Synopsis: Kate continues her fight for survival on the island, trying to get her and Julia to safety as Safiyah sends everything she has after them. Meanwhile, Ryan works with Montoya to find a cold-hearted threat. However, things become more complicated as the hunt brings Ryan into a fight she might not be ready for.
Batwoman struggled to continue pulling Julia around, trying to find somewhere safe.
"Where are you going?" Julia questioned.
Kate didn't respond immediately, just thinking fast but getting nowhere. "I-I don't know if he can track us. It means Safiyah can track us."
"The Rifle isn't working for her anymore, another thing you can thank me for." She said downer.
"Regardless, he's shooting at us, and that'll bring attraction." Kate pointed out.
She nodded. "We can't go back to the hideout."
"Of course not. We've gotta get that bullet out. I really wish Mary was here to help. I really hate this island." Kate replied, looking around rapidly. While she did, more of Safiyah's goons could be spotted heading to the area where the shots were fired.
"How exactly are you going to get the bullet out? Julia questioned curiously.
"Call Mary and have some faith she'll be able to teach me surgery over coms. Oh, and that nobody else will hit you with more bullets." Kate said with sarcasm, trying to break the tension.
"Well, sounds like we have the odds on our side then." Julia joked back, but The Rifle found their position starting to fire on them again, which without a doubt got a lot of attention.
"Back to running then," Kate said and grappled onto a building pulling Julia with her.
Batwoman
Everyone seen in season 1 or 2, or etc., is the same, including Ruby Rose as Kate Kane.
Vanessa Morgan is Ryan Wilder
Stephanie Beatriz is Renee Montoya.
Hisham Tawfiq is Dembe. (Applogizes if that's confusing)
Ryan wandered around the Batcave nervously as they waited to hear from Kate and Julia again getting to safety.
"You're going to start digging a hole in the ground," Luke said sarcastically.
"I know. I'm just worried about them getting back safe. The island seems dangerous as hell and the odds stacked against them. Feels like nothing can be done right now. Hate all this sitting around." Ryan said, sitting on the ground.
Luke nodded, understanding. "It's not an easy feeling, but I promise it gets better. And hey, Kate Kane can take care of herself. An island isn't going to beat her. Gotta remember she helped save the universe after all." He said, trying to cheer up Ryan.
"She had help, her friends, allies, some of the greatest heroes on our earth by her side. Now she's out there with someone keeping secrets and no backup." She countered.
He wasn't exactly sure how to counter that. Before he could think of something, an alert came up.
"Great, looks like you've got to go. Not used to alerts like this." He looked at the details, growing concerned. "A break-in, lots of ice left behind. Which is even weirder when the place the suspect broke into apparently already was using ice-based weapons, now has even more left behind by Mr. Freeze."
"Meaning whoever they already have weapons, if not Mr. Freeze himself. Which is just fantastic, a supervillain in Gotham then?" Ryan added.
He nodded uncomfortably. "Yeah, someone is out there, and trouble is going to follow suit surely. It's just, Kate never had to deal with someone like that, and I don't have much tech that'd work against ice. Mr. Freeze hasn't been active for years now. We're not prepared for this."
Ryan nodded. "Well, whenever are we going to be prepared for a supervillain on the loose?" She pointed out, looking at her temporary suit. "Black Bat needs to stop whoever they are. We both need to be ready."
"Yeah, alright, I'll get working on something to counteract the ice. It's just gotta be a mega heater, right?" Luke said, trying to keep cheerful.
She smiled at his remark. "Yeah, true enough. I know you can handle it. I'm in good hands with taking down whoever we're up against. I'm going to try seeing Montoya. Hopefully, she's around the GCPD. I'd feel pretty embarrassed if I waited around there for no real reason."
"I'll keep you updated," Luke replied, nodding at her as she started to get ready to suit up.
Back overseas, Kate continued using all her strength to help carry Julia along as she became tired, needing rest. For a moment.
"Getting tired, are we?" Julia asked in a playful tone, trying to keep the situation more relaxed than it genuinely was.
"Yes, I am. This is serious. We've got a lot of people coming to kill us. Well, honestly, just you from my understanding." Confessed Kate.
Julia frowned. "A fate worse than death? Stuck here with Safiyah?"
"Yeah, talk about not getting over a breakup, right?" Kate joked, trying to calm down for a moment while getting back some strength, hopefully.
"Could be, gotta say Luv, you do leave quite the impact behind. It did take me some time, getting over you, though I understood what I believe you do too, we're far too different, and our life goals don't match up. Not to mention lying about why I go so close to you in the first place or my other assignments. You know, lots of reasons." Julia admitted to Kate.
Kate was surprised. "Didn't know you felt that way. It always seemed to me getting over it was easy for you."
"Well, as I'm confessing a lot today, I'll admit aloud showing my true feelings isn't my strong suit." She laughed sightly. "Believe me or not, but I've tried to more with Sophie, be myself. Still, I've lied to her. I didn't tell her why Safiyah is targeting me or why I returned to Gotham. I think I haven't anyways, all the lies, I forget the truth at times, what I have said or haven't. It gets exhausting."
"Don't pass out," Kate said seriously.
"I've been shot before, don't worry, this isn't fatal." She replied.
Kate got back up. "When the Rifle or Safiyah's people find us again, it could very well be the fatal shot for real. Come on, we gotta keep moving. I need to get you to safety and take down the Rifle."
Upon saying this, The Rifle started firing at them once again. Kate noticed the bullets had hit the roof harder than the regular ones from gunfire. It wasn't promising. Most have been how those shots grazed the suit. Something about those bullets was more deadly than regular ones.
"Does he have specialized bullets?" Kate asked.
"How would I know? I've not seen him since getting him fired, I figured he'd be dead. Though Safiyah wouldn't have let him leave the organization alive in truth. It was common for the Many Arms of Death before her arrival." She explained.
Kate had a question now on her mind. "Do you know how Safiyah raised to power?"
"Unfortunately not exactly, just all those in her way were killed, something most of triggered that. From all my research into her, she's a nobody truly."
Part of Kate felt sympathy for the woman she once loved, which was clear from her face, along with feeling convicted by that. Pushing those feelings down, she brought Julia down to the ground with her, hearing someone nearby. Batwoman stood in front of her friend, expecting the worst, but instead found Dembe looking around.
"Oh, there you are!" He exclaimed while trying to keep his voice down. "I was looking for you both, it seems like it was a good idea."
"How did you find us?" Kate asked.
He laughed. "Only you could piss off Safiyah this much."
"Do you know how to get a bullet out? She's been shot, and it's tracking us."
"I've done it a couple times. Sounds like I'm your best bet. Come on!"
Kate pulled Julia along, trusting this would work.
In the past, Kate walked down the streets of Coryana with Safiyah holding hands with her. They bonded very fast, growing a quick connection.
"I keep thinking, I'm going to wake up. This whole thing is crazy." Kate admitted.
Safiyah frowned. "What do you mean?"
Kate looked at her. "It feels too good to be true, being with a mysterious, beautiful woman and helping you on your quest here. My life has taken an interesting and epic turn." She said, smiling and kissing her.
They walked into Dembe's shop looking to ask him a question or two. "Ah, what do I owe this pleasure?" He asked.
"Curiosity, we want to know if you have any information. The Kail Corporation is hiding a beautiful flower. One that only grows here, I want to find it."
"You want to screw with them?"
"Yes, I do. I'm aware you despise them for all the harm they've done to this island. And it's people. This could harm them a lot from all that I know." She expressed this to him.
"You believe in the story of its existence?"
She nodded. "It's not a story. I know that's not a story, a lie. I'm going to find it." Safiyah pulled the map of the island, pointing to where they believed it was located. "The Many Arms have a presence there, right?"
"Yes, they do, if they're hiding something valuable to them, it's there. It's filled with traps and some guards. You have to know, however, if you head there, you could very well die. That flower must be worth it."
"Well, it only grows here after all." She replied.
He looked at Kate. "Your friend here seems to have a crave for danger."
"We both do." She replied, holding Safiyah's hand.
Understanding, he nodded but looked unnerved as well, looking at Safiyah. "Hopefully, I'll see you both again. Stay safe out there, and good luck." Dembe gave a concerned look to Kate, but she didn't seem to understand it.
Ryan arrived at the GCPD station, waiting around for Montoya, unable to stop thinking about Kate's situation and her own facing her first solo supervillain. It was going to be a long day. After hardly any waiting, Montoya arrived.
"Going to guess this about that chilling crime scene, right?" Montoya said, leaning against the railing on the roof.
"Right, it seems pretty serious if this is Mr. Freeze or someone who stole his weapons." Replied Ryan.
She nodded. "We've got a bet on our suspect. His wife escaped Arkham Asylum about 2 years ago now and went off the grid after that. Witness saw a young blonde woman, only saw the back of her head far away."
"What else do you know about her? Do you think she could be dangerous then? Maybe working with him then?"
Montoya shrugged. "We're getting our info straight. She was locked for a time in Arkham. It was a long story. The short version is Nora was suffering from a fatal disease, very rare and had no cure, not even much research considering it only affected very few people in the entire world from my understanding. She got put into an experimental cryostasis chamber as it continued progressing, stopping it for years. Still, last time Freeze was apprehended, some idiot decided to play god once she was in Arkham being kept safe. They took her out, wanting to see what'd happen after so much time frozen. Her mental state wasn't right. Nobody cared to solve it. Or that virus killing her. Not long later Arkham had a breakout in the low-security wing. Nora's been in the wind all this time, quite frankly I'm not sure how she's alive, she didn't have more than a year from what I heard. It's sketchy, that's for sure." Montoya said with a sigh.
"That's the short version?" Ryan asked.
"Telling short versions of stories isn't my strong suit, but hey, you're up to speed."
Ryan nodded. "So, it's a waiting game then, awesome."
"It seems to be, more often than not. Listen, we're going to find Nora and figure out what's going on. Surely she's not going to keep silent for long. Nobody in Gotham ever does in my experience." Montoya expressed and grabbed onto her radio, hearing it. "Looks like trouble has come."
"You found her?" Questioned Ryan.
Montoya nodded. "A unit spotted her. Time to end this fast. Try to stay caught up."
"Right, no vehicle. Fun."
"The motorbike in the shop?" Montoya joked.
"More like not tempting fate. Batwoman will fire me if I destroy that bike." Replied Ryan.
Montoya chuckled. "Fair enough, wouldn't want to cross her. You can ride with me, a perk of being the boss."
"Thanks," Ryan said happily, then muttered to herself softly. "This is embarrassing."
Together the pair rode to the crime scene, not before getting some confused looks from some of Montoya's officers, but she always gave them a serious look right back unamused at them seeming to question her judgement. Ryan just sat awkwardly behind her once they left for a few minutes before finally finding the courage to speak up.
"Is uh, being seen with me a bad thing for your job? I really don't want to get you into trouble, you are awesome and the best cop I've ever met. And I've met some nice ones who helped me out before."
Montoya smiled. "Thank you, and don't worry, like I said as boss, they aren't going to do anything. I'd not tolerate anyone trying to undermine me." She looked at the street, seeing it was their destination. "We're here, wonder-" She stopped looking surprised. "You don't see that every day huh?"
Ryan nodded, looking at a building that seemed to have been hit by a blizzard. "No, you sure don't. I'm feeling out of my league." She said aloud by accident.
"If you feel afraid, that's understandable, but you're going to have to forget that feeling if you want to help. Or you can wait here. I'm not going to force you to do anything. After all, everything you do is your choice, right? The perks of not being a cop, huh? If you want to chicken out now, to be blunt, your journey isn't going to get you anywhere, but then again, playing safe would keep you alive. It's your choice, whatever you do, just believe in it. " Montoya said before getting out of the car.
Ryan stared at the ice and how brave Montoya was going in for a closer look. Quickly she contacted Luke before getting out. "How are you doing with these heat things? Like any superheaters?" She asked.
"Uh, I'm still looking, the ice used would need a lot of heat to melt quickly, but too much could hurt someone if they're frozen too or something and just naturally which could take to long. Why? Did you find whoever is running around with an ice gun?"
"Might have, wish me luck that I'll not be a popical when Kate comes back." She said half-jokingly.
"You're going to be fine Ryan. I believe in you." Luke replied.
"Thanks." She hung up and followed Montoya.
Montoya looked back seeing Ryan chasing after her. "Made up your mind?"
"Yeah, do you know this place at all? Doesn't look residential. Seems like somewhere for criminals," Ryan pointed out.
"An underground casino, suspected anyways. Must of hit it for money or revenge, perhaps." She replied.
"My girlfriend went to a couple of those before, is that really bad?"
"It's fine, a lot bigger fish to worry about in the sea. In this city, underground casinos aren't worth our time and looks like SWAT is almost here, which means we can breach soon unless you want to head inside first," Montoya said with a hint of sarcasm.
Ryan looked at it. "You know what, I'm going to take a peak. From the roof, it'll be faster," She replied, grappling up onto the roof peaking inside finding the place completely frozen. "Huh." She said to herself. Looking closer it didn't appear anybody was inside, but looking closer she saw two armed guards frozen. "Oh no." She broke the window and headed inside.
"Luke, I've got two frozen people here what can I do? I've gotta be able to do something right? How do I help them?" She asked desperately.
"I'm sorry, there isn't anything that can be done. You can unfreeze them fast enough unless you find some heat."
"Dammit," Ryan replied frustrated and looked around seeing the back was the most destroyed part of the building finding a vault and some cash left behind. "You have to be kidding me, this was about money from the looks of it anyways." Ryan declared unhappy from her understanding of the situation.
Back overseas, Kate pulled Julia into an underground clinic that Dembe informed them about.
"Come on, you aren't going to die," Kate said, putting her friend onto a table.
"Stop worrying. I'm not dying. What is concerning you so much?" Questioned Julia, confused by Kate's reaction to the gunshot.
Batwoman looked around, seeing the couple of doctors around distracted by other more critical patients. "I know the assassin Deadshot would at times lace his bullets with poison. What if the Rifle did the same? Your chances at survival would be slim, and I haven't treated you the best. This should be how you die on this island."
"The Rifle isn't smart enough for that, I think. Besides, I knew what I signed up for this is the life we both chose to live. Dying with you wouldn't be the worst way to go if it was my time, which it isn't. I've got a lot of time left, relax. Though I understand loss isn't your strong suit, but I know you'll be safe and get off this crap island. You are an incredibly strong person. The paragon of Courage or whatever sounds like a title with weight to me. Doesn't go to just anyone." Julia responded genially.
"Thank you, Julia," Kate said, giving her a slight hug trying not to touch the should with a bullet in it.
Dembe approached after a minute with a doctor. "They'll check on your friend. The people here hate Safiyah as well and would gladly do anything to see her take a crushing blow."
"Did the Many Arms of Death hurt these people?" Kate asked.
He nodded sadly. "Indeed, nobody is safe. The wounded have increased since yesterday. She's taking out her anger more and more, it appears."
"This can't continue," Kate muttered.
"Unfortunately, it seems the only way to end her reign is to kill her. Which I know isn't an option for you."
Kate nodded. "There is always another way." She looked around. "I'm going to go outside, concerned about that tracker."
"It's possible The Rifle could find this place," Julia warned as Kate exited, getting on top of the building. Once getting up there, The Rifle appeared, pointing a large gun at Batwoman.
"Do you think your suit would protect you from this bullet?" He asked. "How about we make a deal?"
"Which is what? Let you kill Julia?"
The Rifle sighed. "Your defending that woman is annoying. I have no grievance with you. Julia Pennyworth isn't worth dying for. She's a liar, and she'll betray you."
"Your right," Kate began saying, lying to get him off his guard. "She's caused me a lot of trouble and isn't worth it." She grabbed her Batarang and rolled to the side, disarming him with a throw from her Batarang. Batwoman rushed up and started fighting with him up close. After a quick few hits, he backed up, reaching for a gun. Clearly, hand to hand wasn't his strong suit. The bullets from his weapon grazed the batsuit.
Kate quickly grabbed him and got him into a chokehold. "What bullets are you using?" She questioned, angered.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He mocked and used his free hand to shoot a flare.
"Oh no," Kate said and knocked him out, rushing back inside. "You're compromised! Safiyah is coming. I'm so sorry." She said, looking at a couple of the doctors, who now were quite panicked. "You need to get out of here."
"Some of the people can't be moved easily." One doctor pointed out.
Batwoman nodded. "I'll hold them off as long as I can. Save who you can."
Julia tried getting up. "I'm going to help hold them off with you."
"No, rest while you can. We're going to have to make an escape, and it's going to be hard enough. Help them escape if you need to do something." Kate replied.
"Alright, good luck."
Another flashback to the past came into Kate's mind as she exited.
"This doesn't feel like we're going to get a friendly, welcoming part." A younger Kate said to Safiyah as they looked down into the valley which they believed housed the flower being hidden away from the world
"That's a lot of manpower and firepower," Safiyah commented on seeing dozens of armed people patrolling. "Easy enough, isn't it? We just have to sneak past them all."
Kate looked at her, unsure. Then saw two well-dressed people step out of a car. "Who are they?" She asked.
"The twins." Safiyah grit her teeth. "The leaders of the Many Arms of Death."
"And what are they doing here?" Kate questioned.
Safiyah now looked unsure. "It doesn't matter. We have to retrieve the flower. You know how rich people are. They love their things of value, that nobody else can have the benefits of."
"This is going to cost them dearly if we take it, must be important to them if they're coming to look at it personally. I wonder why so many guards just for this flower." Kate started wondering.
"Come on Kate, keep up we gotta move it!" Safiyah exclaimed.
Kate put that thought on the back burner, along with why Safiyah this woman she had just met was so trusting worthy.
Back over in Gotham Montoya entered the building behind the SWAT team as they cleared the building completely.
"Whoever did this is long gone," Ryan said, coming up to her.
"Nora did this, we got a couple of witnesses that saw her enter the building. Most have left through the back, or made herself an exit." Replied Montoya looking around the ice-filled building with parts of it seemingly shattered. "I hate ice."
"I used to like it when I was young, nice memories," Ryan cleared her throat. "Uh, can I do anything here? I feel like I'm not being the most helpful right now."
Montoya looked around. "No, nothing really besides cleaning up now. Which isn't your department, so you should leave, no offence. You'll learn how this all works."
"Alright," Ryan nodded, leaving the building disappointed and contacted Luke. "Do you have any leads? I'm feeling an urge to bring this lady down badly. We have to find her before anyone else gets hurt."
"Well I've got good news then, I realized considering the temperature I would be able to track places in Gotham where the temperature takes a massive dive!" He exclaimed, starting his search.
"Great, so you can track down Nora, I think I should be the one to take her down. After seeing what she can do with her nice gun, could hurt a lot of people." Expressed Ryan.
Luke shook his head quickly. "No, no, you should bring Montoya along with you and her backup. You can't fight someone as dangerous as that alone, you could die!"
"A lot of innocent people could die." Ryan shot back.
"How about a joint operation with the Crows, if you suggested that to Montoya surely that would make her more likely to agree with it. You could use all the help you can get, this is dangerous!" Luke expressed.
"I'm going to try taking her down solo. At least one time, this isn't for debate. Nobody else is going to get into the line of fire on my watch. I'll be okay Luke." Ryan expressed.
Luke let out a sigh. "Alright Ryan, I'll let you know if I pick up a signal. You are brave Ryan, but I'm scared if that'll get you hurt or killed."
"It's about putting myself in danger instead of someone else, it's being a hero and that's what I am, what I want to be. A hero has to be brave."
"You are a hero," Luke replied. "There is no question of that."
Kate Kane stood in the alleyway of the clinic, which was about to be under siege. It began with a unit of Safiyah's people starting to approach, which Kate wasn't having and quickly attacked. Knocking them out one by one, but wasn't fast enough for one of them to alert for backup.
"Could've gone better." She muttered getting ready for the reinforcements. As she did, the Rifle began firing upon her again, making Kate duck for cover. "Where are you?" She wondered aloud, not even seeing the gun go off."
More trouble came along, in the form of The Archer with goons behind him approaching the area, but to Kate's surprise, they weren't focused on her yet.
"Rifle, come out now! You aren't allowed on this island, you are a disgrace, give yourself up and you might have mercy given to you!"
He complied and revealed himself frustrated. "Batwoman is right there and Pennyworth inside, I came back here to prove myself once more. Stop wasting time!" He fired back.
The Archer appeared angered but nodded. "Fine, we deal with her first, but Safiyah doesn't want her dead. Pennyworth and any rebels are expendable. Can you manage that?" He asked mockingly.
Batwoman leaped out from cover, preparing to fight having confirmation they weren't going to kill her, meaning she could distract them until the people got to safety. Swiftly she knocked down to goons who rushed towards her, avoiding the incoming bullets from the Rifle who reacted fast. Kate got hit by one of them in her side which penetrated the Batsuit somehow, still a mystery to her, but one that didn't matter now. Archer moved in getting up close to fight hand to hand. Batwoman was determined to not let anyone get past her into the building, she kicked him back and cracked another couple of goons across the face with all the strength in her body.
The Archer and his goons backed up, regrouping together making a ran at Batwoman, but she predicted this happening and grappled away above them landing down in The Rifle who was furthest away.
"These games aren't appreciated, Batwoman," Archer replied, drawing an explosive arrow.
"Trying to not die is a game?" She replied and pulled the Rifle away with her to the rooftops. "It's your lucky day, you not going to die."
He still tried pulling another sidearm, but Kate grabbed his hand, breaking it. "Everyone is safer with you having a broken hand." She said and went back down, throwing a Batarang at Archer continuing the fight.
"Everyone is out of the building!" Julia said in Kate's ear.
Batwoman gave a smile and grappled away once again, giving a playful wave, which the goons grit their teeth opening fire on her, just wasting their bullets as they didn't get through the suit like The Rifle's.
Back over with Ryan, a lead was found and Luke reluctantly gave it to her, knowing lying wouldn't help anything.
After finding the building, Ryan headed up top. "This place feels more chilly than the rest of the city, good sign." She crept inside, finding Nora quickly, but didn't approach, instead taking cover. "I found Nora. Um, being blue isn't normal right?"
"No, she wasn't the last time she was seen," Luke replied. "Perhaps something is happening to her and that's why she's back now, could be trying to find a cure to that condition. Kate mentioned a cure-all plant that Safiyah has, could there be a connection? I mean one big coincidence if not."
"Your right, great, perhaps trying to reason with her might not be the best idea after all if that's the case." She sighed. "Alert Montoya I found her, I'm just going to keep an eye on what she's doing."
"Alright stay in the shadows out of her sight." He replied with a hint of concern.
Nora appeared to be working on something on a high-tech computer, then turned around having red goggles and her face exposed looking around. "A visitor, of the bat kind." She said allowed.
"Crap," Ryan muttered to herself.
"So, it's Black Bat, right? I wouldn't want to make such an error on who I'm going to have to kill. Unless we talk about it first."
Ryan looked unconvinced by this. "Why should I believe you?" She stayed in the shadows trying to keep out of sight, but it most likely wouldn't help to much it seemed like Nora had a way of tracking her.
"Safiyah, does that name ring any bells for you?"
"Could say so, she's your boss, or the one helping you?"
Nora nodded. "Helping saved me in fact, my body should've never been released from its cryostasis, not until Victor found a cure. Those doctors at Arkham, one of them let me out and doomed me if I couldn't find a permanent solution. Wanted to see the side effects of being frozen for so long, then the breakout occurred. I escaped trying to lower my body temperature, I figured I could only buy myself so much time as Victor had vanished around my escape. Safiyah found me, saved me, recreated what happened to my husband all those years ago to buy me more time. She promised me a cure as long as I take care of a couple of things."
"Killing those people as part of your deal huh? Your life matters over others?" Ryan questioned.
"They weren't good people, criminals who stole my love's technology which I wanted to get back into the right hands, mine. And Victor's once I find him."
Ryan shook her head. "You didn't have to kill them, it's not like they hurt you or posed any threat to you, it seems like you're quite capable of causing havoc and I know Mr. Freeze wouldn't always kill."
She sighed. "What I'm trying to say is, one of the tasks Safiyah gave me was taking you out of the picture. Along with her other enemy. So, you have a decision, give up this whole hero business and play dead. She'd be none the wiser, you seem like a young woman, trust me, you have no idea how easily your life can be drastically changed by something you would have never seen coming. Or, die here trying to stop me from curing myself."
Quickly thinking of a plan, Ryan gave her answer. "You're right, I am young and this whole hero thing hasn't been working out. So alright, you have yourself a deal, she approached closer. I'll leave you alone and The Black Bat will never be seen again." She said passionately.
Nora was pleased. "Glad to make you see reason." She turned her back to Ryan. "This life of crime-fighting, won't bring you anything good. Live the best life you can." She said, saddened, thinking of the past.
Instead of doing as she claimed, Ryan made her move rushing towards Nora kicking her, knocking the computer over.
"Is this some cural joke?" She questioned.
"No joking here." Ryan replied and hit her twice.
"Stupid child." Nora said angered, smacking her back with her arm which wasn't exposed, seeming like that one judging by how far she was thrown gave more strength. "I gave you a chance, you logically should've taken it! Don't you know how much you can lose if you want to continue this fight!"
"Sorry, I'm not one to back down from a righteous fight." Ryan replied, getting back up.
Nora grabbed her freeze gun, firing it at Ryan.
"Crap!" She shouted and nearly got hit by the lcey wave coming towards her.
"Do you know why getting that equipment was so important? It was plans and devices, like these ones." She said calmly and tossed a couple grandes in Ryan's general area, releasing more ice.
"Crap again!" Ryan shouted trying to avoid it again as well, but failed, getting the lower half of her body frozen, falling to the ground, cracking the ice a bit.
Nora stepped up to her. "Should've taken my offer, if I see you again I won't give you another chance to go and live your life peacefully. I imagine the police will be here soon, they'll get you free in time, before any damage can happen."
Ryan watched powerless as Nora took everything she had and escaped into a van quickly, it was clear this wasn't her final hideout as most of the experiment was already ready in the van. After she drove off, Montoya and her swat team busted inside, missing her only by a couple minutes.
Montoya saw Ryan and was shocked. "We need heaters in here, now!" She shouted getting her people to hurry.
Quickly Ryan began to get thawed out of the ice.
"Cold, very cold." Ryan said, shivering. "We're going to need back up on this commissioner, Nora has at least one person she's going after left and it's got to be serious. We have to get the Crows involved."
"The Crows are already hurting her down, the problem is getting us to work together on this. I can't make any promises on how this will go when bringing them into this. They're getting more and more anti Batwoman by the day."
Back overseas, Kate caught up with Julia and Dembe who tagged along.
"Is everyone alright?" Batwoman immediately asked, not seeing the rest of the people around.
"Indeed, they all escaped thanks to you, they've got other safe places to go in case of emergencies like this," Dembe replied.
Julia looked at Kate. "We need to get off this miserable island, Safiyah isn't going to stop gunning for us. I've contacted someone to get us out of here. Back up plan."
"Thanks for informing me of that sooner," Kate said sarcastically. "Where are we heading to?"
"He'll find us," She replied confidently and felt near her wound. "And he brought medical supplies, apparently he expected someone to get shot."
"Comforting to know, we have to take Dembe with us. He's not going to be safe here." Kate pointed out.
"This is my home, or used to be, staying here I can help and fight against Safiyah, give you some more time to finally beat her." He countered.
Shaking her head she gave her own counter. "You'll die here, a good man shouldn't have to die, come back for now at least, once Safiyah and The Many Arms have been taken down, then you are free to return, safely."
"Fine, you are right. Besides, I wouldn't mind seeing your country." He replied.
Kate nodded with a smile as they continued along following Julia's directions, which were from her ally who excelled in knowing his way around a place quickly and in dire circumstances like now.
"Come on, we're getting close to the general area he'll find us," Julia said, looking around.
Suddenly, gunshots came in their direction once more.
"Get down!" Kate shouted and searched for the shooter, finding the Rifle again. "What is it with you?" She wondered allowed.
Batwoman moved to get to higher ground to attack him, but another gunshot from a different gun was heard. She peeked her head out, noticing a man standing over him.
"Was this bloke bothering you?" He asked.
Kate looked confused for a moment until Julia spoke up. "This is the guy I was talking about."
"Pleasure to meet you." He replied.
She looked grateful but also disappointed looking down at The Rifle. "Is he dead?"
"Yeah, apologies I heard you bats aren't fans off killing, but I wasn't going to take any chances with an active assassin in my sights."
"Fair enough, thank you for the assistance." She replied gratefully but still feeling unhappy about someone having to die for them to be saved, thought knew it was the right call.
He gave a slight smile. "Well, I'm not done yet, I still have to get us, uh, four off the island." That smile faded. "Which could be a bit harder, the plane is compromised and they've got anti-air missiles. So we're going to have to fight our way off."
"Easy enough, we'll do just that, as long as you three stay out of sight, this'll all work out. I'm going to get us off this forsaken island." Kate declared.
Back over in Gotham, Nora Fries returned to her hideout and went into a cooling chamber, then reached for a communication device having Safiyah reply.
"Is it done?" She asked curiously.
With a concerned sigh, she replied. "I'm afraid not, yet anyway. The element of surprise isn't on my side but it's fine. It'll be done soon enough, I swear."
"Nora, I recommend you deal with it now. My Bat problem is persisting, kill the sidekick and put the fear of god into Alice, along with making sure she's ready for transport. Is that so hard? You are my only available assist in Gotham right now, Crane can't be distracted from his work. As a scientist I'm sure you can understand the importance of having his work be flawless?" Safiyah stated seriously.
"What about my cure?" Nora asked angrily. "And my Husband, you promise you'll find out what happened to him?
Safiyah paused. "You'll get it once you get it done. And we'll find Victor, how hard would it be finding him? I found you in time after all, I have my ways of finding people. Do you understand me? Get it done. And you live happily ever after. A dream come true."
"Yes, I do. It'll be done, Black Bat will be dead next time and Alice will be dealt with I swear it, just make sure I get that cure and my love back."
"Of course, good luck, Mrs. Freeze." Safiyah hung up and grunted having lied about the cure, it was a more complicated situation. "One way or another Kate Kane, you'll have nothing left. Whatever it'll take and whoever must suffer, Gotham will die." She muttered to herself having a drink.
Batwoman
In Response to C.G (Series spoils blow for this series)
Thank you very much sorry again for causing concern, the delays have been pretty rough lately and I have been having an eventful months. I've recently gotten a phone so hopefully that'll increase my productivity a bit more. (Unfortunately not) I'm very happy for the compliment, I've not felt I've been doing my best. With any luck I will get faster again I hate my lack of progress. Can't say when or if it'll increase again soon I'm sorry to say. Apologies again for all the delays, with any luck season 2 will be close to an end by the end of the year. (I wrote that in August, not good) Safe to say not sure if I'll ever do that Batwoman side project not even sure about the Supergirl one. (I added more at the bottom, I wrote that part a month ago, bottom is more recent and expended if cerious)
And can't believe it's now been over a year since I started this series, the progression of the year went differently then I would have imagined by far. Hopefully it'll not take me a year to finish a season, next time. Thank you to all readers and C.G of course this series wouldn't still exist if not for him. So thank you.
Also that's alright I was completely disappointed by the finale as well your feelings are fair all of season 2 was a mess, Caroline Dries was a mistake for the showrunner. It's understandable that all the Kate Kane fans would be pissed by the outcome and be being like that, it was frustrating and disrespectful. It's clear they don't care about the show or it's characters. I heard someone say they only cared about the headlines and it feels very true, (more so now after that Montoya news) fingers crossed she's kicked out and someone who wants to do the best job can take over and salvage the show, but unlikely.
Anyways, I'm very grateful to hear your double vaccinated, I nearly am too, I'm very sorry to hear about your family car having issues and the mechanic not doing anything. Hopefully that other one will do much better and everything will be sorted by the time this chapter is posted. And glad your father reconnected with one of his sisters and has a new vehicle. Hoping things will look up in your life.
Immediate Topics:
#1. I've decided to do two episodes, hopefully, the split focus is alright, it's a bit hard for me to write, but felt it was necessary. I'll for sure be doing that next chapter when Ryan finally brings down Mrs. Freeze. I'm excited to finally write about the argument between Jacob and Ryan, which she is right about, but Jacob wouldn't accept it continuing down the path he's on.
#2. Alright I'll remember that if I end up going ahead with I like all of that thinking there. I'm sorry for that not being the way the canon series is heading as I know it's what you and others hoped for. Or something like that. At the point right now I'm responding I'm still unsure if I'll go through with it. Not sure what life has in store. By the start of 2022 I feel like it'll be clear.
Random Topics:
New information about the Gardener character – Thank you for sharing that article I wasn't aware of all that information. I'll be sure to remember it when the Gardener appears in this series. Hopefully all the stuff with her and "Queen Ivy" won't be dropped with all the writer changes and Batman apparently leaving Gotham for a bit. I'm interested to see where it all goes and more of that story and the Gardener.
Some Interesting information that you can use your series – I've listened to recaps, but I've very much wanted to read it myself and many other series. It seems like a fascinating perspective on things. It's an interesting theory I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all, but yeah I believe I Montoya would be having that thinking being in Gotham so long and wanting to understand the city. I'm not sure right now if I'll make it completely be true or have parts of that being true and others not. I'd love to try addressing the dark secrets in Arkham, it's a really creepy and interesting place to write about. Also I'll be sure to read that when starting up season 3, I can't say for sure how much similarities I plan on having for Maggie as the Question yet, but I'll be thinking about it more when getting closer to season 3 without a doubt. Thank you for the information.
Kate's explanation for training with people other than survival specialists – I like that and assumed Kate would have work with other people to gain her skills. That's a great idea and I'll be sure to include that more at some point, hopefully it'll come across Kate has learnt something from Safiyah.
The reason why Timothy "Tim" Fox changed his first name to Jace – I was not expecting that twist there, it was interesting. I agree with you that his mother and siblings wouldn't have known the truth, they would've been horrified knowing about that surely. It wasn't right and quite surprised me. Jace's shame is understandable.
Question about a particular DC Comics character – I never heard of her before she sounds pretty interesting and the powers sound pretty neat. It's sad she just vanished like that seems like she could've been pretty cool if she stuck around. I'm not sure however if she could have a part in the series, unfortunately, maybe a minor one. I'm not sure really, the idea I'm currently thinking is pretty bare bones. Someone time while Stephaine Brown is active as Batgirl she could run into her maybe and try to help her out. While maybe getting help or input from the rest of the team. I really don't believe she could fit into Team Batwoman, unfortunately, maybe as an extended part of the team appearing once in awhile, besides that I don't think right now she could fit anywhere major, I'll keep thinking about it as the series goes on. Thank you for bringing it up cool to learn about her.
Justice League Unlimited Reference? – I would love to include that reference a lot, that was a great moment that's very memorable.
Your version of Circe Sionis for your series – I like that idea, Rumor killing Black Mask I think we spoke about that before. It makes sense that Circe would decide to take over the mantle of her father after waking up, I'd assume she'd be as dangerous as her father was and by the time she'd appear I'll be sure to explain her differences, as surely they'd have some changes for what being Black Mask would be for them villian wise. Also I'll mention her during the begining part of season 3. Thank you for the suggestion.
Why I had Bruce warn Lois about Joker's contingency plan instead of telling Superman directly in the crossover flashback – Yeah I have been wondering a bit about it happy to get an answer to that, I pretty much assumed this was the reasoning behind it. It's understandable Lois would be able to convince Clank better as you said he can be stubborn sometimes. (Good example there) I love all of that a lot and didn't think of all that. Bruce was always a good friend to Clark and yeah he doesn't show it the best, it fits perfectly he'd do that.
Caroline Dries says that Luke and Mary are destined to be together – Yeah I could tell that was the direction they were heading so yes I'll be doing that I gave some hints maybe it was to subdue I'm planning on having Luke panic once Mary goes missing and someone mentions his deep concern. I'm thinking they'll be officially together in season 4, maybe start stuff in season 3. I just don't want to overshadow Kate and Maggie at all as their story begins, that's my thinking right now. 100% it'll be canon and I already imagine Kate making a joke or comment about them taking forever to admit their feeling and being happy for them both.
Random Topics (Part II):
Does this sound ridiculous or what? – It was pretty ridiculous. They should've found some sort of solution if that was the case. (That didn't age well, I mention that below)
In regards to your response of Cassandra nearly holding her own against the female Ghost-Maker – She is without a doubt. It makes a lot of sense the team would believe they'd be able to beat Ghost-Maker with them out numbering her and being a team, it makes sense too Ghost-Maker would be the best fighter above the rest, besides Cassandra. I like how she's surprised by Cassandra being a much better fighter than expected and able to hold her own against her, I love the moves you described as well it's pretty cool sounding. Love too Cassandra's determination to not let her friends die and trying to speak. It's amazing as well the only reason why Cassandra doesn't win the fight is due to her refusing to kill and smart on Ghost Maker to pick up quickly on her morals and take advantage of that. Another great idea having Ghost-Maker show respect towards Cassandra's skills and regretful of not getting to have her as an apprentice as I'm sure they'd be an incredibly dangerous force. Along with seeing Cassandra's skills makes her not kill Kate's team out of some twisted respect she has in her mind. It's amazing stuff and I'm excited to build on Ghost-Maker and Cassandra's conflict.
More details about the female Ghost-Maker – I like all of those extra details are will be sure to include them all when she appears thank you.
My Thinking about Kate finding Bruce – That's a very intresting way of bring back Bruce eventually into the series, it makes sense that he'd leave a trail that only someone close could figure out to find his location one day. I figured the same he'd be in good shape still, but not shaving his face like he used to. It's great too Talia would be able to find him as she knows him well and certainly seems like somebody who'd be able to find anybody that they'd really want to and the continuity. I'm excited to write about Kate and Bruce finally getting to catch up and giving them both closure over the loss of Beth and their mom, it's clear Bruce felt a ton of guilt from that and Kate for never knowing the truth. Along with the question of if Bruce did kill the Joker. It's understandable Kate wouldn't believe this to be the truth and makes sense they'd decide to fight over this conflict and so Bruce can come home knowing he'd accept the terms of the agreement. I like that Kate would beat him as she's learnt a lot in her time as Batwoman and he's not been in a fight in a long time, along with that how Kate lets him win ultimately remembering what Talia had told her in the past. It's nice Kate and Bruce open up after the fight. It makes sense that Bruce would still blame himself for crossing the line and feeling lost after leaving the Joker for dead and the members of the time feeling disquested by Bruce doing that believing he snapped and everything they stood for ruined. I love very much what Kate says to Bruce about never losing faith in him. Along with how her words get though to Bruce having seen how much she's grown. It's great as well Bruce giving Kate that way of contacting them if he or Alfriad is ever needed. That rare smile at the end is a nice touch too. Finally I love the pay off to Bruce finally coming back upon the Joker making his return to Gotham. I loved all of that you posted about Kate and Bruce, it'll be incredible getting to write that episode down the road.
In regards to your series' version of Damian Wayne – I like that idea a whole lot I'm sure that'd end up being a super cool looking costume, a cross between the two. Wish sometimes I could draw to picture these better another great costume idea thank you.
If he ever shows up, his Robin costume should be a cross between the Robin costume in the 2021 "Robin" comic book series and the Robin costume seen in the Injustice 2 video game; while sporting a similar color scheme to the former.
In regards to Madam Crow – I was kinda thinking of doing it as well eventually glad you agree. Fear State seems very interesting I'm all for a Scarecrow event as he is my favorite villain in DC. (Sad to hear the current writer is leaving, hopefully Ghost Maker will stick around and the Gardener will get development. Hard to tell when new writers come along)
I think she should attempt your series' version of Fear State; like what is currently going on in the comics.
Renee Montoya appearing on Batwoman - I feel like this was going to happen eventually, which is worse some to me anyways, but bringing back the person who temporary played her on Gotham is kinda intresting. Just with how the show is, I'm not sure if this second chance is going to pay off. I'm concerned what Batwoman is going to do with her with the trackrecord and this makes me feel more conficted if I really want to stop watching even more now or want to watch just out of ceriousty. I wish she'd have gotten a Question show or movie on HBO MAX or something instead of showing up on Batwoman. (Apparently Black Canary is getting a movie, hope it's good. Fingers crossed for Huntress love)
Constantine news and embargo - I'm sure you heard about Constantine leaving Legends, (or if you watch it, understandable if not) I don't remember if it was confirmed or not, but it seemed like an embargo thing from what I heard which is a annoying if that is true. Regardless too bad he leaving, I think I've given up on Legends or will with season 7, but Constantine was always nice to have around, it was cool the actor got a second chance for a bit. Anyways. I wanted to just get a chance to say how much I hate that embargo stuff, it'd be really cool if that wasn't around. I remember it hurting the forth season of Arrow. Thank goodness for no embargoes for fan fiction.
PS. That is wonderful news and I'm very glad to hear that your family got it. Hopefully by the time slow old me finally gets this out everything will be all worked out for you and your family. Best wishes.
Supergirl - I'm not sure about the time either, hopefully like you said it's okay. I do regret not having the knowledge of that happening, I'm not sure if it'd be possible to rewrite parts of the old chapters. (I'm not sure if that is a feature on the site) I guess two possibilities to cover this would be, 1 assuming Kara dies or never returns to that time period, Kate can express her sadness of not checking on Kara not knowing about the whole Phantom Zone thing and maybe wondering why Kara never told her. Or 2 assuming she doesn't die/is still active could try to squish in another visit with Kara in season 2 or in 3 which could work better. Then they can talk about it and I think Kara would admit she didn't want to worry her friend as she could tell she already had a lot on her plate, but Kate would still feel a bit hurt by not knowing, though understanding her reasoning. I'm not sure, just some thoughts. I figure Supergirl will finish by the time I get to episode 17-18 of Batwoman with my rate of output these past few months.
Tv Batwoman returning - I've taken so long that I can't believe it, but the show is nearly back. I'm writing this on October second, I don't plan on watching the show this year. It drained me a bit last year and I feel quite sure that side project is dead so I have no point in caring about that and want to give this my full focus. (Also cause I believe Ryan's brother will become Scarecrow "2.0" just with all the mentions towards him and this. "As a child Marquis had a run-in with one of Batman's more dangerous villains and his personality was forever changed, causing him to find delight in the suffering and terror of others, which can only be kept in check by his mother." So, my bet would be during the final few episodes or so, "Scarecrow" killing Ryan's mom will come to pass. Just my random theory.
Oh yeah, I woke up today on October 20th and I intended on finally finishing this, of course as I did Ruby Rose dropped the bomb on the CW and the even more awful showrunner I can't believe that whole mess.
Expending delays and more apologies - I'm writing this on August 25th 3am, currently I'm at 5k for the story and I forgot to fill in some parts of the response, it's nearly 2 months and that isn't good. I suspect this will be the latest chapter I've done, hopefully for the remaining years I write this. My writing has come to a halt, in truth I've not written anything besides Batwoman this month or last. It's the least amount of writing I've had in over a year, (including replying to others) my stress levels have never been this high before I admit and I'm not sure how to fix it or when it will be.
What matters to you and anyone else reading this part, I'm not giving up on the series ever, but sadly my progress has taken an unexpected hit. I think about the series everyday and want to write, but the words don't come out, until today anyways. Without music my writing would be zero, magical thing. So, please don't worry if I'm taking a while, I promise I'm not going anywhere as long as I'm alive, this series helps keep me going and the knowing people are reading, like CG, the reviews help. (and someone else special who might read this one day...) Hopefully by the beginning of next year, things will become better. As always, best wishes.
(Oh my god I can't believe I'm done, I'm leaving this in I don't care, lol. Also had no idea where to put this as I am a moment from posting, but I hope it's alright I changed The curse of the Desert Rose to, well this title, I thought it made more sense considering how much a pain that island was turning out to be and I couldn't think of anything else at the moment and I really wanted to finish it before getting sidetracked again)