Synopsis: As Kate seeks to understand the island better, but finds trouble once getting into the crosshairs of a bow-wielding assassin. With this turn of events, she and Julia turn to a newfound ally to break into the HQ of The Many Arms of Death, seeking what Safiyah is planning. Along with learning more than intended and finding a great amount of trouble brewing.
Disclaimer: Nothing to say I believe, hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
Batwoman watched from the darkness a bunch of weapons being loaded onto a ship. Legal or not, those weapons couldn't be allowed to leave the island. It was Safiyah's doing. In the short time of being on the island Julia and the residence helped her discover these activities being carried out. It'd be an essential blow to her operations and fewer guns in the world, a win-win.
She sneaked around the dock, grabbing unaware goons pulling them away and knocking them unconscious.
Naturally, the remaining ones started to get suspicious-looking around for their missing buddies, which was Batwoman's intention. She wanted to try something a little different besides knocking out all the goons, as quite frankly they'd wake back up with nothing changed besides a headache. Instead, she sneaked inside of the boat, making sure it was clear before setting charges around the weapons and sensitive parts of the ship, preparing to sink it after one last check to make sure it was clear. Then right under their noses, the ship became flooded and started to sink into the water.
"We've got a leak!" One exclaimed.
"You don't say! Might be bigger than a leak!" Another replied.
"Safiyah is going to be pissed. Call the Archer. This is his problem, bat extermination." A third said, shaking their head. "And we gotta find our guys!"
"The Many Arms are going to kill the Bat, it's all part of Safiyah's plan, I know it." A fourth joined in saying confidently, which the others agreed with nodding along.
Batwoman listened in, not feeling as impressed with herself and wondering about this Archer she kept hearing about. Along with whatever else the Many Arms of Death had in store for her.
"Sounds like I have to get the drop on them first. They've got the home-field advantage, but they haven't met someone as stubborn as myself." She thought to herself before making her leave back into the night, keeping to the shadows in the unformlier lands of Coyanna, which seemed part nostalgic and haunting.
Batwoman
Everyone seen on the tv show is the same unless I say otherwise, including Ruby Rose, for now, maybe. Idk.
Vanessa Morgan is Ryan Wilder
Adesua Etomi-Wellington is Knife (aka. Tahani)
Safiyah sat in her office in Gotham looking at her computer intently working out finer details to an unrelated dealing, her life was quite busy. Her cell rang, which always meant there was an issue.
"Safiyah, we-" One of her assistants working for her staying back in Coryanna began saying before being promptly cut off.
"Batwoman, correct? I was afraid of this, her returning to the island. Where is Archer? I'd like to speak to him, please."
"Of course ma'am. I have him right here." The assistant handed the phone to him leaving Safiyah's large office which made the one in Gotham look tiny.
Archer cleared his throat. "I've got a couple leads to follow, which should bring us to the targets." He said confidently.
"Don't be cocky, it'll lead to your downfall. Batwoman is dangerous, smart and cunning. Not to say you're not all of that as well. I want her alive, which is critical. Do you understand me?" She said seriously.
"I don't understand this-"
Safiyah had anger that could be felt, somehow even over the phone.
"Apologies, I won't question your leadership. The Bat will live and her friends brought here will die. I promise you this." He said backing down.
"Glad to hear. I don't wish to call upon an emergency meeting to handle our problem back there delaying our plans. It's critical we don't have any more delays, Batwoman has been causing us enough setbacks." Safiyah said.
The Archer nearly questioned her once again but stopped himself. "Of course, not to worry, I've got this handled while you deal with your project in Gotham. Best of luck in your mission, Safiyah. The Many Arms of Death are lucky to have you as our leader."
"Thank you, best of luck in catching me a bat." She hung up and he sighed deeply annoyed at the situation.
"Come now, can't you do your job without having issues?" A voice asked.
He looked confidently towards the voice. "Fatima. You shouldn't sneak up on people. Or be listening to what Safiyah has to say. She'd be displeased, don't you think?"
"And how about you? Don't you think she'll be feeling the same as you continue to fail to catch rebels running around causing a fine old mess of our operations. You came to have tracking of a bloodhound, and yet you keep sniffing your own tail." She said, shaking her head at him.
He scoffed. "We have different jobs, perhaps it'd be best to not criticize me unless you have any ideas of what to do better, besides the idea of doing better. That won't assist. I hardly know anything about your job and viscera. Can't you live with that?"
Her face said it all, power was all on her mind.
The Archer turned away, going to leave.
Elsewhere Kate had returned from another night of getting herself formulier once again with the layout of the island.
"How is exploring Luv?" Julia approached her.
"Decent. Another shipment was destroyed, and I've found a few neat shortcuts to avoid the guards. They aren't exactly adventuring around these parts, so not much different from Gotham, but bad news, this Archer is coming for me sooner than later." Kate replied.
Julia nodded. "Perhaps you should speak to these people? Seems to me you've been avoiding them heavily." She whispered to Kate.
"You're correct, I've been here before with Safiyah. If anyone remembers that, well, it wouldn't look great for me, would it now?" Kate confessed.
"Why didn't you mention that sooner?" Julia asked, confused by the choice.
Kate didn't look over at her. "Shame. How about you speak to their leader, what is her name even?"
Julia nodded. "Code name, Black Flag, her real name is Song Tae-Ri. Besides that, I know nothing about her, but it seems like she's our best bet at dealing with the Many Arms of Death permanently."
"Define permanently?" Kate questioned.
"Hopefully jailing all of them here, but if not," She started to reply.
Kate shook her head. "What happened to no killing?"
"We're in a bit of trouble here, and I mean, it's technically not our fault if they meet an unfortunate end due to their crimes." Julia pointed out, giving Kate pause as in some cases it could be true.
"How would I live with myself sentencing these people to death? Or under another dictatorship? Figure it out with Black Flag or whatever. I need to know someone trustworthy will be taking over after this whole mess is dealt with, whenever that'll be. Wow, never thought I'd be having to worry about destabilizing an entire island. Have you ever had to deal with this with your quote, adventures?" Kate asked.
"Only a few times."
Kate looked uncomfortable.
"I'm just kidding Luv, no I've never had anything that serious in my time. Nobody did, in that organization anyways, can't gratie by the government."
"That's reassuring," Kate replied sarcastically. "I'm going to rest, please get it done?"
"Of course, don't worry. Rest now please, you had a long night and day, quite frankly."
Kate sighed and listened, trying to fall asleep instead of having memories of the past.
Safiyah, even from those first moments she grabbed onto Kate in some way that couldn't be explained, there was something special about her.
With her infectious smile, she continued to speak. "What is your name?"
Kate was temporarily flustered. "Uh Kate Kane. You have a nice one, your name." She said awkwardly.
"Thank you, Kate Kane. It's a very lovely name." She smiled brightly. "What brings you around these parts? Seems like out of your element or perhaps exactly is?" Safiyah asked with her gorgeous smile not leaving her face.
Kate was shocked by her feelings towards this Safiyah, just meeting her like this and she already felt such a connection. There was something special about her. "Right, I've uh, trying to explore the world. It's something I always wanted to do. And currently, you know, my life isn't going in the direction I'd like. Figuring expending my sights on the world would benefit me." She expressed, feeling open to Safiyah.
"Oh, why are you not pleased with your path in life?" She questioned curiously about her life.
Kate sighed. "Back home, I tried joining the military. Didn't work out, for an incredibly stupid reason that didn't affect anything. Still, I feel guilty, I nearly cost someone I cared a lot about everything, and we didn't end things well. It was my dream to serve, now I'm not I don't know what to."
"I didn't know they let such beautiful people into the military." Safiyah joked.
Which made Kate smile.
"Seriously though, I am truly sorry for what you endured, Kate Kane. It sounds painful, I can tell clearly they're missing out on a wonderful individual, but to be selfish, if you did stay, we wouldn't be having this conversation now, would we? Lifeworks in interesting ways, trust me."
Kate nodded. "So what brings you here? Dembe here said you came to this island recently?"
Safiyah smiled softly. "Indeed, yes I have. I'm looking for a mysterious flower, only one has even grown. Have you heard of it before?" She questioned.
"No, can't say I have," Kate replied.
"I suspected as much, nobody has truthfully, it's a great mystery of the world. When I was young, I heard stories of it, along with other things of mystery. I was always a curious girl. My parents wanted me to have a simple life, my culture, but that didn't work. I dreamed of doing more than they'd ever imagined. I'm a disappointment to them all, but not myself. My god has greater plans for me, gave me a greater drive to seek more out of life. I like to live life to the fullest. I've come to this island, looking for that flower. I've done my research, I know it's here. Where it's located, of course, is a different story."
Kate was interested. "Wow. You sound like an ambitious woman."
With a sly smile, she moved slightly closer to Kate. "Well, I'd think the same of you, seems to me at least you're a brave person. Impressive one. Do you have a place to stay while you're here? I recall my first few days weren't exactly a positive experience. Perhaps you could come stay with me, if you'd wish, I know it's quite a strange offer as we only now have met one another."
It was impossible to resist Safiyah's offer, she couldn't. "I would love to." She smiled brightly back at her.
"Wonderful!" Safiyah said happily.
Later, Kate awoke to Julia shaking her gently. "Wakie wakie, sorry we've got more trouble afoot."
Getting up she sighed and creaked a couple of parts of her body. "Of course we do, I'd expect nothing less." She replied checking herself over.
"You know Luv, no offence, but you're starting to smell a bit." Julia pointed out.
"Hard to clean my suit while on the island and shower. Doesn't matter, got more important things to worry about. Like staying alive and protecting people." Kate declared. "What's going on exactly?"
"Have you ever heard of self-care?"
Kate stared at her with a slight jokey kind of smile.
"Fine. Archer, he's been spotted and is trying to find intel on you. People could be in danger, but come on, how long did you rest?"
"Why'd you wake me then if you didn't need help?" Kate asked, countering her.
Julia thought for a moment. "I went off instinct, seeking help from the best person who could handle it."
"Thanks for the compliment, I should get going, so please tell me his location," Kate said confidently, stretching her body.
She sighed. "Alright Kate, please be careful, I'm worried about you and Luke would never forgive me if you got hurt, rightly so might I add."
"Your discouragement is truly encouraging to me Julia," Kate replied sarcastically.
After finally getting the location, she was off, knowing a decent amount about the area the Archer was in, which would help greatly.
Getting up high, Kate had a great view of the area, recalling some of it, but noting a great amount of it was more recent, likely intentionally being around there, knowing she'd know it far less.
He appeared in view and seemed quite confident. "I know you're out there, I've spent time hiding in the shadows, I understand it well."
"Fine then," Batwoman said to herself and threw 4 Batarangs at him, going to start the fight against him. However, to her shock, he threw 4 projectiles that stopped the Batrangs from hitting and swiftly pulled out his bow, shooting at Batwoman. One arrow penetrated her suit surprisingly, which made her duck for cover.
"Surprised? Safiyah's been getting ready for your eventual arrival. I should thank you for letting me get these brand new arrows and target practice." The Archer said cockily.
"Is Safiyah too scared to get me herself? Or perhaps too lazy and wanted to send an expendable glorified henchman to slow me down?"
He grit his teeth and tossed a grande at Batwoman's position, making her have to move again, now heading in for the attack. Grabbing onto an arrow, he tried plugging it into her stomach, however, Batwoman grasped his arm tight and went for a low kick. Then cracked him across the face getting a hold on him.
"Confidence hasn't paid off, has it?" She said cockily right back.
"Oh, I've not even gotten started. Was warming up." He replied and flashed banged her face, then slid away, grabbing ahold of his bow shooting an explosive arrow, blasting her to the ground doing minor damage to the suit. "I wonder how many booms will destroy that annoying suit of yours? Boom number two coming right up." He drew his bow back again and Batwoman threw more Batrangs at him, hitting him once in the lag.
"Ha, you think I've not been stabbed before?" He effortlessly pulled it out and waved his hand in the air, bringing out a bunch of back-ups.
"Calling reinforcements? You never heard of a fair fight before?" Kate asked, annoyed.
He cracked his neck. "Safiyah wants you alive, unfortunately, but lucky for you. Mind you she's fine if you're a little broken."
Kate looked around, realizing the only course of action now was retreating. Two smoke bombs were thrown down, and she attempted to grapel away, but it seems the Archer predicted this, rapidly firing explosive arrows at her direction, which made her fall to the ground.
"Running away? How brave of you."
"Technically retreat." She replied loudly, tossing more smoke bombs, almost all of her remaining ones. Running on foot she moved fast, trying to find an escape route. Running away now, she finally hid someplace, avoiding all the guards looking for her. Kate stopped for a moment and sighed, knowing she was outmatched in this case not in her home field, the enemy was. Regrouping would be the best choice, which she went off to do.
Kate followed Safiyah back to her place she was staying at.
"Oh! How could I have forgotten, I brought a companion I met recently along with me for my travels. Her name is Tahani. She's got a few anger issues, be careful, quite frankly she could bite." Safiyah said truly.
"Sounds delightful." Joked Kate in response.
Safiyah laughed slightly. "Her rough exterior loosens the longer you know her, trust me on that."
"I do." Kate smiled, still feeling charmed by Safiyah's presence.
They entered up finding Tahani looking over some maps, focused, but lit up seeing Safiyah and that seemed less pleased upon seeing Kate with her.
"Who is this woman?" She asked uncomfortably.
"A guest, be nice, she'll be staying with us, for at least tonight." She said softly, looking at her calmly in the eyes.
She sighed and breathed deeply. "Of course, I apologize, ms?"
"Kate is fine, thank you."
Tahani went off to speak to Safiayh in private, going to a back room with her momentarily, which made Kate a little on edge, but Tahani left after their brief talking.
"I'm sorry about her, Kate Kane. She can be unhappy and untrustful around others around here. Wants the best for me after all."
"Understandable, seems like she cares about you a lot." Kate replied.
She nodded. "Indeed."
Kate looked over at the maps. "You're trying hard to find that flower, could I help you out? At least try, not like there is anything else to do around here, right?"
"True enough, silent place. Yes of course you may help out, I'd be pleased by that." Safiyah said with a flirty smile.
"I'm glad," Kate replied, smiling back.
Kate returned shortly, finding Julia speaking to someone on the phone, which she seemed to have gotten from the residence..
"Oh thank god, Kate's here. You look hurt Luv. What happened?"
"You were right, that Archer was more dangerous than I expected, I should've gone in with backup. He did."
Julia nodded. "Well you're in luck, Luke I'm going to put you on speaker and tell her what you told me."
"Hey Kate, you better not die, Mary wouldn't forgive me for that. Even though it's not my fault, the point is don't die, please. Stay safe."
"I second that." Ryan joined in.
Kate smiled slightly. "Glad to hear both of your voices. What was it you were planning to tell me about?"
"Oh right, the archer guy. I've got an id on them, after some digging, I discovered his real name is Simon Lacroix, more somewhat widely known as an archer assassin going by Komodo, after fighting against Oliver Queen years ago, he was sent to jail. Then weirdly, he slipped off the radar after escaping prison a few years ago. I think we can all imagine who exactly helped him escape. "
"Safiyah's people. Surely must've been them, it seems like he's very familiar with this place and angry. Putting people's lives in danger, I wonder if Safiyah approved of it. We need to learn more about what's going on here."
Julia nodded along, but oddly looked a little unsure.
"Well, you're still in luck then, I believe I've pinpointed the location of the Many Arms of Death's HQ, but that's the easy part, of course. Getting in will be harder." He pointed out.
"We seem to have an ally on the ground here, considering all this luck you're giving, hopefully, she'll be willing to assist," Kate replied.
"Not really lucky, It's been pretty hard work," Luke responded.
She sighed. "I know, it was a joke, I'm sure you must be tired, thank you, Luke, it's greatly appreciated. You should take a break, you've gotta be having very long nights. How are things on your end Ryan?"
"Fine enough, I can second what you said about Luke, he should relax a bit." She said looking genuinely at him.
He nodded.
"I can uh, tell you more about the things later. It's been pretty normal, apart from one case, I'll let you know about it when you return. It was more personal. Oh and I've got a superhero name. Black Bat. What do you think of it?"
Kate smiled. "I love it, Black Bat. You've earned and I know you've still got a long way to go, but I'm glad to know you're protecting Gotham while I'm away. And you too Luke, I couldn't forget you too. Come up with any names for him?"
"Working on it still. Oh! An Alert, I think Montoya needs some help oh and she's fine too. Think she trusts me."
"Glad to hear that, I won't keep you two any longer, good luck. Stay safe both of you as well." Kate replied happily, then hung up getting back to business, becoming more serious again.
"We need to speak to Black Flag."
"For what?" Julia asked.
Kate looked at him. "We're going to break into the Many Arms of Death's HQ."
Archer returned back to said HQ, finding an unwelcome surprise waiting in his quarters.
"Knife? What the hell are you doing here? I told Safiyah I'd handle this."
She nodded. "Indeed you did, however she asked me to come back first. Check on your progress, before she arrives in person."
"I can handle Batwoman."
"It's becoming too personal for her, and quite frankly, she's not entirely sure if you can be trusted to complete this task. Your anger and unfocused."
He scoffed, getting in her face. "A little bird told me when you failed to beat Batwoman twice, you were looking quite unfocused too. You hate the woman behind the mask, I'd have to assume. Both of you know the enemy's identity."
"It's more complicated than you are allowed to know. You are an assassin, I'm her right hand woman. I have higher clearance. A lot higher."
"Fine, I'll stick to my lane, Safiyah better know what she's doing. Leaving the bat alive is a mistake, she'll damage our operations."
"You've said that already. Drop it. Now. Follow your orders. We've given you a chance to start your life off to kill Oliver Queen, even with him dead and gone, we're still giving you a chance. Don't waste this."
He nodded and tried to not grit his teeth. "Of course, I apologize."
Another walked in the room, Fatima. "Oh Knife, your back." She said surprised.
"Yes, Safiyah is coming. I was going to summon the board. What are you doing here?"
"Came to speak to our Archer."
"I'm not in the mood." He replied.
She tried to respond, but Knife gave her a nasty look. "It'd be best to listen, let him save his strength, we need him at his best."
"Of course, Knife. Shall I prepare for the meeting?"
"I don't care what you do, just get out of my sight." She replied, annoyed. "But yes, be ready, it'd be a shame if you angered Safiyah." Knife said, looking at her coldly and walked off.
Kate Kane and Julia approached the residence's leader.
Julia went first. "Could we speak to you for a moment? Black Flag?"
"Song is fine. I don't care that much about formality anymore." She replied, looking at them. "Your guests, helpfully allies even. Have you found any intel?"
"No." Kate said, going beside Julia. "We're hoping you might be able to help us sneak into the Many Arms of Death's HQ. My friend here is great at being undercover, and I'm good at stealth, surely with help we could get in there. Find something critical to bringing them down.."
"You're in luck then, I've got a backdoor. Metaphorically speaking." Song replied.
They looked interested. "How so?"
"A blind spot in their compound for one. With it being so large and reports of them expanding recently, understandable they'd have weak spots growing for now. Along with such, we have someone who can quickly create well crafted fake ids. They're big on that in the origination, security. Normally it'd take 3 waves of searching and clearing to get inside. Only a couple people could get past it, and it got them into the courtyard, the main building was a whole other matter. Forntaly, with that bat suit I'd imagine you both could creep inside using our blindspot. Drop off the blond, get her inside and go your own route. Two searches better than one right? How's that for a plan?"
Kate and Julia looked impressed.
"Fine job, it seems you're quite the strategist." Julia remarked.
Song waved it off. "I've made many plans but lost good people with failing to think of everything. Planning is tricky, months of it and people still have died. I wouldn't be so confident. Expect things to not go accordingly. Adept or die." She said grimly.
"I'm sorry you've lost lives, Song. I'm sure you did the best you possibly could've." Kate replied sincerely.
Looking softly at Kate, she replied. "Being a leader is tough, not a desirable job. Losing people when going to battle is always the hardest part."
Kate looked down, thinking and worrying of Ryan.
"How long until this can be pulled off?" Julia questioned.
"The soonest would be a few hours." Replied Song.
Julia looked at Kate and noticed her fears. "It'll be alright Kate, think a few hours will be enough for you?"
She nodded, trying to shake off her thoughts. "It'll be fine. Let's do it."
Another flashback?
In the past, Kate had spent hours assisting Safiyah looking around the map for where that flower could possibly be located. Tahani had returned during this, but Safiyah didn't give it much mind telling her to get an early rest. The two women were so focused on their task.
Kate began noting a pattern. "Who is the Kail Corporation? They seem to have a lot of control."
"You'd be correct, a soulless corporation that runs this island practically. Business is handled by them and money. I've considered them hiding the flower, but it wouldn't make any sense. That much power, surely they'd have used it or been searching for it. Like the rest of this island, they must believe it to be a story. People that crave power would've surely been all over it." Safiyah said confidently.
While she said this, Kate continued looking at the pattern. "I think you might be wrong, they own quite a bit of land. And nothing on it seemingly on it right?"
"Yes, but they must be planning on building something mighty."
"Or, that's what they want you to believe. Perhaps they have the flower and have more than one?"
Safiyah looked unsure. "I've searched the area, nothing."
"Well, it could be worth a fresh pair of eyes. I can tell this means a lot to you, shouldn't you want to follow any lead?"
She nodded. "Yes, I do. Perhaps my pride has gotten in the way. Or my bisis. Surely people like them would want to steal such a rare flower, one of a kind and multiply it. Right?"
"Unless it means something to them."
"They're keeping it from the world, keeping it a secret, hiding its beauty away. I won't stand for it. I won't. This could very well change the world, it would be a very special sight for the world to see!" She claimed. "It's my life's work."
Looking surprised Kate nodded. "I would be thrilled to help you search, but I think I'm going to turn in for tonight." She said, telling the half-truth, not expecting to get any sleep as she still felt on edge, ever so slightly.
Safiyah however nodded and got close. "What would you think about, going to sleep together?" She said with a charming grin.
It was hard to resist, Kate nodded happily. "Yes, I would love to."
Safiyah wrapped her arms around Kate softly holding her close. "Well, let's head to bed now, wouldn't want to keep either of us waiting any longer, would we?"
"Certainly not." Kate replied, going in for a passionate kiss as they slowly navigated to the bedroom.
All the while Tahani frowned and felt great sadness hearing them inside of her own room, feeling resentment and forgotten.
Hours passed, of Julia and Kate getting ready in their own ways. Oddly enough, Julia left for a bit going to do something unknown. Kate couldn't help wondering if perhaps it would be best, questioning her friend. It wouldn't be the first time she'd have lied about something and likely unfortunately wouldn't be the last.
"We should talk first." Kate said coming up on Julia.
"About what? The plan?"
Kate looked at her dead serious. "Are you keeping anything from me?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Answer the question, please. You've been very secretive since we got here. More than usual and on edge for that matter."
She shrugged. "It's a scary place, we're in enemy territory, so to speak."
Kate reluctantly accepted her answer. "Okay, we should get going then."
"Agreed."
Together then went with Song to the area where apparently they'd be having an opening. It was along a large fance, covering the courtyard. As said, thankfully it appeared like a great place to sneak in.
Batwoman pulled her grappling hook out and shot to the top of the fence, getting a stredy hold.
"Good luck to the both of you, it's been an honor seeing you take the fight so close to The Kail Corporation's heart."
"We're not done yet." Kate replied and went away with Julia inside.
Thanks to it becoming evening again, the light started to disappear, the sun didn't last long over there at this time of the year. A big benefit to staying hidden for both of them.
"I'll head into that building there, good thing I've got a code breaker, should be able to get inside easy peasy. Getting caught would be a little more worrying." Julia pointed out.
"And I've gotta find the express elevator." Kate replied. "Stay safe and alive, I'd be devastated if you didn't."
"I know, right back at you."
Kate nodded with a smile, then grappled into the side of the building, digging into the building with a gadget Luke had built. It made it like climbing a mountain, which she'd had done before, easy enough. Not as much the armed guards and spotlights all around looking around the building, even the sides. Clearly looking for Batwoman, knowing she'd be coming soon enough. Naturally, Kate get to the highest point of the building, knowing Safiayh's ego would be wanting a great view of the people below, which turned out to be correct seemingly as she broke into an office finding is similar to the one in Gotham and with a nameplate.
"Seems like someone always wants people to remember their name." Kate muttered coming up on her computer, but finding it trapped.
"Crap." She said allowed and patched over to Luke. "Hey, I've got a computer rigged, to do something I'd imagine if I touch it."
"Not good, something important must be on there. Could I get a view?"
"Of course." She turned over to him.
Luke muttered to himself.
"Bad or good?"
"Good for you, bad for me. It's got a self destruct of every file if I trip the system. The jammer in my USB I made will be enough to stop the bomb from going off, so don't worry about that part,"
"Bomb?"
"You'd have enough time to get out, and your suit will take the brunt of it, don't worry. I'd have mentioned the bomb if I was worried about it."
Kate smiled slightly. "Okay, I trust you, Luke."
Elsewhere, Julia Pennyworth had snuck inside undetected so far. It was quite busy around there in the building, which was good as she needed to be careful while planting some devices quickly around. She moved around the building swiftly, looking for the best places to plant her devices, which would be helpful in case of being caught. Which didn't last too long.
"Hey, stop!" A guard said upon seeing Julia once she had been to at least 2 floors so far.
"Is something the matter? I'm patrolling, have I broken protocol?" She questioned.
The guard looked closely at her. "I don't remember you, why is that? Hand me your id."
"Of course, I just started a couple of days ago, I'm still learning quite a bit, but rest assured, I'm a faster learner." With her hand, she grabbed the id and pressed a button once triggering one of the devices planned causing a bang which could be felt and triggered an alarm.
"We're under attack, come on! Move!" The guard shouted and rushed off.
Julia took her chance and sneaked into a room, planting another explosive, but more trouble arises.
"Hold it!" Another person said, spotting her enter. "What are you doing?"
She slowly approached. "I was doing maintenance, then heard something explode, is everything alright?" She got close enough and knocked them out cold, then closed the door. "What to do with you now?" She wondered allowed, and went back to her work.
Elsewhere, Kate could feel the slight shake as well and got ever so slightly worried as the alarm went.
"Luke, please tell me you're done."
"Not quite, if I'm reading this right, we're going to want all these files in full that I'm grabbing onto." He said determined
"What exactly?" Kate questioned.
"I'll tell you in a minute, you should worry about the guards busting in, they must be starting to get paranoid and could-"
She cut him off and started looking for a hiding spot. "Be looking for a brech, right. Work fast please and thanks. I'll keep the computer safe." She grabbed into the ceiling and held on tight, digging into the ceiling with the gadgets used to get up here in the first place. The door got kicked up quickly and a few guards ran inside.
"Check the computer!"
As the last one came in, she stuck and attacked the last one first shoving them into one guard, hiding behind them as she started to dispatch them all.
"Batwoman is here! I repeat-" She knocked them out, but the message got through.
"Please tell me your close. I'm about to get a lot of heat raining down on me."
He nodded to himself. "Almost done! One more minute! Hey uh, look in your belt do you have any of the toys I gave you? The grande looking one perhaps?"
Kate reached inside her utility belt and found it. "Completely forgot about these, I'm used to using the old reliable gadgets." She replied looking at the gadget.
"Fair enough, but this one might help. I heard it was called the glue grande, it should make the door a bit harder to bust!" He said quickly.
She tossed it right at it, seeming to cause the desired effect. "How many of those do I have?" She questioned reaching back in.
"Only two more, I'm low on those more, special gadgets." The sound of him standing up could now be heard. "I've got what we wanted and more. Info on what Safiyah was planning and it turns out, Julia was lying, again!" He exclaimed.
"What are you talking about?"
"She's been on Safiyah's radar, and did a job for her. Took information from her organization, this must have been why they didn't trust her! Or something like that. Listen, I'll tell you more, just find Julia and get her out. So you can yell at her rightfully so!" Luke said.
"With pleasure," Kate said dry, as the door exploded open. Before she leaped out the window, Safiyah, along with a ton of her guard showed up, including Archer and Knife.
"Leaving so soon?" She asked.
Kate busted the window, stepping out. "Yes, I was."
"Shame, I'd hope we'd finally have a chance to speak. Face to face. You could hear my offer, make a good choice, and you won't regret it. I'll even let Ms. Pennyworth keep living her life."
"If you hurt-" Kate began threatening but was cut off.
"I'm going to kill her. Unless you surrender."
Batwoman looked her dead in the eyes. "Your bluffing."
"She's in the building. And she wants me dead, she'll appear soon enough."
"What the hell is all this? What happened to you?" Kate asked greatly disappointed.
Safiayh stepped closer. "I'm the same woman I ever was, just more ambitious. I want to change the world, leave an impact, I recall you feeling the same, relatively. Now you protect a failed city. It's a waste, your life is a waste right now. If anything, I should ask what happened to you."
Kate gave her one last look, before leaping out the window.
"Should we get everyone after her?" Knife asked, looking at Safiyah.
"No, lockdown the island. She can't leave now, we'll find her in due time. Secure the building, knowing Pennyworth she might have caused some damage. Besides, while wearing that suit we don't have any weapons at the moment that can hurt her."
Batwoman landed onto the side of the building, holding tight and still, trying to avoid a spotlight looking around.
"Julia, where are you? Safiyah's onto us." Kate asked, trying to sound normal, ignoring for the moment learning of her keeping secrets.
"Exiting the building, Safiyah's on the island?"
"Yes, I just saw her. We need to get out of here, the element of surprise is officially over with." Kate said looking down at the ground, seeing guards running around.
"Did you find anything?"
"Yes," Kate replied blankly.
Julia paused. "Anything of note?"
"I'm not sure, Safiyah busted in before Luke could tell me what he found." Kate said, half lying.
"Okay, I'm almost out, meet me where I entered."
"Right." Kate said softly, as Julia hung up.
Taking a deep breath she patched back in with Luke. "Talk to me."
"Alright, well, I don't have the exact motives as to why Julia would help someone like Safiyah, but I can tell there was what's known as a burn notice. Which I think means they want her dead."
"Exactly right. Even if she helped them, it wouldn't last long surely. She'd have to be working for her for some reason. Unless we know nothing about her, truly."
"As much as we're both angry, there is no way in hell Julia is working behind our backs. She's gotta have a logical reason. I know it."
"Did you find anything else?" She asked.
Luke sighed too. "Yeah, it's not good. I believe The Many Arms of Death are building a bioweapon. For god knows what, I'm not sure right now. I'll keep digging, surely I've got to find something criminals like to be overconfident with their evil schemes, right?"
Kate didn't respond.
"Not the time to try to lighten the mood? Of course it wasn't the best timing was it?"
"It's fine Luke, you mean well, I'll get back to you after I confront Julia. Wish me luck."
"Good luck Kate, stay safe."
She smiled slightly. "Thanks Luke."
Batwoman leaped down to the ground carefully, finding Julia and swiftly grabbed into her grabbing them both out of there going to somewhere hopefully private.
"We need to talk." Said Kate aggressively, looking at her, while she seemed to not be thinking of the possibility of being caught, as she seemed calm.
"What's up?" Julia asked naturally.
Kate stepped up in her face. "What do you know about Safiyah? Don't bother lying anymore, Luke found you've had relations before with her. Tell me what the hell is going on, now." She stated coldly.
Julia sighed. "I was hoping to avoid it. Having to tell the truth, but I guess that's the thing about lies, huh? They always bite you in the end. I do have relations with Safiyah, yes, but it's not what you might be thinking."
"What exactly am I thinking?" Kate asked.
"That I betrayed you, that I've got some secret motive. It's very simple, over a year ago now, when the Rifle came to Gotham, I was put into his trail and when I leant Safiyah was targeting Batwoman, I had to step in."
Surprised Kate raised her hand up. "Wait, you knew I was Batwoman? And about Safiyah before you came back into my life?"
"Yeah, well, I was told to keep watch of you and I did that. I knew about Safiyah's rise to power in The Many Arms of Death. I came to Gotham to protect you from her, she hated Batwoman, Batman, Alice and Gotham. She always felt disgusted by it, the city. I went to her, to work for her to get Safiyah to leave you and Gotham alone. It worked for a little bit, at the cost of my government's trust. I did a few tasks, minor, proving my worth, but I had to steal information from my people. I hated doing it, but I knew she wasn't going to be playing games. If I didn't, my chance would be ruined." Julia said looking away.
"What chance?"
With a sigh, she answered. "My plan was to kill Safiyah. If she was dead, the threat to you and Gotham would be over. And Sophie, once she learnt about my feelings for her. That journal that held the secrets to the batsuit, I told you I'd keep it hidden. Which was the truth. I put my plan into action, gave her a fake with a toxin planted in the book, but it failed, I failed. She had riddled out your identity from my connections to you, Sophie, Luke, my father, Bruce. She figured everything out. Knew there was no way in hell I was going to give her what she wanted. Now she's in Gotham, and that's why Scarecrow is back too. They're planning something big, a chemical weapon of some sorts, as you most know now if Luke found the files. That's everything."
Kate looked disappointed. "Why didn't you tell me? Any of us?"
"I thought I could handle it. And when I couldn't, the things I did. I broke your trust, and quite frankly, I didn't want to share it unless it became necessary."
"Or caught in your lies." Kate pointed out.
"Yes, in truth, I was scared of telling you this. That Safiyah has become a bigger threat to you, to everyone because of me. If I just killed her-"
With a sigh, Kate shook her head. "I've told you before, Julia, and I swear I mean it. Listen to me. Killing isn't the answer."
"Fine, you're right, it isn't. I made a mistake, and I do regret what I've done. Now we need to get out of here, trouble is surely going to find us."
As she said that, a sniper shot hit her shoulder as she started moving around. Batwoman leaped in front of her, covering her from more shots.
"Come on!" Kate exclaimed, grabbing into her covering her.
"It's The Rifle, he wants me dead. Us dead. The bullet is in me, and he likes putting trackers in them, we really need to move."
Kate touched her suit, finding some minor damage to her surprise. "How did he do that? My suit." She wondered, but quickly grabbed onto Julia, taking her away from the gunfire coming their way rushing off, trying to get them to safety, but unsure of where was safe on this island at this point.
Batwoman
Thank you all for reading as always, sorry for taking so long yet again. As usually, fingers crossed this won't be happening again, I'll try my best to get the next one out much, much faster. I hope.
In Response
Hey Author,
Thank you, hopefully I won't be gone again for a while. I'm very sorry to hear about all of that you've been going though. I hope this month has been better, at least thankfully your father is okay, I'm very glad to hear that. And hoping you'll get enough money to get a new car soon too. Also congrats on being fully vaccinated! That's great news. Very happy to hear it wasn't all stressful that month.
Thank you for saying, I'll try very hard to never give such a long wait again. I did contemplate it, but I figured maybe they'd need to bond more first, I didn't wish to over stuff the episode. I figured around that point would be most effective yeah, I'm hoping the pay off will be worth it, that was my intention. I am glad you think I handled Montoya well this chapter, I wanted to give her a big part too, I do think she's got a lot of potential.
Ps. That's a relief to hear, I was thinking of giving up on the show if he died. I might anyway after the season is over. I'm glad he's seeming to be getting a comic accurate suit, but it does feel pretty rushed. We'll see how it goes. (I wrote this before whatever his fate is after being shot)
Random Topics (Part I):
Sophie's Sister – I think those are all great ideas, I'll be sure to do them. I'm going to be happy giving Sophie some story at last in season 3, I love the sound of it. I'm very grateful I didn't stick to my original plans for Sophie, so thank you for getting that changed, it was for the best. I like the idea of the episode focusing on Sophie and Kate dealing with their sisters, it's a wonderful idea. Very excited for that one. Thanks again for the suggestion.
Leslie Thompkins' Daughter – That makes a lot of sense, I thought so as well. That's a good idea of Bruce Wayne sending her an anonymous text message apologizing, clearly very shameful of it. Understandable it'd take her a bit of time to return to Gotham to honor her mother's legacy, it surely would've taken a lot of time to cope with it. I'm excited to finally bring her along and begin that friendship with Mary.
Apparent Riddler Successor – I've not heard of this, I'll be sure to keep an eye on that, sounds interesting and yeah I think it would be fitting very well for that idea. I'll be sure to include her at some point.
Related note, it appears "The Gardener" didn't turn out to be evil, but I'll still go forward with your successor idea for her to Poison Ivy. (If I'm remembering right)
A Female Bane – I saw that, I'm excited to see how that'll play out, hopefully it'll be interesting, but yeah I agree I'm positive your idea will be far better than whatever the comics are cooking up. Great job again on that idea. I am very excited to write about it.
Opinion of Russell Tavaroff – I completely forgot he ever appeared, he does seem like a major issue (again, writing before we see more of him) It's fine you have no idea what to do with him, neither do I. It's possible he could do that, it's really hard to tell what the show's doing, I wasn't expecting Luke to become Batwing this season. Interesting he was a friend of Luke's in the comics, I looked it up a bit and I admit I never realized Snakebite was a bad dose of Venom. Honestly I wish they'd have done that instead of whatever Snakebite is, though I guess it made a little sense for Jacob's story. On the other hand it could've been a bigger threat for Batwoman to deal with. Oh well. I'll keep thinking about this stuff to see if I can think of anything to include, most likely when Luke finally becomes Batwing here.
DC FanDome – I hope they shall do that, I saw Pain Killer has been dropped and Flash could be coming to an end. Also I don't have high hopes for Noima. (Sorry if I spelled her name wrong) I'm curious where the universe is going to be heading. Also not sure if Legends has much life left in it either. So, they're going to be needing at least one new show.
Details of Kate's Counterargument to Jacob before being shot by him in your Season 2 finale –I love those details a lot, I'll be sure to include them all, it'll make the moment a lot stronger. I think it's a fantastic counterargument to Jacob's angered state of mind and if he was thinking clearer head, it would've surely helped.
In regards to what you said about Maggie's breakdown in response to Kate's injured state in Season 4 – Makes a lot of sense, I think when I said PTSD I did have more the thinking you had, but I expressed it wrong. I think that'd make a lot more sense, it'd be a hard time for Maggie and it'll feel great to see Kate get better she'll be very happy by that and I'm excited to write the happier part of that whole ordeal. I'd agree too it would make a lot more sense if Maggie did suffer harder from that case, considering how much of a life changer it was. Great idea making her have to confront it again dealing with a similar case and thankfully preventing it this time, being in a much better place in her life this time around with all her allies and Kate. Fantastic idea, thank you.
In regards to your series' versions of Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain –I can agree very much with that, that was the impression I was going with, I remember your posting about Stephaine Brown quite well. And no, please don't worry about restarting your idea, I loved it a lot, I didn't love the show's version. Hopefully she'll have more time to grow, but it wasn't a strong introduction. Your thinking was far better. I was thinking the same for Cassandra Cain, I do like the idea too of two Batgirls, that'd be pretty neat maybe. We'll see, I'd like to do that. (I have to confess, I was on the fence of doing Cassandra, but I've warmed up on it, I love her too much to exclude her) And yes I'll be sure to do that, thank you for the suggestion. I'm not sure if I've seen that yet.
Character "Portrayal" Suggestion for your series' version of Lady Shiva (Sandra Wu-San) – I think that's a pretty good pick and makes a lot of sense. Also okay I'll remember to not worry about that. Also yes, I will remember that I figured she'd be Cassander's mother like in the comics here it'd make perfect sense.
How to Introduce Cassandra Cain into your series – That was my thinking of her introduction as well, it'd make a lot of sense and it'd be a great chance for Harper Row to get involved in that it was a great story. I liked it a bit. Alright, I guess this Cassandra would be a little older then normal then? And that's good suggestion of what to immagine for the fighting, I'll be sure to think of it like that. Thank you.
In regards to Kara's "ghost" – Oh okay, that makes a lot more sense now, it's okay sorry for my confusion at all.
In regards to my thoughts about your ideas for Joker – That does make sense, I can see your thinking behind it. (And I'll say your added part which I respond to later here has made me agree, I'll make him the final villain)
The irony – Yeah it was pretty ironic. Your version is better.
Random Topics (Part II):
Thoughts on Harley Quinn for your series – Oh that's a very fascinating way of taking that, I didn't remember it from those comics, I must've missed it. It's a good idea she'd have enough common sense to want to protect the child giving it to her sister. And it makes perfect sense she'd see the Joker didn't care at all for her considering he abandoned her and got her replaced. Along with him being presumed dead. I like all of that, I think Batwoman would be unsure of Harley having some hate due to her history with The Joker, but would be able to eventually accept she's changed and wants to protect her daughter. I think it would make the most sense, for Joker's plan being to turn them both, as I feel he'd be so egotistical a single replacement wouldn't be enough for him as he sees himself as so special and the greatest villain of Gotham. Of course neither would work in the end.
Jacob's acquisition of Kryptonite – I like this thought processing a lot and all the use of conan in this story and Superman & Lois. It's a fantastic idea all around, I'll be sure to do this. I like the nod to the DCAU crossover and that General Lane would see Superman being upset. I also like Jacob having respect for Superman & Supergirl still, it's a nice detail. I love all of this.
Extra Details about your series' version of Ghost-Maker – I like those previous details and I'll be sure to remember them. (I'm curious how Ghost-Maker will be in the comics by the time I finally introduce them into my series, I'm very interested by that) I like these ideas a lot, I can see why Ghost-Maker would see Kate hasn't really made Gotham a better place, something always seems to be happening, a new major villain or more shows up every few months. I'd love that a lot her facing off against the entire team (Minis Batwoman) along with how Cassandra wouldn't lose easily, as she's clearly the best fighter in their team. I expected as much she'd not be trying to kill, due to the code and in the comics her trauma for being able to speak the language of violence, so death is extra horrible for her. I do love on top of it how it makes her a lesser fighter, having empathy, emotions and holding onto her humanity. It's great that Ghost Maker would be respecting her skills with that nod.
Your Personal Fear for Canon Season 2 – It was sadly as you say a, F YOU to Kate Kane fans, not even 5 minutes to say goodbye. I don't get what the point was exactly with bringing her back and dragging it out. I saw too there is no current plans to make her return in season 3 and with the fallout from this, I doubt they'll be getting a season 4. I am deeply sorry for how things played out, I was warming up to the new Kate Kane, I liked her quite a bit with Sophie, and sad there wasn't more)
Modifying the Beginning of John Diggle's Green Lantern Storyline into your series – I do still want to put this in somehow, despite his appearance not meaning much. I'd be nice having him around, I like Diggle a lot. I'd be awesome.
In regards to the Kate vs. Komodo fight – That's a good idea, I'll for sure do that in another fight, which likely will be the last one, not sure.
The other thing you forgot to mention in regards to The Joker - I hinted at this above, but this really has convinced me about your point of view, I do like this a lot everything coming full circle in the end, with her having to face the villain who in a way helped send her down this path and destroyed Batman's spirit. (For that time) I love Kate getting to close that darkest chapter of her life bringing down the Joker one last time and bringing Bruce back to Gotham after all these years. It does sound like a fantastic ending. I hope by the time it'll happen with all your suggestions and hopefully my improved skill, I'll be able to provide a very memorable ending to this long series. By the time I'm done it'll surely be like closing my own chapter too.
Your thinking for Nora Fries in my series - That's a really interesting idea, I'll be sure to do that, I believe in this next episode I might start Ryan trying to bring her down? Unless you don't think I should yet. I also wonder if I should do something with MR Freeze still being alive in the future, but we'll see.
Canon show thoughts kinda - I was unhappy with season 2 as a whole, it all felt like they really really didn't give any care. It upsets me knowing they were getting paid to write that season and get away with it, sorry for being so unhappy with it. Just it's pretty clear they could've done a lot better and differently, highly doubt it'll be getting any better in season 3.
The finale kinda made me think of another side project, trying to keep Kate around in season 3 of what canon show is doing - I can't say I'll for sure do this, but the finale was such a disappointment, I was expecting a disappointment, but I couldn't have guessed how much of one it was going to be. I really think this is a mah kinda thing with me going forward with it. Unless you think I should take a crack at it when I'm feeling writer's block for the main series maybe. I'm not sure, I am undertaking a lot. I feel like it'd only be something I'd start officially putting out when the show returns, well maybe episode 1, but I'd wait for the rest so I can try to rewrite the season while not going somewhere else completely maybe. Again, I'm not sure, just a though I'm having the day of the ending. Likely will likely change my mind. (I have decided I won't go though with this, unless you or anyone really wants it which I doubt. I'm fine with letting that idea die-off, just thought I'd keep this part in)
Final thing, a funny way life works about Meet The Robinsons, little story - I ended up watching it on May 27th, (God I took forever posting didn't I?) it was with the most special person in my life, my partner. It turned out they loved it very much and the song Little Wonders. They shared that song first and I loved it without context, so later that night we watched it together (Though something called Discord, cause we are not together irl yet) I thought it was a lot of fun and seemed to have heart, then we got to the ending. The whole movie came together for me and I'm not ashamed to admit I cried a lot, it was beautiful and I'm upset how underappreciated that movie is. I didn't think too much of it hearing it mentioned and wasn't exactly sure of it's contact, but I get it now and I'm hopefully going to learn a bit from it when writing some more of Ryan's flashbacks to her time at the orphanage. I'm also wondering if I should have Ryan mention how her favorite song is Little Wonders, or maybe when she meet Harper Row and they bond, she can learn about that lovely song and the film. Idk, kinda a little insert sorta from my life, it meant a lot to me the whole experience, I feel my emotions and love for it is stronger considering the context of watching it. Hopefully that makes sense and wasn't to random, I can just gush really hard about them.