Chapter 14: You Scratch My Back
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Happy Halloween! I'm surprised I got this ton in time for the holiday but after seeing the new Spider-Man 2 game for the PS5 I have been overloaded with new ideas for my Spideys. Also to heroflow1000 stop leaving reviews in all my other stories to update this one. It's annoying and while I get that you like this story please learn to be patient with my updates and don't just keep asking for this one over and over again. That aside I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It had been a week since Doc Ock had attacked the carnival and while Wonder Woman had long left, Jaden's problems were far from over.
All over the school, the rumor was that he was the reason Liz and Flash were breaking up.
"I mean come on, Flash is the biggest jerk in school it's not your fault Liz finally realized that," Gwen said as the two of them were walking to Conner's lab.
"Thanks, well you're the first. I can't ever seem to catch a break." Jaden sighs.
"Oh don't worry about it, this is just Sally looking for someone to blame. This'll go away. You just got to wait for the next stupid rumor to come along." Gwen said.
"You make it sound like they happen every week." Jaden smirks.
"They kinda do, I mean you should hear the stuff that went around when Bruce Wayne came to pick you up." Gwen said.
"That was a crazy day." Jaden chuckles when his phone rings. "Oh uh speak of the devil. Give me a second?"
Nodding Gwen let him walk away.
"Hey what's up?" Jaden asks.
"I want you to come to Gotham. It's time I got you more situated with your training." Bruce said on the other line.
"Training? What did you have in mind?" Jaden asks.
"I'm sending a car to pick you up. When a man named Alfred arrives to see you, get in the car. He'll be there in 20 minutes. Don't worry I told your mother you would be spending the weekend here so she won't worry." Bruce said.
"Oh well, that's good. Wait who's Alfred?" Jaden asks but he hangs up. "Man, I wish I could get more of a warning next time."
Hanging up, Jaden walks over to Gwen.
"Sorry, Gwen can you tell Eddie and Dr. Conners I won't be coming in today?" Jaden asks.
"Jaden we're about to walk in the door. Can't someone else cover for you?" Gwen asks.
"I can't. He asked for me specifically." Jaden said making her sigh.
"Alright I'll tell them but you better not be gone long," Gwen said.
"I'll try." Jaden said before heading off.
As Gwen watched him run, she couldn't help but smile.
Even with everything going on Jaden was still the hardest worker she had ever met.
Inside, Eddie was typing on the computer when Gwen walked in.
"Hey, where's Jaden?" Eddie asks.
"Work called. He had to run." Gwen said.
"Again? Seriously bro needs to get his priorities in check. This isn't something you can keep blowing off. If he's not careful he's gonna get in trouble." Eddie said.
"Well, personally I think he could use a little distraction. Things at school have been messy." Gwen said.
"Flash and Liz are still no longer together?" Eddie asks.
"Splitsville." Gwen nods.
"Oof glad I don't go there anymore," Eddie said.
Soon Jaden was sitting in the backseat of the car as Alfred was driving him through Gotham.
"So Alfred…how long have you known Mr. Wayne?" Jaden asks.
"I've been watching over Master Bruce since he was in diapers," Alfred said.
"Oh wow, so you know all about him huh?" Jaden asks.
"If you're curious about whether or not I know about Master Bruce's nightlife the answer is yes," Alfred said as they pulled up to the largest mansion Jaden had ever seen.
"Whoa," Jaden said stepping out.
As Alfred led him inside, Jaden was surprised to see the place was almost empty.
"Looking for something young man?" Alfred asks.
"Where are the rest of the house staff?" Jaden asks curious.
"I am the sum total." Alfred declares taking off his hat.
"Wow, you must be good if you're the only servant Mr. Wayne needs," Jaden said.
"He's not a servant," Bruce said walking in wearing casual wear of a gray sweatshirt and khakis. "He's a friend."
"Master Bruce." Alfred acknowledges.
"Thanks for bringing him, Alfred. I'll take it from here." Bruce said as Alfred nodded in understanding leaving them all alone.
"So uh…pretty big house you got here," Jaden said as they walked down the hall. "Does it get lonely being here all by yourself?"
"I'm not all by myself," Bruce replies.
"The butler doesn't count," Jaden said quickly.
"I know. My answer is still the same." Bruce said walking up to an old grandfather clock.
As he moves it aside, they see a hidden staircase.
"Whoa," Jaden said amazed.
"Come on, it's time you really learned what you're getting into," Bruce said leading him down.
Following him, Jaden looks in shock and awe at the sight of the Batcave.
"And I thought the coolest thing you had was the Batjet," Jaden said surprised.
"Wow, you seriously must be new." Looking over Jaden saw Tim and Barbara sitting by a large computer
"Barbara. Nice to see a familiar face." Jaden smiles.
"Good to see you too." She smiles.
"So this is the new guy," Tim said interested.
"Who's the kid?" Jaden asks.
"Name's Tim and just FYI new guy I've been doing this for a while maybe even longer than you," Tim smirks.
"Somehow I doubt that," Jaden said.
"Nope. Tim has more experience in heroing than you do." Bruce said briefly walking away.
"Are you joking?" Jaden said in disbelief.
"Wow, you are new. Bruce jokes about anything Batman-related." Tim smirks.
"I told you that you had a lot to learn," Bruce said walking over. "This is how we keep track of things going in and out of Gotham."
"Pretty cool," Jaden said before noticing a giant dinosaur and playing cards. "Really cool."
Reaching out he was about to touch it when Bruce appeared out of the shadows in his Batman suit and grabbed his arm.
"Don't touch anything. Unless you know what it does." Bruce advises.
"Right sorry. So what's happening today?" Jaden asks.
"Suit, you're coming with Batgirl and myself to investigate some activity going down at the docks," Bruce said grabbing his mask.
"You're showing me the ropes again?" Jaden asks looking at Barbara.
"Well if you're gonna be working with us then it be nice to make sure you're ready." Barbara nods.
"Hey, why can't I come?" Tim asks.
"You know the rules, Master Tim," Alfred said walking in. "No crime fighting until you finish your homework."
"Aw come on Alfred." Tim groans but Alfred just hands him a textbook.
"It sucks juggling both worlds kid, trust me I know. If you need a tutor give me a call." Jaden said taking out his mask.
An hour later, we found ourselves at the docks, but someone had beaten them to it.
Standing atop a water tower, we see a young adult with black hair in a mullet, a black suit with a blue bird symbol on it spying through binoculars. This was Nightwing.
As Nightwing looked out at the docks, he noticed some shadows behind him.
"What are you doing here?" Nightwing asks seeing Batman and Batgirl join him.
"Predawn, the docks, where else would a person in a mask be?" Batgirl smirks.
"This is my gig. If I needed you, I would have called." Nightwing assures.
"Wow, overconfident much?" Looking down, Nightwing saw Spider-Man crawling up to meet him.
"What the heck? Who's this guy?" Nightwing asks looking at Batman.
"My newest recruit," Batman said.
"Uh hey, I'm Spider-Man nice to meet you," Spider-Man said.
"Spider-Man? Wait I've heard that name." Nightwing said.
"Yeah, I've gotten around a bit." Spider-Man shrugs.
"We're trying to get him up to speed on how things are done around here. Be nice Nightwing." Batgirl said.
"Well in that case, you can make sure these two stay out of my way," Nightwing said.
"Oof someone woke up on the wrong of the bird's nest," Spider-Man said.
"So what's the situation? Smugglers?" Batman assumes.
"Gun Runners. Out of South America. The only cucumbers in those crates are 30 calibers." Nightwing said as a truck pulled up. "And here come the bagboys."
From inside the truck, a forklift emerged to load the cargo.
"If you'll excuse me." Standing up, Nightwing reveals glider wings under his armpits.
Jumping off he glides down towards the docks.
"Whoa, this guy has style. How do you know him?" Spider-Man asks.
"He was Batman's first sidekick," Batgirl said surprising him.
"Wait what?" Spider-Man said looking at Bats.
"Focus," Batman said gesturing to the docks.
Dropping in on one thug Nightwing delivers a flying kick to the face knocking him out.
As another aimed his machine gun at him, Nightwing dodged fire and kneed him to the ground.
Coming out from behind some crates a thug shot at him forcing Nightwing to dodge.
Taking out his own Nightaarangs, he hurled them at the thug pinning him to some crates.
Suddenly one thug riding the forklift tried flattening Nightwing but he jumped up and grabbed onto the stand.
Smirking the thug took out a gun to shoot him.
Swinging around Nightwing kicks him off the forklift but when he lands in the seat he sees they are going right for the water.
Just as he jumped off a web shot in and caught the forklift so it didn't crash into the water.
Looking up, Nightwing saw Spider-Man land nearby.
"Hey you only said you had the bad guys covered catching a runaway forklift is not technically getting in the way," Spider-Man said.
"Fine, you wanna do cleanup be my guest." Nightwing shrugs as the thug from the forklift snuck up towards him with a plank of wood.
However just before he could strike Batgirl swung in and delivered a kick knocking him into the crates.
"I saw him," Nightwing assures.
"Didn't look like it." Batgirl counters when a thug swinging a knife lunges at them.
Dodging the two narrowly avoid being sliced when Spider-Man jumps in and webs the thug to the ground before punching him in the face.
"Do you mind?" Nightwing glares when he notices one of the men trying to make a run for it.
"You know normally help you're supposed to say thanks," Spider-Man said as Nightwing ran after him.
As the thug turned a corner he noticed Batman leaning against some boxes but wasn't doing anything.
Slowly with caution, the thug ran past Batman with Nightwing right behind him.
"He's all yours." Batman gestures.
As Nightwing continued the chase, Spider-Man landed nearby.
"You could have stopped him. Why didn't you?" Spider-Man asks.
"Let him have him this." Batman brushes off.
Curious Spider-Man couldn't help but wonder.
Little did they know a figure was watching this.
As the thug turned a corner Nightwing tried to cut him off but when he got there to his surprise the thug was on the ground and tied up.
"I told you I didn't need—" Glancing over he expected to see Batman or Batgirl but to his surprise, he saw the figure was a woman in a sexy black latex body suit with pointy ears like a cat. This was Catwoman.
"A gift." She smirks before blowing him a kiss and doing a series of backflips to escape.
As Nightwing lifted the man up he said something through his muffled mouth. "You said it." Nightwing agrees.
Nearby Spider-Man saw this and couldn't help but be even more curious.
"Wow and I thought my city had some colorful characters," Spider-Man said.
Joining Barbara, Jaden soon went to meet up with Nightwing.
At his place, Jaden saw a young man with black hair, this was Dick Grayson.
"So you're the new guy Bruce told us about huh? How are you liking Gotham?" Dick asks while working on his bike.
"Almost as much drama as my city. And my city has Broadway shows." Jaden said making him chuckle.
"Ha nice," Dick smirks amused.
"So who was that woman? Friend of yours?" Jaden asks.
"Her name's Catwoman. And she's anything but a friend. Why did you let her go?" Barbara asks looking at Dick.
"She didn't do anything except help." Dick points.
"Her kind of help you can do without," Barbara said.
"Jealous?" Dick smirks.
"What were you doing down by the docks anyway?" Barbara asks.
"Keeping my eye out for things. I've been hearing rumors of a South American smuggling ring. Word is something big is coming in and soon." Dick said opening a hidden cabinet to reveal his Nightwing suit. "If you two will excuse me."
As he went to change, Jaden sat down in a chair near Barbara.
"There's safety in numbers you know." Barbara insists.
"You and Bruce don't have to look out for me Barb. I'm not stupid." Dick said.
"No…you just act that way sometimes." Barbara frowns.
Seeing this Jaden looks in the direction of Dick.
"You seem to know how things are done around here. Any advice you can give to the newest member of the Bat Team?" Jaden asks changing the subject.
"Yeah walk away pal. Walk away and never look back." Dick said.
"Wait what?" Jaden said confused.
"Listen to me. You may think having a guy like Bruce around is a good thing but sooner or later he'll start keeping secrets from you. You'll soon see sides of him, sides you wish you never saw." Dick said.
"Dick." Barbara frowns at hearing this.
"I didn't know Mr. Wayne was like that." Jaden pauses.
"Better you learn this now than in the field," Dick said walking out in his Nightwing suit. "Let me break down what's going to happen to you. You'll start to appreciate him having him by your side, he'll show you a few moves, you'll get better and you'll be grateful to him for helping you, but sooner or later he'll use that. Important social events, you'll miss them all. Big achievements, he'll blow you off. For that man, Batman is his number one priority, everything else is on the backburner."
Hearing this Jaden paused. Sure Bruce was committed to being Batman but if he was then why did he go to such lengths to help him? Why was he so eager to keep an eye on Dick?
"Yeah but…maybe it's because of those reasons that we need to stick around," Jaden said getting their attention.
"What are you talking about?" Dick asks.
"So he's not perfect, who is? But the fact that he has a side like that maybe it mean that he needs more people in his life. Maybe he needs people to help him see there's more to life than Batman. Look I'm not saying you have to forgive him but you shouldn't kick him out of your life. Who knows maybe deep down he misses you." Jaden said.
"You're a strange one Webs, you know how to lock up Barb," Nightwing said putting on his mask and heading to his bike.
"There's room for 2 on that," Barbara said.
"Some other time," Nightwing said leaving.
As Jaden walks over and sees the frown on her face.
"Were uh you and him close?" Jaden asks.
"Huh?" Barbara asks.
"I'm sorry, it's not my business. I don't need any more couple messes going on in my life." Jaden apologizes.
"Any more?" Barbara asks.
"Basically the biggest couple in my school is breaking up and the rumor going around is my fault," Jaden said surprising her.
"What? How?" Barbara asks.
"Because I'm an idiot who can't mind his own business and they used that against me." Jaden said.
"Well, to answer your question Dick and I were close. We used to date for a while but we ended things shortly after he found out I was keeping secrets about being Batgirl." Barbara said.
"You never told him?" Jaden asks.
"How do you tell the people closest to you a secret that big?" Barbara asks.
Pausing Jaden sighs knowing full well how hard it is. "I don't know."
"Yeah neither did I." Barbara frowns.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." Jaden said.
"It's fine, you didn't know," Barbara said.
"I guess we both have relationship issues huh?" Jaden said making her smile softly.
"Guess so…just out of curiosity how did you get involved with that rumor?" Barbara asks.
"Flash Thompson, quarterback and my current bully is dating a cheerleader that I have to tutor to get her grade up." Jaden starts.
"That must be a pain." Barbara cringed.
"It was, then Liz slowly started to listen and she actually became good company and Flash is such an asshole. How is it my fault that Liz finally realized it?" Jaden asks.
"High school, people believe whatever they want to believe and would rather blame someone than accept the truth," Barbara said.
"I guess, but thanks for listening. At least it's nice to know not everyone hates me." Jaden smiles softly.
"Anytime. Hopefully, I can count on you when I need help." Barbara smiles.
"Absolutely," Jaden said as they headed out. "So uh who is this Catwoman lady?"
"She's a thief Bats ran into a lot during his solo days. She would tease and flirt with him on a daily basis. They also had a history." Barbara smirks.
"What would it take for you to tell me everything you know about those two?" Jaden asks immediately.
"Hmm, I haven't had breakfast yet." Barbara hints.
"You drive a hard bargain but okay. The sky's the limit…as long as it's under 20 bucks. I didn't bring much money with me today." Jaden said making her giggle.
"Don't worry I know a good diner nearby that could easily get us both a meal with that money." Barbara said.
Soon the two of them were eating a diner as they shared stories.
"I had run into Catwoman a few times and she always got the better of me. She's sneaky, clever, and don't even get me started on her feline partner in crime." Barbara said eating her eggs.
"Wow, that's insane," Jaden said eating some pancakes.
"No the crazy part is her history with Bruce. Believe it or not, Alfred told me Bruce actually had feelings for her." Barbara said.
"Bruce? Bruce Wayne in love with a woman?" Jaden said in disbelief.
"I swear I'm not kidding. She would flirt with Batman every chance she got." Barbara said.
"So what happened? I didn't think he ever showed any signs of wanting a relationship." Jaden said.
"And you'd be right. For him, it's always work no pleasure." Barbara said.
"I just don't get it. I mean I know this life isn't easy but if you find someone you like you should try to find a way to make it work. Right?" Jaden asks.
"That's the dream, if only if it was that easy. Not like I can just walk up to a boy who's fine with me disappearing on a moment's notice and say wanna be in a relationship?" Barbara asks making Jaden chuckle.
"Well, that depends on the guy." Jaden jokes. "I mean no offense but any guy who says no to dating you might not be the brightest."
Hearing this Barbara giggles. "Thank you, that means a lot."
Smiling Jaden was happy to learn more about the people he was working with but out of all the people he had met in Gotham, Barbara was definitely the person he was most comfortable talking to so far.
That night atop a skyscraper, we see Nightwing looking out at a building across from him as a man walks out onto the balcony.
He was a large muscular man with a bald head, a scar over his right eye and a hook for a left hand.
"Enrique El Gancho," Catwoman said appearing behind Nightwing. "Aka Ricky the Hook. Used to be an enforcer down in Colombia. You're welcome by the way."
"I would have had him." Nightwing brushes off.
"Maybe. So what are we doing here?" She asks.
"I'm following a lead. Seems the Hook was running the shipments last night." Nightwing said.
"And you'd like to find out what he's up to." Catwoman assumes.
"Something like that." He nods.
"A patrol. Going to be tricky. I'll tell you when we can move." She said.
"We? I don't know what your angle is." Nightwing said.
"Why is it so hard for you people to believe I've changed? Ever hear of redemption?" Catwoman asks.
"So why come to me and not him?" Nightwing asks.
"Bats and I have too much of a history. He'd never believe me." Catwoman said.
"Gee I wonder why?" Nightwing mutters.
"Now." Catwoman said jumping off the edge.
Taking out her whip she flicks it at a flagpole and swings onto the balcony with Nightwing right behind her.
"Next time give me a little warning," Nightwing said.
"Sorry." She apologizes. "Not used to this whole partner thing."
"Who said anything about partners?" Nightwing asks as they make their way inside.
Going right to a computer, Nightwing found the list of shipping schedules while Catwoman kept watch.
"Just need to transfer," Nightwing said as all the data went onto a USB drive. "Got it. Let's go."
But when he lifted his head up he saw Catwoman was gone.
"Catwoman?" He looks around when the light turns on revealing Enrique and two thugs armed with machine guns.
"What do we have here? Batman Light? What do you think you're doing here?" Enrique asks yanking Nightwing in close.
"Apparently getting set up by my new partner," Nightwing said.
"Partner? I think you've miscounted." Enrique said when Catwoman swung in from an upper floor and kicked the two thugs away.
Using this opening Nightwing knocks Enrique off him delivering a series of punches and kicks knocking him to the ground.
Running to the balcony both of them looked down.
"Thought I set you up?" Catwoman asks.
"It crossed my mind," Nightwing said as thug opened fire on them forcing them to jump and smash through the skylight in the pool area.
As the goons tried to follow, the lights in the room suddenly went out.
Entering the room with caution, Nightwing and Catwoman were able to make quick work of them knocking them into the water and making their escape.
"Not bad." Catwoman smirks.
"You did good too." Nightwing said.
"Let me know when you find anything interesting on those shipments," Catwoman said before flicking her whip and leaving.
At the Batcave, Jaden walks wearing his Spider-Man suit minus the mask in to see Batman staring at a monitor. Approaching him, we see a fancy building where a beautiful woman with black hair and a few cats were lying on the couch. This was Selina Kyle.
"Wow didn't know you were a peeping tom." Jaden smirks.
"I'm not that kind of guy," Batman assures.
"She's really pretty though. I wouldn't blame you if you actually had a crush." Jaden said.
"What she and I had is history," Batman said.
"You mean with the masks on or off?" Jaden asks getting his attention.
"How much do you know?" Batman asks.
"A few things. So why aren't you out there with Nightwing helping him out? Or making sure she stays away from him?" Jaden asks.
"Dick's not a kid anymore. He doesn't need me holding his hand." Batman said.
"Barbara told me before he was Nightwing he was your first Robin. You two were an amazing team, what happened?" Jaden asks.
"Dick got tired of living in my shadow. I kept secrets from him. And when he found out he realized that the way I do things wasn't for him. One night he realized he finally had enough and he quit." Batman said as Jaden noticed a small frown on Batman's face.
"I talked to him too. Not many good things." Jaden said.
"Not surprised," Batman said.
As Jaden looks away he notices Alfred gesturing to come over.
"Of course, you're not," Jaden said walking away.
Walking out of the cave, Jaden met up with Alfred.
"Young man you're very curious about Master Bruce's personal life," Alfred said.
"I'm sorry Alfred, I know I probably shouldn't but…I don't know I can't help but feel like that Bruce has more to him than most people see. Nightwing and Batgirl have their stories but that's hardly much. He's all work and no play. You've known him his whole, he can't honestly be like this all the time?" Jaden asks.
"Not always," Alfred said gesturing for him to follow. "Master Bruce was actually pleasant company, but life has a way of messing with a man."
Opening a closet, Jaden sees a few small items.
"Hey, I know this guy." Bending down Jaden saw a box set of DVDs labeled THE GRAY GHOST. "My dad used to watch this show all the time when he was a kid. He loved it."
"So did Master Bruce, when he got that autographed, he had such a big smile on his face." Alfred chuckles.
"No way," Jaden said.
"Yes way, back then Master Bruce was the most caring man I had ever known. Many times, whether as Bruce Wayne or Batman, he would be there when people needed him most. Even the criminals." Alfred said showing Jaden an article.
"Love that Baby star arrested for kidnapping her costars. Wait that was with the little girl who always said I didn't mean to." Jaden recalls.
"My you're very knowledgeable of pop culture," Alfred said.
"I rented quite a few of these old shows down at the library," Jaden admits.
"It's quite a story with her. Mary Dahl, when Master Bruce caught up with her, she was just a sad an angry woman in a child's body." Alfred frowns.
"How did he stop her?" Jaden asks.
"With a hug," Alfred said leaving Jaden speechless. "He was sympathetic to many people, even the ones who tried to hurt him."
"So what happened to him?" Jaden asks.
Reaching inside, Alfred pulls out a small box. "Not everyone took the help he offered. And each time one refused and got back on the street to a life of crime a little of Master Bruce's sympathy went away. But one of the most painful was this."
Opening it Jaden saw a wedding ring inside.
"He wanted to marry someone?" Jaden gasps.
"Andrea Beaumont, the first love of his life. In fact, if things had gone differently with her the Batman might have never existed." Alfred said.
"He proposed to her and she said no?" Jaden asks.
"Yes…and no. Something happened and she was forced to leave. Several years ago she came back along with old feelings, but she wasn't the same. Master Bruce gave her his heart and she gave it right back. And when she left again the only commitment he had was to being the Batman." Alfred frowns.
'Maybe that's why he pushed them away? He broke things off so they couldn't do it to him.' Jaden thought.
Closing the ring, Jaden handed it back to Alfred.
"Alfred, Bruce is lucky to have someone like you in his life," Jaden said.
"Thank you Jaden," Alfred said before noticing him grab his Spider-Man mask. "What are you thinking?"
"Something stupid, crazy, and possibly very painful in the long run," Jaden said.
"Well good luck with that," Alfred said taking a big step back.
A few hours later, in the dark of night, we find ourselves back at the docks.
As it turns out Ricky the Hook kept referring to someone on the data as Little Angels which as it turns out was the name of one of the ships coming in.
And Nightwing and Catwoman believe it to be the big one.
Sneaking aboard the boat, they made their way down to the storage where tons of sealed crates were lined up.
Grabbing a crowbar, Nightwing opened one chest labeled FRUIT but on the inside was a priceless South American artifact.
"Strange fruit," Nightwing said making his way to a large item covered by a cloth.
Ripping it off we see a giant Eastern Island Head.
"He's smuggling artifacts. Bleeding his country's heritage for his own profit." Nightwing realized when he heard a smashing noise. "Catwoman?"
Following the noise, he saw Catwoman open a crate with a few small idols barely bigger than a Russian Nesting Doll.
Picking one up she smashes it to the ground breaking it into pieces.
"What are you doing?" Nightwing asks confused.
"Just collecting what's mine." Bending down she clears aside from pieces to reveal a beautiful emerald the size of a pocketwatch. "The Cat's Eye Emerald, the pearl of Argentina."
"How's that yours?" Nightwing asks as Catwoman puts the emerald up her sleeve.
"I took it fair and square. Getting it out of the country was another matter. I knew about Enrique's smuggling option." Catwoman said.
"You slipped it into one of his shipments." Nightwing realized.
"My only problem was figuring out which one," Catwoman said.
"You played me for a sap." Nightwing glares.
"Aww but such a sweet sap. Sorry." Catwoman smirks.
"You know I can't let you get away with that," Nightwing said.
"Can't blame a girl for trying." As she turns away Catwoman delivers a back kick knocking Nightwing to the ground.
Taking out her whip she cuts the net that was hanging above him bringing it down on Nightwing.
"To think after all these years of working alongside the Bat, thought you'd be wiser." Catwoman mocks.
"He is." A familiar voice said getting her attention.
Looking to the upper rails, Catwoman saw Batman, Batgirl, and Spider-Man.
"So you're Catwoman. Nice to officially meet you." Spider-Man said as Batman threw a bataraang cutting Nightwing free.
Dropping down, Batman blocked Catwoman's path.
"You alright?" Batman asks.
"Nothing I can't shake off. She led us right to the Emerald like you said." Nightwing smirks walking past her.
"You set me up!" Catwoman glares.
"The second you asked about his shipping schedule I called for backup. Figured he knew what you were up to." Nightwing said.
"Oh buddy you have no idea." Spider-Man chuckles when all the doors in the room open revealing Enrique's goons armed to the teeth along with Enrique himself eager for some revenge.
"Well, well. Must be time to fumigate again." Enrique jokes.
"Oh man quite the party. Anyone bring dip?" Spider-Man asks.
"No, but I did bring party favors." Taking out a few smoke balls Batgirl threw them down creating clouds of smoke to cover up Batman and Nightwing allowing them to go on the attack.
"Coming in hot!" Firing a web, Spider-Man swings in and kicks a thug in the face.
Running over to a large Island Head, Batman yanks the tarp off it making it come down on some thugs blinding them.
Dropping in, Batgirl crashes on top of them not noticing one coming up behind her.
But before he could strike, Spider-Man drops in and knocks him out.
"I saw him coming," Batgirl said.
"I know, doesn't mean I can't help." Spider-Man said firing webs and yanking the guns out of their hands. "Bad boys shouldn't be playing with these."
As one thug struggled to find his way through the smoke he didn't notice Batman glaring at him through the smoke. Not until it was too late.
Leaping through the smoke, Batman smacks the thug in the face knocking him into his coworker.
Without their guns, Nightwing was able to take two down easily.
As the smoke cleared the two of them had their backs to one another.
"Not bad." Batman smirks.
"Yeah, for a guy your age." Nightwing smirks back.
Looking at the two of them, Spider-Man couldn't help but lean in interested. "Well, I'll be." He mutters.
Running his hook along some metal, Enrique approached the two heroes when they heard a noise.
Looking up, they saw Catwoman getting away.
"He's all yours." Nightwing smirks before running after Catwoman.
"Thanks," Batman grumbles as Enrique faces him.
Enrique was about to move in when Spider-Man fired a web tying up his good arm.
"Looky, looky, I got Hooky," Spider-Man mocks joining Batman.
Growling Enrique used said hook to cut his hand free.
"Hey buddy I gotta ask when you go to the bathroom you ever wiped with the wrong hand? Bet that hurts like hell." Spider-Man said making Enrique turn red with anger.
Charging at Spider-Man he swings his hook at him forcing him to dodge.
"I think I'll take that as a yes," Spider-Man said sliding under his strike.
Jumping off some crates, Spider-Man fired two webs at the ground near Enrique and launched himself dealing two powerful kicks to the chest.
Flying backward Enrique crashed into a box labeled fragile.
"Ooh hope you kept the receipt for that one." Spider-Man cringed.
As Enrique struggles to get up, Batman moves in and delivers an uppercut to the face making him change focus.
Swinging a right hook he nails Batman knocking him against a fire extinguisher.
"The great Batman has met his match, no?" Enrique mocks.
"No," Batman replies.
Enrique swings his hook down but Batman blocks it with a fire extinguisher causing him to get sprayed with foam right in the face.
Screaming in pain Enrique steps back swinging his hook until it gets caught in a chain.
When he pulls the chain is pulled upwards yanking the hook out of his arm but it causes several crates to come down towards Enrique.
Eyes widening, he was about to be crushed when Spider-Man swung in and yanked him to safety surprising him and even Batman a little.
Turning to look at Spider-Man, Enrique was met with a punch to the face knocking him to the wall before Spider-Man webbed him to it.
"You saved him? Why?" Batman asks.
"Guess I just thought maybe some villains deserve a little sympathy." Spider-Man shrugs as Batman looks at him curiously.
On the upper level of the ship, Nightwing saw Catwoman firing up a speedboat before racing off.
"Adios!" Catwoman calls out.
Racing along the ship, Nightwing jumps off the edge and glides after her.
Seeing this, Catwoman grabs a flare gun. "Say goodnight Pidgeon!"
Firing it at him, Nightwing dodges and rides the shockwave tackling her.
As the two grappled the speedboat swerved out of control towards a larger ship with its motor still running.
Looking up Nightwing gasps to see the propeller blades still spinning quickly.
Pushing back Nightwing grabs Catwoman and leaps off the boat just as it crashes knocking both of them into the water.
On a floating plank we see Nightwing and an unconscious Catwoman hanging onto it.
"You alright?" Batgirl asks pulling up in the Batjet that was being used as a boat.
"You know me. Always happy to have a little help." Nightwing smiles.
As they loaded Catwoman in, Spider-Man gave Nightwing a hand while Batman handcuffed Catwoman.
"Once we dock, we'll drop her off at the Gotham PD and have the emerald returned to where it belongs," Batman said taking it out from under her sleeve just as she regained consciousness.
"B-Batman?" She groans softly seeing his face so close to hers.
"Don't worry, there's a warm cell waiting for you," Batman said looking away.
Slowly pulling herself together and saw she was riding in the back.
Reaching behind her other sleeve she pulled out a little tool.
Upon arrival, Spider-Man's spidey sense went off.
"Incoming!" Spider-Man yells as everyone turns to see Catwoman escape the cuffs and grab her whip.
"Sorry but as fun as this was it's time for me to split. I got 9 lives and not one of them involves prison!" She said flicking her whip at a lamp post and swings off.
"She's getting away!" Batgirl said about to follow but Batman stops her. "But Batman—"
"We have the Emerald that's what matters," Batman said.
Curious, Spider-Man looked at Batman and it was then that he finally realized something.
Arriving back at the Batcave, Barbara was frustrated that Catwoman got away but she was the only one.
"You know Bats I learned quite a bit on this trip to Gotham," Spider-Man said.
"Oh yeah, what?" Batman asks.
"You have a lot of problems dealing with people, specifically trusting people." Spider-Man declares.
"Excuse me?" Batman said turning to him.
"After hearing the stories about Nightwing and Catwoman about how you pushed them both away that was just an excuse for you. You act like you don't care about Dick anymore but the truth is you do. You love him like he's your son but you can't figure out how to tell him. That's why you do this tough love thing with him and why you didn't fight him when he left to become Nightwing. You were glad that he became his own hero but you also hate that it ended on such a bad note. And don't even get me started with Catwoman. The reason she went to Nightwing and not you, the reason you keep an eye on her place and what she does, why you even let Nightwing handle her. You two still like each other." Spider-Man declares.
"W- What are you talking about?" Batman said fixing himself. "I told you it's over between us."
"Is it though? I mean if it really was would you two have gone to such lengths to get a reaction out of the other? Maybe Catwoman still has feelings for you and tried to get a reaction out of you with your protégé. Plus when she got away you weren't as pissed off as you should have been." Spider-Man said.
"She's just a thief Jaden. It's not like she's a maniac." Batman brushes off.
"So you say, but I think deep down you care too much about the people in your life. But you just won't admit it. I think you regret breaking things off with Selina. I think somewhere in that grumpy face of yours is the Bruce Wayne you used to be. The man who wanted a little happiness in his life. And I want to meet that man someday." Spider-Man said.
"We're done here," Batman said turning to leave.
Sighing Spider-Man shook his head. "Geez I just can't win with this guy."
"Head to the training area right now." Batman orders.
"Uh okay." Spider-Man said unsure if he would like this.
Up above, Batgirl, Robin, and Alfred had listened in on the whole thing.
"Wow, that's the first time I've ever seen someone talk to him like that before," Robin said amused.
"You know Bruce is gonna put him through the wringer for that one," Batgirl said.
"Well, I for one hope he sticks around for a while. He has a certain energy that has been lacking around this house for a long time." Alfred smiles.
Looking back down they saw Bruce's stun lasers being fired at Spider-Man making him yelp.
"Whoa! Come on, I was just messing around!" Spider-Man panics before he gets hit.
"They won't kill you, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt," Batman said increasing the level of difficulty.
Jumping around, Spider-Man dodges the attack before he starts moving his body in dance-like motions.
"Know this Jaden, you work with me you follow the rules. Rule number 1, you give me everything you got. Rule number 2 then you give me more." Clicking a button the pattern began to change and Spidey ducked narrowly avoiding an attack but got blasted in the back knocking him to the ground.
Groaning Spidey looks up to see Batman glaring down at him. "And rule number 3. I make the rules."
In the corner of the Batcave, we see Nightwing chuckling softly at his antics.
'I'm starting to like this guy.' Nightwing thought amused.
Growling Spider-Man jumps back into it.
Firing webs, Spider-Man yanks the lasers out of their positions and hit the targets shutting them off.
Panting heavily, Spider-Man looks to Batman.
"Not bad…now for the next level," Batman said as Spider-Man found himself surrounded.
"Ugh, you're really making me work for that paycheck." Spider-Man groans making Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin pause.
"YOU GET PAID?!" All three yelled.
Groaning Batman facepalms knowing he was gonna have to do some explaining.
Alfred however was the only one amused.
The following Monday, we see Eddie running to the lab as fast as he could.
"Oh man the one time I forget to set my alarm this happens," Eddie said running in.
But when he entered the lab, he was surprised to see Bruce Wayne sitting with Kurt while Jaden stood nearby with Billy and Gwen.
"Jaden told me a bit about your research Dr. Conners and I'm very interested," Bruce said.
"Oh wow, well thank you, Mr. Wayne," Kurt said.
"What's going on?" Eddie asks walking over to Gwen and Billy.
"Mr. Wayne wants to sponsor some experiments. We're gonna get more funding. Isn't that great?" Gwen asks.
"How does Jaden know Bruce Wayne?" Eddie asks.
"That's his boss. Jaden works for Bruce Wayne." Gwen declares surprising Eddie.
"Wait what?" Eddie said.
"Jaden's the coolest guy ever." Billy smiles.
Looking out, Bruce hands Kurt a check.
"I added a little extra as an apology for borrowing Jaden too often," Bruce said.
"It's no trouble at all Mr. Wayne. I look forward to working with you." Kurt said as they shook hands before turning to Jaden. "Jaden, I cannot thank you enough for this."
"Glad I could help. Although I'll admit getting him to hear me out was not easy." Jaden smiles weakly remembering all those training drills.
"Eddie there you are," Martha said walking over. "You're late."
"Yeah sorry, Mrs. Conners. I guess my alarm didn't go off." Eddie apologizes.
"Well try to be a little better about it next time." She said.
As Eddie watched everyone thanking Jaden and Bruce, Eddie couldn't help feel a twinge of jealousy.
Jaden was almost always late or a no-show, but the second he brings over Bruce Wayne and his checkbook all his forgiven. Meanwhile, with him, he arrives late and he gets in trouble for it.
Tightening his fist, Eddie was not a fan of this. Not even a little bit.