Batman v Superwoman
Dawn of Justice
(Note: Hello everyone, sorry for the long wait. Also, welcome all the new followers who found this story. I am still determined to bring you more Claire/Bruce for the future. I will try to update faster, just had a rough end of the year, but everything turning out just fine and I'm pumped for the new year. What a way to roll it in but with a new chapter and Superwoman's and Batman's first interaction. It's goes just about as good as you expect.) :)
Chapter 10
Bruce groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, he tried to move his arms but he couldn't. Bruce's eyes shot open upon realizing he was in restraints, he then began to scan the area he was in. His arms were tied together by a chain attached to the ceiling, while his legs were chained to the floor he could move them but not much. The room he was in was clearly underground, there was a single pocket of dusty sunlight let into the room through what looked like a cellar door that was in front of him, and a single light bulb that hung overhead. The place almost looked like a basement with empty shelves and boxes littering the place
"Where am I?" Bruce thought
Bruce looked down and realized he was wearing his Batsuit, cowl, belt, and all. It looked worn, more worn than usual with dust and even more battle scars littering it. The cape was gone now replaced with a long western style jacket. His belt, boots, and gloves were gone so he could feel the hot air blow through his 20 digits.
"What happened, why am I here?" Bruce thought confused but kept a stern face
"Wayne, Wayne!" a voice said from Bruce's side
Bruce turned to look towards his side and saw a young man in military garb tied up next to him, he had a large bruise on his face and a swollen eye. Bruce then looked to his other side and saw another similarly young man, though he appeared to be terrified breathing heavily and looking frantically around the room.
"Those bastards got you good, but I knew that wouldn't be enough to take you down." the young man said wearily but hopefully
Batman looked at the young man and then around the room again, he noticed that they were surrounded. 12 Men in black military garb assault rifles at the ready, their faces were completely covered and they stood at attention like statues. Bruce scans the guards until his eyes came upon their shoulder and the crest that laid upon it. The crimson S that laid in the red diamond, and as soon as Bruce saw that memories came flooding back. Him looking upon the scorched wastelands, the truck, the green light and with it a feeling of hope. That hope quickly dashed away by betrayal, the ambush, fighting fiercely but still losing so many, not giving up still fighting, until a blow from behind, then everything was black.
"How many did we lose?" Bruce asked seriously
"A lot, but some managed to get away. When we get out of here we can meet up with them at the rendezvous." the man said
"We aren't getting out of here….. They got us….. This is the end….there is no way out!" the other young man whimpered
"Calm down okay, this isn't over, we can get out of this. Right Wayne?" the young man said looking at Bruce hope emanating from his single open eye
"Yeah-we can get out of this." Bruce said hiding his uncertainty
Then there was a boom from above and the whole room shook. 11 of the armed men the slowly took a knee and lowered their heads. One guard then went to the cellar door and opened it letting the dusty sunlight in before walking away from it and taking a knee as well and lowering his head. Then there was a crash from outside something landing harshly on the ground, then there was the sound of footsteps slow and casual. All three of the men looked towards the cellar door as a shadow slowly grew making its way down the cellar stairs. Then a lone red boot gently tapped onto the top step, followed by another.
"Oh Bruce, there you go again with that bad habit." a soft female voice said as the figure made her way down the stairs
Once she made the final step she stood in the shadows obscuring her face, though the Crimson S and the blue suit could still be seen. With a red cape that hung off her shoulders and covered some of her body like a shroud. Though the colors of this outfit were very muted, looking more dreary than bright.
"Making promises you can't keep." the female said softly and coldly
"Oh-god-it's her. She's here." the young man said terrified his eyes wide in terror as he looked at the female figure
"Well done, sorry I couldn't be there to help. I was handling some business in Coast City." She said looking down to one of the guards
"Coast city?" the man said his single eye widening in worry
"There was a pocket of resistance there that I had to clean out, they tied to hide by lead lining the building. But it was pretty easy once I realized there was one huge spot I couldn't see for some reason." she said coldly
The young man's eyes continued to widen as terror grew inside him
"The area has been scrubbed, thoroughly. I would've stayed, but when I heard this I had to come. I left some people behind to wait for the stragglers you left behind, that should end this." she said as she faced the prisoners
And with that Bruce saw it in the young man's single open eye, he saw his hope shatter and be replaced with anger and despair.
"you bitch." he whispered as tears welled up in his eye
"YOU BI-AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGHHHHHH!" the man yelled as a red beam tore through his body
Bruce and the other man looked on in terror as the beam sliced across the torso of the man. He screamed out pain as his legs fell to the floor on fire and still burning like a bonfire. The man continued to scream and flail as his upper half was also on fire and it slowly crawled up his body. Some enough the screaming stopped and the man laid still as the fire engulfed his entire body. Bruce looked at the man's burning carcass in sheer horror.
"Well Bruce, another day, another lie, another person dead because of you" the female said as she walked forward
"OH GOD PLEASE NO, NO, NOT LIKE THIS, NOT LIKE-!" the other man screamed until the same red beam tore into his head
Bruce could only look on as the man's head was completely obliterated. Where the head once now became a smoking stump as the smell of burning meat filled the air.
"Let's be honest they were just the third wheel in this meeting." the female said as she continued to walk forward
Bruce looked towards her seeing the red eyes that glowed in the shadows, each step getting louder as she came closer. Then the red glow disappeared as she stepped into the light revealing her face. Bruce looked at Superwoman with a stern unwavering face as she looked at him with a calm face, he took a moment to examine her. Her black flowing hair was messy and unkempt with multiple strands on her forehead and some reaching her eyes. But the most noticeable thing about her was her eyes, they looked tired. They looked like they had bags under them, not heavy but what you would get if you were just starting to feel sleepy. Her eyes were no longer blue, but red, not glowing just red. But, they still held the otherworldly feel to them, though the other world was probably hell.
Superwoman stood before Batman examining him head slightly tilted to the side, she took a moment to move the strands of hair from her face.
"Everyone, leave." she said coldly and with that, the soldiers quickly left the cellar closing the door behind them leaving the two
After a few seconds of silence Superwoman's eyes narrowed at Bruce, she slowly moved her hand forward reaching for his face. Bruce recoiled as she reached behind the cowl, she then gently removed it showing Bruce's face. Bruce's breathing intensified as he looked at Superwoman trying to keep a strong face. Superwoman held thee cowl in hand looking at it curiously. She then walked away from Bruce to a random corner of the room, she then picked up a wooden chair and walked back to the tied up Bruce eyes not leaving the cowl. Shen then simply sat in front of Bruce still staring at the cowl. The silence went on for 2 minutes.
"You know….. I took this off…. Because I wanted to see your face. But this, this has always been your true face hasn't it. So much time has passed and I still can't tell." Superwoman said letting the cowl drop to the ground
Superwoman then let her red eyes meet Bruce's Hazel, she had a look of contemplation while Bruce kept his stern face.
"Seriously nothing, it's been what 2, 3 years and you're leaving me in silence. Then again that's always been your strategy right just go silent, close everyone off, and wait for the pain to go away. Then again I adopted that and I have to admit it's going pretty well." Superwoman said with a small smile looking down
"You need to stop this." Bruce said
"Ah, there it is the Bat speaks. Though I have to say I am a bit surprised, I was expecting a death threat after everything I've done." Superwoman said looking at Bruce
"This isn't you." Bruce said
"No, this is me, the me that has been hiding for years. The me that decided to stop being a glorified maid for people who will never trust you and never accept you. The me that saw she was above the dregs she forced herself to approximate with. The me that saw she was a goddess and that her will was law. And she says that humanities time is over." Superwoman said with cold unfeeling eyes
"That….thing has twisted your mind, please." Bruce said slightly begging
"No he, opened my eyes to what I really am. To what I should be doing with my gift. He was there to catch me, Bruce, when-you-weren't." Superwoman said seriously
"What happened wasn't my fault, and I'm not going to let you take you take your anger out on the entire planet. If-!" Bruce started but was interrupted
"YOU-DO NOT-GET TO SAY THAT NAME. YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY HER NAME! YOU-you, let her die-you let them all die." Superwoman shot out of the chair yelling in Bruce's face and whispering the last part
"You don't-." Bruce said sympathetically
"My entire world-BURNED-because of you." Superwoman said with a small sob her head facing the ground
"Please, there's still time. Let me help you, we can fix this" Bruce said looking down at her
"FIX THIS!" Superwoman said throwing her head up revealing the tears running down her face
Superwoman grabbed onto the chain's holding Bruce and ripped them apart. She then grabbed onto the collar of Bruce's suit and took off through the ceiling of the underground complex to the surface. Bruce coughed as his eyes slowly adjusted to the sun so that he could see where he was.
"TELL ME HOW YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO FIX THIS!" Superwoman shouted as she gestured outward
Below them from the very earth the burst from there was a square outline in the earth as if something had been there. There was also what looked like what was remains of a small fence, and further there was another square outline though there were still some wood plants still standing on that one. Behind all of this was a long stretch of strangely discolored dirt, as if something was grown but was burned away. And beyond that was the remains of what looked like a small town, there were still some structures standing and vehicles in the road. Though they all looked like burned away hollowed out shells of what they once were.
"This was my world." Superwoman said looking into Bruce's eyes strangely though her eyes were no longer red but they blue he remembered as more tears flowed out of them
"They were my world." Superwoman said with a sob grabbing Bruce's head with both hands still holding him in mid-air
"I-trusted you….. And you let this happen" Superwoman said still sobbing as she lined her eyes up with his
Then within a second she crashed her lips onto his, Bruce's eyes widened in shock as Superwoman began this impromptu kiss. Though it was anything but passionate, neither of them made a sound and most of the movement came from Superwoman. The feeling of the kiss was akin to steel rubbing against a jagged rock. Superwoman broke the kiss taking a moment to breath will Bruce still looked at her shocked. She then wrapped her arms around his waist and brought him into a gentle hug resting her head on his shoulder.
"You broke my heart Bruce." Superwoman said gently as she moved her right hand to be over Bruce's heart
"So now-I'm gonna break yours." Superwoman said with a growl
At the moment Superwoman's eyes turned from blue to the red they were before and the hug tightened. Bruce knew what was about to happen and he couldn't escape. He didn't fight, he didn't struggle, he didn't scream, he only said one word, one name.
"Claire…" Bruce whispered solemnly
And with that, a terrible pain surged through his chest
Batcave, 11 pm
Bruce let out a startled gasp as he jerked in his chair, he quickly looked around to see where he was. He was in the Batcave sitting before the computer it was still going through the data. Bruce breathed heavily as he felt his chest looking for a hole that wasn't there.
"I-it was just a dream?" Bruce said to himself thinking back
He remembered bits of it the scorched Earth, the ambush, him being captured, and finally Superwoman.
"No…. it was a nightmare" Bruce said seriously as he rubbed his eyes
A nightmare scenario of what would happen if Superwoman was left to her devices, a scenario that Bruce knew he had to stop. Strangely he knew there was more to the dream, but there were gaps in his memory. During the ambush something hit him from behind, but he couldn't remember what it was, he thought he heard what sounded like buzzing. And when he faced Superwoman in the underground he eyes were red and then they weren't, they changed but he couldn't remember what they looked like. He couldn't remember what Superwoman was talking to him about, they were in what looked like a destroyed town. And the thing that really bothered Bruce was that in the last moments of the dream he said something, a name, but he couldn't for the life of him remember what it was.
As Bruce continued to ponder the strange dream, he felt something a strange energy tickle his skin. Bruce looked at his arm and saw the hair on it begin to stand upright, he then saw what looked like static. And finally coming from nowhere a whisper
"bruce…." The ethereal voice said
Bruce scanned the area looking for the source of the voice
"Bruce…" the voice said clearer
"Where?" Bruce said confused
"BRUCE!" the male voice screamed out
Then from thin air a something that looked like a lightning bolt struck the room. Bruce shielded his eyes from the blinding light as he ears rung from the crash. His vision cleared quickly and then he saw it, a man stepping out of the lightning bolt.
"Bruce. Listen to me now!" the man said reaching out to Bruce
The man was wearing a strange red suit with various electrical gadgets coming out of it, the power could be seen surging through it. Bruce didn't have time to examine the man further but he did see his dark brown eyes and the desperation in them.
"It's her home Bruce. That's the key. She'll lose everything, and then she'll lose her humanity. You have to save her, save them all!" the man yelled out in desperation as Bruce looked at him in shock and awe
"Am I too soon!?" The men yelled as if he was realizing something
"I'm too soon!" The man yelled as he let out a grunt as if something was pulling him back
"You have to find us Bruce, you have to find us!" He yelled as he tried to reach for Bruce
"And you can't give up on her, we need her, she can't lose her way. You need to show her that she was right, you need to show her that's she has more to fight-!" the man yelled as he was suddenly pulled into the lightning and was gone
Bruce let out another startled gasp as he woke up panting heavily eyes wide, he scanned the area. He was still in the Batcave, all the papers that were thrown about from the lightning were where they were untouched. And the computer finished scanning the files
"W-wha-what the hell was that" Bruce said between pants
"Master Bruce?" Alfred said walking in looking a bit worried
"Alfred?" Bruce said as his breaths steadied
"You look…. Distressed….. Which is actually a big deal for you" Alfred said
"I…. just had a bad dream" Bruce said his breathing returning to normal as he pinched the bridge of his nose
"I haven't seen a 'bad dream'' effect you like that in years. I'm guessing this is something new, and I'm also guessing you don't want to talk about it" Alfred said
"Why are you here Al?" Bruce asked
"I think you'd like to know that our Russian friend has finally popped up, he's at Gotham harbor. It appears to be a pick up" Alfred explained
"Luthor is making his move, just as expected. Prep the Batmobile, time to make a pick up" Bruce said as he stood up
"Right, but before you go I need you to finalize somethings for you and Miss Kent da…." Alfred said but stopped after receiving a glare from Bruce
"Your 'Dinner' with Ms. Kent. I know you reserved two seats at the Finger High Rise, I was able to get the balcony table you wanted the one that looks over the city. The Limo there and back is prepped, everything is set. The last thing I need is to know which suit you want to be prepared for the occasion" Alfred said
"The Keaton black, also I think I'll wear my father's tie and cufflinks." Bruce said as he walked past Alfred
"Wow this must be special if you are bringing those out." Alfred said with a smirk
"It brings the whole suit together Al. Stay by the computer, I'll need you to be my eye in the sky." Bruce said as Alfred simply nodded
Bruce made his way out of the computer room and into a larger section of the cave. Bruce walked until he came to a display case. Bruce looked into the case with a stern look, but there was also a hint of regret in them as well. Bruce then walked away from it.
"Never leave it to chance, never again." Bruce thought as he entered the darkness
Kent Farm 10:30 pm
The moon hung high over the small farm only the sound of crickets filled the air. The small house was illuminated in the dark area, within it Martha Kent sat in the living room on a recliner a golden retriever by her side. She watched the television silently occasionally petting the dogs head, suddenly the dog's ears perked up and its head lifted up.
"What's wrong boy?" Martha said looking down at the dog
The dog then quickly got up and ran to the door, Martha sighed as she heard the dog barking. She got up and moved slowly to the door.
"Alright, alright, give me a sec. I'm not Claire, heck I can't move a fraction of Claire's speed" Martha said as she came to the door as the dog was trying to get out barking at whatever was outside
"What's got you so excited, boy?" Martha said as she looked down at the dog petting his head trying to calm him down
Martha looked up through the screen door and what she saw put a smile on her face.
"Yeah that would do it" Martha said with a small laugh as she opened the door letting the dog out of the house
The dog happily ran to the figure in blue that was running towards the house. Claire smiled as she saw the dog coming kneeling down to catch it as it leapt onto her. Claire let out a laugh as the stood up holding the dog as it happily licked her face.
"Hehehehehe, come on it hasn't been that long since I last visited" Claire laughed as she carried the dog to the house
"You know that dog has always been excitable" Martha said as she walked down the steps of the house and onto the lawn
"Hi Mommy" Claire said with a smile as she put the dog down
"Hello dear, I'm guessing your taking a break from work?" Martha said seeing that Claire was wearing her Superwoman costume
"Yeah I was in the area and decided to check on ya" Claire said as she scratched the back of her head
"You wanna come inside?" Martha asked gesturing to the door
"No, let's just sit on the porch" Claire said as she walked to the porch, Martha smiled and nodded as they both sat on the porch looking up to the starry night sky
"So how was work?" Martha asked
"Which work…exactly?" Claire asked, Martha simply gestured to her costume making Claire mouth "Okay"
"Well I just came back from up North, helped tow a turned over ship to port. Stopped a few robberies, helped a little girl get her cat out of a tree." Claire said
"I've been watching the news, you've been going all around. That rocket explosion in Florida, the relief effort in Japan after that Tsunami, stopping that terrorist cell in London. You've been very busy." Martha said
"Yeah well I'm just trying to do my part Ma." Claire said with a smile
"I know you are dear. And the people, how have they been treating you?" Martha asked seriously
Claire let out a sigh "I'm getting some trust back, but a lot of people are still hesitant about me. The number of people vocal about hating me has increased ever since Kahina started talking to congress. They believe that I killed those people and now they think it won't be long until I come after them." Claire said sadly
"Claire Josephine Kent you don't pay those people no mind, you are no killer" Martha said sternly
"I know Ma, it's just so…..aggravating. I have done so much good the past year and this whole Africa thing has put me past the starting point of where I was. I didn't start on the best foot after the Black Zero Event, people's hesitation with me are understandable. But… sometimes what they say…. Does get to me sometimes." Claire said resting her arms on her knees and looking down
"Claire…" Martha said lifting her head up so their eyes met
"You-are not-a killer, a threat, or anything else they call you. You are my baby girl. When John and I pulled you from the shuttle and I held you bundle up in my arms, the first thing I thought was this is my baby and no one else can have her. I never wanted this world to have you, but John….. He knew that it was going to have to be addressed someday. But, that didn't mean we could enjoy the peace we had for a while. Be their Hero Claire, be their monument, be their angel, be anything they need you to be. Or be none of it, you don't owe this world a thing, you never did." Martha said holding her daughters chin up making Claire smile
"Thanks Ma, but it isn't about what I want, it's about what's right. And with what I can do, despite everything it feels right." Claire said calmly as she removed her mother hand
"Sounding more and more like your father every day." Martha said with a small laugh
"I really hope not, he could get a bit preachy sometimes." Claire replied smiling
"I know right, I swear every other word from the man's mouth could've been an Oscar clip." Martha joked making the two burst out in laughter
"Heheheh-okay now how's the paying job going, how's Lois and that Jimmy boy?" Martha asked
"Oh it's going good, Lois and Jimmy are in DC following a lead. And right now I am currently in Gotham interviewing Bruce Wayne." Claire explained
"The billionaire?" Martha asked
"Is there another? After that first trip to Gotham I had to make it up to Perry, so I covered a Party he was at. We talked a bit one on one, he was apparently impressed with me and called up the Planet for an interview." Claire asked
"I've read about him he has quite a reputation with women, he's not trying anything is he?" Martha asked seriously
"He tried the playboy routine with at the party, but he quickly learned that wasn't going to work with me." Claire said proudly
"That's my girl." Martha said proudly
"But after that, he became a different person. Like that whole playboy, thing was just a front he was putting up for the camera's and I got to see the real him" Claire said
"If I'm correct he lost his parents at a young age, such a terrible thing happening at a young age will have lasting effects on a person." Martha said sympathetically
"I know Ma, but it's not like he's alone. There's this wonderful gentleman named Alfred Pennyworth, he's Bruce's butler but I think they have a much deeper connection." Claire explained while Martha listened
"He was with his family for a very long time, and after his parents passed he was left to raise him. That and the way he talks to Bruce would've got him fired with anyone else. And Bruce himself, he is trying so hard to make his city a great place. I've only been there a few times, but I can tell it has problems. His parents were a beacon of hope in Gotham, and he's trying to carry that mantle and elevate it." Claire continued
"He was in Metropolis when I fought Zod, and in all that chaos he was doing everything he could to help those around him. He's a lot braver and…. Compassionate than he lets on. But…. There is still this shadow around him, like he's trying to hold back something back. There's this whole aura of mystery around him and he's letting me peek behind the veil. I feel like I'm beginning to see a side of Bruce Wayne that very few people have…..why are you looking at me like that?" Claire said confused looking at her mother who was smiling at her
"You're talking like a high school girl talking to her friends about that edgy boy from literature class." Martha said with a smirk
"W-wha, what are you-it's not-it's nothing. This is strictly a professional interview mom, where did you even get that idea" Claire stammered with blush growing on her face
"How many times have you talked with him?" Martha asked resting her chin on her hand
"We-well, um, three." Claire said embarrassed
"And I have a feeling, that it's going to be four really soon" Martha said
"W-well we are having a meeting tomorrow night, to continue our interview over some food." Claire said face still read but trying not to sound embarrassed
"So you're having dinner with him?" Martha continued holding her smirk
"Well yes, but it's only for the interview" Claire said
"Are you going to listen to him talk about his life, while you also talk about yours? Finding connections between you and him over a candle lit meal" Martha said smirking making Claire blush without a word to say
"Are you going to be dressed in your best for this 'interview', mmmm?" Martha continued
"Well he's probably going to get a reservation at some fancy place-so I should dress for the occasion." Claire said nervously
"And if you're little speech of earlier is anything to go by, he intrigues you?" Martha continued
"I-I just-h-he so-he's kinda." Claire stammered out trying to find the right words
"Oh it's been to long since I've seen you like this. My little girl has a crush" Martha said with a smirk
"MA!" Claire screamed out embarrassed
"Well I have to say it about time, I'm not getting any younger and I want some grandkids. When do I get to meet this fine gentleman" Martha said with a smirk
"MAAA!" Claire shrieked her face turning redder
"I'm just joking Claire, but I am happy you are interested in a man." Martha said sincerely
"Ma-I am not-!" Claire said only to receive a deadpanned look from Martha
"You know what, alright, I admit it. I admit that maybe, somewhere in the back of mind, based off the most basic of instincts. I-find-Bruce Wayne interesting-and a little attractive" Claire said whispering the last part making Martha smile
"But Ma, I'm not that kinda girl" Claire said
"You're not into falling in love?" Martha said
"Well-I mean. It's an infatuation Ma." Claire said
"And an infatuation could grow into something more with time. I'm saying he's the one Claire, but I'm just happy to see you opening up to someone who isn't Lois, Jimmy, or me. I mean I though Jimmy was like that at first, but that quickly turned out not to be the case. But Claire you have been through so much, it's nice to see you indulging in your 'Basic Instincts'. You don't have to be Superwoman all the time, Claire Kent is still a part of your life." Martha said kindly
"I-I know Ma, I know." Claire said
"That and Bruce Wayne isn't a bad place to start, I've seen his picture he's a fetching young man." Martha said
"Ma, please." Claire said with a giggle
"I'm just playing with you Claire. So what will you be wearing to this 'interview'?" Martha asked
"Well Lois had recently gave me a lovely dress for the Party where I and Bruce first met, so I'm probably gonna wear that." Claire said
"Hmmm, stay right here I'll be back." Martha said as she stood up and walked inside the house the dog followed behind
Claire simply shrugged and sat on the porch kicking her red booted feet while looking up at the stars and taking in the sounds of the country. Claire was like this for a few minutes waiting for her mother to return, until something strange happened. The noises stopped, the birds, the crickets everything went silent. Not only that but Claire couldn't hear anything from anywhere it all went quiet, she couldn't even hear her mother's heartbeat from inside the house. Realizing this Claire stood up and began to walk to the front door.
"Ma, are you alright?" Claire said worried walking to the door, but as she reached for the knob she heard something a whisper in the air
"claire…."
Claire quickly zoomed from the door and into her from yard taking a defensive stance
"Who's there show yourself?" Claire demanded scanning the area for the source
"Claire…."
"Where are you?! I can't see you. I can hear you, but I don't know where it's coming from. H-how is this…" Claire said worried as she began to look around the farm
"CLAIRE!" the voice rang out as lightning appeared in front of her in a blinding flash
Claire was surprised, but didn't look away as her eyes quickly adjusted to see what was in the lightning. And there she saw the man in red reaching out to her.
"Claire you need to listen to me!" the man shouted reaching for her
"Who are you, how are you doing this!?" Claire yelled confused as she looked at the man
"It wasn't his fault, that thing manipulated you. It turned you against us, into something you weren't supposed to be!" He yelled as he let out a grunt being pulled back into the bolt
"What's going on do you need help? Who's fault, who's manipulating me?!" Claire yelled as she reached for him
"They can be saved Claire, but you need to trust him. You need to trust…!" the man yelled as he was sucked back into the energy
Claire reached out trying to grab the man but couldn't and in a flash he was gone
Claire let out a startled gasp as she jerked out of her seated position standing up and looking around panicked. She was back where she was, she could hear everything again, and she heard her mother heartbeat from inside. Claire breathed heavily as she scanned the area.
"W-what just happened? Was I dreaming, but it didn't feel like a dream, it also didn't feel real? That man he was trying to warn me about something, but…" Claire said confused holding her head
"Claire are you alright?" Martha said walking down the steps again making Claire turn around
"Oh, I'm fine mom. Just-had a weird dream." Claire said taking a breath
"Hmmm, so you can still have those huh. Either way, close your eyes and hold out your hands." Martha said with a smile
"Ma I'm in my twenties." Claire said
"Do it, and no peaking." Martha said in a strict motherly tone
Claire sighed and followed her instructions not peaking in anyway, but she did feel something slip into her hands.
"Open them." Martha said sweetly
Claire opened her eyes and saw in her hands was a small golden necklace, with a small blue gem at the base.
"Ma…. This is…." Claire said amazed
"Your father got that for me on our first date, he won it at a Carnival from a conman. He tried to pull one over on him but John was too smart for his tricks, he got to pick his prize. And he choose this 100% real and thankfully not stolen, he gave this to me and I wore it ever since. Though I stopped after he passed, it brings back old memories" Martha said with a hint of sadness
Claire examined the simple necklace remembering all the times her mother wore it with her father and thinking that it made her the most beautiful women in the world.
"I think-it's time for this old thing to get some new memories." Martha said
"Ma…. I can't….." Claire said
"Now don't you give me that Claire? You take this and you wear it, maybe for Bruce Wayne maybe for someone else. But I want you to take this and wear it, let it carry your memories. So that one day you can look back on this and say, it was good time." Martha said as she slowly closed her daughter's hand
Claire looked at her hand and smiled "Thanks Ma."
"Anytime dear." Martha said as she hugged her daughter
Gotham City
Claire flew over the city ready to turn in for the night, putting her mother necklace in her suit pocket. The city was surprisingly quiet this night, there were time earlier when Claire had to swoop in and help, though she never stopped for thanks didn't want to make a scene with Superwoman in Gotham. But, tonight the city seemed to be at peace, so she decided it was time to head back to the Selby's and wait for tomorrow. Until she heard something, gunshots, and a lot of them. Superwoman quickly turned to the direction of the sounds, the harbor from what she heard abandoned only the homeless live there now. I would be a good place for illegal activities to happen, perhaps a police operation going a little wrong she should lend a hand.
But when she focused on the area what she saw really surprised her, it was truck she couldn't tell what was inside. There were two smaller cars following it from behind all of them shooting frantically at what Claire could only describe as a Tank. Heavily armored, lots of weapons, and all black. She couldn't see inside it, but she's read enough reports to know what that was and who's in it. Batman, he was here, and he was on the hunt. Claire saw that he was moving at high speeds and appeared to be dragging a car behind like some kind of makeshift flail. Claire's eyes widened as she saw that there were people in the car, being thrashed about as they were drug harshly down the road.
Claire didn't waste a second as she quickly zoomed down the harbor. Within the second it took for Claire to get there the Tank had flung the car it drug atop another one. Claire immediately went towards the wreck. She gently landed near the cars and ran toward them ripping the door off the one that was dragged about. Four people in the car, two dead, one seriously injured in need of hospitalization, and another with minor injuries he was wearing his seatbelt. Claire immediately took all the people out a gently as possible and laid them on the ground. Claire then went to the one that was crushed, four people, only one dead the driver, others alive and in need of hospitalization. Claire did the same taking them out and laying them on the ground, Claire searched their pockets until she found a cell phone and immediately dialed 911.
"Please send help, there's been a terrible accident at the Gotham Harbor three people are dead and five need immediate medical attention. Come quick please!" Claire said throwing out a pretty bad fake voice before hanging up before the operator could ask any questions
"Even if they think it's a gag, they'll send someone." Claire said placing the phone down. And then she heard a groan, the one with the seatbelt was waking up
"Wha-what happened-ow?" the young African American boy said letting out a pained groan as Superwoman approached him kneeling down
"It's gonna be alright, help is coming. Your arm is broken, but you'll live you just need to stay still" Claire said comfortingly
"I-I can't feel my arm." The man said looking at him arm
"It's gonna be okay, don't look at it, look at me. It's gonna be okay, what's your name dear." Claire said trying to keep the man calm
"R-Robert, Robert Selby" he groaned out
Claire eyes widened recognizing the name, Langston's little brother. The one Ms. Selby told her to look for, he had clearly involved in something Criminal. But he didn't deserve this, this was overkill. Before Claire could reply she heard more gunfire, he was still going. Claire lifted her head to see a homeless woman staring at her in amazement.
"Stay with them until the medic arrives." Superwoman said seriously as she turned towards the sounds and took off into the air to get a good look at her target
Her eyes narrowed on the Tank and the path of destruction it left. He really didn't care he just crashes through buildings without thinking of the consequences, not taking I to account the possibility of the people here getting in the way. He was determined to catch these people and that determination was dangerous, three men died and the other will be in the hospital for weeks. Claire grit her teeth as all her suspicions were proved true. Now seeing this brutality for herself she knew, that he didn't care. He was going to do anything to accomplish whatever goal he had. Claire knew she had to stop this, stop him before he went too far. And then just as the truck turned a corner, the Tank barreled through a wall to catch up to it. And once the Tank got through the wall, Claire's eyes widened as she saw a homeless man standing in the way of god knows how many tons of metal moving at ridiculous speeds.
Time slowed as the man stared at the oncoming vehicle in shock and fear, Claire was about to jet off and grab the man before he could get hit. But instead something else happened that surprised her. Once the Tank was only a few feet away from the man, the vehicle suddenly flipped. Rockets underneath it activated making the Car flip over the homeless as he watched in wonder. Claire let out a gasp as the Tank landed away from the homeless man, and after a few seconds he went on his way chasing the truck. Claire stared in amazement at what just happened.
"That-was intentional, he didn't want to hit him. He saved him." Claire thought
Seeing this calmed the anger in Claire's mind and then she remembered the reports about Batman she read. He had saved people before, stopping robberies, psychopaths, he even pulled people from burning buildings. To many people he was a hero and he clearly cared about the citizens, it was the criminals where he was cold. Claire then heard another explosion, she took a breath deciding to try something different from her original plan. And she took off after the Tank. She saw the Truck turn another corner and the Tank follow after it in a drift, Superwoman then landed on the ground standing in the way of the vehicle. She stood there unmoving giving the vehicle a stern look, she heard the drivers heartbeat speed up for a moment, and she then heard him slam on the brakes. The skidded across the pavement towards her and slammed into her side, though Superwoman didn't budge as the Vehicle bounced off her side and skidded into some barrels making a small fire. Superwoman then walked to the wrecked car, walking up to what she believed were doors. She then reached down and pulled the doors apart and off their hinges tossing them aside. The vehicle was filled with steam, but she saw the figure slowly rise from it. Claire kept her stern face as the Bat stood his full height standing only a few inches taller than her.
Claire took moment to examine the man that stood before her, though it was clear by the way he dressed he didn't want to be viewed as a man. The articles and photos did what stood before her no justice. The suit looked worn, it had seen many battles with what she knew were bullets holes and even some that looked like they were made by knifes. The suit obviously was armored, being a mesh of Black and grey that would do good to blend in the shadows. He wore a cape that would give hers a run for her money, it was attached to a cowl that hid his face. The thing seemed to be formed to make a permanent scowl. He was built slightly larger than her, not it meant much too her. But her eyes then went to the symbol on his chest, the large black bat. Funny how similar they were but while she wanted her symbol to inspire hope, the symbol before her would bring only fear to those who saw it. And it was probably well earned, she was just standing in front of him and she could feel his intensity. But she didn't let it deter her as she stood her ground.
"You broke my car." Batman said his voice clearly being augmented by something in the cowl
"I'm guessing by all the toys you have strapped to that thing, money isn't a real problem for you." Superwoman replied
The silence went on for a few seconds both of them staring not blinking or moving at all.
"Why are you in my city?" Batman asked coldly
"You did a lot of damage when you were chasing that truck." Superwoman said
"They were bringing something illegal into the city, I was trying to apprehend them." Batman replied
"That was pretty obvious based on the weapons they were carrying. But what you were doing was dangerous, you were acting carelessly. Causing avoidable property damage." Superwoman said sternly
"I don't think you should be talking to me about Property Damage, since your little show a year ago won the gold." Batman replied sending a twinge of guilt in Superwoman's heart
"You've killed three of those men." Superwoman said her anger rising
"Again something I believe your expert in. And they lost their chance when they decided to prey on the innocent fort their own ends." Batman said sending another twinge of anger through her, but Superwoman took a moment and a breath to collect herself
"When you were chasing that truck, you intentionally dodged the man in the way. If you landed wrong that would've impeded your chase." Superwoman said simply
"I protect the innocent, it's my duty." Batman said
"You wouldn't hurt that man even if you ended up losing the truck, but you would treat the people you chase like rabid dogs." Superwoman said
"Anyone of those men would've killed a person who might've been watching them without hesitation. I made sure they wouldn't hurt anyone here or anyone else ever again." Batman said coldly
"All life is sacred, you can't decide what who lives and who dies." Superwoman said angrily
"And what you do. The unquestionable goddess who stands above all." Batman said
"I'm not a goddess and I don't stand above anyone. I'm just trying to help." Superwoman said offended
"And I'm sure the people in Africa would agree that your performance could've been better" Batman said
"These men have people care about them siblings, lovers, and mothers. How can you think in such a way when anyone of them could have someone waiting for them at home?" Superwoman said
"They failed those people the moment they picked up the gun. And what would you know about having a siblings, lovers, or a mother, Alien?" Batman said the last part dripping with venom
Within an instant Superwoman had grabbed Batman by the collar lifting him up and bringing him closer to her face. Superwoman's face was filled with anger as she stared at Batman whose face remained indifferent. Though she wasn't really looking at his face at the moment, she was trying to look through the cowl. But for some reason she couldn't, she could see his eyes and his lower jaw, but nothing else. Something inside the cowl was obscuring her vision hiding his face, Superwoman gave a confused expression at this.
"Trying to peak." Batman said with a smirk
Superwoman took a moment to recompose herself and slowly lowered Batman down, but still held onto him.
"Listen-to me-because this is your only chance. If they ever throw your signal up in the sky again, don't go to it. The Bat is dead." Superwoman said sternly right in Batman's face
"And if I comply you'll let me live." Batman said with equal sternness not backing down
"No, I'll throw you in the same nuthouse with those other pyscho's you fought in the past." Superwoman said as she let Batman go
"And what's stopping you now." Batman said
"Because unlike you I can see the good in people, even someone as messed up as you. You've done good in this city, people look up to you like they look up to me, as something to aspire to be. But if this is the best this city receives, either you have fallen from grace or they deserve so much better. Consider this Mercy." Superwoman said as she walked away from Batman still feeling his eyes on her
"Tell me…." Batman said making her turn to him
"Do you bleed?" Batman asked with such coldness it actually sent a shiver down Superwoman spine though she didn't show it
She simply gave him a passing glance as if looking at a child throwing a tantrum and then took off to the sky. But as she flew she heard the sirens of the approaching police and medics, but she also heard his voice and the last thing he said to the winds knowing she would hear.
"YOU WILL."
(Note: Hey everybody hopes you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next one. That I will try to work on faster, but hey I can't make promises. This story should be reaching its conclusion soon, not sure how many chapters it'll take but it should be soon Still if you like the story leave a comment and I will get back to you ASAP. Till next time.) ;)