Mr. Haziq: I know. It is a problem Ghost has, I try to fix it and point it out. I miss it sometimes. Sorry.
nitewolf423: Review Corner's are only in the Ben's harem stories. Here we are just replying to a few reviews directly
Scattershot98: Maybe, maybe she was just teasing.
te . nellis: They where not attacking Wayne Enterprise. They where attacking Bruce and those close to him. No reason for Freeze to see them and get angry/defencive. Do not worry, it WILL happen.
Shadow Joestar: ... do you mean O - K?
Here are a few reviews answered by Ghost:
te . nellis: Don't worry, Mr Freeze will appear
Scattershot98: Yeah, well. You better keep reading.
Co-Writter: GhostKaiser23
Disclaimer: We do not own Batman
Author's Notes:
Here we go *claps* the penultimate part of this story! Well, hope you all enjoy.
Batman: A Different Path
Chapter 18: World's Finest Part 4
In the abandoned warehouse, deep in its basement, Superman was bound by Kryptonite chains, courtesy of Lex Luthor "Darn it Lex." He grumbled
"Quiet." A ninja ordered with his blade near Superman's face.
"Hnn..." Superman grumbled, still weak from the Kryptonite and clinked them gently. If only there was so much Kryptonite, or he'd be able to take these guys in a fist fight 'Luthor...When I get out of here...You're going to jail.' Superman thought 'Same with your accomplishes.'
*With Harley*
Harley and Harvey where at Police HQ, mostly out of necessity "Bullock! I can't believe you survived that!" One of the police officers spoke in shock
"It was Quinn here who did the most of it." Bullock answered "And she made sure not to kill any of them."
"Uh-huh. And Bollocks here saw it all." Harley smiled, now re-handcuffed
"I told you not to call me that!" Bullock snapped
"Nnnnaaaa!" She just stuck her tongue out at laughed
"So what do we do?" The officer spoke while Commissioner Gordon was trying to contact Barbara.
"We need to keep out eyes out." Gordon frowned, cursing as his phone could not get through
"Yes, Sir!" The officers answered, including Harley
"You don't get a say in this." Bullock answered
*With Dick*
Dick had arrived at The Watchtower, the safe house, with Betty on his motorbike "Here we are." He smiled, putting a code into a secret panel
"Where are we?" Betty asked as she looked around, still trying to get her bearings since all of this was happening was going too fast.
"Safe house." Robin half lied, hiding the location
"O-Okay." Betty nodded
IDENTIFIED- ROBIN- B02
ACCESS GRANTED
The door unlocked and opened for Robin "Okay, time to get in."
"Okay, Robin." She nodded, following the kid vigilante through the doors and heard them lock behind her.
"The elevator, this way." Robin spoke
"Alright...You don't skimp on the security, do you?" Betty asked
"No my dad doesn't." He shook his head. They entered the elevator and headed down, to the safe room. Betty looked at Robin, trying to place who he is. Though her head was still full of adrenaline. She was sure this kid was familiar; she couldn't put her finger on it "Okay, we're here." Robin spoke as the elevator stopped and the door opened revealing a large blast-shield door "Give me a sec." He spoke going to the number pad, which actually looked more like a retinal scan. Within a few seconds, the door responded ONCE AGAIN
IDENTIFIED- ROBIN- B02
ACCESS GRANTED
"All good, you'll be safe here." he nodded as he opened the door…... And he saw Batgirl and Supergirl at the computer "Batgirl? What's going on? Who's she?" Robin asked in shock
"This is Supergirl. Superman has been kidnapped by ninja's with Kryptonite swords." She commented
"Supergirl? Here in Gotham?" Betty gasped seeing her.
"Huh?" Supergirl blinked
"What?!" Batgirl gasped
"I can't believe it, Supergirl in Gotham!" Betty smiled
"Robin, why is she here?" Batgirl frowned
"Don't laugh; but, we just got attacked by ninjas." Robin answered simply "I brought her here to protect her."
"More ninja's." Batgirl sighed
"They came after you?" Supergirl asked
"Yeah, for no reason!" Betty explained
"She's telling the true." Robin sighed, looking away awkwardly
"There's always a reason. Where were you when they attacked?" Batgirl asked, trying to get some info.
"I was leaving Wayne Manor." She shrugged
Batgirl's eyes widened in shock, but not to the group. She kept that to herself. She was getting suspicious 'What was she doing there?' Batgirl thought "Well, at least you're alright. Go and sleep." Batgirl urged "There's a bed out back. I'm sure you're tired."
"Y-Yeah...I-I need to sleep." Betty panted, feeling her adrenaline leave her. She walked off slowly, going to the room
"Shall I-?" Supergirl asked
"Yeah, you head to sleep too. The Kryptonite's still in your system. Robin, I need a word." Batgirl answered
"Okay." Robin nodded, knowing the joke was there, but this wasn't the time or place for it. Plus super powered girl right in front of him, so he was nervous
The two Bat-Apprentices headed to a different room so they could have some privacy "Robin, I know you think bringing her here would be a good thing, but this is REALLY dangerous." Batgirl commented
"This is the only safe house I know is about!" Robin argued, quickly growing irritated and defensive
"Okay, okay. I understand." Batgirl answered, trying to calm him down "... Dick." She said casually, counting down on her fingers to see if her suspicions was correct
"W-W-W-What?! N-No! I-I-I don't know this 'Dick' person." Robin panicked, trying not to give anything away
"Who said it was a person, I could have just been insulting you?" Batgirl smirked as Robin froze as she realized what she meant while his eyes visibly widened with his mask "... Gotcha Richard."
"I-You...Dang it." Robin sighed.
"Wait... Then that means..." Barbara whispered, her eyes widening
"Yeah...Guess you found me out." Dick sighed.
"... Batman is Bruce Wayne." She mumbled, a whisper
'And...You got that too.' Dick thought 'And I still don't know who you are.'
"How long?" Batgirl asked
"Pardon?" Dick asked
"How long have you been 'Robin'?" Batgirl asked
"The Joker incident was my first day AS Robin." He blinked "I've been training for a few months before that."
"Whoa...I...I can't believe it." Batgirl gasped. Her hand now on her head.
"Yeah, believe it Batgirl. Well...Now you know." Robin answered 'Who is she?' Dick thought 'And how did she know who I am?'
"What're you thinking?" Batgirl asked
"Huh?" He blinked
"You looked like you were thinking. Just...your vacant look." Batgirl answered
"Oh, sorry." He shrugged
"We better protect Supergirl and Betty." Batgirl got up and sighed
"Yeah, we...Hey...hang on...How'd you know her name?" Robin asked
"Huh? Oh you...must've mentioned it." Batgirl lied
"Guess I did." Robin nodded
"Now, we need a plan." Batgirl spoke in relief
*With Batman*
The Dark Knight was in LexCorp, sticking to the shadows. He had to maintain a vigil, even with all his tech, Batman could get into trouble. Luthor was smart. The League knew his weakness. And they were both dangerous and now that they were working together...They're a force to be reckoned with…... and there is the ninja attack force "Oh no." Batman gasped as the ninjas started to attack him. Batman deflected the swords that they were using, keeping his footing and his balance, while trying not to be overwhelmed. He dodged flawlessly, using the blades on his gauntlets to block and snap swords while also throwing punches and kicks left and right
"Oof!" The ninjas grunted as they fell before the Caped Crusader.
Bruce backed up, dodging and focusing as he dodged and returned the attacks. Using one of the swords the ninja dropped, he used it to shatter the remaining swords so that they couldn't be used against him and then smashed their heads together. The ninjas fell like ragdolls: knocked out, tied up and out of commission and no one was dead 'Good. They're out-cold; I can do this unimpeded now.' He thought heading deeper into Lex Corp. He needed to get Superman out of here, he couldn't win alone. If anyone could help turn this around, it was a being with super-human abilities. But where could they be keeping him?
Bruce tried remembering Superman's abilities: Super-Strength, Flight, Laser-Vision, just to name a few. His weaknesses might be better remembering. Kryptonite, maybe magic...Needs sunlight. He might be in a basement area of the facility!
He needed to hack the building and the best place to hack a building is the main computer-room. Which was his current target. Bruce headed through the building, racing through the shadows and keeping alert. Time was ticking away as he worked 'Here we go.' He thought, breaking the door open and entered the Computer-Room
*with Pamela*
Pamela made her way back to Wayne Manor; she had to make sure her home was safe. She ran inside, looking for ANYONE "Alfred? Bruce? Harley? Dick? Is anyone here?" Pamela cried.
"Ms Isley?" Alfred asked over the speakers
"Alfred! Oh, thank the Green, you're okay." Pamela sighed in relief. "Where are you? Where is everyone?"
"In the cave." He informed
"That's good...Where're the others?" Pamela asked. When he didn't reply she sighed and knew she had to go down to the cave 'Through the grandfather clock. That's where Bruce often goes through.' She thought. She wondered why he preferred that way but never questioned it. She headed through the stairway and went to the cave, finding Alfred at the computer "What's going on? Where are the others?" She asked
"Master Bruce hasn't returned home since work ended, Master Dick was helping a friend 'Ms Betty' get back home. And Ms Harley hasn't returned from her session." Alfred informed simply
"Oh man...How did they get the drop on us?" Pamela asked
"The League are the ones who trained Master Bruce. If anyone can outsmart him and prepare their invasion under his nose, it is Ra's Al Ghoul." Alfred explained
"Huh? 'Ra's Al Ghul'? I'd hate to meet him on my own." Pamela frowned
"Even Master Bruce does." He nodded
"Is they anyway to find them?" Pamela asked
"Master Bruce is working on it." Alfred informed
"Okay. Thank you, Alfred." Pamela answered 'Please, be alright.' She thought thinking of her husband and her adopted son
"Maybe Flora should return to action?" He suggested
"You're right. I think Flora SHOULD come back." Pamela nodded
*Elsewhere*
Dick yawned, he and Batgirl having worked long and hard "Don't quit now, Gotham still needs us." Barbara urged him on.
"I know. We still need to find Batman." He mumbled
"And we will. But for now, we've got to keep Supergirl and Betty here and search through the city." Batgirl answered
"Right." Robin nodded and yawned
"If you want to sleep. You can. I'll pick up the slack." Batgirl answered
"No, it's unfair." He mumbled
"Okay, but don't go falling to sleep on the console." Batgirl answered
"I won't." Robin yawned
"... Do you want coffee?" She sighed
"Batman says that isn't a stimulant. More an irritant." Robin answered, shaking his head "I just need to get moving."
"Then go train." She nodded
"Thanks." Robin nodded and left.
'Guess he's not much for sitting around a computer.' Batgirl thought 'Dodged a bullet when I lied about Betty.' She was still shell shocked about the fact 'Where are these damn ninjas going to attack next?' She thought
*In the other room*
"That was great." Supergirl yawned as she awoke
"Hey, evening Sleeping Beauty." Betty sighed
"Evening." Kara mumbled "Where are we?"
"A safe place. Robin got me here and I guess...Batgirl brought you here." Betty answered
Supergirl nodded gently, stretching "How long was I out?" she asked
"I dunno. You were out-cold when I got here." Betty answered
"I was tired." She nodded
"Yeah...so...If you're not TOO tired...CanIaskyousomequestions?" Betty asked quickly
"Er... Sure?" Kara blinked, her super hearing allowing her to make out each word
"Wow, you understood that...Okay. What's it like in Metropolis? What do you think of Gotham?" Betty begun
"Hmmm... Big. Wild. Fun. And Gotham is cool in a gothic way." She shrugged
"True." Betty smiled and took all that down in her notes, making sure she recorded this to show Barbara and Dick.
Kara blinked, tilting her head "What next?"
"Okay, what're your powers? I've heard that you're the same as Superman, but that you're stronger." Betty asked
"Well if you know Superman's powers... Hi?" She waved lightly
Betty just had a sweat drop down her forehead and a slight chuckle "Yeah...kinda redundant of a question." she blushed gently
"Just a bit." Kara laughed nervously, worried her new friend would work out her identity
'Hmm...She...Looks familiar.' Betty thought to herself "So, what brought you to Gotham?"
"Lex Luthor. My cousin and I were investigating what he was up to." Supergirl explained
"I see." Betty nodded, taking notes.
"... What's with the notes?" Kara asked
"I'm a reporter for my school's newspaper." Betty explained
"... Oh god, don't tell me you're trying to be my Lois Lane." Kara groaned and laughed softly, falling back onto the bed... Short skirt being blown up lightly because of the wind from said act, showing off her red panties
"Whoa! Panty shot!" Betty turned back "No, I'm not trying to be. I'm just enthusiastic."
"Good... I've kinda got my eyes on someone else." Kara said, whispering at the end as she smiled and thought of her current red haired neighbor
"Okay...Need a hand up?" Betty asked, still looking to the side.
"What do you mean?" Kara blinked
"Um...You're on your back...I'm just trying to be helpful." Betty answered
...
"GAH!" Kara shrieked as she suddenly sat up and pushed her skirt down between her legs "I AM SO SORRY!" she yelled, blushing.
"I-It's okay. I didn't look." Betty answered, turning around back to Kara to see that she was right side up again…... And Batgirl was suddenly in the room, looking worried "What happened?" She asked
"N-Nothing!" The two girls answered together and gave their explanations in unison, overlapping their voices.
"I was conducting an interview." Betty gulped
"I just fell backwards on accident." Kara said at the same time... and the two froze again, blushing
"Um...Okay. I just...wanted to check up on you." Batgirl answered. She coughed lightly, looking away with a blush
"Thanks, Batgirl." The two girls answered
"No problem...Are you hungry?" Batgirl asked
"A bit." Kara nodded
"Yeah...same here." Betty added
"I'll look for some food. Stay here and don't look around." Batgirl added
"Why? Don't trust me?" Supergirl frowned, feeling upset for some reason
"No...just...there's a LOT of defenses here. It might mistake you for intruders." Batgirl answered
"Thanks for the update." Betty answered
"I'll be back in a minute." Batgirl responded as they left.
"Bye." Both Betty and Kara waved.
"...You're eager to look around aren't you?" Kara asked
"I am in a super hero base!" Betty said simply
Supergirl sighed and rubbed her eyes "Alright...I'm coming with you." Kara answered with a nod
"Yeah? Isn't that against 'Superhero Ethics' or something?" Betty asked
"I'm curious." Kara shrugged
"Alright then. Let's be detectives." Betty answered
*Elsewhere*
"You like her." Robin commented from behind Batgirl
"I like who?" Batgirl asked "What're you talking about?"
"Supergirl." He said simply
"What makes you say that?" Batgirl responded, trying to deflect the comment
"You ran in there as she screamed like nothing else mattered. You stare a few seconds longer than necessary. You speak to her in a gentler tone than natural and your lips always have a slight upturn when you talk about her or are close." He listed off "And you blush randomly shortly after she is brought up in conversation."
Batgirl blinked at that. He caught ALL of that within THAT time frame? 'What... how is Dick THAT observant?! Is... is this what being Batman's son does to you?'
"You remind me of my friends Barbara and Kara, they do that to." Dick said casually, blinking "Weird."
"We...remind you of your friends? Yeah...I guess it IS weird." Batgirl mumbled, avoiding suspicion and trying to change the subject "Any reports on the outside?" She asked
"Huh? Oh, no." Robin shook his head "Not yet."
"Alright...I just hope Batman and the others are alright." Batgirl answered
*With Harley*
"By Bollocks!" Harley waved as she was dropped off at Wayne Manor
"Grr..." Bullock groaned as he left the house.
Harley entered the door and wondered if everyone was back "I'm home!" ... And empty house "...Hello? Anyone? Alfie? Pammy?" Harley called out. She walked over, opening the grandfather clock calmly "Dum-dee-dum." She hummed to herself as she headed downstairs. She skipped into the cave, laughing "Hallooo? Anyone he-yar~?" Harley sung as she skipped
"Ms Harleen?" Alfred asked from the BatComputer
"Alfie! What's going on? There're ninjas in Gotham." Harley answered
"I know." He nodded
"You know? Well, can I help? I've cut a few ninja before coming here." Harley answered
"Wait, you have? You didn't-" Alfred asked
"No, I didn't kill any. Just cut a few hands off." Harley answered "They attacked me."
"Well...I suppose that's reasonable self-defense." Alfred answered
Harley nodded and hugged him "Where's Dick, Pammy and Bruce?" Harley asked
"Master Dick is at the watchtower. Master Bruce is out fighting the ninja's. Ms Isley is preparing her armour, she is nervous." Alfred explained
"Okay. Is Pammy here, getting changed?" Harley asked
"I did say that." Alfred nodded
"Okay, thanks." Harley answered kissing his cheek like a family member. She then smiled off towards the armour room
Alfred gave a small smile and continued to work 'I hope tonight works out for the best. Please survive.'
*With Pamela*
Pamela sighed as she stood there in her suit, minus her mask "Well...Here we go again." She whispered, holding the mask in her hands.
"Hey Red." Harley smiled as she skipped over
"Harley? You're home." Pamela turned around and smiled happily
"Yep." Harley smiled before she slowly lost it "Are...you okay?"
"Yeah." Pamela nodded a bit
"You need a hug?" Harley offered
"... Please." Pamela nodded
Harley smiled and hugged Pamela, nothing naughty or anything, but lovingly "It's okay Red." She assured
'I hope we're going to get out of this alright.' Pamela thought
*Elsewhere*
Talia was looking out at Gotham from a vantage point...She was disheartened at what she and her father were doing. This city... Was beautiful, to her. It was like the night sky. Dark and full of stars 'Beloved...I'm sorry.' She thought quietly
"Lady Talia." A ninja spoke respectfully behind her and knelt
"What is it?" Talia asked, not turning around and looked on into the horizon "What happened?"
"Mr. Luthor is going back to his corporation. But the group we had stationed there are not responding." The ninja answered
"I see." She nodded
"With your permission, we will go and investigate." The ninja answered
"No, I will go." She nodded
"Very well, Lady Talia." The ninja answered.
'I'm coming, beloved.' Talia thought
*with Bruce*
"Here it is." Bruce nodded as he opened a cell door. As the door opened inside he saw Superman there, bound in Kryptonite chains. Well chains with small Kryptonite shards welded to the metal like the chains where a big wedding ring 'Hang on, Superman.' He thought, as he activated his Detective Vision to search for any guards who might be there. Seeing none he walked to the man silently and carefully. Using his lock-picking skills be began to unlock Superman's restraints, he had to make sure not to trip any alarms "Superman?" He asked gently
"Hmm..." Superman grumbled, feeling the Kryptonite still weaken him
"Wake up." He urged gently
"So weak..." Superman groaned, trying to get up… WACK! "OW!" Superman grunted as he glared up at Batman, feeling the pain wake him up. Yeah he specifically punched him in the face
"If you are the Man of Steel then stand your ass up. I can't beat Luthor and the league by myself. Or just stay here and I'll find someone who CAN help." Batman glared darkly
"I can take out Luthor...I just need sunlight to get back to full strength." Superman answered, getting up
"Then let's go." Batman nodded, holding the other heroes shoulder carefully and supported him. The two began to walk or hobble out of Lex Corp, going as quickly as they could. Batman got the window open, helping the man of steel get out of the building and into the rising sun. Superman looked out to the horizon and bathed in the rays...he could feel his power return to him.
"I can do this." He gave a sigh, his body relaxing
"Feeling better?" Batman asked
"Much, it'll take a few minutes, but I'll be back to full strength." Superman answered
"We need to keep moving. Someone will be onto is any second." Batman instructed
"That second being now." Talia's voice answered, stepping forward to see them.
"Talia." Bruce greeted, pulling out an extending sword from his belt
"Beloved." Talia spoke, drawing her own blade
"I am sorry. 'Beloved'? Should I be concerned?" Superman asked
"We have... History." Batman said simply "You recharge, do what you do. I'll hold off the league." He said, pressing a button on his belt
"What's that?" Superman said, narrowing his eyes as he heard a faint noise
"Backup." Bruce smiled
*Watchtower*
"We got a hit!" Robin called
"A hit?" Batgirl responded as she got to the computer
"Yeah!" Robin nodded
That was when Supergirl flew in worry "What hit?" Supergirl asked
"Gah!" Batgirl and Robin yelled
"Batman's tracking device has been picked up." Robin explained as he calmed down
"Okay, where are they?" Supergirl asked
*at the BatCave*
"A hotel owned by Lex Luthor." Alfred informed
"Luthor? That man Bruce had that meeting with?" Pamela asked
"That's what he looks like?" Harley asked, pointing at the picture.
"Yes, Ms. Harley." Alfred answered
"...He looks like an angry egg." Harley quipped. Pamela chuckled lightly, feeling better after that line "Where's he now?" Harley asked.
"He is at the building." Alfred repeated "If he sent the signal, he needs help. Go."
"Alright!" Harley answered
"Harley, you don't have your costume on. AND you'll be exposed. Protect Alfred and the house." Pamela answered
"But..." Harley whispered, and it was too late. Pamela was already gone, she went to help Bruce. Harley was disheartened, but it was understandable. She sighed and sat next to Alfred, pouting
"I'm sure it's for the best, Ms Harley. You can help me defend the fort." Alfred reassured her
"Fine Alfie." She sighed