Author's note:

For those of you who remember how the chapter originally ended, I just want to say that, for the record, Scarecrow will still be making an appearance in this story. However, I decided to change which villain was behind the attack at the school for this chapter since it's too soon to showcase certain members of Batman's rogues gallery. Also, for those of you who guessed that Joker is the source of the laughter, I feel I should point out that would be INSANE laughter, not MANIACAL laughter: there is a difference. Anyway, let's get going.

Chapter 2

The Bat vs. the Bird

As armed thugs burst into the room, Sector V and their fellow Kids Next Door members were admittedly confused at the situation: aside from the time that Grandma Stuffum worked in the cafeteria, lunch was usually attack-free ever since that Robin Food was put in jail for disorderly conduct. Before they could contemplate any sort of strategy against these admittedly well-dressed holigans, however, a stout figure with a monocle who was using an umbrella as a cane strutted his way into the room. "Greetings, Gallagher Elementary," he said with a thick accent, "I apologize for intruding on your lunch break, but a little birdie told me that there was a spoiled rich kid among you lot that needed to be taught some manners."

"Oh, give me a break," declared Tina Brians, also known as Numbuh 10, Nigel Uno/Numbuh One's cousin, "What's the REAL reason you're after Bruce Wayne?" This immediately got a rise out of the guys with guns, but the short figure simply laughed and signaled them to hold off on the attack. "I have to give you credit, little missy," he stated as he pointed the tip of his umbrella at her, "Not too many people are brave enough to try and rain on Oswald Cobblepot's parade. It's a good thing I always carry an umbrella."

As soon as he said this, though, something totally unexpected happened: a round was shot right next to where she was sitting, from the tip of the umbrella! "Let this serve as reminder," Mr. Cobblepot began, "There's a difference between being brave and stupid. However, I guess I owe you SOME explanation before I decide what to do with you and the rest of your classmates. Long before Brucie's parents were shot and killed, his family has made a habit of making MINE miserable. Oh, sure: the Cobblepot's may have a tendency to get into trouble with the law from time to time, but what family business doesn't? Wayne Enterprises, THAT'S what!

"It makes me SICK hearing how great the Wayne family is when all they've ever done is pretend that they're better then those who know that TRUE greatness is meant to be shared. But do THEY get involved in the weapons business? Do THEY support REAL business opportunities? No, they do not!" the stout man ranted, "Because of the Brucie's family, MINE is practically a laughing stock. His family DESTROYED mine: I'M just returning the favor."
"You'll never get away with this," Fanny declared, to which Cobblepot laughed, "Yeah right: my men have enough firepower to take out an army." "Good thing I didn't bring an army then," declared a voice from the shadows, "Oswald Cobblepot, known in the criminal underworld as 'The Penguin:' even if you somehow manage to escape this place, I've sent an anonymous tip to the police of your whereabouts." One of the thugs tried to grab a hostage, but quickly found himself tripped up with a bolos. Another thug had his gun yanked from his hand with some sort cable that practically came out of nowhere.

All of a sudden, a few of the light fixtures were knocked out with a few metal clangs. One of Penguin's men stooped to the ground and picked up a metal boomerang in the shape of a bat. "Boss, he's here," one of the other goons declared, sounding more then a little scared. "Then don't just stand there: flush him out!" the stout figure demanded. As if on cue, though, a cable swooped out and caught the man known as the Penguin as strung him up from the rafters like a Christmas ornament. "Find him, kill him, and then cut me down!" he ordered.

It seemed that this was an order on deaf ears, however: of the ten goons still able to fight left in the room, only one of them still had a gun. A shadow moved in the rafters, causing him to fire rapidly. It seemed that it was for nothing, however, as the figure in the darkness somehow ended up on the other side of the room. Another barrage of gunfire later, the seriously freaked out felon yelled out, "WHERE ARE YOU!?" Fanny could have sworn that, just before the man seemingly fainted, she heard someone whisper the word, "Here."

A good minute or two later and the remaining goons were getting anxious. Before anyone knew what hit them, though, a dark figure dropped down and proceeded to beat the tar out of them. Within the time span it would take to heat a microwave dinner, everyone was knocked out. "You've got a price, right?" Penguin inquired, "I've yet to meet a man who can't be bought." "Then you've never encountered a Batman," the figure stated as the sound of sirens could be heard outside.

"I'd love to stand around and talk all day," Batman declared, "but justice waits for no one." With that, he threw down a smoke pellet. As the dust settled, everyone in the room was thinking the exact same thing: "Who ARE you, Batman?"

Author's note:

Be honest: did I portray that okay? Also, for those of you who want Joker to show up, don't worry: he will make an appearance eventually. In the meantime, let me know who else you want to show up in this story.