Batman: Choices

[Trent Lane]

Finally back to the Fanfic boards!!! Here's my latest contribution, and this one looks to be my longest and most involved story yet. So without further ado, here you are....
Batman: Choices Part I

“Thank you for all coming to meet me on such short notice,” the shadowed figure slowly stated. “Time for me is short, and I need you to help me.”

“Why is that? What’s in it for us?” The Ninja stepped forward.

“Revenge. We all have a common enemy. And we all are experts in what we do. You, Ninja, are one of the few who has come close to defeating the Batman in hand-to-hand combat. Red Claw, you are one of the most dangerous and skilled terrorists in the world. And Bane, your strength is unmatched by anyone in the world. I feel with our powers combined, it should be enough to take down the Dark Knight and his companions once and for all!”

“What do you have to offer? You don’t appear to be anything special,” Bane shot back.

“I know the man behind the mask,” he replied.

“So?” The Ninja replied. “So do I.”

“I have all the information needed to bring both identities down. It’s not an easy task, but the rewards will be great. Are you with me?”

“Why not? The Batman’s been a thorn in m side too many times. I would love nothing more than to bring down everything around him,” Red Claw said smiling.

“I also owe the Batman for shaming me as he did so many times,” Bane added.

“Good. Ninja, are you in?” The figure smiled from the darkness.

“I’m in.”

“Good. Here’s the plan…”

*******************

“Robin, behind you!” Batgirl shouted as a thug charged her partner. Robin turned and landed a kick to the man’s chest, sending him falling back.

“Thanks for the heads up, Batgirl.” Robin surveyed the area. “That looks like about all of them.” Suddenly, a man came flying down from the balcony of one of the above hotel rooms, down into a garbage can.

“You missed one.” Batman glided down from above. “Any sign of Vinny?”

“No, he must’ve gotten away,” Robin answered.

“Or he’s still inside.” Batgirl pointed up to one of the windows to a shadow frantically searching for something in the room. The three shot grapples up toward the hotel roof and crashed through the window.

“Nice of you to show up,” Nightwing said as he tied up Vinny a chair in the corner.

“Did you find what he was looking for?” Batman asked.

“A balloon filled with heroin. He tried to swallow it.” Nightwing tossed it to Batman. He walked over to Vinny and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. He dragged him, while still in the chair, over to the window. He picked it up and balanced it on the ledge, letting Vinny hang over the street below.

“I’ll ask you one time- where’s the rest of this?” Batman grunted.

“Thorn! Thorn’s got it all! Please don’t drop me!” Vinny screamed. Batman pulled him back in the window.

“You might have wished I had dropped you once you get to jail. Thorn doesn’t take kind to those who rat him out.” Batman left him by the window as the sound of police sirens wailed in the background. “Have a good evening, Vinny.” The four of them climbed the stairs to the roof.

“Nice way of handling that, boss,” Batgirl said. ”This time he didn’t even pass out.”

“I’m going to check in on Thorn, you all can do standard patrol then head home for the night. I’ll be in contact with you if I need you.” Batman dove off the roof and into the heart of Gotham City.

“I got the bay area,” Robin said as he took off from the roof.

“Where are you headed, Barb?” Nightwing asked.

“My usual patrol route, then by the police station for a quick change and see my Dad,” she replied. “You?”

“Probably back to my place, you guys look like you got the town covered. Call you tonight?” Nightwing asked.

“Maybe.” Batgirl smiled and took over across the rooftops. Nightwing went the opposite direction back to his loft.

********************

“You headed out, Commish?” Bullock asked as he chomped into another donut.

“No, just to get some fresh air,” Gordon replied as he rubbed his nose. “My brain’s a jumble right now.” Gordon looked out the window just as he saw someone fly past it- toward the roof. “What the devil? Harvey, did you see that?” Bullock choked as he tried to finish his pastry.

“Yeah, I did. What the heck was that?”

“I don’t know, but it was headed toward the roof. Let’s check it out.” They both left the room and went up the stairs to the roof, drawing their weapons as they reached the top of the stairway. Bullock went to open the door, but it was kicked in from the outside, sending him back. He fell down the stairs as Gordon flew back against the wall behind the door. The figure stepped through the doorway and towered over Gordon. He thirsted his gun in the figure’s direction, but it was quickly kicked away. Gordon looked down at Harvey. He was breathing, but out cold.

“No one can help you now, Commissioner. Least of all your daughter.” A smile came from the figure, which was definitely a woman.

“What have you done with Barbara?” Gordon yelled.

“Nothing- yet.” Gordon lunged at her in anger, but his face met a cloud of knockout gas, putting him to sleep. Red Claw picked him up and threw him over her shoulder and grabbed her radio receiver. “My mission is complete. I’m proceeding back to the rendezvous point. Claw out.” She jumped on her air speeder and headed off the police station’s roof.

********************

Nightwing arrived back at his loft a few minutes after he had left the rest of the group. He went to change and shower, getting ready to go to bed. As he left his changing room, he heard a noise in the balcony of the loft. He took guard as he made his way over toward it. A massive man landed right in front of Dick, causing him to leap backwards.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?” Dick yelled.

“Why, I’m here to pick up someone. Maybe you’ve heard of him- Nightwing, I think it was?”

Dick tried to hide his surprise. Bane. Bane knows who I am, he thought to himself. But how can he know?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Dick finally replied.

“Oh, now I think you’re lying. I was hoping you’d come the easy way, but I’m not surprised.” Bane turned the knob on his wrist, pumping himself up even larger. “Let’s get this over with.” He punched down at Dick, putting a hole in the floor as Dick flipped backwards. Bane charged again, swinging as Dick jumped around the wild punches. He jumped off the wall and flipped up to the balcony. Bane looked angry, but then smiled. “I’m making this too hard for myself. Here you go.” He tossed several tiny balls toward Dick. They exploded, sending sleeping gas into Grayson’s face. He grabbed his mouth and nose, trying not to breath in. He looked to where Bane had been standing to find he was gone. “Looking for me?” The voice was behind him. Bane’s fists came down on Dick’s neck before he had time to block them, knocking him out. Bane took out his radio. “Mission completed. I’ll be back soon. Bane out.” He grabbed his victim and headed out of the loft.

********************

Robin rode his motorcycle back into the cave, his patrol being over. He rode up to find Alfred waiting for him.

“I trust all went well this evening, Master Timothy?” Alfred asked the young man.

“Yeah, I guess so. Pretty quiet out there for once. That’s fine with me, I’ve got a few tests in the morning, so I could use the sleep.” Tim proceeded to take off his cape and mask, and then went into the changing room to change into his civvies. He joined Alfred at the stairs and headed up into the Manor. They came out from the Grandfather clock and shut it behind them. They were surprised by a voice coming from the room.

“So that’s how the rich man’s son gets to his workroom. Interesting.” Kyodi Ken leaned on the piano, slightly drumming his fingers on the handle of his sword.

“What are you doing here? Who are you?” Tim asked, breaking into Robin mode.

“Before your time, kid. Don’t worry; I’m not here for you. I’m here for Wayne’s butler. Kindly step aside so I don’t have to hurt you,” Ken replied.

“You won’t be taking either of us anywhere,” Alfred said, stepping ahead of Tim. “You can leave this instant!”

Ken laughed at the butler’s attempts to kick him out. “So be it, I must take you by force.” He slipped his mask over his face and charged the two of them. Within seconds, they were unconscious. The Ninja pinned a note onto Tim’s shirt and took off out of the Manor with Alfred. He slid Alfred into the trunk of the car he was driving and called in. “I’m on my way back. All is taken care of as you asked, sir.”

“Good. Then stage two is ready to be set into place.”

To be continued…

[witness]

Great first chapter! If this is the start of things to come, I can only wait in anticipation! Loving the whole chapter. Especially the line where Batgirl says that Batman didn't make the thug pass out. That was great! It's good to see you back Trent! You do have a lot of reading to catch up on however. Hope to see more of this story soon!

[Batgirl]

Poor Vinny... NOT!!!! That was so awesome!!!

I do, however, truely feel bad for Dick- I mean, finding Bane in front of you is scary enough without him knowing who you are... And Tim! Poor little Timmy... (Can ya tell i like the kid? :) ) And what could Red Claw have done with Babs's dad and/or Babs? Of all things that are most puzzling right now, one that is not is the man who's running things. No doubt it's Mr. Shadow himself :)... Keep it up, this story's great!!!

[Coran]

Great first chapter Trent. I deffinately can't wait to read more of this story. The way things are being set up is it possible that Tim and Barbara will emerge as heroes of the day or maybe only Tim? Or will Bruce once again be the one to overcome the odds? Post again soon!

[Calico]

A really great start! It takes an organized effort to take down the Batclan. Can't wait to find out who the mastermind is. And boy is Bruce going to be ticked off when he figures out what happened! Looking forward to more.

[Trent Lane]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone! Well, heres the next part, a little short, but it really gets the ball rolling, so to speak. So, here goes...

Batman: Choices Chapter II

“You don’t scare me. You know that.” Rupert Thorne paced back and forth in front of his fireplace, glancing over at the Batman as he watched him. “So some two-bit hood told you I’m flooding the streets with heroin. That’s no conviction.”

“No, but your admission is.” Batman pulled a tape recorder out from underneath his cape and smiled. “Anything else you’d like to add to this before I take it to Gordon?”

Thorne pulled a revolver from his desk drawer. “You think you’re so smart? Eat lead!” Thorne fired several shots toward were the Batman had been standing. Thorne looked and saw that he had disappeared. Batman grabbed the gun from his now shaking hands and tossed I across the room.

“I don’t like you. I don’t like guns. Put the two of you together and I get really, really angry.” Batman shot a cord around Thorne’s body, tying him tight, and hung him by his feet outside his window. “Stay put, I’ll send for your ride.” He leapt down from the window into his waiting Batmobile below. He strapped in and took off for the police station.

*********************************

Batgirl glided toward her father’s place of work after patrolling her areas. She noticed sirens coming from the street in front of the station and swooped down for a closer look. Harvey Bullock was on a stretcher, an oxygen mask over his face. Montoya pushed the many reporters back away from her partner as they loaded him into an ambulance. Batgirl heard someone come up beside her.

“I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news,” Batman said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Your father’s been kidnapped.” Batgirl’s eyes filled with tears as she held back her emotion. “Let’s get back to the cave, there’s nothing we can do here now.” She reluctantly nodded and the two swung off the side of the building. They landed in a nearby alley and took off towards the cave in the Batmobile. Minutes later they arrived, parking on the turntable. “Alfred? You down here?” The cave was empty, aside from the two heroes and the bats that called the cave home.

“That’s odd, he usually waits up for you,” Batgirl spoke up. “Maybe he’s in the kitchen.”

“Let’s take a look.” Batman led the way up the stairs. He pushed the Grandfather clock open, and saw Tim lying limp in the sofa. “Tim!” He grabbed the boy, trying to wake him up. Tim’s eyes shot open.

“Alfred! Bruce?! What happened?” Tim looked around as he woke up. Batman grabbed the note from Tim’s shirt. “What’s that?”

Batman clutched the paper in his hand. “They took Alfred. No ransom demands or leads as to where he may be.” Anger and guilt ran through his body. Suddenly, a voice came from the shadows.

“Your other partner has been abducted as well,” she said, staying hidden.

“What?” Batgirl asked as she raised her fists to defend herself. “Who are you? Show yourself!”

“You needn’t fight me, little girl,” she said. “I mean none of you any harm. I am here to warn you.”

“Warn us of what, Talia?” Batman asked.

“To warn you of the horrors that my father is about to bring upon you and those closest to you, beloved,” she replied. “Though I fear for some of them, I may already be too late.”

To be continued…

[Trent Lane]

Batman: Choices Part III

“Why? Why is he doing this?” Bruce asked, removing the cowl from his head. “What does Ra’s have to gain?”

“He still is angry that you refused to be his heir,” she replied. “After your last meeting with him, all he has thought of is destroying you and those around you. I could not help him this time, and now I fear for my own safety as well.”

“Where is he?” Batgirl asked. “Where did he take them all?”

“That, I do not know. I’ve searched the globe twice over and have not found him in the places he would most likely occupy.”

“He doesn’t want to be found, Talia,” Bruce replied. “How was he able to abduct them?”

“I’m not sure of that either, beloved. Ubu is always at his service, but even he is not capable of this sort of kidnapping.”

“A ninja,” Tim spit out. “Some ninja guy took Alfred. He called you “rich man’s son”.

“Kyodi Ken,” Bruce muttered. He looked out at the red night sky outside the Manor. “We’ll need to inspect Dick’s loft and the police headquarters thoroughly. Batgirl, you and Robin get downtown. Talia and I will go to Dick’s.” Batgirl nodded and Tim followed her down into the Batcave, the Grandfather Clock closing behind them. Talia walked over and pecked Bruce on the cheek.

“I have missed you, Bruce. I-“ Bruce had pulled his mask back over his face. He looked sternly at her.

“Not now. We’ve got work to do.” She looked down and nodded in agreement.

“Just promise me you will not harm him if and when we find him,” she asked, almost as if she was pleading.

“I can’t, and won’t make that promise. Not this time or ever again.”

*************************

Batgirl flipped through the file on her father’s abduction from the stairwell atop the police station. “Whoever took my father knew exactly what they were doing and how much time they had to do it,” she said to Robin.

“But who could’ve done it? One of the nuts from Arkham or someone who works on a much larger scale?” Robin asked.

“Well, Harvey witnessed the kidnapping. He was taken down to Gotham Medical Plaza with a broken arm and some cuts. Maybe we should go down and ask him a few questions.” She put the file back in its place and the two jumped out the window, swinging toward the hospital.

*************************

“You call this food?!” Harvey slapped the tray off his lap, sending it to the floor. “How about something I can stomach this time, nurse!” The nurse fled the room to search for a meal that would suit the angry detective. He sat back and turned on the television.

“You must not be feeling too bad, Bullock,” Robin said, stepping from behind the curtain by the window.

“You? What do you want?” Bullock shot back.

“Answers to a few simple questions,” Batgirl stated, walking out into view. “Did you see who took the Commissioner?”

“Kinda, the fall knocked me out,” Bullock said rubbing the back of his head. “I know it was a woman, and I think I heard her say something about claws.”

“Claws? Like cat claws?” Robin asked.

“I don’t know,” Bullock shot back. “Why?”

“Maybe it was Catwoman,” he answered.

“Wrong, boy,” someone said from behind Batgirl and Robin. “She could never pull off something this grand.” Robin and Batgirl whirled around to see who it was.

“Red Claw!” Batgirl shouted. “You were behind this?”

“Yes, but that was just the start.” She pointed her pistol at them. “Now you’ll be coming with me as well. You can go the easy way, or the hard way.”

*************************

Batman inspected the locks of the windows on the roof of Dick’s loft. “These were ripped off with bare hands,” he said. “There’s few people I know of who could do that.”

“One of the last times I had any contact with Father he was speaking of working with some Brazilian man,” Talia said.

“Bane. That’s who your father spoke of,” Batman answered. “So your father hired at least two of the most dangerous mercenaries alive to kidnap those closest to me. If any harm comes to them I swear-“ Batman’s anger was broken by a buzz in his ear. The police scanner was warning of a disturbance at Gotham Medical.

“All units, report of shots fired on the fourth floor GMP, room of Detective Bullock, suspect female, dressed in red and black, goes by the alias ‘Red Claw’. Be advised suspect is considered extremely armed and dangerous. Report of two costumed vigilantes trying to apprehend suspect at this time.” Batman shot a grapple out and grabbed Talia.

“This is not good.” He dove off the building, heading as quickly as he could to the hospital to assist his partners.

To be continued…

[Daughterof_Evil]

Just wanted to say what a completely awesome story this is! I really like the fact that most of Batman's fiercest enemies are all allied against him and his three (four if you count Talia) comrades. Totally cool, I'm really looking forward to more!!

[Trent Lane]

Batman: Choices Part IV

“Don’t come one step closer!” Red Claw held the two back with her threats. “I hold here a detonator. A slip of my finger and this hospital and the four surrounding blocks become a crater.”

“You’re bluffing,” Robin answered. “You wouldn’t kill yourself just to get rid of us.”

“Try me and see,” she replied with a grin on her face. Suddenly the door flew open, kicked by the Batman. He seemed to float into the room with Talia trailing behind him. He looked over to see that Bullock had passed out.

“What are you after, Red Claw?” Batman asked. “Why do this?”

“You of all people should know,” she answered. “You’ve foiled my plans one time too many. I could’ve made millions, but instead I ended up rotting in jail. Now I know your secret. I know who you are, Wayne.” She smiled and laughed. That was the break Batman needed. He sprung on the woman, ripping the detonator from her hand. She kneed him in the chest, and then tried to take it back from him. He rolled back and threw her against the wall. Her head hit the doorframe, and she lay motionless on the floor. Robin ran over to check her pulse.

“How is she, Robin?” Batman asked, cutting the wires to the bomb.

“She’s breathing, but looks like she took a pretty good blow to the head,” he answered. He reached down to her belt and took over a tracking device. “Hey, Batman, you think you can reverse the signal on this?” He tossed it over to Batman.

“Possibly, let’s get back to the cave.” The four of them left as several officers and two nurses came running toward the room they had been in.

**********************

“Oh, my head.” James Gordon woke up in a dimly lit room. He saw two other men slumped over in the opposite corner. He looked down to see that his hands were tied together. He pushed himself against the wall and stood up, then walked to the men. He nudged them several times, trying to wake them.

“Wha-? Where am I?” Dick called out. “Who are you?”

“Dick, it’s me, Jim,” Gordon replied, somewhat relieved he was trapped with someone he knew. “Who’s that?” He pointed to the other man. They turned him over.

“Alfred? Alfred! Wake up!” Dick shook his friend awake. Alfred looked up, confused.

“Where am I?” he asked.

“That seems to be a popular question right now,” Gordon answered. “I don’t have a clue.” The door to the room slowly creaked open, and a large man stood in the doorway.

“The master will see you now,” he called out to them.

“Who’s the master?” Dick replied, stepping in front of the other two.

“Come, you will see,” he replied.

“What if we don’t want to?” Dick answered sternly.

“Then we’ll take you by force.” Ubu stepped into the room, with Bane and the Ninja following him. Dick struggled with them for a moment, but the three of them were eventually dragged out of the room.

********************

“Looks like we’ve got something,” Batgirl called out to the rest of them. “I’ve been able to track the signal to Morocco.”

“Father has a safe house there,” Talia spoke up. “I know where we can find it.”

“Good, let’s go,” Robin answered.

“No,” Batman answered. “You stay here. I need you in Gotham. I’ll call some back-up for you.” Batman typed into the computer to the Watchtower. A light blinked on the screen seconds later. “Flash should be here any sec-“ A rush of air came through the cave.

“You rang?” Flash said, stopping in front of Batman.

“Stay with Robin. We’ve got something to take care of.” Batman motioned to Batgirl and Talia. “You’ve got a ride, I presume?”

Talia nodded. “I hid my solo jet on the cliffs below the house. You can follow me there.” She left the cave and headed toward her transportation. Batman and Batgirl got strapped into the Batplane and got ready to take off. Robin ran up beside them.

“Good luck,” he yelled to them.

Batman nodded to him. “We’re gonna need it.”

To be continued…

[witness]

Wow. Great stuff here Trent! As you know, I love the lesser known characters. It's great to see them put to such good use. Red Claw was nasty in this one. Wanting to blow up the hospital just because Batman stood in her way? Very nasty indeed. Here's a question for you. Will Jim find out about Batman's true identity? He's at the point where if Ra's says anything to implicate Dick as one of Batman's cohorts, Jim could make the connection. This should prove to be a very interesting story indeed. Hope to see more soon!

[Trent Lane]

Thanks witness! I'm also a big fan of lesser used characters, hence the breif appearance by Rupert Thorne. The last part was a bit rough, and it looks to get a little more "heavy" as I move along. Though Red Claw is for the time being out, the bad guys are far from down. I'll try to be back tomorrow with the next installment of "Choices". See you then!!!

[Batgirl]

Another great installment(s)!!! Please keep it coming! I can't wait to see how this all turns out... I esp. liked the scene with Dick, Jim and Alfred in the holding place. If Jim only knew... Keep it up!

[Trent Lane]

Batman: Choices Part V

“So you mind fillin’ me in, Boy Wonder?” Flash asked as he bit into an apple.

“Well, Ra’s al Ghul hired some of the most dangerous criminals in the world and has kidnapped some people very close to us,” Robin replied, looking up from the computer. “As to what he’s going to do with them, we’re not sure.”

“Sound’s pretty bad,” Flash answered, tossing the apple into a wastebasket. “So they’re headed off to find Ra’s?”

“Yeah, and lucky me got to stay here and watch Gotham,” Robin replied, trying to hold his frustration back. A light flickered on the computer screen. “Great.”

“What is it?” Flash asked, running to Robin’s side.

“Wayne Enterprises Building Two’s been broken into,” Robin replied. “Men dressed in black suits, masks- the Society of Shadows.” Robin ran to his bike and started it up. “Meet me there?”

“In a second!” Flash said as he ran past Robin out of the cave.

***************

“How can we trust her?” Batgirl asked Batman as they flew over the Atlantic Ocean.

“We can’t,” he replied. “But how else are we going to get to your father, Dick, and Alfred? Talia knows this place and we don’t. We’ve got to go along with it for now.” The horizon started to lighten up and land was ahead. Talia pulled ahead of the Batplane and lead them toward her Father’s hide-away. They landed half a mile away from it and walked the rest of the distance.

“You know he’ll be ready for us, Beloved?” Talia told the Batman.

“He always is,” Batman answered in an emotionless voice. Talia came to a stonewall covered with vines. She ripped them away and pushed one of the stones in. A small part of the wall slowly opened revealing a narrow walkway. Talia stepped into it followed by Batman and Batgirl. A dim light was shining from the opposite end. They reached it and peered in, seeing about half a dozen people working, several of them at a large computer screen which displayed a map of the world. Batman reached into his belt and tossed out several gas pellets. They rolled into the middle of the room and exploded, putting all in the room to sleep. He stepped out of the walkway into the room, waving the gas away from his face. Talia went off to search the compound for her father.

“Think this is a dead end, boss?” Batgirl asked, coming to the Batman’s side.

“This is Ra’s communication center,” he replied. “He was having messages sent through here to throw us off.” He looked at the map on the computer. “He’s keeping tabs on his people. There’s a mark here and one in Egypt. That’s most likely where he’s really at.”

“Then why would there be a mark in Gotham still?” Batgirl asked. Her communicator went off and she answered it.

“Batgirl, Wayne Enterprises has been broken in to. The Society of Shadows rigged some of the buildings with bombs. Flash disabled two of them, but he didn’t get to the third in time. He got everyone out of the building just as it went off. It’s bad,” Robin frantically reported.

Batman took the communicator from Batgirl. “Get back to the Manor now! Keep watch and make sure no one gets on the property.”

“Gotcha. We’re on our way. Robin out.” Batman handed the communicator back to Batgirl.

“Why’d you want him back at the Manor?” she asked.

“I think it’s the next target, “Batman replied. Talia ran back out to them, panicked.

“We’ve got to get out of here now!” she cried. “This place is rigged to explode!”

“We must’ve tripped something when we entered the cave,” he replied. “Grab some of these people and let’s go!” They grabbed two people each and rushed through the narrow cave. They got out and dropped the people down into a ditch. The three of them dove away from the mouth of the cave as the bomb went off. Flames shot out of the tunnel and smoke filled the air. Batman helped Batgirl up off the ground and dusted himself off. He looked at Talia.

“We’re going to Egypt now,” he said sternly.

*****************

Dick clenched his teeth, trying to hold back his anger. Ra’s sat in front of the three of them with his hand folded in front of his face. Bane and the Ninja each stood at his side.

“What do you want, Ra’s?” Dick asked in anger.

“The Detective has been a thorn in my side for many years now,” Ra’s stated, standing up as he spoke. “He’s taken so much away from me when all I have wanted to do is return this world to the way it used to be- the way it should be. On top of it all, he refused to be my heir and take my daughter’s hand in marriage. Now, I plan to take everything away from him. Already the Society has moved into Gotham to bring down his empire, and his base of operations. And you three will soon be taken care of as well.”

“What the devil are you doing?!” Gordon shouted. “We’re innocent people here, those two especially. I’m the only one with any sort of ties to the Batman at all.”

Ra’s laughed at Gordon’s rant. “So naïve you are, James,” he said. “Those two you call innocents? They’re in the Detective’s inner circle. I believe you know Dick Grayson, also called Nightwing. And the butler, Alfred Pennyworth, is employed by none other than Bruce Wayne, the one and only Detective.”

“You mean-?” Gordon stuttered. “Wayne is Batman?”

“You’re learning,” Ra’s said, clapping his hands. “Batman’s wards are his partners in crime fighting. And there is the other one, a ‘Batgirl’ if I remember correctly? Yes, well, she’s your daughter.”

Gordon sat there in disbelief, and then got angry. “No! You’re lying! You monster! Why would you make this up?!” He lunged for Ra’s but was brought to the ground by Ubu’s fist to his back. Bane and the Ninja restrained the other two.

“I’m making none of it up, James. Face the truth. You’re daughter’s been keeping a secret from you. Quite a secret, I might add.” A man came into the room with a message
.
“Sir, two aircraft have been spotted on the radar, they’re fifteen miles from our current location.”

“Good,” Ra’s said, sitting back down. “Prepare for our guests, Ubu. It’s time to finish this once and for all.”

To be continued….

[Trent Lane]

Batman: Choices Part VI

The Batplane landed outside a small village several miles away from Cairo, Egypt. Batman and Batgirl exited the aircraft and met up with Talia. An ancient, decaying building towered in front of them. Talia loaded her gun as she began to speak.

“This is the place, Father’s used it many times before in the past,” Talia explained. “I know of another entrance of which is less guarded in the rear of the building. This way.” The three went around to the back of the building and came to a broken door. Batman pushed it aside and they entered a dark hallway. A dim light glimmered at the end of the hallway. They opened the door to find a stairway that spiraled downward. Batman and Batgirl cautiously led the way, unsure of what could be waiting for them. They came to another door at the base of the stairway. Batman kicked it open and slowly made his way into the large room. A half dozen men, dressed in black, met them inside the room, ready to fight. Batman shot his hand forward at two of them, wrapping them together with a bola. Batgirl used a combination of kicks and punches on one man, who fought at a frantic pace. She flipped over the man and delivered a kick to the back of his knee. As he fell to the ground, she pinned him and bound his hands and legs together. Batman tossed another of the men across the room as he tried to attack Batgirl from behind. The last man standing tried to flee, but the Batman pounces on him, knocking him out in the process.

“Well done, Detective. I figured they’d be no challenge for you,” Ra’s al Ghul said as he came out of the shadows. “You’ve arrived just in time-“

“No games, Ra’s,” Batman said, grabbing him by his shirt. “You’ll let them go now.” Batman heard Batgirl fall behind him. Talia stood over her, her gun pointed at Batman.

“I’m sorry, Beloved,” she said. “You’ve got no choice but to listen.”

*********************

Flash and Robin dodged a barrage of bullets as they took down the armed men on the lawn of Wayne Manor. Flash rushed a line of them and took their guns from them. He quickly disassembled them and tossed them back to the members of the Society of Shadows.

“Trying firing them now,” he said to them. The men decided to resort to hand to hand combat, but where taken down in a few minutes by the two heroes. Robin finished tying them up.

“You know, you’d think Ra’s would send better fighters than this,” he said.

“Yeah, these guys where really pretty tame,” Flash replied. “I- uh!” Flash fell to the ground after being hit in the head from behind.

“They were just the warm-up, boy,” the Ninja said as he stepped out from the shrubs. “Now it’s just you and me.”

***********************

“Your refusal to be my heir has angered me for quite some time, Detective,” Ra’s said as he stood in front of a cuffed Batman and Batgirl. “The fact that you refused my daughter, my empire, my ideals. I’ve wished nothing since then but to destroy you and your alter ego.”

“You’re a madman,” Batman muttered. “You want to wipe the world out just because you feel it’s your mission. You claim to have such a high regard for life, yet you’d feel no remorse if you killed the world’s population. And you wonder why I won’t bow to your ideas?”

“Silence, worm!” Ubu backhanded the Batman across the face.

“I’ll get to the point, Detective,” Ra’s said as he stood up. “I am offering you a choice. Let the world know who indeed the Batman truly is, or your friends lives end tonight.”

“What do you have to gain by this?” Batman asked angrily.

“Seeing how loyal you are to your friends, you’ll tell your secret,” Ra’s started. “While you and the rest of them are occupied I can start reshaping the world as I see fit. And now that I have found someone who is willing to take my place and my daughter’s hand in marriage, nothing will stop me.”

“And who’s this mystery person?” Batman asked.

“Me, Mr. Wayne,” Bane said as he kissed Talia’s hand. She wrapped her arms around his bulging arm. “You had your chance.”

“So, Detective,” Ra’s asked, “What will it be?”

To be continued…

[Calico]

Grrr...she betrays him again!! When will he ever learn? *sigh* Anyway good job Trent!

[Trent Lane]

Wow, I've been off this for a while :o Well, here's a little for you guys to go on, sorry it's been so long...

Batman: Choices Part VII

Robin slid across the grass after being thrown by the Ninja. He rubbed the cut on his face, blood starting to come from it. He picked himself up off the ground.

“You’re wanting more?” the Ninja said, chuckling. “You have a strong spirit, boy. Too bad you don’t have the physical strength to take me on!” The Ninja drew his sword from his side. “I will make your death a quick one.” He charged at Robin. He suddenly fell down and went face first into the grass.

“Someone say quick?” Flash smirked. He picked up the Ninja and tossed his blade aside. “Anything else to say before we take you to a nice, damp cell?”

“You can do nothing now,” he laughed. “The Demon has won! Your secret is no more!” Gas came from out of the eyes of his mask, and he went limp.

“What was that all about?” Flash asked.

“I don’t know, but I think they’re in trouble,” Robin replied. “Let’s get to the cave.”

********************

“Answer me, Detective,” Ra’s demanded. “Your friends or your secret. Which will survive?”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Batman growled.

“Wouldn’t I?” Ra’s responded. “Talia!” She walked over to Batgirl and pulled her arm back, breaking it. Batgirl screamed in pain, falling back to the floor.

“Alright,” Batman responded. “What must be done?”

Ra’s smiled. “I knew you’d come around. I’ve set up a satellite device which will broadcast your secret to every television and radio station around the globe,” Ra’s explained. “Within minutes, you’ll never be able to live a normal life again. While you run for your life, I’ll be left to start eliminating the polluters of the Earth once and for all and bring this planet back to it’s original state.” They arrived at the broadcast room. “Ubu, you stand guard in there with him. We’ll get the signal ready.”

“Yes, master.” Ubu shoved Batman into the room, slamming him into the wall. Batman stood up, gritting his teeth. Ubu stood at the door, arms crossed. A camera sat in front of him, waiting to let his secret out to the world. Ra’s called from the next room.

“All is ready, Detective,” he said. “We’ll start broadcasting in one minute.”

*****************

Jim Gordon moved to the side of Batgirl. She looked up at him trying to get her mind off the pain.

"I'm so sorry, Dad," she said. "I wanted to tell you. I didn't want this to happen to any of us."

"Shhhh," he said, calming her down. "It'll be okay. I promise." Talia walked over to them.

"Be quiet, or I'll break the other one, girl," Talia barked at Batgirl. Anger built up inside Jim. He pulled Talia's legs out from under her, causing her to fall and lose grip of her gun. She hit the ground hard, and opened her eyes to see Gordon pointing her gun at her nose. Dick stood beside him.

"Where'd they take Batman?" Gordon demanded.

To be continued...

[Trent Lane]

"WHERE?!" Jim yelled, pulling the hammer back on the gun. Talia looked up the barrel to the angry man.

"Even if I told you it's too late," she said. "It is done." Dick stepped forward, looking Talia in the eyes.

"You would do this to Bruce?" he yelled at her.

"Yes," Bane said, slamming his fist into Dick's side. "For me, she would do anything." Dick slid across the floor, rolling to his feet. He motioned to Bane. Bane cracked his knuckles and threw off his mask. "It will be a delight hearing you scream for your quick death."

*******************

Batman surveyed the room as Ubu stood in the doorway. He grabbed a vile from his glove and put it in his hand. He watched in the other room as Ra's directed his people to get ready for the broadcast. Thirty seconds left. He'd wait until the last second. Ra's came over the speaker.

"Enjoy your freedom for the last few seconds you have it, Detective," he said with a devilish smile. "You're troubles are only just beginning."

Batman smiled. "Right." He threw the vile at the window to the other room. A flash of light exploded from it. Batman ran full on into Ubu, knocking him down. Ra's stood up after avoiding the blast. The Batman was gone, and the equipment was in pieces.

"Find him! NOW!!!" Ra's demanded, shoving his workers out into the hallway.

*******************

"You got the signal on them still?" Flash asked Robin as the sped across the Atlantic.

"Yeah, not much longer now," Robin replied. "I just hope we're in time."

To be concluded....

[Trent Lane]

Batman ripped the vent cover from the wall and started down the passage. He heard Ra's and his men storm down the hall and knew they'd see where he had taken off to. His priority now, though, was to get Dick, Barbara, Jim, and Alfred to safety. He came to an opening over the room they were being held in. He saw Dick and Bane fighting. Bane slammed his fist into Dick's stomach, then tossing him into the wall. Dick was bleeding bad, and looked to be finished. Batman kicked the cover off the vent and jumped down to the floor. He rolled to the side and grabbed his belt, and called to Bane. "Leave him alone."

"You?!" Bane said. "You're supposed to be in the broadcast room."

"The schedule changed," Batman said, gritting his teeth. He motioned for the rest of them to get out of harms way and tossed a pellet at Bane. It exploded in his face, giving Batman time to attack. He landed several punches to his face and a kick to his side, sending him to the floor. Bane rubbed his eyes and growled in anger. He charged Batman, half-knowing where he was. Batman leapt out of the way and Bane hit the wall head on, leaving a hole in it. He fell to the ground again, obviously in pain but not ready to give up. He staggered toward Batman, throwing chunks of the wall at him. Batman dodged them all, and went for Bane again. As he was about to take him out, he heard Ra's enter the room.

"Enough! Even if I don't expose you to the world, I'll still make sure it's re-created as it should be. Humanity is in it's final seconds. Within a minute, a signal will be transmitted to a satelite in orbit, which will in turn trigger over two dozen hydrogen bombs with enough power to level an area the size of half of your United States. What do you say to that, Detective?" Ra's smiled, knowing there was nothing Batman could do for once.

"I'd say you should make new plans," Robin said from above them. "Flash just disassembled your transmitter."

"No!" Ra's looked at Bane. "Kill them all!"

"It is finished, Ra's," Bane said.

"You defy me, Bane?" Ra's cried. "Then suffer like the rest of them will." He hit a button on a remote he held in his hand. A net sprung out of the wall, wrapping itself around the battered Bane. Electricity ran through it, causing Bane to scream in pain. Batman rushed Ra's and knocked him over, causing the remote to fly out of his hand. He picked Ra's up by the scruff of his shirt and glared at him.

"You're finished, Ra's," Batman stated.

"As we all are," he said smiling. "I always prepare for the worst. This building will be coming down in thirty seconds. Try and escape, but it's impossible to leave here alive. I've won."

"All aboard," Flash said sliding into the room. He grabbed Batgirl, Robin, and Gordon and left. Batman picked up Dick and they started out. Flash came back for the two of them.

"Take Dick and Alfred," Batman said. "I'm going to grab the rest of them." Bamtan sprinted back into the room to retreive them. "Come on! We've got to get out!"

"No, beloved," Talia said. "I must stay by my Father. Go."

"Talia!" Batman cried out as the three of them disappeared behind falling debris. Flash grabbed him and rushed down the hallway. Two seconds after the exitted the building, it exploded in a flash of yellow, orange, and red. Batman looked back at the building, sorrow in his eyes.

******************

"Well, I don't know what to say," Jim said as he paced back and forth in front of the rest of the Bat-family.

"I'm sorry to kept this from you for so long, Jim," Bruce said. "I didn't want you hurt because you knew."

"I can accept that," Jim said, looking back at him. "It'll be hard to keep it from others now, but you have my word- this is our secret."

"Come on, Dad," Barbara said. "Let's go home." The two of them walked up the steps to the Manor.

"You think they got out?" Dick asked.

"I don't know," Bruce said. "They had a choice to make, and they took the other way out." Bruce got up out of his chair and slid his mask over his face. "Come on, we've got work to do."

THE END

Thanks for putting up with such a dragged out story. I hope to start a new, more organized story very soon. The last few have been Batman (B:TAS) stuff, so I'm thinking it's time to jump ahead to the JLU! Hope to be back soon...

[Batgirl_2005]

*applauds* it was an awesome story. Sorry I didn't reply more (or perhaps that should be at all...), but I've just been really busy. I can't wait to read your next story! Toodle!!!

[Trent Lane]

Thanks, Batgirl. It took me longer than I thought to do this, there's been a lot going on in my life, so it's not really as good or organized as it could be, but thanks for keeping up with it and for the feedback!

[BatGirl2001]

Very well written! I'm very confused tho, because since im a JL fan I never see these episodes ( i've always wanted too!) and i love batman! if anyone is still there can you fill me in on some of the characters like the evil villians?