The original Batman, Bruce Wayne, was stupid.
The thought reverberated in Taylor's mind as she sat alone in the quiet house. Her father had left for the office, making sure she was excused from school, citing illness as an excuse. The house felt too still, too silent. A complete opposite of her own thoughts.
She mulled over the concept of Batman, the legendary figure who had inspired so many. The more she thought about it, the more she found herself frustrated. Bruce Wayne, the original Batman, had been lauded for his moral code, his refusal to kill. But to Taylor, that very code seemed flawed, particularly when it came to one specific individual: the Joker.
Joker. The name alone sent a shiver of disgust through her. The Joker was the epitome of evil, the most despicable creature she could imagine. He had committed countless atrocities, caused untold suffering, and yet, he always seemed to slip through the cracks. Batman had captured him numerous times, only for him to escape and wreak havoc once more. It was a cycle of violence and pain, and Taylor couldn't understand why Batman hadn't ended it once and for all.
"He should have just killed him," she muttered to herself, the quiet of the house amplifying her words. "How many lives could have been saved if Batman had just put an end to the Joker's reign of terror?"
She tried to understand Bruce Wayne's perspective. The no-kill policy was admirable in its own way, a testament to his commitment to justice without becoming a monster himself. It was no small feat to hold such a line, especially in a city as corrupt and dangerous as Gotham. But at what cost? How many innocent people had suffered because of Batman's refusal to kill?
Gotham was a cesspool of crime, its very foundation rotting with corruption and decay. But amidst all the filth, the Joker stood out as the worst of the worst. His actions weren't just criminal—they were monstrous. He thrived on chaos and suffering, his mind a twisted labyrinth of sadism and madness. Taylor couldn't fathom why anyone would allow such a being to live.
Her thoughts drifted to the other Batmen who had taken up the mantle after Bruce Wayne. Some had adhered to the original's strict moral code, striving to emulate his ideals. But others had taken a different path, shedding the no-kill rule in favor of a more pragmatic approach to justice. Taylor found herself drawn to these latter Batmen, those who understood that sometimes, extreme measures were necessary to protect the greater good.
"Moralities fluctuate with time," she mused, her eyes staring at a spot on the wall. "What was right for one generation might not be right for the next."
She admired Bruce Wayne's dedication, his unwavering belief in his code. But she also recognized that the world wasn't black and white. Sometimes, there were shades of gray, and in those murky waters, different choices had to be made.
Joker had destroyed families. Killed young babies. Even most of the normal villains didn't engage in that stuffs. With every new family murdered or suffered due to the Joker, the fault lied upon Batman and the corrupt Justice Division of Gotham. She couldn't blame Batman though, she realised ultimately with a sigh.
Gotham was cursed place. It was magically cursed. She realised from the memories of Batman One Million. Conflict and strife was going to be escalated magically. What Batman could do was to give the criminals to the officers. If the officers were corrupt and bad, then what could Batman do?
'Magic', it was another of the weird things which Taylor realised. She didn't think what to make of that stuff. That was just pure bullshit. Zatanna, Dr Fate, many other Dr Fates who continued to serve Humanity. It was just mind boggling.
Not to mention Superman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel and everyone else and their successors over the years.
The silence of the house seemed almost oppressive, but it gave her the space to think. She had powers now, powers that were as frightening as they were fascinating. The memories of Batman One Million had given her insight, not just into the legacy of the Bat, but also into the nature of her own abilities.
She grimaced at the thought of becoming a cape. The idea seemed almost surreal, something out of a comic book or a TV show, not her life. But the powers she had now were real, and she needed to figure out how to use them responsibly. Her thoughts drifted to the encounter with her father last night. She had tested her powers on him, prodding gently into his mind to feel his surface thoughts. It had been a revelation, but also a sobering experience.
The implications of telepathy were risky. Mind reading and mind-affecting powers were a social taboo, and for good reason. The Simurgh and individuals like Heartbreaker had ensured that society viewed such abilities with fear and distrust. Telepaths were seen as walking violations of privacy, their very existence a threat to the sanctity of one's thoughts. If anyone found out about her powers, she would be marked with a glowing red alert.
Taylor shuddered at the thought of being labeled a pariah and a threat. But she also understood why people felt that way. The idea of having your mind read, your deepest secrets exposed, was terrifying. Everyone valued their mental privacy, and the thought of someone intruding on that space was abhorrent. Taylor herself recoiled at the idea of someone rifling through her mind, laying bare her insecurities and fears.
Her mind drifted back to the memories of Batman One Million. The telepathic abilities he possessed were used with great caution and precision. From those memories, she learned an important lesson: telepathy was not something to be wielded carelessly. It was a tool, a powerful one, but also a dangerous one. Going into telepathy like an amateur was a surefire way to invite disaster.
Once you dipped your toes into telepathy, it was all too easy to become addicted. The ability to distinguish truth from lies, to know whom to trust and who was deceiving you, was intoxicating. People lied for all sorts of reasons, and being able to cut through those lies was a seductive power. But with it came the risk of becoming reliant, of needing to know the truth at all times, and losing the ability to accept uncertainty.
Taylor understood that she had to tread carefully. She couldn't afford to become dependent on her telepathic abilities. There was a fine line between using her powers for good and falling into the trap of addiction. She needed to establish boundaries, rules for herself to ensure she didn't cross ethical lines.
She could use her newfound knowledge and powers effectively. The first thing that came to mind was information gathering. She could use her telepathy to gather intelligence, to understand the intentions of those around her. But she needed to be discreet, to avoid drawing attention to herself.
Another application was in combat. Knowing what her opponents were thinking could give her a significant advantage. She could anticipate their moves, understand their strategies, and counter them effectively. But this too had its risks. If she relied too heavily on telepathy in battle, she could become predictable, and opponents might find ways to shield their thoughts or exploit her reliance on the power.
She considered the moral implications. Using telepathy on others without their consent felt invasive, a violation of their autonomy. She needed to find a balance, to use her powers in ways that didn't compromise her integrity or the trust of those around her. Consent and respect for others' mental privacy had to be paramount in her approach. If she started from villains, slowly, she would get bolder and start on heroes too. The path was too slippery.
Thankfully, the memories of Batman One Million provided a blueprint, a guide on how to navigate the complexities of telepathic powers. He had used his abilities with discipline and purpose, never allowing himself to become consumed by them. Taylor resolved to follow that example, to use her powers responsibly and with caution.
She decided to set some ground rules for herself. First, she would never use telepathy for personal gain or out of curiosity. She would only use it when absolutely necessary, when there was no other way to achieve her goals. Second, she would always seek consent whenever possible, respecting the mental privacy of others. Third, she would continue to train and hone her abilities, but with a focus on control and restraint.
She had the potential to change the world, but she was torn between two paths: becoming Batman or using her knowledge as a tinker.
Becoming Batman was an enticing prospect. The idea of donning a mask, patrolling the streets, and beating the crime out of Brockton Bay filled her with a sense of purpose and excitement. She could clean up the city, protect the innocent, and strike fear into the hearts of criminals. It would be a long and arduous journey, but she believed she could make a difference. The memories of Batman One Million fueled this desire, the legacy of the Bat calling to her with an almost irresistible allure.
But at the same time, Taylor knew she had so much more to offer the world. The knowledge she had inherited from Batman One Million wasn't just limited to combat and detective skills. It included advanced technology, innovations that could revolutionize society. She had information about tech that could terraform worlds, destroy planets, and improve countless lives. If she became a tinker, she could create inventions that would make a tangible, lasting impact on the world. She could improve healthcare, solve energy crises, and advance humanity's understanding of the universe, develop weapons against Endbringers.
Her heart ached with the conflict. Every fiber of her being wanted to become Batman, to be the hero who fought in the shadows and brought justice to the streets. But her practical, progressive side urged her to think bigger, to look at the greater picture. She could do so much more than just punch criminals. She could change the world.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The dilemma was almost paralyzing. Both paths held immense potential, but they also came with significant sacrifices.
If she chose to become Batman, she would be dedicating her life to the fight against crime, focusing her energy on Brockton Bay. It would be a noble pursuit, but one limited in scope. On the other hand, if she became a tinker, she could bring about technological advancements that would benefit millions, possibly billions, of people. But it would mean stepping away from the direct, hands-on heroism that she craved.
Her mind raced through various scenarios, weighing the pros and cons of each choice. She imagined herself in the Bat-suit, swinging through the city, taking down villains with precision and skill. The rush of adrenaline, the sense of justice—it was intoxicating. But then she pictured herself in a lab, surrounded by cutting-edge technology, creating devices and innovations that would transform society. The impact she could have as a tinker was staggering.
Could she find a way to balance both aspects? Was there a path that allowed her to be both a hero and an innovator? A dual life?
The dilemma gnawed at her, each option pulling her in different directions, when suddenly there was a loud pop that startled her out of her reverie. She snapped to attention, scanning the room for the source of the noise.
Her eyes widened as she found herself staring at an odd-looking creature. It had wide, eager eyes and was clad in a black spandex suit with a dark cape fluttering around it. The costume was unmistakably Batman's.
Taylor frowned. She tried to make sense of the bizarre sight before her. The creature grinned, then suddenly launched itself at her, squealing happily.
Before Taylor could react, the creature wrapped its arms around her, hugging her tightly. She froze, unable to move, as the unexpected assault of affection continued. The creature then pulled out a strange-looking smartphone and, with a flash, took a selfie with her. Taylor's expression of amazement was captured in the photo perfectly.
"W-what?" she stammered, still trying to process what was happening.
The creature stepped back, bouncing with excitement. "Hi! I'm Bat-Mite!" it announced, its voice high-pitched and enthusiastic like an 8 year old child. "I'm the biggest fan of Batman and now you too!"
Taylor blinked, utterly bewildered by what's happening. She hadn't done anything and already she had fans. "What do you mean?"
Bat-Mite's eyes sparkled as he began to explain excitedly. "I'm an Imp from the Fifth Dimension! We love heroes! And I'm the biggest fan of Batman. The original one, not the wannabes. Bruce Wayne aka Batman is the GOAT!"
Taylor tried to follow the rapid flow of information. "Wait, you're a fan of Batman? And me? Why me?"
Bat-Mite's grin grew even wider. "Because you're going to be the next Batman! Or maybe Batgirl! But still, you're amazing! I just know it!"
Taylor's heart skipped a beat at the declaration. Was the Imp a precog? "What? No, I—"
Bat-Mite interrupted, his enthusiasm undiminished as he immediately cut off. "You're going to don the Bat costume and fight crime! You'll be a hero just like Bruce Wayne! It's going to be so cool!"
Taylor held up her hands, trying to slow down the torrent of words. "I'm not sure about that. I haven't decided yet. This is all… a lot."
Bat-Mite's face fell, his eyes widening with shock and disappointment as he looked at her. "You're not sure? But you have to! Batman is the greatest hero ever! And you could be just like him!"
Taylor sighed, trying to find the right words. Clearly, the Imp had some special powers. He seemed to know things plus he had access to some technology. It was for a fact because Taylor knew that the smartphone he held wasn't of present. There weren't smartphones like this. "I know Batman was amazing. But I have other options. I could use my knowledge to help people in other ways. Maybe I could be a Tinker and create things that could change the world."
Bat-Mite dropped to the floor, looking utterly devastated. "But… but you have to be Batman! Or at least Batgirl! It's your destiny!"
Taylor knelt down. The Imp looked heartbroken. She tried to comfort the disheartened imp. "Look, it's not that I don't want to help people. I do. I just need to figure out the best way to do that. Being Batman is one option, but it's not the only one."
Bat-Mite interrupted Taylor's thoughts with another burst of excitement. "I've got it! I've got it!" he squealed. "You could have a dual identity, just like the OG Batman! The GOAT! You could be a tinker and inventor by day and Batman by night!"
Taylor sighed deeply, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. She gestured to the couch, inviting Bat-Mite to sit down. The imp practically leaped onto the seat, his wide eyes fixed on her expectantly. Taking a deep breath, Taylor prepared to explain the complexities of her situation.
"Bat-Mite, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it's not that simple," she began, choosing her words carefully. "Being Batman is an incredibly taxing role. While I have the knowledge, I would need to train my body to near perfection. That doesn't happen overnight. It took Bruce Wayne years, even decades, of relentless training."
Bat-Mite started to splutter in protest, but Taylor raised a hand to calm him. "Let me explain," she said gently. "Bruce Wayne and the other Batmen trained his entire life for this. He honed his body and mind to be at their absolute peak. And even with all that, he had something else that gave him an edge: chi."
"Chi?" Bat-Mite echoed, his confusion evident by the word.
"Yes, chi," Taylor confirmed. "Bruce trained with chi and used it instinctively with his physical strength. It allowed him to perform feats that were beyond the capabilities of even the top humans. For example, he could bench press incredible weights without much difficulty, something even the majority of weightlifters would struggle with. He could exert himself beyond human limits for some time with this Chi."
Bat-Mite nodded, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed her words.
"And it wasn't just physical," Taylor continued. "He trained himself mentally as well. He made himself resistant to mental attacks, building everything from scratch. His strength came from a combination of physical training, mental fortitude, and his understanding of chi. I have the knowledge and some telepathy, but that's not enough. I barely knew about Chi, forget about manipulating it."
She paused, giving Bat-Mite a moment to process this. "I don't have Bruce Wayne's wealth or his resources. To build even the basic gadgets, it would take time. The Batsuit, the Hellbat armor, the Batmobile, the Battruck, the Batglider—all those things took immense resources and years of development. I can't just snap my fingers and have all that ready."
Bat-Mite's shoulders slumped slightly, but he didn't interrupt her.
"Being Batman isn't just about having the knowledge or the will," Taylor said softly. "It's about the years of preparation, the physical and mental discipline, and the vast resources. I don't have those things right now. I could train and build over time, but it would be a long, grueling process. And in the meantime, there are other ways I could help people."
Bat-Mite looked up at her, his wide eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and understanding. "So, you're saying you can't be Batman because it's too hard?" he asked, his voice small.
"No, I'm saying that being Batman the way Bruce Wayne was, is almost impossible for me right now," Taylor replied gently. "But that doesn't mean I can't be a hero or make a difference. I just need to find my own way to do it."
Bat-Mite seemed to mull this over, his expression gradually shifting from disappointment to determination. "Okay," he said finally. "I get it. But you're still going to be a hero, right? You're still going to use your powers and knowledge to help people?"
Taylor smiled. "Yes, Bat-Mite, I am. I just need to figure out the best way to do that. It might take some time, but I promise I'll do everything I can to make a difference."
Bat-Mite looked up at her, tears welling in his eyes. "But Batman is the best! You could be just like him!"
Taylor offered a small, reassuring smile. "I know how much you love Batman, and I appreciate your confidence in me. But I need to think about what's best for me and for the people I want to help. Maybe I'll become Batman, or maybe I'll find another way to make a difference."
Bat-Mite sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Okay… but promise you'll think about it? Really think about it?"
"I promise," Taylor said, reaching out to gently pat his shoulder. "I'll think about it. And who knows, maybe you're right. Maybe I will end up as Batman, or Batgirl. But not now, I do have shortage on wealth, resources and many other things. It will take a long time to overcome that. But I will become Batman some day for sure."
The imp brightened slightly at her words. Suddenly, his body started to shake with excitement. He immediately snapped his fingers. Taylor felt a strange sensation wash over her, though the room appeared unchanged. The imp, however, was grinning like a loon.
At her quizzical look, Bat-Mite said, "I've altered and manipulated reality a little."
Taylor's eyes widened. What the actual fuck? Was this even true? How the fuck could the Imp actually do that even? "What did you do?"
"I created two huge Batcaves for you!" Bat-Mite announced proudly. It was like a child who was asking for a candy due to a job done right now.
"Two?" Taylor repeated, amazement creeping into her voice. "Why two?" One Batcave was enough. Why two? The answer came immediately to her mind at that moment though.
"Because Batman always has a backup plan!" Bat-Mite replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "It's better to have a secret second Batcave. Each Batcave is identical, with all the equipment and resources you need. It would be a waste for you not to be Batman."
Taylor's mind reeled at the implications. "You did all that just now?" Two Batcaves will all the equipments and resources. The possibilities alone were fascinating.
Bat-Mite nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! You can use one Batcave as your primary base and the other as a backup. And you can create a company for the technological front. Your shard is absolutely perfect for being Batman. It administers information just like Batman did!"
"Shard?" Taylor asked, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by shard?"
Bat-Mite's eyes widened, and he clapped his hands over his mouth. "Oops! Spoilers!" he exclaimed, then quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, with the knowledge of Batman One Million, you can make the physical part of being Batman easier. You have the potential to be even better!"
Taylor sighed, a mix of exasperation and resignation. The Imp was really persistent. Maybe a dual life was the thing which could work now. "You really think I can do this, don't you?"
Bat-Mite floated up into the air, his grin widening. "Absolutely! You have everything you need. And with a little training, you'll be the best Batman yet. Well, a little lesser than Bruce Wayne though. He's the OG. The GOAT. Trust me!"
Taylor shook her head but couldn't help smiling at the imp's infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. I'll give it a shot. I'll become Batman."
Bat-Mite let out a whoop of joy, flipping in mid-air with excitement. "Yes! I knew you'd do it! This is going to be amazing!" With a final wink and hug. He finally popped away not before waving excitedly at her.
She took a deep breath, letting the reality of the situation sink in. She now had two fully equipped Batcaves, resources at her disposal, and the encouragement of an overenthusiastic imp from another dimension.
Well, it was just another abnormal day in the life of Taylor Hebert.