Chapter 8

Terry called the team to his house the following morning, to keep the news about who Terry met with between them for now.

"Andrea Beaumont…" Max whispered.

"Was she a big one?" Basem asked.

Terry stared at him.

"Bigger than… Diana or Selina?" Sally asked.

Terry held his stare.

Basem swallowed, nervously. "How… big are we talking?"

"Bruce talked about her once," Terry answered. "Only… once."

"Holy crap!"

"We can't tell him!" Max insisted.

"We're not," Terry declared. "Not yet, anyway." He stared at Michelle. "We'll… just tell him it was an old agent of Waller's."

Michelle looked down in sadness but nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, okay. That… that works."

"Sorry, Shell."

"No, it… it's cool. I mean… sounds like it's true, anyway."

"So, what now?" Basem asked.

"Well, we confirmed Bane's got backup," Terry surmised, "and, apparently, they've been at this for a while, planning it. Hiring Switchblade just being one example. We need to know who they are, who else they hired, and what the hell Bane's up to."

"Who do we ask, though?" Sally inquired. "If the Phantom Lady couldn't figure it out, how do we?"

"We have more people to ask than the U.S. government. Mostly because ours are so weird and/or illegal."

"You didn't have to phrase it like that!" Basem pointed out.

"Anyway," Terry continued, "we got some info on Switchblade."

"Right," Max looked at her phone. "Conner Childs. Australian native. His criminal career is… storied! Like… wow! But in the past four years, all he's been is a mercenary. He was reported dead about a year ago in a boat explosion on the Congo River, in between Brazzaville and Kinshasa. So… yeah, that was a lie."

"But he's been a mercenary?" Basem asked.

"Yeah."

"Then this all could be not but a contract for him," Hayate noted.

"And to get to fight Batman," Michelle reminded.

"Good place to start with all of this," Terry deduced. "Maybe if we can trace him, we can trace Bane."

"Good plan, baby," Max smiled.

"But, we have another issue." Terry stared at Basem and Hayate, "Your buddies."

"If you're talking about Ghost and Jag, 'buddies' is the biggest stretch of what I would ever call them. There's a reason I didn't even invite them to our wedding," Basem motioned between him and Sally.

"Yeah, you don't like talking about them," Sally noted.

"I get why," Michelle grunted. "They're jackasses."

Hayate rubbed his eyes then lowered his hand, "I wish that word wasn't accurate."

"We'll talk to Dick," Terry said. "He's in town and so's Selina."

"Have you talked to them yet?" Max asked.

Terry paused. "Not yet. I probably should. I just don't know when I'll get to now. 'Sides, they got enough to deal with. Like Selina with Helena."

"She should talk to her. And they should talk to you!"

"They barely know me."

"Didn't ask!" Max declared. "This is hitting you just as much as Helena and you're just as much as Bruce's son. They should be there for you, too. That wasn't a suggestion or a request. It's a damn fact."

Sally smiled. "Still the same Max."

"Talking about another person time hasn't changed," Basem joked.

"In this case, however, I'm glad it didn't," Hayate added.

"I am the loveable jerk of this group," Max smiled, sweetly, batting her eyes.

"No, that's me," Basem corrected. "You're the kind-hearted, levelheaded, smart one who smacks us when we need it."

"Who told you were loveable?" Terry asked Basem.

"Eat a cactus."

Terry chuckled a bit. "Bet that would be less painful than another round with Bane."

"Hopefully, not," Basem replied.

"And I told him he was loveable, thank you very much!" Sally declared.

After he rolled his eyes, Terry focused on Basem, "You and I better talk to Dick alone. Hayate will be too polite and Shell will be too direct."

"Just because I think those two wannabes are nothing but a couple sorry excuses of copycats for their much more awesome, older idols doesn't mean I'd go off on Dick," Michelle explained. "Him, I like and respect."

Terry stared at Michelle. "I still said what I said."

Michelle huffed, "Fine!"

A couple of hours later found Dick at the Manor in Bruce's room, speaking to his former mentor. Diana was downstairs in the kitchen, having tea to give the former Dynamic Duo their privacy.

Bruce and Dick, to both of their surprises, found they were able to make small talk and it was actually pleasant. Soon, enough, however, they decided to get down to some serious topics.

"I can't believe Bane is back, Bruce," Dick exhaled.

"It's no easier for me to believe," Bruce admitted. "But… I'm far more concerned for Terry. This… isn't something he should've ever had to deal with."

While Dick agreed, the last thing he wanted to do was give Bruce more weight to his worries. Dick smiled, "Oh, please! Terry? McGinnis? He can handle Bane, no problem!"

Bruce chuckled. "Yeah. Maybe he can."

Dick blinked. He didn't expect Bruce to agree.

"Where's Selina?" Bruce asked.

"With Helena. She's…" Dick exhaled. "This is really hard for her, Bruce. She's… trying to process."

"She better do it soon." Bruce lifted his hand up and studied it, noticing a subtle shaking. "I don't know how much longer I have…"

"The doctors can't give you a concrete timetable?"

"Nothing about my life has ever been 'concrete' or on a reasonable timetable. Why should this be?"

Dick studied him then exhaled, sorrowfully. "I can't believe you're actually dying."

"Are you coming around to make sure it's going to happen?" Bruce asked, jokingly.

Dick chuckled, briefly. "Of course not. Just… wishing I knew how to stop it."

Bruce paused. "I know you it's hard to believe me when I say things like this but… I am sorry, Dick. Everything I ever did during our relationship… I thought I was helping. Even when I knew I wasn't… I thought I was doing the right things, even if they hurt. Now, I'm starting to realize… maybe I was wrong."

Dick blinked a few times. "Wow. You really are dying, aren't you?"

They laughed hard. They calmed down and became very solemn.

"How's the rest of your family?" Bruce asked.

Dick smiled. "Doing well. Thanks for asking."

"You said you had a grandson," Bruce remembered.

"Yep," Dick nodded. "A couple of grandkids. But… Alfred's the oldest."

"Alfred," Bruce repeated, thoughtfully.

Dick paused for a moment. A warm smile came to his face, "Yeah. Danny, my son, was looking for baby names." He shrugged.

Bruce smiled, remembering his butler and father figure. He inclined his head to Dick, "Thank you for that."

"Wasn't a problem at all. Alfred was as much a father to me as my dad. And you."

Bruce looked down, "I'm so sorry, Dick. Sorry about everything."

"I know, Bruce," Dick nodded. "So am I."

"You have no reason to be sorry."

"Yes, I do. I should've been man enough to stand up to you more often. Man enough to take your issues and stand by you because you still needed it, whether you knew it or not." Dick stopped for a moment. "Man enough to… to tell you I love you… instead of waiting on you to say it first." He winced. "And… marrying Selina. I…"

"Do you love her?" Bruce interrupted.

"I really do, Bruce."

"Then you have no reason to apologize. Don't take her reaction to me personally."

"I don't," Dick reassured. "Trust me. I get it. This is hard for all of us."

A knock came to the door and Diana came in, "I'm so sorry to interrupt but Terry's here."

Bruce pushed up a bit, "Let him in, please."

Diana nodded and moved aside as Terry came in. "Thanks, Diana," Terry replied, and she nodded.

Terry focused on Dick. "Hey."

"Hey, Terry," Dick greeted.

Terry looked at Bruce. "You okay?"

"At the moment," Bruce answered.

"Okay. Look, I'm not trying to be rude but something's up." Terry looked at Dick. "Can I talk to you?" he asked, sternly. "Now!"

Dick jerked his head back. "Okay."

"Terry?" Bruce asked. He'd know Terry's serious tone anywhere, leaving Bruce a bit concerned.

"I'll give you all the details later, Bruce," Terry answered. "Just… I need to talk to Dick for a minute."

"Don't worry, Bruce," Dick said. "It's okay." He looked at Terry, "Lead the way, Terry."

Dick followed Terry into another hallway where Dick saw Basem, matching Terry's irritated expression though not as intense.

"What's wrong, guys?" Dick asked.

Basem smiled, slightly. "Ghost-Wing."

"Oh, crap…" Dick groaned as the blood quickly drained from his face.

"Glad you know what the problem is!" Terry said, crossly.

Dick grunted, softly. "Where did you see him?"

"Last night," Basem answered. "With Jaguar. While we were fighting Switchblade."

Dick's eyes widened, "Oh, crap! Switchblade's here?! Switchblade's alive?!"

"Yeah. And he's working for Bane."

"Oh, my God!"

"But as bad as that is," Terry spoke up, "that's not the biggest issue."

Dick winced. "I guessing the bigger issue being Ghost-Wing and Jaguar…"

"YUP!"

Dick rubbed the back of his head and sighed, "Yeah. I get that."

"Why didn't you tell us they were coming to town?" Basem asked.

"Do you know how hard it is to keep track of that kid?" Dick asked, sardonically. "I barely know where he's gonna be at Christmas."

"Do you trust him?" Terry asked.

"He's my grandson!"

"That wasn't an answer."

Dick took a deep breath. "You're… putting me in a difficult position, Terry."

"That was," Basem declared.

"He's family," Dick said, exasperatedly.

"Doesn't make him trustworthy," Terry replied.

Dick jerked his head back. "Damn. That was a Bruce-answer, if I've ever heard one."

"Couldn't help it," Terry shrugged. "Listen, you need to talk to him. He's too hotheaded and disrespectful. He thinks he's in charge. He may have expertise with this Switchblade guy but Switchblade's on our turf, running with these Scourge morons, whatever they are. And we're dealing with Bane! We don't need his high-and-mighty attitude! He's gonna get himself, Jaguar, or us killed. This is our problem. If he wants to help, fine. But he doesn't run this!"

"If I had closed my eyes, I could've sworn Bruce possessed you for a minute, there."

Terry stopped and smiled a bit. "I guess those Wayne genes are strong."

"It's not just the genes. It's the heart you've got. A good one." Dick let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm sorry, Terry. I didn't know Alfred would be here. I didn't even know Switchblade was still alive. You don't need this. You're dealing with a lot right now."

Terry rubbed his face. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. I'm sorry for snapping."

"Don't worry about it. I mean, who the hell could blame you?" Dick sighed. "Alfred's a good kid. He really is. He's just… too sure of himself. Jaguar doesn't help. It's probably why they're together. They don't have a body count or anything. Property damage up the wazoo but no deaths. Just that… small rude streak."

"We noticed," Terry and Basem said, simultaneously.

"Oh, you knew all about that rude streak!" Dick yelled at Basem.

"It's gotten worse!" Basem fired back.

Dick paused then dropped his head, "Yeah, I can't even deny that."

"Why are we always having problems from a Nightwing and a Catwoman?"

"Oh! So now this is my fault?!"

"He is your grandson," Basem reminded. "And when you show up… things get crazy."

"Oh, sure!" Dick cried out. "This is my fault! Just blame me, why don't ya?! I show up, one time, with a series of world- and emotion-shattering revelations and I'm branded for life! Ya know, midway through that sentence, I saw your point."

Basem chuckled.

"In my defense, he uses the name 'Ghost-Wing'."

"And Jaguar calls herself 'Jaguar'," Terry pointed out. "The attitudes are scarily familiar to other feline and wing themed heroes we know."

"Again, good point," Dick conceded. He rubbed his eyes. "I'll talk to him."

"Thanks." Terry scratched the side of his head, "I'm… sorry if I sounded harsh."

"You did. And I'm not offended. You need to be harsh right now. You've got a ton on your plate, man. And you know what? I haven't said this enough: you're doing a hell of a job dealing with it all. But if you need any more help, just say the word. I got your back, Terry. Whatever you need."

Terry smiled. "Thanks, Dick." He blinked. "Aaaand maybe you can help with something?"

"Name it. Whatever you need."

"We got some info about Bane." Terry pulled out his phone, selecting the picture Andrea gave him. "We need to know who these two are." He showed the picture to Dick.

Dick looked at the picture, closely. "They… I swear I've seen them before, somewhere. Send me this. I'll look into it for you."

"Thanks, Dick. Hey, I'm sorry. For… interrupting your talk."

"Don't worry, Terry. Seriously. A lot of hurt feelings… were mended a long time ago. All this just… is just putting some more salve on the scars. Feels good to know the hatchets are buried."

"I can imagine," Terry smiled.

"And Selina?" Basem asked.

Dick sighed. "That's… gonna take a bit more than salve to heal those wounds."

"She better work on forgiving Bruce quicker," Terry said, grimly.

"It's not her forgiving him that's the problem. After all… she knows she has more to answer for."

At Helena's house, Selina and Helena had been sitting in the living room in silence for about an hour, neither really knowing what to say. Selina sat on the couch while Helena had her legs tucked underneath her in the easy chair.

Helena did think of a subject but was hesitant to approach it. But, given what they were both going through, Helena decided to throw caution to the wind. "Me and Diana have been spending a lot of time together," she informed, breaking the silence.

Selina looked up at her.

"I called her 'Mom' on accident."

Selina held her gaze.

"I didn't mean to," Helena explained, calmly. "It just slipped out. But… I did mean it. You're my mom. You always will be. But Diana's been there for me, too. I just couldn't help it. But I just wanted to tell so you wouldn't hear it on accident or from anyone else. I love you, Mom. I always will. But… I can't lie, I love Diana, too."

Selina thought for a moment. "Well. She is amazing. Wonderful, if you will."

Helena jerked her head back. "You're not mad?"

"No. I may not be her biggest fan. But anyone who's helping you get through this has nothing but my gratitude. Lord knows I've been useless to you."

Helena blinked. "'Useless'? Mom, you can't honestly believe that!"

"Why not? Bruce's news was two months ago. How often have you seen me since then?"

"Mom, you've been calling me every day! Why are you so angry at yourself right now?"

Selina looked off, "Someone has to be."

"No," Helena said, immediately. "No one has to be! God, why are you and Dad like this?! You're convinced someone has to hate you so you can get through a day! No wonder your marriage fell apart! You're too much alike! You drove each other crazy!"

A small smile actually came to Selina's face. "You're probably right."

"Okay, now, I'm thinking you're dying. You're being agreeable and reasonable! Who are you?!"

Selina looked up at Helena and smiled. "Your mother, for all the good I do you."

"You do me plenty of good and stop it!" Helena ordered. "I don't like you… being this way. You've always been the most confident person I've ever known! What is going on with you?"

Selina thought for a moment. She regarded Helena and exhaled. "This is all my fault."

"Are you kidding me?! Mom, you didn't give Dad cancer!"

"I don't mean that."

Helena stopped. "What do you mean?"

"You and him."

Helena settled down. Suddenly, so much made sense.

"You… should've had…" Selina fought back tears. "…a lifetime with him. You got what? Three years?"

Helena looked down in sadness.

"I did that. Take away everything about me and Bruce… what I've done to you… you and him… no one can forgive that."

"I can forgive that. I have forgiven that."

"It doesn't change what I did," Selina insisted. "I ruined your life, Helena. And that's no one else's fault but mine."

"Mom…" Helena moved over to the couch and took hold of Selina's hands. "Listen to me. I understand. You did the wrong thing for the right reasons. Because you had to deal with an emotion you don't usually: fear."

Selina looked down in sorrow.

"Because you were afraid… you did some things you wouldn't normally." Helena gazed at Selina for a second. "Look at me."

Selina lifted her eyes to meet Helena's.

"I forgive you."

Tears flowed down Selina's eyes immediately.

"I know I've told you that already," Helena, softly, giggled.

"It's just… nice to hear."

"I can imagine." Helena rubbed Selina's hands, "Mom. You need to stop worrying about me for a minute. And you need to see Dad. You need to talk to him. Get it all off your chest. He's… staying strong. But he won't get any better. You need to talk to him. Tell him… whatever you need to tell him. Before it's… it's too late."

Selina pressed her hand to her mouth. Too late. She never imagined a world without Bruce, whether they were together or not. For some reason, she just always believed he would be there. In the ever-changing world they lived in, she always felt the one person who would be there would always, forever be Bruce.

But reality always hit harder than fiction. And life seldom, if ever, cared what we wanted.

Selina knew that better than anyone.

"Kitten," Selina whispered.

Helena stared at her.

"I… need to see your father."

That evening, Bane, Athanasia, and Switchblade were sitting at dinner, in the suite of a Gotham high-rise. Switchblade just finished giving Bane a report of his encounter with Batman.

"Just have to tell you, Mr. Bane," Switchblade finishing off his plate, "you really know how to treat a guy."

Bane chuckled, softly. "Happy to accommodate." He took a sip of wine. "So, Batman adapted to you rather quickly."

"I gotta admit it," Switchblade shrugged, "it was a lot faster than I thought he was going to. I've fought a few superheroes… but only a few figure me out that fast."

"He's Batman. When you wear that mantle, 'adaption' is the name of the game."

"I noticed."

Bane chuckled then pressed his fingers together. "Tell me about Ghost-Wing and Jaguar."

"Oh." Switchblade grunted. "Them. They're terribly irritating. And not one bit of fun. Not like Batman. At least he knows how to have a casual conversation."

"Are they good?"

"Extremely. Toss in supremely annoying, but they're good. I've lost to them plenty a'-times before. Like I said… terribly irritating."

"Do you think they will work with Batman?" Bane asked.

Switchblade thought for a moment. "Hard to call. They like to handle things on their own, I've noticed. But… who knows?"

"And they're dangerous?"

"Never seen 'em kill, if that's what you mean. But they don't mind putting someone in a body cast for a year."

Bane sat, contemplatively.

"What next, Beloved?" Athanasia asked.

Bane grinned a bit. "We'll introduce all of them, Batman's team included, to the rest of our elite soldiers."

Switchblade smiled, joyfully. "Oh, wonderful! I get to team with the main crew! Finally!"

"Go have some fun, Mr. Childs. You've earned it. Do your best to keep a low profile. I'll call you when we're ready for our next sortie with Batman."

"You've got to be the best contract I've ever had, Mr. Bane." Switchblade stood up and nodded at Athanasia, "Ma'am."

Athanasia nodded in return, "Mr. Childs."

Switchblade left the room.

Athanasia looked at Bane, "What's on your mind, Beloved?"

Bane smiled at her. Then he stood up and walked to the window, staring at the city. "I chose Switchblade because of his attitude. It's a game to him, where proving you can beat Batman will win. That way, he does not make it personal. He wishes to be the best but understands he has limits. A rare lesson in this world. Ironically, I believe this Batman has it, as well."

Athanasia stood and walked next to him, wrapping herself around his arm.

"This new Batman is proving very capable. But I will break him."

"Yes, my love," Athanasia smiled.

Bane looked at her and smiled. He looked back out of the window, gazing at Gotham. "I rule this city, Beloved. We will. I will burn everything that is worthless away, all of the useless garbage." He looked at his hand and made a fist, "I will kill this new Batman, solidifying my power! Once Batman and his ilk are removed, I will rebuild Gotham in my image and it will be our new kingdom. And no one will stop me."

A/N: So, Bane has more soldiers. "Elites" if you will. Once again, yes, this is an allusion/tribute to the Bullet Club and the Elite of pro-wrestling fame. I just love pro-wrestling. Sorry, guys.

Sorry for the delay between chapters, guys. But, working a lot? Does have its drawbacks. See you soon!