Chapter 2: The Investigation

Gotham: 3 Years Before the Formation of the Justice League

An agile, feminine figure dressed in all black quickly fled from rooftop to rooftop, trying to outrun the large shadow that she knew would soon be following her. It was just in his nature, knowing everything that happened in this city.

She was slightly excited at the prospect of once again fleeing from the foreboding Batman. While she was known for her impressive skills in thievery, Catwoman knew that her nimble body was also great for escaping with a treasure that she just stole. She was uncatchable for years, that was until the Dark Knight showed up.

Catwoman was not sure who gave him that nickname, but she had to admit that it fit him well. He was like a knight in dark armor, arriving out of thin air several years ago and actually making a change in a city that many called hopeless. While she was happy that someone was finally trying to get back at the crime families that plagued Gotham, she was slightly upset that he would try to interfere with her schedule of stealing the latest jewel.

She had gotten to know Batman on a much more personal level than the other criminals have, just recently learning a couple of years ago that the man under the mask was none other than Bruce Wayne himself. How excited she was for that discovery! Not only was Batman a hunk that was still somehow almost as fast and agile as her, but he also was the same person that was just voted sexiest man of the year.

Selina had met Bruce once before she knew he was Batman, and while she could not deny how attractive he was, he seemed like a complete idiot. She did not think that she could ever spend more than an hour in the same room as him, and yet all this time it was an act. Selina had to admit, he was a damn good actor.

Catwoman saw that the building ahead of her was much greater in height than the one she was currently on. Quickly taking out her whip, she flicked her wrist, snapping the whip and grabbing onto a gargoyle that was attached to the side of the building.

Using her momentum, she jumped off the roof of the building she was just on, swinging herself across the gap between the two buildings and elegantly onto the wall of the next building. She used the claws built into her gloves to get a grip in the concrete, and she started to climb her way up onto the building.

As soon as she pulled herself over the ledge, she checked behind her to see if Batman was anywhere on the previous roofs. Seeing no black shadows moving, she did a graceful flip off of the ledge and onto the building's rooftop, celebrating her escape from the Dark Knight. She opened the small pocket on the side of her uniform, pulling out the large pink diamond that she had stolen from a jewelry store earlier in the night.

"I thought I told you to give up your thieving ways," a deep voice spoke from the shadows. Catwoman slightly jumped at the sound of his voice, as she thought that she was alone on the roof. How she did not hear him climb onto the roof baffled her.

Looking in the direction of where the voice was coming from, Selina's heart started racing at the sight of him. Batman is standing on the ledge of the rooftop, effectively blocking out her escape unless she went back the way she came. While she would not mind some one-on-one time with him, there were other objectives that she would rather do at the moment, such as stashing away the new diamond she got.

"Why hello there, handsome. Coming to check up on me?" Catwoman asks in her sultry voice, batting her eyelashes at him in order to put on a show. She slipped the pink diamond back into her suit pocket.

Batman, however, did not seem too affected by her attitude. "You know I have to, Selina. Especially when I get reports that the prize diamond from the jeweler on 6th street was just stolen. It doesn't take a detective to figure out who did that."

"Batman, you wound me," Selina pouted as she put her hand to her chest. She was not too bothered by his detached demeanor, especially after what she knew happened a few months ago.

"Save it, Selina. I'm taking that gem back. You know it's the right thing to do," Batman said.

Selina gave Batman a slight glare. "Ok, Bruce. You can try and take the gem back. But once you get it back, what are you going to do? Are you going to put me in prison?"

She already knew the answer to the question, so she was not surprised when he stared at her with those white lenses without saying a word.

Slowly, Catwoman strutted up to the ledge that Batman was on.

"I know you, Bruce. While you know the right thing to do is take me in, we both know that you cannot do that," Selina said. She finally stood directly in front of Batman, leaning in and putting her gloved hands onto his Kevlar chest.

"You care too much for me in order to put me in jail. You can't deny that there has always been something between us," Catwoman said as she started to lean towards Batman's face, intending to get on his 'good side.'

Before she could finish leaning in to kiss him, Batman abruptly took a step back, leaving Catwoman confused and slightly hurt by his actions. He stood as emotionless as ever, but she did happen to notice his jaw clench slightly.

"You're right, Selina. There has always been something between us, and that something is the law," Batman said. He then turned around and jumped off the building, extending his arms to glide across the streets of Gotham.

Selina was slightly hurt at being stopped in her advances, but she knew that eventually she could break him down. She did not know if she was looking for a long term relationship with Batman, but she could see the good man that he was. Bruce was also one of the only people that could see who she truly was, a thief with a good heart if she tries enough.

Sighing at herself at not being able to catch the Batman, she reaches into her pocket to extract the pink gem that she had recently taken, only to find that her pocket was empty. Quickly searching in the general area for the diamond, she notices that it is nowhere near her.

The realization of where the diamond was hit her instantly, and Catwoman could not help but smirk.

"You manipulative bastard," she said with a smile, hoping that a certain Bat could hear her.

X X X

"Nightwing, I got a recently returned pink diamond gem here that was going to be transported to Blüdhaven tomorrow. Stop by Gotham Harbor and I can drop it off for an early delivery," Batman said into his commlink.

"Righteo, Bats. E.T A. 20 minutes out cause, you know, no cape," Nightwing said into the commlink.

"Copy. Batman out," Batman replied. Sitting on top of the building that held the illuminated Gotham Harbor sign, he started to think back about how traumatic these past months had been.

Over two years ago, a new villain named Bane fought Batman when he was underprepared, dealing a serious blow to the Dark Knight by breaking his back. While Bruce was able to make a full recovery, he was out from the streets of Gotham for almost a year. The former Robin, Dick Grayson, decided to step up and become the main protector of Gotham while Batman was sidelined, adopting a new persona as he became Nightwing.

Bruce was impressed with how well Dick handled the city, and in the beginning Nightwing rarely ever contacted Batman for advice or Batgirl for backup. However, about two months into Nightwing's time as Gotham's protector, the villains started to become smarter. At first they had less men since they believed they could handle Nightwing easily, but eventually the mob bosses increased their men until Dick was facing almost as much as Batman normally did every night. This made it difficult for Dick to take on large numbers of gang members at once, as he was not as skilled in combat as Bruce was. Batgirl had to patrol with him regularly at this point, and it was clear that Gotham without Batman was taking a hit.

One night, however, when returning to his cycle to return home from a relatively quiet night at patrol, Nightwing was shocked to find a teenager maybe three years younger than him trying to remove a tire from the cycle. The kid's name was Jason, and Dick saw potential in him.

Bruce recognized Jason's potential too, and since he was limited to a wheelchair, he decided to train Jason to become a temporary Robin. Bruce oversaw all of Jason's training, and by the time Batman was fully healed, Jason was already out patrolling regularly with Nightwing. With Batman fully healed, Nightwing knew that there would be no need for him to keep patrolling with Bruce, as he had Jason with him now.

Dick saw that the same corruption Gotham was facing was also occurring in her sister city, Blüdhaven. Although Bruce asked Dick to stay and help in Gotham, Nightwing refused, as he believed that his time as a sidekick had passed. Bruce was slightly saddened by an adopted son leaving the Manor, but he was still proud of Dick for continuing on the mission in other cities.

Bruce and Jason were a great team, functioning so well together that almost every villain believed that he was the same exact Robin from before. However, there was one villain that knew this was a new Robin, and he decided to play his hand against Batman.

A slight thump snapped Batman from his dark thoughts. He turned around to see his former ward standing at the edge of the rooftop.

"You know, I think I just beat my personal record. Sub 16 minutes? Not bad," Nightwing said with a smirk.

Batman did not reply, and he took out the pink diamond from his utility belt.

"Here, take this and bring it to the Blüdhaven museum. It should be safe there from any cat thief that tries to get it," Batman said. Nightwing took the diamond from Batman's hand and stashed it away in his utility belt.

"'Cat thief', huh? I'm guessing Catwoman was our culprit tonight?" Dick asked with a slight smirk.

"Yes. Luckily I was in the area, or she probably would've gotten away. By the time I caught up to her, she was almost at the East End," Batman said.

Nightwing chuckled at how Batman downplayed the situation. He knew that Bruce had some type of connection with Catwoman, however he did not know where it would go. Dick honestly hoped that Bruce would eventually move on from her, and he does not believe that Selina is a good influence on Bruce.

"I'm guessing you heard the news from Metropolis?" Batman asked.

"Yeah, something about a flying 'Superman' who is pretty much invulnerable going around and cleaning up the city. What are your thoughts about it?" Nightwing asked.

"While I think it's good that there is someone trying to help rid the city of crime, the fact that people claim he's an alien doesn't sit well with me, as his true intentions are unknown. I already have an investigation on him to see if he truly is who he claims to be," Batman said.

Looking back at Batman, Nightwing was debating about asking him what he knew he should as his adopted son. Dick did not even have to finish his inner debate, as Bruce asked Nightwing what he was thinking.

"How are you, Dick?" Batman asked, his voice much lower with his inner tormail seeking into his tone.

Nightwing looked down at his feet, taking a deep breath.

"I guess I'm doing fine. It's hard going on everyday, but I know that I have to, for him," Dick replied. Looking at Batman, he knew that Bruce was taking this much harder than he was.

"I should honestly be asking you that, Bruce. How are you doing?" Dick asked, afraid of Bruce's answer.

After a long moment of silence, Nightwing did not think that Batman would answer. He was about to say goodbye when Bruce finally spoke.

"It's... hard, Dick. The pain of losing Jason, especially from the fact that I couldn't save him, it haunts me everyday," Bruce replied, his voice reflecting his sorrow.

Nightwing knew that his next comment had a chance at Bruce firing back at him, but he hated to see his mentor in such pain. "Bruce, you know that Jason's death wasn't your fault. Joker, that damn madman that he is, is the person to blame here. We all know that if you couldn't have saved Jason, then no one could have," Dick said.

Nightwing was surprised at the silence that followed. He expected Batman to lash out at him, with Bruce blaming himself for Jason's death. Instead, it seemed that Bruce was collecting his thoughts, patiently sitting there while thinking about all that had transpired in the past few months since Jason died.

"Alfred tells me that everyday, Dick. In the beginning, I lashed out at him, telling him that I could have been better. If it wasn't for Alfred's patient soul, he probably would have responded just as harshly and left me. I've pushed so many people away, Dick. You know it too. I've barely contacted you, barely asked how you are taking this. I've limited Barbara's time on patrol, before eventually she just ignored my orders and started patrolling again anyway, I've pretty much cut all ties with Selina, and if it wasn't due to a major business meeting I had to attend, I probably wouldn't be at Wayne Enterprises either," Batman said sounding completely broken.

Nightwing walked over to Batman and put his hand on his shoulder, knowing that this was the most he would be allowed to comfort Bruce.

"Don't apologize to me, Bruce. I understand you wanting to push me away after Jason's death. We both did the same things after our parents died," Nightwing said. At the mention of their parent's death, Bruce's shoulders tensed. Trying to ease him, Dick continued. "Honestly, Bruce, you giving me time by myself allowed me to deal with Jason's death in a good way. I wasn't burdened by leaving Blüdhaven to talk to you, and I was able to deal with my problems by myself in my own way. While it was hard, you taught me well, and I was able to push myself past this tragic event and double my efforts to make sure that this does not happen to anyone in Blüdhaven."

Batman did not respond to Nightwing's comment, but Dick did see Bruce's shoulders relax, letting him know that his message got through. Seeing that Batman was done talking, Nightwing turned to travel back to Blüdhaven.

"Dick," Batman said, causing Nightwing to pause in his movements. Nightwing turned back and looked at Batman who was still looking at the city.

"Thank you," Batman said, his voice barely over a whisper. Nightwing nodded at Batman as acknowledgement, and he jumped off of the roof to travel back to Blüdhaven.

Batman sat on the rooftop for a few more minutes, trying to once again focus his mind on his current objective. Nightwing's words helped ease Bruce's mind and guilt at least somewhat. While he has been dealing with some terrible events these past few months, he has to put this behind him in order to complete his next objective: investigating the 'Superman'.

X X X

Themyscira: 3 Years Before the Formation of the Justice League

Looking over the beautiful scene of the ocean waves crashing against the pure white sands of the beach, the tropical paradise that was Themyscira never failed to amaze Diana at how beautiful the island was. She was currently sitting on her favorite horse, an all black steed that was the fastest one on the island, overlooking the scenic waters that surrounded the paradise island on a cliff by the arching fields.

One of Diana's favorite things to do after she finished her training was to take her horse out to this spot and gaze off into the horizon, wondering what could possibly be past the shores of her home.

Diana was always curious about the workings of Patriarch's World. Were they a more advanced civilization than Themyscira? Does the populace fight amongst each other daily with the violent and barbaric ways like her mother described men to possess? Are women being abused, mistreated by the atrocities of men?

While Diana was taught her entire life that men were the evil of this world, she could not see as to how that could be true for every single man. Diana knew that there were definitely men out in the world that wanted to bring nothing but harm to those that want peace, but she has concluded from a long time that all men could not be evil.

In the Great Library inside of the palace, Diana has read many ancient texts from the early Amazons that describe the heroic deeds that certain men have performed in battle. She could not see how an entire section of a gender, with no acceptions, could possibly be as barbaric and ruthless as her mother has described.

However, all of these thoughts Diana has are just theories. She yearns to travel past the mystical borders that shield the paradise island from the outside world, to finally see how the world has changed in the 2,000 years since the Amazons have been isolated from it. She wants to see if Patriarch's World has destroyed itself over little quarrels, or if people of both genders have come together, like in times past described in the texts, to build up the world into a society for all.

As Diana watches the sunset, once again concluding another day, she thinks about all the discoveries she could make if she could somehow go past the magical borders. She feels as if she is destined to go past the borders that surround her island, as if something, or someone was waiting for her out there. However, that thought only seems to be a dream, and she turns her horse to travel back to the palace grounds.

X X X

Metropolis: 3 Years Before the Formation of the Justice League

"Sir, are you sure this is a good idea? You have heard the reports that he is an indestructible being," Alfred said into the commlink.

"Trust me on this, Alfred. I've been doing some research on our 'superpowered friend', and I've developed a theory that might prove he is not as indestructible as those reports claim," Batman said. He was currently sitting on top of a building in Metropolis, scouting a good area to have his first encounter with the so-called "Man of Steel."

"Yes, I'm just looking through your report now. It says here that you have obtained a supposedly alien rock that currently has no name. It says here that it has a, quote, 'peculiar' amount of radiation. Care to explain further on that?" Alfred asks.

"The rock-like mineral had a large radiation reading when I ran it under the sensor, however I determined that short term exposure to the radiation coming from this mineral is not harmful to humans. It seems that instead of traveling on waves, the radiation travels on particles that are able to penetrate the human skin, but in such a small amount that it has no effect short term. I believe that long term exposure could potentially cause permanent damage, however if stored properly then it has no effect. I have also noticed that a majority of the particles almost bounce off the human skin, as if they are incompatible with it," Batman said.

"That is very strange, sir, although I do suggest that you keep that sample you obtained in a metal container," Alfred said.

"Don't worry, Alfred. I already created a new storage container in my utility belt with an inner lead lining. My research showed that the particles were unable to penetrate through lead walls, and only a thin layer was needed," Batman replied.

"Very well, sir. Also, based off of these satellite images I see you have here, I believe that I can correctly presume that you have tracked a pattern pertaining to this 'Superman' as the press is calling him," Alfred commented.

"I've used special sensors that I secretly installed on new satellites funded by Wayne Enterprises to track specific readings that identified when the sound barrier was being broken. Using the data collected from these satellites, I was able to pinpoint that our 'Superman' visits two locations every day: The Daily Planet and an apartment complex about five blocks from the Planet," Batman replied.

"I see. Is there any chance that Superman's repetitive nature of traveling to the Daily Planet could be a reason why Bruce Wayne recently bought the entire company," Alfred asked, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

"That's the main reason, yes. However, the Planet also owns many small buildings across Metropolis that I will eventually turn into outposts," Batman said. Looking around, he adjusted the lenses on his cowl to magnify his vision, trying to catch a glimpse of a blue blur flying through the air.

"Don't you think it would be much easier to just buy those locations by themselves, Master Bruce?" Alfred inquired.

"True, but then again, people would have been suspicious of Bruce Wayne buying up small buildings throughout Metropolis. Sure, I could have gone with the cover that I was renovating them into new complexes, but then they would always have eyes on them. This way, people will be more focused on me owning the Planet, rather than the small properties that come with it," Batman answered.

At the audible sigh he heard Alfred exhale through the commlink, Batman smirked slightly. Alfred was a father figure to Bruce, and he always liked to surprise Alfred. It was his way to have some type of fun in this dreadful business.

Batman was about to ask Alfred for a status report when he caught sight of a blur about three miles from his current position.

"Alfred, I got eyes on Superman. Now it's time for me to get his attention," Batman said.

"Be careful, Master Bruce. From what the reports have said, this so-called alien could take on Bane in an arm wrestling contest. We don't want a repeat of two years ago, as I don't think I could wait on you hand and foot for nine bloody months again," Alfred said.

"I'll try my best. Batman out," Batman replied.

Batman took out a flare gun from his utility belt and pointed it straight into the sky. With the slight pull of the trigger, he shot the flare high into the dark Metropolis night sky, watching as it reached its peak. He quickly moved to hide behind an air exhaust vent on top of the roof he was currently at, patiently waiting as if he was a hunter drawing in its prey.

Crouched behind his cover, Batman watched as a blue and red flash immediately stopped straight at the flare in the sky and put it out. Slowly, the figure flew down to the rooftop, scanning the area for who sent the flare.

The man definitely was in shape, however he had much leaner muscles than what Batman was expecting from the description of his strength. He was tall, seemed to be around the same height as Batman himself, and his black hair was the same color as Bruce's. However, he had a more rounded and subtle jawline than Bruce Wayne's famous striking jawline, and if it was not for the blue uniform with the S on his chest it would be easy to mistake him for an everyday human.

"I know that you're here on this rooftop. You've gotten my attention, now come out and talk," Superman said. Landing on the rooftop, he quickly used his x-ray vision to see if he could find whoever sent the flare.

He was able to see through most of the obstacles on the roof, except for a few lead air exhaust vents scattered across the rooftop. He was about to turn away when he heard the slightest rustle in the wind with his super hearing.

Turning back around, Superman looked to the edge of the rooftop to see a dark shadowy figure standing upon the ledge. If the figure's lower face was not exposed by his mask, Superman could have easily mistaken him for a demon from hell. The man looked to be extremely muscular, and it was clear that he spent time toning his body. Superman knew that this was a formidable foe in front of him.

"Who are you?" Superman asked.

"I should be asking you that, Superman," Batman replied. "I've heard rumors that an alien has recently been cleaning up the streets of Metropolis, and I decided to investigate him myself."

Superman looked over the shadowy man once again. Glancing over the uniform the man wore, Superman instantly recognized the symbol of a bat on the man's chest.

"You're the so-called Batman, aren't you?" Superman asked. At Batman's silence, Superman took that as a sign of recognition. "I've heard stories about you, rumors mostly. It seems that no one can catch sight of you. What are you, a meta human?"

"What I am is not of your concern," Batman replied. "I'm here to see if you possess a threat to the world."

Superman briefly glanced down at his feet, seemily as if he was contemplating his words. When he looked back up at Batman, he spoke, "I can understand why many people see that. I have abilities that many people thought were just a myth, even I thought they were a myth until my teenage years. I was taught from a young age to protect the innocent, and with the powers that I've gained, I have decided to do just that."

Batman analyzed Superman's posture, noticing that everything that Superman was saying was the truth. There was no hesitation in his speech, always maintaining direct eye contact.

"I'm surprised that you would share so much about yourself to a potential enemy," Batman said.

At this remark, Superman chuckled. "I knew that you wouldn't attack me," Superman said with a small smirk.

Batman glared at Superman, and the smirk was quickly wiped off his face. "And how could you tell?" Batman asked.

"Because I could tell that if you could have attacked me, you would have when my back was turned to you. I have superior senses compared to the average person, and I couldn't even hear you move behind me. You had your chance to attack me, but you didn't. I consider people that don't try to kill me an ally," Superman said.

Batman remained silent for a few moments, thinking over Superman's words. He could see that Superman was someone that was true to his words, and that he put faith in people that he believed he could trust. While Batman thought that was a naive way of thinking, he somehow believed that this worked perfectly for Superman.

Batman looked up to see Superman start talking once again, when he noticed a small red dot being pointed on Superman's chest.

"So, I hope that you understand who I am as a person now. So tell me, what is Gotham-" Superman started, before he immediately stopped at the sight of Batman pulling out a sharp black object from his belt.

"Hey! What are you-." Superman started, but he stopped when he watched Batman toss the sharp black object straight at a water tower about 3 buildings down. With his super hearing, Superman heard the object connect with someone who let out a grunt followed by a curse.

"Deadshot," Batman simply said, trying to see if he could catch the assassin in his sight. He knew that the batarang he tossed would disrupt Floyd's aim, forcing him to retreat. "Superman, can you see him anywhere? He wears a full-face white mask with a red and black suit, potentially armed with a sniper rifle, so stay low."

"Got it," Superman replied. Flying up slightly, Superman quickly used his x-ray vision to try and see if he could get a sight of the sniper. Looking in the direction where Batman threw the black object, about eight rooftops over, Superman saw a lone figure running in the opposite direction of where he and Batman were currently standing.

Superman quickly flew back down to report to Batman about what he saw, not even bothering to stop using his x-ray vision. "Batman! I saw Deadshot running several buildings down, and... oh my gosh!"

Batman quickly looked up to see a completely shocked Superman. It looked as if he had seen a ghost.

"What is it, Superman?"

Superman kept looking at Batman in shock, with his jaw hanging completely open.

"Bruce Wayne?!"