Chapter twenty-two or rather chapter 69 is here and hope everyone is ready! I'm glad I got this out a little faster than last time. I'm trying to get this done as soon as possible. So, I can get done one less story to deal with and get the others I haven't finished yet.
Still, thank you to all who enjoyed the last chapter and have been enjoying the story. I can't wait till we get to the end. Yeah, if you've played the game, you know how it will go. But with the stuff I've been adding, things will likely go differently for the story.
Now, last time we saw Batman and his kids making their way up to stop Thrawn. Along the way, we also saw Ahsoka and her Clones trying to stop Thrawn's TYGER soldiers from breaking in. How will things go for our heroes? Will they succeed in stopping Thrawn or will more trouble come their way?
Tune in today to find out and time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything from the DC or Star Wars universe just my OCs. Also: Bold- means thoughts & Italic- will mean what an alien is saying in their native language. Now let's continue with the story and enjoy the chapter!
Story III: Chapter XXII
Coruscant
Lux Bonteri aka Nightwing is seen continuing to fight off the TYGER Gunships that were trying to land on the rooftop of the building. Lux was told by Ahsoka that they've managed to hold off the enemy down below, but she knew they'll find a way through soon enough. Thankfully the senators, Padme, her kids were all safe down in the bunker, which Abigail had built in case of an attack. Abigail remained in contact with the others, while Kitana kept her safe from harm.
Lux is thankful that the defenses of the building are keeping the enemy at bay, but he knew it won't hold. He was barely holding his own and clearly was out of practice when it came to fighting a large number of enemy forces. Ahsoka did warn him not to stop training. He just hopes he'll make it out of this in one piece so he can get back to training.
Lux managed to keep the enemy ships from getting near the rooftop, as he begins trying to catch his breath. "Oh shit *breathing heavily* this is really *breathing a little softer* some workout," he panted as he tries to recover.
"You better not be quitting on me, Bonteri," said Abigail as she spoke to him through their com-link.
Lux simply chuckled and twirls his batons. "Not even close," he replied while breathing a little normally now. "I'm barely getting my second wind."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Abigail as she begins detecting more enemy ships heading their way. "We've got more incoming. While I've managed to keep them from firing at the building, they're going to likely try sending some of their forces from above."
Most likely they're going to dive from the dropships down to the rooftop or even the landing platform. She knew at this rate, they're going to get overrun if Daniel doesn't stop Thrawn.
"Any news from Batman?" Lux asked as he sees the enemy ships flying up over the rooftop. "Please tell me he's close to beating Thrawn or at the very least is near where he's holding up."
"They're close," said Abigail as she saw the others have made it up the tower and now need to make their way around to get to where Thrawn is hiding out. "But he'll need time. Time to get through his defenses and get to Thrawn himself."
Abigail knew she just needs to gain access to his computer systems directly. But she also knows to do that, they'll need to get through Thrawn. Someone who she knows isn't a slouch. The man has an array of combat skills that even she doesn't have any record of but knows if he's trained the TYGER guards to be a threat against them, then he must be a capable fighter.
"Batman will need to be on his guard," said Abigail knowing her brother needs to be careful. "But in the meantime? We need to hold out and keep the enemy from getting in here. Lux, can you do this? Can you hold out a little longer and have faith that Daniel can do it?"
Lux knew this won't be easy, especially due to the odds being not in their favor. However, he knew better than to doubt Daniel. He knows he'll pull through. No matter what gets in his way.
"Don't worry. I've got this," said Lux as he sees the TYGER soldiers leaping off their gunship and begin using their jetpacks to land on the rooftop. "Hello there, boys," Lux or rather now Nightwing greeted the armed soldiers. "I'm afraid you don't have permission to land here. Please return to your ship and come back later."
"Take him down!" one of the soldiers ordered as they begin opening fire.
Nightwing begins dodging the blaster shots, before taking cover behind a wall as the soldiers kept on firing. He knew this is going to be tricky, but he wasn't going to let the others down.
"All right. We're doing this the hard way then," said Lux as he took out some flash bombs and tosses them in the air.
The soldiers look up and opened fire, but unfortunately, they ended up triggering the flash bombs, which blinded them. Nightwing used this chance to leap from behind the wall and took out his electric batons. He charges in at the first row of soldiers, before he begins taking them down.
He swings his batons at the soldiers, taking them out. Hitting them in the chest, head, and even their back. The electricity isn't enough to cause any serious harm, but they're going to wake up groggy, or in the case of the soldiers he hit in the head, a massive headache.
When he saw the soldiers aiming their weapons at him, he begins dodging their blasts. Sure, they were still blinded by the light, so their shots were all scattered, but it didn't mean he wanted to get hit. He also took down some of the soldiers that were in the path of the blaster shots. He didn't want them getting hit or killed from the attack.
Nightwing soon charges in again and begins disarming them of their weapons. However, he saw some of the soldiers began to recover from the flash bomb and took out their knives. Looks like they're coming to. He twirls his batons and stands ready for them to attack.
Nightwing counted at least ten more soldiers left, while he managed to knock out eight. He begins smiling when he saw the soldiers all circling him. He could tell what they're going to do and knew he'll need to be quick. Two soldiers charge in to attack him, before the others charged in as well.
Nightwing though quickly puts his weapons together, kneels down, and soon his batons formed a staff, which began to extend. Nightwing twirls the weapon around, knocking the soldiers to the ground. But not before one managed to stab him in the shoulder, causing the masked hero to let out a painful grunt.
Nightwing elbows the soldier in the gut before driving his elbow into his face. Breaking his nose in the process and knocking him out. Nightwing stood up, while he winced in pain. The knife got through his armor and could feel it in his shoulder. He grabs the knife and pulls it out as quickly as possible, while managing to keep himself from yelling.
Not the first time he's been stabbed, but it has been a long time. Still, for their weapon to pierce through the armor, that Fox had made to prevent such a thing, tells him Thrawn upgraded their weapons.
Nightwing didn't have time to analyze the knife though, as he sees the enemy soldiers beginning to recover. He quickly retracts his staff and activates his batons from both end. He knew now he'll need to be on his guard. These soldiers and their knives will be the death of him if he's not careful.
Three of the soldiers moved in but are soon attacked by a masked figure from behind. The figured appeared kicking two of the soldiers from behind, while the third in the middle got hit with the figure's staff. The figure leaps over and lands right next to Lux, who seemed surprised by the appearance of the other. Upon closer appearance the figure looked to be a female green-skinned Twi'lek.
Wearing a black hooded mask over her face, while exposing her headtails and mouth. The figure also appeared to be wearing a red and black armored uniform with the symbol of Robin in the middle.
Nightwing instantly recognized the other and smiles. "I'm surprise Alfred send you. I would have thought you'd stay with him and keep him safe."
"He'll be okay," said the masked woman as she kept her eyes locked on the soldiers. "He wanted me to come here, because he knew you all will need my help. And it looks like you did. Don't tell me years of not fighting has made you soft?"
Nightwing chuckled softly at the other's comments, knowing there was some truth to that. "Well, I had you guys to pick up the slack for me and Batwoman. So, we didn't think we were needed to come back in the fold anymore. Still, I'm glad you came, Numa."
The woman, now revealed to be Numa, the Twi'lek that Abigail had adopted, smiles back at Nightwing and nods towards him. Its been years since she had joined the family and had been aware of who they were. While she was too young to train, she would later do so after the events of Arkham years ago. But instead of becoming Batgirl, she chose to don a new persona.
One which she was inspired by from Lux when he was the original Robin. She became known as Red Robin.
"Well, if you're up for it. Let's take care of these guys as soon as possible," said Nightwing as he detaches his staff in two once more and got ready to fight. "Because we'll need to help the others down below."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it," said Red Robin as she twirls her weapon around. "I'm not the only one that showed up."
Nightwing seems confused on who else she brought with them, but he didn't have time to ask as he saw the enemy soldiers charging in at them. Red Robin runs over before bringing her staff down on the ground. She then uses it to help her leap over the soldiers before tossing them some pepper bombs, which soon go off.
The five soldiers that charged at her begin coughing loudly as the pepper gas begins seeping into her mouth, nose, and under their goggles. She then charges in and drives her knee into one of their faces. She then swings her staff, hitting two of them across the head, and knocking them out. Before the three soldiers tried to charge at her, but due to their eyes being affected by the gas they couldn't see.
Allowing her to block and disarm their weapons. She then hits one with the staff, the other kicked across the head, and then one she wraps her right arm around their neck. Before she jumps up and with her whole-body weight, forces the enemy to fall to the ground, headfirst. Knocking them out.
Nightwing meanwhile, focused on the last three as they charged in at him. He blocks their weapons with his staff, before seeing the third try to stab him in the gut. Nightwing leaps over and using his staff managed to move it across their neck. He then begins pulling the staff against their necks to try knocking them out.
The soldiers tried to pull free and managed to loosen his grip. But nightwing was counting on them to focus on getting freed, while not noticing him leaving a gift for them. He frees them from his staff and backs away, before the soldiers turn to face him. They go to attack, when suddenly they stepped on something.
Looking down, they see they activated what appeared to be a small device. The device activates and begins electrocuting the soldiers. Knocking them out in just a few seconds. Once they were down, Nightwing begins tying them up, before looking over to see Red Robin do the same thing.
He's glad to see he took care of the ones she fought and now they've managed to help cut down the enemy's forces. Although, when he looked up, he saw more ships flying above. Looks like more are on their way. Still, with Red Robin by his side, he knew this will make things less difficult for him.
"Here they come. Ready for round two?" Nightwing asked towards Red Robin.
"Always ready," said Red Robin as she twirls her staff around some more.
Meanwhile, down below, Ahsoka and her Clones are held up in the room they fell back to after losing the entrance. Ahsoka knew the enemy soldiers would have overrun them. So, the best bet they had was to fall back to a more secured area. One where they could properly defend and funnel the enemy into.
She had sent members of the Clone Force 99, Crosshair, Tech, and Echo to the upper levels. To help secure the areas there, while hoping to keep the enemy from getting through there. This left her with Hunter and Wrecker to help the other Clones secure the area. Captain Rex had made sure to get the wounded to a safer location and had send Commander Cody to help keep the area where the civilians are at safe.
Ahsoka knew the enemy will break in from the front, while likely try taking them from the side entrances as well. She'll need to make sure to help keep them from getting further in. If they get to the others, then they'll all be killed. She had to hold them here. At least until Batman and the others can stop Thrawn.
"Commander," Clone soldier Fives walked over to Ahsoka to get her attention. "I wanted to let you know that we've managed to secure the doors with explosives. It won't get them all, but it will help cut their numbers down."
"Very good, Fives," said Ahsoka as she stood up from where she was sitting and looks towards the doors. "Of course, we'll have to assume they're thinking the same thing. These soldiers were trained by Thrawn himself and he knows every tactic that you guys had used during the Clone Wars."
That includes the same tactics that Anakin and the other Jedi had used when they fought in the war. She knew though that Anakin's tactics were the ones that were highly effective. Hence the reason why when Echo was captured by the Separatist, they had used what he learned from Anakin to help them in their battles. Helping them win several battles in the process.
"Then we'll have to be on our guard if they try anything new," said Captain Rex who knew they'll have to look out for anything new these TYGER soldiers might throw at them. "Thrawn may have trained them, but they don't have the kind of experience we Clone Soldiers have."
Ahsoka knew that was true. Despite how skilled these soldiers are, they didn't have the kind of skills and battle experience the Clones have during their time in war.
"Rex is right. We'll be able to handle anything they throw at us and we'll beat them," said Ahsoka who knew they'll beat Thrawn and his forces.
"You're right, commander," said Captain Rex who knew they'll win. "Let's give them hell then and make sure…" suddenly he begins receiving a message from Crosshair. "Oh no. We've got company."
Hunter is seen running over towards the group as he puts his helmet on. "It looks like Thrawn's soldiers didn't come alone."
Hunter shows a hologram of outside the room. It appears that the soldiers came by with Copperhead, King Shark, Killer Frost, Black Spider, and Silver Banshee.
"Oh, this isn't good," said Ahsoka who recognized the criminals, which made her sweat a little. "Thrawn probably didn't have that much faith in his men, so why not bring in five super powerful villains?"
"I guess we should have figured this," said Captain Rex as he watched the soldiers fall back, while the five criminals stood in front of the front door where they're held up in. "With Arkham City under his control, he could pick out as many criminals as he wants to serve under him."
Hunter knew this might be a problem, but he knew they still have to try holding the place. "Commander, I don't suppose Ms. Wayne has any information about certain weaknesses these criminals have?"
"Yes, but I can tell you about them," said Ahsoka who studied the weaknesses and strength of these criminals. "Copperhead is quick and agile, while using her venom to kill her victims. King Shark is a powerhouse while his skin is almost impossible to penetrate with a blaster and his teeth can pierce through any armor. Unlike Victor Fries, Killer Frost can produce her own ice powers, while Silver Banshee can let out a powerful shriek that can kill her victims. And Black Spider, while not possessing any superpowers, still is a skilled assassin that rivals that with those like Deadshot and Deathstroke."
Ahsoka however, brought up the weaknesses of the criminals.
Copperhead is flexible, isn't that strong in hand-to-hand combat and can get overconfident. King Shark is powerful, but incredibly dense and can be tricked. Killer Frost isn't effective against flammable weapons and needs her arms freed to freeze her enemies. While Silver Banshee's mouth if covered can prevent her from letting out her death shriek.
"As for Black Spider, he doesn't possess a healing factor like Deathstroke and isn't as durable as the others," said Ahsoka as she finished going over everything with the others. "I'll take on Copperhead, Frost, and Banshee. The rest of you focus on the other two and take them down."
"Commander, there's no way we're going to let you fight these monsters alone," said Fives who didn't like the idea of Ahsoka fighting three dangerous criminals.
"I'm not fond of it myself, but this isn't my first time fighting against people like these," said Ahsoka knowing it wasn't, but she wasn't going to let them know that. "I also know you all don't have the equipment needed to help us take them down."
"She's right," said Captain Rex who knew Ahsoka can do this. "We need to focus our attention on King Shark and Black Spider."
"Then let's hurry up and get into position," said Hunter as he sees the walls are beginning to freeze up. "Because they're coming in."
"Then how about we lend a hand?" Ahsoka and the Clones turn to see three figures enter the room from behind them.
The figures removed their hoods and Ahsoka instantly recognized them. "Green Arrow, Tigress, and Red Arrow. You three are a sight for sore eyes."
Green Arrow aka Oliver Jonas Queen had arrived with his former student Roy Harper aka Red Arrow and new student Artemis Crock aka Tigress. Ahsoka had met them when she was still Batgirl and later Batwoman. She would assist them from time to time but is glad to see them coming to help them. Even more during their time of need.
"Always happy to lend a helping hand," said Green Arrow as he walks over towards the soldiers and Ahsoka. "It looks like you all really needed it."
"Who are these three?" Hunter asked who's never seen them before.
"The guy in the green armored uniform is Green Arrow," Captain Rex began to explain as he was familiar with them. "He along with his sidekicks there help the Batman out from time to time. Although they mostly do things on their own."
Captain Rex approached the group and shook hands with each one of them. "Just glad you all made it. We thought though you all would have been in Arkham City, helping Batman."
"He insisted we help with the situation in Coruscant," said Red Arrow as he explains why they're here. "Black Canary and Wildcat are helping get the civilians who were arrested by Thrawn to safety. So, we came to help you all out."
Hunter took notice of their weapons and seemed confused. "No offense, but how are your bows and weapons going to help us out?"
Artemis pushes Hunter aside and fires an arrow towards the frozen wall, before it detonates. Blowing off a piece of the wall towards the enemy, who had to fall back.
"Does that answer your question?" Artemis asked as she took out another arrow, along with Green and Red Arrow.
Ahsoka ignites her lightsabers and the Clones all got into position. She knew they should have waited till the enemy got in, but she knew catching them off-guard like this is better now.
"Good work. Now, let's go in and end this," said Ahsoka as she charges in with Red Arrow and Artemis covering her, while Green Arrow joins her.
King Shark soon broke through the wall and charges at them. Ahsoka and Green Arrow leap over the monster, as the Clones opened fire. Getting his attention. What Ahsoka said seemed to be true. Their blaster shots aren't penetrating through his skin, so they'll need to try outsmarting it.
Wrecker got up and cracks his knuckles. Hunter motions for Rex and some of the other Clones to cover Wrecker as he charges in to fight King Shark. Wrecker dodges the monster's sharp teeth and punches him across the face. Wrecker then begins delivering several jabs to the face, gut, and back.
Ahsoka knew that Abigail had the Clones take some training sessions to better their combat skills. So, they can be more effective against bigger foes or even those their size.
Like against Black Spider, who charges in to attack the Clones. The Clones opened fire, but the assassin managed to avoid getting shot and begins stabbing some of the Clones. Black Spider slashes through Fives' armor and goes to stab him in the head, when Hunter kicks him away. Black Spider recovers and turns towards Hunter, who's holding his vibro-knife.
Black Spider twirls his knife as he stood ready to attack Hunter. Hunter kept his guard up knowing how skilled this assassin is. The two soon charge in, both swinging their weapons, and avoiding getting stabbed. Hunter thrusts forward, but Black Spider grabs his arm and tries to disarm him, but Hunter managed to reverse his hold and tries to disarm him next.
Black Spider managed to get loose and pushes his foe back, before slashing his weapon across his back. Hunter's armor managed to protect him, but he knew Black Spider was checking to see how durable his armor is. Now that he's seen it, he'll go for a more vital spot. Hunter kept his guard up knowing Black Spider is now aware of the limit of his armor.
Black Spider soon charges in again and Hunter knew what he needed to do to take him down. Hunter dodges a few swings from his weapon, but he let him get close so Black Spider could stab in him in the leg. Hunter though grabs his arm and pulls him close for a headbutt. Smashing his helmet into Black Spider's goggles, damaging them.
Allowing Hunter to stab him in the gut, before driving his elbow to the back of Black Spider's head, knocking him out. Hunter took the knife out of his leg, before tossing it away and uses this moment to recover.
Meanwhile, Wrecker punches King Shark repeatedly more and more, before the monster caught his hands then headbutts him. Wrecker staggers back, which allowed King Shark to repeatably punches him. The Clones continued opening fire at King Shark, but Captain Rex decides to have them to switch to stun the monster. This did seem to affect him, but King Shark began fighting it off.
Wrecker tries tackling him, but King Shark brings down both his hands down on the Clone, before throwing him towards the Clones. King Shark soon charges in at the soldiers. That was until Captain Rex threw a grenade at him, causing him to be sent flying towards the incoming TYGER soldiers. King Shark though stood back up and roared loudly before he begins killing some of the TYGER soldiers.
"Shit. He's going in rage mode," said Captain Rex who remembers Ahsoka telling him about how King Shark would lose himself in his rage and go wild. "Take him down!"
King Shark charges in as he begins taking down both Clones and TYGER soldiers. He then turns towards Rex and tries to kill him. That was until Wrecker recovered and wraps around a chain around his neck. Wrecker pulls on the chain and tries to choke the creature out.
King Shark roared in pain as he tried to get freed of the chain, but the Clones began firing at him to stun at him. The monster kept on roaring and groaning as he tried to fight off the stun rays. However, as Wrecker kept on choking at him more and more. Until finally the creature passed out and fell to the ground then passes out.
Allowing the Clones to recover from this, before they begin turning their attention to the rest of the TYGER Guards.
Luckily for them, the fight between Ahsoka and the masked heroes against the superpower criminals allowed them to take down TYGER soldiers. With Ahsoka and Green Arrow working together against Copperhead, while Red Arrow focused on Killer Frost, and Tigress against Silver Banshee.
Tigress managed to use Silver Banshee to take out the TYGER soldiers who were firing at her before firing her arrows at her. Silver Banshee managed to avoid the attacks by using her sonic scream to shatter them. Tigress dodges the attack by hiding behind a pillar. She looks to see the pillar was going to shatter soon, so she began to crack.
She knew this might be used to her advantage. She placed an arrow against the pillar and begins running around. Silver Banshee saw this and prepared to attack when the arrow blew up. Causing the pillar began falling on Silver Banshee. She didn't see it as a problem as she goes for her sonic cry, but Tigress launches an arrow towards her.
It detonates and covers her mouth in a strong rubbery substance. Preventing her from using her powers and stopping the pillar from falling on her. The pillar crashes down on her and Tigress looks over to see she's knocked out. One day, two more to go.
Red Arrow lure Killer Frost outside as he used her to use her ice powers on the TYGER soldiers. Freezing them in place, while even shattering a few. She didn't care. Thrawn had no care or love for his soldiers, despite their sheer loyalty towards him. She also knew once things end here, she'll be long gone.
Red Arrow managed to avoid the attacks, before one of them got his left foot. He felt this and tries to get loose, but soon Killer Frost approached him. Ready to finish him off. But Red Arrow was crafty.
He pulls out an arrow and just as Frost fired her ice blast, he fires the arrow. Once the arrow connected with the ice attack, it caused an explosion, which blinded the ice villain. Killer Frost staggers back but managed to recover from the attack. She turns towards where Red Arrow is at but saw only his boot. Before she knew it, Red Arrow fired three arrows towards her.
Two hitting her arms and one in her chest. Not lethal hits, but more latched on to her, before beginning to send powerful electrical shocks through her body. This caused her to scream in pain before she fell to the ground and passed out. Once she was down, Red Arrow goes to get his boot freed and sighed in relief.
Ahsoka and Green Arrow meanwhile, kept trying to take down Copperhead. The snake woman wasn't making it easy for the two as she used her speed and flexibility to allow her to avoid their attacks. Ahsoka had tried using her lightsabers, but Copperhead managed to knock them out of her hands. She tried to poison her, but Green Arrow fired off more arrows to keep her away.
Ahsoka then used the Force to send her flying, but Copperhead managed to recover. All the while, mocking her two enemies. Ahsoka and Green Arrow knew they needed to find a way to hold her still to deliver a knockout hit. Ahsoka soon got an idea and makes hand signals to Green Arrow, letting him know the plan.
Green Arrow gives a small nod before he begins going for the arrow he needs.
Ahsoka meanwhile, charges at Copperhead, before calling on the force to grab her lightsabers. Copperhead charges in as well and extends her sharp blades, coated in her venom. Ahsoka then surprises her opponent by tossing her lightsabers towards her, but Copperhead recovered and leaps up. Ahsoka then slides under her opponent, who tries to slash at her.
Ahsoka however, used the Force to send her flying into the air, which allowed Green Arrow to fire his arrow towards her. Copperhead knew while in the air, she wasn't going to avoid whatever he launched at her. To her surprise, the tip of the arrow explodes and reveals to be a very large boxing glove. Hitting her square in the face and sends her flying towards the wall and makes a large dent in it.
Green Arrow then fires another arrow, which explodes and covers Copperhead in a strong hard substance that will keep her from getting freed. Once she was down, he walks over to Ahsoka to check on her.
"Glad to see all that training from the Jedi and Daniel paid off. I was worried you were out of shape like your guy," said Green Arrow who's glad to see Ahsoka hasn't lost a step.
Ahsoka took several deep breaths, before gaining control of her breathing. "Some things are hard to forget, especially the lessons of always keeping your skills sharp otherwise you'll lose a step and your life."
"Wise words," said Green Arrow who knew with this kind of work, its good to keep your skills sharpened or else you'll end up being killed. "Now, what do you say we go help round up the last of these jerks?"
Ahsoka gives a small nod before calling on her lightsabers back and ignites them.
Arkham City
Batman, Batgirl, and Robin managed to make their way up the tower. They knew it was a long climb and they had to avoid getting spotted by enemy gunships along the way. They managed to avoid being detected, but Batman knows that Thrawn is aware they're heading up to him. He's clearly only allowing them to get close so they can be caught in either some sort of trap or something else.
As they made their way up more and more to the top, Batman begins going over the details of the facility that Thrawn is held up in. The top will likely be where Thrawn's best soldiers are being held at. These won't be like the ones they encountered before, so they'll need to be on their guard. Furthermore, Batman knew that none of their cloaking and hiding in the shadows will work up there.
Thrawn has installed a special device that will negate their cloaking device. Even if they took it out, his soldiers have special inferred goggles to see them. So, they'll need to use the vents that are located within the area to escape if they get overrun. Batman made it clear to his kids he'll confront Thrawn alone, while the others take out his soldiers and get in his office to shut down Protocol 10.
"Do we have an understanding?" Batman asked his kids to make sure they understand the plan. "You two do everything you can to take down Thrawn's soldiers and shut down Protocol 10."
"While you handle Thrawn alone," said Batgirl understanding the plan. "We understand. It's just…your body is slowly being affected by the poison again. If you don't finish Thrawn up fast, then…"
"Then either the poison will kill you or he will," said Robin who knew either scenario won't end well for him or them if Thrawn takes care of them. "Father, don't hold back anything. Take him down. Even if it means breaking a few bones. The galaxy won't think less of you if you do that in order to save everyone."
Batman knew he'll likely need to bend his own rules just a bit in order to beat Thrawn. Nothing fatal or anything that will leave him in critical condition. But breaking a few bones though will be fine. Not his jaw though.
"We'll still need to bring him in alive. It's clear he's not working alone," said Batman who knew with everything he's seen, that Thrawn is working with someone.
"What do you mean?" Robin asked while appearing confused by what his father meant.
"Think about it. Thrawn says he's doing this for the Republic, but from what I've seen, he's never shown any signs of him going down this path. Everything he's done while serving the Republic has been to its best benefit. Now suddenly he chooses to come up with this plan to eradicate all criminals just like that?" Batman knew it couldn't be that simple.
Thrawn isn't the type of man who goes against his morals, unless he met someone who not only pushed him towards this direction, but also someone who has the same belief he does that would make Thrawn trust that person.
Batgirl thinks about what her father said and seems to agree with him on it. "If Thrawn isn't the true mastermind behind this or rather not working alone, then who is it?"
Batman has an idea of who it is and the evidence to back it up is what he found down below. "We'll figure it out later. Right now? Let's stop Thrawn and Protocol 10."
Once they made it near the top, they begin hacking into the nearest control panel and gained access to the entrance to the Security Control Center. Batman knew though they won't go through the front door. Instead, they'll go through the vent near the door. Going through it, Batman motions for the kids to take one side and he'll go to the other.
They soon split up and begin making their way towards their destination. Batgirl and Robin made it outside and begin climbing up to one of the gargoyles. They soon stood ready to attack, before they begin scanning in the room to detect how many soldiers are inside. To their surprise, it wasn't organic soldiers that are inside, but machines.
Robin's eyes widened though when he realized what they are. "Those droids, they're…Dark Troopers."
Batgirl's eyes widened next in shock with what her brother said. She knew that these droids were part of a secret project that Cadmus had been putting together for years. The droids were created to be a special elite weapons to be used to take down dangerous enemies against the Republic. Armed with dangerous lethal weapons, the armor strong enough to withstand blaster shots, powerful enough to put down Wookies with ease, and can even detect Force sensitive threats.
"Father, we have a problem," said Robin as he tries to warn his father the problem.
"I know," said Batman as he was able to see the Dark Troopers. "Looks like Thrawn didn't want to take any chances."
Batman could see through his cowl vision there's at least ten Dark Troopers. All armed and each one in different positions. Five on the first level, while three on the balconies on the second level, and two by the doorway where Thrawn is kept. Batman could see Thrawn held up in his office, which has glass all around it, allowing him to see where everything is at.
Batman is going to need to take those two Dark Troopers down and help cut their numbers down a little to help his kids. These droids were a pain in the ass for him to deal with the first time he fought them. So, he knew fighting them again will be even worse, even in his condition. Thankfully though, despite their strong armor and weapons, they were still slow.
He also knew there were still several weaknesses for the kids to help take advantage of. Specifically taking down their legs and arms with the weapons he's equipped them with. Since they're also machines, this means they won't need to hold back. And can try more lethal measures to take them down.
"I know you're there, Batman," Thrawn began to speak as he makes it clear he knows his enemy is here. "You can come out now. I assure you my Dark Troopers will not try to lay a hand on you. I want this to be as fair for you as possible. I don't want anything to get in my way of putting you down with my own hands."
Batman seemed to hesitate coming out, since he knew if he's aware he's here, then he knows the kids are here too.
"If you're concerned for your sidekicks, don't worry," Thrawn snaps his fingers and soon his droids begin backing away and move more against the wall. "They won't attack, unless your kin try to get in my way."
Batman knew Thrawn wasn't joking. If he really wanted to, he would have sent the Dark Troopers to attack the kids. Well, it's not like he's going to stay back and not take advantage of this. He appears from his hideout and makes his way up to the second level, where the Dark Troopers begin moving towards the position of the other three.
Once they were gone, Thrawn begins removing his coat and sets it down after folding it. Revealing an under-armor shirt and carrying with him is a battle staff. It looks like Thrawn was serious about this. It looks like he does want to fight him alone.
The doors soon slide open and Thrawn walks out of the room before he stood across from Batman. "I have been waiting for you to finally make your way here, Batman. Its such a pity you took so long to get here. If you had gotten here much sooner, then all the lives that had been lost wouldn't have been killed. Once again, your failure has led to more blood to be shed."
"Their deaths are on you Thrawn. I'm not the one who locked them in here with the intent of murdering them all. I'm not the one who betrayed your values and beliefs because you thought what you were doing is for the betterment of the Republic. You murdered all those people Thrawn, and you don't even care," said Batman who knew everything that has happened, is on Thrawn.
Yes, his appearance did cause these criminals like the Joker to emerge to cause chaos and he will carry the burden of their crimes on his shoulders. However, at least he's still trying to help protect the people, make sure justice is served, and make sure everyone is given a fair shake. But Thrawn? Chose to execute them all.
Even those who were locked in here because they knew something about Thrawn's plan.
"You're right. I don't care much for these criminals," said Thrawn as he walks over towards the window and looks out to see the chaos being caused now below. "Unlike you, I see no hope in criminals like these, Batman. Unlike you, I see the only thing they'll end up doing is push the Republic into further chaos. With them out of the way, the Republic can now move forward. They can now put all their time, effort, and resources into bettering the Republic, not these criminals."
Thrawn sets his staff against the glass and moves his arms behind his back before he continued. "These criminals are beyond redemption. They are beyond salvation. They must all die and you know it, Batman. You know their deaths are what the people want and is what's necessary for the greater good."
"And what about the ones you locked up who committed no crime? Except knowing anything about your derange plan and the plan of your master," said Batman as he clearly against Thrawn's madness.
"My master?" Thrawn asked before he begins to smile. "Ah. You mean the one I plan to succeed? Yes. It is true that all of this was orchestrated by him, but the rest of it was all my own plan."
Thrawn soon turns to Batman and moves his right hand over to point to the detective. "This is my test to prove to the one you turned down that I can do what is necessary. That my vision for a better Republic can be done through me and I will end the chaos that has existed in the galaxy. Something you failed to do for years. My vision will push the Republic towards a better and strong future."
Batman's fists clenched tightly, before he stood ready to fight. "I won't you and your master get away with this. I will stop you and your plans."
Thrawn simply sighed as he lowered his arm and moves it back behind his back. "I knew you would say that. I have tried throughout this whole night to show you can't beat me. That nothing you do will stop what I have set into motion. That nothing you, your family, and allies can do to stop me."
Thrawn soon grabs his weapon and begins to twirl it. "Very well then. If you still choose to want to fight me and lose your life in the process, then I will make it your death quick. I'll even make sure the death of your children is quick as well. I can't afford to let any of them live and risk them continue to try stopping my plans."
Thrawn snaps his fingers and soon the eyes of his droids begin to glow red. Before they took their blasters out and got ready to fire.
"If your kin attempt to get in my way, then they will all die," said Thrawn as he stood ready to fight. "Are you ready for your end, Daniel Wayne? Are you ready for the legend of the Batman to finally die with you?"
"My legend won't die today, and neither will my family, Thrawn," said Batman as he stood ready to fight before pulling out a staff of his own from his utility belt. "I will stop you and I will save everyone."
"You will try," said Thrawn before the two soon charge at each other and bring their weapons down.
Colliding with one another as a bolt of lightning erupted behind them as the battle for the fate of Arkham City and the Republic soon began.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like the final fight between Batman against Thrawn will begin. Well, more of a first time ever, but it's the fight for the salvation of the people within Arkham City. So, it's a fight to determine if they live or not. Also, yeah I think if Thrawn had to have any soldiers to be with him it would be the Dark Troopers from the Mandalorian.
Also yeah, I decided to bring in Green Arrow, Artemis, and Red Arrow. I felt bad not using GA and Black Canary much in Arkham Asylum, so why not here? Also, I got to bring in Numa as Red Robin. So, we nearly have the whole Bat Family for the story.
Still, I had planned to bring her in for a long time. How will things go now that she's here? Will I also bring in more future heroes for the final part of the story? Will Batman and his allies stop Thrawn and whoever his master is?
Tune in next time to find out and you do please leave some reviews. If you didn't like this, then don't leave a flame review. Also thanks again for the support everyone. Take care everyone and see you all next time.
And also Happy Halloween!
