Chapter 20
A computerized map of the world illuminated the wall of the large antechamber. News reports from around the globe played in tandem, human tragedy and terror on display 24 hours a day. Violent footage of wars and riots flashed across the screens and reflected in the ancient eyes of Ra's Al Ghul.
Drink in hand he sat watching humanity tear itself apart in every corner of the world. It was truly glorious. Beside him on an onyx end table the biotoxin was displayed in a place of honor. It would the tool of his greatest triumph.
"Master, forgive our intrusion," said a League footman as he bowed low. Ra's swiveled his chair. "We caught an intruder."
The Batman was pulled forward from the group of masked men and forced to his knees. Ra's lips curled into a sinister grin.
"Detective," Ra's said, rising.
"Never pinned you for a fan of cable news," Batman said. He addressed Ra's as if he were the only man in the room.
"Is there any better evidence that humanity is a cancer that must be destroyed than the 24-hour news cycle? Dismissed," Ra's said, waving his hand at the masked figures surrounding Batman. Instantly, the masked men disappeared. Batman attempted to get to his feet but Ubu, Ra's most loyal protector and the most dangerous man in his guard, kept him on his knees. Ra's stepped toward him, the effects of prolonged use of the Lazarus pits echoing through his steps - he couldn't stand as tall as he used to, his shoulders were more rounded and caving in on themselves. There was more white in his hair, more wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. Batman swallowed slowly. Though he had always disagreed with Ra's methods and many of his ideals, it still hurt to see him like this.
"Whatever you're planning, you don't have to do it," Batman said. Ubu booted him in the ribs.
"Oh, Detective," Ra's scoffed, shaking his head. "Did you assume you could simply come into my home and ask me to reverse my plans? You are smarter than that."
Apparently not, he thought as Ubu kicked him again.
"It is most unfortunate that you have chosen a less righteous path than the one I offered to you as my second in command and heir. I had hoped you had reconsidered. No matter. Take him to the dungeon. I want to make certain he is given a front row seat to witness the birth of the new era."
Ubu kicked him again before carrying him out of the antechamber.
^()^ ^()^ ^()^ ^()^ ^()^ ^()^
He kneeled in the dank cell on a bed of straw. Torches lined the hallway outside his cell, providing poor lighting and hissing periodically when moisture seeped from the rock and dripped onto the flames. The far away sound of a rapidly moving river echoed through the hallways and chambers. Whether it was a river of water or of Lazarus liquids was impossible to tell.
A guard appeared before his door holding a tin plate of food. The guard bent to slide the food under the door, grunted once and fell face first into the food, completely unconscious. A masked League of Assassins member stood behind him, an extinguished torch in his hand. With a free hand the League member pulled the mask away from his face, revealing that he was actually a she. Catwoman.
Four Hours Earlier
Visually sweeping the room, she verified it was clear before they entered the stronghold. The room was empty save a stone table and four low stools. As planned, Batman remained in the room while she ventured out into the hallway, her back against the smooth stone wall. Torches emitted a low, eerie glow along the narrow passageway. Spotting a guard armed only with a sword, she threw a small pebble toward his feet. It clattered against the well-worn floor and skittered to a stop near the toe of his boot. She vanished back into the room with the small guard's head snapped toward the origin point of the noise.
The guard slinked slowly down the hallway, his steps slow and unsure. Once he passed the room where they were hiding, Batman hit him in the neck with a dart full of anesthetic. He collapsed instantly, unconscious. Catching him before he could hit the ground, Batman dragged him soundlessly into the room. They stripped the guard, bound him, and taped his mouth shut. Catwoman donned his keioghi and face mask over her costume.
"Ready?" she whispered she peaked through the crack in the doorway.
"Hang back and don't blow your cover," he said, opening the door wide. Purposefully, he strode along the hallway, his movements causing the torches to flicker and dim as he passed, almost as if they were paying homage to his intimidating presence.
Spying a patrol of five guards, he stopped. They all saw him at the same time.
"Gentlemen," he said, his hands balling to fists at his sides. The guards exchanged looks and charged.
Batman barely fought, only throwing a few half-hearted punches and kicks to keep up appearances. They took him down easily and bound his hands behind him. Once the fight was over, Catwoman, clad in the guard's uniform, fell into step behind the League members. True to form, the men took Batman right to Ra's al Ghul.
Present Day
"Hope you weren't hungry," she said quietly as she rolled the guard onto his back with the toe of her boot.
"Took you long enough," he mumbled as he freed himself from the twine bonds around his wrists.
"This place is bigger than it looks." She crouched in front of the door and slid a lock picking tool from her glove. His door clicked open in a matter of seconds.
The plan had worked exactly as discussed in the cave - they were at a disadvantage in the massive stronghold as they were unfamiliar with the layout and had no idea of where Ra's might be. It was easier to escape a staged capture than to get out of a real one.
"Did you get it?" he asked, referring to the biotoxin. The door swung open and he joined her in the hallway.
"Yeah. And I got this, too," she said, pulling his utility belt from her sleeve. They were good together, he couldn't deny that or ignore it. They were a team, and a damn good one at that. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss that triumphant grin right of her beautiful face. Instead, he calmly fastened his belt around his waist, being careful not to accidentally brush against her.
"This way," he said. They headed down the hallway toward what he thought was a larger artery. As soon as they turned the corner, he realized his mistake.
Ubu stood in the hallway talking to none other than Talia al Ghul.
"Beloved?" she asked, surprised.
"Get them!" Ubu cried. Assassins appeared out of nowhere. They seemed to melt out of the walls and construct themselves from thin air. How many men appeared was unknown. He knew it was too many for them to handle, not in a cramped space like this. They were overwhelmed. Catwoman went down and he followed as something hard hit him in the back of the head. Laying on his back, the last thing he saw were the cold, distant eyes of Talia al Ghul.