the girl beamed at the compliment. No one had called her hot before. At least, someone her own age.
They wandered for a bit walking past other patrons. Smells of food assaulted their senses, on cue they were suddenly struck with the urge to get some food.
Coincidently, the music festival started with the opening act of an up-and-coming band that had yet to reach fame.
"Hello, Gotham!" Diana exclaimed cheerfully as she took center stage. "Welcome to GCMM's Music Festival!"
A round of applause and screams of excitement resounded in provocation. Steve stood next to the raven-haired woman and continued for her.
"We have a spectacular day ahead of us," he announced. "So many bands that are eager to play for you. But first we have a couple break out bands eager to play so give a listen and see what you think. We'll be back to introduce the next group. Enjoy!" he shouted pleasantly as he and Diana left the stage and the music started playing, blasting out of the speakers set up.
The group took shelter under the shade of one of the umbrella tables that the park held. Enjoying their food and the music.
Elissa and Dean with talking and laughing while Natalie and Dick made conversation. Nat felt a little annoyed as Elissa was more into talking to Dean than her. She knew Elissa invited the guy, but she didn't need to be glued to his side the whole time.
Unfortunately, Elissa was oblivious to her best friend's sour mood. Dick tried to chat her up and cheer her up so the whole day was not completely boring.
They spent hours there as the sun had set, the air getting cooler marginally. That was when the drinks were really being distributed more liberally.
Elissa was heading back from the bathroom when a couple drunks came by almost crashing into her. She shifted her body to narrowly miss them, wanting to head back to her friends. Only for one of the guys to grab her wrist.
"Hey!" Elissa exclaimed in displeasure, tugging on her arm to free herself.
"How about partying with us, sweet thing?" a drunk guy asked in a haze. The other guy just as plastered.
"I'm here with friends," she retorted evenly. "Let go," she demanded with a scowl. She managed to grab her arm and free herself from the rude man's grip.
"Oh, don't be like that," the drunk guy cooed. "Come on," he encouraged. "My friend and I got a nice spot to watch the concert."
"I said NO!" she bellowed in displeasure. Her loud voice made them take a step back, a crowd forming noticing the confrontation.
Dick had heard Elissa's voice over the music and saw her surrounded by two men. Instantly, he moved to get her back with the others.
Nat and Dean noticed Dick running off and followed, slowly understanding why when they saw Elissa.
"Come on, girl!" the one drunk guy she had been talking to had gotten frustrated.
"Leave her alone!" Dick demanded as he raced up to her, lightly shoving her behind him. She would have retorted that she did not like being rescued but that would have to wait.
Dean and Natalie joined Elissa with Dean staying next to Dick, ready to help fend them off.
Suddenly, the drunks got violent and threw a punch Dick's way. Utilizing his training, the fist whizzed past his right cheek, the acrobat gripped the outstretched arm's wrist, his foot kicking out the other man's leg, his other hand grasped the drunk's shirt and successfully threw him over his shoulder and onto the rough grass.
Everyone gasped at the scene, the drunk had about a hundred pounds over the dark-haired teen. Elissa could not believe Dick just did that. She briefly wondered where he learned how to throw someone around like that.
The other guy got angry after seeing his friend downed. "You little…" he sneered. He charged at the teen only for Dick to counter with a high knee to the guy's chin followed by a right cross to the face that downed him, guy had a glass jaw.
"YO!" Natalie shouted in excitement. "How'd you do that?!"
Awkwardly, the acrobat froze as he gained a crowd due to his antics. He briefly worried he brought unnecessary attention to himself and potentially Bruce. But he simply stated what Bruce and Alfred had rehearsed with him when Bruce started training him.
"Uh, self-defense classes are a big help," he put clumsily.
Many faceless people watching accepted it and went about their business.
Dean felt a little useless, briefly thinking he could impress Elissa.
Natalie now thought Dick was much more interesting than before.
And Elissa was in disbelief of what Dick could do. Maybe she should take some of those classes. She walked up to him and asked, "Are you okay?" she stated worriedly. She did not wish for Dick to get hurt in the process of protecting her.
"Uh, yeah, fine," he assured. "What about you? They didn't hurt you?" he asked with concern. Bruce tasked him with looking after Elissa's safety at the concert. He did not want to imagine what Bruce would do if he knew he fell asleep at the wheel. Not to mention he was quite fond of Elissa and did not want anything to happen to her.
"I'm fine. Thanks," she said gratefully at how Dick had helped her out.
"We should go," Dick reasonably put as they did not want to spend the rest of the evening detained by security.
"Yep," Elissa eagerly concurred as the group took off. Their destination far away from the unconscious men as security started to arrive.
It was starting to get late when the concert died down. Diana had texted Elissa to wait by the car as was on her way.
Dean had already left as his mother had come to give him a lift home.
The three patiently waited for the radio host, idling chatting about how Dick still beat those two guys. Dick bashfully dismissed their queries.
Casually, Diana walked up to her car as the teens instantly shut up around her. "So, did you all like the concert? I hope you all had a good time?"
"We did!" the three answered together.
"Good," Diana nodded in relief. "I don't know about all of you, but I'm exhausted," she uttered weary from the long day. They all got into the vehicle and the woman drove them home. She was too tired to take Dick all the way to Wayne Manor, so she let him crash on her couch for the night.
When Diana asked about Dean, Elissa told her he had fun and went home already. The woman was pleased to hear it and was relieved to hear Elissa had a good time.
Unfortunately, Nat had let it slip that Elissa was accosted by two drunks and Dick took care of it. When she inquired on what that meant Natalie went into detail as Dick acted like a ninja and brought them down. To say Diana was impressed was an understatement. She probed for details until Elissa complained that she was too tired to answer.
Diana wanted to press further but was equally tired.
Bruce's Penthouse
Diana rolled off Bruce with a breathless sigh, the humidity in his bedroom stifling. Naked, sweaty, and well sated they took moments taking heavy breaths.
"It's like a sauna in here," the woman commented as she moved the sheet off her until the sheet covered her delightful rear, lying on her stomach. Her hand untangling her sweaty curls. "All those billions and you cheap out on air conditioning?" she stated coyly.
"I'm not always here," he shrugged.
They were silent as her blue eyes were trained on the man's sculpted body covered in several scars. She noticed them before but always was distracted before she could press for information. Usually by Bruce.
"Where did you get those scars, Bruce?" her question was honest and true. Although, there was no accusation to it.
Bruce was passive as he took a moment to answer. "I… I went away for a while after high school," he started. "It was a journey of self-discovery to find out who I was and who I would become," he explained with Diana listening intently. "It turns out that being half-way around the world was not far enough for people to recognize me," his lips tugged upwards. "You can guess that a lot of people thought I was easy money with me being on my own all those years. A lot of hostage situations and a lot of knives and such. I was lucky to come home alive," he reasoned.
Slowly, Diana moved closer to him. After listening intently to his story, she believed him and rested her head on his chest, her ear listening to his heartbeat. "No more, okay? No more scars," she requested of him, her voice laced with sadness at all the pain her boyfriend had been through.
"No more," he agreed. His hand running up and down her back, enjoying their closeness. He regretted that he would not be able to uphold his promise to her as his future was one of hardship.
He just laid there silently stroking her back and hair, both appreciating the silence and their time together.
At Bane's penthouse, Bird was experiencing doubt for the first time since he met the liberator of Pena Duro.
"Sir, is this wise?" the blonde voiced his concern about releasing Victor Zsasz, the serial killer that carried a tally mark of his kills on his own body.
"Do you have reservations, Bird?" Bane responded, his voice laced with an intensity.
Bird paled as he felt threatened from the sound of his master's voice. "Y-Yes," he nodded weakly. "I'm concerned that Zsasz will be uncooperative. Detrimental to your operations," he reasoned.
"You speak true, Bird," the masked man agreed. His eyes trained on the blueprints of Arkham Asylum and all the security that entailed along with detailed patrol patterns from the guards. "But Zsasz is the one card we can count on in order to test Batman," he explained.
"Why not Two-Face or the Joker?"
Upon hearing the names of two of Batman's arch foes, Bane glared in disgust. "They had their chance in recent months and they both failed miserably," he said with contempt. "Besides, both would interfere with my plans for Gotham and Batman. They would not play to the sound of my tune, instead they would investigate on whom freed them and why. They will see me as competition. I refuse to share this fertile land with any other. The lunatics have no place in my Gotham City," he detailed.
"And Zsasz?"
"He's a killer, Bird. He will hunt and slaughter those he finds appealing," he said before returning to the plans. "All he will care for is his freedom. Remember to hand him a weapon and to encourage his need to mark himself.," he instructed.
"Are the necessary preparations ready?" Bane inquired of Bird as he was in charge of the operation.
"Yes," the Gothamite nodded in confirmation. "All the arrangements have been made. All the hands needed to be greased have been. We have some guys ready to procure an escape vehicle for Zsasz."
"Excellent," the masked man uttered pleased by the results. "We need a large distraction to keep Batman and the boy away from the asylum," he reminded the long-haired man.
Bird smirked, "Got it taken care of. Some no named fools with a death wish are scheduled to attack the Stock Exchange on Founders' Island simultaneously as the Arkham caper happens. No one can trace it back to us," he assured. "They needed no convincing to take on Batman." His lips pursed, a casual expression on his face, "Adrenaline junkies, I guess," he shrugged.
"Good," Bane nodded as all their plans were falling into place. Tomorrow will be an eventful evening.
Wayne Manor
Bruce sat in the study looking over some papers pertaining to Wayne Enterprises. Engrossed, he did not notice Alfred approach him.
"Sir?" the older man called for the billionaire's attention.
"What is it, Alfred?" Bruce looked up from the papers in his hand with curiosity.
"I thought it would be best to remind you of something," the older man began.
"And that would be?" the younger man pressed for information.
"That you do not have only one child," Alfred stated without an ounce of malice or insult. The game Bruce promised to take Dick to never happened. What ever free time the billionaire had was devoted to Elissa and Diana. Dick being that odd man out and ignored.
The former Flying Grayson never voiced his mistreatment, but he was starting to take it out on the manor's training facility. The punching bag had to be replaced for a second time.
"Master Dick needs you, sir." The butler's voice was pleading. "You can't ignore him and expect his loyalty without you making him a priority," he urged.
Bruce was silent as he pondered his neglect of the boy. Most of his time was spent with Elissa and Diana, guilt eating at him as he could not recall any moments between him and Dick.
He had plans with Diana for dinner later tonight as the sun was still in the sky with night mere hours away.
He supposed that a little work out could squeeze itself in.
In the inhouse gym within the manor, Dick was frustratingly attempting to play basketball. Beads of sweat started trickling down his face. He had been on his own for a while. A couple of broken promises here and there from Bruce was expected. Elissa had a stronger connection to him by blood than he. He was being courteous to her because she had no one for so long and the fact Bruce doted on her made the acrobat feel a sense of misplaced resentment. As if, he was being replaced.
He knew it was untrue and wrong, but Bruce had promised to always be there for him since the day he took the young man in. Even more so when Dick learned the truth.
That Bruce Wayne was Batman.
To say Dick was overwhelmed was an understatement. Soon, overwhelming turned to excitement as Batman had found himself a partner.
Batman and Robin.
The Dynamic Duo.
Battling the evil and corrupt of Gotham side-by-side. Having adventures.
Neglect on Bruce's part started to muddy those memories.
The ball bounced off the basket once more and rolled away from the teen, who released a frustrated sigh. Wiping his brow, he started for the ball as it rolled over to the entrance to the gym.
His eyes glued to the ground as he trailed after it. Only to stop when he saw the ball be lifted by another set of hands.
Dick was surprised to see Bruce dressed in workout shorts and a t-shirt.
With a knowing smile, "Training," Bruce announced. He tossed the teen the ball, who caught it on reflex.
"Hand-eye coordination."
Smiling, Dick raced to the basketball hoop, the ball bouncing with Bruce right behind him. The teen took a layup as Bruce was too late to block.
The dark-haired teen cheered as the ball went in.
"First one to twenty wins?" Dick suggested, panting slightly.
"Sure," Bruce agreed, now with the basketball.
Arkham Asylum
The guards were going about their duties, while Dr. Arkham was ensuring his patients were receiving the necessary medication for the evening. Unbeknownst, to the good doctor some of his security guards were corrupted. Hired by Bird to release an uncontrollable inmate. And one of the most dangerous ones.
Two guards waded through the halls, silent to one another, but cordial to passersby.
When they reached the Intensive Treatment Center where the most dangerous and uncontrollable inmates were kept in isolated prison cells, the security cameras monitoring the halls blinked out for an instant before returning to normal, three minutes prior to the guards arriving.
From his cell, the Joker could see the guards walling to the other side of the room heading in the direction of the other inmate in the madhouse.
"Oh, I smell a secret," he cooed cheerfully. The pale male had a sixth sense where it came to the asylum and the oh-so called 'competent' doctors. He watched the guards through the bars of his cell until they were out of view. Bored now, he slouched against his bed.
He silently hoped whatever happened next, his best buddy would still be around for them to have their 'playdates'.
If not, well, he'd make up for it by torturing the poor SOB that took the light of his life from him.
One of the guards pulled away and headed for a corner of the Center, disappearing down another hallway. Soon returning with a laundry cart pushed ahead of him.
They stopped in front a glass window cell where they met their target.
Victor Zsasz sat almost zombie-like not even seeing the guards. No light in his eyes as that had vanished long ago. He had already deemed the guards unworthy of living. Another set of zombies in a meaningless world.
The guards were sickened to even look at the demented bastard, let alone be the ones responsible for setting him free.
But the money was just too damn good to pass up. Especially on what Arkham threw their way.
Wordlessly, one guard removed the sheet on the laundry cart and pulled out a security guard uniform.
"Come on, Zsasz," the other guard beckoned. "You're getting out," they grunted with dissatisfaction.
"Why?" the bald man wondered. His voice giving them the creeps as it was emotionless. Devoid of any form of warmth. The self-inflicted scars all over his body still at the top that creeped them out about him.
"Why not?" the other guard retorted. "You got plans?"
The serial killer's eyes narrowed slightly, bothered by the guard's tone. Silence enveloped them for a long minute before the man slowly rose from his bed.
Instantly, the guard pulled out the access card that opened the inmates' cells. When the glass door unlocked, one guard immediately aimed their weapon on Zsasz as a warning.
The other guard tossed the uniform at the killer. "Change into this," he ordered.
Obediently, the man obeyed and dressed in front of them. He even put on the helmet that hid his face from the world.
"Quickly," they beckoned. "We're starting to lag behind. Quickly, before the cameras start working again."
The three silently left the Intensive Treatment Center and eventually leaving the asylum altogether into the summer night.
"The car is by the guard tower in Arkham East," one told Zsasz, who barely spared them a glance. "The security doors will allow you to pass through unimpeded."
"Why are you helping me? Who is behind this?"
"Do you really need a reason? You're free," the guard exasperated in frustration. No longer desiring to be in the presence of the poor excuse for a human being.
The guards silently left him to his own devices, which was a dangerous thing. Zsasz started to sprint in the direction of Arkham East. Passing by other parts of Arkham Island until he saw the car awaiting him. He was suspicious but the idea of freedom was too good to pass up. He walked up to the vehicle, an Arkham employed prisoner truck. The man scanned the area, on the lookout for guards, still believing this was all a trick. He could not help but notice several guards absent from their foot patrols, which he found curious. His cold vacant eyes noticed the armed guards stationed at the guard towers were oblivious or even deliberately turning their backs to him as if they were under orders or something. He was curious but now freedom awaited. However, he continued, opening the door, and discovering the keys were in the ignition.
His eyes caught something as he found an exquisite knife in the passenger's seat with a note tied to it.
Happy hunting.
Zsasz's lips tugged upward pleased by the power the knife which he held possessed.
Silently, he drove off, true to their word, the security doors opened up for him and soon he left Arkham Island and drove down the road that led to Gotham City, ignoring the warning signs about escaped patients.
Founders' Island
Founders' Island was chalk full of neon lights for the upper crust of society. A few corporation buildings were on the island, even a Wayne funded one. But one building in particular was experiencing some difficulties. Or was about to.
The Gotham Stock Exchange was about to be assaulted by armed extremists. Clad in ski masks and other forms of tactical gear that would have cost a fortune if they didn't steal it from some end of the world fearing enthusiasts. These were just dumb kids with too much time on their hands and had seen far too many action movies. Young daredevils that were in for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Going up against Batman in his own backyard with them armed with an arsenal and their own personal APC to take him on.
They were under explicit orders to not do anything until after sundown. It's why they were waiting in an alley two blocks from the Stock Exchange. They had been killing time by checking their weapons until it drove them crazy.
They needed to be absolutely certain they would guarantee Batman's attention on them. Something about another thing going on, they didn't remember. They were too high to care. They wanted Batman.
They watched as the sun set and the Stock Exchange began to close. Go time.
"Let's go boys!" the one in the driver seat exclaimed. Ski masks were drawn down, guns ready. The driver stepped on the gas as the APC raced out of the alley and into the road.
The passenger pulled out a grenade and rolled his window down before pulling the pin and tossing the grenade at the front doors to the building.
Seconds passed before the grenade went off and blew the doors, shaking the neighborhood. The two in the back raced out armed with assault weapons. Cautiously, they entered, weapons aimed at the tellers, who were screaming, terrified by the explosion. Luckily, the shrapnel did not harm anyone.
"Get down on the ground!" They shouted at the tellers, who anxiously complied.
"Where are the bearer bonds?!" one of the gunmen demanded. A lone gunman pressed the barrel of his weapon against the temple of a plump looking teller. Weakly, the man pointed slowly towards the sealed vault.
"Open it!" The gunman demanded roughly, his gun digging into the man's face.
"I-I-I can't," he stammered. "The manager is the only one who c-can," the fearful tone made the gunmen believe him.
Just for the hell of it, the masked gunman hit the poor teller in the head with the butt of his gun. A distinct whine of pain left the downed man as he fell into unconsciousness.
"WHO'S THE MANAGER?!" the other gunman shouted angrily, putting on a show that was dictated to them.
A choir of whimpering resulted as the hostages kept their mouths shut.
Instantly, the gunmen were irritated. To emphasize the urgency, they fired their guns toward the ceiling, the hostages screaming in a panic as they shifted on the tile floor.
"I-I'm- I'm the manager," an older looking woman voiced, bravely. Although, she was terrified, she put on a brave face and hoped if they got what they wanted they would leave them alone unharmed.
"Open the vault!" the gunmen demanded in unison. The adrenaline of the holdup got them high and there was more to come if everything went according to plan.
With a whimper, the woman slowly stood up and walked over to the vault with a ski-masked man following her. With a shaky hand she unlocked the vault and revealed, locked boxes and a metallic table with two matching briefcases on top of it.
"The bonds are in the cases," she informed him. "We were going to put them away before we closed."
Wordlessly, he shoved the woman to the floor and strolled into the vault taking the cases with him as he exited.
When he met with his partner, they shared a look for a hard minute. Their smirking lips could be made out because of how tightly their masks hugged their faces.
The situation got uglier with the utterance of just one word.
"Extreme."
Screams of death throes and bullets echoed within the Stock Exchange as the gunmen got a sick sense of pleasure from the death and suffering of others. They took off headed for their APC, unbeknownst to them the Stock Exchange's silent alarm alerted the police, who in turn alerted someone else.
Wayne Manor
"Next point and I win, old man," Dick spoke with a cocky tone, dribbling the ball.
Sweat dripped down both dark-haired men's faces. Bruce stared unblinking as Dick never lost that confident smirk.
Suddenly, Bruce became confident as with a swipe of his hand he stole the ball from the teenager, who gawked as the speed the older guy had.
Frozen in place, he watched as Bruce successfully made a layup. "You were saying?" Bruce challenged when he landed back on the ground, sporting a smirk as well. Thoroughly, enjoying wiping the floor with the teen.
The atmosphere upended suddenly with a clearing of the throat.
Both turned to Alfred, having just entered the gym. "Begging your pardon, sirs, but I thought it would be appropriate to alert you both to a sudden paging," the older man informed as he nudged his head to the windows in the gymnasium. Past the window and the manor, into city limits the bat signal hung heavily over the city beseeching for the city's guardians for aid.
"Fun's over," Bruce said dryly, dropping the ball. Striding out of the gym with Dick on his heels, a certain destination in mind.
When they entered the cave beneath stately Wayne Manor, Bruce uttered to Dick, "Suit up."
Immediately, the teen started getting dressed, with Bruce doing the same. Suddenly, the man's eyes widened as he recalled that he had dinner plans with Diana. Refusing to just flake on her without a word, he called her up when he was fully dressed save for his cowl. Dick was already marching to the car.
"Hello?" he heard Diana beautiful voice over the line.
"Hey, it's me," the man started, scratching the back of his head.
"Me, who?" the raven-haired woman questioned playfully. Although Bruce didn't hear it.
"Bruce. Your boyfriend," he deadpanned. He heard her giggle from her end.
"What's up? Is everything okay?" she sounded concerned.
"Yeahh, I… I need to cancel dinner tonight," he started carefully. "Some last-minute investors are demanding a meeting with me and Lucius and I can't get out of it," he lied.
He heard her sigh; his heart skipped a beat due to fear of upsetting her.
"I understand," she accepted reluctantly. "We can have dinner another time," she acquiesced. "Good luck," she said guardedly, clearly dissatisfied that their evening was soured.
"Sorry," he apologized, hating that he could not make their date.
"It's fine. Good luck."
A click and the call ended. Bruce rose an eyebrow in concern. Already he was trying to recall what type of flowers did Diana like again.
"You good?" Dick called from the car.
"Fine," the man responded curtly, donning his cowl, he jumped into the batmobile and drove down the tunnel with a mighty roar.
Diana's House
With a huff of breath that blew some of her curls out of her face, Diana silently grumbled at the last-minute cancel. She knew Bruce had an unpredictable schedule and would sometimes cancel, but she had just finished doing her hair.
They were both devoted to one another and knew they would not always be able to be with the other all the time, as Bruce had voiced his need to see her more often. While she was relieved to hear his desire to see her more, she could not help but feel a little angry that he bailed at the last minute.
With a sigh, she turned to Elissa, whom was watching television.
"So, my dinner plans with Bruce aren't happening," the woman announced.
"Why? What happened?" Elissa wondered.
"Work," the mother shrugged.
"Sorry," the daughter said with sympathy on her face. She knew how much Diana was excited about her date with Bruce.
"It's fine," the woman dismissed as she sat next to her daughter on the couch. "Looks like you are my date tonight," the woman said playfully. "And what an adorable second choice you make," she teased as she played with Elissa's cheeks.
With a laugh, her daughter did the same to her mother. "Not so fun, now, is it?" she challenged as she pulled her mother's cheeks.
They both laughed as they ceased their previous action. Enjoying their time together as mother and daughter. They had certainly come a long way from when Elissa stood at Diana's front door.
"Since your plans changed, pizza?" Elissa suggested, pulling out her phone and dialing.
"A night in doesn't sound so bad," Diana coyly replied.
Bruce Wayne, I hope that meeting is worth it.
Founders' Island
"Oh, hell yeah!" one of the hired thugs exclaimed in utter glee as the batmobile chased the APC all over Founders' Island. He fired his automatic in heated bursts as the bullets simply ricocheted off the car's armored bulletproof hide.
With a deafening roar the black car accelerated coming right up on the military vehicle with the intention to ram the vehicle.
Dozens dead in the Stock Exchange, cops and EMT's were already securing the scene checking for survivors.
Batman's hands clutched the steering wheel tightly in unconstrained fury as he and Robin listened to the police scanner. From what they were hearing about the assault on the Stock Exchange there were no survivors.
These men would not get away with this unforgivable act of brutality.
From the looks of Robin, he agreed readily with his mentor.
Turning the wheel, the car jerked to the right, gaining speed as the street they were on was a straight shot. When they were neck and neck, both drivers decided to slam their respective vehicles into one another.
Both vehicles crashed into one another, their speed diminishing slightly as control was temporarily lost before swiftly regained.
One of the passengers in the APC pulled out a grenade and tossed it at the batmobile.
With urgency, the dark clad man activated the afterburner function of his car, resulting in the black vehicle taking off like a rocket narrowly avoiding the explosive device as a chunk of the road had a hole in it where the grenade detonated.
Fortunately for the gunman they came up on an exit pulling off the road and getting clear of the wicked ride.
"This is awesome!" one of the gunmen screeched in enjoyment from all the excitement of facing Batman.
"Hell yeah!" one concurred.
They had gotten off the road and made it to a lower section of the island, passing a mall. "What are you doing?" a disgruntled friend of the driver demanded.
"What?" the driver uttered confused.
"We're missing the action!" they declared.
"I thought we would get him off our ass for a minute," the driver shrugged innocently.
"NO!" the other occupants of the APC shouted in discontent. They wanted Batman and the idiot was trying to get away. To hell with that!
"Sorry. My bad," the driver winced from the angry looks. Changing course, the APC got out in the open
Suddenly, the batmobile raced off the upper section of the island, acting like it was shot out of a cannon.
"Woah!" the hired man exclaimed in astonishment, heavily impressed by the car, and said driver.
Crashing just a few feet from the APC, the batmobile shook from the collision, jerking up and down as the car adjusted before carrying on unhindered.
"Damn!" one said, greatly impressed. "I want one," they declared readily.
They passed by the bridge that connected the island to Miagani, the chase picking up again as the batmobile was hot on their tail.
Unbeknownst to Batman and Robin, Trogg was observing the scene from a rooftop. His face stony as he stared through binoculars. Suddenly, Zombie called on their radio.
"Trogg," the bald man called.
Listlessly, the dark-skinned man retrieved his radio. "What is it, Zombie?" he asked, his eyes trained on the car chase.
"Zsasz has left Arkham and entered the city," he announced. "Bane has ordered loose ends to be tied," he told him.
Zombie's meaning was effortlessly decipherable. He retrieved a detonator from his bag, a small smirk on his lips as he pushed the trigger.
BOOM!
Batman slammed on the breaks after turning the steering wheel to the right to avoid the fiery explosion as the APC burst into a metallic coffin of fire. A secondary explosion followed as the incendiary weapons inside exploded.
An expression of surprise covered Batman and Robin's faces as the did not know what had happened. They were chasing the robbers and then the APC exploded out of nowhere.
What happened?
Did they want to go out in a blaze of glory? Or did they refuse to be taken in alive?
What ever the answer they needed to investigate.
Trogg looked on in silent satisfaction. Those idiots did not even know Trogg had slipped an explosive device underneath the military vehicle. Trogg packed up his equipment and left the rooftop, silently plotting the next move.
He left for his car and returned to Bane's hideout to inform him about the loose end that had been tied.
NEXT: Prelude!
I originally wanted to have Batman hunt Zsasz down, but I realized the word count was getting too high and I was getting impatient on not updating. I'm sorry, I overestimated have long action scenes take. Sorry. The hunt for Zsasz will continue in the next chapter and a whole bunch of other exciting stuff.
Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows! Please be sure to leave a review, fav or a follow, thanks!