After fixing their partnership, Bruce, Superman, Selina, Lois, Jimmy and Alfred had all gathered into the Batcave around the bat computer in order to come up with a plan to stop Bane and Slade; rescue Robin and the other hostages; And curing those infected with the Meta compound.

"Alright, we have a lot that needs to get done in the span of seven days." Superman remarked. "So, let's start brainstorming."

"What do we do about Bane?" Jimmy asked. "He is going to be super hard to beat. He essentially has you."

"I gotta help those hostages by confronting Bane." Superman stated. "It's the only way."

"And you do that." Bruce said. "I shall find a way on the Mullesc. However, that's going to be difficult since Bane probably has that ship well guarded and could probably shoot the Wing out of the sky."

"Wing?" Lois queried.

"That would be the bat shaped object dangling just above you. Hard to miss." Alfred pointed upwards to a bat shaped jet hanging just above Lois like a bat.

"Unconventional parking but I guess it aligns with the motif." Lois remarked.

"Master Bruce, I believe Mr Fox had something in store I believe might help." Alfred explained. "He was about to show it off until….Unfortunate circumstances."

"I'll have a look later, Alfred." Bruce said.

"So, I suppose you boys are doing all the hard work?" Selina remarked while holding onto Superman's bicep. "Shame, I was about to bet on you winning."

Upon seeing her taking advantage of her boyfriend again, Lois narrowed her eyes at her while Superman just removed her arms from his.

"Not really Selina, you have a job of your own." Bruce explained. "But first, I will allow Alfred to take over."

Alfred turned to face the crowd. "While you and Master Wayne were recovering, I took the liberty of studying the blood sample that was extracted from Miss Willis and found this." He typed on the computer to show footage of what appeared to be blood cells being devoured by some weird blue cell. And not just the red blood cells but the white ones as well. "You've studied human biology, right?" Everyone nodded their heads. "Then you should know that the weird blue cell does not belong here. That is the compound that was injected in their system. But of course they should know that with great power, comes great responsibility and side effects. Right now it's devouring every white blood cell and red blood cell in the body. Much more rapid than any form of cancer. It is my estimation that this blue cell would devour each cell after seven days. And seeing as Willis, Hagen and Walker had this compound inserted into them yesterday, they now have six left."

"Alfred and I will synthesise a cure." Bruce said. "It might take us a while but it will give us time."

Lois looked amazed. "I've been meaning to ask, how clever are you?"

"I've studied everything I need to know from mathematics, to criminology, to chemistry." Bruce replied.

"Huh, and I thought your superpowers were being rich, being good at fighting and darn fine at acting." Lois remarked.

Bruce smirked at Lois' compliments. "There's so much more you don't know about. Now, Selina, after me and Alfred produced a cure, you will insert each sample into Willis, Hagen and Walker respectively."

"How do you know she won't betray you?" Jimmy asked.

"Believe me, what choice do I have?" Selina retorted. "I'm in this mess. On top of that, I'm meant to help someone else find their girlfriend but that's a private matter."

"Now in order for that cure to be synthesised, I need a sample of the compound." Bruce held his hand out. "Lois."

Lois grinned. "Thought that wouldn't come back up." She began digging through the pockets of her coat. However, she began to panic when she realised there wasn't anything. "No! No! No! No!"

Superman used his x-ray vision to look at the pockets and saw nothing. "What happened?"

"Oh no! I must have dropped it on accident!" Lois exclaimed.

"It's okay." Selina placed two vials of the compound on the desktop. Lois looked at Selina in surprise. "Was about to use these on myself, but you know why I don't want to now."

Bruce smiled. "Thanks Selina."

"And what about Slade?" Superman asked.

"Slade is my issue." Bruce replied. "Once I'm sure Bane is dealt with, Slade will be mine to fight. This fight is personal and it will end. Not tonight but maybe some other time."

"Bruce…"

"It will work out." Bruce interjected. "Believe every word I say."

Superman, though reluctant, gave his ally a nod. "And what if he leaves the city?"

"Slade won't leave." Bruce assured him. "He likes a gamble. Makes it more exciting."

"Hey Bruce, what about us?" Lois asked.

"Yeah, you can't leave us out of the action!" Jimmy exclaimed.

"I'm afraid I can." Bruce retorted. "You two will stay here."

"What?!" Lois exclaimed angrily.

"Jimmy's going to need some time to psychologically recover." Bruce explained. "It would be best he stays here with someone close to him."

"After everything I did to help?!" Lois shouted angrily. "You're just going to leave me on the sidelines?! Unbelievable I-"

"Superman, care to talk to them?" Bruce queried.

"Guys, I think Bruce might be right." Superman stated as he hovered towards them.

Lois and Jimmy looked shocked by his declaration. "Cl-Superman, are you just suggesting leaving us out?! What about what we've been through!"

"Even though I have been through traumatising stuff that will turn you pale, I owe you!" Jimmy exclaimed.

Superman held them by the shoulders. "Listen guys, I know you're upset." He then leaned in and began whispering in their ears. "I'll be fine tackling Bane, but if you could, you should help out Selina."

Lois and Jimmy seemed surprised but then smiled. "You want us to play along?" She asked quietly.

"Pretend you are ticked off." Superman said.

"Alright." Lois raised her voice. "WELL! Screw you Superman!"

"Yeah!" Jimmy shouted as he marched upstairs. "So much for the help!"

"Yeah! And while I'm upstairs, I am going to talk to my boyfriend because if anyone deserves to hear about this, it's Clark Kent!" She motioned her eyes upwards, implying she wanted to talk to Clark.

Then, she marched up the stairs. "And I will go and get Clark Kent!" Superman declared before flying out of the cave.

Selina grinned smugly. "See ya soon, Clark."

Alfred look surprised. "You knew all this time?" Alfred asked.

"What?" Selina reacted. "It's clearly obvious. I wanted to see how long it would last before Miss Lane would snap."

"She appeared she wanted to kill you." Alfred remarked as he walked to a drawer and pulled out what looked to be a circular holographic device. "And I was going to help her with the body."

Selina shook her head. "You know how to crack me up, Al."

Alfred handed the device to Bruce. "Lucius says to place it on the dock so that way he could have a sense of great dramatic timing."

Bruce smirked. "Is he just showing off? I thought that was my job."

Alfred chortled. "Come on Master Wayne, why not give someone else a chance?"

Upstairs in the living area, Clark had arrived in his Clark Kent disguise to talk with his girlfriend. "Lois, what is this about? Are you okay?"

"Clark, Bane knows who you are." Lois stated. "I warned your parents about him."

"And?"

"I'll be honest, your Mom didn't sound that scared." Lois chuckled. "She sounded like she was gonna rip his heart from his throat."

Clark laughed. "That's Ma alright. She literally began shouting at a tornado one time and I had to use my speed just to get her in the storm shelter."

Lois chuckled at that humorous story but then pulled a serious look. "Clark, if Bane knows what you are and your personal life, then there's a chance the same will apply to me and Jimmy."

"What are you saying?" Clark asked.

Lois inhaled through her nose. "Clark, I need to warn Dad."

"Well, I think it would be the appropriate thing to do." Clark said.

"But I need your permission." Lois stated. "I feel that in order for this to make sense, he will have to know your secret identity."

Clark gasped. "Lois, I don't know if that will be a good idea."

"I know I haven't had contact with him since Thanksgiving and I don't know where he is and I know you have problems with him after what he's done, but he's still my Dad." Lois said. "We need to tell him."

"I don't know Lois, I don't know how he might react to you being in a relationship with Superman." Clark stated. "I already got a feeling he doesn't like Clark Kent."

"Clark, I understand if you don't want me to reveal your identity, I'm asking your permission. But understand why I'm doing it." Lois stated.

Clark was stuck in a difficult position. Sure he his mentally picturing Sam Lane in a negative light after what he had done to him, but this was still his girlfriend's Dad and he loved her.

"Okay, I guess he was going to find out eventually." Clark said.

"Alright, thanks for understanding." Lois gave Clark a grateful yet anxious smile. He left the room so that way she could talk to her Dad in private.

Lois had been trying to contact her Dad for the last few months ever since Thanksgiving. But he is so off the grid that he probably destroyed his phone. But this was still worth to try.

She dialled her Dad's number and pressed her phone against her ear waiting for him to answer. "This is General Sam Lane. Please leave a message after the tone."

Lois inhaled through her nose and exhaled out. "Hey Dad, listen…How are you? You're probably still on the run. I hope you're safe. Listen Dad, there's something I need to tell you. You've probably heard of the terrorist Bane and he's currently after Superman. Yeah! Crazy! I'm telling you this because…He knows who Superman is. Not just that, he knows of his relationships, his family and his personal life. And yeah, I'm part of that picture and so is Jimmy. He'll most likely threaten you to get to me which will have me go to him for help. What is my relationship with Superman you might ask? You thought it was strictly professional. Well, here's the shocking part, Superman is my boyfriend. Not only that…" She took a deep breath, questioning her decision. "…Clark Kent, my boyfriend, is Superman. I know, Jimmy knows and his parents know. And…I know you have mixed feelings on both of them but…It's true…Clark Kent is Superman. Get back to me soon. Please Dad. I miss you."

She hung up her phone and pressed her hands against her face wondering if she made the right decision.

She just told her own Dad that her boyfriend was the man he had been hunting down and tried to kill at Thanksgiving.

She pondered her decision for a couple of more minutes before she took her phone and deleted the message.

Her Dad probably hadn't gotten over his hatred and bias towards Superman so it was probably the best idea. Plus, he appears to be good at being off grid so Bane will thankfully have a hard time tracking him down.

Back in the batcave, Bruce had approached the dock and placed the little device on the centre of the steps. "Alright Lucius, blow me away."

The device activated and a pre recorded holographic projection of Fox began playing in front of Bruce. "Hello Mr Wayne, if you are watching this footage then that means I'm either dead or captured. It's not the former is it? Hold on, this is a recording, you can't respond."

Bruce chortled. "And I thought I was a detective." He remarked sarcastically.

"Well, let's get to showcasing your newest equipment. If you could snap your fingers, that would be appreciated." Bruce snapped his fingers and all of a sudden, a small platform rose up beside him to reveal what looked to be two grenades. "I based these little designs on some blueprints from the late Dr Victor Fries. I call these the H20-0 grenade. I know, not a good name. It's a working progress. Now, pay attention. These grenades have two buttons which have two working functions. Dark blue is for water and light blue is for ice. Give em a try."

Then, a nearby trash can caught fire, startling Bruce. "Toss the grenade on the water setting." Bruce pushed the dark blue button and tossed the grenade on the open flame, setting it out. "Useful against arsonists or Selina problems. Now, the ice grenade." Alfred walked in front of Bruce with a bucket of water and motioned him to toss the grenade in. "Toss it."

He pushed the light blue button and tossed it into the bucket, causing the water to freeze. "It will freeze any kind of liquid that it comes into contact with. However, it does have its limitations. Depending on the body of water, if you toss the grenade, it will form a float big enough to support your weight. So if you throw one of these into Gotham Lake expecting to turn it into an ice rink, it won't happen."

"Nifty tech, Fox." Bruce remarked.

"And if you're suggesting that the grenades are my best work, you have to see my magnum opus."

And as if on command, Bruce saw what looked to be headlights shining from the tunnel. Then, speeding out of that tunnel was none other than a bat shaped boat.

Looking almost similar to a speed boat, black coating, a hatch for him to get out and in of, a ginormous booster in the back and bat shaped wings on the back.

"Lucius, you are kidding me!" Bruce exclaimed.

"That's right, I made you a boat. It has a weapon system including rubber bullets and stun grenades and of course a grappling hook. But that's not the best part, it also acts as a submarine."

The boat sank into the water, surprising Bruce. "Lucius, you have got to be kidding me."

"If you think I'm joking, then you don't know me. Your oxygen supply is limited so use it wisely. It also has sonar detection just like a dolphin." Bruce raised a brow since he expected a bat pun with that information but was surprised when he went with a different animal. "And the best part is, when in sub mode, it has an anti sonar detection function. Meaning you'll be invisible to other boats and submarines."

"You sure are full of surprises, Lucius." Bruce stated.

"No need to thank me, Mr Wayne. Just don't destroy the boat."

When the hologram deactivated, Bruce began to inspect the boat. He was amazed and enticed with how beautiful the boat looked. Plus, the black really suited it.

After admiring the boat, he walked towards the bat computer where he saw Alfred and Lois were watching the recorded video message from Slade. "What are you two doing?"

"Alfred thinks there could be something more to the message." Lois explained.

"Don't ask me why Master Bruce, but I got a feeling that this video isn't as cut and dry as we think it is." Alfred stated.

Bruce began to analyse the video to see if there were any details. "For starters, they appear to be in the attic. I know this because I took down the Magpie there."

Lois leaned in to the screen to see that Robin appeared to be tapping his fingers. But what was evident was the fact that he appeared to be tapping in a rhythm motion as fast as he can. "Hang on, he's tapping in morse code."

"You sure?" Bruce asked.

"I'm the daughter of a US general, he taught me a ton of things." Lois replied. "But it's too quick for me to decipher."

"Not to worry Miss Lane, I got it." Alfred assured her. "Now let's see….He's saying 'Do not worry, Bruce, he won't kill me. He wants you right here. He has healing powers he gained from the Meta compound so he will be difficult to take down.' Oh dear. That is quite a problem."

"Don't worry Alfred, Slade will be taken down. One way or another." Bruce assured him. "He's made a mistake. He took the compound."

Elsewhere, Robin was hanging on a cross as if he was being crucified. He looked at Slade, who appeared to be eating bread and drinking wine.

"Hey dude, I hate to sound cocky, but I'm sure you're kind of offending a ton of religious groups." Robin stated.

"Compared to Bruce, least you have a sense of humour." Slade stated.

Then, he noticed there was a droplet of blood on his plate. Then, another drop of blood dropped on his bread. He wiped his nose and expected his hand to see that there was blood dripping from his nose.

Before he could react to it, he suddenly heard the sound of what sounded like communication device beeping. He picked up Robin's communication device and answered the call coming from Bruce.

When the screen turned on, Bruce appeared to be dressed in his Batman costume. "Slade, I know you like a challenge and I know you want to face me. But, I wish to make a gamble…"

Robin looked alarmed by that information. "Uh…Bruce?"

"You know that Bane intends to fight Superman in front of a live audience and a lot of people are betting. Well Slade, I'd like to make a bet. If Bane gets taken down, then you will give up Robin and fight me. But however, if Superman were to lose, then I guess I will have to fight you while trying to rescue Robin. And in that time, you will do whatever you like to him."

Slade grinned. "You're gambling with your ward's life? What kind of guardian are you? Oh now I remember, the same one that killed Talia."

"You killed Talia, Slade. And I would have let you die if it weren't for my morals. I hope you have long left to live Slade, because right now, I know your demise has started. Be ready Slade."

The message ended and Slade looked confused. He then realised that his nose was still bleeding and realised that this was what Bruce was talking about.

"You think your nosebleed has something to do with the compound?" Robin laughed. "I don't know what your chances are but regardless, you're doomed."

Slade jumped on the table the cross was positioned on and slapped the Boy Wonder. "I will kill Bruce before I die. At this point, Bane is a last on my to-do list. So, why don't you hang around while you watch how I will kill your boss."

And so, in the last few days each of the respective characters all began to train for their big day. Bane trained long and hard for when his big fight with Superman happened.

He lifted weights that went over the standard kilo, swam around fifty laps around the ship, fought his men, punched punching bags until they had a hole in them, press ups, push ups and even pulling an anchor from one side of the ship to the other.

Slade on the other hand was practicing with his swords, pull ups on the rebar that held the church, press ups, push ups, squats and doing parkour runs around the premises. All while ignoring the massive bloodletting coming out of his nose.

At the batcave Clark was doing his own workout regiment. Despite being strong and fast, he felt he needed to do some form of training. He did some simple weight lifts, ab crunches, sit ups, push ups and learning some martial arts combat from his girlfriend.

Elsewhere, Bruce's was more intense. He of course did some sit ups, clap push ups, pull ups, pulling heavy tires attached to a rope, climbing the rocks of the batcave, swimming laps around his pool, using punching bags, skipping with a skipping rope, climb a rope, running on a treadmill and pulling the Batmobile with his bare hands.

While this went on, Bruce took the time to do his best to synthesise a cure for the Meta compound along with Alfred. It took a few attempts but by the day before the day they were about to head out, they had succeeded.

Right now, everyone had gathered in the Batcave. Bruce, Selina and Clark had all gotten in their costumes and ready to listen to the plan.

Batman walked towards eight vials of the cure placed on his desktop. "I made eight vials of the cure in case of any kind of setback." He looked at Catwoman. "If one of the vials gets destroyed, contact Alfred and he'll drop a spare. But be careful."

Catomwan took three of the vials and attached them to her belt. "Come on Bruce, you know I'm good with my hands." She glanced at Superman. "I could perhaps give you a demonstration."

Superman rolled his eyes at the comment while Lois narrowed her eyes at the cat thief. "Selina, I think that will be enough." Batman stated.

"So, what's the plan, Bruce?" Superman asked.

"You have to deal with Bane." Batman said. "It shall work as a distraction while I go and rescue the hostages."

"How long do you expect me to hold off Bane?" Superman queried. "Even with my extra training I doubt I can beat him."

"You might not beat him." Batman stated. "But it will be worth the risk. Once I rescue the hostages, you return them back to Gotham. As for Bane, we'll figure that out."

"What about Slade?" Jimmy asked. "You surely can't handle him alone."

"When Bane, and I mean when, gets taken down, Slade will be my problem." Batman stated. "It's nothing against any of you, it's just personal."

Superman exhaled. "I understand, Bruce. But, if anything happens, just say my name."

Batman nodded his head. "It won't happen. But I appreciate the gesture." He began walking towards the boat. "Leave when you're ready. I'll be following."

Catwoman began walking towards a purple motorcycle on the platform. "Alright, I'll give you call if I need to, Al."

"Of course Miss Kyle." Alfred replied.

Catwoman then took a glance at Superman. "Oh, and Superman, give me a call anytime."

Lois clenched her fists in frustration. "Will you cut that out?! Can't you see he's uncomfortable?!"

"Lois, it's fine." Superman assured his girlfriend.

"Yeah, Lois, Clark is right." Catwoman stated.

Superman and Lois froze. "Wait, don't you mean, Superman?" Lois asked.

Catwoman realising her mistake, began to chuckle. "Whoops! Cats out of the bag."

Lois and Superman both looked annoyed. "Wait, you knew I was Clark Kent this whole time?!" Superman exclaimed.

Catwoman laughed. "Guilty as charged." She then jumped on her motorcycle.

"So, you hitting on my boyfriend was just-"

"You got it right, Miss Lane." Catwoman stated before revving the engine. "Oh, I will see you soon." She blew them a kiss before riding her bike out of the cave.

Once she left, both Lois and her boyfriend just stared at the platform with annoyed blank faces. "I hate her." Lois stated.

"I share the same sentiment." Superman replied.

Knowing that he will have to face Bane soon, Superman placed his hand on his girlfriend's shoulder. "Everything is going to work out fine."

Lois exhaled. "I hope so. I just worry, something bad will happen."

Jimmy approached the two. "All the money I have in my bank will never replace you. What if the plan doesn't work?"

"I got. Feeling it will work." Superman assured them. "Just…Do you two have a plan on how you're going to help Selina?"

"Don't worry, Smallville, we do." Lois assured him.

"Alright, I'll be back." Superman assured them both. "Be safe, please."

"We will Clark." Jimmy assured his best friend. Superman and Lois shared a quick kiss with each other just before he flew out of the cave.

Batman soon followed by setting his new vehicle to dive mode and following where Superman was going.

Once they left, Alfred approached the two. "Don't worry you two, I will make sure you two won't be useless behind the scenes. Now, how about I brew a hot cup of tea for all of you?"

"That would be nice, Alfred." Lois gave an appreciative smile.

Once the butler walked out of the cave, Jimmy and Lois began discussing the plan. "So, you have a plan on how we get to Catwoman?" Jimmy asked.

Lois raised a finger. "No."

Jimmy gave her a blank stare. "Really?"

"Well…" Lois began to tap her fingers nervously. "…You're about to think this is a crazy idea." She looked at the two samples meta compound on the desktop, causing Jimmy to go wide eyed.

"Lois…This is a crazy idea." Jimmy stated. "That is going to get us killed!"

"But…We have the cure." Lois stated. "We'll have these powers for a short while and then we will get rid of them."

"But what powers will we have?" Jimmy queried. "They're a roll of the dice."

Lois picked up one of the samples, looking reluctant and questioning if she was making a right decision. "Well…Let's find out." She inserted the syringe into her neck while Jimmy reluctantly did the same thing with his neck.

Upstairs in the kitchen, Alfred had brewed a cup of tea with a plate of English biscuits that were imported.

Then, the butler began sniffing the air where he smelt burning. Specifically, what smelt like fire coming from the batcave.

"Oh no!" He instantly ran into the cave to see what had happened. "Oh, they better not have set the car on fire." But when he got there, he didn't find any signs of there being a fire. "I should really stay far away from Master Bruce when he is playing with his chemistry set." Then, the butler noticed two empty vials of the compound and the fact that his guests were very absent. "Oh dear. They better not be dead."