Synopsis: Scarecrow's final plan comes into play, as Gotham is in grave danger and falling into panic. Batwoman and Black Bat are in a race against time to find Scarecrow before time runs out. In the final showdown, Ryan is forced to make her choice, let the man who took her mother's life continue to live or take vengeance against the man who's haunted her for years.
Batwoman and Black Bat kept on the tail of Scarecrow after having tracked the van he was in they chased after them on Kate's bike and got fired upon from the van in front of them as the doors opened revealing a gunman.
"Hold on!" Kate exclaimed and avoided the shoots being fired.
They avoided the incoming fire and Ryan tried throwing a batarang to disarm the gun, but missed as they were moving quicker then she was used to.
"This would be easier with a second vehicle." Ryan pointed out.
"Agreed, we'll figure that out later. We need to keep focused on them." Replied Kate, hitting the gas trying to get closer while keeping out of sight of the gun.
Unfortunately a car appeared alongside them making it harder for them to follow along trying to knock over the bike. Kate tried to throw a batarang at one of the wheels of the car after them making them spin out hitting a wall crashing and fired at the heroes as soon as they crashed. Quickly Kate avoided the incoming bullets and hit a lamppost bringing them to a hult.
"Dammit!" Kate exclaimed, getting over the bike to move it out of the way.
Black Bat got off immediately and rushed after the ones firing at them, quickly taking them down after tossing a batarang at them disarming the one firing. She was furious smacking down on goons who caused them to crash.
Batwoman rushed over to stop her from hurting them anymore. "We'll get him, control yourself, come on we can still get after him!"
She listened and hopped back on the bike.
"Luke, tell me you're still following him best you can." Batwoman said, checking her bike for damages.
"I am, he's pulling into an alleyway and looks like he's trying to lose you there. I'll tip off GCPD about this going on." Luke said, watching the alleyway and trying to contact help. "Oh wait oh crap. They've switched out vehicles now and the van's ditched. I see two cars going in opposite directions now and the van's heading out now."
Kate and Ryan looked at each other.
"Van." They both agreed and went after it thinking it must have been too fast of a switch to switch Scarecrow hopefully.
Quickly they rushed after it, while the other cars were getting away elsewhere. Once stopping it, they only found it was empty and on automatic drive, which was hightech for a rundown van. Likely something supplied by Safiyah.
"We need to get after them!" Ryan exclaimed furious for losing them.
"Luke, we need to know where they are right now!" Kate said to him.
He kept watching all the cameras. "I'm on it, only problem is they could be in either one I can't get a clear look. The windows are blackened, I think it'd be best to wait it out unfortunately and for Montoya to send backup after them."
Kate sighed and understood it was the better call. "Black Bat, we should check on that alleyway. For clues until we get an update. We've got to wait until we get actionable intel or we'd be wasting our time."
She sighed. "Your right Batwoman, let's get him the smartest way we can." Ryan replied, feeling her aggressiveness towards Scarecrow increasing drastically with every moment passing.
Batwoman
Casting Ruby Rose is Batwoman
Vanessa Morgan is Ryan Wilder
Stephanie Beatriz is Renee Montoya.
Ben Whinshaw is Scarecrow (But older)
Adesua Etomi-Wellington is Knife (Tahani)
Grace Gummer is Whisper.
The heroes searched the alleyway, easily discovering a walkie talkie laid out on the ground for them. Batwoman scanned it before touching it, while Black Bat stood back a few feet in case a trap was sprung.
In a way it was a trap, Scarecrow immediately started speaking while she held it in her hand. "Batwoman? Or your partner? Curious which one of you grabbed it first."
"Crane. This ends tonight." Batwoman replied angrily.
"Agreed, for better or worse. How's your sister? I'm referring to the yappy one. Both are quite talkative aren't they? Mary, how is she after all the excitement?"
Batwoman grit her teeth. "You tried to hurt her and Sophie, gassed both of them. If you think you're going to walk out of this with every bone in your body intact you're going to be very disappointed." She threatened.
"Sounding a lot like your predecessor, threats like that." Scarecrow replied not threatened by her comments. "In fairness, I truthly didn't want harm to come to either one of them. Safiyah is the one requesting their suffering, I had nothing to gain by harming them." He admitted.
"Doesn't change anything, Safiyah doesn't have to control your actions. Everything you've done has been your choice, you can't put the blame onto her." Kate replied.
He paused for a moment. "I wasn't implying such, untirely. Safiyah is a master manipulator and still has a lot of resources at her disposal. I'd say you'd be surprised by how much she's got left to throw at you."
Batwoman looked over at Black Bat. "What's the point of this? Leaving this to communicate, to glot?"
"Not exactly, I'm curious about Alice, my assumption she's in your custody. A fascinating woman, with her fractured mind, as you're aware. Did she ever tell you? I saw her back then, with Cartwight I was interested in my friend's capture. My late friend." He left an unsettling pause after saying that. "You have quite the history with him too don't you? After all, you're the last person to see him alive aren't you?" He stated.
Batwoman remained calm. "What's your point?"
"Denial I see? Typical. Let me speak to your partner." He replied disappointed.
Black Bat looked at her confused by what he was referring to, but dropped thinking about it nodding at her taking the communicator. "What do you want, Scarecrow?"
"Hello child, I've realized our time shall be coming to an end sooner than later. I wished to speak to you. I hoped we'd get to speak face to face sooner, if not for the intervention of your partner. A lot would've been different." He claimed.
"How so huh? You want to screw with my head, like those other poor people?" She said furious recalling those events.
He sighed. "Safiyah told me to leave those poor souls as traps. They were my patients and I didn't want to lose them. Would you believe the woman enjoys using people as weapons, unexpectedly. Lives mean nothing to her."
Black Bat was holding back her anger with her next words. "Like you gave a damn about anyone's life? My mother's life. All of the others you've killed over the years. You're one to talk alright you son of-." She stopped herself from snapping.
"I understand your anger, those poor people, as you call them, we're in pain and need someone to cure their trauma. All of their fears, I saved them." He continued to claim.
"You're insane and we're coming for you. So sit tight and get ready to surrender." Ryan replied, saying it angered.
"If you insist, you'll both be seeing your mothers soon enough if you continue down this path. If not myself, then Safiyah. Or someone else, all these heroics are pointless and will result in your deaths." He stated coldly.
Both heroes looked at each other.
Ryan looked confident and responded. "You don't understand the first thing about being selfless and caring about other people. We'll never stop until our last breaths to keep people safe, we'll do everything we can to help. A hero doesn't hurt people like you have or kill defenseless people."
Kate looked away as Ryan said that part, thinking of Cartwright.
You're a monster Scarecrow, you enjoy seeing others suffer. Someone good wouldn't do that, even a flawed person knows the difference between good and evil, knows when they're crossing a line. You don't give a damn about that. You're not a hero and it's something you couldn't possibly ever understand." She replied.
Scarecrow didn't respond to that and cowardly stopped speaking, making it static.
"You did good Ryan, you sounded sure of yourself." Kate said to her proudly.
Ryan nodded, with some slight hesitation. "Yeah I do believe it."
With a smile Kate turned away and stepped away contacting Luke.
As she did, Ryan's mind went elsewhere.
Ryan remembered her mother's voice telling her that work would nearly be over and that they'd have ice cream the following day after both would get some sleep. Unfortunately that wouldn't come to pass, the memories were still unclear until this point in her mind. It was becoming clearer everyday. Screams could be heard and Ryan never did forget her mother's reaction and the last time they had spoken to each other. The good times didn't seem as clear as the years passed.
She held her tightly. "Ryan, I need you to be safe okay? Please hide until the bed and don't make a sound until I come to get you okay?" She gently touched some of the braids in Ryan's hair and kissed her. "I love you so much Ryan, always and forever."
"I love you too always and forever too." Ryan said looking scared.
"I'll be back for you, I promise. Everything will be okay I swear. I'll be back before you know it, my little brave beautiful angel." She said with a smile and kissed her one more time before leaving the empty patient room stepping out into the hallway trying to help people get to safety.
Ryan didn't dare move from her spot and kept watch, having a clear view of the doorway. She wondered what was happening, but didn't even think of moving after all she didn't want to worry her mom.
Shortly, a loud sound of something breaking occurred and young Ryan could see her mother again for a moment rushing towards the sound, then stepping back into view putting up her hands.
"Please you don't have to do this! Nobody else has to get hurt!" She exclaimed to an unseen person, but Ryan knew now who it was, Scarecrow.
"I greatly respect your bravery and your compassion for these people. I hope this experience shall help you grow." He said, gassing her.
Ryan's mother crawled into the room where Ryan was hiding, reaching out to her then grabbing her chest in great pain. Scarecrow glanced inside of the room seeing her on the ground and seemed to look at Ryan, but it wasn't clear as he continued walking along outside of her view.
Her mother held out her hand telling her to stay put and then fell limb not moving anymore staring at Ryan. It was horrifying for her, but she listened to her mother's wishes crying softly.
"Ryan? Are you okay?" Kate asked, looking at her seeing she was distant.
She stopped remembering the past and looked over at Kate nodding. "Yeah I'm fine, just thinking about Scarecrow's next move." She lied.
"Good news, hopefully Luke has found his location and alerted Montoya she'll meet us there. He's cornered and not a sign of the airship. Which is suspicious, but it means he won't be getting away." Declared Kate.
"Then let's get moving." Ryan replied, grabbing onto the radio and hopping on Kate's bike quickly.
Elsewhere, Mary and Sophie had gone to a hospital after the attack occurred calling on Julia to help watch over them in case of more trouble and soon Jacob Kane was notificated rushing down there to check on them.
"What happened?" He asked them, looking concerned.
"It was Crane sir, he came for Mary." Sophie replied.
Julia looked over at her. "And both of you were gassed by that psychopath."
"I'm sorry this happened, how long were you both exposed?" He asked.
"A few minutes sir, nothing to worry about." Sophie said, while Julia grabbed her hand tightly pulling her closer.
He looked at Mary as she looked awkward. "I uh, I got exposed for a minute then Batwoman showed up."
"Coincidentally, she appeared just in the nick of time. Wonderful." Jacob said frustrated.
"If not for Batwoman dad, that freaking psychopath would've killed Sophie! And probably me too, he needed to be stopped!" Mary exclaimed.
"You're right Mary, but this should've never happened in the first place, The Crows should've apprehended Crane by now and found evidence to put Safiyah away.. Enough people have been affected by these monsters." He expressed frowning.
Mary looked guilty. "Dad, don't be too hard on yourself."
"Where's Kate? Have you heard from her, this could be a target on our family after everything with Coryana." Jacob reasoned.
"Yeah, I called her as soon as I was safe and warned her. She's safe dad, don't worry about her." Mary replied with a smile trying to avoid suspicion.
He nodded. "I'm going to increase the security on you until we have Scarecrow and Safiyah Sohail in custody!"
She looked unsure about that, but looked over at Sophie who did look bothered still by her experience being gassed. "Yeah, you should do that. And you should be totally giving Sophie some time off, she did her best to keep me safe." She smiled at her.
"You're right, she deserves some R&R. How does that sound, Moore?" He asked looking over at her and she looked grateful.
While they did, Jacob got radioed by some of the Crows. "Sir, we're heading down a lead after Scarecrow, should we take it in full?"
"Yeah, get Crane. I'll be back in the office in a couple of hours." He said looking over at Mary, Sophie and Julia wanting to keep an eye on them personally now.
Batwoman and Black Bat arrived at the docks where Scarecrow was held up at with a small army standing guard watching over the place, there weren't any boats around and none that had arrived, nor left. Montoya had set up a perimeter with a lot of her officers and the Crows were arriving as well coming to keep on guard.
"Looks like we've got a bunch of bad guys to take down first." Ryan said, looking over at her partner and back again at the trouble ahead.
Montoya approached them. "What are you both thinking of doing here?"
Batwoman looked over at her and the thugs on guard thinking. Then an answer came to them via the radio found earlier.
"Hello. I have a demand, a very specific one that needs to be followed." Scarecrow said from the radio and the three of them listened close.
Black Bat handed it over to Batwoman. "What do you want?"
"Simple, I want you and Black Bat to come onto the ship, now. Nobody else moves forward or you'll be having to deal with multiple blocks of the city that get engulfed in fear." He threatened. "And don't test to see if I'm bluffing."
"Alright, we'll go." Batwoman replied and the communication stopped.
"This is a trap isn't it? And how can we be certain he won't still release the fear gas? He could be trying to trick us, lead us away from his real target again." Black Bat proposed.
Batwoman nodded. "It could be, but we can't take the chance. Come on, let's hope for the best."
Black Bat was skeptical, but agreed following along.
"We're watching your back." Montoya said to them.
One of the Crows in charge approached her after the heroes got out of ear shot. "We're going in regardless of what he said, we can't be taking a risk of letting him escape due to their incompetence."
Montoya glared at him. "Do you want to get innocent people to get into danger? You heard what he said and you should know what he's capable of. And where is your commander, I highly doubt you have the authority to do that. "
The Crow looked uncertain. "Okay, we'll wait. You better hope your heroes don't screw everything up." He walked off back to his time.
She sighed looking at him walking off. "I hope so too." Montoya said, thinking of all the crimes committed by Scarecrow over the years.
Batwoman and Black Bat walked into the ship seeing all the armed guards staring at them holding their positions. Arrows were on the ground pointing them towards their assumed destination.
"This isn't right, what is he after?" Black Bat questioned keeping her voice down.
"Mind games would be my guess, he's over confident, talks a lot and we'll use it against him." Batwoman replied, looking over at her whispering back.
Black Bat nodded in agreement, feeling uneasy.
While they spoke Scarecrow was watching every step they were taking and listening in closely to their words.
"Very insulting." He muttered to himself working on something on a computer listening to their comments.
The guard keeping an eye on him cleared their throat. "Sir, why are we letting them inside without a fight? I don't understand."
Scarecrow turned over to look at them. "It's very simple, most of our supply of helpers happen to work for Safiyah first and foremost. I lack any care about them assisting us in our battle, I want them to be taken away. It'll be very funny. I'm already a failure in the eyes of Safiyah." He admitted.
"The plan is to spite Safiyah?" They asked confused.
"Indeed it is. And to have some fun before the grand finale. Don't worry, everything is in motion, they can't stop us now even if they understood what was coming." He explained gleefully in tone, enjoying sharing his plans. "Ah, just in time all finished." He stood up and processed to dismantle the computer, breaking it entirely. "Throw some gasoline on it and make sure it burns. The flames won't spread outside of the room." He said and left heading into the next room, a more opened one. He grabbed the radio.
The heroes heard it making a sound.
"You're likely to approach two doors if you're not already looking at them." He began saying, as they both saw said doors.
One had Black Bat written on it. The other Batwoman.
"Step though the correct doors, or I'll set off my gas bombs. No funny business, you two do care about innocent lives correct?"
"How do we know they're not death traps?" Batwoman was furious by his demand.
Scarecrow paused. "You don't. Life has risks, how about you take one?"
They looked at each other and accepted it, stepping through both of their doors.
Batwoman entered a room with a long glass window, like an integration room and spotted a figure enter, it was Black Bat. The doors locked behind them both.
In Ryan's room a figure stepped out of the darkness holding the radio and smashed it under their foot. It was Scarecrow.
A young Ryan hid away trying to not make a sound, but a dark figure was walking around and coming closer towards her. They approached Ryan's mother seeing her eyes were open and looking towards Ryan, the figure closed them gently. It was terrifying she didn't know who it was, keeping silent seemed like her best choice, but it didn't work. The black figure approached closer and kneeled down in front of her, not looking so terrifying anymore.
"Dear god." They said to themself softly looking around the room where Ryan's mother died, realizing she saw it. "I'm sorry. You're safe now, he's gone. I won't let anyone hurt you." He said softly, holding out his hand. "Close your eyes."
Ryan started to cry and went towards them seeing clearly now, it was Batman. He put his arms around her, giving her a hug.
Batman picked her up and covered her eyes. She could see despite all the stories she heard of The Batman, he wasn't so scary in person right now.
A few officers watched surprised as he brought the young Ryan to safety outside of the hospitel, it was uncommon to see Batman doing something like this. His focus was on Ryan only until getting her to paramedics.
She saw and overheard the then commissioner James Gordan starting to speak to Batman.
"Did she see what happened?" Gordon asked, looking over at her.
"Saw her mother die, Jim." Batman replied softly.
Gordon looked greatly saddened. "We'll try to find some relatives. Poor child, nobody should ever witness something like that."
Batman said nothing, but it was still clear what was going through his mind.
Another officer approached. "Scarecrow's on his way to Arkham commissioner."
He looked distracted by Ryan's situation. "Yes, fine, that's good."
Batman looked at Gordon. "Make sure she'll be taken care of, I'll do everything I can too. And I'm going to figure out why Scarecrow attacked this hospitel, I've got a hunch there was a deeper meaning. " He looked back at Ryan one more time before leaving.
Gordon went to wait with her. "I'm so sorry this happened to you, words can't express that. You'll be safe now, I promise. Do you have any family?"
She shook her head. "Nobody."
"I understand, your mother was a good person. We know she tried to save people inside of the hospitel and she did. We're look after you, I promise we'll do everything we can, I know of a safe place for you if we can't find any family." Gordon said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Ryan nodded understanding, but didn't know what else to say. Gordon understood and didn't say anything else.
Batwoman desperately hit the glass, not being able to creak it and started trying to cut into it with her batarang.
"Stop, now Batwoman. This is between her and I. You can be an observer, but nothing more, I'm afraid." He said coldly, as she tried shouting out to Black Bat with no avail. "It's all been about this moment, me and you. All your life you waited for this moment haven't you, Ms. Wilder? Have the man who murdered your mother at your marcy?"
She looked unsure of how to respond to that, it was true, but she didn't want her fantasies to become reality. "What do you want from me, you psychopath?"
He looked disappointed. "Your opinions are always so low of me."
"Oh, I wonder why that'd be the case. What the hell do you want from me, answer the question!" Ryan persisted angered.
"Giving you the opportunity you always wanted." He responded and raised his weapon of choice swinging at her.
Ryan avoided and started to fight back grabbing a hold of his weapon, hitting him in the face with its none sharp side. Pinning him to the ground. Crane however sprayed her with fear toxin getting her off.
"Oh? Having trouble? I'd say it's time to face your fears." He said sinisterly as his voice became more inhuman sounding, kicking her face a few times. "You've left your mother's murder go unavenged, don't you care about her? About any of my victims? Are you really going to let me escape and kill you and everyone you love? Aren't you a hero? Do you want the love of your life to know how much you suffered and to know how much pain she'll be in during her final moments?" He kept on talking, but Ryan was starting to tune it out, trying desperately to.
"Trying not to listen, won't work. I'm a part of your mind. No matter what you do, there is no escape from me. Poor, little, girl." Scarecrow claimed and kicked her stomach a couple of times. "Your mother is gone and it's all my doing, doesn't it make you furious? How powerless you are, how you've gotten so close to victory and failed in the end."
She was very disoriented, wasn't even sure if the words she was hearing were real anymore, but she didn't care her mind was becoming clear, she grabbed an antidote using it on herself. After doing so, she lunged at him knocking him down, beating on him and ripping off the mask he wore.
"I'm sick of your games. Of all the truma you've caused me. Your rain of terror is over, this is going to end today!" She kept on hitting him, making his face bloody. "I won't let you kill anyone else I love! All the nightmares and pain you've caused in your miserable life." She kept on hitting him and grabbed his throat. "I'm ending this now!"
"Come on, do it. Finish it. Save the people you love." He said calmly and weekly.
Ryan sighed and hit him one more time before standing back up. "No, no. This isn't who I want to be. My mom wouldn't want this, Ms. Lewis wouldn't, Kate wouldn't want it, nobody that cares about me would want me to kill you. And I certainly don't want this, I'm not this person." She said to herself.
"I'll never stop, the nightmares could end after you have your vengeance. They did it for me, so why not do it?" Questioned Scarecrow.
"I'm nothing like you, I'll never be like you. I refuse to be anything like you, evil bastard that you are. This isn't something I'll ever let myself turn into, a monster, a killer." She stated, getting in his face. "It's over."
Scarecrow shook his head in disagreement. "It isn't over, not yet. I see the darkness inside of you, all of that anger and hatred. You'll be destroyed letting it stay inside of you, let it out." He said calmly and tried to attack her once again.
"No, I'm taking you in." She replied, grabbing onto him and twisted his arm. "Let Kate and I go!"
He looked annoyed. "Fine, you both are able to leave. Safiyah's people will be down as soon as we leave. I'm surprised by the choice you made."
The doors opened and the two heroes were reunited again.
"Ryan, are you okay?" Kate asked immediately, not caring about the code name in this case considering the circumstances.
She nodded. "Yes, I just want this all to be over. Thank you Batwoman." Ryan shoved Scarecrow forwards.
They started heading out and saw Safiyah's armed guards all knocked out.
"Told you, fools should've checked their guns. Gave them a nonlethal shock." Scarecrow claimed with a nasty smirk.
"Why?" Batwoman questioned, puzzled.
"Why not?" Is all he had to say.
Elsewhere Jacob approached Mary, Sophie and Julia looking very relieved with the news that had been received. "Jonathan Crane has been apprehended, he'll be heading back to Arkham for the rest of his miserable life. We're going to have increased security, he'll never be escaping again. After all he's done, no chances are going to be taken."
Mary sighed in relief. "Thank goodness! That guy was giving me the creeps and I never want to see him again. Thank you very much!" She exclaimed.
"Of course Safiyah is still out there, I'm going to need to increase the security present watching you. I won't let something like this happen again on my watch." He said determined and furious.
"Okay, thank you." Mary said awkwardly, crossing her arms.
"I'm going to go make sure the team gets here. I'll be back shortly." He said walking off.
Mary looked over at Sophie and Julia. "You know, I just realized, I probably won't be able to work at my clinic will I? Should've thought this over better!" She exclaimed, while trying to keep her voice down.
"I'm sorry Mary, I know how much that place means to you." Sophie replied putting a hand on her shoulder.
Mary went in for a hug. "Thank you Sophie, I appreciate that. You tried your best to protect me and I feel so badly for putting you in danger. I guess that's something caring so much for my clinic did, putting your life in danger." She frowned.
"You were saving lives at your clinic, of course you wanted to keep working there and not let everything happening make you be afraid. It was brave." Sophie said.
"Right on that, you were extremely brave Mary." Julia added.
"Thank you, both of you. Well, maybe it'll be nice having a bit of a vacation. And I have something else to figure out." She said cryptically.
"Which is what?" Julia questioned.
"Oh you, uh fashion stuff." Mary replied, lying pretty badly, but neither woman questioned her any further.
Mary thought back to when she was gassed by Scarecrow and how it barely affected her, only for a few seconds she started to feel fear, then nothing from it. That was a mystery that needed to be solved.
Back with Batwoman and Black Bat, they brought Scarecrow over to Montoya's large number of officers. They were waiting for a significant amount of transport security to make sure there wasn't a chance of something going wrong on the way to Arkham.
"You made the right call, Black Bat." Kate said to Ryan kindly.
She nodded back. "I certainly hope so."
Montoya approached them. "I'm surprised all those guys got taken down so easily. No honor among territories. Learn anything about Safiyah's next move? Or that airship, still missing, not to mention the threats he made." She pointed out with concern.
"No clue, besides the threat about gassing the city was a bluff. He would've done something by now, all Crane was after was us. Hopefully you'll be able to get him to talk." Batwoman responded.
Ryan stepped up to him while being guarded waiting for the transport to arrive.
"Part of me always felt it would end this way. I hoped you'd not finish me off, would've been far less interesting seeing you fall apart." He said, looking directly at her.
"Funny, you didn't give that impression. You wanted to break me, I was very close to killing you. Part of me still wants to end your miserable life, but no. I rather you see rot in a jail cell for the rest of your miserable life." She replied, getting in his face.
Crane chuckled softly to himself.
"Why are you laughing? Am I missing something?" She asked, looking furious.
He nodded with a frown. "You haven't been listening, your listening skills need some work desperately. If you had been, the outcome would have already been clear."
"What outcome?" She persisted, wanting to know what he was on about.
"No matter what you do now, I'll be a part of you. Even in your most private moments you'll remember me and everything I've done. We have an unbreakable bond, fueled by hate and fascination. Both our mothers died in that hospital, both of us had a drastic life changing moment in that building. I am always going to haunt you, even when I'm gone and don't think for a second my work shall end today. Goodbye child." He said sinisterly with a smirk as a knife appeared out of nowhere into his back though his chest.
Ryan looked mortified by this turn of events. "You can't die now! This isn't how it's meant to go!" She shouted at him.
"Like I said, if you listened better, child- doesn't matter, I'll be there with you forever. You'll never escape-" He didn't finish his sentence falling over, dead.
Batwoman looked out for where the weapon was thrown, as did every police officer while Black Bat looked down at him, shocked by his death. Naturally the killer was Knife and Batwoman rushed after her.
"Stop!" Batwoman shouted at her, throwing a warning batarang at her and quickly chased her on the rooftops, managing to jump her, knocking her down. "Why did you do it?" She immediately asked and got hit in the face.
Knife stepped back and smirked. "He wasn't a good man. It's sad you're angry with me for ending his miserable life. The world is a fair better place now he's dead and besides he crossed Safiyah one too many times. Crossing The Many Arms of Death means you die." She explained.
"Killing is killing. And your psycho boss has made many expectations for me now hasn't she?" She responded angrily.
Knife was hurt by that remark as it was true and angered her, but she tried to hide those feelings deep down ignoring the words. "Really? The now departed doctor once hinted towards you taking a life. And don't forget, you trained when you were younger to use a gun, to kill as a soldier. I'm killing for my people, not that different is it?" She replied, trying to aggravate her.
Batwoman shook her head. "He was already in custody, killing a man heading to jail isn't justified and that doesn't excuse all the others you've no doubt killed for Safiyah and the rest of her sick people in your Many Arms of Death." She shot back and started trying to fight her, disarming her knife.
"He deserved a death sentence and this city doesn't have it anymore. It's very pitiful. This city is filled with filth and I have a feeling your partner would be grateful that the monster is gone forever now!" She exclaimed revealing another knife in her sleeve trying to shove it into Kate's face, who in response to this attack kicked her from the lags knocking her back to the ground shoving her face onto the roof.
"You should know by now you can't beat me, Knife." Batwoman said to her.
"I don't have to win today, this isn't over, not by a longshot." She claimed and some pirates showed up behind her attacking Batwoman long enough for Knife to get away, however she did manage to take down her attackers, now having more of Safiyah's people brought into custody. By now she'd have to be running low on people at the rate she was losing them.
After unsuccessfully picking up Knife's trail, Kate went back to check up on Ryan quite concerned about her well-being after the death of Scarecrow right in front of her.
"R-Black Bat. Are you okay?" She immediately asked, almost using her real name genuinely concerned and semi frustrated having to stick to code names.
She shook her head. "No, I don't know. Should I be grateful he's dead? I have no clue how I should be feeling right now. You didn't find Knife?" She said switching the matter.
Batwoman shook her head. "No. She got away, but caught more of Safiyah's people, The Many Arms of Death have to be suffering from all these losses."
Montoya came up to them. "I can't believe Crane's dead, after everything he's done a knife to the back while in our custody." She pondered.
"You couldn't have seen it coming." Batwoman said, turning to her.
"It's our job to see unexpected threats, at least it was a terror to this city on a brighter side of things. The city can at least know he's gone for good now. Nobody will be losing sleep over him again." She replied.
Black Bat continued looking unsure and silent.
"Perhaps we should leave, doesn't appear as there is anything else we can do today." Batwoman pointed out and looked concerned at Ryan, who nodded in agreement about leaving the scene.
"Of course, thank you for the help today. It always helps. Stay safe you two." Montoya said to the heroes.
They walked away and headed towards the bike.
"Montoya's right, the city is better off at least with him gone." Ryan said.
Kate nodded. "It sounded like he said a lot of horrible things to you, I wish I could've busted in that room. I wasn't sure if he was bluffing or not."
"It's okay, don't worry, I'll be fine." She said, unconvincingly.
As they drove off, Ryan didn't really say a word, understandingly so. Her eyes were focused on the city streets as they drove, paying attention to the scenery, not able or wanting to think of the events that transpired.
Shortly the two heroes returned to the batcave, having Luke immediately greet them.
"What happened? I heard chatter Scarecrow was murdered?" He asked.
They both nodded and Ryan walked away unsuiting herself.
Kate sighed. "It was Knife and she got away. Safiyah wanted to make a message out of killing him, failure means death. Whatever her next move is going to be, it'll be very dangerous I'm sure of it. She could access bioweapons made by him."
"Yeah, it's possible, but we're going to get her. Have you heard from Mary?" He then asked. "I already talked to her, she's fine thank goodness."
Kate shook her head disappointed. "I was thinking of it, but I'm worried about Ryan."
Speaking of which, Ryan came over. "Hey, I think I might head home if that's alright with you two?" She wondered.
"Of course, it's okay. How are you doing?" Kate questioned again.
"I'm okay, you two don't have to worry, I'll be alright I promise." She said unsure. "I'll see you both tomorrow, goodnight. Ur, day?" She departed.
Kate frowned quite worried about her, but didn't want to keep her there if she didn't want to be there right then. Her mind switched over to Mary. "We could go together, check up on how she's doing in person, how does that sound?"
"What about Alice?" Luke asked.
"She'll be fine. We should see Mary, Alice doesn't matter right now." Kate replied, as Luke looked as if he agreed. So they both headed out as well and made sure the cave was secured before they left.
Elsewhere Safiyah was in her office on her island and soon had one of her assistants come in. "I'm sorry to bother you, but we received a message from Crane. We scanned it for viruses." They claimed.
She nodded. "Put it on my screen and leave." She replied coldly and they rightfully listened to her.
"Hello, Safiyah. I assume if you're receiving this message my end has arrived, at your hands naturally otherwise I'd not be sending this unamused message. I am in fact dead certainly, but I had not much of a desire to continue onwards, it's my prodigy's turn to continue on with the legacy. I believe the chances of her being quite unhappy about my demise is likely so, meaning surely she'll seek revenge against you. Not today mind you, there is a lot of work to be done, maybe not even this year. Rest assured, before my final gift to Gotham is completed, you'll have paid for your treachery. So, consider this a goodbye and a declaration that you should be looking over your shoulder for sometime, until your final punishment arrives."
Safiyah was unamused by this, but the recording continued as did her rage building increasingly so.
It's funny how life works, my end coming to me by an insane woman who barely knows herself at all and can't move past all you had when you were younger. Having more hope for the future back then didn't you? After all, you dreamed of a life with Kate Kane and you're in denial that it's far too late for those dreams. All you have left are broken dreams, poor pitiful woman. I do pity you truthly, it's a tragedy the life you've been handed, but I suppose it's not just what life handed you, this is your own fault. Perhaps if you made better choices, everything could've been better. No, you demanded power and that's the hestarticel thing about people such as your unintelligent self. Power is all that matters and you'll live long enough to see it ripped all away. After all, Batwoman is going to beat you. The flaws you carry will be your downfall and it's far too late to change the course, that isn't how human nature works. Enjoy your sinking ship Safiayh, I hope Kate Kane will visit you in prison." The message ended.
Sitting there now, Safiyah stared at the recording and destroyed her monitor, throwing it across the room. "Riot in hell." She said furious and couldn't shake the feeling of his final words cutting deeply.
Her assistant came in. "Is everything-"
The question was cut off. "Erase the message, make sure there isn't a single copy left. I want it gone!" She shouted.
Ryan returned home finally, finding her love waiting for her and immediately rushing up to her grabbing onto her. "Oh my god, I was so worried about you. Everything with Scarecrow, I was so scared you might've been hurt and your phone was going right to voicemail."
"I'm so sorry for that, I don't know what happened, after I saw everything happening and now that he's dead, I've been flustered. Unable to think clearly about anything." Ryan admitted and sat on the floor feeling overwhelmed. "He's dead and I have no idea how I should be feeling right now."
Her love smiled. "He's dead! That's what you should focus on, he's a goner, a dead man! No more nightmares, he can't hurt you ever again."
"Yeah, yes you're right he can't." She replied.
"This should be a time for celebration! That bastard is finally gone. It feels great to say that, I hope he suffered when he died, after all the pain he put you through, he damn well deserved it!" She exclaimed happily.
Ryan looked uncomfortable. "I appreciate you wanting us to celebrate, it's just been a long night. Could I take a raincheck?"
She nodded. "Of course, we can just head to bed now. That's always good too." Whisper smiled brightly at her love and kissed her deeply. I love you so much Ryan Wilder and I'm so glad that chapter of your life is over."
Again, her uncertainty was clearly on her mind, but her love wasn't exactly noticing this which was upsetting. "Love you too." She replied back softly and together they headed up stairs, while Scarecrow's final words played over and over again in her head, Ryan couldn't help wondering if this cruelty in his last moment was true. She didn't want to believe it, but part of her felt doubt and that part wouldn't stop bringing it to the surface. They laid down and stayed close to each other, without Whisper, this all wouldn't have been manageable, but being next to the love of her life, she managed to fall asleep putting aside the feeling for now. Managing to have a goodnight sleep for the first time since his return.
In Response To C.G
Thank you, I apologize for slowing down a bit. Ultimately it was for the best. Thanks to your posting for the next two episodes I've got a good feeling that they will come out faster. (Also my internet went out the night I played on posting of course, very ironic) I had gotten slower after writing for a large amount the past month for that Spider-Man series I have, it fell greatly behind what I intended in the process of writing it so I was trying to figure that one out.
Also I was finding it harder than I thought I would have in Scarecrow's final in person appearance. Along with more personnel issues. I'll be sure to get back on track with the next chapter as I'm looking forward to finishing season 2 after about 1/half years.
I'm sorry for screwing up there with Mary, I had intended on doing that, but I miswrote it. You are correct that I wanted it to be foreshadowing for the coming events in season 3 and the Crows being loyal to Brain Krauser acting in that manner, liking his leadership and accepting acts like that. Glad you found it shocking that was intended and to show why Jacob is the better leader for the Crows.
My thinking in regards to Ryan's father in your series – Alrighty, I looked them up and I think that'd work well. I'd like having a villain with a history and trying to assasinate Oliver Queen would be interesting for Ryan to have that be known eventually. I'll think of something of the history behind how he's her father. Thank you, my current thoughts would be Ryan's mother didn't know who he was and was horrified at some point learning of past crimes committed by him. I think it should connect to the crying that Ryan remembers, but go deeper when I really write it. I like that he'd have a different last name. It makes sense Ryan would take the one of her mother's. I understand that, I do love the version depicted in the earlier version of the Ultimate Marvel Comics and that relationship, I'll do something like that when he appears. I love it that it'd be set up Diggle knew Ryan's mother a long time ago when she was with Ryan's father and he'd come back during season 3 for the personal reason connecting back to Ryan and that he'd tell her the truth about all of that. (Also the mention of Diggle's brother is a nice touch too) I adore this idea a lot and I'll be sure to set it up.
The Reason for my S3E1 Opening Suggestion – I love your explanation behind why you want the season 3 opening to be this way, I agree it is an amazing way of doing this and would be a very beautiful payoff to that part and a nice moment for them both. I love it a lot and it would be a very emotional moment I agree.
In regards to the curfew in Season 3 – Thank you for those extra details about The Twilight Protocol and I love it being the name for the mid season finale, it's perfect as the city transitions into that police state as you've described. Looking forward to it.
Mary's kidnapping in your Season 2 – It makes sense she'd be spending so much time trying to figure why that gas didn't affect her for very long and why it went away naturally. I love it that she'd tell Luke, that makes a lot of sense she would speak to him first. (And I'm looking forward to him learning that secret. It would be a great cliffhanger and I feel like it has already been set up she's in danger.
Joker's Portrayal in Arrowverse canon – Yeah he does seem quite manencing, I'll be sure to go with this portrayal.
Elaboration as to why I suggested that Joker dies the way he will in your series – It makes sense falling into the acid would eventually kill him. And your reasoning as to why Harley isn't affected and their daughter wouldn't not inherit the condition never becoming like him showing that, I love all of that a lot I'll be sure to do that when it finally gets to that point one day. Thank you for the explanation, makes enough sense.
Robin's Death in Arrowverse Canon – Hopefully not, it would be very cliche if that's ultimately the reason he did, it appears the Batwoman writers have that interpretation of it going that way, which is disappointing.
How Kate Speaks Fluent Chinese in your series – I like that explanation, it makes sense while working with someone speaking that language she'd wish to learn it herself. It's also a good description of that teacher, that game seems like a pretty good place to get inspiration. It seems like a cool game.
Mary's Reaction to Kate's and Maggie's relationship – I love that reaction a lot and it makes sense she'd be very excited over it, most likely liking Maggie telling she is a kind person and wanting them to be together.
Elaboration about the Batwoman and Zatanna Team-Up – That makes sense it would only be Kate at that point teaming up and I'll be sure to figure it all out with who was doing what in 2020 in the Arrowverse shows. I'm very excited for this team up when it happens later.
In regards to Gotham Knights show – Yeah, everything heard about it so far, no way it connects at all to the Arrowverse. Curious to see how it'll end up.
In regards to Brian Krauser – That's a brilliant way of introducing Brain Krauser, I'm super excited to bring him in the background and possibly give tiny hints for future episodes and his actions later on. Great idea. I was thinking of bringing him into season 2, so I'm excited to do so in a smart way.
The Spare Batsuit – I will be sure to do that, I love everything you've described for the interlude episodes. I'll be doing that, thank you it's excellent.
Ryan's Flashbacks – Hope I did those flashbacks well.
A message from Scarecrow sent to Alice - I thought in the next chapter or the following one, the team would find a message addressed to Alice and figure it'd not hurt giving it to her. The main topics would be something mentioned before early on, some claims about Mouse being potentially alive or found at least (I'm going to check what exactly I said) leaving the door open for something more with him if I choose to I kinda thought about some frankenstein esq experiment done to him in a later season once Beth's been trying to put Alice behind her, though maybe not it could be a bit weird and jumping the shark a bit. The other thing Scarecrow would hint towards is having an awareness of her tomor in somewhere and how it affected her brain, while being cryptic enough it's unclear what he means.
Kate's reaction to Mary's capture - My thought could be controversial, I believe Kate would be extremely angry by the capture and even threaten to kill Safiyah if she'd hurt Mary. In turn I think Alice might share her killing of Cartwight to cause more trouble (I don't believe I've made it so Mary and Ryan know, I was rereading my stuff and I believe I didn't have Kate reveal it, but I could be wrong) Anyways, I want it to bring into question and leave it ambiguous if Kate would kill Safiyah if pushed to that point and maybe try to establish more her refusal to kill and have Ryan be against her crossing that line of course after her experience with Scarecrow having nearly gone through with it. Not sure, just thought I'd share my thoughts.
Earth-Prime comic - I haven't yet, but I'll be sure to try reading it. I love all the suggestions you gave for their interaction in S3EP10, by the time I get there I'll be sure to include that and figure out if it's a small role for Lena or somewhat larger. I'm sure they'll be enough time to figure it all out. Thank you for letting me know about it.