AN:

Got the rest of the night coming up. Can't wait for the morning to come. Everything will be different. Things are looking up for the thieves. Will Batman get a lead on them through Skulls anger.

WARNING: intense violence, gore, language, mention/act of rape, sexual situations. The Dark Knight deserves a dark story. And I will make him afraid of his own shadow...OwO!

Calderoneric758: Satanael is being saved for a big reveal. I'm being careful with how much the Phantoms reveal of their power at a time. Wouldn't want ya to die of awesome overload. He'll come. He thrusts for vengeance.

Blazblade:

Yes, Futaba and Oracle will compete in this fic. I am glad that you enjoyed it so much.

Yeah, part of me is interested in them working together too. But I really, REALLY want them to fight first. Yeah the two Oracles would make quite a team. Thanks for mentioning Cadmus, I had never heard of them and they will fit great for what I'm doing in this fic.

YES EXACTLY! I hate how much of a prick they make Damian in the comics. He will be humbled through all of this.

Ryder will be both an informat and word spreader. I was originally going to have Vicki Vale, but she's not that good of a fit for the replacement devil arana. Ryder fits that bill perfectly.

No worries, Catwoman is definitely meeting Ann not this chapter, but soon enough. I have to introduce her first. ;3

Oh hell yeah the Justice League is getting in on this. Are ya kidding me?! The aswesomeness sends chills down my spine. You asked me what confidants I feel would mirror the thieves most. I actually am work shopping that.

Superman=Chariot.

Batman=Fool

Wonder Woman=Priestess

Green Lantern (John Stewart)= Magician

Martian Manhunter=Justice

Hawkgirl= /Empress

Cyborg=Hermit

Green Arrow= Emperor

Flash= Faith

Zatanna= Lovers

I always preferred the Justice League Animated series lineup the most. John Stewart in particular I feel never gets enough love. Hal Jordan always struck me as an asshole. The league won't get involved for a while though. The Phantoms are operating in Gotham, and you know how much Batman hates people fighting on his turf without his permission.

Enjoy!

EDIT: My advice for editing...*thinks blankly* will come shortly.

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April 28th Night

Severe Thunderstorms

The Bowery

Catwoman exited the museum, the priceless artwork she had on her back was an unusual score for her. Still priceless just means that the price she does get is a lot so she took it. She was making her way across the room tops. The painting strapped to her back, police sirens were blaring but they would never catch her. Though what she didn't expect was a kid in a weird mask and clothing to show up out of nowhere.

"Halt! In the name of beauty!" Fox yelled pointing his sword at the woman.

"Sorry, foxy. But you're not my type." Catwoman winked the cops were closing in so she made a mad dash around him and jumped block to block. The sirens were clear, she made it. Selina leaned over to catch her breath. When she stood straight a tip of a sword was at her throat.

"I wasn't speaking of you. Rather the masterpiece on your back." Fox glared.

"You're fast I'll give you that. But unless you're buying, you'll have to take it from my dead claws." Catwoman said getting in battle form.

"I have...three cents." Fox threw the change in her direction. She didn't look impressed.

"You're kind of touched in the head aren't you?" Selina asked.

"My friends all say I'm eccentric, yes. Is it a deal?" Fox said smiling.

"N-no honey." Catwoman sweated.

"I do not understand. It is a priceless piece, you're lucky to get anything for it at all. Its rightful place is the museum. To be gazed upon by the masses." Fox said dramatically.

"You take priceless too literally foxy. This will catch a pretty penny for me. so...MOVE!" Catwoman tried to slash Fox but he countered slamming her to the ground.

"Uff! Ugh, so you're not just some crazy guy carrying a sword? Who knew?" Catwoman joked.

"You will release the art ma'am. Don't let your greed get in the way of beauty."

"MA'AM!? I can't be that older than you! You'll pay!" Catwoman charged with her whip. Fox dodged all of the blows gracefully.

"I didn't mean to offend. Calm down" Fox said.

"Dammit! Just go down already! This is embarrassing!" Catwoman cried.

"I won't stop until justice is served to such a work of art. Now I'll cut you with the sword!" Fox did a multitude of quick and fast strikes.

"Aggh! Shit kid! Chill out it's just a painting." Selina tried, she hates losing prizes, but this guy was crazy. She knows when to cut her loses.

"Do you yield? I will pay a debt for its glorious return. But if you refuse I will fix your devious ways permanently." Fox threatened.

"Ugh, if it means that much to you than here. But you owe me, understand? You're broker than a joke but work for me until your debt is paid. And I think I won't kill ya!" Catwoman tried.

"At last! An agreement I can stand by! Though be warned, try something like this with art again, and I'll turn you in!" Fox said resolutely.

"Huh? You agreed? I mean yes! As planned I'm sure you're good at something. Here."

Selina couldn't grasp the kid but hey, she used to hire strippers all the time to help with heists. She doesn't even need to give him a cut until he repays her. She threw him a burner and a deal was made. A very awkward deal, but Selina always went with the flow. She's just glad he wasn't a goodie goodie like Batman. She had to admit, he totally destroyed her in combat, he could have easily handed her over to the cops. But...he didn't.

Selina sighed, at least she had someone to feed all of her cats.

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MIRROR LOVERS RANK 1/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Petty Thief

Increases the amount of money/ items made from battle and pickpocket.

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"First off I guess is what's your name?" Catwoman asked.

"Fox" Fox answered.

"*sigh* No honey, your real name. Don't be shy, my name is Selina Kyle. And you are?"

"Sorry Miss. Kyle. I can't tell you unless I get my leader's approval." Fox said calmly.

"Leader? Who do you work for, kid? You aren't planning on betraying me before we even start are you?" Selina asked sweetly. On the inside she was sweating, she didn't need drama. And she just gave out her name.

"Perish the thought. I still owe you a debt for this painting's return. I keep my word." Fox bowed.

"Just Selina is fine. I don't know what your boss is into. But as long as it doesn't interfere with our deal I guess it's fine." Selina shrugged.

An awkward meeting, for an awkward pair indeed.

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April 28th Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Industrial District

Crow was stalking around the Steel Mill, looking around for a possible opening into the place. He couldn't get into the shipping yard, there were too many guards. The mill itself was closed off by guards as well. The front and back entrance was a no go. Snipers scouted across the roofs, this town took security seriously. Everywhere he tried to get information on Sionis was met with him seeing a sniper somewhere.

He looked up at the chimneys puffing out smoke.

I guess I could always dive head first into molten lava. See how serious Bat-mite is about keeping him alive. Akechi darkly joked to himself.

He seriously needed something to get this investigation moving along. It's been a week and all he has gathered are basics. He's disappointed in himself. Though all these guards had to protect something.

"Crow, this is Panther. I've found one more of the Riddle things. I'll mark it on your map."

"Alright, I'll head there. I'm getting nowhere here anyway." Crow signed off and made his way to Panther's location.

Unbeknownst to him, a woman was watching him from afar. The White Rabbit smiled, she had found the knight that resembled her jumbled memory. She followed her knight, keeping a good distance, due to his observation skills. She'd find out where his hideout was and offer her services. She hoped this was the lead into the great Phantom Thieves she was waiting for.

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April 28th Late Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Coventry

Panther looked at the puzzle in confusion. She didn't know the first step in how to solve it. The pressure pads were lightning up randomly. The trophy was guarded by a closed spiked cage. She managed to find simple unguarded ones around her quadrant, only to be electrocuted by touching it.

It was in an abandoned storage rental place. It was covered in green paint, mad scribblings and question marks were all around her. She was stumped, she hoped Crow would help her soon.

Crow grappled down and looked around the area, meeting with her.

"Looks like you found one of his death traps." Crow said.

"There's a problem though. I've found random trophies just sticking out alone. When I try to grab them I just get a shock. It hurts like hell. How could we possibly get past that?" Panther asked.

The intercom screeched loudly across the lot. A voice boomed through it.

"Riddle me this. What do you get with idiots playing dress up? A fine victim to my riddle. This puzzle isn't for you kiddes now run along home before I lose my patience."

"We can't just let a deathtrap sit around and claim more victims!" Panther yelled looking around for where the voice is coming from.

"Oh? Pretending to be heros as well? Go ahead and try, weak minded fools need to be weeded out anyway." Riddler challenged.

Crow has already solved the puzzle, it was just a matter of jumping the right sequence. Once he finished the cage opened freeing the trophy.

"WHAT?! How can children solve what was meant for the Dark Knight?!" Riddler yelled.

"Hmph. No wonder Batman always catches you, your puzzles are too easy." Crow smirked.

"You brat! Though you are clearly smarter than your partner here. She was just standing there looking into space! Then again, what could you expect from a blonde." Riddler said.

"Asshole, I could totally solve your stupid puzzles. I just needed another minute." Panther said lying through her teeth.

"Oh? Then perhaps you can solve this puzzle. Riddle me this, I am not alive, but I grow. I have no lungs but need air to grow. And I can drown in water."

Crow narrowed his eyes, but Panther tried to answer.

"That's easy, fi-" Panther couldn't finish her sentence as Crow tackled her to the ground. Multiple storage units opened unleashing sentry guns. The blasted away bullets, aiming at nothing as they kept a straight angle. They only managed to destroy themselves.

"My you are smarter than your friend here. She was so close to saying "fire" that I instinctively pressed the button. Oops" Riddler chuckled evilly.

Crow got up, helping Panther up since she was dazed.

"What a cheap trick. Is this how you reward Batman? With childish insults and being a sore loser?" Crow said coldly.

"Hmph. You have proven yourself above a monkey's intelligence. How's this? have your little banana. Though if you try this again, you won't be so lucky." Riddler ended the intercom. Crow went to pick up the trophy. He'll have to have Oracle examine it. Though he did spot a tracker on the thing. He promptly ripped it out. He wouldn't allow the team to be compromised on his watch.

"Ugh, what an ass. How'd you know it was a trick though?" Panther asked.

"The riddle was too easy, plus if this is supposed to be a deathtrap then there has to be a lethal side of it if you fail. He tried to set us up, how foolish." Crow smirked.

"I guess we should bring that thing back to HQ, I wonder what it does."

Crow nodded as they headed back. They would have to track him down somehow, should be easy enough. This man is anything but subtle.

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April 28th Late Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Wayne Tower

"Oracle checking in, you guys ready to go?" Futaba asked.

"Yes, arriving now." Queen answered. The huge building seems so intimidating. But she was confident with Violet's help they'll be able to break in.

"I've managed to locate a window that leads to a storage closet. A janitor keeps it open at night, must be because the air conditioning doesn't work." Violet said. She wanted this to be as successful as Noir and Mona's heist. She has stacked out the place all week for possible openings.

"Just be careful. This place has been rumored to have booby traps all around. Everyone calls Wayne paranoid, but with the crime in this town. I can't say I can blame him for being overly precautious.

They entered into the janitor's closet. Unknowingly, alerting the silent alarm. Wayne was overly cautious. So he sets up fake break-in points with hidden cameras everywhere. He would not give his secrets so easily.

"Got an intruder in Fake Out C. Repeat intruder fake out C." Commander James said into the intercom. He used to be a merc for hire, but with Batman constantly wreaking business. He decided to go clean. He decided to give Wayne a shot. They got hold of his record fast. They are quick on background checks. But his employer said that Wayne had a clause for ex-criminals. Regular drug screenings, cooperation with parole officers, and a pay for a good house in the suburbs. Wayne was big on crime prevention, part of that was offering redemption for felons. Almost every guy here had a record. All of them with nowhere else to go, desperate for cash.

Wayne offered more than a job for ex-cons, he offered purpose. A chance at redemption in the eyes of society. Ex-cops also were at the head of the chain. Cameras everywhere, with high accountability. James managed to earn Wayne's trust over the past ten years of service. Batman broke every bone in his body. When he quit that life and wanted more, the prison offered the program. Everyone called him a traitor, a rat. Beatings were regular, but it just strengthened his resolve to get out of that life.

"Roger, do we engage?" asked a guard in the area.

"Let me call up boss man for orders" James put Lucius on call. He was the go to for anything like this. Wayne had a heart, but Mr. Fox had the business mind.

"Yes James?" Lucius answered.

"Sir, we have two female intruders, one looks a hell alike to the Metal Rider the news is talking about. Your orders?" James asked.

There was a silence for a moment.

"Commence operation switch-out. I want footage of this, to give the police something to work with. Keep me on the line." Lucius answered.

"Got it. Commencing now." James pressed the correct buttons. Switch-out was used when new guys were tested to see how to tighten up security. And to work out what they want with the company. He had to smirk, this place thought of everything. All secret-files were deleted and sent to hard-drives in his office. The files were replaced with useless garbage, taxes, bogus research and testing. Whatever they went for they would know.

"Stage is set, boys. Boss wants to see what the newbies want." James ordered.

"Roger, pulling back and awaiting orders. They'll suspect sir." a man answered.

Violet was shocked at the lack of cameras. There were none to be seen anywhere, no traps, no nothing. This didn't feel right.

"You feel it too don't you?" Queen whispered looking around for security, there were few guards doing walks around the building. They made their way past them with little effort. The computer room was just ahead.

"Are you guys going to go for it or not?" Oracle asked.

"I have a bad feeling. This feels like a set up." Queen answered.

"It's just some rich kids's goodies. Stop overthinking things, the rumors must have been overhyped." Oracle said.

"I don't know…" Violet said.

"Look even if it's a trap. It's nothing we can't handle. Phantom thieves don't back down when cornered." Oracle said.

"I guess you're right. Still it feels like we're shaking a hornet's nest." Violet sighed.

Queen inserted the drive and watched it work.

"Worse comes to worse we have our next target for a heist. We're entering into a new month, I don't want to deal with him again." Queen said.

"I can't believe how strong his power is. He terrifies me." Violet said.

"We just have to reach the deadline, it'll be over soon. Then when least expected, we'll strike." Queen said.

All of a sudden the computer upload was done, she pulled out the usb and they made a break for the closet. They took everything they could from it. It should yield great info on Wayne's behind the scene doings. The familiar pharaoh on screen of all monitors.

"Heist successful. How's it going Oracle?" Violet asked.

"Not good! They have massive firewalls on firewalls. I can barely keep my presence, I'll just pop in, make some idle threats and leave." Oracle said.

"We might need to try again, someone so paranoid must have more encrypted information in there. Though this will give us a basic understanding." Queen signed. The split up for now, Queen was to give Oracle the usb. Violet was to go back to making the rounds of her quadrant.

They didn't even know the whole heist was recorded.

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April 28th Late Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Batcave

Bruce stared at the screen of the Batcomputer. Watching the recording over and over again. He couldn't get any match on the blood. The mask shielded most of his face. The hair was obviously dyed blonde. The boy had dark brown eyes that were fueled with rage. A retinal scan left no result either. This was someone they have never seen before. They had all goons scanned during capture, and hacked police databases to fill in the holes.

This young man was a monster when it came to strength. On par with at least Superboy, he narrowed his eyes at the amount of electricity the boy's body could wield. He wondered if he came from a secret testing facility. Many tried to battle superheros by raising child soldiers to do their bidding. This might be an escapee mad at the world for not saving him.

"Master Bruce, master Damian is awake." Alfred called.

Bruce quickly got up and walked over to the medical bed that his son was laying on. He groaned and squirmed in pain.

"You were sloppy. You were stirring the flames of his anger and made him explode." Batman chided.

"I did not know he was a meta, ok?! Look at him! Everything from his appearance, personality, and intelligence pointed to him being a member of the Black Mask gang." Damian tried to defend himself.

"Never judge a book by its cover. That's the most basic of lessons to know."Bruce firmly stated.

"That's why I gave him space when he started to get volatile. I'm not an amateur!" Robin said.

"No, but you lack tact. The kid's speech hit you right weak spot. It was more of a verbal beating than it ever was physical!" Bruce said.

"Don't listen to such an idiot's point of view. He knows nothing of the risks we take every day in this city." Damian retorted.

"Just because he's not a genius doesn't mean he can't have a point. You need to learn empathy. You can't be so impatient with the ones you investigate." Bruce said.

"Yeah right! You are even more brutal in your questioning. The only reason I didn't break his bones was because he was too young to be too deep in the mob! If that's not empathic NOTHING IS. He was clearly lying about something and I tried to push it out of him. Just like you taught me. He surprised me is all, a mistake he won't make again." Damian said darkly.

"No. I've been thinking about this for a long time. I'm sending you over to the Titans. You need to learn how to better communicate with those in your age group. You need to understand humility."

"Don't you dare send me away like some trash! You are no better than my mother! Throwing me away when I don't conform to your perfect ideals." Daimain said brutally.

"I'm not throwing you away Damian. This is good for you, I'm not taking no for an answer. Cassandra will stay here and take points with your absence."

A long glare filled the room. Until Bruce got a call.

"What is it?" Bruce gritted out.

"Mr. Wayne there was a break in at Wayne Towers. I took the precaution of doing the switch out protocol. It seems Metal Rider has a friend, we lost track of her. The partner however can be located in Kingston. I would head over there before she disappears as well." Lucius said.

A video popped up on the Batcomputer. Showing the two girls downloading worthless data. The computer being sabotaged into the virus he had seen just tonight. So Alibaba was with them too. They must have used her as a distraction, why make herself known though?

Alibaba must be the one in charge. But that didn't make sense they were clearly working under a man they feared greatly. If they're discussion was anything to go by. A set up maybe?

"We'll discuss this later. Alfred fix him up. I'm going to get some answers tonight. One way or another."

"Right sir." Alfred said.

Batman put back on his cowl and rushed into the Batwing. He had to question this woman at once. He wouldn't forgive himself otherwise.

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April 28th Late Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Ace Chemicals HQ

Joker hacked into the systems of the chemical plant. They were so out of date, that he was able to do it unaided by Oracle. The plant only really had one set of files that were heavily encrypted. The usb downloaded them, Futaba would hack into it later. But other than that there wasn't much to worry about. The whole company was hyper focused on developing a skin care product. The head chairman wanted famous actor Basil Karlo based on the mass email discussions between the two.

They are trying to work out the kinks but Kalos wants it done now! Something about looking beautiful. No matter, that's not a priority.

He looked down at the massive open vats of toxic waste. He shuddered. This place is a serious safety risk. Flimsy bars are the only protection from a long fall into them. He felt he missed a story where there was a gap in the bars. Clearly broken in a struggle, that didn't sit well with him.

Joker made his leave to the cafe. Thoughts of what happened that night ran through his mind.

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April 28th Late Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Kingston

Batman glided out of the Batwing. He scanned the area for the woman he was looking for. In no time he found her. He narrowed his eyes and swooped down to the rooftop. He would go for a sneak attack.

Violet was doing her nightly practice, she danced gracefully across the rooftop. She needed this, Haru was real territorial when it came to space. She understood, Haru must have a need for a private place to just be herself and alone with her thoughts. Sumire hoped the new apartment that the other girls found would have access to a space for her to practice. It was a music shop with a stage. It would be perfect.

All of a sudden a figure grasped her from behind flipping her over and quickly cuffing her. She had no time to properly react, she was dizzy from the blow and wondering what the cause was. She shook her head and looked up, the dark figure scowling down at her scared her tremendously.

"Haa...W-What do you want? Uncuff me!" Violet shouted.

"I want answers. NOW!" Batman demanded lightning and thunder ramping up with his aggression, like he was a god in control of the very weather of the city.

"You could have just asked politely. You startled me!" Violet said scowling back at the knight.

"Who are you? Why were you and Masked Rider stealing from Wayne Tower?" Batman pressed.

Violet pressed her head to her shoulder with her flexibility. She tried to activate her communicator. Batman narrowed his eyes.

"What do you think you're doing?" Batman said grabbing her before she could activate it.

"I think a proper meeting is in order. We're not so different, you know. I can't stand to face injustice either." She said calmly.

Batman thought for a second. This could be helpful to ascertain how many were in the group. And their motives. He dropped Violet on her feet and leaned in close to her staring into her very soul.

"If this is a trick. I will break you in half." Batman said slowly. He held the glare for a long time. The girl trembling, her knees almost giving out to the fear.

"I know." She said, steeling her resolve. Batman saw determination in her eyes, but not a sign of lying. He put his finger to her ear and pressed it.

"Call them here." Batman demanded.

Violet let out a huge sigh of relief. Senpai would know what to do here, he always did.

"This is Violet calling in for assistance. I-um- seem to be incapacitated." Violet said softly.

"WHAT?! By who?!" a voice familiar to Batman rung through. He was able to descramble her voice easily. He leaned into Violet's ear and said…

"Hello Alibaba. I've found a breadcrumb." Batman said darkly

"WAAH! E-everyone, quickly to Violet's location. Batman's got her!" Oracle shouted. A chorus of worried voices and weirdly enough loud meowing made itself clear on the line.

"I trust you'll join the party as well? I'd love to see your true face." Batman said, smirking.

"You... Fine! You want us all there so bad fine!" Alibaba shouted.

Batman turned off the communicator, leaving the chorus of noise silent.

"Can you uncuff me now? I've been compliant." Violet asked sternly.

"No. I'm bringing you all in. Tonight." Batman said with finality.

"We have done nothing wrong! Why?!" Violet asked angrily.

"You are all the Phantom Thieves, yes? The police have a lot of questions for you. On top of that I have footage of two of you breaking and entering, and another possible member for battery." Batman said sternly.

"I knew that was too easy. But it's not like you are any better, you have done all of those things for years! Why don't you turn yourself in!?" Violet yelled.

"You'll all get yourself killed with what you're doing tonight. Do you know how far the villains of this town are willing to go?! They'll eat you alive...some literally." Batman said.

"I believe in us. The Phantom Thieves won't back down to such disgusting acts!" Violet yelled.

"You can't be older than fifteen. How'd you get involved in this?" Batman questioned.

Violet struggled against the cuffs not getting anywhere.

"It was an accident. I joined them in the last year. That's all I'm saying." Violet said.

"No. You're going to tell me everything. Like if what happened to Jervis Tetch was you or not." Batman pressed.

"So you don't believe it? None of us could at the start either. It's something you could never hope to understand. Just know we fixed him, and now he's at peace." Violet said.

"You forced him to change against his will, that's wrong." Batman said.

"What would you have us do? Beat the man to a pulp and lock him up only to escape again and again. That man was clearly out of control, loss in the abyss of his mind. Curing his mind was the only way to truly stop the bloodshed. Avenge the people who were forever lost due to his madness." Violet retorted.

Batman frowned deeper at the thought, she was right. But he remembered something.

"The footage recorded your conversation. You are being forced to do this against your will. Who is this person that terrifies you? You say you are so just but answer to a person that is using you for your own ends. Was it a hire turned blackmail situation? Was the Hatter supposed to be where your job ended?"

"OUT OF MY WAY!" A motorcycle roared in Batman's direction and he jumped out of the way avoiding the blow. He glared at the Metal Rider.

"Violet are you okay? I rode her as fast as I could. The others are on their way. Our leader is on the way!" Queen glared at Batman revving her engine.

"Masked Rider, I thought you were an upholder of justice, what are you doing breaking into places and stealing information?" Batman asked.

"Big talk for someone who does it as well! Our goal is to weed out corruption in all forms! Think about it. Wayne is hiding something under that facade of a womanizer. What is he so paranoid of people finding out? I won't rest until I reveal the truth!" Queen roared.

"Queen, I'm fine. He's just been questioning me, he thinks we are hired guns." Violet said.

"That's ridiculous Batman! I would rather die than stoop that low. No, we are doing this against our will. Taken from our home and forced to battle for our family and friends lives. What's left of them anyway." Queen said in disgust.

"Who?" Batman asked impatiently.

"You don't know? He called you his champion after all." Skull pointed a gun at Batman, the knight didn't flinch tough, he could take it out in a second.

"So you are a part of this. Who are you?" Batman roared.

"Skull, though your kid didn't stop calling me scum." Skull growled.

"You beat him within an inch of his life. If he dies due to his injuries, I'm hunting you down." Batman threatened.

"Says the guy holding a girl hostage. You're no better, beating teens until they can't move any more. Can't commit crime with major brain damage after all." Skull gritted out.

"Those "kids" killed ten people and ate them as a joke." Batman responded.

"And they deserve due process. A fair trial, not an illegal judge, jury, and executioner" Queen retorted. She'll hit Ryuji over the head later for his actions. Right now they were busy.

"This is the only way. The only way to get it through to demented minds like theirs. I am incapable of whatever methods you use. Do you think I'll just lay down and hand over the keys to the city? To a couple of kids who I know nothing about. Never." Batman said.

"And I'm guessing since we don't agree with you, that makes us a villian in your eyes. Doesn't it?" Skull asked.

"I knew that I was right about you. Your nothing but a cult leader blinded by your twisted sense of justice. You'll do anything to keep control of this city. You say you stop corruption but are corrupt yourself. DO YOU NOT SEE ALL THE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS BEGGING FOR YOUR HELP?!" Queen roared.

"I'm only a man. A man willing to do anything to protect Gotham. Including taking you down." Batman cracked his knuckles in preparation.

"Perfect, dude who's cornered us wants this to happen anyway." Skull stretched. "I've been needn' a vent for how pissed off I feel for all this. Come on!"

Skull charged the Knight yelling a battle cry, and going for a hit with his hammer. Batman easily blocked and countered it, kneeing Skull in the stomach. He went for the pressure points, he had to take down the tank fast.

"Ahh! Dammit! Why can't I move?!" Skull growled out frustrated.

"Pressure points. Your form is sloppy, you rely too much on that strength of yours." Batman said coldly.

"Skull, hang on!" Queen cast her healing spell on him, he got up in a jump unscathed.

"Guess I have to take you out first." Batman said going for the biker. She charged him on her bike wanting to plow him down. He did a flip over it spraying explosive gel on the woman.

"What was that?!" Queen asked. Batman detonated the gel sending her plowing against the wall, the bike blew up in a weirdly blue explosion. She was still getting up from the blow, that was normally a one-hit blow.

"Violet, here!" Skull lock picked her cuffs open. She stood up with anger in her eyes.

"Now it's a fair fight!" Violet did a mighty brave blade towards the Knight, the three sashes cutting the pavement with its strength. Batman jumped and rolled, throwing a batarang towards the girl.

"Uh you missed." Violet said.

"Did I?" A giant freeze blast froze the girl in place. She shivered at the temperature.

"Shit here!" Skull tossed a Thaw Stone at her, unfreezing her.

"This is it! Checkmate!" Queen yelled.

The Dark Knight grunted, this must be the power Cass was talking about. It wasn't like anything he's experienced before.

"Ahhhhh!" Violet charged slashing Batman multiple times. He could only move so fast to block a few. The spell was too strong.

Skull aimed his shotgun right at his chest. "This'll hurt!"

BOOM!

Batman slid across the room, steadying himself from the blast. It did minor damage. Skull shook his head. He got too into the battle, he could have killed him! He needed to work on fighting in the real world.

"His suit is resistant to guns. Light em' up!" Queen commanded. A big blue explosion surrounded Batman, that hurt him greatly.

"HE'S DOWN GET HIM!" the three rushed him. Queen did massive blows to his face. Skull slammed down his hammer, then Violet jumped and did a spinning slash all across his chest.

The Dark Knight spitted out blood. He had to fight dirty here. He dropped a smoke bomb, flooding the area with a dense cloud.

"Dammit he used a smoke bomb!" Skull said searching blindly.

"Don't let him get away. We had him. Let's finish this now and be done with all of this!" Queen shouted.

The Knight swooped down on her. She could heal so she had to go first.

"Spread out and-AGGGH!" Queen screamed as she was dived on and knocked out.

"Queen? QUEEN!" Violet shouted. As the smoke cleared she found and rushed to her unconscious friend.

"She's out cold. Do you have any revivers?" Violet asked, panicked.

"No. Dammit, what do we do?!" Skull screamed worried. He wasn't a good planner after all.

Suddenly gunshots blew to the roof tops and made Batman evade and retreat to another vantage point.

"You idiots have to keep your eyes open. Huddle up backs against each other. Don't let his fear tactics scare you." Crow said from another rooftop. Panther was beside him, shocked. Fox joined them, also looking around for the Knight.

"Hey don't kill him!" she cried.

"Skull shot him point blank in the chest and you're worried about me?" Crow asked.

"It's no use, guns don't work on him. His armor is too thick!" Violet shouted.

"Good to know. Let us keep close and keep a keen eye for him." Fox replied.

Batman narrowed his white eyes. He takes out one and three take her place. He had to keep back. The two new males looked like they had eagle eyes. He pulled out his remote control.

The Batwing dived down through the clouds. It's weapon system activated. Armed with rubber bullets and tasers. Even some tranquilizer bullets. It dived down closer to the building.

"The hell's that?" Skull said looking up.

"It's coming closer." Fox said.

"Shit! Everyone take cover!" Crow screamed just as it opened fire. Everyone managed except Skull and Panther. Panther was electrocuted and squirming on the floor. Skull looked down and saw several tranquilizers in his body. And fell down like a rock asleep.

Fox opened fire as did the rest of them. It wasn't doing much damage. The hail of bullets continued to soar past them.

"It's not working. What do we do?!" Violet shouted.

"Dammit, let me think." Crow said, thinking up a strategy.

All of a sudden a huge grenade was shot and exploded right on the mark. One of the Batwings engines was destroyed. It swirled in circles, smoke and fire bursting out of it. It crashed on the empty streets. Just like she planned.

"I'm here everyone. Let's make some bat soup." Noir grinned sweetly. What a rush! She needed some more.

Morgana went the stealth route. Using his cat form, Batman had no chance. He searched around building to building. Until he found him, hiding in a corner cover.

Batman cursed his luck. Where did that girl get a grenade launcher?! Who funded these thieves?

Batman heard soft meows from an alleyway. He paid no attention to the stray cat as it ran away.

Probably scared it off with all the noise.

A sudden hail of bullets rained down on his position. HOW DO THEY FIND HIM?!

"Come out Batman! Let's continue our talk." Crow called out.

Batman had no other choice, the Batmobile can't reach this height without being discovered. He swooped down to the thieves.

"You've made your point. Who are you?" Batman asked.

"My associate here has already told me, you know we are the Phantom Thieves. Noir? Could you take care of Panther? She's still squirming." Crow said.

The girl went over and helped Panther with her ailment. Panther recovered quickly and got to work healing the others who were down.

"Fox, keep your sights on him, don't kill him. Our dear lord wouldn't want that now would he?" Crow said. Fox aimed his assault rifle at him. The now revived Queen and Skull followed suit with Panther behind them.

Batman felt a large barrel on his back. He looked over his shoulder and saw Noir sweetly waving at him. Then just as fast aimed her launcher back with an evil grin on her face.

"I apologize for Skull's lack of tact. He always does things without thinking." Crow continued.

"HEY!" Skull yelled before getting elbowed by Queen.

"Quite you. What were you thinking?! Beating up Robin?! Showing your real power?!" Crow said.

"I was just defending myself. He was an asshole that needed to be taught some manners." Skull grumbled.

"Watch your mouth or I'll shut it for you." Batman threatened.

"*Sign* No matter, it's not like it really affects things. We just got to be more cautious now." Crow said.

"You don't strike me as someone who cares about justice or people harmed. Queen here I can understand not wanting harm done. What's your motive, are you the person they're all so scared of?" Batman pressed.

"Hmph. True. I don't care, I'm just working with them to get revenge on the person they're so scared of. You know him, do you? He never shuts up about how much he loves Batman." Crow said harshly.

Batman widened his eyes at that. "You mean Joker?" This could be the lead he's been waiting for.

"What? No. He's our leader." Skull said only to get elbowed by Queen instead.

"He means the clown one Skull." she said.

"There's another Joker? Who would want to copy a man who kills hundreds. And why will all your talk of justice follow him?" Batman asked.

"I ask that question everyday." Joker shot up the building walking up to Batman. A young girl followed him.

"Sup, you wanted to see me. Here I am." Alibaba said.

"So you are the leader." Batman said.

"What do you want with us?" Joker asked.

"He wants to turn us in." Queen said.

"He can try." Crow said.

"Crow, stop egging him on. We're trying to make peace." Joker said.

"They said you had a deadline to meet. Who's forcing you to comply?" Batman asked.

"Does the name #! $! #$. The name !$!#$!#$. THE NAME ! #$ !#$!" Joker screamed.

Joker was getting frustrated. How hard was it to say a name?! He tried again and again, desperate to end all this before it got out of hand. But then...he started to notice something...about the world all around him. The rain pouring down on him slowed, from a light drizzle, to seeing the drops of water seem to float in mid air.

Batman and his teams blinking and talking slowed to a crawl...Joker noticed the slight inhale of Batman, seeming to be about to say something...but was not fast enough to do so.

Time froze as Joker looked around in a panicked state. There had to be a cause to this.

As he looked around he saw something strange suddenly appear in his line of sight.

Bat-mite could be seen on top of Batman's head. He laid on his stomach, hands resting his head with his legs kicking up and down.

He was proudly wearing Jervis' old hat, his fake ears poked out through the brim. He grinned wickedly, but with a slight twist of dissappointment.

"Trying to form a pact with him are we?" Bat-mite asked.

"I thought you would like that. Reflections working together as one could say." Joker responded.

"You are already bonded with him. AS AN ENEMY! I want to see drama, horror, a battle between similar minds but not similar enough to work together!" Bat-mite screamed.

"YOU SAID I HAD CONTROL OVER HOW WE WENT ABOUT THINGS! This is how I would go about it! We disagree but like Akechi we should be able to find common ground and form a bond. Then we work together to fix this society, weeding out corruption one palace at a time." Joker argued.

"Common ground? Society? FUCK ALL THAT NOISE! So disappointing, you were being so awesome for a moment there. The way Ryuji beat up Robin, making Bats remember that horrible night? THAT was what I wanted. The two of you bashing each other's heads in until one's on top. Preferably Batman." Batmite said.

"So you want me to be the villain in this. The very thing I rebel against being called. THE VERY THING I WORKED SO HARD TO CORRECT?!" Joker screamed.

"YES YOU IDIOT! You think I want to see you guys hug it out. Batman becomes yet another bad-ass father figure to you. Awww~ he's teaching him how to use a batarang~! Oh~Let's dress him up like Robin! That'll be soooo cute! NO WAY!" Bat-mite screamed.

"What do you want me to be? You have the power to change reality, yet instead of just forcing me to act the part you make me act my true self. Why?"

"Cause you're the most canon accurate IDIOT! I want accuracy, I want drama, I WANT BLOOD!" Bat-mite screamed jumping up and down like a tantrum-having child.

"Canon? Whatever… This is my truest self. Batman has his issues, but he can change, all of Gotham can change just give me a chance." Joker pleaded.

"Clearly you can't comprehend what I want. YOU. ARE. HIS. ENEMY! The Rouge that takes out all other Rogues. The ultimate battle between two morally grays. IT'S WAY TOO EARLY FOR FUCKING BATMAN TO JUST SHAKE YOUR HAND AND WORK WITH YOU!" Bat-mite screamed.

"So you do want it to happen?" Joker asked.

"Don't question a higher being's plan, dipshit. You deserve punishment. You need to learn to just shut up and obey." Bat-mite said darkly.

"You ask me to do the very thing the Phantom Thieves swore to never do! To just sit there and let things play out how they are supposed to!" Joker yelled.

"I'm well aware of that. But let me ask you one question. Who would you rather die first? Iwai or Ohya?"

"What…?" Joker asked, shocked.

"It's clear you forgot what's at stake here. You think this is some game. It is, but it's my game and I make the rules. I don't want you being all friendly with Batman. And your thick skull still needs convincing. So, who's first Iwai or Ohya?

"Please don't." Joker said softly.

"Can't pick I can. Ohya was so useless to you. Like I got her place in the story but what was up with the skills you got from her? It decreases security? How could a newspaper do that? It would benefit you more for it to increase because enemies would read it and see you more as a threat." Bat-mite said.

"What are you talking about?! Please don't kill her or Iwai. No more death!" Joker screamed.

"Oh sorry, I missed the part where I cared. She was such a useless waste of time. Lala was a much more interesting person! All Ohya did was get drunk, listen to you and wrote shit about it. Though her connection to Shido and her friend was interesting. How about it Joker? You want to see your nosy reporter die? I'll add Lala in for free~." Bat-mite teased.

"PLEASE DON'T PLEASE!" Akira was crying, he knew it fell on deaf ears.

"Aw cheer up bud. We only have one more after this one. Hehehe!" Bat-mite rubbed his hands together gleefully. He teleported Akira away to be a powerless bystander in another one of his friends' deaths. The world left behind stayed in limbo.

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Crossroads was empty besides bartender Lala cleaning out glasses. Her only customer was the alcoholic reporter Ohya. She has been worse off lately, the news of Akira's death had hit her hard. The death of all of his high school friends didn't sit well either.

"Lala I have to find out what happened to them. I can't stand this! They went through so much only to be killed so gruesomely." Ohya sobbed.

"This country is going right back into hell. Have you heard what happened to the tall lanky boy Akira brought once? I checked in on him one day. The university said that the dorm had an accident in his room and he won't be back. They would answer any questions. I asked the kids in the dorms. They said police had dragged a body out of the room. The boy was burnt to a crisp." Lala shook her head sadly.

"The boy I interviewed for Akira is dead too. They called it sucide, but I have other thoughts. What if the mental shutdowns are returning? What if they found someone else to do their dirty work. With Niijima gone the prosecuter's office is in disarray, people ran scared at the sight of her murder. The two cops that laid beside her confirmed the hunch for me. There was no record of misbehavior on the two. Shining examples of law enforcement gunned down a family with deep roots in the law. It makes no sense. There has to be fool play." Ohya said.

"I want in on this. Akira was such a sweet boy. It infuriates me that these bastards would kill so many young people after everything they've been through. I love this bar. But I love my friends more. HE WILL BE AVENGED!" Lala shouted.

"Here, here! To taking down these people once and for all!" They did a toast to vengeance.

Ohya guzzled her glass down. She needed relief in these times. Though something about the drink was funny tasting.

"Fool. You're so quick to guzzle the devil's nectar down." Lala smirked easily. A drop of black blood fell onto the bar counter, alerting Ohya.

"ACKk AKKc!"Ohya felt a sharp pain in her throat. Her stomach felt like it was melting. She coughed out blood and the world spun around her. She fell on the tile floor of trying in vain to get air into her falling lungs. Foam gushed out of her mouth as the cyanide pill did it's work.

Lala walked around the counter and leaned down towards her long time friend. The effects of the shutdown showing itself blood rush out of her every orifice. She smiled wickedly at Ohya's dying form.

"Die, knowing you'll never get your precious answers." Lala laughed.

Ohya reached out to her friend for help. Her eyes pleading that this not be true. Black blood flowed onto her face as the world faded to blackness. Ohya fought for life to the last moment, her arm falling weakly to the ground in her last breath. She laid there staring off into space, her wide, betrayed expression permanently shown in her death.

Lala walked back over behind the bar, she plopped another pill into a glass of alcohol. She raised the glass up and smiled. The police wouldn't suspect a thing, and the nosey reporter was dead so she could kill the rest without anyone looking into it further.

Bat-mite smiled as he forced the woman to swallow the drink, she spasmed on the floor grinning wickedly black blood pooled around her. So much for looking into things.

"Looks like Crossroads is closed. How ya feeling Akira?" Bat-mite asked, gripping Akira's face by the cheeks.

Akira sobbed at the screen, the fire in his eyes roared a massive headache overtook him at the sounds of hundreds of personas screaming for vengeance filled his mind.

"That's it. I can hear them screaming for my end. How'd they like my acting? I think I did Lala justice. Only one more to go, though the kid doesn't count of course." Bat-mite grinned.

"The kid? No… NO! Kaoru has nothing to do in all this! Please, I've learned my lesson, don't kill them! PLEASE!" AKira screamed.

Bat-mite wrapped heavy chains against the boy in response. The weight made Akira go to his knees.

"Beg all you want. I told you this would happen if you went against me. You only have yourself to blame. Don't worry Akira, I'll give Iwai a cool death. An ex-Yakuza member deserves it after all." Bat-mite smiled.

Akira struggled at the chains. He couldn't stop Bat-mite with Ohya, he can't stop him now. But his rage threw him towards ending the runt.

"A shame, I always thought Iwai was cool. Such a badass exterior was actually a big old softie underneath. Hits me in the feelings really. But it can't be helped." Batmite snapped his fingers and they dissappeared from the soon to be crime scene.

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Iwai was reading a magazine with his legs kicked up under the desk. Kaoru was sweeping up the Untouchables shop. He smiled as he looked at his son, He really owed Akira for bringing them closer together.

Five yakuza members walked down the alleyway. Masa led the charge, it was late at night the streets were barren. People are such cowards when tragedy struck. The fall of Okumura Tower made everyone on edge. He only saw opportunity, a new era for the Yakuza to rise up. Tsuda disagreed strongly with his ideas, he answered by killing him slowly with his knife. The boss of the clan seemed to have a change of heart too. He promoted Masa to Tsuda's old spot.

The men were at the corner of the street. Boss wanted Iwai dead for leaving the clan, he'll be a lesson to all others. You live as a yakuza, you die as a yakuza. Anyone who goes soft, is put in the ground.

Iwai saw Masa in the corner of his eye. He narrowed his eyes and reached for his shotgun under the counter. It blended in greatly with the fake stuff he sold, the cops had no way of telling the differences. Akira retaught him to protect the ones he loved, he will do so now.

"Kaoru hide, NOW!" Iwai said. The boy was confused but followed instructions. Iwai narrowed his eyes on the men who came close to his shop. The news of the train crash hit Iwai hard. He had just seen Akira that day. But the best way to honor one's memories is to uphold the values they taught you. He cocked his shotgun ready to defend his family.

Masa entered the shop, his four men behind them. He looked at Iwai and grinned.

"Iwai! How's it goin' man? Ya look nervous." Masa smiled.

"What do you want? Thought the boss didn't like ya messin' with me." Iwai said.

"Boss has changed. Times have changed. We are cleansing these streets of rats. Starting with you." Masa said darkly.

"Over my dead body." Iwai growled out.

"That's the idea. Boys?" Masa walked to the back of the paact as the four men openly fired on Iwai. Iwai ducked behind the counter. The glass shattering, bullets rained all around him. He waited until the right moment. He aimed the gun at the men.

BOOM! BOOM!

Two men hit the ground dead. Their black blood sprayed all over the entry window. Staining all the items and mannequins Iwai had set up around the shop. He tried to duck down and reload but a lucky bastard got him in the shoulder.

"AARGG!" Iwai screamed as he hit the shelving behind him sliding onto the floor. It was lodged there good. He tried to move his arm but the pain was too great.

"Search the place. I know his brat's here somewhere." Masa barked.

"LEAVE HIM OUT OF THIS! THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM!" Iwai shouted, furious.

"Oh, but it does. Because it deals with you." Masa pressed the barrel of his pistol into Iwai's wound. Iwai screamed in response.

"YOU WON'T TOUCH A HAIR ON MY BOY!" Iwai roared, punching Masa in the face. Black blood flew out of his mouth. He spun away, Iwai jumped up. He was prepared to fight the pain and go down swinging for his family.

"Stop or the kid gets it." A minion said, pressing the barrel up to Kaoru. The kid was sobbing in response. Iwai stopped, terrified and raised the only hand he could.

Masa laughed wickly, getting up slowly in pain.

"Oh man! Still got some fight in ya eh, old man?" Masa smiled.

"Just let him go. Kill me but let him go." Iwai said softly.

"Dad no!" Kaoru sobbed. The thug pistol whipped him into submission.

"Don't do this, I'm begging you." Iwai pleaded.

"Don't try anything funny. Both of ya!" Masa demanded pointing his gun at Iwai's head.

"Pick him up." Masa commanded. The thug did what he was told. Kaoru got up dazed, his glasses broken.

"I'm going to enjoy every second of this Iwai. You think honor can get ya anywhere. No Iwai...no." Masa said. The thug holding Kaoru reloaded his gun and placed it back onto the kid's head.

"I swear I will kill you! ALL YOU MOTHERFUCKERS ARE GOING DOWN INTO THE DIRT!" Iwai screamed. Masa punched him in the stomach, silencing Iwai.

Masa gripped Iwai's head up, holding his eyes open. The pistol pressed tight to his head.

"Watch Iwai. WATCH YOUR SON'S BRAIN'S SPLATTER!" Masa yelled.

"NOOO!" Iwai broke free of Masa's hold running to his son.

"DAD -I LOV-" A loud sound echoed through the store. Karou fell to the ground dead before Iwai could reach him. Before his son could even finish his last.

"KAROU! *sob* NO! You're okay, you're okay!" Iwai hugged Karou closely. His son's blood staining his clothes.

"Hmph. Born a coward, die a coward. You should thank me. I got rid of such a runt. Though you'll join him soon." Masa said, pointing the gun back at Iwai.

"I'll kill you. You hear me?! I'LL KILL-!"

BOOM!

Same as his son, Iwai dropped dead. The two of them lay hugging each other even in death.

"I'd say a fitting end, don't you Akira?" Masa asked no one.

There was no answer, no reaction to the slip in Masa's question.

"But, eh? Why not?" Masa shot his two goons dead. The shop was ruined by all the blood stains everywhere.

"You just have to give a fitting end to these things. Or else who knows what could happen? Someone could die! Could you imagine?" Masa laughed mainacally, pointing the gun to himself and pulling the trigger.

The cops came rushing in. The two detectives that stepped out were the one's Iwai tricked away long ago.

"I knew he was no good. Shameful, bringing a mere child into death with him. What a horrible father." One detective said looking at the scene.

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"AGGGHHH!" Akira screamed. Rage fueled the room, the curse energy that he inherited from Sataneal rushed towards Bat-mite. The energy seem to break the spell of whatever Batmite was casting. Though as they reentered the city of Gotham, the world was still at a standstill.

"OOF!" Bat-mite flew off of Batman and against the wall of the next building.

"I WILL NOT LET YOU TORMENT MY WARD ANY LONGER! DIE DEMON, AND FACE THE TRUE JUDGEMENT OF HELL!" Sateneal roared at the tiny god. His enormous form blocking out the full moon, as well as half of the sky. He pointed his long pistol at the god.

Alice joined him as well, hundreds of her teddy bear lackeys surrounded the god ready to send him to the after life. Their forms all around the block ready for action.

"My senpai will be free to live life as he choses. DIE DIE DIEEE! BLACK VIPER! EAT THIS PIECE OF TRASH WHOLE!" Alice screamed.

A giant black snake shot up from below the asphalt streets below. It swirled around the building. It came up to Bat-mite as let out a loud hiss, showing its long venomous fangs.

"Ooh! I see you used my key to unlock Alice. Very clever move Joker. Though it's not as though you freed the giant that stands before me. I see the chains surrounding him, Akira. You may have freed him during your battle of Yaldoaboth. But you needed the public's support to do so. You can not defeat me with such inferior minions! COME ON! ENTERTAIN ME!" Bat-mite roared as he got up.

"YOU WILL DIE! I'LL SHOW NO MERCY! GET HIM!" Alice screamed. The hundreds of teddy bears all jumped towards him. The viper went for a large bite of its prey.

Bat-mite grinded wickedly. He pulled out his cardboard batarang and threw it at the snake. As it spun it grew to enormous size. It sliced the giant serpent in half, the shadow quickly disappearing.

The cloud of bears closed in onto him, he just let them. A giant explosion blew outward, making a huge crater the building and into the wall of the next. Smoke flooded the area, Alice was confident, until a grappling hook struck her through the chest. It retracted, pulling her into the smoke. Bat-mite took hold of her and snapped her neck. A freed shadow can die, but he just made her transport back into her cell. He had more plans for her.

Bat-mite walked out of the smoke dramatically. His little cape bellowed in the wind he made swoop through. He smirked evilly at Joker, still chained up and struggling to fight.

"I WILL STOP YOU! I WON'T LET YOU DEFILE MY TEAM'S NAME ANY LONGER!" Akira yelled as he broke free of the chains. He raised his pistol, Satanael mimicking the action.

"You should really learn how to channel that fury of yours. YOU CAN'T DEFEAT ME AT THIS LEVEL WEAKLING DO YOUR WORST!" Bat-mite screamed.

"BEGONE DEMON! LET MY SINFUL SHELL END YOUR EVIL!" Satanael roared.

"STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!" Akira roared out unleashing the giant bullet towards Bat-mite.

The bullet soared at high speeds towards the runt, but stopped inches from his face.

"What?!" Akira said, shocked.

"Don't compare me to beneath that weakling who tricked you for so long. You think it'll be that easy? THAT I WASN'T PREPARED FOR THIS EXACT MOMENT?! EVEN WITH SATANAEL AT FULL POWER, YOU'RE STILL NO MATCH FOR ME!" Bat-mite spun around, bringing the bullet around with him, building up speed.

"DOWN DOGGY!" Bat-mite roared. The bullet shot right back at Satanael, piercing him right in the chest.

"ARGH! This can not be! My ward...I'm sorry." Satanael croaked out as he clutched his chest in pain. The shadow slowly disappeared. The massive figure left Akira kneeling in defeat and in pain, as he too felt the bullet go through him.

"No… You can't be this strong." Akira croaked out clutching his chest. Bat-mite walked over and kicked Akira on his back. He stomped on where the bullet hit, Akira screamed in pain.

"It's clear that I need to take more control of the situation. Hold still." Bat-mite's fingers turning into claws. He pierced Akira into the chest, pumping black blood into the Trickster.

"ARGG! I'll never deal out your orders. NEVER!" Akira screamed as the black blood filled his body.

"I controlled the great Maruki to deal out Sumire's death, remember? Without your friends you would have never defeated him. What does that make you can stop me in terms of rebelling against my control?" Bat-mite grinned.

"ARRRG!" Akira screamed as more and more black blood filled his body. The Trickster fought with all his might to resist. It was no use, the world was fading to black.

"Shh. Take a load off, and watch from the backseat. I will make a villain out of you yet. You just have to be a good dog...and obey." Bat-mite laughed.

The Phantom Thieves were powerless to stop him. They were all frozen in time as Bat-mite did his work. Bat-mite had full control of Joker now. He smiled, time to make a good entrance.

Time continued back up slowly, the clouds in the sky resuming their path. The rain started to pick back up its speed. The world returned to normal, with Joker in the position he was before.

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Batman noticed a slight, sudden change in Joker...almost as if something occured in the last nanosecond after he tried to say the name.

A strange almost distored sound escaped his mouth when he tried. Almost akin to censorship of a bad word.

Batman saw Joker freeze for a second as his eyes widened. Something

"What is his name?" Batman demanded.

"Joker, tell him." Queen said, concerned.

"Hey, are you okay man? You don't look so hot." Skull sweated.

"Tell me his name. I promise to free all of you. We could make great allies. I just need to know just how you're doing all this. Make sure that you are truly for justice. What do you say?" Batman slowly held his hand out for Joker to shake. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife.

Batman held the hand, staring at the still leader. He noticed something odd. Blood seemed to come out of his nose and mouth. It was an unusual black tint, Joker took on a mad smile. The kind, determined eyes of a leader replaced by a mad stare to reveal Crow's. The grey coloring slowly turning to a bright yellow.

Joker slapped the hand away and pointed his gun to Batman's head.

"What is this?" Batman demanded narrowing his eyes.

"Joker? What are you doing? This isn't what we planned!" Noir said desperately.

"Something's wrong. The blood...Joker's not in control!" Crow quickly aimed his gun at Joker, the rest of the team doing the same.

"Hehehe...try to betray me? At your level you're lucky I don't kill you all just to bring you back again. Joker's not home Batman. You are speaking to the god they are so afraid of." Joker laughed, wiping the black blood from his mouth to form a wicked smile on his face.

Batman narrowed his eyes, he tried to recall who had that much power to control a person to this degree. The list was too long to deduce right now.

"What do you want with them? They're just children, how can you hope to defeat me with such means?" Batman gritted out.

"These children have the means to take you out. Whether they like it or not, they will obey. First their friends die, then the torture starts. Then if they still fight me, I'll just control them as you see in their great leader." Joker waved his hand presenting himself.

"You bastard, let him go!" Skull screamed.

"You said you wanted us to take control. Why are you doing this?!" Fox yelled.

"SHUT UP! Or do you want to be a puppet too. You know what? Let's do that." Joker smiled.

Batman watched as the group all suddenly fell to the floor screaming in pain.

Skull screamed and screamed bloody murder. The only thing that stopped it was the insane laughter that replaced it. He slowly got up, spit some black blood out of his mouth and joined his leader. He pointed his gun back at the Knight, grinning evilly.

"SKULL NO! You'll pay, you hear me?! *giggle*" Panther said as black blood dripped out of her mouth. " You...you….hehehe... HAHAHAHA!" Panther laughed. She joined the turned group, pressing her weapon tightly against Batman's chest.

"Senpai! No we can fight this! Together…*giggle* together...HAHAHA! Oh~ what bullshit!" Violet said as she got up and joined the group.

"No…*sob* S-stop...hehe…please…" Alibaba cried. Her sobbing slowly turned into maniacal laughter. She sauntered over to the group.

"Ah~ begging. So sweet, so desperate for freedom." Alibaba said to the Knight.

"Stop this! You proved your point. Have you no mercy? Do you get joy out of this?" Batman chided.

Noir was clutching her head tighty. Her struggles stopped slowly as she heard him.

"Mercy...he has no mercy….hehehe… I...I...I HAVE NO MERCY! HAHAHA!" Noir laughed as she too got up. Her crazed state walking behind Batman and pressing her launcher back against his back.

"What is this hell you have thrown us into. *hm* I swear on my life I'll *hmhmhm* end this." Fox started laughing maniacally. His deep laughter was enough to send chill through anyone that wasn't the Dark Knight.

"No...NO! I WON'T LET THIS STAND! JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL! *giggle* Justice…*hmhmhm* HAHAHA! Justice, what a joke." Queen laughed as she got up.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Crow screamed out. He was lasting the longest due to having the same power. "I'LL KILL YOU! YOU CAN NOT CONTROL ME! *giggle* hmhmhmHAHA YOU CANNOT CONTROL- HAHAHAHAHAHA! Such an ego on this one, such fire. I love it." Crow walked back to Batman, the black blood flooding out of his helmet.

"Where were we? Oh, yes! Say how hard you'll beat me. How you'll swear vengeance upon us." Joker laughed at Batman.

"I'm putting you down. You can't hide behind them forever." Batman growled.

"Hmph. That's more like it. By year's end you'll fear this Joker more than you ever did the other. Not due to crime, but by the lack of it. Catch us Batman! They fail and they all die!" Joker said.

The whole group laughed hysterically before one by one disappearing in a cloud of smoke. All that was left was a card. Batman picked it up and read it.

See you soon.

Love, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

"Oracle, get me a list of possible psychics still on the run. The Phantom Thieves are being controlled against their will." Batman said.

"I saw. God, those poor kids. They wanted to make peace too. I don't think we've ever experienced such a foe before." Oracle said.

"Whoever's pulling the strings threatened their life. I'm calling a bluff, whatever they did to Hatter he can't quite replicate. He needs them. That will keep them alive." Batman said.

"For now at least. I would try to capture them again to get more answers. Particularly just how they change hearts." Oracle said.

"They're not making a move tonight. They need to recover from whatever just happened to them. I'm closing the case for now. But I will stop them." Batman said.

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MIRROR FOOL RANK 3/10

Class C Priority

Case update: Whoever this person pulling the strings is, is very powerful. They clearly are not in control due to the attempted peace making. At least I have a rundown on all the members, at least hopefully before they try to make other allies. Why would someone take on Joker's name though? Joker hates copycats, it's like a giant target on the back. That at least rules out him having anything to do with it. Though they must be stopped before the two meet. Who knows what war Joker would unleash to kill them.

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Batman jumped off the building to check the damage on the downed Batwing. It would need a more resilient hull to take on Noir's weaponry. He looked back on the building the encounter took place. He wondered how far the thieves would be willing to go for their freedom.

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AN:

It's done. Now I can move onto the next day. This chapter went on for way longer than planned. But when inspiration strikes you must act. Yusuke would be disappointed otherwise.

Did you guys like Catwoman's introduction. I know you wanted Ann to meet her first, but the thought of Yusuke owing her seemed like a better fit to them. She likes being in control of the partnership after all.

Riddler will also be making a comeback but not for a while. He needs to plan how to deal with his new adversary.

I wanted the thieves' entrance to be as awesome as possible. I think it went well. Bat-mite forcing their hands also addresses how the Phantoms would more likely join Batman that battled him. Now there's no going back...Unless of course Bat-mite is defeated.

How many more will die due to his selfishness. Poor Lala, Ohya, Karou, and Iwai. Such sad deaths to add to the kill list.

Makes me wonder how far Akira will go to avenge them.

Stay tuned! :3

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BONUS:

Morgana watched patiently as the crew discussed with Batman. He didn't give away his position, just in case Batman tried to get sneaky on them again. All was going well until…

"Watching from the shadows as always eh, Morgana?" Bat-mite scared the cat.

"What do you want? We're just about to do as requested." Morgana scowled at the god.

"You all twisted my words. I want you to fight him not befriend him." Bat-mite growled.

"But this is what we would-!" Morgana was suddenly silenced by Bat-mite.

"I'm tired of having this argument. I already had it with Akira, he's already getting his punishment." Bat-mite growled.

"What? But he's talking to Batman right now!" Morgana yelled.

"Look closer." Bat-mite said.

Morgana saw as his friends all collapsed on the ground, writhing in pain.

"What?! THE HELL ARE YOU- ARGGG!" Morgana yelled out in pain as a headache overtook him.

"Sleep. The group needs to learn that you are not the heroes of this story." Bat-mite said.

Morgana was taken over by Bat-mite. He led him to the rest of the group. No need to spoil his identity to Batman. There were much better ways to make Batman never trust a cat again.