AN: Hey peeps, I'm going to try and wrap this arc up this chapter. We are nearing/ currently in October depending on when this is completed. No worries though I don't like rushing things along, Panther deserves a good mirror palace and I'll give it to her.
FEEDBACK:
Docron: Glad you liked it. 3
Leo0074: Yes you're right, but I think the key thing to remember with each counter Batman tries is that he doesn't know how it all works yet. I think it goes something like this: Batman is unbeatable with preparation. And that's the point of the masks and every time he adapts, he is not prepared but will be.
EternalKirby:
I never really considered Taila a good fit for a mirror until you pointed that all out. But I think the one I have planned will fit well for Haru's character themes.
Yeah, Joker is really turning Batman's harem of girls against him, the only one missing is Harley and Ivy. And Harley iis already a target, and Ivy will be too at some point.
Mmmm….bringing Zatanna back as a Persona? I feel that might fuck with Constantine's head a bit too much. I mean, I like the idea and all, but I'm trying to tie in fictional characters outside from the DCU. I get what you're saying though. It does sound cool.
You're right. I'll have to add in more Holly moments throughout the rest of this arc to truly activate that feeling and make her make Shiho better.
Also never be afraid to offer criticism. At least to this fic, I want it to be as good as it can be, and your explanation helps a lot for me fixing this issue. Thanks a million 3
Guest: Whoops checked the wrong wiki thanks.
On another note I totally remember that brave and the bold episode. It was what led me to make this fic actually. I remember that episode as proof that if used correctly, Batmite would make such a good villain. It actually kinda irks me the writers at DC don't use him more than some cameos here and there.
Gamelover41592: It's going somewhere, that's for sure.
Sega Kuro: Yeah I had to give a replacement to Kawakami's maid services. The nekos fit the bill nicely. Sorry for the mishap with the copy thing. And happy birthday in the fic.
Broken Requiem: Sorry for answering your question like a month late. I rarely check PMs due to lack of activity there. To answer your question, I recall reading that a lantern must die before seeking out a new bearer. So While Mona may be worthy of a blue power ring as a literal incarnation of Hope, I doubt he will get one. I mean it could happen but I really want to focus on the persona aspect of his powers.
Same thoughts of Red Hood he would be a very chaotic neutral. AS when I do introduc him he will be just starting out in his murder spree.
Yeah I must have forgotten about that. I'll make sure Joker properly itemizes all allies in the future.
WARNING: Do you guys even read this, god knows I don't lmao. It's a M rated story and we're more than 20 chapters in. Anyway to the story.
Enjoy~
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May 25th Midday
Selina's Palace
The monster that Batman had become roared. It hunched over as he growled, jagged scars all over its body, it's sparse black fur doing nothing to cover them as long wings grew out of its back. It seemed almost ninety percent of its body was covered in scars from past battles, a fierce warrior that just refused to die.
Joker performed a heat riser and charged with the rest of his team, Batman simply threw them all back. It screeched as bats swarmed all around them in the catacombs. All the bats dived towards the team, them taking minor damage as Batman disappeared into the swarm.
"He is gone, stay close to one another." Crow said. The team did just that with Skull charging everyone up with his fighting spirit.
Joker summoned Ares, ready to counter whatever Batman throws.
Out of the shadows Batman dived bombed to the ground slamming Skull, the shockwave he unleashed turned to a massive wind attack. Easy for the others to dodge but with Skull down he took the most damage.
"YOU SON OF A-!" Skull's trait kicked in, and he delivered a super punch that landed, Batman flew back a flew feet but landed with his wings, but with the charge and the trait stacking, Batman was already clenching his stomach.
Batman jumped a device in his leg and healed up completely.
"Shit." Skull said.
"That will not happen again." Batman performed a heat riser himself.
Crow simply debilitated him to counter.
"That will do." Crow said.
Panther unleashes a blazing hell spell on Batman, with his defense lowered he took more damage though he was resistant to the fire.
"Fire doesn't work! USE YOUR HEAD IDIOT!" Crow shouted.
Batman narrowed his eyes and reached to his belt and threw multiple batarangs that exploded on impact. Joker and Crow dodged all of them, PAnther and Skull didn't bother as the fire didn't hurt them.
Joker went with a superhuman physical attack with Ares, Unleashing a multitude of blows on Batman, most missed but one managed to land. Batman growled in response. While he was distracted Skull managed to hit him with as much electricity as possible . The sheer power managed to shake the monster.
"OPEN FIRE!" Joker yelled.
Crow did so, downing the Knight.
"IT'S GOING TO BE A MASSACRE!" Crow roared as they all performed an all out attack.
Batman hissed in pain. He pulled out a button and pressed it sending a shrill noise throughout the tunnels.
The Phantom Thieves held their heads to stop the noise.
"The hell was that?!" Skull roared as it stopped. It strangely did no damage to anyone.
"He's planning something, stay on guard." Crow said.
Panther unleashed her new Dominatrix move on Batman, it landed not was, as he countered all of her moves and kicked her away. That left her close to defeat.
"Panther's close. Someone heal the idiot!" Crow hissed.
Batman unleashed a smokescreen, disappearing from sight.
"Guard!" Joker commanded.
The rest obeyed.
Batman from his vantage point raised his arm to his mouth and said, "Now".
Bats swormed all around the team, but through the chattering of the bat, caws could be heard as well0. Three winged me, and a bat woman all dive bombed the team. They took little damage from their defensive stances. The backflipped away and Batman joined them.
They were all of different stature and size, representing each of the Bat-family. Much like their father, they all had jagged scars all over their body, their uniforms torn to shreds.
Nightwing's wings were slicked back blue and black featrhers. His teeth fanged as he unleashed his sticks, his whole body crackling with electricity. His body was more lean than the rest, and more flexible.
Red Robin's feather's were red and black, his body the biggest among the three sons. His muscles flexed as he pulled out his staff. The shield formed on it and he rammed it into the ground, sending a wave of air.
Batgirl took more after Batman, being the most batlike. Fire speed out of her breath as she readied herself.
Robin was the shortest, but most dangerous, as his wings and nails were made of razor like metal. He gave an evil smirk, only needing his father's approval to kill them all.
"We are outnumbered." Crow said.
"Not necessarily." Mona smirked. The rest of the team hurried up to them, all were mad about being taken out so easily.
"Good to see you all back in action. Let's finish this." Joker smirked.
The first to strike was Robin, his lust for blood taking over. His wings disassembled sending razors at all of the team. Joker, Fox and Crow were the only ones able to dodge them.
"Come let us strike!" Fox yelled. He sent out a heavy ice spell, hoping one of them was weak to it. Batgirl screamed as she took the damage, it downed her. Batman was unaffected, resisting the blow, Robin and Nightwing simply took damage, but it did manage to freeze Red Robin.
"GO!" Fox passed the baton to Skull, who pounded his fist and went with a Demolish, landing a technical on Red Robin.
"ALL RIGHT!" Skull passed the baton to Mona.
"Engard!" Mona sent a hurricane of wind to them all. Nightwing was weak to it as he was downed, hissing in pain. But Robin blocked it, and Batman resisted.
"ONLY TWO MORE! GO VIOLET!" Mona passed the baton.
"LETS DANCE!" Violet unleashed a heavy blessing on all of her enemies. Robin hissed as he too was downed. Batman still stood, seemingly resistant to all but electric and physical.
"Go ahead Senpai!" Violet said to Noir.
"Lucy!" Haru performed a one shot kill to Batman. The damage was a lot from the build up. But he still stood.
"Oh no!" Noir cried.
There are only so many things to try. Persona!" Queen yelled unleashing an Atomic Flare.
The blast sent Batman sliding back a few feet, but he still stood. He opened his mouth and screeched, sending fear spells all around. Affecting all but Joker, who detoxed.
Nightwing jumped back up and delivered a smokescreen. The two disappeared.
"GUARD NOW!" Joker shouted, but it was too late. Batman and Nightwing pulled physical takedowns on them, Mona was instantly out of the running, as he was slammed down brutally with electricity by Nightwing. Batman jumped over his ward and delivered a knee kick to Violet, knocking her out. Nightwing picked up Mona and threw him at Noir, the blow distracting her as he ran and pummeled her out of commission. Batman pulled out a freeze grenade and rolled it to Panther, the blast hitting her and downing her. He punched his fist through the ice hitting her face, knocking her out.
Joker scowled, he sent out Alice and unleashed a severe almighty on the both of them. The blast sent them hurling back. That was what hurt the Batman. Nightwing took even more damage though as his shadow was defeated.
"NIGHTWING!" Batman yelled. He slammed his fist to the ground creating a crater. He fully healed again.
"You will pay for that." Batman hissed. He grappled to Joker and delivered a brutal kick.
Joker grunted in pain. He switched back to Ares and traded blows with Batman.
Batman stunned him with his cape and sent him flying back.
"Joker!" Oracle cried.
"I'm fine." Joker got up and glared at Batman. He sent out Maria to cure his friends of their ailments.
Robin shook his head, and got up, he growled as he unleashed a curse spell on all his enemies. It did minimal damage.
Red Robin got up as well and delivered a zip-kick to Crow, the physical strike hurting him greatly.
Batgirl recovered, she got up and threw multiple batarangs at Queen. They all exploded on contact, but Queen's defense kept her up.
Queen delivered a Road Kill on them all, running them down with her persona. Robin was hit the worst, a critical hit downing him. But Batman managed to counter, grabbing Queen as he flipped above her, and slammed her to the ground. He violently punched her until she gave out.
"Enough of this. Come!" Fox did another ice attack on them, downing Batgirl again. He passed the baton to Skull.
"GET EM' BLACKBEARD!" Skull unleashed another demolish. Cannons rained down onto all his enemies. The power behind it gave a critical hit to Batman, making him kneel. Skull passed the baton to Joker
Joker performed a down shot on Red Robin, Red Robin screamed in pain as he too was downed. Joker took the opportunity to electrify Robin. Robin screamed as he too was down.
"LET'S GO!" Joker said, the team delivered an all out attack.
Batgirl screamed as she too was defeated. Leaving only Batman and his two Robins.
"*Spits blood* Impossible.' Batman groaned, he reached for his healing device but...his belt…
Joker held Batman's utility belt in his hand. He managed to pickpocket while they delivered that last attack. Joker threw it behind him.
"No more tricks from you." Joker said.
Batman narrowed his eyes.
"I don't need that to take you down." Batman growled.
"Prove it." Joker challenged.
Batman rushed Joker, the two traded blows once more. Joker smirked, now Batman was distracted.
Crow, Fox, and Skull charged the two Robins.
Robin unleashed his swords on them again. It hit Skull and Crow, but Fox managed to counter the swords with his own. Fox then unleashed his Artistic Blade, Robin screamed in pain as he was defeated. That left Red Robin, clenching his stomach from the damage Fox just dealt.
Red Robin and Fox traded blows with each other, Red Robin landed a hit sending Fox staggering. Skull took over with his hammer, electricity running through it as he slammed Red Robin with it. Red Robin flew to the ground on his back. Fox and Skull quickly held him down.
As Red Robin struggled to fight them off, only an inch of his life left. Crow walked up with his gun drawn, he aimed it at Red Robin's head.
"Pathetic." Crow simply said, blasting the shadow's brains out. Red Robin's body went limp and quickly disintegrated.
The three rushed to Joker's aid to finish the fight.
Batman slashed Joker with the three fins on the back off his wrist. Joker flipped out his knife and stabbed Batman in the chest.
Batman screamed in pain, grabbed Joker's shoulders and headbutted him. Joker staggered back.
Batman pulled the knife out of his chest and threw it to the side. He grabbed Joker by the collar and lifted the boy up with one hand.
"It's over." Batman hissed.
"Not til I'm dead." Joker pulled out his gun and shot Batman in the leg.
Batman roared and threw Joker on the ground delivering multiple brutal blows, offering no escape from it.
Joker was about to be defeated, when Batman was slammed from his underside from Skull's hammer.
"GET OFF HIM!" Skull roared.
Batman tried to get up, but Fox was quick to put him in a hold with his katana to Batman's neck. Batman flipped the boy over him and threw him at Skull, sending them both hurling back.
Crow charged with his sword Batman deflected all the blows with his gloves. Joker joined the fight with another almighty attack.
Batman growled as he was slammed into the dirt with that attack. When he opened his eyes, he was met with a holdup, four guns pointed at him.
Batman stayed silent as they went for the kill. The damage was done, the fight was over.
Batman clenched his stomach as he knelt to the ground.
"*Growls* You'll have to kill me." Batman said darkly.
Joker pressed his gun to Batman's head.
"Fine. It's all not real anyway." Joker said.
BANG
With that that shadow was defeated. Batman was dead.
Batman or at least the cognitive one was down. The team took a sigh of relief
"Jeez man. That was freaking ridiculous." Skull groaned.
Joker called Maria to heal the rest of the team. One by one they gathered to a door, a bat symbol engraved on it.
"We have the last will seed ahead. Panther…" Mona said.
"Right." Panther sighed.
Panther approached the room that Batman disappeared in front of. Entering alone.
"Last one...I...I promise I'll save you Selina. I swear it." Panther said to herself.
She placed a hand on the skull and the memory's flowed. Back to...when Selina met Holly, and without Bat-mite's tricks.
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The death of Irma left Selina in a relentless state of grief. It went in circles, depression, anger, but all of those feelings were beat out by the overwhelming numbness...the emptiness Irma left in her soul. And the apathy towards all others that replaced it.
She had been making scraps dancing on poles on the East side of Gotham, the most sex crazed part of town. Little burglaries here and there to make rent and food for her cats.
Why did she keep bringing more and more in? It was reaching more than she could handle, but she always met a stray's face and could never deny it a home.
Over the course of the past couple years she had made a name for herself as one of Gotham's best strippers. A dominatrix with expert whip skills. It came easily to her. All the moves Irma taught was second nature at this point, her inner rage at the world around her was aimed at the more masochistic of her clients. She had the audience wrapped around her finger.
Yet she felt so empty...alone...the more alone she felt the more cats were brought home. The more cats she brought home, the more money and shifts she had to take. A downward spiral that she could find the strength to break.
She met Stan during one of the many shifts that just blurred together as the days went on.
"You've made quite a name for yourself." Stan said.
"Have I?" Selina asked dully.
"Don't be coy with me honey. Everyone around Gotham flocks to this hole in the wall for ya moves. Like she flys around the pole they say." Stan said.
"Mmmm…" Selina said.
"Listen to this though….the amount they are payin' ya? Scraps compared to what I have to offer."
"Let me guess… you want to be my pimp?" Selina asked.
"You guessed it. How about it toots?" Stan grinned.
Many people have offered this proposition to her before. As he ranted on and on about why he was the most accomplished pimp and yadda yadda yadda...Selina's eyes dulled even more.
This isn't the audience Irma wanted her to entertain. She always said the lowest a woman can go is to offer one's body to a man for gain. To take back the power of a man's world, you must always value your goods higher than anything else. To gain control of the lower head is easy...you control the higher one...you'll be respected much more..
But...Irma was dead...and her values instilled into Selina's head one by one slowly had to be pushed aside for survival. She knew Irma must be looking down at her in such disgust. This is what the girl she raised had turned into. A slut, a whore….a disgrace.
But in the cold city of Gotham, ideals got you nowhere. The memory of Irma's life fading in her hands was proof of that. She already fell too far into the depths of the abyss that was Gotham...what was a little more?
Her cats need food...she needs food...and she already knows she won't make rent even with all of the shifts she has been taking.
So….fuck it…
"Sure daddy. Whatever keeps mama's lights on." Slina answered.
Stan seemed slightly surprised….even annoyed, she must have interrupted his pitch. She didn't really care.
The first few months were straight forward, she wasn't exactly a virgin anymore. She put on the facade each customer demanded, every desire, every disgusting fetish. Of course if they had the dough to keep it going. She was hourly after all.
As more and more time passed, Selina felt more and more empty. She would never become a drunk out of some rebellion to not become her father, she would not off herself out of some notion that a suciude like her mother's was beneath her. She had seen plenty of her fellow hookers die or be thrown out because of drug use as well, and money was her top priority.
All she had to go on was the cats...and petty thievery.
Her circle went something like:
See a cat on the street...aww poor kitty~. Take it in, realize she can't afford another fucking stray. Take on more perverts for cash, or simply rob them blind.
Stan was no help, he was a very harsh pimp to work for, punches were thrown regularly. Selina in her ever growing apathy, started to not care about that as well.
The other girls get just as ruffed up, any other pimp was just as bad, she can't stop if she wants a roof over her head. And the police of Gotham are a fucking joke, she knew all of her district's cops by name...the didn't care if a girl gets roughed up as long as they can still blow them later.
What was the point?
A few months went by and then Stan brought in some girl...clearly not of age, not the first….certainly not the last.
"Selina, this is Holly. Our new girl for a certain kind of clientele." Stan said.
"Hi." Holly said.
"Charmed." Selina said sarcastically.
"Now, now...be nice Selina. I need ya to take her under your wing." Stan said.
"Why would I do that?" Selina was promptly slapped.
"I don't need that lip. You still haven't given me a cut of that last little heist ya pulled. You owe me." Stan growled.
"...Fine…" Selina said.
"Good girl. I'll give her some lessons too to make sure she's on the up and up." Stan walked away.
"..." A few minutes of silence passed with Selina having nothing to say.
"...um...so...when do I get paid?" Holly asked.
"When ya blow the guy." Selina said bluntly.
"Right, right...I knew that." Holly lied.
"Look kid. Are ya sure you want this? Scratch that noone wants this job, it's always out of necessity." Selina huffed.
"Need the dough, ya know? Heh, I like rhymed". Holly chuckled.
Selina rolled her eyes. Figures Stan would bring a dumb blonde one to her.
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A few weeks passed as Selina taught Holly. She was a very slow learner, a dropout from an abusive family. Selina learned she couldn't even read.
"You're fucking with me right? How old are ya again?" Selina asked.
"Never saw the point. Never needed to know any words before, why now?" Holly asked.
"First off, ya need to know how to write your own fucking name kid." Selina said.
"Why? I can count good, Stan said that's all I need for customers." Holly said.
"Stan can barely read his damn self. What if ya get lost and need to read the street signs?!" Selina asked sternly.
"I know this city like the back of my hand, like as if." Holly huffed.
"Listen here, if ya want to be good at this shit, ya good to know how to read. Just...trust me." Selina said.
"Fine…" Holly said.
Selina would have left it at that, but…
"Um...can you like...teach me that too?" Holly asked.
"I'm already teaching your ass enough to find someone else." Selina hissed.
"Please. You said it was important to the job. And if it's important to the job...ya gotta teach me...please~?" Holly asked sweetly.
Selina stared at her sternly, crossing her arms but Holly stared back with those big doe eyes.
Don't...Fucking don't.
Holly pulled on Selina's pant leg in question.
Dammit. Goddammit.
"Mmmmm….Fine! But don't say I never do nothing for ya!" Selina roared.
"Yay! Thanks Selina!" Holly hugged Selina.
Selina's heart stopped. A feeling inside appeared that she hasn't felt in years. A warm fuzzy feeling that was lost to time. She pushed it down...and made a promise to herself not to get too attached to this girl that reminded her too much of a time long past.
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Holly was attached to the hip to Selina since that day. Always asking her question she had about the work, and about random things in general. It made no sense to her how Holly could be so chipper given her situation. When pressed she would just smile and say, "I finally have a way to go my own path, it's not great but I'll take what I can get."
Selina scoffed, such a simple answer. As if this kid had more shit figured out than her.
As time passed though they grew closer.
One night in particular rang through. When that mysterious man started a crazy fight with Stan and broke Holly's wrist. She kicked Stan in the gut to get up and rushed over to Holly to check her injury. The girl was crying softly in pain.
"Let me see it." Selina said.
Holly held out her hand, Selina looked over the damage. Selina sighed.
"Come on. I'll get you something for the pain." Selina said softly.
Selina took Holly to her apartment, she shooed away all of her cats and got a first aid kit.
"You have a lot of cats." Holly said softly.
"I know, I know." Selina said as she wrapped Holly's arm.
"...My parents...they wouldn't have done this for me...so...thanks." Holly said hesitantly.
"Someone has to look after you...I guess…" Selina said awkwardly.
"Thanks…" Holly smiled.
Silence filled the room, with sparse meowing.
"Selina...can I ask you something?" Holly asked.
"What?" Selina responded.
"...Why don't you ever smile?" Holly asked innocently.
"I smile." Selina said.
"I mean for real. With your eyes ya know?" Holly said.
"What do you mean?" Selina asked.
"Whenever you smile, your eyes still look...empty...like you're pretending." Holly said.
"Oh...I see. I um...N-never had a reason to, I guess." Selina said.
"That's sad. I'd think I'd go crazy without smiling...for real that is." Holly said.
"I manage." Selina said.
"OH I KNOW!" Holly chirped.
"W-what?" Selina said shocked from the sudden volume.
"We'll make a deal. A promise. I'll be sure to help you smile...for real!" Holly said.
"Look, I…" Selina tried, but lost out Holly's beaming smile.
"Fine, but you gotta make sure to stay out of trouble. " Selina said.
"Ok~" Holly said.
With that Holly kept her promise, she started helping out with Selina's cats. The strays were quick to like her more bubbly attitude. She even came up with an idea for them. She taught a stray to get a watch out of her pocket. Over the course of the next few months Selina was receiving valuables left and right.
And with Holly there was no pretending to be someone see not for the sake of profit. It was like Holly saw right through her. The blonde girl seemed to brighten every aspect of her life. So she made a promise to herself. A promise to keep that light glowing. To keep the happiness Holly gave her.
That was the night her and Holly saw Batman, and the idea of how to give Holly true freedom was born.
"Uh, Selina? This sounds nuts, no offense." Holly said as she saw Selina's outfit.
"None taken, but this will work. It has too. You gave me something, and want to give you something in return." Selina said.
"What was that?" Holly asked.
"My true smile back. And I'll rob all of Gotham to keep it." Selina smiled.
"Selina...what are you saying?" Holly was confused.
"I promise...I'll give you true freedom. A true life, outside of all the disgusting people of the world." Selina said.
"I'm happy with what we have now…" Holly said.
"That's the problem hun. You shouldn't be...It's time I take care of you how I should have from the beginning. How my mom would have wanted. I was lost for so long, but you showed me the way. Now I have to do the same." Selina kissed Holly's forehead and leapt out the window to the rooftop of the next building.
Holly gave her something back that night, the will to fight for those she cared about. She would risk it all to get Holly out of the sex work, out of the alleys, out of Gotham.
But it wasn't meant to be…
As Holly dropped the many stories of the building, Selina screamed in terror. The girl snuck her way into her heart, and now she can't live without her. As Batman dived off the edge to try to catch her, she felt that hope diminish, because she knew...there wasn't enough time.
SLAM
The chair was destroyed as Holly slammed the back of her head against the pavement. Selina was quick to rush to her, in denial of the facts.
"Holly...no...no...it's going to be ok. I promise everything's going to be ok." Selina sobbed.
"I'm...I'm sorry…" Batman said. It didn't help.
"WHY THE FUCK DID YOU EVEN SHOW UP! I HAD IT HANDLED!" Selina roared at Batman.
"I was looking for you. The media and the cops think we work together, I need you to turn yourself in." Batman said.
"Like hell, like fucking hell.." Selina growled.
"I'll give you a week. To mourn, then I'm coming for you. Don't make me regret having empathy." Batman said as he disappeared.
Holly was starting to get cold, so Selina hugged her even tighter. All her hopes ruined all over again, ending with her in tears holding her dead loved ones, all the memories came rushing back of Irma and her last moments.
Never again, she would never get close to anyone again….she couldn't take it. But she also couldn't contain her rage. She swore vengeance on Roman, for anyone involved in this death. Holly needed to be avenged and she'll do anything to do it.
So that night she started to plan. She would earn men's respect the way Irma taught her. With her mind.
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The next three days, she was on a warpath. She slept little, planning during the day and putting it in action at night. With her past she had some connections in the most seedy parts of Gotham. The boys Roman hired were the drunkest and the horniest, the scraps Penguin and Falcone didn't want. That meant their lips were also the loosest.
She gathered intel on multiple hideouts, followed the lackeys and listened in for any info. It was very thorough.
Before she knew it she was on a rooftop and Batman swooped in behind her.
"Little early." Selina said.
"The reports aren't stopping, in fact they are getting worse. My patience wore thin. You are coming with me." Batman growled.
Selina threw a file at Batman, it was filed with intel on Roman, Falcone, even some on Penguin.
"What is this?" Batman demanded.
"An offer." Selina said.
"I don't take bribes." Batman spat.
"A deal then, an ear to the ground in exchange for freedom." Selina said.
" I don't work with criminals." Batman said.
Selina strutted up to Batman and cupped his chin, giving him a feel of the goods.
"I'll be whatever you want me to be." Selina whispered.
Batman was silent.
"Bats...look around you... murder, rape, violence is all around you. You think one man in a costume can defeat all the corruption of this city?" Selina asked.
"I work alone." Batman said.
"So be it. I offer surveillance. The problem of working alone is only having one set of ears. I can give you an extra set." Selina handed a burner phone.
She moved her face closer so their lips were inches apart.
"Just think about it." Selina walked to the edge of the building and swung away on her whip. Part of her expected him to chase her, to bring her in. But it didn't happen...her plan worked...she smirked to herself.
It was time to play the long con. She would bring Roman and Batman down in one go.
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Selina smirked as Batman begrudgingly accepted her offer. It didn't come cheap for sure. The next few months were spent gathering more and more intel on Roman, as well as much as she could on Batman.
Occasionally show up to help here and there, flirt, offer more of her "services", and leave him speechless. Just like all other men she knew she could control him. He showed it in his own ways.
A couple of times saving her proved he cared. She had a couple of close calls that were met with his sudden arrival. Soon the rumors started to become more and more true. But like all her plans, they began to unravel.
Selina grew less and less mad at the Knight. Like Holly it was like he saw right through her. The way he always just stood there, never once humoring her flirting. The amount of bullets and cuts they took together. Just like with Holly she grew attached, but unlike last time she pushed it away.
But the more and more she pushed it away, the more it was clear. Selina caught feelings for Batman.
As time went on Selina realized Batman was the only true man she knew. It unrelenting will power he had to make Gotham a better place. The symbol he was trying to give Gotham started to actually strike a chord. And when that started to show, he actually let her see more of himself.
The both of them reaching more and more of a mutual understanding. It was complicated to all hell, but it was the first time she allowed herself to be seen. That included underneath the mask.
"I already knew who you were." Batman said.
"Of course you did." Selina said. Silence filled the room.
"Will you ever trust me enough to show me your face back?" Selina asked softly.
"..." Batman was silent.
"I...I get it...I just thought…" Selina started.
"Bruce" Batman said simply before disappearing.
Selina smiled at that. She almost let him in further, and followed him on his crusade.
Then...she heard the news...Stan was still alive.
The moment she heard the rumor, she immediately snapped back to her old habits of pushing Batman away. And didn't sleep for days until she found the bastard.
"Ya that bitch doesn't even know I'm alive. Didn't even check on me can ya believe it. After all I did for her." Stan said as Selina watched from a distance, Stan was on the phone with someone.
"So is the deal still on? Am I still in?" Stan asked.
He must have been talking to Roman.
The moment she laid eyes on him, a fury ignited, a malicious envy.
Why was this bastard alive, while Holly was six feet under.
Where was the fairness, where was the justice?!
She decided that night, she still had a plan to enact. Bruce was no longer on the table, but Roman and Stan still had to die. The past year was tiring, but she finally found the place they were hiding. Now all she needed was the ammo.
As much as Bruce gave her a light, Holly's death still haunted her dreams, filled her with fury. A need for vengeance. A part of her felt guilty at that, betraying the trust of the only person who trusted her. But then she was reminded of the promise she made, to push away all others. It was hard but, she would...for Holly's sake then the day she was going to enact her plan…
Batman was at her window, looking pissed. Seeing the weapons and plans she was preparing. Holding the gun she had bought.
"Give the gun back…" Selina said calmly.
"I knew you were planning something. I thought we had an understanding." Batman said.
"That was before…" Selina said.
"Before what?" Batman asked.
"BEFORE I LEARNED THAT BASTARD WAS STILL ALIVE!" Selina screamed.
"That man...the one wo killed the girl?" Batman asked.
"Stan needs to die...he HAS TO DIE!" Selina screamed as she moved to attack Batman.
Batman easily put her in a hold.
"No." Batman said simply.
"JUST GIVE ME THE FUCKING GUN BACK!" Selina roared.
"I won't let you go down this road. I won't let you kill." Batman said.
"DON'T GIVE ME THAT MORALITY BULLSHIT BRUCE! HE DESERVES TO DIE FOR WHAT HE DID FOR HER!" Selina screamed.
"And what then...will his death make you feel any better? Will it bring her back? Or are you letting anger get to you?" Batman pressed.
"Give...it...back...please…" Selina begged.
"I won't let you fall any further Selina." Bruce said.
After that Selina collapsed into tears. The sobs flowed freely. Unlike his usual standing in place he held her as she weeped.
"I can make this better. Make it so it never happens again. But I have to do it right. My way." Bruce said.
Selina just started chuckling darkly, before pushing him away.
"I'm tired of following orders. Of being controlled." Selina said.
"Then help me." Bruce said.
"No...what's the point? Evil will always exist, no matter how much you do to stop it...so what's the point?" Selina asked.
"So where does that leave us?" Bruce asked.
"I want Stan dead...so badly...but I know you would never allow that...you would stuff me in jail before I could harm a hair...I can't kill you...because...I just can't bring myself to…" Selina said.
"So?" Bruce asked.
"So everything stays the same. I'll wait out until you die. Because it is bound to happen eventually...and then I'll do as I please. In the meantime...The plan is off." Selina said.
"I suppose I'll just have to never die then." Batman said. He went out the window. Both had an agreement with each other. Selina would change the deal to work as such that Batman would have to look the other way of her lootings, in return she would continue keeping her head to the ground for intel. As the years went by, Selina grew closer and closer to Bruce...but not in any way that mattered to her or his improvement.
That night Burce made a promise to himself, a promise to save Selina's soul. It's too bad she didn't want it to be saved.
The years-long game between each other was played. With Bruce, her later learning his identity through his trust, surviving each and every battle thrown at him. To prove to her that justice can prevail, with the lockup of Stan for trafficking as proof. But it wasn't enough to convince her…
Nothing ever was, as time passed Gotham became darker, and so did Bruce taking loses. Selina watched as more and more people were lost to this city. As Batman was slowly but surely became more and more grim to the city around him. Slowly but surely she knew he would break.
In a way, their agreement was to enable each other. To forever guide each other on their paths to self destruction.
And all Selina had to do was bid her time. What was the point of justice, when evil will show its head again and again?
All she was good for was stealing things, and in a way she was right back where she was mentally as a little girl. Just trying to survive the jungle that is Gotham, as the strong devoured each other, she gathers all she can to prosper.
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Panther gasped as the memories collapsed. She fell on her knees as the skull was destroyed. She took a moment to catch her breath. Her spells took a great strengthening as the mask absorbed into her.
SKILL ACQUIRED: NULL FIRE
MIRROR LOVERS 7/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: Advanced Thievery
Party can now earn triple from items and pickpocket
So it was true...Selina did have an agreement with Bruce. The level of understanding they shared reminded her of her and Akira's….but so much more unhealthy. The level those two go to enable each other...was sickening.
Bruce just left Selina to forever walk in an aimless way, with little morality or structure, all alone. Never forcing her to see the corruption in herself. Why?
As she told the memories to the rest of the team, they wondered the same.
"Perhaps, Wayne deep inside understands the struggle, and respects her enough to let her sort it out on her own." Crow said.
"THAT'S THE DUMBEST THING I EVER HEARD! SHE IS CLEARLY NOT ABLE TO GO THROUGH THIS ALONE! WHY DOES HE JUST LEAVE HER LIKE THIS?!" Panther yelled.
"I agree with her. That may be a part of it, but I don't think it's the driving force." Fox said.
"Then it's the guilt. The guilt he feels about not being able to save this Holly. It is clear that guilt is the most motivating factor of Wayne's psyche. His parent's death is proof of that. So it stands to reason that he blames himself as well for her death, and as a result lets Selina get away with more than she should." Crow said.
"That I can believe. Bruce looks like the type that falls for a sob story. Dick's background is proof of that." Joker said.
"Whatever the reason, we still haven't found the treasure. It has to be close. Let's continue." The Queen said.
The rest of the team nodded and tried to find a way out of the catacombs, a complex puzzle revealed a staircase back to where they were before they fell. They continued on until they reached the top of the temple.
They reached a giant door, it was looked but Mona found a cat entrance. The team crawled through to find a giant bedroom fit for a queen. And there was the treasure.
"Hell yeah! We're finally done!" Skull said.
"Now all we have left is the calling card." Noir said.
"How are we going to spread the word this time. With Ryder again?" Violet asked.
"No." Panther said. Everyone looked at her.
"I'll give it to her. I want to talk about it with her first." Panther said.
"I don't think that's the best call. I feel Catwoman would easily beat you and turn you over." Crow said.
"I...she doesn't deserve all the eyes to be on her. I just think we need to be more subtle is all…" Panther said.
"If you think so...I can just sneak the card into her apartment. I did it before and no one was the wiser." Mona said.
"Yeah..that...is better...thank you Mona…" Panther said softly.
With that the Phantom Thieves made their leave to work on the calling card. The cognitive Selina jumped in the window and hissed as she listened in.
"You will not steal this treasure. I would rather die." She said.
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May 25th, Night
Grand Avenue
Severe Thunderstorms
Red Robin and Nightwing smashed down the door to the abandoned building and found some small-time drug dealers cooking meth. Nightwing sighed but they defeated them with ease and cuffed them for the cops.
"That's the fifth one with nothing to do so for it." Nightwing said.
"Patience is key to this sort of stuff, at least this place wasn't just empty." Red Robin said.
"There is that." Nightwing said. The two had spent the majority of the night looking for the Phantom Thieves hideout, with nothing to show.
Nightwing's comm chimed and he looked at it and groaned.
"We haven't found anything yet." He said.
"Look harder." Batman said as he hung up.
"He's still pissed?" Red Robin asked.
"Very, it's been a while since some newbies got him this bent out of shape." Nightwing said.
"We'll find them, maybe not tonight, maybe not tomorrow. But the city is only so big, they are bound to turn up." Red Robin said.
"Tell that to the rest of the Titans. They only last one day before running to me begging to get him to lay off on training. And they thought we were bad." Nightwing smirked.
"A couple more places then I'm calling it a night, what's Batgirl doing?" Red Robin asked.
"Trying to figure out who the Clayface is. Running tests on the clay, looking for prints. You know the drill." Nightwing said.
"Seems more and more newcomers are popping up recently. Have you heard the rumors about this King Tut? Guy sounds off his rocker. Same with his harem of girls." Red Robin said.
"You gotta be crazy to think you can compete with the rest of the gallery. But Bats is looking into it. He doesn't sound too worried about it so far. A basic Penguin level threat I'd predict." Nightwing said.
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Batman narrowed his eyes as he listened in to the two thugs discussion of their new boss. He had three insiders already in the group. But it wasn't enough for him.
Something was off about the new addition, the timing was the main factor. Black Mask and Falcone both out of the running and all of a sudden someone new with a lot of connections chose to come out of the shadows. Preventing an all out gang war between Penguin and Joker.
Unlikely...it was too convenient.
"So what do you think of the boss?" the thug asked.
"Pretty standard if ya ask me. Just another crazy opportunist who wants to make bank. Just with the fucking mummy to go with it." The other said.
"Yeah that first meeting was nuts. I thought King was the top dog in all of this...guess I was wrong" The first thug said.
"At least we don't have to wear those stupid togas the twogards were wearing. That would suck balls to wear in the rain and snow." The second thg said.
"Yeah...let's get going to the cache. Guns won't deliver themselves." The two men hopped into a van for a company that popped up recently. Must have been a front.
Batman pulled out his disruptor and shot a tracker on the van. He followed in the air as they drove, talking about useless information like sports and weather.
He followed to an abandoned building, he narrowed his eyes. Years ago he came up with the plan to permanently track any and all new owners and leaders to properties in the city, to prevent new opportunities to come up.
But Lucious fought hard against it, even threatening to sign his resignation if the plan went through. It wasn't worth the loss, Bruce was somewhat thankful to have someone like that to keep him in check.
It was clear this building wasn't the main hideout, just a storage facility, but the plan was to draw out any suspicious behavior out of the new Rouge to see if he really who he said he was.
He didn't want to blow any covers, but if he went easy on this group there would be questions. So this had to occur. He made quick work of the thugs inside, interrogating one for the whereabouts of King Tut. The usual scare tactics worked. And the location in Otisburg he already knew about was revealed.
This was a delicate operation. If Tut is who he says he is, then it would be too easy to take him down. No one knew his true motives yet, he would make them known soon, but he needed proof. If all the intel lined up...he may have a lead on the Phantom Thieves.
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Ackechi's phone rang. The boy picked it up.
"We lost a cache tonight. Batman might have a lead on the mall hideout." White said.
"Let it be. It was only one hideout of many. We can play this out for much longer." Akechi said.
"You don't understand. Within the night he could take the whole operation down." White said.
"Then let it be. Just make sure that the cameras are still on when he does. I want to see how this man works. I want to know how he thinks." Akechi said.
"Guess it's good we still have the casino. I made sure no one in the mall knows about that." White said.
"Good. Send me the footage of the inevitable. With us gone, it will rule his suspicions and make sure to put on an act for him to throw him off our tracks. Make him think we are smart but insane." Akechi said.
"So just tell the truth. Got it." White hung up with that little jab.
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Batman worked through the dozens of goons King Tut had managed to obtain during his short time here. He worked through them like they were nothing. '
"DON'T LET HIM GET TO THE BODY! I DON'T WANT TO DIE CAUSE OF CURSES!" A thug screamed but it was no use. He broke all of them, leaving no one conscious as he walked up to the tomb.
He threw open the lid to find it didn't hold a body. Just a flip phone.. He growled slightly. He should have figured this wouldn't be easy.
He narrowed his eyes as the phone rang. He picked it up.
"Congratulations Dark Knight. As our god rises, it is so glorious to watch how the Knight falls." The voice said in a clear British accent.
"Who is this?" Batman demanded.
"The queen of all those beneath me, Cleopatra. I come from the grave to help my king in his quest to bring his master back into power. You'll never stop us. Until next time, Dark Knight, though with our god by our side I doubt you will remain alive for long." The phone beeped,
Batman pocketed the phone for analysis. He doubted he would find anything though. He dialed up Alfred on his comm.
"Alfred. I'm sending you a recording of an unknown woman, run it through our database to see if it's anyone we know." Batman said.
"Of course sir, I assume you are trying to suggest these newcomers are not who they say they are?" Alfred asked.
Batman took note of the multitude of cameras he took out with batarangs once he laid eyes on them. He was being watched.
He left the building as he continued talking.
"None of this adds up at all. The sudden appearance, the filling of the power vacuum, it's all too convenient. I don't trust it." Batman said.
"I concur, the analysis shows a match for the White Rabbit. It seems your doubts are valid." Alfred said.
"I knew it, the Phantom Thieves are diversifying and spreading their net." Batman said.
"Why go through all this effort to hide themselves? Don't they already have supporters throughout the city?" Alfred asked.
"Too little and too morally upright. They need people to help fund them, need intel on the city they don't know. Who better than the usual thugs of the night?" Batman said.
"I see." Alfred said.
"They were very detailed with their cover. I almost fell for it, writing them off as another lunatic with followers. They must be using it to lure more thugs in, and hide their true intentions. The question is...why were they not more careful? It is clear they can be. This must have been a test." Batman said.
"A test you passed then sir." Alfred said.
"Patch me through to Oracle. I need her to find a place linked to King Tut. This doesn't go to the GCPD. We get them in the act and it all comes crumbling down. I won't stand for any leaks." Batman said.
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Akechi smiled as he stood behind Futaba on her computer listening to the Dark Knight scheme and plan their demise.
"Hehehe must have gotten him good in the sewers. He sounds so pissed." Futaba said.
"So "The World's Greatest Detective'' isn't just a namesake. One night of looking and seeing right through us. Hmph...fine...I do love a good challenge." Akechi said. He walked away to plan more. Their key to their success now was to lead Batman off course on a wild goose chase. '
"Hey Akechi, listen to this." Futaba stopped them.
Akechi turned back to her way to hear Batman argue back and forth with Oracle about not telling the GCPD about the plan. It came down to the fact her hearing her father having a hard time with the higher ups.
"Seems he doesn't quite trust those around him, quick to be cautious. Interesting." Akechi said.
This would be fun indeed. He will break through Batman's walls one by one. And when he loses everything...is when he will be easiest to defeat.
Akechi chuckled, grinning wickedly.
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May 26th, Morning
Wayne Manor
Cloudy
Diana was nervous as she sat in the big empty manor. It was well furnished, with beautiful paintings and decorations, but the mansion always gave an air of loneliness, as if the place was begging for a companion.
It fitted Bruce quite well in that regard. She calmed herself as Alfred offered tea for her wait. She thanked him and sipped it gently. Bruce came down the grand stairs while she was mid-sip.
"Thank you for coming Diana, I apologize for my bluntness yesterday. I have been having more bad luck than usual." Bruce said.
"It is quite alright Bruce. I know you wouldn't call me here without a good reason." Diana said.
"How are you holding up after the funeral?" Bruce asked.
"I'm getting by. How about you?" Diana asked.
Bruce didn't give an answer as he moved to the piano. He played a tune and a secret entrance opened.
"You are going to want to see this." Bruce said as he motioned to the door.
Diana figured as much, Bruce was always asking about others while not worrying about himself. She followed him down, setting her tea aside.
"I have intel about a group of Amazons working for the Phantom Thieves, I was hoping you could give some insight on why." Bruce said.
"Is that so…" Diana said. This was very important to do right. Bruce was an expert on knowing whether or not you are lying to him. The slightest motion in the wrong way could give you away.
"I could tell by the fighting style, and their speech. Unfortunately I could get an ID on any of them. I was preoccupied with trying to take the Phantom Thieves out." Bruce said.
"I see. They must have pulled something great to escape. Any new intel on them?" Diana asked.
"Plenty, but that's not the focus. I want to know if you have anything on this rebel group of Amazons. Who they are and why they would help a group that has been confirmed working with Ares?" Batman asked.
"What did they call themselves?" Diana asked.
"The Fist of the Phantom Star." Batman said.
Diana paused for a second.
"I know nothing of that group. How many were there?" Diana asked. A half truth, Doona never told the name to her.
"One hundred strong. Quite a number for you not to know anything. Are you sure you haven't heard anything?" Bruce pressed.
"You forget I was exiled. I may be a diplomat to the island, but my mother is in charge, and has on occasion kept secrets from me. I will consult her about this matter, but do not expect her to fully comply." Diana said.
Bruce narrowed his eyes, all that she said was true but...it felt like she was holding something back. It was a gut feeling...but before he could press. Alfred called on the Batcomputer.
"Sir, Miss Kyle is trying to call you. I have tried to put her on hold but she is being quite persistent" Alfred.
Bruce checked his comms and sure enough, full of missed calls from Selina. This wouldn't happen unless it was urgent.
"Diana...if there is anything else…" Bruce said.
"I know Bruce...I'll come to you once I talk to my mother." Diana walked to the teleporter and disappeared.
Bruce sighed and pressed a button to answer Selina's call.
"BRUCE! ANSWER THE DAMN PHONE!" Selina yelled.
"Selina, whatever it is, calm down." Bruce said.
"You end of the bargain was to stop this sort of shit! The kids are back and they are after me!" Selina yelled.
Bruce scowled.
"Read it." Bruce demanded.
Selina complied.
"Miss Selina Kyle, the Catwoman of Sloth.
Your downward spiral into the abyss of sin and guilt ends today.
The Batman enables your walk on the tightrope of morality.
Thus, we have decided to make you confess all your crimes with your own mouth.
We will take your distorted desires without fail. Before they consume you.
Signed, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts." She read.
Bruce gritted his teeth, he spent so much time trying to find them, he didn't stop to wonder who they would attack first. This was clear revenge for Selina's allegiance to him. He was too lenient and now they were going after those who worked with him.
"Stay calm, and tell me where they are located. Now." Bruce said.
"No, I didn't call for that Bruce I called to tell you the deal is off!" Selina hissed.
"I need you to think this through…" Bruce said calmly.
"OH, I THOUGHT IT THROUGH ALL RIGHT! If I can't trust you to keep your word, then I will deal with it on my own!" Selina said.
"Selina...don't do something you might regret." Bruce said.
"It's over Bruce. Goodbye." Selina hung up.
He couldn't get a read on her phone. He gritted her teeth, she wasn't thinking straight in her panic. This wasn't like her, it was like the card flipped a switch in her mind. He needed to find her before she went off the rails.
MIRROR LOVERS RANK 8/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: Claws out
Party unlocked Selina's treasure
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May 26th, Midday
The Bowery
Cloudy
Akira pressed the navigation button to Selina's palace. Just like he thought Futaba confirmed that Batman was searching for her claiming she was quote "not in her right mind". She must be going deeper in her desperation to push others away as she grows afraid.
"Fox, Skull and Panther are the front lines. Let's finish this." Joker said.
The team rushed to the top of the temple. To find the room empty.
"The treasure is gone." Mona said.
"You can't have it." Selina said.
The team turned around to see Selina holding a different whip than before. A giant golden one, that shined.
"There it is!" Mona said.
"Give it up. So we don't waste anymore time." Crow said.
"Selina please. Let us help you!" Panther cried.
"ENOUGH! How many times do I have to say it? I DON'T. NEED. HELP! NOT YOURS! NOT BRUCE'S! NOONE'S!" Selina roared.
(Blooming Villain OT)
The temple rumbled, Selna hissed as she clutched her head. Fire was breathed out of her mouth, her eyes blazing in fury. Black fur grew all around her, her nails lengthened and sharpened to a razor's edge. Her whip was set ablaze by her hand. She whipped it all around and set everything in the room on fire. Her hat and glasses the only things left on her as the flames ate away the rest of her clothes. Her whole body gave off a heavy black smoke.
"You couldn't leave me alone. Couldn't let me just keep my promise to her. You just had to be everything she represented. Well, it's too late! I will not fall for it again! I will not allow myself to grow attached to you, just to lose yet another! Even if...Even if I have to KILL YOU!" Selina roared.
She immediately unleashed a blazing hell spell on all of the party. So it was as Joker expected, the cognition would be very similar to Panther's spells.
Joker dodged the attack, as did Fox. Skull and Panther didn't even have to move due to their resistance.
"FOX DO IT!" Joker yelled.
Fox nodded and unleashed a heavy ice spell. As expected it downed her.
"Come, let us strike!" Fox yelled as they unleashed an all out attack.
Selina screamed in pain. She growled as she healed from the attack.
"If she is like Panther, her endurance must be low! Try to take her down with a hard physical attack!" Queen advised.
Skull charged up the whole group before he rushed in delivering a superhuman punch, the force sent a critical hit on Selina.
"GET HER!" Skull roared, Selina took another massive hit from an all out attack.
"I can't lose. I can't lose…" Selina healed completely. The fire in the room grew stronger as she gathered her strength. Cat monsters from the lower levels came to her aid.
She threw food and pointed at the party.
"SIC THEM MY KITTIES!" She commanded.
The monsters all charged at the party, delivering multiple slashes. It did little damage to Joker and Skull. Fox managed to counter some of the blows back to the enemy. Panther took the most damage.
"I will help you Selina. I won't let you suffer any longer!" Panther performed her dominatrix skill and took out some of the shadows with the damage. Selina reeled back as she too took a hit.
Skull was quick to deal out a demolish skill, destroying the rest of the shadows. Selina hissed and summoned more.
"Fox!" Joker called.
Fox once again hit Selina's weak point and froze her. He then passed the baton to Skull who quickly destroyed every new shadow with the power gained with the pass, managing to land multiple criticals.
Skull then passed the baton to Joker, who summoned Ares for a one shot kill.
The blow landed a technical, halfing her life instantly.
"N-no…..noooo…" Selina groaned.
"Finish her." Joker said. The all out attack did massive damage. Selina fell to her knees.
"No...I can't lose…" Selina hissed.
"Youuu...promiseed…" A voice said.
"I...I know...but…." Selina said, but a figure of Holly appeared in front of her.
"You are a failure….who never keeps her word…" Holly said.
"Holly...I can't...I never could be the person you looked up to. I could never be the hero you needed." The cognitive form of Selina began to sob.
"SELINA!" Panther ran towards her.
"PANTHER IT'S NOT SAFE SHE HASN'T RETURNED TO HER ORIGINAL FORM!" Mona yelled.
Panther didn't listen, she grabbed Selina's hands and looked her in the eyes.
"Don't say that. You may have had failures but that doesn't mean you can't better yourself." Panther said.
"Look in her eyes. Those are the eyes of a girl who you are bound to fail." Holly hissed.
"DON'T LISTEN TO HER! YOU CAN BE BETTER THAN THIS! YOU CAN HAVE FRIENDS!" Panther cried.
"So dumb...so naive...she'll never last in the jungle." Holly whispered in Selina's ear.
"I can! I would just like you to survive with me." Panther said.
"NO GET AWAY! NONONONONONONONONONO!" Selina roared as she threw Panther off.
"She's unstable! We have to help Panther!" Mona yelled.
A tall wall of fire and static blocked them from helping Panther.
"THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND HER!" Selina hissed.
Panther tried to get up but Selina stomped on her back.
(Blood of a Villian OT)
"This is all your fault! You come out of nowhere and make the nightmares so much worse! Every word you speak, every breath you take reminds me of her! I HATE YOU!" Selina contouslt slashed Panther with her whip and claws, tears falling down her face.
"Selina…." Panther tried, through the pain.
"SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT ALL YOUR FAULT !"
Shadows appeared all around Panther as Selina continued her assault.
"Have you seen that skank walk around like she owns the place?"
"Honestly, I wish she didn't even come to school."
"Dude, you think I have a chance with her? I heard she's easy."
"No way man you can't mess with Kamoshida's bitch!"
Don't listen to them, they are all full of shit! Ann thought as she was slashed over and over again. Same as Skull the faces and figures of the shadows changed to people she knew.
"Why do you even fight? Everything you fight for has been destroyed because of it." Crow said.
"We have no use for a dumb bitch like you." Skull said.
"I only treat you nice out of pity." Mona said.
"You are the weakest among us. We should leave you to rot in this temple." Fox said.
"That would be too easy on her, she should hand her so she doesn't bother us anymore." Queen said.
"Better yet she should kill herself for all the trouble she has caused us." Violet said.
"I should have never joined a team that lets you in." Noir said.
"You were too cowardly to do anything by yourself, why do I always have to clean up your messes."Joker spat.
Panther shook her head as she sobbed. As the final twist of the knife was done. Shiho appeared before her with a disappointed scowl on her face.
"I should have never befriended you. It's because of you that I jumped. It's because of you I was killed! IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOU I WAS RAPED!" Shiho screamed.
Panther struggled against Selina's assault.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST DO WHAT KAMOSHIDA SAID?! IT'S YOUR FAULT! YOUR FAULT!" Shiho roared at Panther.
Panther sobbed as she stopped struggling, allowing Selina to beat her without a fight. Maybe it was her fault. Maybe if she just did what she was told it would have all gone away.
(Awakening OT)
"Will your guilt shield you from the truth?" Celestine asked.
"Huh?" Panther asked.
"Will you allow another to fall for the same lies you were told?!" Celestine demanded.
"No….NO!" Panther yelled. Her body began to smoke, an open flame began to spread across her body starting from her hands.
"The world is filled with corrupt men who seek to destroy innocent lives. WILL YOU SIT BACK AND LET IT DESTROY ANOTHER?!" Celestine roared.
"NEVER! NEVER!" Panther cried out. She fought off Selina, blasting her away with a powerful fire fire has spreaded from her arms down to her chest. The heat became too much to bear.
"THEN BREAK AWAY FROM THY SACKLES! BECOME THE WOMAN YOU LOOK UP TO BE! A WOMAN WHO WAS SCORNED BUT REFUSES OTHERS TO BE TREATED AS SUCH!" Celestine's voice was cracking and changing, like someone else was trying to break through.
Panther's whole body except her head was on fire. The heat rising and rising reaching to her mask overtaking her body. The pain was immense, but also freeing.
"I hear you...Salem…" Panther said.
"THEN LET ME LEND YOU MY POWER AND TOGETHER WE WILL FIGHT TO DOMINATE THE WORLD! DOMINATE THOSE SICK AND TWISTED IN POWER!" Salem commanded.
Panther's whole body was now an inferno. Her hair now flames that crackled with the rest of her body. She gripped her mask.
"COME TO ME!" Panther yelled. As the mask came off a massive explosion of flames erupted.
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Panther has awakened Salem
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Selina walked back wary of this new power.
"What is this? Stay away!" Selina hissed.
Panther felt different, lighter on her feet as she walked towards Selina. She didn't notice as the tips of her toes left the ground. She was floating.
"GET AWAY FROM ME YOU WITCH!" Selina roared.
Panther flew up to Selina's face and balled her fist up to her torso, sending a blaze of fire on Selina. The blast was so hot that even her resistance was nothing against it.
"I will help you Selina. I'll help you see the truth." Panther said.
She ripped off Selina's glasses, it was as if they were attached to her body, as blood erupted out. Panther took it and absorbed the power. Selina fell to the floor in a heap, defeated.
(Regret OT)
The flame walls collapsed, the rest of the team rushed towards Panther.
"PANTHER!" Mona cried.
"Stay back she's on fire!" Crow said.
"I...I...lost? No...I can't...I can't…" Selina started to cry.
"It's ok Selina. You don't have to be alone anymore." Panther said as she kneeled down with Selina.
"I can't...I can't lose another….please…" Selina begged.
"Is that what Irma would have wanted from you? To forever hide from the world?" Panther asked softly.
"*Sniff* Irma...Holly...No...no they wouldn't have wanted this for me. I'm such a disappointment. Even to you, I'm...sorry…" Selina cried.
"Don't apologize. Just promise to do better, be the woman that they would have wanted you to be." Panther said.
"*Sniff* You're right...you're right...but...I don't know how…" Selina said.
"I'll help you." Panther said softly.
"P-promise?" Selina asked.
"Promise." Panther smiled.
With that Selina disappeared, vanishing. She left the treasure and Panther picked it up. The temple started to rumble and collapse. Mona turned into a van and everyone crammed inside, they rammed out a window and drove down the temple as it turned to ruin.
MIRROR LOVERS RANK 9/10
?
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May 26th, Midday
The Bowery
Cloudy
Batman bursted into Selina's apartment. The cats all yowled and hissed, as he went inside. He proceeded to turn the place upside down looking for clues. Every nook and cranny checked, not a dust particle overlooked. He found multiple hidden storage compartments, all holding her weapons. But there was nothing in terms of where she might be going.
Not a single clue.
"Anything?" Batman called.
Nightwing answered the comm. "Bruce, I have every inch of the city we are able to cover, covered. The fact is, she knows us, she knows how we track. If she doesn't want to be found by us, she knows how to do it."
"Pull up every surveillance camera up in the Bowery. I have to find her." Batman said.
"I already did that...there was nothing. Look maybe if we…" Nightwing was interrupted.
"NO! I WILL NOT FAIL HER! NOT AGAIN!" Batman slammed a wall.
Silence was all that followed.
"Find her. Save her." Batman gritted out.
"...Understood." Nightwing said.
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May 26th, Evening.
Chinatown, Cafe Leblanc
Cloudy
Akira and the rest of the team entered the cafe to see Maple, Cinnamon, and Azuki bruised and battered on the floor. Guns were on the floor, all unloaded and disassembled, including Sojiro's.
Akira rushed up the stairs.
"Stop." Selina cocked the gun to Sojiro's head.
"Selina…" Akira tried.
"Shut the fuck up. Here's what's going to happen, you are all going to give yourself up. But not before you stop whatever it is you do." Selina wasn't thinking straight.
"Selina...please don't do something you'll regret!" Ann cried, tears flowing.
Selina took note of the room. She could take them all down easily except maybe Crow, Skull, and Joker. The orange hair girl was shaking clearly having a panic attack at the thought of losing this man, "Sojiro" if she remembered right.
"Do it. Or I'll blast his brains out. I swear to you I will." Selina demanded.
Akira got on his knees, the rest of the team followed.
"NOW STOP IT! STOP THE CHANGE OF HEART!" Selina roared hysterically.
"Put the gun down first." Akira said.
Selina held the gun tighter to Sojiro's head. He just raised his hands higher, but he looked calm.
"I am in control of this kid. NOW DO IT!" Selina screamed.
"You have no idea how it works do you?" Sojiro asked.
"Shut up, unless you want to eat a bullet." Selina threatened.
"Selina please! I know you would never kill anyone!" Ann cried.
"...I...will do what I have to to survive." Selina said.
"NO SOJIRO!" Futaba cried.
"It'll be ok Futaba. I trust you guys have this handled." Sojiro said calmly.
"DO IT OR I'LL...I'll...ughh.." Selina clutched her head.
Akechi used that moment to quickly shoot the gun out of her hand. She cried out in pain.
"AKECHI!" Ann yelled.
"Hold her down you idiots." Akechi said coldly.
Yusuke and Ryuji were quick to do so. Selina struggled but the pain in her head was distracting.
"Always have the silencer on huh?" Akira asked.
"You are all fucking fools. I told you we should have keeped her binded for this damn reason." Akechi said.
"Nice to know you care kid." Sojiro said.
"I don't, I just didn't want to deal with the fallout that came with your death." Akechi said darkly.
"LET GO OF ME!" Selina roared.
Ann rushed to Selina.
"Selina, stop it's over! We already took your treasure. There is no going back!" Ann said.
"No! NOO!" Selina yelled.
"Look at it…" Ann took out the treasure. A whip, the whip Irma gave her all those years ago.
"That's...how did you. I hid it where no one could find it." Selina said.
"It's not the real one. You really cared about her and Holly didn't you?" Ann asked.
"*sniff* Irma...I'm...I'm so sorry. I couldn't be her. I couldn't be as strong as you." Selina cried.
"You wanted to give to Holly what Irma gave to you. A better life than she had." Ann said.
"I...I was going to teach her….like Irma did me...I was going to give it to her...for her birthday…" Selina sobbed.
Ann moved to hug Selina. Selina was still struggling as Ann moved her hands through Selina's hair.
"You can still be the woman Irma wants you to be. I promised to help you. And I keep my promises." Ann said.
Selina's struggle slowly stopped, but the tears kept flowing. As the boys let her go, she hugged Ann back as tight as she could.
"I'M SORRY! I'M SO SORRY!" Selina weeped.
"Shh..it's ok...it's gonna be ok." Ann said.
"I was going to...what is wrong with me…" Selina sniffed.
"I know...but you didn't. That's what counts. I forgive you. I forgive you Selina." Ann said.
"Panther…*sob* I'll make good on my promise too. It's the least I can do for everything." Selina sobbed.
"It's Ann. Ann Takamaki. And I know you will." Ann said as Selina cried on and on. But unlike the years and years that went by, she wasn't alone. She had a friend, and another promise to keep.
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I am Thou. Thou art I…
Thou has defeated a bond's mirror.
Thy bond shall become a god amongst men.
Thy bond's heart reinforced with the will of rebellion.
Thou has awakened the reflection of the Lovers.
Granting thee infinite power…
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MIRROR LOVERS RANK 10/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: A Loving Teacher.
Selina has now joined your party, her loyalty unbreakable.
MELEE: Lancaster.
Attack: 400
Accuracy: 90
Higher chance of burn
PANTHER 4th TIER PERSONA UNLOCKED:
SALEM
One of the many women falsely accused of being a witch that was burned at a stake, haunted the town seeking revenge on her accusers, the guilty lie awake at night to her alluring lullaby and dancing charred form. Those captured are forever chained to her soul to do her bidding.
A woman with black molten rock skin that glows in the cracks. She wears a corset that reveals her ample cleavage and tightens her waist to inhuman proportion. Her ribs stick out of the clothing, oozing lava down her body. What once was a skirt was burnt to the wire as the wire trails behind her, revealing long thigh high stilettos that are burnt into her flesh. She holds molten hot chains that collar two hellhounds made of pure blue fire.
Her face covered in white ash, in an imitation of makeup. Her mouth without lips leaving only jagged teeth. Her eyes have black sclera with white irises. Her hair wild white flames that smoke out the souls she has consumed.
Trait: Burned at the Stake (Panther's body can now become pure fire, leaving her to be able to burn hot as the sun or vanish in a puff of smoke)
Null: Fire
Block: Electric
New Skills:
Resist Ice
Siren's Song (High chance of sleep all enemies)
Ignite (superhuman fire to one foe)
Hell Riser (Superhuman Fire to all enemies)
STATS:
Strength: 70
Magic: 88
Endurance: 70
Agility: 66
Luck: 71
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May 26th, Night
The Bowery
Rain
Selina was standing on what was once her and Bruce's meeting spot. Though her heart changed, she still felt he needed an explanation, a proper goodbye.
"They got to you." Batman said simply.
"All these years Bruce. I have been so angry, so depressed, so alone….and where were you?" Selina said.
"How many times have I offered a hand, a chance to better yourself. You always said no. And I respected it." Batman said.
"You enabled it. My misery, out of some hopeless effort to prove yourself. To redeem yourself to me after her death." Selina said.
"That's not.." Batman started, Selina interrupted.
"That night you said you would never die, to always be there stop me from going deeper into the abyss. But to you that only meant pulling the trigger." Selina said.
Batman remained silent.
"Did I properly guilt you Bruce? Was I only trusted out of pity? Out of the sorrow gained from failure?" Selina demanded.
"No." Batman said.
"Then what was it?" Selina asked.
"You were forcibly changed against your will Selina. You are being controlled by them. Whether you know it or not." Batman got to the point.
"No answer. Figures…" Selina walked to the edge of the building.
"I can't let you help them." Batman said.
"Then why aren't you stopping me?" Selina asked.
"I failed you. I failed you again. I want to make it right." Batman said.
"Then what? You'll turn me back to who I was? To who you are? A person forever controlled by his guilt and sorrow?" Selina challenged.
"You called me not a day ago. Silently pleading for me to save you. What am I supposed to think about that? How am I supposed to react to this?" Batman challenged back.
"...That may be...doesn't change the fact that I'm different now. No matter what I say you'll go after them, claiming I'm being controlled or manipulated. I just wanted to say...to your face...that's not the case. More for myself than for you." Selina said.
Batman made for a grab and Selina dodged. The traded blow for blow on the rooftop they've shared for years.
Batman tried to cuff Selina, putting her into a hold. Selina quickly broke out of it, and delivered a painful whip to Batman's body.
"You know I can't leave you like this. I will fix this, whether you like it or not." Batman said.
"So paranoid Bruce. You try to save what doesn't need saving." Selina said.
"The evidence I have speaks otherwise." Batman said.
They kicked and punched each other, years of sparring making them be able to counter each other's moves.
"Don't make me hurt you Selina." Batman said through gritted teeth.
"You can break all of my bones, stuff me in the asylum like all the others. But it won't change my mind." Selina said.
"Fine." Batman said. Like every ally he has, he too has a contingency to take them down if they turned on him. Selina was not different. He can't have her telling the Phantom Thieves any of his intel. When he figured out a way to break the spell he'll make it up to her.
Batman grappled and zip kicked Selina's torso, the force sending her backwards. He landed and struck another blow on her back while she was still midair. The hook was downward so she hit the roof face first. Selina swung her foot to try to take out Batman's legs. He jumped over the swipe and went for a finisher. Selina rolled as Batman tried to punch her.
She flipped toward him moving to strike, Batman moved to counter. Selina flipped over him in a fakeout using her whip to put him in a choke hold. Batman slammed her with his elbows, and grabbed her back and flipped, slamming her into the roof.
"UGH!" Selina cried in pain.
Batman moved to break a leg, finishing the fight when…
Fox moved in with his sword. Batman heard him coming, countering the sword with his gauntlet, then kicking the boy away. Noir came out the shadows slamming her axe downwards, making Batman have to jump back to avoid the attack.
"That's quite enough Dark Knight." Fox said.
Batman was quick to call for backup, pressing his comms to send for his wards.
Batman narrowed his eyes, these two didn't have anywhere near the strength they had now last time he had fought them. One week goes by and suddenly they have a grasp of fighting akin to a Robin early in training.
Batman looked as Selina got up. He was met with Noir's gun pointed at him. The key here is to keep them distracted as others come.
"So you were holding back during spars. I should have known." Senlia said.
"..." Batman remained silent.
"Others are going to come now. I told you I could handle it." Selina said.
"Forgive us." Fox said.
"I couldn't stand by and let you be beaten." Noir said.
"Just the four of you? You're going to need more to take me." Batman said.
Crow was standing behind Batman with a gun to the back of his head.
"A single shot, and this whole game is over." Crow said.
Batman was quick to spin around stunning Crow with his cape. He used the distraction to grab the Crow in hold, breaking his arm, making him drop the gun. Crow cried out in pain. Before he could finish him Skull tackled Batman and winded up for a punch. Batman kicked him off with both of his feet. Batman rolled backwards and threw multiple batarangs at Skull that exploded on impact, it didn't even faze him.
"That's enough." Joker said. He grappled onto the roof to show himself.
"We didn't come here to fight did we?" Joker stepped up to Skull and put a hand on his shoulder.
"What did you come for then?" Batman asked.
"It was Selina who wanted to meet. Wanted to show she was working with us with her own free will. And well...Ya see how that turned out..." Joker said.
"I wanted to at least try. Call me sentimental, but I know he can tell a lie." Selina said.
"You may be telling the truth Selina. But may also be saying what you made to believe is the truth." Batman said.
"Interesting theory." Joker said.
"Can someone fucking heal me?!" Crow hissed.
Joker snapped his fingers and it was done.
"Here's mine. I took her distorted desires without fail." Joker said.
"Where is Taila then? Did you take her heart too?" Batman asked.
"In a way. She came to follow me in her own way." Joker said.
"She would rather die. She was always loyal to her father." Batman said doubtful
"The Head of the Demon means nothing compared to the real deal Bruce. Or did you forget about that little escape we did in the sewers?" Joker asked.
Batman narrowed his eyes at that, whatever happened there convinced her to change teams. Nothing changed her mind sort of torture...and even then it was unlikely.
"But I digress. You are obviously stalling so we can have another bout with the whole family. sO I'll leave it there. Lots to do and only a year to do it." Joker said. The portal to hell opened, demons stepped out surrounding Batman. All the while Joker and his team walked in the portal.
Batman knew a fight was pointless. A mere distraction as they got away. As he tried to fight off the demons as the portal closed, Nightwing and Red Robin appeared.
To see Batman surrounded by downed demons, him panting, while choking out a demon.
The demon just lagged as they all began to disintegrate.
"W-we got here as fast as we could." Red Robin said.
"They got to her. They changed her heart. And all I could do was watch." Batman growled.
"Bruce?" Nightwing asked hesitantly.
"I'm going to the Tower of Fate. I will drag Dr. Fate into this fight whether he likes it or not. He will make time for this. Or I'll make it for him." Batman left his two sons in a silent fury.
The looking house to house was taking too long. Dr. Fate will assist in the damn investigation. He and his wife haven't shown up yet to help.
That was a promise.
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AN: It is done...it is finally done.
This is easily going to be a long ass chapter. I wanted Ann's arc to be over and done with but with Kirby's review it got me thinking I was rushing to get to the next arc. So I had to slow down, rewrite and rethink how I wanted this arc to go.
I think I managed to make it good. I'm proud of how it turned out.
Next chapter comes soonish.
Love all you guys. See you soon.
