A/N:
CRed1988-
Holy damn! That is a huge news for Shiva! I wonder how will Bruce react?
Patience, my friend. Patience.
Guest-
On second thought, nope! This guy gave way too much to just copy and paste. I'm positive it's the same guy! They brought up a lot of points and info, but sheesh! Honestly, the latest "review" he left might as well have said "heroes suck" for a TL;DR guy like me.
The nonstop flight to Gotham from Hong Kong was being boarded, and Lady Shiva was already in her seat in Business Class. To blend in the crowd, Eric and Onyx (Onyx using Abagail Adams as an alias) took seats in Economy Class, not too far from each other and close enough to Lady Shiva should anything occur.
It took about fifteen minutes for the plane to be fully boarded, give or take three more due to the plane's size. Afterward, the plane took off.
Shiva stared out the window, watching as Asia vanished beneath her. She then looked up to see the seatbelt light go off, showing passengers were allowed to roam. "Alright then," she said as she glanced at the old man seated next to her. "Shall we speak cordially, Sensei?"
The old man, now revealed to be one of the League of Assassin's best teachers, looked at Lady Shiva. "You never disappoint, Lady Shiva. You were always amongst the most skilled of the Assassins. Every bit my equal. I only wish I had the privilege of claiming you as my student."
"The man who has such a right is dead. Just as Ra's will be one day."
"Bite your tongue, girl."
"No."
Sensei glared at Shiva before sighing and looking forward. "You are waging a war you cannot hope to win."
"Oh, I doubt that. My Shadows have been humiliating your Assassins for quite some time now. Even Ra's sees me as a threat. Though, considering my Shadows have taken over much of his influence and territory, destroying his precious Lazarus Pits, and humiliating his top officers; is it any surprise?"
"That ends today on this plane."
"Oh, I highly doubt that." Before Sensei could respond, Shiva struck first. Her fist smashed into Sensei's chin, making his head shoot up.
Shiva then pointed out her thumb and slammed it onto Sensei's chest, close to his heart but not penetrating his body. It was mostly to send trauma toward it. She then slammed her elbow onto his shoulder, quickly jabbed her fingers onto his chest, holding back so as to not pierce through and kill him, then finally ended her assault with a hand slam on the chest.
Sensei convulsed for a bit before he slumped into his seat, drool dripping out of his mouth as he sat unconscious.
"Alright, then," Shiva said as she stood up, ignoring the shocked expressions around her. She then walked toward Economy past a scared stewardess. However, she stopped and looked at the woman, making her jump in fear. "I suggest you find someplace safe to hide," she said before walking into Economy.
Shiva then looked around and spotted her foes and giggled. "Reading anything interesting, Slade, Lawrance?"
"Just the latest ESPN magazine," a muscular blond man said as he stood up.
"I was just reading a report. Involving you, of course, My Lady," another muscular man said as he stood up. He had white hair, a white goatee, and an eyepatch.
"Told you the old goat wouldn't be able to take her, Deathstroke," the blonde man said.
"Do you want a medal, Sportsmaster," Slade asked.
"I'd prefer a trophy," Sportsmaster said as he reached into the overhead compartment and took out a duffle bag. He opened it and took out a retractable javelin before tossing another bag at Slade. "And Shiva's head is the perfect one."
He caught it and took out a sword and gun. A woman screamed before people began to clear out Economy, going as far back the massive plane as they could. "Agreed."
"So, Ra's sent two of his best after me. Should I feel flattered," Shiva asked with a snarky smile.
"I suggest feeling afraid. Not even you can take the both of us on your own," Sportsmaster said.
"Hm," Shiva hummed.
"Though, it is foolish to believe you are alone," Deathstroke said.
Sportsmaster then threw a discus behind him, the explosive getting covered by a red webbing that muffled the explosion.
"Aw. I was hoping to get the drop on ya, Law," Black Spider, fully in costume, said with Onyx next to him in her fighting stance.
"Like that's gonna happen, Eric. Guess you get to have a private dance with the lady, Slade. I have babysitting to do."
"Fine by me."
As soon as Deathstroke said that, Sportsmaster charged at Black Spider and Onyx, the two jumping back to avoid Sportsmaster's swing, beginning their fight.
Shiva and Deathstroke stared at one another, unmoving and analytical.
"I'm going to be honest with you, Shiva, ever since I first met you, I've wanted to fight you."
"To see if I deserve my title as the Most Dangerous Woman in the World," Shiva asked with a tilt of her head and a beautiful smile.
"Exactly." Slade then shot at Shiva.
She easily dodged all of the bullets. She then dropped a shuriken out of her sleeve and threw it. Slade shot it out of the air.
Shiva saw that coming.
She used the weapon as a distraction to get close enough to Slade and grab the gun by its barrel. She then snapped it right off, destroying the gun, before throwing the barrel away, Slade jumping away from her.
"You really shouldn't play with guns indoors, Wilson. What if you broke a window? I'd rather enjoy my fifteen-hour trip to Gotham without having to deal with a shattered airplane window."
"Understandable," Slade said as he pointed his sword at Shiva. "CQC is more fun anyway."
Shiva giggled. "Agreed."
The World's Deadliest Woman then charged at arguably the World's Deadliest Man, beginning their mile-high fight.
Sportsmaster tried to stab Black Spider with his javelin, but the assassin was able to dodge all of the strikes until he bent back to avoid one of them. That's when Sportsmaster grabbed his leg.
"Oh, crap," Black Spider went before Sportsmaster slammed him onto some chairs with enough force to destroy them.
That's when Onyx kneed Sportsmaster in the face before kicking him away, the assassin stumbling away.
Or so it seemed.
He instead used his stumbling to gain some distance to throw pellets, which were actually cherry bombs. They went off right in front of Onyx, sending her skidding down the aisle, groaning.
"Aw, did that hurt," Sportsmaster asked as he spun his javelin while walking toward Onyx. "Don't worry, kid. I've got something to help with the pain. PERMANENTLY," he said lifting his spear.
He felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Huh?"
As soon as he turned around, he received a punch that had enough force put into it to make Sportsmaster slam through at least three chairs. He groaned as he sat up, looking to see Black Spider cracking his knuckles.
"Round 2?"
Sportsmaster got up, looked at his javelin, then threw it away before cracking his neck. "Oh, yeah," he said as he cracked his own knuckles.
The two assassins then charged at each other, both throwing a fist to start the next phase of their fight.
Slade's sword clashed against a knife Lady Shiva had concealed in her sleeve.
"Nice job getting that past security," Slade chuckled.
"Please. Airport security is so lax that I could have brought in a rocket launcher if I wanted to. Even so, a knife is more than enough."
"Especially when it's a Southern Chinese Fighting Knife?"
"Ooh. Of course, YOU'D know your weapons, Slade."
Despite Slade having a sword as long as his leg, Shiva was easily keeping up with him using a knife with a blade only as long as her forearm. Shiva easily jumped over Slade's lower slashes, slid under his swings, parried his strikes, and countered with more than enough cuts to make his suit turn red from his blood. She would have liked it better if her cuts at least STAYED.
"That healing factor sure seems useful," Shiva said as she spun her knife.
"Against someone like you, it most certainly is."
The two then clashed, knife pushing back against sword.
"Talia told me you had the Xuan Yuan. Why not use that?"
"Slade, I can conceal a lot in this dress, but even that is asking a bit much," Shiva said with a gorgeous smile.
She then kneed Slade in the stomach, making him grunt. It was still enough for her to kick him away and throw her knife into Slade's sword-holding hand. Slade grunted when the blade pierced his wrist and yelled out when Shiva roundhouse kicked it deeper in, making Slade drop his sword. Shiva then used her own momentum to palm-strike Slade, making him skid away from her and his sword. When he stopped, he coughed up blood.
Shiva picked up and analyzed Slade's sword as he ripped her knife out of his wrist, watching his wound close as he tossed the blade away.
"This is a pretty nice sword, Wilson. Custom made, I see. Tempered to near perfection to be able to cut through virtually anything." Shiva giggled. "Except for equally well-made knives, of course," she said as she tossed the sword back at Wilson, who easily caught it.
He looked at Shiva to see her take her fighting stance, no weapons to be seen, save for those dangerous weapons Shiva calls her hands. He then looked down at his sword... and threw it away. He then took his own fighting stance.
Shiva raised an eyebrow. "Do you... plan on fighting me hand-to-hand?"
"That a problem?"
"Slade, your martial arts are impressive, but you're far more famous for your skills as a swordsman. Do you really want to challenge one of the world's greatest martial artists? If not THE greatest?"
"Heh, and here I thought Batman held that title," Slade mocked.
Shiva smirked. "And who do you think TRAINED Batman?"
Slade's smirk was replaced by annoyance. He and Shiva then charged at each other.
Slade threw the first punch, but Shiva easily redirected it and tried to stab his throat. Slade sidestepped and grabbed Shiva's arm, preparing to crush it with his free elbow and knee. Shiva caught Slade's knee and flexed her arm, using her toned muscles to withstand Slade's elbow. She then tried to trip Slade, but he instead jumped and caught Shiva in an armbar lock. Awkward to see a man as massive as Slade use it on a woman of Shiva's slender build, but it was a testament to her awesome strength that she was able to hold him up.
Still, Shiva wasn't deterred.
Instead, she used her infamous fingers on her free arm to stab into Slade's leg. She then viciously tore as much muscle off of Slade's leg as she could, making him yell out in pain as he released her. When Shiva was free, she yanked out her arm, grabbed Slade's leg, and slammed him onto the ground, making the entire plane shake, before she threw him away.
Slade was able to land on his hand and jump back onto his feet, wincing in pain before looking at his torn leg, watching it heal before looking at Shiva. She swung her hand to get his blood off of her fingers before taking her stance.
"World's Deadliest Woman, indeed," Slade said as he took his stance.
Shiva and Slade charged at each other, their fists clashing.
Shiva swatted Slade's hand away before trying to slash his eye, but Slade caught her hand and landed a powerful punch right in Shiva's sternum, making her skid back and cough up a bit of blood. She licked up what was left on her lips.
When Slade got close enough, Shiva spat the blood on Slade's face, nearly hitting his eye. He tried to punch her, but Shiva dodged the strike and grabbed Slade into a back wristlock. Unfortunately, Slade was more flexible than he looked, able to kick the back of Shiva's head. That stunned her enough for Slade to grab her leg and lift her, freeing him from her grab before slamming her into the ground.
Slade punched Shiva in the face hard enough for her head to bounce, the beauty groaning on the ground. Slade stood up, lifting his foot to stomp on Shiva's face to completely render her unconscious.
Just as his expensive shoe came down, Shiva's eyes popped open with a burning determination, the beauty moving her head just in time to avoid the stomp. She then grabbed Slade's leg and threw an attack at his knee. It looked as if she was planning to stab his leg with her lethal fingers.
At least that's what it looked like.
If one could slow down time, they would see Shiva curling her fingers, her finger joints rushing toward Slade's knee. Then, the moment her fingers touched Slade's leg, Shiva's palm shot forward, adding even more force to the already powerful attack. Her goal was a powerful palm strike from the beginning.
Shiva's attack landed perfectly, a sickeningly loud crack being heard as Shiva destroyed Deathstroke's knee, the legendary mercenary screaming in anguish as buckled, nearly falling onto his good knee.
Shiva then jumped to her feet before kneeing Slade right in the jaw, making him stand. While he was upright, Shiva proceeded to palm-strike him, each of her attacks seemingly straightening him up.
Then, she reeled back her arms before jabbing her lethal hands into Slade's sides, the merc actually feeling his kidneys rupture before he was sent flying back. Yet, he was still able to land on his feet, panting as he looked at Shiva, blood flowing down his mouth.
"I knew that wouldn't kill you," Shiva said. "Your healing factor is quite impressive, Wilson. Fortunately for me, it's not instantaneous," she said with a smile. "I believe I've done enough damage for you to need at least an hour before you're back in fighting condition."
"I'd say that's more than enough time. Sportsmaster should keep you busy long enough."
Shiva raised an eyebrow. "Either you're overestimating your comrade, or you're underestimating my Shadows," she said with a laugh before pointing.
Slade looked back to see Black Spider land a perfect sweep kick. As Sportsmaster was in the air, Onyx kneed him in the back with enough force to hear some of Lawrence's ribs crack before he was sent further into the air. Black Spider then began to web the merc before grabbing him by the head and throwing him at Slade just as Lady Shiva nonchalantly stepped out of the way.
With his damaged leg and busted kidneys, Slade couldn't dodge, getting hit by the web-covered Sportsmaster. Black Spider jumped over, landing in front of Slade before kicking him in the chin, making Slade stand. Spider then webbed Slade up, cocooning the mercenaries together, leaving only their heads uncovered.
"You think this is over, Shiva," Slade yelled as he and Sportsmaster struggled to free themselves.
"Yes. I most certainly do," Shiva said as she pulled Slade by his ear, leading him to one of the plane's emergency exits, Onyx opened the door. With how composed Shiva was, not affected by the air pressure at all, you would think the plane had landed. "By the time you're fully healed, I'll be long gone. I'll probably reach Gotham before you and Sportsmaster can reach the shores of Malibu."
Slade growled. "Congratulations, Shiva. You're the second person I've ever wanted to kill without a contract put on them. Only Batman has infuriated me to this extent."
"Aw, I'm so proud of my student. He brings his Sifu such joy. Enjoy your nice, relaxing dip. Oh, and don't feed the sharks. Can't have them be too dependent on human kindness."
"This won't hold us, Spider! Slade can have Shiva, but your head is going in my trophy case," Sportsmaster yelled before his mask was webbed. "YOU SONOFA-"
"Yeah, yeah. Later, Law! Boss Lady, is you would be so kind."
"And you are quite lucky I am, Eric." Shiva then tossed Slade and Sportsmaster out of the plane.
"SHIVAAAA," Slade roared as he fell toward the ocean, Sportsmaster roaring with him.
The three Shadows watched them splash into the sea.
"Well, that was fun," Spider said. "Wait, are we forgetting something?"
Shiva then sidestepped just as Sensei tried to stab her right through the stomach from behind. She and Onyx then palm struck him in the ears at the same time with enough force to rupture his eardrums, the man now hearing a piercing ring in his ear. He stumbled toward the open door before turning around to see Shiva point her fingers right in front of his face, the tips of her fingers nearly touching his nose.
Then, she performed the legendary One-Inch Punch, caving in his face as he fell out of the plane and toward the ocean with the other two Assassins.
"No," Shiva said as she closed the door.
"And now we can relax and enjoy the rest of this now fourteen-hour flight," Shiva said.
"What about the people scared straight in the back of the plane?"
"What about them? They will not do anything as foolish as-" Shiva then gagged. She covered her mouth, a hand over her stomach, looking ready to vomit before she composed herself.
"Lady Shiva," Onyx yelled in concern.
"I'm fine, Onyx. Just one of the inconveniences of being pregnant."
"You know, that fight against Slade sounded pretty brutal. Is the tyke... ya know."
"Don't worry, Black Spider. Throughout the fight, Slade did not once aim for my abdomen. Well, actually, he did, but I kept it well guarded. Don't worry," she said as she rubbed her stomach. "My child is just fine."
"And you know this how?"
"You doubt your Grand Master," Shiva asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
"Nope! Nope! Not what I meant," Spider said as he waved his hands defensively.
Shiva giggled. "It is a woman's intuition. Should anything happen to my child, the WORLD will know."
"We would make sure of it if that is your wish, My Lady," Onyx said with a Shadows Salute.
"Well said, Onyx. Now. We rest," Shiva said as she walked back to Business Class.
"Hey, don't need to tell me twice," Black Spider said with a shrug of his shoulders before taking off his mask. "Could use some beauty sleep."
Shiva was actually sleeping in her seat. She looked comfortable. However, being a trained assassin and master martial artist would probably mean she could sleep comfortably on a jagged rock.
"Attention, passengers, this is your captain speaking." Shiva opened an eye. "We will be landing in Gotham City, New Jersey in just a moment. Please take your seats and prepare for landing. As for those of you whose seats were destroyed by the unfortunate incident during the flight, we sincerely apologize and we will allow you to stand with the stewards and have them make sure you land safely."
Shiva sat up and crossed her legs before looking at the nervous passenger sitting next to her. "I do apologize for destroying your chair," she said with a smile.
"I-It's fine," the man said nervously, terrified to sit next to someone so dangerous.
The plane then landed, and most of the passengers understandably wanted to get off as soon as possible, but most of them calmed down when Onyx or Eric looked at them, and they especially went in an orderly fashion when they saw Shiva stand up. They were all relieved to see her leave first.
As soon as she got off the plane and onto the boarding bridge, she stopped when she was in front of the pilot and co-pilot, the two waiting outside for her. "Report."
The pilots then saluted with a bow of respect. "Shadows have reported sightings of Deathstroke and Sportsmaster in Malibu. No signs of the Sensei reaching America," the pilot answered.
"Then he was either collected by the Assassins or swam to one of the nearby island locations. A little drop off a forty thousand height into the sea wouldn't be enough to kill him. You have both performed your duties well," Shiva said as she walked off.
"Thank you, Grand Master," the Shadows said before they went back to being regular pilots to keep up their guises, nodding respectfully to their superiors, Black Spider and Onyx, before going back to reassuring the still frightened passengers.
"So, Gotham City. Been a minute since I've been here," Eric said. "Think the old bat is still mad at me?"
"Reports stated that you nearly crippled the Batgirl," Onyx said.
"She survived," Eric shrugged. "Besides, that Robin with the staff nearly gave me a concussion, so I'd say we're even. Anyway, boss, you sure you want us to head back to ol' Kong? Not the biggest fan of leaving our leader in one of the most dangerous cities in the world."
"You're worried about the Most Dangerous Woman in the World walking around in the Most Dangerous City in the World," Shiva asked her subordinate with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, when said out loud, it sounds incredibly stupid."
"You don't need to fret, Eric. I am more than capable of handling Gotham City. Besides, there is an entire cloud of bats in this city to keep me safe. And once the Alpha Bat knows of what I possess," Shiva began as she rubbed her still-slim stomach. "I'm sure he will be even more protective."
"Not getting in the way of that guy," Eric said as he backed up with his hands up.
Onyx still saluted her Grand Master. "Still, please be safe, My Lady."
"I say the same to you. Dismissed." As soon as she said that, Black Spider and Onyx vanished, showing off the skills they gained from years of training with the Shadows, Shiva walked off satisfied.
As she walked through the airport, Shiva's captivating beauty turned the heads of males and females alike. A Chinese woman with a dynamite body, supermodel face, sexy short hair, and tight-fitting Chinese dress with piercing green eyes to match it? How could she not garner attention? Of course, she was ALLOWING herself to be seen and noticed, knowing many people would recognize her as the CEO of Wu-San Pharmaceuticals.
"Goddamn, she's hot," a bystander went.
"She's beautiful," a young lady said.
"Hey, I saw her in a magazine once. She's supposed to be one of the richest women in Asia."
"Must be here for the Wayne Ball happening tonight. All of Gotham's, and most of America's, actually most of Wayne Enterprises' top business partners are going to be there."
"You think that's a good idea? This is Gotham City we're talking about. I heard Penguin broke out of Blackgate recently with Black Mask. Scarface is out there, too."
"Batman should be able to handle them. If not, then maybe that other Bat. Batwoman."
"Still, Sandra Wu-San is supposed to be worth five billion. A woman that expensive and beautiful might as well be prime rib set out for those lunatics."
Shiva quietly giggled, finding the citizens' concern adorable. They should be more concerned for the criminals if they're dumb enough to go after her.
As soon as Sandra left the airport, a limo was waiting for her, the chauffeur bowing respectfully before opening the door for her. Sandra entered the vehicle, and the driver closed the door before entering the car and driving away.
As the limo drove by the city, Sandra couldn't help but analyze the state of Gotham. "Liter on every street corner. Homeless in nearly every alley." She heard police sirens blare before seeing the cars rush by. "And rampant crime. I can see why Ra's is so obsessed with destroying this city."
"Will that be our next objective, Grand Master," the driver asked.
"No. Nor will it ever. Our mission is to destroy the League of Assassins, not aid them. Besides, I have plans for this city. Plans that will infuriate Ra's Al Ghoul. I wish to humiliate him before I bring his empire crashing around him and to do that, I'm going to need this city. As well as something else."
"Batman, Grand Master," the driver asked.
Shiva smiled. "Precisely."
It was close to ten at night, the full moon shining brightly over Wayne Manor.
In the study, Bruce was looking down at the limos driving up to his mansion, some of Gotham's most influential socialites getting out of the cars, dressed up with some incredibly expensive clothes and jewels. Bruce was almost shocked he didn't see-
"Hmph. Right on cue," he said as he saw Selina get out of a limo, and walk toward the mansion, plenty of eyes on the attractive thief.
Bruce continued to watch the guests, hoping to see someone specific. As he did, his phone rang.
He looked to see who was calling him before answering it. "I'm honestly surprised. It has been quite some time since you last called, Dick."
'Sorry about that, Bruce. Being promoted the Police Captain in Bludhaven takes up more time than you'd think. Being Nightwing doesn't make it any easier,' he chuckled.
"Is there a situation in Bludhaven," Bruce asked as he turned from the window.
'Come on, Bruce. Can't I just call to say hello?'
"Dick," Bruce went in a no-nonsense tone.
Dick sighed. 'I spoke to Alfred not too long ago. He said you've been different for a while.'
"And how long is 'a while'?"
'One month. Since you came back from Dubai. . . Since you saw HER.' Bruce didn't answer. 'Listen, Bruce, I'm not saying anything against this thing.'
"Thing?"
'Don't you try this, Bruce. You have feelings for Lady Shiva. Honestly, I would LOVE for you to have someone in your life. Marrying Kori was the best decision I had ever made. I feel like I have something more to fight for than justice. Ironic, considering my wife is an alien who could take Superman in arm-wrestling,' Dick chuckled. 'And don't even think about denying how much you care about my family. I saw how much your eyes lit up when Mar'i called you Grandpa for the first time. I've never seen you more nervous than when you held that adorable two-year-old,' Dick laughed.
"Is there a point to this," Bruce said.
'Look, your love life is crazy. So many times, I thought you would let someone in. Silver St. Cloud, Vicki Vale, Rachel Dawes. So many good women who slipped through the cracks. Then, there are the bad girls who got to you. Pamela, Selina, Talia, and now Sandra!'
"It isn't like that, Dick."
'Bruce, I'm going to be honest... Sandra might actually be good for you.' Bruce didn't respond. 'She's practically one of us. She's also known you longer than even I have. She may not be a hero, but she's not a full-on villain either. Anyone who takes on Ra's Al Ghul and founds one of the world's foremost medical companies can't be all that bad. Still, I just want you to be careful, Bruce. I don't want my old man to get hurt.'
"I'll be fine, Dick."
'You sure?'
"Positive. Besides, I've been hurt before."
'By someone you cared about as much as Sandra Wu-San?'
"Shiva and I have fought before."
'We both know that's not what I meant, Bruce.' No response. 'Sandra's special. Maybe even more than Selina. Just be on your guard, alright? And don't hesitate to call any of us. We're family, aren't we?'
Bruce sighed. "Yes. Yes, we're family, Dick."
Dick chuckled. 'I'll never get tired of you admitting that.'
"Dick," Bruce said in that tone again.
'Alright. I gotta go, anyway. It's a slow night for once, so I'm going home to make sure Kori didn't make anything weird again. One of the few downsides to having an alien for a wife,' Dick chuckled. 'Goodbye, Bruce.' He then hung up.
Bruce looked at his phone. "Special, huh? You really are a special woman, Sandra. I can't deny that," he said as he was about to walk back to the window.
The door then opened. "Master Bruce," Alfred went. "Some of the guests are wondering where their gracious host is."
"Hm. I'll be right there," Bruce said as he followed Alfred down to the hall where the guests would be.
Had Bruce looked out the window, he would have seen one of the very last limos pull up.
He would also have seen Sandra step out, looking as beautiful as ever as she looked up at the mansion, smiling in a way that would enchant anyone who gazed upon the gorgeous Asian.