Disclaimer I do not own anything everything belongs to their respective owners and artist.
Initiate Nightfall Protocol
Bruce sat alone in the watchtower waiting for the other members to arrive. It had been a difficult day for them. Ra's al Ghul had stolen Batman's contingency plans for the Justice League allowing for him to almost kill the entire Justice League. Luckily the league were able to survive the night and stop Ra's before he could continue with his plan to kill off a huge chunk of humanity.
Finally the members of the justice league began entering and taking their seats. The league gave Batman suspicious looks and warily glances.
Wonder Woman entered the room with a sad expression on her face. She trusted Batman with her whole heart, and she felt betrayed. It was well known among the league of Wonder Woman's current relationship with the Dark Knight. They had both been dating for a while now, but after tonight, they weren't to sure what was going to happen.
Superman is the last one to take a seat. He looks around the room, seeing everyone's expressions. J'onn face was unreadable but you could still feel his frustration. John Stewart had an angry expression on his face as did Hawk Girl, however she surprisingly was not glaring heatedly at the mask crusader. Flash looked worried and nervous. Wonder Woman held a solemn expression on her beautiful face. He himself was also saddened by the betrayal, and yet he held no anger towards Batman.
Superman stands up and starts the meeting. "Thank you all for coming." He looks around the room. "We're here to discuss the events that just took place." He looks at Batman. "And how we should move forward from here on out."
"I say we just go ahead and put it to a vote already" Lantern says still full of anger.
Martian Man Hunter disagrees, "No, we should hear everything first, from everyone's perspective. We shouldn't just rush into this blindly."
John ticks his teeth, "Tch, why? We already know what happen! We were betrayed by one of our most closest allies!" He says pointing to Batman who still has yet to say anything. John glares at his unresponsive nature.
"I agree with J'onn. We should hear everything that happened and allow the defendant to make his case." Hawk Girl says. Lantern looks at her with a surprised expression.
"What! Why!" John asks confused that Shayera isn't agreeing with him.
"Have you forgotten that it wasn't too long ago where I also betrayed the Justice League. You guys gave me another chance. Batman, gave me another chance. Where most of the league wanted me gone he fought for me to stay. We owe him a chance to speak and defend himself." She explains recalling the events of the Thanagarian invasion she led.
John opens his mouth to argue but then closes his mouth, he remembers when that happened. John was one of the members who voted to kick Shayera out of the League.
Superman nods and looks to Batman. "The table is yours."
Batman closes his eyes and begins speaking. "The members of the Justice League are some of the only beings on the planet capable of flattening entire cities with little to no effort. If any one of you decided to turn sides, there wouldn't be anything anyone could do to stop you." He explains.
Diana glares at his reasoning. "We would never do that, you've fought with us side by side. You should know this."
"What I know is that the each member is incredibly dangerous if left unchecked." There is silence in the room.
Flash nervously speaks up. "I-I don't really have any problems with Batman having plans to stop us, however I'm not a fan of his methods."
John nods his head. "Yeah, you said you don't kill and yet every one of your plans to stop us was designed to kill us." He argued.
"My original plans would only neutralize you, not kill you. Ra's added some of his own designs in order to kill us." Batman explained.
"It's still a complete violation of our privacy and trust. None of us would do this to you." Diana says glaring at him.
"Exactly, if you wanted a way to stop us you should've first consulted us first. Not do this in secrete." Superman added.
"Then that would negate the whole point. If you knew the plan to stop you then it wouldn't be a good contingency plan now would it?" Batman said.
"You broke our trust in you, so tell me. How can you expect us to ever put our trust in you?" Diana asks with pleading eyes. She desperately was hoping Bruce would have an answer to this question.
Batman looks at her in the eyes "You can't, because I've never once trusted anyone of you." He says with a lack of emotion.
Diana's eyes widen at his words. She knew Batman was a little paranoid, but to go so far as to even admit to not trusting her. It broke her heart. 'Then the time we spent together, did you not love me? We're you just using that as a way to find some kind of weakness?' She asked herself in her head.
John fed up with Batman stands up. "I think we've heard enough. It's obvious he has no intention in changing or even apologizing for what he did." He glares angrily at Batman. "Let's hurry up and vote."
Batman stands up, "If you guys are too naive to see the danger we possess as a group, then I don't need a vote. I don't belong here." His words shock everyone there. Without a final look he turns and leaves the room heading for the transporter. Batman starts entering coordinates but is stopped by a voice.
"Bruce"
Batman turns to see Superman walking over to him. He goes back to typing.
"Bruce wait," he puts his hand on his shoulder. "Let's go back inside, I can vouch for you."
Batman shakes his head. "Your the leader of the league Clark. You can't be seen picking favorites." Bruce says.
"But it's my fault! I gave you the idea a while back." Superman says remembering the time Darkseid had turn him loose on earth. It was a difficult time for Superman, he lost the trust of the entire world. Too make sure that event never took place again he gave Bruce a piece of Kryptonite "Come back please, we need you."
"No, the league doesn't need me anymore." He says walking towards the center of the transporter.
"Bruce-".
"Take care of the League Clark, and remember if you turn sides. I'm coming for you." He says with a teasing smirk.
Clark gives him a sad smile and clicks a button on the machine teleporting Batman away. He sighs and turns to see Diana looking at him with a sad expression. He walks over to her. "Are you alright?"
Diana holds her arm. "No, I'm not." She says looking down. "Clark, you know him better than any of us. Do you…do you think he actually had any feeling towards me?" She asked not really expecting an answer.
"I'm his brother but, not even I really know what he's thinking. If you want to ask someone, you'd be better off asking Alfred." He says.
Diana nods her head. "I can't, just not yet. I don't want to be reminded of Bruce." She says turning around leaving.
Shayera passes by her and looks at her with a pity gaze before walking up to Superman. Shayera sighs. "In the end we couldn't stop him from leaving." She says.
Superman nods in confirmation.
Shayera gives him a smile. "Just give the league some time. They'll get over it, and then they'll welcome Batman back with open arms and cheery faces."
Superman smiles. "I don't know about that, the league feels pretty betrayed".
Shayera doesn't drop her smile, "they all felt betrayed with me as well, but with time they accepted me back with open arms.".
"Only because of Batman's validation. In the end I wasn't able to persuade their thoughts." He says looking guilty.
"It's not your fault of the events that happened. Batman and I both made our choices. The only difference is that I regretted my choice.".
"Do you think he doesn't regret making his contingency plans?"
She frowns a bit, "I think he'd do it again if he could to be honest. It's his nature to be paranoid and secretive."
Superman smiles, "you have no idea." They both leave the hangar joining the rest of the members.
Over with Batman he's been transported to Wayne manor. He walks over to the piano and plays a few keys opening a secret door. He walks down a flight of stares and removes his cowl. He walks over to the Bat Computer and starts checking for missing files, just in case Ra's tried to take anything else.
Alfred walks over, "Back so soon Master Bruce?" He asked while bringing over a tray of snacks and tea. "I apologize for the state of manor, unfortunately I was expecting you to be gone another month." He sarcastically said. Alfred always gave Bruce shit for staying out on patrol for long periods of days. The longest record of absence being 5 months, of course Bruce did leave little messages saying he was still alive and not dying in a ditch somewhere.
"Has Lucious viewed the security files?" Bruce asks while typing into his computer.
"Yes, he said he apologizes for the failed security however he was surprised that someone managed to sneak into the Bat Cave without tripping any of the alerts." Alfred explains while pouring tea.
"Hmm," Bruce reviews the footage trying to see any flaw with his security.
He hands Bruce a tea cup, "Perhaps you should have the league come over, it could help to have some extra eyes around here. Maybe they can see something you can't." He advised.
"The league and I are no longer working together." He explained before quickly drinking the tea.
"Oh? I suppose they didn't fancy the idea of those plans of yours?"
He ignores his question. "From this point on I'll be refocusing my efforts to Gotham only." He says standing up after not being able to see the flaw in his security. He puts back on the cowl walks over to the bat mobile. "Batman has left Gotham long enough."
Alfred steps in front of him stopping him in his tracks, "Yes and Bruce Wayne has also been missing for quite sometime. I do believe it's time for his annual meeting with High Society."
Batman glares at Alfred however he's not shaken at all.
"Pout all you like sir, I'm not moving."
"Bruce Wayne can wait." He says pushing Alfred out of his way.
"Unfortunately it'll have to be Batman who waits, because Bruce Wayne has been invited to his own birthday party." Alfred says giving him an invitation.
Bruce widens his eyes, he had forgotten that it was his birthday today.
"Congratulations Master Bruce you are the first person to have forgotten his birthday three years in a row." Alfred remarks while clapping his hands.
Batman rolls his eyes. "I'll make my presence as Bruce Wayne later, Gotham needs me." He says about to enter the bat mobile.
"Why not leave Gotham in the hands of your protégés for tonight?" Alfred says trying to persuade Bruce not to go. "Miss Cain is currently patrolling Gotham alongside Master Tim." Alfred explains.
"Any leads for either of them?" Bruce asked.
"Miss Cain is currently tracking down Victor Zsasz and Master Tim is currently investigating a string of murders all around Gotham city."
"Murders?"
"Yes, apparently there have been reports of dead bodies all around the rooftops of Gotham city, their bodies are being stringed up." Alfred explains.
'Zsasz doesn't normally string up his victims on the rooftops of Gotham city. Potentially there could be two different murderers on the loose right now' he thinks to himself. He enters the Bat mobile. "I'll leave Zsasz to Cassandra, I'm heading out to see who's leaving these bodies all around my city." He starts the vehicle and is about to leave but then Alfred stops him.
"You'll have to leave this case to master Tim for now Master Bruce, Luthor is on the move." Alfred says showing Bruce a picture of a few vehicles bearing the mark Lex Corp. entering the jungle.
Bruce scowls, "when was this last taken?"
"Approximately seventeen hours ago," Alfred says. Bruce glares at the photo. Alfred sees this and adds, "fortunately Luthor is currently attending the birthday for one Bruce Wayne." He adds with a smirk.
Bruce annoyed removes the cowl. "Where is the party being held?" He asks walking back up into the manor. Alfred follows after him.
"Iceberg lounge". He answers.
Bruce looks back at with a surprise look before shaking his head. "Oswald."
"The very same."
"And pray tell who's idea was that?".
"Master Dick, Master Bruce. Master Dick has discovered that the Penguin has been smuggling guns into Gotham city for a while now.".
"I thought Dick was patrolling Bludhaven?" He questioned.
"It would appear that somewhere in Bludhaven Penguin has set up a base of operations and has been transporting large amounts of weapons." He explains.
"I see." He enters his room and begins removing his suit. Alfred picks out a freshly ironed all white suit with a black tie and lays it out on the bed.
"Master Dick is hoping that you can keep the Penguin busy at the party to allow him to…skulk around and find where exactly the weapons cache is located."
Bruce nods his head in understanding. "Fine." He looks at the suit Alfred laid out for him and then back to Alfred.
Alfred answers, "the theme is black and white Master Bruce." He says with a smile.
"Do we not have anything in all black?" Bruce questioned with a smile.
"It's not a funeral Bruce." He replies smartly. "But I see your point. Wouldn't want Gotham to think Bruce Wayne is pure now would we?" He takes the suit away and pulls out a different one. This time an all black suit with a black tie and white shirt.
"Better." Bruce says putting on his suit. Alfred helps to straighten him out.
"Now Bruce Wayne cannot be seen entering alone, so who shall I call? I don't suppose Diana Prince is available, Hmm?" He asked with a knowing tone.
Batman closes his eyes remembering how he left things with Diana, at the moment he didn't know where their relationship stood. But he did know that she wouldn't want to see him at all. With that in mind he accepted that Diana wouldn't want to continue their relationship. "Diana and I shouldn't be viewed as a couple anymore." Bruce says.
Alfred nods somberly. He truly liked Diana and was hoping she could bring some light into Bruce's life, but perhaps it wasn't meant to be. "Perhaps Selina?" Alfred asks.
"I'd rather not have to deal with someone's sticky fingers." He says remembering all the times they got kicked out of a party because of Selina's sticky fingers.
"Alright, how about Dinah Lance?"
Bruce smirks, "It wouldn't do well for Bruce Wayne to be seen around Oliver's girl alone now would it?"
"I'd figure it go well with Bruce Wayne's reputation." He replies smartly causing Bruce to Chuckle. "Alright how about Judie Madison?"
Bruce frowns at her name, "no, she deserves the quite life."
Alfred nods in understanding, "then how about Silver St. Cloud?" He asked jokingly. "I hear she's returned to Gotham."
Bruce frowns but then seriously considers it. "Hmm she would indeed be the perfect woman, she already knows my identity and is part of the wealthy class."
"Shall I make the call?" Alfred asks tilting his head.
"No, I'll do it." Bruce replies. Alfred nods in understanding. "Let Dick know I'll keep Oswald busy in the Lounge." Alfred nods as they both exit the manor and enter the vehicle. Alfred drives off with Bruce in the back seat of the car. He makes a phone call.
"…Silver! It's me Bruce,…listen I was wondering if you were busy tonight.". Bruce smiles at her answer. "Good, I'm on my way to pick you up, the theme is black and white….where are you staying at?" He looks to Alfred, "At the High Rise Hilton." Alfred nods and adjusts his course. "I'll be there soon." He finishes with a smile.
Over with Grayson he can be seen in his Nightwing outfit and stalking an unmarked van. He receives a call. He answers it. "Yellow," he greets still following the truck from the rooftops.
"Evening Master Dick, Bruce wanted me to inform you that he-".
"Let me guess, he wants me to keep Oswald busy while he looks for the cache." He asks annoyed.
"No he-".
"He wants me to return to Bludhaven?"
"No he-".
"He wants me to take up the mantle?"
"Are you finished?"
"…yes…"
Alfred sighs. "He intends to keep Oswald busy at the lounge giving you the opportunity to discover the whereabouts of where they are depositing the weapons at." He explains.
Dick picks his ear, "Ah sorry Alfred repeat that please cuz it sounded like you said Bruce was going to let me take point on this."
"I did say that,"
"…is he sick?"
"No master Dick".
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Master Dick, now if that's all we're currently on our way to pick up Bruce's date."
"Ooh Bruce and Wonder Woman going for a night of dancing."
"Unfortunately, that will not be the case." Alfred replies.
"Huh? Why not?" Dick asked confused.
"Certain events took place that have left Batman's relationships with the Justice League, strained." He explained.
"I see, I'll head over to Wayne Manor later to hear more about it."
"Very good Master Dick." Alfred hangs up the call.
Dick who's still following the van asks himself, 'what happened to cause their relationship to strain, sure Bruce is a little stubborn but surely they know he means well.' The van makes a stop at a warehouse. 'I'll find out more later, for now let's deal with these guys.' Night wing jumps off the roof and on top of the warehouse.
Back with Bruce he's seen sitting next to Silver St. Cloud. She wore a black versace medusa motif one-shoulder dress, her straight hair falling on both sides. Her blue eyes matching Bruce's.
"It's been a while, Bruce". Silver says while looking him up and down, "you certainly haven't changed."
Bruce smiles and responds, "and you have only grown more beautiful since the last time I saw you,". He says with a charming smile.
Silver chuckles, "your as flirtatious as ever Bruce," she leans on his shoulder. "Do you remember our time together, before I left. Before I left you." She asked with a somber tone.
"How could I ever forget." He said honestly. Silver was one of the women he truly loved, had she stayed with him he would've given up the mantle however when Silver left him because of his identity he closed up his heart again. He didn't blame her at all. How could he force someone to be with him and have to constantly be afraid of losing said person, it wasn't fair to Silver to put her in that situation.
"Bruce I-" she's cut off by Bruce.
"Don't worry about it, the past is the past. Let's just have a great time tonight." He said bringing her close.
Silver closes her eyes and lays her head on his shoulder. Bruce leans in as well but can't help think of Diana. He thinks of her black luscious hair, her warm blue eyes, and beautiful smile. As he thinks of her he unconsciously cuddles with Silver. He snaps out of it as Alfred pulls the car over in front of the Lounge.
"We're here Master Bruce and Miss Cloud." He steps out of the car and opens the door allowing for Bruce and Silver to exit. Silver hooks her arm around Bruce's and allows him to lead her inside.
Alfred smiles at the sight but it switches from joy to sadness. He did love Silver, and believed that she could bring some light into Bruce's life, however he was really hoping Diana would be the one to bring Bruce out of his pit of despair. With a sigh he enters the car and leaves.
"So Bruce, what little adventure have you cooped up for me this time?" She asked grinning.
Bruce returns her grin, "oh you know a little dancing here, a little mingling there and keeping Cobblepot busy here." He said with a sly grin.
Silver looks at Bruce returning his grin. "Oh? Should I expect a man in tights to make his appearance?" She asked teasingly.
"No not tonight." He said reassuringly. "For tonight, it'll just be you and me and one little penguin."
"Oh? How fun." She says as they enter the lounge.
They enter the lounge to see multiple people already there celebrating. Some notable people being Oswald Cobblepot, Lex Luthor, Lucius Fox and his son Luke Fox, Thomas Elliot, and Selina Kyle.
Silver breathes it all in, "well, quite the mix gathering we got around here, don't we?"
Bruce nods, "yes, a nice gathering of misfits and goodie too shoos." Bruce says walking through the gathering of people.
People begin to notice his presence and begin murmuring to each other.
"Isn't that-"
"It's Bruce Wayne!"
"It's billionaire playboy Wayne!"
"I'm surprised he actually showed up to one of his own birthday parties"
"And look!"
"Who's that next to him?"
"Probably some other super model he managed to land, lucky bastard"
"No, that's-"
"That's Silver St. Cloud!"
"What! No way!"
"I didn't know she came back to Gotham."
"Neither did I"
With all the murmuring going around, Bruce takes this opportunity to smile at everyone and walk over to Lucius.
Lucius turns to him smiling and extends his hand. "Ah Mr. Wayne so glad you could come to your own birthday party for once" Fox greets.
"Ah well you know me Lucius, I can never turn down an invitation to a good party now can I." Bruce replies shaking his hand. Bruce then introduces his date. "I'm sure you remember Silver St. Cloud". Silver extends her hand shaking Lucius's own hand.
"Why of course how can I forget the lovely Miss Cloud."
"Silver this is Lucius Fox, he pretty much runs Wayne Enterprise and acts as the manager." Bruce introduces smiling.
"Yes, I make sure Wayne is fitted with the latest suits and vehicles. Wouldn't want him wearing outdated apparel now would we?" Lucius says laughing.
Wayne and Silver laugh at his little inside joke.
"Ah let me introduce you to my son Wayne." He turns and stretches his arm signaling for his son to come.
His son arrives and bows his head a little. "Good evening." The boy says.
Bruce and Silver nod.
"This is my son, Luke Fox. I'm currently trying to get him to work for us in Wayne Enterprises however he just won't budge. Wayne maybe you can talk some sense into him." Lucius says.
Bruce chuckles and begins conversing, "So tell me Luke, why don't you want to work at Wayne Enterprises. Don't tell me Lex Luthor already got you a job". He says teasingly.
Luke laughs and explains himself, "its not that it just, I feel like I could do more good elsewhere. I feel like I could do more good out there like Batman." He explains.
Bruce frowns a bit but hides it well. "Like Batman? You want to wear skin tight clothing and beat up bad guys?" Bruce chuckles.
Luke's face turns serious but excited, "Well I don't know about skin tight clothing but I've been practicing MMA and have been participating in cage fighting." He explains excited.
"Oh?" Bruce looks to Lucius for confirmation.
Lucius rubs his temple and sighs, "it's true, the boy has been doing that even though he graduated MIT with double degrees in engineering and business management." Lucius explains.
Bruce whistles. "That's impressive, not many people can say they've done that Luke. You shouldn't be wasting your brains like this Luke. Come on by Wayne tower with Lucious. Take a look around, see all the good we do there at Wayne enterprise. There's more than one way to do good in the world Luke. You don't have to dress in tights to accomplish this" He explains.
Silver gives Bruce a knowing smile.
Lucius smiles at Bruce, "couldn't have said that any better myself."
Luke rubs his head, "alright, I'll give it a shot," he says sheepishly.
Lucius and Bruce smile wide. "Atta boy!" Bruce says slapping Luke's back. Luke bows his head smiling and leaves to go grab some snacks.
"Ah Mister Wayne! I'm so glad you decided to celebrate your birthday here." Cobblepot says while walking towards him with two goons behind him.
Bruce smiles, "what are you kidding me? Everyone in Gotham knows Iceberg lounge is the place to party!" Bruce says while shaking his hand.
Cobblepot smiles with the feeling of pride in his chest, "Well of course! This is the place where only the elite can enter after all."
Bruce doesn't comment.
"Say Wayne, I was wondering if perhaps we can do some business together," Cobblepot says, however before he can say something Cobblepot's phone rings. He looks at who's calling him and scowls "Apologies I better take this.". Bruce nods watching Penguin leave.
"Should you not have stopped him?" Silver whispered.
"No, can't seem too suspicious can I?" Bruce answers. "Besides I doubt it has anything to do with blue bird."
"Oh and how would you know?" She asked smartly.
"Would you scowl when receiving a report?"
"I would if I was interrupted from making a business deal".
"Touchee". Bruce says not concerned at all. "Lucius" Bruce calls out gaining his attention.
"Yes mister Wayne?" He asks smirking already knowing Bruce's antics.
"Is it safe to assume your carrying the prototype with you?" Bruce asks grinning mischievously.
"As a matter of fact, it's currently in my pocket." He answered grinning.
"Why don't you go ahead and press that button for me" Bruce says not dropping his grin.
Lucius widens his eyes, "seriously? Right here? Right now?"
Bruce nods his head. "Yeah,".
Lucius sighs, "very well then". He reaches into his pocket and clicks a button.
Silver looks around, "nothing happened?"
Bruce nudges Silver, "look at Cobblepot."
Silver turns her gaze and nearly started laughing. For whatever reason Cobblepot's phone stopped working so he threw the phone at the wall smashing it.
Silver turns to Lucius "What did you do?" She asked chuckling.
Lucius looks to Bruce who gives an encouraging nod. Lucius begins explaining "every phone sends messages and receives calls via radio waves from cell towers. All this goo hicky does is cut off that connection, making it seem that the phone lost connection rather than being jammed. Of course it's still in the early development stages so it targets everyone's nearby phones, including ours." He pulls out his phone and starts texting someone. He shows it to her revealing a failed message sent. "As you can see your still capable of using your phone, you just can't make calls or text anyone."
"Amazing" Silver says smiling.
"Now Mister Wayne, care to tell me why we're pranking Mr. Cobblepot?" Lucius asks with a knowing smile.
"We got to keep him here and unaware of what's going on outside the lounge." Bruce explains.
Fox sighs and walks past them, "I'll discuss business with him and keep him busy. So go dance and sing. It's your birthday after all.".
Bruce gives him a grateful smile and leads Silver to the dance floor. They begin dancing to the song, "So Miss Cloud, enjoying yourself so far?" Bruce asked bringing her closer.
"More than I expected" she answered smiling.
Bruce's eyes widen in surprisement, he realizes that was the same thing Diana told him when he took her dancing in Paris. Bruce's eyes sadden at the memory.
Silver notices this and holds his face, "Bruce?"
Bruce shakes his head, "It's nothing, I'm alright" he said with a sad smile.
Silver gives him a knowing smile, "it's a woman, isn't it?"
Bruce sighs and doesn't try to hide it, "yes" he answered honestly while dancing with her.
Silver gives him a genuine smile, "What happened?"
"I-I betrayed her trust" he answered honestly.
Still smiling Silver says "Bruce, which one was she dating?"
Bruce looks at her confused for a moment but then answers, "she was dating the Bat".
"I see, so then the woman you were in a relationship with was another heroine?" She says frowning a bit.
"Yes," he answered.
"Did she know your identity?"
"Yes,"
"And you didn't make any appearances with her as Bruce Wayne?"
"No, she dated the Bat not the Man"
"Bruce, you-" she's cut off by another man's voice.
Thomas Elliot makes his presence known, "Bruce! So good to see you." He walks over to them with his date in hand, his date being one Selina Kyle.
Bruce smiles at his long time best friend. "Thomas! It's been a while since I've last seen you"
Thomas laughs as he and Bruce hug it out, "I know! The last time I saw you, you had terrible cuts across your chest. How's it healing?" He asked concerned on how Bruce was able to get such long cuts from an accident.
Bruce smiles remembering how Killer Croc gave him those cuts, "It's much better now, thank you." He touched his chest feeling the scars left behind.
Thomas smiles, "that's good," he then suddenly remembers his date, "oh! Where are my manners? This is Selina Kyle, I'm sure you remember her." He introduces his date.
Bruce gives her a knowing smile, "yes, I'm familiar with miss Kyle." He stretches his arm for Selina to shake.
Selina gives Bruce a flirty smile and shakes his hand, "how are you Bruce?" She asked with a knowing smile.
"Ah can't complain," he looks to Silver, "this is Silver St. Cloud," he introduces.
Silver bows her head and shakes Thomas's hand. "It's so good to finally meet another friend of Bruce's." She greets.
"Ha, a friend of Bruce is a friend of mine!" He said excitedly. "Let me know if Bruce gets into any more trouble, he always has had a knack for getting himself injured someway somehow."
Silver rubs her hand over Bruce's chest, "don't worry, I'll keep him check" she says smiling.
Selina gives a fake smile. 'Little bitch, you have no idea who that man really is', Selina thought to herself smugly. 'This whole thing, this whole spectacle is nothing more than a facade. His mask he wears to hide his real identity. An identity only I've seen, an identity only I've had passionate nights with.' She shakes her head. 'Keep him during the day, but during the night, he's mine'.
Thomas and Bruce continue to have their conversation however once again another man makes his presence known.
"Happy birthday Mr. Wayne." Lex Luthor says while walking up to them.
Bruce smiles at Lex but Thomas frowns at him. "Ah Mr. Luthor how nice of you join us this fine evening." Bruce says.
"Well I was in the neighborhood and decided, why not?" He says with a grin.
"I'm surprised they let you out so early Luthor, with the whole you know trying to kill Superman and all." Thomas says with a sly grin.
Lex looks at him with a frown, "Ah Mr. Elliot, nice to see you again."
"Can't say the same Mr. Luthor," Elliot replies giving him a fake smile.
Luthor and Elliot stand there frowning at each other.
Bruce steps in, "now now come on, it's my birthday. That means no fighting." He says giving a charming smile.
Elliot sighs and apologizes, "Ah I suppose your right, I'll see you around Bruce." He bows his head and leaves with Selina in tow. She looks back at Bruce and gives him a wink before leaving with Thomas.
"I don't understand your choice of friends Wayne" Lex says shaking his head.
Bruce only smiles, "Ah well I like to have a mix bag of people".
Lex nods his head.
"But I suppose it's better than being friends with a certain clown, hm?" Bruce says with a teasing smile.
Lex returns his smile but it's forced. In truth he regretted teaming up with the Joker, but he needed someone's experience with the Bat vigilante, at the time both Superman and Batman were cracking down on his operations. Superman he could handle but Batman was a new element that he wasn't familiar with.
"Yes well I also tend to like to have a mix bag of friends as well" Lex says cooly.
"You do like to live dangerously I suppose," Wayne teased.
Lex laughs, "not as dangerous as you I suppose, with your reputation being an infamous womanizer". He says looking at Silver now. He sticks his hand out, "Pleasure to meet you Miss Cloud."
Silver gives him a smile, "likewise Mr. Luthor".
Luthor brings her hand to his lips, kissing it. Luthor gives her his best charming smile. Had it been any other woman, they would've grown red with embarrassment. But Silver was no other woman, she was part of the wealthy class. Of course she had already gotten use to this kind of treatment, plus she had dated Bruce Wayne. The man wasn't known as the womanizer for nothing, back when they were dating Bruce had made it his personal mission to make her blush at every chance he could.
Silver simply smiles without a blush on her face.
Luthor is displeased by this but he doesn't show it.
Bruce gives Silver a smile and holds her closer to him.
Lex notices this but doesn't comment on it, instead he changes the topic. "So Wayne I was wondering if you'd be interested in a little business proposition." He asked smirking.
Bruce raises an eyebrow, "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?"
Lex continuing his smirk answers, "I'm currently trying to buy some land in the Amazon jungle in order to build a little lab there."
Bruce intrigue by this urges him to continue.
Lex continues, "There are still many unknown plants in the Amazon jungle, each one capable of different effects. I intend on sending a team into the jungle in the hopes of discovering more plant life."
Bruce was interested in the idea, however he new better than to trust Lex. "And what exactly do you intend to find out there?"
"Cures for diseases of course." He answered smirking.
Bruce frowns, 'your full of shit Lex, your most likely more interested in making chemical weapons', he thinks to himself. "Seems like you've got everything sorted out, so what do you need me for?"
"Unfortunately due to my false reputation the process to get the documents and permission granted is taking too long." Lex explains. "So that's where you come in."
"So you want me to get the permission and documents signed allowing my company to search the jungle."
"Yes, and of course you'll let my team piggy back on your operation. I'll handle the funds and supply the man power, I just need you to get those documents signed." Lex explained.
Bruce thinks about it, 'Well I have been meaning to boost Wayne Biotech, Wayne Chemicals and Wayne Pharmaceuticals for a while now. This could give me the opportunity needed to expand those branches, and I'll be able to keep a eye closer on Lex's operations in the jungle.' He puts his hand out, "I think we can work something out Luthor."
Lex smiles and shakes his hand. "It's a pleasure doing business with you Wayne."
"The pleasures all mine".
With a nod both Lex and Bruce go their separate ways.
"Doing a little business with Lex Corp now are we? A little dangerous no?" Silver asks playfully.
Bruce smiles at her and explains himself, "Perhaps, but it's more dangerous to leave him to his own devices without some sort of supervision."
"Look out world, chaperone Bruce Wayne coming through" she laughs playfully.
Bruce laughs as well. They are interrupted though as Luke comes up to them.
"Sorry for interrupting but my father would like you to come over." Luke says a little nervous.
Bruce smiles and walks over however Luke isn't following. Bruce turns to him, "Aren't you coming?"
Luke looks stupefied, "Oh! Um I don't think it'll be right for me to go when I'm not apart of Wayne Corp." he answered rubbing the back of his head.
"Nonsense! Come come come, let me show you how we deal in business at Wayne Corp." Bruce said smiling. Silver gives Luke an encouraging smile.
Luke sighs and gives in following after them.
Bruce walks up to Lucius and Cobblepot. "Evening gentleman" he says joining their little gathering.
"Ah hello Wayne, Cobblepot here was just telling me how he's gone legit now." Lucius says with a smile.
Bruce widens his eyes playfully, "Oh has he now?" He looks to Cobblepot for confirmation. "Is this true?"
Cobblepot grins, "Of course, I've given up that lifestyle now." He says as if it's a fact. "I've decided to lay low and stick to what I do best, just good business."
"Oh? And what kind of business are we talking here?"
"Imports and Exports, my business will now be solely focused on delivering various goods across the world." He answers proudly.
"Oh? Well then," he grabs a drink from a passing waiter, "a toast! to a successful business."
Lucius and Cobblepot raise their drinks, "here here" they all take a drink.
Lucius then makes another toast. "And to Bruce Wayne! For another successful year!" Everyone in the party toasts to the birthday boy.
After the toast everyone goes back to what they were doing.
Lucius then takes this time to bring Bruce up to speed. "Cobblepot is interested in working closely with Wayne Shipping." Lucius explains.
Bruce nods his head in understanding and looks to Cobblepot to clarify.
"Yes I was hoping that my business could work hand in hand with Wayne Shipping."
"And what exactly did you have in mind?" Bruce asked curious.
Cobblepot smiles "Allow us to use your planes to make deliveries, keep us posted with the latest technology and I promise you that with every item shipped. Wayne will receive a generous percentage of let's say 25%." Cobblepot said smiling.
Bruce thinks it over but doesn't sound at all too appealing. Besides he was already booked on all his deliveries, adding Cobblepot would just be too straining, plus he didn't exactly trust him either.
'Is Wayne going to accept his offer!?' Thought Luke. 'Penguin's got a notorious reputation as a gangster and a murderer.' Luke thinks to himself glaring at Cobblepot.
Bruce looks to Lucius and gives him a look, Lucius nods in understanding. He looks back to Cobblepot.
Lucius takes point, "Apologies Cobblepot but our shipments are all booked solid at the moment and we're not really looking for any more clients at the moment." Lucius explains.
Cobblepot frowns but nods his head in understanding, "I see".
Suddenly a goon walks up to him from behind and whispers into his ear. He widens his eyes, "What! Why wasn't I told anything before!"
The goon backs away a bit in fright, "th-the phones are out of service" he explained.
"Dammit!"
"Everything alright Cobblepot?" Bruce asked with fake concern.
Cobblepot widens his eyes forgetting where he was. He turns around sweating, "Yes of course, just some misplaced items of mine it looks like. Nothing to worry about, please enjoy the rest of the evening." With that Cobblepot leaves the building with his goons following close behind.
"Is it safe for him to leave?" Silver asks.
"Blue bird should be finished by now" he answered looking at Lucius now. "You can turn it off now".
Lucius nods and reaches into his pocket clicking a button.
Luke looks at them with a curious expression on his face.
"Too another successful evening" Lucius raises his glass.
"To another successful evening." Bruce agrees. Silver also raises her glass. They look to Luke smiling. He's confused but nonetheless raises a glass as well.
They click their drinks together and take a drink. Lucius exudes himself and takes Luke with him.
Silver and Bruce go back to the dance floor, dancing to the music.
"Bruce about this woman of yours," Silver brings back their previous topic. "I'd like to know more about her and what exactly happened." She says with a comforting smile.
Bruce looks at her and returns her smile, "We'll talk more about it at the manor, for now let's just enjoy ourselves" he says trying to forget Diana.
Silver gives him a sad smile but complies with his wishes. Silver leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Unknown to either of them, their photo was taken.
After walking a good distance away Luke turns to his father and begins questioning him, "What did Wayne mean, you can turn it off now?"
Lucius takes another sip and responds, "Ah just a little prank Wayne likes to do to his competitors." He says smirking.
Luke not fully understanding digs deeper, "what did you guys do?"
Lucius smiles devilishly, "if you want to know, join Wayne Corp." Lucius teases.
Luke pouts and then smiles, "alright then, keep your secrets". The father and son duo share a laugh enjoying the rest of the evening.
30 minutes Earlier
Back with Nightwing he jumps on top of the warehouse and quietly walks over to a window. He looks inside to see them park the van inside the warehouse. A few guys walk towards the car.
"About damn time!" Said one of them.
"Come on you lazy bastards get out of the van." Said another.
Two men exit the van.
"Quit hassling us man, fucking traffic here is unbelievable" said the driver.
"Yeah yeah shut up and open the van".
They open the van revealing crates of unknown contents.
"Alright, let's start unloading the crates. Come on! We don't want Penguin breathing down our necks!"
They start removing the crates and begin placing them over by the table. Nightwing takes this opportunity to open the window, he climbs through. He jumps down and rolls over behind some boxes. He peeks over looking at what everyone's doing.
"All these crates and for what exactly!?" One yells out clearly annoyed by all this carrying.
"Yeah! I was under the impression the boss was going legit now?"
"You idiots! Of course the boss isn't going legit, he's just trying to lay low."
"Lay low? Gathering up a large amount of weapons all around Gotham City is what he considers laying low?"
"Hell if I know! Apparently some rich dude purchased these weapons and is having them placed all around Gotham."
'Hmm, so there are more warehouses with these crates all around Gotham.' Nightwing thinks to himself.
"Alright that's the last one," the man closes the vans door. "Go on get out of here!"
The two men nod and enter the van preparing to leave.
"You know where your going?" The man asks before the two left.
"Uh…yeah yeah!"
"You sure?"
"…"
The man sighs, "you need to go back to Bludhaven and pick up the next load".
The drivers eyes widen, "oh yeah! That's right! I got it now!" The man gives a thumbs up before driving away.
"Idiots" the man says shaking his head.
Before they can leave Nightwing throws a tracker on the van. He then turns back to see the three men walking over to the crates.
"All these crates, we got enough here to rage a gang war with someone." One of the men commented.
"Yeah, now imagine in combination to all the other warehouses. We're soon going to have enough to rage war on an entire city."
"That's enough, come on you two we got to go make sure all the contents are correct."
The other two nod and begin opening the crates checking the contents.
"I've got AK's in this one"
"RPG's in this one."
"Good, let's keep checking the-". He's cut off as he's hit with a batarang causing him to fall on one knee. The other two look behind them to see Nightwing running towards them. They back up in fear.
"It's Nightwing!"
Nightwing quickly kicks the first man away and then turns to the other. The man moves to hit him but he's blocked and kicked in the groin. "Sorry about that". Nightwing says smiling. He then grabs him and throws him to the ground knocking him unconscious.
*Click*
Nightwing turns around to see the original man load an AK. "Oh shit".he says while rolling out of the way as the man unloads bullets at him. Nightwing dodges and rolls towards the gunner, he pulls out his Eskrima Sticks and charges them up before electrocuting the gunner unconscious.
Nightwing sighs in relief and puts his sticks away. He looks around satisfied with his work. "Alright Alfred, the warehouse is secure".
"Very good Master Dick, where you able to uncover anything regarding the whereabouts of these firearms?"
"Yes and no," he walks around looking for anything that can help him, "The warehouse I'm currently in has weapons and apparently their are multiple weapon cache's all around Gotham City." Dick explains.
"Hmm Master Bruce won't like that"
"Definitely not, especially since apparently it's enough to start a war in an entire city, at least that's what I overheard." Dick says while sitting down on a box.
"Hm, now why on earth would anyone try to start a war that large?"
"Don't know, then again it's not like we could trust the mouth of just one goon."
"Even so, this is something that can't be ignored. Have you found anything else substantial there?"
Dick takes a quick look around, "Nah not really. Just a lot of guns."
"Very good then, I'm alerting GCPD of your current location. Best to leave before they arrive."
"Will do". He hops off and runs out of the warehouse. He grapples onto the nearby building and lands on the roof. He begins leaving the area. "I'm on my way back to Wayne Manor, the suns almost up."
"Very good master Dick, I'm currently waiting for Master Bruce so you'll have the Manor to yourself. Get some rest, we'll be there soon."
"Understood." He hangs up and continues his way back to the Manor.
In an unknown location Ra's al Gul is seen typing something into a computer. The door opens and in comes a beautiful woman, it's his daughter Talia al Ghul.
She walks up to her father smiling, "it would appear your plan has failed father, the league still lives and Humanity still stands."
Ra's is unfazed by her, "On the contrary, my plan has only begun." He claimed boldly.
Talia raises one eyebrow, "Oh? And how do you figure that?"
Ra's smirks, "The original plan was indeed to kill them all however the detective has once again proven his might at the cost of their trust. Right now the good detective has strained his relationship with the rest of the Justice League, they do not trust him and vice versa."
"So your plan is to isolate him?"
"Indeed, with Batman isolated it will now be much easier to get rid of him, and ultimately the Justice league."
Talia frowns at this, "Batman still has his robins".
Ra's doesn't lose his smile, "the detective isn't a person who relies on anyone. You of all people should know this. He will push his allies away for their own protection and when he does, when he's finally alone. We strike."
Talia frowns at this piece of news, she was hoping her dearly beloved would be spared, however she also understood that Bruce would never allow them to continue their plan. She sighs, "very well father, I'll begin making the preparations." With a bow she leaves.
Ra's watches her leave with a frown. 'The detective has been a thorn in my side for too long, if I am to succeed he must be the first one to die.' He thinks to himself before glaring at the computer screen revealing a picture of Bruce Wayne.
A/N: Alright first chapter down, a bunch more to go. Hope you all enjoyed the story, I certainly had fun writing it. So just leave a review or something and I'll see you all later.
