Disclaimer: I don't own the Justice League.
A/N: Hi, Guys fast update, but I had an overwhelming urge to write this down. Two days of constant writing and deleting I managed to give you a massive chapter in my books. I hope that I have Batman and Superman so like always-enjoy this beast of a chapter.
The Last Crusade-3
The Joker let out a loud overjoyed cackle taking a deep bow as he stood on top of the delivery truck. The police held him at gun point as helicopters dotted the sky.
"Joker, this is Commissioner Gordon. You are surrounded, surrender now!" James Gordon ordered over the radio.
The clown rose up, an evil glint in his eye as his long green locks blew in the strong wind. He let out another laugh before addressing his annual audience.
"Commissioner! How happy am I to see you. As much fun it is having these little meetings I'm afraid I'm waiting for my other close friend… he held his arms out wide as he yelled to the sky… "Yoo-hoo! Batsy ol' boy I know you're out there come out and play!"
The Commissioner frowned at the situation.
"Sir, I have a clear shot." a police woman told him her eyes locked on the crazed man.
"Don't shoot, knowing the Joker he is one for surprises and we need to get everyone off this bridge before we attempt anything."
"Yes, sir." she nodded
"Batman you're trying my patients." Joker whined dramatically
"Commissioner."
The sergeant gasped turning to see the dark knight standing behind him. "Batman…. He looked back at Joker… "He's really itching to see you; I have a hunch that he has explosives in that truck."
"Naturally. You get your men out of here, I'll deal with Joker." Batman ordered.
The white haired man nodded… "Understood, hey… he turned to see no one there… "Good Luck."
Joker stomped on the top of the large vehicle as the police left the scene. "Batman!"
Batman appeared behind the Joker. "Here I am."
The man spun around. "Bats, you did show up I was afraid that you would stand me up ol' pal."
"What are you planning Joker?" Batman demanded
"Where's the fun in telling when something so simple can turn into a wonderful game." he said giving a chuckle.
Batman snatched the man by the collar. "I will end this right now."
"Oh, but it's just beginning, do you know what's in this here truck?" Joker asked waving a gloved hand at the vehicle… "It's something very special for your new friend."
Bruce grip loosened slightly, Clark? What would he have for Superman that is worth all this attention? He gritted his teeth flipping the Joker over and slamming him into the truck, his hand on his neck.
"My aren't we in a grumpy mood." Joker gasped out.
"Who are you working for?" Batman barked out.
"If I told you would you let me go?" Joker bribed earning him another slam into the truck… "Heh, I take that as a no."
"He is working for me Batman." a voice answered above him.
Batman caught sight of the helicopter flying above him the sight of the bald man wearing a well pressed white suit. What was more alarming was he had someone in his grasp, a blond girl a glowing green collar around her neck.
"LET HER GO!" Bruce yelled.
"I'm afraid I can't Batman she's bait." Luthor flatly replied.
Batman furrowed his brow, so this was Luthor exactly what he expected. He didn't need this, to much information in his head to sort out. His grip on Joker tightened as he lifted him up into the air.
"What the hell is going on here?"
Joker's red grin widened giving a laugh, and then shrugged. "You tell me?"
Batman sneered ready to clobber the criminal when a flash of red and blue caught his attention. Clark stopped mid air in front of Luthor's helicopter a menacing glare on his face.
"Let her go Luthor." Superman threatened.
"Superman, just the hero I was waiting for, I'll let her go but you are left with a choice." Luthor answered gripping the unconscious girl closer to him.
Superman seethed. "The only choice I have to make is to stop you… his blue eyes engulfed in a fiery red… "It's up to you Lex Luthor weather you want to live or die."
Luthor wore a dark smile. "Superman you don't understand, but perhaps if I make it clearer… he looked at Joker… "Do it now!" he commanded.
The Joker reached into his pocket and pressed a blue button. Batman in a flash dropped him bringing his cape up to protect himself from the sudden attack as a spray shot into the air from the clowns flower. Luthor rolled his eyes.
"Not that you idiot!" Luthor exclaimed.
Joker cackled. "Oops sorry."
Batman jumped up high as Joker attacked him, in return the criminal received an upper right hook to the face and a fist to the stomach. Batman winced at the hard contact, Armour.
"Didn't expect that did you Batsy?" Joker taunted.
Bruce saw the glint of silver in the Joker's hand he went to back away but he was a second to late as his eyes received the onslaught of the attack. He let out a pained scream as his eyes felt they were on fire giving Joker a lead advantage, he laughed darkly as the vigilante stumbled backwards.
"Now, this a turn of events, I thought you'd be more comfortable. After all Bats' are blind!" he said as he kicked Batman in the back of the knee sending him crashing onto the surface of the truck.
Batman reached desperately into his belt throwing his batarangs at the clown but his aim was far off as his vision clouded.
"Oh, dear, now this is a problem isn't?" Joker mused as he kicked Batman in the stomach making him gasp.
Clark gritted his teeth he could save both Kara and Bruce. He hit Luthor in the leg with his heat vision making the man buckle loosening his grip on his cousin; he took her in his arms but was weakened by the Kryptonite around her neck.
Luthor laughed as he ignored the pain in his leg. "Like I said Superman you have to make a choice."
Clark grimaced. Thinking twice he let go of Kara and zipped down to where Bruce now hung over the end of the truck.
"Joker, leave him alone!" Superman flew straight for him readying his attack.
Joker smiled. "I've been waiting for you, man-of-steel; I have a wonderful surprise for you."
Just as superman man was upon him he pressed a green button and the truck doors opened radiating a vibrant green light that caught the Kryptonian off guard. Joker back handed the hero, he was sent plummeting into the ground.
Joker put two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. "Come on boys we've got our self's
a real treat."
Just as the several thugs jumped out of the truck to bring in the weakened hero they were met by a flash of red and a golden rope that sent them crashing back into the truck.
Wonder Woman jumped from her perch on top of the bridge while the Flash appeared beside her. Luthor sneered at the new arrivals "Get us out of here!" he ordered the pilot.
"I can't sir." the man stuttered
"Why not!" Luthor snapped.
His answer was the growing green glow of The Green Lantern. His power morphed two fighter jets behind him.
"Sorry, but your final destination is here. Now give me super girl and I might let you go." he said as he floated in front of the helicopter.
Luthor didn't hesitate. "You want her? You can have her!" he shouted as he threw the young hero over the side of the helicopter and into the water below.
The Green Lantern left the helicopter and dived straight into the murky depths of Gotham Bay. The Joker frowned.
"This was definitely not in the plan." he yanked Batman up… "Oh, well, I can still kill you." he said as he raised his fist.
A zipping sound traveled over the wind, a batarang, it hit the Clown straight in the wrist making him yelp. He gripped his wrist as he looked up in time to see a young man dressed in black and blue.
"Did you think I wouldn't come?" the young man threatened as he took a step forward.
The Joker, smiled sadly. "Aww there goes my night of fun."
"It's over Joker." Night Wing stated.
"Yes, for now." The clown agreed then to Night Wing's astonishment he disappeared before his eyes.
As quickly this fight started it ended. Night Wing quickly turned his attention to his mentor.
"Batman!" He exclaimed worriedly coming to his side.
"I'm fine Dick." Batman weakly said, ignoring the arms that tried to help him.
Night Wing caught his friend as he fell backwards. "You may say your fine but your body says differently."
Meanwhile, Flash took care of the truck giving Diana to put her full attention to the unconscious Super hero. Once she got him out of harms way she cupped his face gently in her hands, kneeling beside him.
"Superman. Clark." she coaxed gently.
The alien opened his eyes at the familiar voice his vision clearing he smiled at the face staring down at him.
"Diana." he said as he sat up a hand on his forehead.
"Easy, you were exposed to a fair amount of Kryptonite." she warned.
Suddenly worry clouded his weakness as he remembered about his only true family member. "Kara!"
Diana stood up as Clark struggled to his feet but his expression relaxed as the Green Lantern held the girl in his arms landing on the pavement softly.
"Kal'l" she called as she ran into his embrace… "Are you alright?"
They parted smiling. "I could ask you the same thing?"
"I'm fine thanks to John." she said giving the Green Lantern a smile.
"No, prob, but I'm afraid Luthor got away." the man said as he joined Diana and the Flash.
"The Joker got away too." Night Wing stated as he helped Batman over to the small group.
Superman looked at the Dark Knight in concern. "Are you hurt?"
Batman ignored the question instead answered it with one of his own. "Want to tell me what the heck is in this truck?"
Superman looked at Kara than back at Bruce. "It's a radioactive mineral that comes from our planet Krypton, it's our only weakness."
"You don't say?" the Billionaire asked with a note of sarcasm.
"You hadn't told him?" Diana asked.
'It must have slipped my mind." Clark replied sheepishly.
Batman pulled away from his pupil's grasp making his way over to the bat mobile.
"I think you should get checked over Bruce!" Night Wing called to him as the cover of the vehicle hid the crusader.
Everyone watched as the vehicle came to life and sped away.
It was late afternoon the next day when Clark Kent knocked on the door of the majestic Mansion. He stood there patiently smiling at the much older man who answered the door.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"Yes I…Clark cleared his throat… "Is Mr. Wayne home?"
"Of course come on in." Alfred said as he stepped aside.
It was hard not to gawk at the vastness of the house, Alfred gave a smile knowing all to well the reactions the outsiders had when coming into the great Wayne Mansion.
"If you will follow me, sir." Alfred offered kindly as he led Clark down the long hallway.
"So, is Mr. Wayne always so…defensive?" Clark asked the butler.
"He is a man of great responsibility and perhaps misunderstood at times." Alfred answered entering the study room where a grand piano sat in the corner… "He will be with you momentarily, he wasn't expecting any visitor's today."
Clark nodded as the butler left the room. This was something to write about, here he was a reporter in the house hold of the billionaire play boy, every die hard fanatic journalist would kill for this kind of story. An exclusive interview with Bruce Wayne, that would be front page news in a heart beat. He caught sight of a young woman dressed in a light blue dress her hair cascading down her shoulder in delicate curls. A beautiful smile on her alabaster skin.
"My mother."
Clark gasped turning to face the other man his black hair was a bit tussled and black smudges decorated his face and forearms a rust color shirt rolled up to his elbows sitting nicely on his fit frame. Dark blue jeans clad his strong legs finished off with a pair of plain running shoes. Navy blue.
Clark turned back to the picture. "She's beautiful."
Bruce's hardness seemed to soften at the remark. "She was."
Clark turned his attention to the grand piano. "You play?"
Bruce scoffed throwing the white rag he had in his hand over his shoulder. "Hardly, just a few notes."
Clark gave a questioning look, just then Alfred re-entered the room. "Sorry, to bother you master Wayne but a call has come in for you. A Ms. Rain Warner wanting to set an appointment for your doctor's check up."
"Tell her I'll see her next Friday and cancel any other appointment of late."
"Yes, Master Wayne." Alfred obeyed faithfully.
"Alfred, I'll be in the cave… Bruce looked at Clark… With our guest."
"But of course Master Wayne, I'll be with you momentarily."
"Thank you Alfred." the billionaire said as he walked over to the grand piano.
"Cave?" Clark asked his curiosity mounting.
Bruce played the first few notes of Moonlight Sonata, which intern activated a secret chamber. Clark stood their stunned.
"This way." Bruce said leading the way inside.
"So, what is in this cave?" Clark asked as his sharp ears picked up the faint squeaks of the nocturnal animals… "Other than bats."
"Everything that is Batman." he simply answered as they descended down the long stair case.
"How much is everything?" Clark asked uncertainly.
Bruce stopped flicking on a switch; the dark mass in front of them was splotched with light revealing extraordinary invention after another the docking bay for his jet separate hangers for his Bat mobile and bike, massive computer, Lab, and row upon row of gadgetry. And sitting in its own case was his uniform, Bruce turned to the speechless reporter.
"Everything."
It was a good few minutes before he could get over his shock as Bruce led him down to the main computer. Clark caught sight of the flowing water fall behind the Batwing.
"The water fall adds a nice touch."
"So it isn't enough for you to bother me when I'm Batman you have to do it when I'm Bruce Wayne as well? What do you want?" Wayne asked as he punched something into the computer.
Clark turned to him becoming serious. "We need to talk."
"Do we now?" Bruce answered as the computer greeted him.
"Ok, I'll talk you listen. I came to tell you that as much as I think that you can benefit from being in the Justice League, I want you to know that there is no law that says that you can refuse to join. So, I'm leaving the door open, I know we're not compatible so…" he trailed off turning his back to leave.
"Who's says we're not compatible?" Bruce stated not missing a single beat.
The Kryptonian stopped in his tracks facing Bruce with an incredulous look. "You're kidding right?"
Bruce finally faced Clark. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Clark scoffed shaking his head. "I don't need X-ray vision to see that this isn't working."
Bruce turned back to the computer. "Come here."
The hero furrowed his brow but complied. He stuffed his hands in his pocket as he came up beside the crusader, who brought up a familiar format of a chart.
"This looks familiar."
Bruce gave a sly smile. "It should. It came from Watch Tower."
Clark looked at the man shocked. "What?"
"I took the liberty of hacking into Watch Towers mainframe during the tour two months ago. I have enough information to keep me going for awhile." Bruce confessed.
Clark was flabbergasted apart of him wanted to hit the guy but another was shamefully impressed. "I'm glad you're not the enemy. So, how much data is in this thing?"
"Let me show you."
Clark watched the skilled hands navigate the computer grid.
"Computer activate Profile of Wonder Woman."
The screen was filled with the information instantly as the computer read it out.
'Wonder Woman- Amazonian, Princess of Paradise Island.
Daughter to Queen Hippolyta
Power: Superhuman Strength, lasso of truth, silver bracelets that deflect any attack.
Weapons. Shield and sword.
Secret identity. 'Captain Diana Prince' works out of Marsden Air Force Base-Montana'
To finish the profile her full body picture rotated beside the information.
"Sure didn't miss anything did you?" Clark said crossing his arms along his chest.
Bruce ignored the question addressing the computer again. "Computer bring up all profiles of Gotham Arkm Prison.
The screen filled up with the profiles of Two Face, Poison Ivy, The Penguin, The Riddler, Scare Crow, and the Joker.
"These are the criminals I have been protecting Gotham from. You see Clark people don't like me and I don't like them, but you don't have to buddy up to one another to protect them. I can't explain it in words, because you strike me as one who doesn't believe what he ears unless he sees it with his own too eyes." Bruce explained.
"That could go both ways, Master Wayne." Alfred's voice interrupted.
Both men turned to see the faithful servant come in holding a tray filled with two steaming cups of tea. Bruce waved his hand as he turned and walked up to his uniform taking it in his hands he walked out of sight. leaving Clark alone with Alfred.
"My mind is spinning right now." Clark said running a hand through his hair.
"He is a conundrum, sir." Alfred softly said handing Clark some tea.
Bruce walked out as his alter-ego Batman. "Are you going to sit and have tea or actually going to see what I'm talking about?"
Clark quickly put the cup back on the tray watching as Batman jumped on his bike.
"I'll be back Alfred." Bruce called as he brought the speedster to life.
"The usual time sir." Alfred replied.
"The usual time."
Both men watched as he sped away. Clark looked at Alfred. "What's the usual time?"
Alfred smiled. "The next Morning, master Kent. Now, go be Superman and watch my boy."
Clark gave a surprised look but put two and two together. Smiling he removed his suit and blasted off in the direction of Batman. Alfred cocked an eye brow at the pile of clothes, then shrugged as he balanced the tray
on his one arm and picked up the material with the other. Then left the area.
Superman flew gracefully through the air his curiosity mounting over the billionaire play boy, but he came to a complete stop hovering in the air at the sight of the over turned bike. He landed a few feet away from it, his sharp eyes caught of a still form lying on the side of the road.
"Batman." he said in alarm.
He quickly ran to him but let out a yelp as something sharp hit his neck. He winced, raising his hand to pull out the needle that had lodged in his neck, his vision blurred at the familiar drained feeling.
"Kryptonite." he weakly said as his muscles couldn't hold him any longer.
He collapsed there in the deserted road and taken away. No trace of either had ever been there except the stilled turning of the wheel on the bike.
A/N: Whew what a chapter. I think I've earned a little insight on your part.
REVIEW.
Kindred Spirit.
