World's Finest: Showdown

[Trent Lane]

Hi again, folks, it's been a while since last time. Here I am again with an idea I'd had a long time ago but hadn't been able to develope. So here goes, a Batman and Superman story, entitled Showdown. Enjoy and let me know what you think...

Batman guided the Batplane through the opening of the cave below Wayne Manor. He, Superman, and Flash had just taken care of Gorilla Grodd after he tried to kill a large group of media members at a convention in Metropolis. The plane came to a stop right in front of Alfred on the landing pad. The canopy flew open and Batman jumped out.

"I trust all went well in Metropolis this evening, sir?" Alfred said, walking beside his visibly tired employer and friend.

"As well as could be expected seeing the situation," he replied, removing his mask revealing several bruises on his cheeks. He slumped down in his chair and took the coffee Alfred had offered him. He turned on the screen to the computer and turned on the news. Just as he had thought. Another break-out from Arkham. Lock-up this time. He stood up again, walking toward the turntable where the Batmobile sat.

"Out again, sir?" Alfred asked, knowing the answer already.

"Don't wait up. This shouldn't take long." He started up the car and peeled out of the cave.

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

"Idiots!" Lock-Up threw two guards across the room. "You defend this scum?!" He walked closer to the man cowering in the corner. He picked the man up and lifted him into the air. "People like you make this city the corrupt crime-ridden hole it is."

"W-what do you mean?" the man cried helplessly to Lock-Up.

"You give money to the police department. Your company helped out in Mayor Hill's last election campaign. You're the reason they exsist! But I'm here to correct that problem." Lock-Up reached out with his 'customized' shackles and started to place them on the cowering man when they were thrown out of his hands by something that went flying past. Lock-Up looked toward the figure standing in the doorway. "You."

Batman walked closer toward him, not saying a word. Lock-Up dropped the man and charged the Batman. He threw two punches, which Batman easily dodged. Batman returned with a punch to the stomach, knocking Lock-Up over.

"It doesn't have to be like this, Bolton," he said, looking down at his adversary.

"Oh, but it does," he said as he picked himself up off the ground."You've made sure of it." He again went after Batman, slamming his head into the Batman's head. They both fell to the ground. Lock-Up pinned Batman and started punching Batman wildly. After about ten or so hits, Lock-Up smiled and looked at the bleeding Batman. "Had enough?" He threw another punch, but Batman stopped it.

"Hardly." He kicked foward sending Bolton flying across the room. His head slammed into the wall, and he slumped down knocked out. Batman went over to him and cuffed him while he was out of it. He looked over to the man, visibly shaken by the altercation.

"You alright?" Batman asked, assisting the man up. He finally got a good look at the man. It was Lucious Fox. He tried to hold back his surprise. "What did Lock-Up want with you?"

"He, and some other guy, came storming in here throwing the guards around. Lock-Up roughed the gaurds and myself up while the other left with some of the files from that room." Lucious pointed to the broken door behind him. Batman walked toward it, already knowing what the theives were after. This is where Bruce Wayne kept the blueprints for various Wayne Enterprises projects, most of them top secret. The door appeared to be ripped from the hinges by some sort of claw, nothing a human hand could do. He walked into the room and pulled out a flashlight. He scanned the room to find out exactly what had been taken. On the right side of the room, a file cabinet had been split in two, with papers laying all around it. Something shimmered as he passed the flashlight across the mess. He bent down to take a closer look. It was a small, green rock. Batman's eyes narrowed as he placed the fragment in a bag and headed out of the room. Lucious was sitting at a desk, with his head in his hands.

"What will I tell Mr. Wayne?" He was almost in tears. Batman looked back at him.

"This wasn't your fault. I think I know who may have been with Bolton though."

Lucious looked up. "Really?!" Batman had already left...

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

Clark landed back in his apartment after his trip from the Watchtower. He changed and went to his bed. Finally, a little rest. He pulled the covers over his feet. His head was about to hit the pillow when the phone rang.

"Now what?" He picked it up. "Hello? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I think a friend of yours is in my town," the voice over the phone said. "You might want to make a trip. And bring a special change of clothes." The connection cut off, and Clark got out of bed, whirled into his costume, and made his way toward S.T.A.R. Labs before he journeyed toward Gotham City.

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

Superman landed on the rocky ledge below Wayne Manor. He found a small opening in the wall and made his way through the rocks and bats to the main area of the Batcave.

"You know, you could've used the front door," Bruce said, turning to greet Superman.

"Yeah, but then the neighbors would get suspicious," Superman replied smiling. "What've you got?" Bruce turned to the computer and ran the tape. It was dark, but you could make out two figures, one definetly Lock-Up, the other hard to tell. "You know these guys?"

"The one is Lyle Bolton, otherwise known as Lock-Up. The other I've yet to positively ID. But I did find this in the room he broke into." Bruce pulled out a bag with a small green rock glowing from within it.

"Kryptonite." Superman cautiously backed up. "I don't know of too many people who simply carry pieces of that around."

"Metallo does. And by the shape that room was left in, I'd say he's our man."

"Well, do you think he's still in Gotham?" Superman asks. Just then the computer screen flashes. Bruce types in something and smiles.

"I put in a search for Metallo's name. Looks like he's up to something now in Metropolis. I'll get the plane and meet you there. He's got some of my stuff and I want to know why." Bruce threw on his cowl and ran down toward the hanger. Batman shot out of the side of the cliff and followed Superman to Metropolis....

To be continued....

[Trent Lane]

Okay, here's the second part. Not quite as long, but it really get the story going. And don't worry about some things not being elaborated on- I'll get to them in due time. Enjoy, and give me some feedback...

They arrived in Metropolis shortly after. Batman landed the Batplane down by the docks and he and Superman proceeded to the last place Metallo had been spotted. Superman scanned the area and found a several figures huddled behind a garbage bin. Before Batman and Superman could make their move, the three men sprung toward them. Metallo stood in front of his companions.

"Superman, what a pleasant surprise!" he started. "All dressed up and you brought a friend. Well, this should be intresting." He waved to his goons to attack Batman and he jumped toward Superman. The two men circle around Batman. He grabbed one and threw him towards the other. He hit his head against the garbage bin and slumped to the ground. The other got up, slightly dazed, and drew his weapon. He fired several shots in Batman's direction, but he had disappeared. A shadow engulfed him as Batman dropped down from above. He kicked the gun from his hands, and punched him in his stomach. He threw another punch and hit the goon across the face. He turned, and fell to the ground, knocked out.

Meanwhile, Superman held back the attack of Metallo. He grabbed his arms and thrusted him toward the wall. "What were you doing in Gotham, Corbin?" Metallo answered back with a swipe across Superman's chest, ripping away some of the protective material Superman was wearing. He smiled and shot a beam of Kryponite energy into the small opening. Superman shot back to the opposite wall of the alley and fell to the ground.

"Get up!" Metallo ripped off the helmet of the lead suit and again showered the Man of Steel with the Kryptonite radiation. Suddenly, something became lodged in the Kryptonite rock in Metallo's chest. "What?" Batman came from the shadows and looked at Metallo.

"That's an exploding batarang in your chest." As soon as the words left Batman's mouth, it exploded. Once the smoke cleared, Metallo was on his knees in shock. Batman went over to the weakened villain and grabbed him by the ragged clothes draped on his metal body. "I'm gonig to ask you once- why were you at Waynetech Enterprises tonight?"

Metallo looked back at the Dark Knight, not quite following what was being asked. "What do you mean? I've been in Metropolis for months now. I wasn't in Gotham tonight." Batman threw Corbin aside and picked up Superman. He was a little dazed, but made it to his feet.

"He's not our suspect," Batman said. "Looks like I've got some more clues to gather."

"Well, if you need any help, use this to contact me." Superman handed Batman a small communicator and headed back for his apartment. Batman jumped into the Batplane and made his way back to Gotham City.

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

Lex Luthor looked out his office window as the Batplane left the city. A buzz came from the phone on his desk. "Yes?"

"He's here, Lex," Mercy stated. "You want me to send him up?"

"Yes, send him right in." Lex turned his chair and sat down, waiting for his latest errand boy to set foot in his office. The door swung open and a large man walked in the room. "How did it go?"

"As you planned, sir," the man replied. "Lock-Up went along with the 'story' and held the Batman off."

"Good. And your equipment I outfitted you with? Did it work well?"

"Better than expected. This device increases my strength more than I could ever have imagined. More than anything I've ever used before."

"And the plans?" The man sent them across the desk to Luthor. "Yes, all here. You've served me well on this assignment. You ready for another?" The man simply shook his head. "Alright. Seeing as I've essentially given you the tools to do so, I need a little extermination job done. Two jobs, actually."

"Go on," the man said, intrested.

"I want Batman and Superman gone for good. I think you're up to it. And I'll make it worth your while." Luthor shoved a suitcase across the table and opened it. "Four million dollars. That sound fair to you?"

The man smiled. "More than fair. I'll do it." He stood up and shook Luthor's hand.

"Very well, then," Luthor said. "Glad to do business with you, Bane."

To be continued...

[Coran]

So many interesting stories are going on in this board at once. Trent, I can't wait to read more. Keep up the good work.

[Batgirl_2005]

Coran's right... everyone's putting up great stories all at once!!!! it's soo neat!

A story by flhero! woo hoo! Hope to see more soon! toodles and tata

[Livewire]

Well, Trent, I'm certainly interested! I'm a Supes fan and Supes is part of the story - YEA!!! I look foward to reading more.



Waiting for more! -L-

[witness]

Well, that was interesting! I have a suspision about Bane, but I think I'll keep it to myself until I have more proof. It just might turn out to be nothing. Anyways, keep up the great work! I hope to see more soon!

[Trent Lane]

Thanks for the feedback, good to see the familiar faces here. I'll keep things going with the next little bit, so here you are...

Lois was working on an expose on the Manheim family at the Daily Planet. Aside from the few overnight janitors and the maintenance man, she was alone in the building. As she was about to finish her article, she heard something slam against a wall. She got up and looked in that direction and saw Ben Sullivan groaning in pain. A shadow engulfed his body. Lois slowly backed up as the man made his way into the room.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Lois said defiently.

"Miss Lane, I presume?" he replied. "I am Bane." With that, he tossed a small pellet toward her. It exploded with a flash and let out a green sleeping gas. "And you are bait."

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

Clark washed his face off in the sink as soon as he arrived back at his apartment. The kryptonite had worn him down, and he was looking forward to a good night of rest. He settled into his bed for the second time that night, and started to doze off. Then the phone rang. Clark turned over and grabbed the phone.

"What now?" he asked, thinking it was Batman.

"Clark, sorry to wake you, but we've got a situation," Perry said fantically. "Lois has been kidnapped."

"What? Was there anything left to tell us where she is?" he asked.

"There was a note left for Superman to come to the Metropolis Cathedral at sunrise," he replied. "If he doesn't show, they'll kill Lois." Superman left the phone hanging and rushed out the window. It was five o'clock now. He had plenty of time, but no idea of what he was up against. He landed at the front steps of the cathedral and walked into the towering building. A musty wind blew threw the main sanctuary as Superman walked toward the front pew. When he got there, he saw Lois tied up in the choir loft. He flew toward her, but was tossed away just as he got to her. Bane stood in front of Lois, looking at Superman as he laughed.

"Bane," Superman said as he got back on his feet. "What do you want?"

"I'm glad to see you know of me, Superman," Bane replied, smiling. "I wanted your attention, and now I have it."

"Why?" Superman replied, slowly walking toward him.

"So I can kill you, of course," Bane shot back. He jumped toward Superman and threw a punch, connecting with Superman's jaw. Superman stumbled back, and looked back at Bane.

"It'll take more than that."

"Oh, how foolish of me," Bane said, reaching for his belt. "I knew I brought this for a reason." He hit a button on the belt, and a green light sparked from it, running up a cord to the base of his skull, doubling his size. Superman watched, not believing what he had seen. "I believe you are familiar with my new found power source, Superman. It hits a little close to home." Bane launched a second attack, this time knocking Superman threw about fifteen rows of pews. He wiped his mouth, and noticed a small amount of blood coming from his lip. He got up and threw two punches to Bane's mid-section. Bane laughed and grabbed Superman's hand, cracking it as he squeezed tighter. He then threw Superman again, this time back over to the front of the sanctuary. Superman crashed into the steps and looked up at Bane as he advanced.

"Had enough, Superman?"

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

Batman sat at his computer, going over and over the evidence found at the crime scene. He was getting no where. He decided to see if he could find out what documents were stolen from Bruce Wayne's company. He went over what was left in the cabinet and and narrowed it down to what was missing. It was the files for the failed LexCorp-Wayne Enterprises defense project. Files on the things they had prototypes for, and files for things they had yet to manufacture. Batman narrowed his eyes and decided to give Superman a call. He pressed on the communicator and got a muffled voice on the other end.

"Superman? Are you all right?" Batman called over the comm-link.

"Bane.... kidnapped Lois... attacked me... some sort of strength enhancer powered by-" Superman's voice turned into a grunt as he was hit. Batman quickly turned, grabbed some equipment, and took off once again for Metropolis...

To be continued...

[Livewire]

Great entry, Trent! Your keeping me very enthralled! I hope Batman gets to Superman in time.




Waiting for more! -L-

[Trent Lane]

Well, here's some more. I don't want to seem like I'm rushing this story, but I've got a really good idea for a Batman Beyond fic building in my brain. So here you are:

Lex watched his men as they worked on their newest project. He was finally glad to get ahold of the plans. Wayne took everything after the deal I had made with the Joker, although he never knew about that.

"We've got one up and running, Mr. Luthor," the head engineer shouted, breaking Lex out of his thoughts.

"Excellent, Mr. Daniels," he replied. "Use the remaining parts to complete a few more of those devices. And have the suit I asked for ready if needed."

"Yes sir," Daniels replied as he got back to work. Lex headed back for his office, to wait for a report from Bane.

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

Batman landed the Batplane on one of the buildings attached to the Metropolis Cathedral. He grabbed his pack and ran toward the cathedral. He got to the door of the stairwell and pulled. Locked, of course. He pulled a lock pick out of his belt and started working on opening the door. Suddenly, it blasted open, sending Batman flying backwards. He sprung off his hands and turned toward the door. A hulking figure walked from the doorway, dragging two people.

"Greetings, Batman," Bane said. "I'm glad you found the place. Your friend probably isn't glad he found it, though." He tossed Superman's limp and beaten body forward. "But now it's your turn." He set Lois down and leapt toward the Batman. Batman rolled to his left side to pick up his pack. He reached in and grabbed his electric brass knuckles, charging them up for the fight. Bane turned and headed for the Batman once again. Batman hit Bane twice in the face, and Bane stumbled back.

"Hmm. I see you don't like to play fair. Alright." Bane tapped the button on his belt and grew again. "Let's go." Batman knew that there wasn't anyway for him to beat Bane in hand to hand combat, he needed time to think up a stradegy. Bane approached again and hit Batman in the stomach. Batman fell to the ground, gasping for air. Bane stood above him with his hands clasped, ready to bring them down of the Bat's back. Batman looked over his should and grabbed something from his belt. He shot a canister of pepperspray into Bane's face. Bane recoiled in pain, his hands over his eyes. Batman took the chance to land a few punches. He sent Bane back, doing no harm to him really, just making him more angry. Bane looked at the Batman, hatred filling his eyes. He charged toward the Dark Knight, his right hand ready to knock Batman out for a week. He threw punches wildly, still trying to regain his sight. Batman dodged them with ease. Batman went to hit Bane again, but was hit from behind. He fell to the ground, unconcious. Bane's vision became to come around. He saw a figure standing over the bodies of the woman and the Batman.

"We'll take them from here," Mercy said, directing the two men that were with her.

"No! I will finish them now!" Bane shouted out.

"No, I'm afraid you won't," Lex said, coming from the doorway. "You've done what we want and we'll take it from here. I don't think you'll mind."

Bane's anger grew even more. "You think you can stop me?! I am invincible!"

"Not really." Lex pulled out a remote, hitting the middle button. A charge of electricity ran through Bane's body as he screamed out in pain. After a few seconds, he dropped to the ground. "Send some of our people over to retrieve him. I'll be wanting my equipment back now. Mercy, take the Miss Lane back to her home. The seditive should erase any memory of this 'event' tonight. And make sure these two are taken to the correct location. I'll meet you there." Mercy left with Lane and the two men took the bodies of Batman and Superman down the stairs to the waiting vehicle, while Lex got on the helicopter waiting to take him to the testing facility. Finally, I've got them where I want them...

To be continued...

[witness]

I knew it! Bane's source of power! But you haven't specifically said anything yet, so I'll keep quiet for now. Anyways, another great couple of chapters. I wonder if Bane will try to take revenge on Lex. What will Lex do with Batman and Superman anyway? Can't wait for the next part! Post again soon!

[Livewire]

Very exciting stuff you're writing, Trent! I can't wait to see what Luthor's plans are. And I'm also wondering what Bane will do now. Please put in your next chapter soon!



Waiting for more! -L-

[Panther]

Lex has Batman AND Superman!?

Oh, this is gonna be good!

later,

[Trent Lane]

Well, we're getting down to it now! Here's the next installment of Showdown!!!

Bane shook his head as he found himself strapped to a table. Three people in white lab coats hurried around him, gathering what appeared to be surgical materials on a cart beside him. He began to see things a lot clearer, and remembered one of the people from the cathedral rooftop.

"We got everything here we're going to need?" one asked the others.

"Yeah, and we've got a helicopter set to pick him up as soon as we've finished getting Luthor's equipment off- and out of- his body." Upon hearing this, everything came back to Bane. He jerked against his restraints and got one arm free. With his free arm, he ripped off the remaining restraints and jumped to the floor.

"Hey, what're you-" Bane threw the two men across the rooms, sending them into the opposite wall. The woman they were working with cowered in the corner.

"Excuse me, ma'am- where's Luthor?"

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

Superman woke up to see Batman sitting up. They were in a large room, white walls made of lead.

"How long have I been out?" Superman asked.

"About half an hour since I woke up. I've been to this place before. One of Luthor's research and development sites. I've looked around, the only two doors were shut tight. I thought you could see what you could do." Superman stumbled to his feet, still weak from the fight with Bane. As he walked toward the door, a voice blasted throughout the room.

"Ah, it's good to see that you've both awakened." They could almost see the smirk across Luthor's face just by the way he was talking. "I've got something special in store for you." The giant doors started to slide open. The sound of several machines hummed from the concealed room. What appeared to be a leg shot forward from the darkness into the presence of Batman and Superman. An eight legged battle droid towered over them. Two smaller versions of the same machine crawled to it's sides.

"I think you remember my creations from the last time we were all together," Lex annouced. "They were strong- these are stronger. It took me a while to secure the plans, but I was finally able to retrieve them."

"You mean steal them, Luthor?" Batman shouted.

"Such harsh accusations, Batman." The largest droid shot toward Batman's feet. "Another outburst and it'll be aiming higher."

"Why go to all this trouble, Luthor? What's in it for you?" Superman stated.

"I'll be rid of two of the biggest thorns in my side for starters. Secondly, with you two out of the picture, someone's going to need to step up to protect the masses. That's where I come in. Your demise means profit for me, in more ways than one. Enjoy your last few minutes of life. I'll be down to check on your corpses in a little while." With that, the droids started firing.

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

Luthor went back to his office, sitting back pleased with the way things were going. He looked down at the city of Metropolis. He was finally going to be the most respected man in the city again. And this was just the start of it. With Batman and Superman about to be eliminated, he was ready to spread to new places, take them over as he had Metropolis. His thoughts were interupted by a comotion outside his office doors. Mercy's limp body came flying through the doors. She landed at the foot of Lex's desk. Lex looked at the man walking towards him. "No!"

"Yes, I return," Bane proclaimed. "You used me, Luthor! Like some toy of yours!"

"Bane, I can explain!" Lex backed up to the window.

"Explain what? How you were going to take back what is now rightfully mine? Fly me to some far off island and desert me? Is this what you want to explain?!"

"I wanted to deal with Batman and Superman all along! The liquid kryptonite and the equipment were mearly a loan from us to you. Once you had attracted them here, we were going to take back the equipment and finish them off. That's the deal!"

"Oh, you want your precious kryptonite back? That's all? Here, let me give it to you." Bane ripped the tube from his wristband and forced the liquid down Luthor's throat. Luthor choked, gasping for air, then fell to the floor. "Enjoy it. I've got some friends to catch up with." With that, Bane left Lex on the floor, clinging to what little life he had left...

To be continued

[Trent Lane]

Should've said this last time, but thanks for the feedback, everyone! Hope I'm keeping you somewhat intrested. I had some free time, so here's the next piece of the story, short but leading into the grand finally:

Batman and Superman stood their ground as the machines approached them. One fired a beam of kryponite energy toward them. Batman pushed Superman out of the way and rolled to miss the fire. The droid fired more shots, this time accompanied by bullets. The two heroes jumped and rolled around the room, trying to stay out of the line of fire and devise some sort of retaliation. Batman leapt into the air, grabbed a special batarang from his pack, and fired at one of the smaller droids. The batarang lodged itself into the eye of the droid and exploded. After the smoke cleared, the head dropped off.

"Stronger, right," Batman said, readying another batarang. As he said this, the top of the droid he had just hit opened up and another head rose up.

"You were saying?" Superman said, going back to working on a way to stop the droids. He flew toward the largest one, getting ready to make an attack. The droid turned in his direction and fired a blast of kryptonite toward him. Superman was thrusted back against the wall. Batman looked over toward his fallen comrade and was knocked across the room by the droid's leg. Both men looked up as the droids towered over them. As they reached them, they all sounded as if they had powered down. The doors to the room again opened up, and a shadow stretched across the floor.

"Where were we?" Bane said, cracking his knuckles as he approached the two.

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

Mercy woke up, grabbing her neck. She looked around and saw that she was in Lex's office. She didn't see him anywhere.

"Lex? Lex, where are you?" she called out, wondering what had happened to her boss. She staggered up and walked toward his desk. The sound of a groan made her pick up the pace. She peered over the desk and saw Lex, his eyes slightly open, a low groan coming from his throat. A small trickle of green ran from his mouth. Mercy knew then what had happened.

"I need assistance in Luthor's office now! Bring a stretcher!" In under a minute a crew had come in and moved Lex onto a stretcher.

"Should we get him to the hospital?" one of the women of the crew asked.

"No, we'll have to much to explain. Take him down to the MedLab in the sub-basement," Mercy ordered. She stood in the room, alone. This was her fault. She placed her hat on the desk, along with her gun. She wrote a quick note to Lex, telling him that she had let him down, that she was sorry, and that she was resigning as of that moment. She laid the pen down on the table and walked out of the office for the last time...

To be concluded...

[Panther]

Hmmm, I don't see Mercy giving up without a fight - I bet she shows up later. Looks like the conclusion is going to be, well - a showdown! (Sorry, lame joke, I know, I couldn't resist.)

later,

[Trent Lane]

Panther, you may be close to making a guess to the conclusion...

I'll have it up in a few days so you can see if you were right. Part of it is going to be a real surprise...

[Trent Lane]

What can I say? I got bored and wrote the seventh and final part to World's Finest: Showdown today, so here it is for your reading pleasure!...


Bane pumped himself up yet again and lunged toward the heroes. Batman rolled out of the way as Superman leapt into the air. The affects of the kryptonite were beginning to show somewhat, he wasn't as agile or strong as he usually was. Bane took advantage of this. He grabbed the leg of Superman and flung him into the wall. Bane clasped his fists and ran screaming toward Superman. Batman shot a line around his arms and pulled backward hard. It was enough force to bring him to the ground. Bane looked up at the Dark Knight.

"I was going to save you for last," he said, breaking the ties around his arms. "But if you want to die now, who am I to refuse?" He charged the Batman, his fists clenched tightly. Batman dodged the first few punches Bane threw, and hit back several times. Bane caught Batman's fist as it was heading for his face. He squeezed his hand until he heard a pop. Batman winced in pain. With his free hand he grabbed a pellet from his belt. He threw it at Bane's face and turned away. A small explosion of light blasted in Bane's face. Batman turned back around and looked at Bane.

"Don't think I didn't remember you tricks, Batman." Bane smiled and punched Batman squarely in the face. He slid across the floor. He was hurting, bad. Bane towered above him, looking down and laughing. "What a disgrace. I don't think I can even enjoy destroying you."

"That's fine with me!" Superman charged him with all the strength he could muster and kicked him across the middle. Bane doubled over, trying to catch his breath. Superman knocked him under his chin and sent him flying across the room into the largest droid. Bane's body disappeared from sight as Superman fell to his knees. Batman got to him to see if he was alright. He grabbed Superman and stood up.

"Let's get out of here." They got to the opened doors when the heard movement behind them. Bane had the droid over his head, blood dripping from his nose.

"NO! This is not finished!" he screamed at them.

"Yes, it is." Three shots were fired from the far side of the room. They hit Bane in the neck, causing him to lose his grip on the machine and allowing it to crash back down on him. Mercy walked forward, carrying a large weapon under her arm.

"Why did you do that?" Batman asked, setting Superman down by the door.

"Lex... he... I think he might have killed Lex," she said, almost in tears.

"So that warrants killing Bane?"

"He's not dead. I shot him full of venom. He'll be a vegetable for a long time to come, maybe permanant." She started to walk off. Batman grabbed her arm.

"Where are you going?"

"I... I don't know. I just have to get away from here." She walked out of the room, her head lowered. Batman went back to Superman, now on his feet.

"The police are coming. We'll let them handle him," Superman said.

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

"Lex disappeared, I can't find out whether he's dead or alive," Batman stated. "All that's know is that LexCorp's got a new CEO now. I guess this means Lex is on somewhat of a permanant vacation."

"I'll keep digging around," Superman replied. "Thanks for your help."

"Don't mention it." The Batplane came to a stop beside the rooftop they stood on. Batman saluted Superman, jumped in the plane, and took off. Superman headed toward the Daily Planet, seeing as Clark Kent was late for work again...

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

"He's waking up." The lab techs stood around the table where Luthor was laying.

"Where am I?" he mummered.

"The MedLab of LexTower 1," one spoke up. "You've been down here for over a week."

"What happened?" he asked.

"Bane forced a rather large amount of kryponite into your body, causing you to go into a state of shock. Many of your organs were close to ceasing their functions. Luckily, we were able to somewhat correct your situation." Luthor slowly sat up and grabbed the man.

"Somewhat?"

"Yes, well... you've had a severe case of kryptonite poisoning, similar to being exposed to high levels of radiation. Judging by the amount of kryptonite that we found in your system, you should be dead. In order to keep yourself alive, you're going to have to spend most of the day and the rest of your life in this suit." They wheeled out a suit, very bulky and colored darkly. There was a large helmet with a clear visor.

"And I have to wear this the majority of the day?" Lex asked.

"Yessir."

"I see. So I guess this is the end of it all. My corporations, my public image- my life."

"No, not at all, you'll be able to live on for a long time, Mr. Luthor."

"My company is my life, you fool!" Lex shouted. "I've only one thing to live for now- revenge against all my enemies!" He jumped off the table and went to the suit. He walked around it, running his fingers across the front of it. He had them open it up and he climbed in.

"Perect fit. If you'll excuse me, I need to get some things together." He left the room and went to one of his offices on this level of the building. He turned on a television and caught a report about Bane. He was being moved from Metropolis back to Gotham. He was paralyzed from the neck down, barely able to breathe on his own. Good- but not good enough. There were still the heroes to deal with. He brought up a list of "associates" he had worked with in the past on his computer. He sent a message to all of them, telling them they needed to meet to devise a plan to get revenge on all those who had done them wrong. Their first target- the Justice League...

*Hopefully to be continued in the long-delayed "Injustice For All"

So there you have it. Tell me what you think, and be honest- I need the criticism! Thanks for reading, and I hope to be back with another story soon!!!

Trent Lane

[witness]

Well, I really liked this story. I think your final chapter was indeed the best however. You've given nice tie-ins to the Justice League show and given a good reason why Bane was in that chair in the Batman Beyond episode, "The Winning Edge". This was a great read and I do hope to see another one of your stories soon!

[Trent Lane]

Thanks for the kind words, witness, sorry it's taken so long to get back here. I've had some computer problems (my brother crashed it ) so it's going to be a while before I can do anything else... but once I do, I think you're going to like it! See you around!!!

[Panther]

Sorry this is a late reply. I liked how the ending acts as a nice bridge to lead into events in both Batman Beyond and the Justice League. The obnly loose end here was Mercy - do you have plans to deal with that in your currently in production 'Injustice for All'?

later,