Tang Ri Shan
Red Wings
(This is a sequel to Beware the Batman: Conundrum. I suggest reading that story if you have not done so already)
Chapter 18
"Let me go!" Oracle growled, struggling against her bonds
"In time, my dear" Scarecrow laughed, as he finished strapping the masked teen's arms and legs to a chair. "But first I have some information to retrieve"
"If you think I'm gonna tell you anything, you're even crazier than you look!" Oracle taunted.
"Oh, you don't have to tell me anything," The Scarecrow said as he turned around. He was holding a small gas cannister with a breathing mask attached to it "You can just show me"
"The fear gas" Oracle's eyes widened.
"Correct, my dear" The Scarecrow's face broke in a wide, leering grin. "But this version is extra special and extra powerful." He said as he approached Oracle. "The Birds of Prey had at least two weeks each of exposure to it, but this version can do the job in under two minutes, at least in theory"
"You can't do that!"
"Oh?" Scarecrow slowly tilted his head to one side. "And why not, my dear?"
"Because Penguin's the one calling the shots here, not you!" Oracle bluffed. "And he won't be too happy if he finds out you've been using me as a guinea pig!"
Scarecrow paused for a moment, and Oracle wondered if her threat had worked. Then the man started laughing, a laugh that sent shivers up Oracle's spine. "Oh, such a fiery tongue. I will miss that. But you misunderstand my dear" He suddenly grabbed Oracle's hair and painfully yanked her head back. "Penguin only said to keep you alive" He forced the breathing mask over Oracle's mouth and nose "He never said in what condition"
"MMMMM!" Oracle shook her head, but Scarecrow tightened his grip until Oracle cried out.
"Now my dear, it's time to face your fear" The Scarecrow chuckled, flipping a small lever on the canister. Green mist filled the breathing mask. Oracle tried to hold her breath, but it was no use. "Literally!" Scarecrow chuckled as Oracle's eyes fluttered, and finally closed.
Meanwhile, in the Batcave...
Zatanna's eyes fluttered open.
"Wh...where am I?" She groaned. All she could see as a big blur.
Dragon, who was standing nearby, turned to look at her. "You are in a safe place, Zatanna," He said softly.
"Zatanna is awake?" Man-Bat called from nearby, causing everyone to look up.
"About time!" Katana smiled, walking over to the table where the magician lay. "How do you feel, Zatanna?"
Zatanna blinked and the world slowly came back into focus, she sat up, rubbing her head. "I feel like I slept in a cement mixer." She said, looking up. "What happened to me?"
"Long story short, you've been used ma'am," Alfred said, walking up next to Katana, his features now covered by a black ski mask. "Do you remember anything that has occurred over the last few weeks?"
Zatanna shook her head. "The last thing I remember was a bunch of people jumping me after one of my performances. They moved so quickly I couldn't do anything before they knocked me out"
"Those people work for a man who calls himself the Penguin" Question spoke up from near the computer. He turned to the computer and typing a few keys. "He abducted you and a handful of other teenagers, and brainwashed you into working for him."
"Yes," Zatanna said as she stood up, leaning on Katana a little. "I remember now" Her voice grew tense. "I was locked in a room, for what felt like days. After a while, I...I began seeing things. I saw my father, and the man I loved. Both of them were yelling at me, telling me what a disappointment I was, a failure."
"'That must have been the fear gas," Katana said, her mouth set in a frown.
"I assure you, Miss Zatanna, those visions you saw were not real, and what you heard couldn't be farther from the truth." Alfred said "I know this for a fact"
"I'll bet you do" Katana jabbed. Alfred shot her a look.
"But, anything after the visions, is a complete blank" Zatanna said, looking a little weary.
"Then allow us to fill in the blanks" The Question typed a command into the Batcomputer. "While you were under the Penguin's thrall, he had you and other teens he abducted perform certain..." The Question paused, "acts around Gotham. I've tapped into security cameras from some of the places he sent you to if you'd like to see for yourself"
"Are you sure that's a good idea, Question?" Alfred snapped. "It might be easier if she doesn't..."
"No" Zatanna cut in, walking towards them. "I want to see it"
"As you wish" The Question pressed a key and a series of video recordings appeared on the screen. One was from a bank, another was from a restaurant, and a third was from what looked like a museum.
"I...I did all that?" Zatanna stared wide-eyed at the images on the screen. Images that clearly showed Zatanna using her magic to steal money and valuables, and to intimidate other people and worse, images that showed her actually enjoying it.
"I'm afraid so miss," Alfred said solemnly."We were recently able to reverse the effects of the fear gas, and that seems to have brought you back."
"What we need to know now..." Katana added, turning to face the magician, "Is if you're willing to help us bring the other Birds of Prey back to their senses as well"
Zatanna stared back at the swords-woman and a smile spread over her face. Before she could say anything, however, the roar of an engine caught everyone's attention.
The Batmobile appeared on the road leading out of the cave and came to a stop by the bridge. Batman got out and quickly made his way across to join them.
"Well sir, how was your chat with Commissioner Gordon?" Alfred asked.
"It could have gone better" Batman admitted. He paused when he saw Zatanna standing with them. "Good to see you up and around, Zatanna," He said, "How do you feel?"
"Like showing this 'Penguin' a trick he won't soon forget!" Zatanna said, making her top hat appear out of nowhere and placing it on her head.
"How did she do that?" Metamorpho asked. The Question just shrugged his shoulders.
"So, how do we take this guy down?" Zatanna asked, smiling at their confusion.
"We don't" Batman replied, narrowing his eyes at her.
Zatanna scowled, crossing her arms. "Oh come on, there is no way I'm sitting this out!"
"This is our fight, not yours" Batman replied.
"Yeah, but it's my life this Penguin guy's ruining," Zatanna argued. "When word of this gets out, my career as a performer will be over!" Zatanna motioned to the computer screens, that were still playing the images.
"It's not going to get out," Batman said.
"What?" Zatanna blinked.
"I've managed to keep Commissioner Gordon from releasing this footage. And the witnesses are all too terrified to testify." Batman explained, making the images on the screen fade away. "It'll be your word against theirs, and I'm sure we can find people who would be willing to testify in your support."
Zatanna raised an eyebrow then she smiled. "Thank you Batman, but I still want to help take this Penguin down, even if its not directly."
Batman scowled at the magician for a second, then turned away. "I'll consider it. But now we need to find a way to free the other birds, Computer, bring up surveillance inside the Iceberg Lounge."
"I'm afraid I am unable to do so Batman." The computer replied. "The internet access in and around the Iceberg Lounge is protected by a firewall that I have so far been unable to crack"
"And our own resident hacker is currently in Penguin's custody. Not good" Alfred shook his head.
"What's the big deal? We know where everyone is, let's just go get them!" Metamorpho slammed his fists together.
"But we don't know what we're up against" Man-Bat argued. "We'd be going in blind"
"Not only that, I suspect this is what the Penguin will expect us to do." Question said.
"But what other choice do we have?" Katana countered. "Every moment we delay heightens the danger that Oracle and the others are in."
"Wow, that is quite the conundrum, isn't it?" Zatanna spoke up, and the smug tone of her voice made everyone look at her.
The magician's face was sporting an evil grin. "Gee, it's too bad you don't have someone who could work from inside the Iceberg lounge. Someone who knows the lay of the land and can help you find where the soft spots are" She continued, looking at Batman.
"What makes you think the Penguin will welcome you back into his ranks?" Katana argued. "He left you behind without a second thought at the warehouse!"
Zatanna turned to the swords-woman, her grin unchanging. "Because in addition to being a magician, I also happen to be quite a good actress. If I can convince Penguin that I'm still under the control of the fear gas, I'll be welcomed back with open arms"
"It was Scarecrow who developed the fear gas, if you recall" Man-Bat warned. "You will need to fool the both of them"
Zatanna snorted "Part of a magician's performance is all about the presentation. Trust me, I can fool these jokers, no problem"
"Fine, Zatanna will be our inside person. Zatanna, I'll need you to somehow hook up the batcomputer to the security system inside the Iceberg lounge." Batman said.
Zatanna's smile faded. "Uh, sure, but I'm not really much of a technical person" she confessed "If it doesn't involve magic, I haven't had much practice in it."
Batman frowned for a moment. "Then we'll just have to work around that."
"You sound like you already have some kind of plan worked out" Alfred motioned.
Batman nodded "The plan is simple. Dragon, Question, Katana, and I will infiltrate the Iceberg lounge, keeping a low profile. Once Zatanna is able to deactivate the security system, Alfred, Man-Bat, and Metamorpho will create a diversion to draw the Penguin's attention, while those of us on the inside find and liberate both Oracle and the Birds. Once they're free, we can subdue Scarecrow and the Penguin."
"Cool" Zatanna said. "Only how are you going to get in? It's not like the Penguin's going to invite you inside?"
"Actually, he already has" Batman replied.
Everyone looked at him. "Come again?" Katana raised an eyebrow under her mask.
In response, Batman pulled up an image on the Batcomputer. It showed what looked like an invitation.
"You are cordially invited, along with one guest, to the grand opening of the Iceberg Lounge tonight in downtown Gotham" Alfred read aloud.
"Oh yeah, the grand opening ceremony!" Zatanna smiled. "Penguin's been hyping about that for weeks"
"Many of the wealthiest people in the city have been invited, and there will be lots of press and paparazzi there. Those of us without invitations can slip in with the crowds" Batman explained.
"Hiding in plain sight." Dragon nodded. "A wise move"
"Penguin will be too busy with the festivities to notice us" Batman said, picking up a small device and handing it to Zatanna. "Plug this into the Penguin's computers, the virus inside will interface with his systems and should grant us full access to his mainframe."
"Right" Zatanna nodded. "I'd better get back the lounge. Can I get a lift from someone?"
"Man-Bat will take you"
"He will?"
"I will?" Both Zatanna and Man-Bat looked confused.
"If Zatanna's going to fool the Penguin into thinking she's still with him, this will help keep up appearances. From a distance, Man-bat's silhouette is similar to mine, so the Penguin will think she escaped from me" Batman said.
"I see" Man-Bat said slowly. "Very clever"
"Almost devious" Zatanna smiled.
Batman ignored the jab. "We only have a few hours until the grand opening. "Let's get to work!" With that, the Outsiders scattered. Question and Katana headed towards the elevator, Zatanna flew off in the claws of Man-Bat, while Alfred and Metamorpho began discussing together.
"So, who is going to be the guest who accompanies you?" Dragon asked Batman.
"Actually, I was hoping that you would fill that role" Batman said.
"Me?" Dragon's eyes widened then he nodded. "I would be honored."
Batman grinned. "I was hoping you would say that. Now, let's see about finding you something to wear"
Meanwhile:
Oracle's eyes fluttered as she slowly regained consciousness.
"What...what happened?" She groaned as she rose to her knees and looked around.
"Barbara?" Oracle froze as she heard a familiar voice.
"Who...who's there?" Oracle called out.
"Barbara?" The voice came again, and Oracle felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. That sounded like...
Oracle jumped as she she saw movement in front of her. An attractive woman with blonde hair and piercing green eyes stepped out of the shadows.
Oracle felt her jaw drop. "M-mom?" She gasped.
"Hello Barbara" the woman smiled sweetly at her. "I've missed you"
"How...? How is this possible?" Oracle stared wide eyed as her dead mother came to stand in front of her. "You...you're dead!"
"Reports of my demise, were greatly exaggerated" Her mother smiled and knelt down to brush back a lock of Barbara's hair, just like she did when Barbara was younger.
"I can't believe it's really you" Oracle smiled up at her mother. "When dad hears about this he'll..." Oracle paused when she saw her mother's smile fade.
"Yeah, about that sweetie." Her mother looked uncomfortable. "There's something you should know"
"What?"
"I'm...I'm not going back to your father" Her mother said finally.
"You're not?" Oracle blinked. "Why?"
"Don't misunderstand Barbara, Jim was a wonderful man, but it just...wasn't meant to be" Oracle's mother smiled at her. "I left Jim to find my soul mate and now I've finally found him."
"Okay" Oracle felt stunned, that her mother would just up and leave like that, but still, her mother seemed happy and she felt good about that. "Well, who is he? Do I know him?"
"I should think so, sweet pea" Oracle's blood ran cold as another voice seeped from the darkness and another familiar figure emerged from the shadows. This one was tall and muscular, with scaly skin and a mouth full of sharp teeth.
Oracle gasped. "Killer Croc! What are you doing here?"
"Just sayin' hello" Croc said, placing a hand on Miss Gordon's shoulder.
"Let go of her, you creep!" Oracle yelled.
Croc's toothy grin widened. "Is that any way to talk to yer new daddy?" He growled.
Oracle felt her insides turn to ice. "WHAT?" She exclaimed.
"Croc and I are engaged" Oracle watched, horrified as her mother held up a hand. A ruby-red ring lay around her finger. "Isn't it exciting?"
"Wh-why on earth would you agree to marry someone like him?" Oracle gasped
"Oh, you'll find I can be very persuasive" Croc said, his face sporting an evil grin.
"I don't believe you!" Oracle shouted defiantly. "When my father hears about this, he'll...!"
"He already has" Croc's next remark stopped Oracle mid-sentence. "And he's agreed to let it happen"
"He has?" Oracle couldn't believe her ears. "Just like that?"
"Well, Ah wouldn't say that" Croc said, kneeling until he was eye level with Oracle. "Ya see, when yer daddy found out about our...relationship, he didn't take it too well at first. He was like you, stubborn and headstrong, but after I had a little chat with him, he seemed to see things my way"
"He did?" Oracle's voice choked "Where is he?"
Croc tutted sadly and shook his head. "Well...after we came to an understanding, I couldn't help noticing how stressed out yer daddy looked. Playing policeman, it just ain't healthy for a man o' his years, so ah sent him on a little...trip"
As Croc said that, a light suddenly snapped on behind him and he turned. Oracle craned her neck to see what was happening and gasped in horror as she saw a long white box lying on a table, it was a coffin.
"No! NO!" Oracle screamed as Croc turned back to her. "You...you murderer!" Oracle slapped Killer crock.
Croc's smile faded and he grabbed Oracle's wrist. "Let's you and me get one thing straight sweet pea, you belong to me now, and I won't take no disrespect from you. Ah'm yer daddy now, accept it"
"NEVER!" Oracle screamed, tears now flooding freely down her face. "You'll never take the place of my father! you hear me? NEVER!"
"Now now Barbara, be nice to Croc!" Oracle's mother spoke up, taking Croc's hand in her own. But Oracle was shocked to notice that her mother's own hand was covered in scales just like Croc's. "After all, he's a member of the family now" Oracle watched in horror as her mother's skin suddenly became scaly, her eyes became reptilian and her hair suddenly became disheveled.
"This has gotta be a dream" Oracle said as she watched her mother, now a female version of killer Croc, grinned at her, revealing a mouth of sharp teeth. "This can't be real!"
"Oh this is very real" Killer Crock chuckled
"No, I won't accept it! I refuse to accept it!" Oracle snapped, drawing hope from deep inside of her. "He'll stop you. He'll find me and he'll take you down!"
"He?" Oracle's mother tilted her head. "Which 'He' are you referring to? You boss perhaps? or maybe your boyfriend?"
Oracle didn't answer. It was all she could do to keep her face expressionless.
"If you're thinking of Batman, don't bother." Oracle's mother smiled wickedly. "I've personally made sure that he and the other Outsiders are in no position to fight us. It was simple really, a whisper here, a whisper there, and they all fell like dominoes. They were never an actual team, you know."
"As fer yer boyfriend, you can do much better than a circus freak" Croc growled. "Ah know a snake man down south who'd be perfect for yah"
"You wouldn't dare!" Oracle hissed.
"It's for the best sweetie" Her 'mother' said, her yellow eyes blinking slowly. "I don't think this 'Richard' really cares for you anyway"
"You don't know Richard!" Oracle yelled, but there was desperation and doubt in her voice.
"No, but does he know you, sweetie?" Mom Croc hissed, a forked tongue flickered out from between her sharp teeth. "Does he know that you're one of us now?" She reached out, grabbed Oracle's wrist and held it up for her to see. Oracle cried out in horror when she saw that her own skin was scaly as well.
"No, no, NO!" Oracle gasped, clawing at her skin. "This is not happening!" She cried out, but the scales on her skin felt so real. Oracle ran her tongue around her mouth and felt that her teeth had sharpened into points.
"Oh it's happenin' sweet pea" Croc smiled down at her "And there ain't nuthin' ya can do ta stop it. Welcome to the Croc family" With that, he leaned down and kissed Oracle's mother on the lips, a kiss that Oracle's mother returned with relish.
"No!" Oracle felt her mind clouding over, she felt like she was falling. "NOOOOOO!" She screamed.
A Few Hours Later:
A few hours later, Bruce and Richard Dragon were seated in a limousine winding its way through the traffic towards downtown Gotham.
Dragon grunted as he adjusted the sleeve of his suit-coat.
"Problem, Sensei?" Bruce spoke from the seat next to him.
"I confess, I am not used to wearing such garments," Dragon said, looking sheepishly at Bruce.
"It does take some getting used to" Bruce smiled as he leaned back in his seat.
After a few minutes, he glanced back up to see Dragon staring at him with a peculiar look on his face.
"What? Is there something on my face?" Batman ran a hand over his face. He didn't feel anything.
Dragon smiled and shook his head. "No Bruce, you are fine. It is just...I do not believe I have ever seen you smile like that before. When you studied with me, you were always so...serious."
Bruce chuckled. "I know. It's a recent development."
"One that I believe you should keep," Dragon said, and Bruce could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"If you say so, sensei" Bruce replied
The glass petition behind Dragon suddenly lowered, revealing Alfred in the drier's seat. "Sir, we've arrived," He said.
Bruce nodded to Alfred. Both men leaned over and peered out the window as the limo approached a line of waving floodlights.
From the outside, the Iceberg lounge looked average, a slate gray building that stood four stories tall, dwarfed by the skyscrapers that towered on either side of it, yet there was something about the building that seemed to draw attention away from the others. Maybe it was the polar mural painted on the wall behind the illuminated sign, or the ice-blue light that spilled out of the front doors, bathing the street in white, Bruce wasn't sure.
Alfred brought the limo to a stop in front of the building, where a deep blue carpet spilled out the door to the street. The crowd of paparazzi and reporters instantly started yelling, and cameras began flashing as Alfred got out and handed Bruce's invitation to a large man wearing dark glasses and an even darker suit. The man spoke into an earpiece for a moment, then handed the invitation back and nodded.
"Showtime," Bruce said as Alfred strode to the passenger door of the limo. He turned to Dragon "Shall we?"
Dragon nodded. "After you," He said.
Alfred opened the door and Bruce stepped out of the limo. As he did, the voices of the reporters suddenly seemed to triple in volume and the flashing from the cameras became almost blinding.
Ignoring the questions of the reporters, Bruce stepped aside as Dragon emerged from the car. The martial artist winced slightly as he faced the lights but quickly recovered.
"Good luck" Bruce heard Alfred say
"You too" He replied before nodding at Dragon. The two men strolled up the blue carpet towards the doors.
"Mr. Wayne!" Bruce paused as a familiar voice reached his ears. A reporter with red hair was leaning over the blue velvet ropes, a pen, and notepad in hand. Next to him, an attractive woman in black pants and a white sweater was fiddling with her camera. "Mr. Wayne, what brings you to the opening of the Iceberg Lounge?" The man asked. "I'm told you don't usually make public appearances"
Bruce smiled at Tatsu, who winked back at him as she raised the camera and snapped several photos. Turning to the reporter, aka a disguised Question, he said. "It's true I usually try to stay out of the public eye, but tonight is an exception. Oswald Cobblepot and I are old friends, and he has been bragging to me about this place for years, so I decided to come and see if his dreams would finally...'take wing' tonight."
The crowd of reporters laughed at Bruce's joke like it was the funniest thing in the world. Bruce saw Dragon roll his eyes as he turned away from the reporter and he chuckled.
Bruce presented their invitation to the hostess, along with his business card. A group of waitresses hovered nearby, all wearing black bowler hats, black bow-ties around their necks, low-cut black leotards, black stockings, and shiny heels. Bruce recognized Zatanna among them.
The hostess, an attractive woman wearing a form-fitting black dress, raised her eyebrows when she saw the card, then looked up at him. "Welcome, Mr. Wayne." She said, smiling up at him. "Mr. Cobblepot was hoping you would honor us with your attendance today."
"The honor is mine" Bruce smiled as Zatanna looked up upon hearing Bruce's name. Upon seeing him, Zatanna smiled happily, then her gaze fell on Dragon, standing next to him and she raised an eyebrow. Dragon smiled and gave a subtle nod to her and Zatanna's gaze flickered back to Bruce. Her mouth dropped into an O of astonishment."
The hostess didn't notice any of this, she was deftly fishing two menus out of the tray next to her podium. "Welcome to the Iceberg Lounge Mr. Wayne. Tara will show you to your seat"
Quickly regaining her composure, Zatanna strode up to the podium and took the two menus from the hostess. "Right this way, please," She purred, winking at Bruce before leading the two men into the restaurant.
Upon entering the main area, both men stopped and stared, awestruck at the spectacle before them.
The main area of the Iceberg Lounge was just as its name implied. From the door, a set of stairs led down to the glimmering dining floor, which was filled with tables and crowded with people. Below that was the dancing floor, on which many couples were already dancing to the music of the live band. In the middle of the dance floor was a large pool on which a giant, multi-tiered iceberg appeared to be floating, ringed by several smaller ones. The ceiling was painted to match the night sky and crystal chandeliers hung down from the ceiling like icicles.
Bruce and Dragon blinked as the pool water suddenly erupted as a large leopard seal leapt out of the water. Similar creatures were resting on the smaller icebergs and their barking echoed throughout the room, almost in time with the music of the band.
"Impressive" Dragon commented. "Mr. Cobblepot does not do things small, does he?"
"I knew this place was his dream, but I never imagined his dreams were this vivid". Bruce commented. The icebergs looked so realistic that he felt a subconscious urge to shiver.
"Ahem, gentlemen?" Zatanna cleared her throat to get their attention. She had a smile on her face, clearly enjoying the men's reactions to the decor. "Right this way" She started walking down the stairs. The two men glanced at each other and followed.
"No problems, I take it," Bruce said in a low voice.
"Worked like a charm" Zatanna replied in a similar tone. "Scarecrow wasn't convinced, but Penguin was ecstatic to have me back."
"Good, any luck finding Oracle?" Bruce asked.
Zatanna kept her smile but shook her head. "None I'm afraid. I uploaded the drive like you said, but I don't think it worked."
Bruce frowned for a moment "Do you still have the drive with you?"
Zatanna nodded
"Good, Penguin's firewalls are probably preventing the virus from sending the data to my system," Bruce said. "I programmed the drive to search the penguin's computer and copy any and all data regarding Oracle and the birds into itself. We can use the phone signals to send the data we need to the others"
Zatanna's smile widened. "You like to be prepared, don't you?"
"I find it helps to cover all my bases," Bruce said. "We're still going to need someone to take down surveillance before we can attack, however"
"I'll try, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get near the security room again without blowing my cover, we're pretty busy tonight" Zatanna's gaze swept over the crowded room.
"I can see that" Bruce commented as they reached the dining level. Nearly every table in the room was occupied.
"Mr. Cobblepot has arranged a special table for you and his other special guests, Mr. Wayne," Zatanna said professionally as they came within earshot of the other waitresses. "Only the best for his friends after all" She added, winking at Bruce.
"Remind me to thank him for that" Bruce nodded at her, but his eyes were subtly sweeping the room. He spotted the other four female birds waiting tables. Condor was standing near the stairs and Hawk was positioned near the giant iceberg on which the live band was playing.
"Of course, Mr. Wayne," Zatanna said, her voice dropping in a seductive kind of way "When would you like me to remind you?" She shifted the menus to one hand so she could adjust the top on her leotard with her other hand.
Bruce raised an eyebrow and Zatanna giggled. "Sorry, I couldn't help it," She said quietly.
Bruce waited until another group had passed before replying. "Focus Zatanna" He heard Dragon snort behind him.
Zatanna rolled her eyes. "I'm just making up for...lost time," She said, fluttering her lashes at Bruce.
"I imagine it is hard to watch where one is going if one is always looking over their shoulder" Dragon spoke up.
Bruce looked at Zatanna. "Dragon's right, focus on your job, they'll be time to talk later"
Zatanna gave a small sigh but didn't argue. "Here is your table, sir," She said as they approached a table at the very edge of the dining area, next to the pool. "As you can see, Mr. Cobblepot's other guests have already arrived"
Bruce looked up and saw Kathy Kane sitting there, wearing a sleeveless white dress and matching opera gloves. Her red hair was styled so that it framed her face. She was sipping a glass of champagne and gazing up at the live band. Sitting next to her was Richard, wearing a black silk shirt and trousers. He was gazing at a pair of seals lounging on an 'iceberg' near them. From the way the seals were acting, Bruce suspected they were a pair. Richard was watching them with a sad expression on his face.
Kathy looked up as the trio approached and her lips widened into a smile as she saw who it was. "Bruce, darling!" She said, rising to her feet and strutting over to them. "I thought I might see you here!"
"Hello Kathy" Bruce smiled as he kissed Kathy's hand. In the corner of his eye, he saw Zatanna give a little frown and his smile widened a little.
"And Sensei Richard Dragon?" Kathy gasped as she turned to Dragon. "I confess I had not expected to see you here! I did not think that events such as this were your thing!"
Dragon smiled as he kissed Kathy's hand. "You are correct, Miss Kane. While I am generally not interested in such affairs, when Bruce invited me along as his guest, I did not have the heart to refuse him"
"Sensei?" Richard's voice cut through Kathy's laughter. The young man had finally dragged his eyes away from the pool. He leaped from his chair and darted around the table.
"Namaste Richard" Dragon and Richard bowed to each other. "How are you faring?"
Richard's face fell. "Not too well," He said glumly.
"Now Richard, we will not have that face here!" Kathy said as the foursome took their seats. "This is a happy time!"
"Not for everyone," Richard said, slumping in his chair. Zatanna handed them each a menu. She nodded to Bruce as she gave him his. They ordered drinks and Zatanna strode away into the crowd.
Dragon exchanged a glance with Bruce, then leaned over and whispered to Richard. "If you are referring to Oracle, do not worry, a rescue is being attempted even as we speak."
Richard glanced up at Dragon. "Really? He whispered back. "Can I help?"
"Perhaps," said Dragon. "We will have to wait and see" He patted Richard on the shoulder and, by so doing, masked Bruce's action of passing the flash drive that he had found in his menu to Kathy, who smoothly tucked the drive into one of her gloves. The two exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
"Please excuse me everyone, but I must step into the powder room for a moment," Kathy said, rising to her feet.
"Take your time, we won't start without you," Bruce said.
"Oh you are too kind" Kathy pecked Bruce on the cheek. "Twa La" She said and trotted away.
Bruce and Dragon watched Kathy move through the crowd, then exchanged a look. Dragon nodded and Bruce felt his smile fade a little. Hang on Oracle! He thought. Help is on the way!
And Cut!
I apologize. I had meant to get this chapter up sooner, but my computer keeps freezing on me. Ain't technology great?
For those of you who are wondering about Oracle's nightmare, there is an episode of BTB where Killer Croc is chasing Oracle through a subway station and when he corners her, he jokes that she 'would taste like chicken'. I imagine this scene, and the events surrounding it, would cause Oracle to develop a subconscious fear of Killer Croc. No one emerges from that kind of ordeal unscathed. Also, combined with the fact that Barbara misses her mother, I felt would make an interesting nightmare scene.
I know there are many versions of the Iceberg lounge out there, but mine is based heavily on the BTAS version (specifically on the Batwoman movie, which I would highly recommend to any DC fan).
Also, I would like to apologize if my scene with Zatanna 'teasing' Bruce offends anyone, but I've always seen BTB as a bit more 'adult-friendly' than BTAS, so I wanted this story to somewhat reflect that.
As always, Read and Review! We are nearing the end, so bear with me!
Until Next Time!