Here's the latest part in my "What happened in between levels?" chapters.
Back at Foundation Prime, Lord Vortech, sitting down on his throne, pulls Lex's Power Suit out of the rift with his gigantic right hand and holds him upside down.
"I'm very disappointed in you, Lex," said Vortech.
"It's not my fault," said Lex. "You should've warned me Batman and his cronies would be there."
Vortech drops the Power Suit at the sound of the name of the black-clad superhero. He transforms his arm back to normal.
"Batman, again? Well, if mice are scurrying through my property, then I better put down some traps," said Vortech deviously.
Back in Vorton, the trio made it out of the Gateway.
Batman looks at Gandalf and says, "That staff's important somehow. Put it somewhere secure."
Gandalf puts the staff next to a terminal. When he turned around, the terminal moved, causing the staff to fall into a lying position.
Batman releases the Keystone into the air and allows the robotic voice to explain what it is.
"This is the Elemental Phase Keystone, also known as the Keystone with the fanciest name," said the robotic voice.
"Every kid dreams of having super powers," said Wyldstyle. "With this Keystone, oh, I can just imagine what we can do with this."
"Don't get too excited. It's still dangerous," said Batman.
"In enemy hands," implied Wyldstyle. "In the hands of the good guys, it's a weapon of justice."
"I think you're having a little too much fun," said Batman.
"Hey, I'm trying to find my friend, but all this action-adventure stuff is just kinda getting to me," said Wyldstyle.
"And you don't care," added Batman.
"There's nothing wrong with a little thrill in your life," said Wyldstyle.
"This isn't some rock-climbing expedition. This is life and death," said Batman.
"Trust me, Batman. I know how life-and-death situations feel like," said Wyldstyle. "But like I said before, I'm the kind of girl who loves facing danger."
"Just keep your adrenaline in check," said Batman.
"You don't find fun in crime-fighting, don't you?" guessed Wyldstyle.
"Crime-fighting isn't a game. It's a responsibility," said Batman.
"But you have a knack for theatricality, so that proves that there's something about crime-fighting you enjoy," said Wyldstyle.
"I'm a human, not a machine. I may wear the face of a monster, but I can still feel," said Batman.
"Why do you call yourself a monster?" asked Gandalf.
"You should see how criminals act when they see me in the night," replied Batman.
Batman walks away and returns to his Batmobile.
"Oh, just to let you know, the sonic cannons work perfectly," said Wyldstyle.
"I know. I was watching," said Batman.
"You need any more help?" asked Wyldstyle.
"You can look for more bricks," said Batman.
"For what, exactly?" asked Wyldstyle.
"Long-range artillery," answered Batman. "Just make sure you find non-lethal rounds."
"No problem," said Wyldstyle.
Wyldstyle takes out her Relic Scanner and ventures deep within Vorton, looking for more bricks.
Gandalf approaches Batman. "She is a remarkable woman, isn't she?"
"She's a woman who has a special someone in her life," said Batman. "So, don't even try to give me advice on romance."
"I know," said Gandalf. "But she's someone who truly brings light in the darkest days. You shouldn't push her away."
"Because I need light in my life?" questioned Batman, sounding slightly sarcastic.
"Everyone does," said Gandalf. "I may not have known you for a long time, Batman, but from what I have seen so far, you are a man who prefers to work alone. A man who isn't interest in connecting with other people."
"My history is a lot more complicated than you think," said Batman.
"But look around you, Batman. It's you, me, and Wyldstyle against forces neither of us can comprehend," said Gandalf. "You have to understand trust and friendship in order to survive. Remember, one cannot carry the weight of the world on his back. He will always need assistance."
"I would assume you have fought in a war before," guessed Batman.
"Plenty," answered Gandalf. "As I grew older, I learned a lot more. But even as a young lad, I learned the importance of friendship and cooperation."
"What does this have to do with Wyldstyle?" asked Batman.
"You intrigue her," said Gandalf. "And she you. Best not to waste an opportunity to connect. In the end, you will regret it."
Gandalf walks away and leaves the vigilante to his business. Batman stared at his vehicle as he let the wizard's words replay in his head. He was snapped out of his trance when bricks were placed next to him. Wyldstyle stood right in front him.
"Well, here's everything you need," said Wyldstyle. "I suggest performing a test run here first, because my Relic Scanner can't determine whether a round is lethal or not."
Batman stares at the pile of bricks in silence.
"Is... there something wrong?" asked Wyldstyle.
"No," lied Batman. "I was just wondering if... you would like to help me upgrade the car."
"You mean we can fix it up together?" asked Wyldstyle. "Sure."
As the vigilante and the tomboy work on the Batmobile, Gandalf watched from the distance. He can tell that Batman was taking his advice on connecting with others.
Looks like Batman is learning.