Chapter Text
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
-Daphne Rose Kingma
Batman was in such agony that his vision blurred and he was close to blacking out. As he struggled against Ivy’s restraints, he saw his life flash before his eyes. There he was with Rachel running through the halls in Wayne Manor. There he was running away from Alfred with a fireplace poker in his hand. There he was falling into the well as he tried to retrieve Rachel’s necklace. There he was in an alleyway watching Joe Chill murdering his parents.
As he saw his parents gunned down, a bright light appeared in the distance. From it he could see two silhouettes slowly approach him. “Bruce…” came the voice of his mother, a voice he hadn’t heard in nearly a decade and a half. “You don’t have to fight anymore. Come with us.”
“We miss you, son,” said his father. “It’s time for you to let go.”
How easy it would have been to submit, let Ivy crush his body, and live in peace in the afterlife. He could be with his parents again. Any rational person would have stopped fighting the agony and willfully depart.
But he couldn’t afford to do that. This city still needed him and he would be damned if he left Gotham to rot in his absence. He thought of Alfred, of Dick and Barbara, of Selina and Rachel, and he knew to protect them that he would need to fight.
Through sheer force of mental will, Batman struggled to stay alive. He shouted out in pain as he fought to remain conscious. To his surprise, the silhouettes of his parents disappeared and the light in the distance snuffed out.
“You have to stop…Ivy…” he managed to say.
“I won’t stop until you’re dead!” Ivy said. “Mankind must pay for their sins against nature.”
“And do you think killing me will somehow correct the natural order of things?”
Ivy laughed. “Of course not, but it’s a start.”
“You would commit genocide in order to save the plants.”
“Now you’re starting to get the idea.”
“You would never be able to achieve that goal. You would have to kill nearly eight billion people to free the world from humanity. You simply don’t have enough time.”
Ivy laughed. “I see what you’re trying to do, using logic to combat passion. I don’t need to kill everyone, just enough so people understand and obey my wishes.”
“Your message…will be lost on everyone when you start murdering indiscriminately. There are better ways to help. You could become an environmental activist. Only you can speak to the trees and the flowers and know their pain, know what they want. If you start murdering people, no one will ever be able to listen to your message and the plants will have no advocate.”
The grip of the vines around him lessened and Ivy’s wrath seemed to fade a bit. “That didn’t occur to me.”
“It’s okay…you were angry…but think about what you want to do here. A lot of people have labeled you a villain and villains are never heard and acknowledged. See, I don’t think you’re a pure villain. No one is one-hundred percent. Don’t waste the opportunity that you have.”
Ivy closed her eyes and took a breath, then withdrew the vines. Batman fell to the ground, landing hard and screaming in pain. He was likely not going to be much help on the streets tonight, but at least he’d survived and disarmed the biggest threat of the night.
Ivy walked over to Batman and then helped him up. “All the horrible things I’ve done lately, especially working with the Joker. Why give me another chance?”
Batman smiled. “Because I believe everyone can change if they are given sufficient motivation.”
“Even the Joker?”
Batman had to think about that one. “Maybe not him, but who knows.”
“What will you do now?”
Batman tried to get to his feet, but the pain was still too much. “Looks like nothing at the moment Go help with the vine cleanup. I’ll be fine.”
“Thank you.” Ivy smiled and left without another word.
Batman put on his earpiece and reached out to Alfred and Barbara. “Batman, my word. Where have you been, sir?”
“Getting crushed by Ivy, but I talked her down and she’s helping with the cleanup.”
“We have a problem,” Oracle said. “The Joker’s been spotted on the highway coming back to Gotham. Troopers tried to intervene but he’s using rocket propelled grenades to annihilate them.”
Batman knew he had to get up to stop the Joker before he used that weapon to decimate Gotham. Through sheer force of will, he got back to his feet and was able to stand, but he was in no shape to fight. “I need you, Penny One, to come pick me up. Ivy did too much damage and I need to recover in the Batcave.”
“You don’t have that option, sir,” Alfred said. “The Joker will be in Gotham in five minutes.”
“Then I know what I need to do. Bring a vehicle to pick me up, Penny One. I’ll explain it to you then.” Batman hung up on Alfred and Barbara wthout another word and then made another phone call. “Ra’s Al Ghul, it’s me.”
“You again? What could you possibly want from me now.”
“I’m ready to take over the League of Shadows.”
Ra’s said nothing for a moment. Batman wondered if this was going to work. “I don’t believe you’ve had a change of heart. What are you really after?”
“I’m after your daughter, sir. I’m in love with her and I want to be there for her and our son. If that means joining the League, then so be it.”
Ra’s chuckled to himself. “Fine, if that’s what you want. I still think you have ulterior motives, but that’s superfluous at this point.”
“I’ll see you soon.” Batman hung up, still wondering if this was the right course of action.
Alfred arrived about fifteen minutes later in a Maserati. Batman dragged himself to the car and made his way in. “Good choice,” Batman said.
“Where am I taking you, sir?”
“Ra’s stronghold.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Just drive. I’ll explain on the way.”
Alfred seemed skeptical but he set off on the road anyway. “So, what is your plan, sir?”
“I need to use the Lazarus pit to recover from my injuries.”
“And the only way to convince Ra’s Al Ghul to let you use the pit is to agree to take over the League of Shadows.”
“Spot on.”
“This isn’t my first—how do they say—rodeo.”
Batman laughed. “I guess I can say it isn’t my first rodeo either.”
“I’d say give it another decade before you can say that, sir.”
They arrived at the stronghold and Batman stepped out of the car. “Good luck, sir,” Alfred said before driving off.
Batman approached the stronghold and fell to the ground. The ninjas guarding the entrance lifted him up and brought him inside and all the way to the inner sanctum, where Ra’s and Talia were waiting for him.
The ninjas shoved him to the floor. Batman gasped as his body protested hitting the hard surface. Ra’s then approached him. “Look at you,” he said. “You’re a mess.”
“You can blame Ivy for that,” Batman replied.
“Ah, now I see what’s happening here. You don’t want to take over the League. You just want to use my Lazarus pit. Well, I’m not going to let you do that.”
Batman grimaced, but he had to admit that he had expected this reaction. “Fine, you’re right. There’s no point lying to you about my intentions. But I need to do whatever it takes to stop the Joker, and if that means dedicating my life to your cause, then that’s what I have to do.”
“Father,” Talia said as she approached. “Let him take charge of the League. Remember how fragile you’ve become. You were never supposed to live this long.”
“I can’t do that. He’ll do what he has to for tonight and then he’ll disband the League.”
“Not while I have anything to say about it.” She turned to Bruce. “If you don’t keep your word to my father, we will leave and you will never get the chance to raise our son.”
Batman thought of his father. He hadn’t done so on purpose, obviously, but he had abandoned him. Batman couldn’t let his son go through that same pain. “I will be there for our son,” he said. “I promise.”
Talia looked directly into his eyes. Batman did not blink. She then turned to her father. “He’s sincere. Begin the initiation.”
What came next was utterly surreal. Incense filled the chamber that was so powerful that Batman struggled to stay awake. Everyone around him chanted in an ancient tongue long forgotten. Batman was worried that they were wasting too much time, but the ceremony did move along at a brisk pace.
Before he knew it, Ra’s was standing in front of him holding a bowl in one hand and a dagger in the other. “The Lazarus first.”
Batman took the bowl from Ra’s and imbibed the liquid in it. He’d taken it before, but not when he had been this injured. The pain he had felt all over his body vanished as if into thin air. His fatigue also melted away and he felt more awake and alert than he had in months. Then, he noticed that all of his senses were heightened to the point of discomfort. He could hear every breath, taste every scent in the air, feel his batsuit around him agitate his nerves. The intensity was almost too much to bear.
“You feel that, I see,” Ra’s replied. “Lazarus has that effect on you. Use it enough and you’ll get used to its effects. Now, the final ritual.” He held out the dagger. “Take this blade and kill me.”
“I can’t do that,” Batman replied.
“You must! The blood sacrifice is your contract with the League. Without it, the Lazarus will not work. If you don’t do this to me, then I will have no choice but to kill you instead.”
Batman felt a sudden pang of fear. If he were not to survive this ceremony, no one would be able to stop the Joker. “I’ll do it,” he said.
“Good.” Ra’s handed him the dagger and shut his eyes.
Batman plunged the dagger into Ra’s chest, right where is heart was. Blood splashed up from the wound as Ra’s screamed in agony. Batman stepped away and Ra’s fell to the floor and laid still.
Batman felt sick to his stomach as he looked at Talia. She looked back at him in disbelief. “You really meant it,” she said.
“I had no other choice. We have to go now. The Joker will be in Gotham soon.”
The ninjas around him saluted as Batman led them back through the halls of the stronghold. As he moved forward, he worried about what he had just done. Taking over the League was a choice he would never be able to walk back and he would have to lead them for centuries to come.
Once outside, he remembered he had no vehicle, but he felt so invigorated by the Lazarus that walking didn’t seem so bad. He made a call to Bullock next. “Any word on the Joker’s arrival?”
“How the hell did you know about that?”
“I have my sources. What’s the ETA on the Joker?”
“Any minute now. Any idea where he’s going to strike?”
“I’m heading to GCPD now.” Batman hung up and led the ninjas forward again.
About halfway to the precinct, the effects of the Lazarus began to fade and he could feel his aches and pains again. It was so surprising that he had to start stumbling again. He turned to the nearest ninja. “What’s happening to me?”
“You’ve only just started taking Lazarus,” she replied. “The more you imbibe it, the longer the effects last. Right now, your body feels like it’s under attack by a foreign body. That will fade with time.”
“I appreciate that, but that knowledge doesn’t help me now.”
“Here.” The ninjas offered him a pouch. “There’s Lazarus in here. Drink it.”
Batman was worried that he was already relying on the substance too much, but he had no choice. He drank it and felt its effects again.
With renewed energy, he arrived at the highway exit. He didn’t have to wait too long for the Joker to arrive. He was driving a mack truck with a giant clown face painted on it. The truck plowed ahead and Batman and the ninjas had to leap out of the way. Thinking fast, Batman threw a few batarangs and they punctured two of the rear tires.
The truck fishtailed and then collapsed to its side. Out of the truck came the Joker, Harley Quinn, and dozens of thugs dressed as clowns.
Batman and the ninjas ran towards the thugs and began to fight. “No lethal force!” Batman commanded as he started slugging thugs left and right.
He was too busy in the skirmish to notice, but the ninjas had not heeded his order. Half a dozen thugs were slaughtered before Batman realized what was happening. “I said no lethal force!”
“Whoopsie!” the Joker said. “Looks like you made a deal with the devil, Bats!”
Batman lurched forward to go after the Joker, but he deftly stepped aside and then kicked him in the shin. It did nothing to slow him down but the Joker cackled anyway. “You don’t have much control of your new henchmen, do you?”
Batman stepped forward and grabbed Joker by the neck. The Joker gagged but managed to laugh anyway. “Are you going to kill me? Then do it already!”
Batman was surprised at how angry he became. For a moment, he wanted nothing more than to snap the Joker’s neck and be done with him forever. Empowered by the Lazarus, he felt strong enough to do so with his bare hands.
Instead, Batman threw him to the ground. He looked around and noticed that whatever thugs had not been killed had run off back towards the city. One of the other ninjas had their grip on Harley Quinn.
Batman turned. “Let her go!”
“We cannot do that,” the ninja restraining Harley said. “She and the clown must both be killed. They cannot repent or reform. They will continue to murder innocents for their own amusement.”
“I run the League of Shadows,” Batman replied. “My word is law. You murdered these clowns even though I explicitly ordered you not to do that.”
“Then you do not understand our code. We have a mission that we are bound to, and you are now bound to it as well. There can be no compromise in the face of evil. It must be cleansed from this Earth.”
“Then I have no choice but to fight you.”
“You are too late.” The ninja slit Harley’s throat. Blood shot out from her neck and she collapsed to the ground.
Batman was so shocked by this that he couldn’t intervene. The ninjas barreled past him and tackled the Joker to the ground. He screamed in agony as they stabbed him until his body was also not moving.
The ninjas then turned to Batman who was still shocked. “Would you deny that killing these two maniacs will have saved perhaps hundreds of lives?”
Batman knew the math made sense logically, but this had gone too far. “If I have no real control over you all, then what am I even doing running this League?”
The nearest ninja to him gave him a look of utter disdain. She and the rest of them raised their swords.
“Enough!” Batman shouted. “I order you to stand down.”
To his surprise, they lowered their weapons.
“None of this makes sense,” he muttered to himself. The only thing he could think to do next was return to the stronghold and confer with Talia. Perhaps she could explain better what had just happened.
Batman stepped forward. “I’m going back to the stronghold,” he said. “Don’t try to stop me.”
The ninjas let him leave and he made his way to the stronghold, trying to figure out what had happened on the way there and, more importantly, why.
He arrived and entered the inner sanctum where Talia was laying in a bed. Batman marched to her side, seething more with every step. “What the hell is going on?” he asked.
Talia turned her head slowly towards him and sneered. “”You’ll have to be more specific.”
“The ninjas who are supposed to be under my command murdered Harley Quinn and the Joker and I demand to know why.”
“You demand, do you?” Talia laughed. “Fine. You would have found out eventually anyway.”
“Found what out?”
“Patience, Bruce, and I’ll tell you. My father was living in agony waiting for you to change your mind about the League of Shadows. Even with the miracle of Lazarus, he was in pain and desperate to pass on to the next life. He finally conceded and let the league pass on to me.”
“When did that happen?”
“A few weeks ago.”
“But I thought you had to kill him to take over.”
Talia laughed again. “We needed a blood sacrifice. Not exactly the same thing. A cut on the wrist sufficed. The plan was for him to mentor me until he died, but then you showed up asking to join the League.”
Batman’s head was spinning at this point, but he had to stay focused. “Then why did Ra’s allow me to kill him?”
Talia pursed her lips. “He asked me to do it, but I couldn’t. Something about bearing my son prevented me from killing my father. When you arrived with your demands, my father decided to test you to see if you could actually do it. To my surprise, you didn’t disappoint.”
“I thought it had to be done…” Batman suddenly felt sick to his stomach.
“Don’t tell me you still have qualms about murder,” Talia said, the disgust apparent in her voice. “Is the world really going to mourn the deaths of psychopaths like the Joker and Harley Quinn?”
“It was you,” Batman said. “You ordered their deaths. I was just the conduit.”
“Very good, detective. You were never in control of the League tonight.”
Batman stepped forward. “I won’t allow this to continue. We can’t just kill the people who stand in our way. Extrajudicial activity like this—”
“Spare me your sanctimony. You don’t need a court of law to rule that the Joker was a dangerous threat. Our work will clean the scourge from Gotham and save this city, a city that’s been under siege for months now. How can you possibly stand in the way of that?”
“Easily,” Batman replied. “I have my morals.”
“Morals, hah! Morals won’t help you in this world.”
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to put a stop to this. I will disband the League of Shadows and drive you all out of Gotham.”
“Fine!” Talia rose from her bed into a standing position. “The only way you’re going to stop me is to take proper succession of the League.”
“A blood sacrifice,” Batman said, already pulling out a batarang.
“Oh no!” Talia said. “That might work if I was offering the League to you willingly, but I have no intention of giving that up. If you really want to take over, you’re going to have to kill me.”
“But that means—”
“Your unborn son goes with me.”
Batman could feel his hands shake as he thought about what to do. Letting Talia run rampant in Gotham would mean the deaths of so many others, and Batman had no faith she would stop with the obvious criminals. He didn’t have to suffer that. It could all be over with one flick of the wrist.
But his son…it didn’t matter how many people it might save. Batman couldn’t bear to murder his son. He lowered the batarang and returned it to his utility belt.
Talia smiled. “You’re too sentimental, Bruce. That’s always been your greatest weakness. Now, get out of my stronghold.”
There was nothing for it. He certainly couldn’t fight Talia nor could he force the ninjas to listen to him. He turned tail and left the stronghold, racking his brain to try to decide what to do next. As he stepped back outside, he knew what he had to do next.
Batman made a phone call to Gordon. “Hello?” Gordon asked.
“How are you doing, Jim?”
“Much better, actually. Recovery went faster than expected. I’ll be back on the streets of Gotham soon.”
“Good, because I need your help.”
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
“It’s too important to discuss over the phone. Can I see you?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” Batman hung up and made his way to the hospital.
Once there, he saw Gordon sitting up straight, no pain evident in his face. “It’s good to see you looking healthy again.”
“Nice to see you, too. So, what’s going on?”
“Talia Al Ghul took over the League of Shadows and murdered the Joker and Harley Quinn.”
“Wait, that was under her command?”
“Yes.”
“Well then you’re not going to like this.” Gordon turned on the television and the evening news was on.
“Sources are reporting that Batman was responsible for their murders,” Jack Ryder said. “His current whereabouts are unknown, but Commissioner Loeb has vowed to bring the vigilante to justice.”
“No…” Batman said.
“It’s bad,” Gordon said, shutting off the television again. “Loeb’s got a bunch of guys out looking for you. Sure, no one’s gonna miss those two freaks, but there are a lot of officers on the force that don’t take kindly to vigilante murder.”
“I wasn’t the one who ordered that,” Batman replied. “Talia gave the command.”
“Talia’s not out on the streets, so it’s pretty easy for the press to scapegoat you instead.”
“I have to make this right.”
“How? You want to tell the cops that she did it? They’re not going to believe you. Truth be told, Loeb’s been looking for a reason to put you away for a while now. It’s just that you’ve never taken the step to murder somebody.”
“I still haven’t taken that step, to be clear.”
“I know that, but this is still a problem. What are you going to do?”
Batman pondered this for a while. There was no way he could convince anyone of his innocence while he was still on the streets. There was also no way for him to stop Talia himself. Finally, the only viable option became clear. “I’m going to turn myself in to the police.”
Gordon’s eyes widened. “Are you sure you want to do that?”
“With me incarcerated and under surveillance, the next time Talia murders someone, it will be clear that I had no part in it.”
“You think that’ll work? They might think those murders were ordered in advance.”
“Which is why I need to go voluntarily. No one would think I would submit willingly to jail time if I was the one ordering these murders.”
Gordon pursed his lips. “It’s a risky play, but I can’t think of a better option. Good luck to you, Batman. You’re going to need it.”
“Thanks. Take care of yourself, Jim, and your family.”
Gordon smiled. “You, too.”
Batman left the hospital and called Alfred and Barbara. “I’m turning myself in to GCPD.”
“What?” Barbara asked. “Why?”
“Talia took over the League of Shadows and framed me for murdering the Joker and Harley Quinn. I need to prove to the police that I wasn’t the one to do it.”
“I see, sir, but it’s a risky plan.”
“I know, but I don’t have another choice.”
“What do you need us to do?”
“Keep an eye on things. See if Talia strikes again. I won’t be able to do much from jail, but an anonymous tip to the police would be helpful.”
“We’ll do what we can,” Alfred said. “Good luck.”
Batman hung up and started to walk to GCPD. A few minutes later, a police car pulled up to him. The two officers inside stepped out. “Stop right there!” one said.
Batman put up his hands. “I’m turning myself in willingly.”
“You understand what you’ve been accused of, yes?” the other officer asked.
“I am, and I’m not going to fight it.”
The officers looked at each other and then back to Batman. “Take off that belt,” one said, “and then put your hands behind your head.”
Batman did as instructed. The two officers then approached. One of them cuffed him and the other tried to remove his cowl. “The mask stays on!” Batman shouted.
“Okay,” the officer said, sounding frightened. The two of them then put him in their vehicle and made their way to the precinct.
On the way, Batman could do little else but hope that this plan would work. They arrived at the precinct a few minutes later and the two cops escorted Batman inside.
In the lobby was Commissioner Loeb, sneering at Batman. “We finally got you, you son of a bitch.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Batman said. “I didn’t murder them.”
“You’re coming in here in cuffs.”
“He turned himself in,” one of the officers said.
“Sounds like an admission of guilt to me,” Loeb replied.
“Not exactly. These murders won’t stop with me here. That will prove you got the wrong man.”
“We’ll see about that,” Loeb replied. “Book him.”
The officers brought Batman to his jail cell and locked him in. Batman lay on the cot and fell asleep, hoping nobody would miss Bruce Wayne while he was in here.
At some point in the night, Batman had fallen asleep, because now he woke with a start. The sun was just beginning to peak into the little window in his cell. He wondered what might have happened last night, but then an officer approached his cell. Batman turned to him. “What do you want?”
“Dr. Jonathan Crane was found dead in his apartment last night.”
“I didn’t order that killing. If I did, why would I have turned myself in last night?”
The officer shuffled his feet a bit. “I guess that makes sense, but I can’t let you go.”
“What? Why not?”
“Loeb demanded we keep you in here no matter what happens.”
This was shocking to him. “Maybe Loeb should come here and explain his reasons to me directly.”
“He’s coming, even if only to gloat.”
“That’ll be all,” came Loeb’s voice as he arrived at Batman’s cell. “I’ll take it from here.”
“Right, sir.” The officer walked away and Loeb looked at Batman in his cell.
Batman stared directly back at him. “You know you can’t keep me here. I didn’t order Crane’s murder.”
“That doesn’t absolve you of killing the Joker or Harley Quinn.”
“How did Crane die?”
“If you must know, his throat was slit by a sword.”
“And that’s how Harley died as well. Unless you’re going to try to tell me there are two groups of ninjas wreaking havoc on the city.”
“Even if you’re innocent of that, I’m not letting you leave. I’ve wanted you behind bars for a long time and I’m not letting you back out.”
“You can’t hold someone without cause.”
“Without cause?” Loeb laughed darkly. “I can try you for dozens of cases of assault.”
“That’s not why you had me arrested. That was for a charge of murder.”
“To be honest with you, Batman, I don’t care what got you in here. You’re here now and you won’t be leaving unless I say so.”
“Talk to Aaron Cash, Harvey Bullock, Jim Gordon. They know my character much more than you do.”
“If they do think highly of you, it’s because you tricked them into it. You will find me far more .”
“You’re making a big mistake. Only I can stop what’s been going on in Gotham.”
“Oh, did you not hear? Gotham isn’t your city to save anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
To Batman’s utter surprise, Superman stepped forward.
“What are you doing here?” Batman asked.
“I found him clearing out those vines that Poison Ivy had unleashed on the city. He and I had a long talk and we decided that he would help clean up the streets of Gotham. He doesn’t need to resort to violence like you do. One look at him and criminals surrender rather than try to fight.”
Batman turned to look at Superman. “Is this true?”
Superman then let out a small smile and turned back to Loeb. “Sorry, Commissioner. The deal is off.” Superman then turned to the cell and ripped the door clean off of it.
“Sabotage!” Loeb shouted as he tried to pull his weapon. Batman, thinking fast, tackled him to the ground and knocked him out cold.
Batman then turned to Superman. “Why did you do that?”
“I got a call from your butler,” Superman replied. “Here.” He offered Batman his utility belt.
“Thanks.” Batman put it back on.
Superman then picked Batman up. “We have to go now.” He took off at blinding speed and by the time the officers saw what was happening, the two of them were already gone.
They cleared the city limits before Superman finally put Batman down. “The whole city’s going to hunt us down now,” Batman said.
“Let them try,” Superman replied. “I won’t be giving you up so easily.”
“What about Talia Al Ghul?”
“What about her?”
“Her soldiers are still running rampant in Gotham killing indiscriminately. We have to put a stop to it.”
“Fine. I should be able to find her quickly.”
“It’s not that simple. She’s pregnant with my son.”
Superman seemed surprised by this revelation. “That complicates things.”
“It sure does. Look, you can help me find her, but you can’t attack her. Let me do the talking.”
“Alright then, but you still need my protection in case the police find you again.”
Batman bristled. “I guess you have a point there. Fine, let’s go then. There’s no time to lose.”
To his chagrin, Batman had to allow Superman to carry him as he flew through Gotham. Given how pregnant she was, she was likely still not far from the stronghold. That’s where Superman and Batman looked first.
To their surprise, she was outside waiting for them surrounded by her fiercest warriors. She smirked as she saw the two of them approach. “Had to call the brute for help, did you?”
“This is between you and me, Talia,” Batman said. “Tell your mercenaries to stand down unless they want to go toe to toe with this ‘brute.’”
Talia glared at Superman and then back at Batman. “You heard him,” she said. “Stand down.”
“But madam—”
“Stand down now. That’s an order!”
The protesting ninja stopped talking immediately.
“Head inside,” Talia said. “I can handle this myself.”
The ninjas, despite looking uncertain, retired to the stronghold, leaving Talia, Batman, and Superman alone.
With the cease fire in place, Batman approached Talia. “You have to stop this madness,” he said. “These people you’re killing…it’s not right. They need to answer for their crimes, yes, but in a court of law under due process.”
Talia smirked. “How American of you. My father recognized that you would never have the capacity to do our work. I’m just glad he had the chance to realize that before you killed him.”
“It doesn’t have to be like this.”
“Yes, it does. How many men are in and out of prison their entire lives? I’ve seen some who have been arrested and convicted dozens of times and still go out and deal drugs or drive drunk or whatever infraction they habitually commit. The League will put an end to all that nonsense. We’ll be the deterrent that makes malicious men think twice before behaving so selfishly.”
“You are not the sole arbiter of justice. No one can be.”
“It’s that soft heart of yours that keeps you from your full potential. When you were training with my father, he complained constantly that while you were a dutiful student of the art, you could never embrace our creed. It was the single most frustrating aspect of your training for him.”
“And that’s never going to change no matter how many Scarecrows or Jokers are still out there.”
“Fool. Killing the Joker has saved hundreds of lives, I promise you. I’ve seen men like him before, men who have no concept of empathy, men who think it is funny to watch the world burn around them. Your justice system cannot possibly reform psychopaths like him. When the body has cancer, you don’t wait around hoping for the affected cells to come around. You cut the tumor out.”
“You’re insane,” Batman replied, “and I’m going to stop you.”
“And risk killing our son? I doubt it.”
Batman looked over at Superman, who looked back at him with a confused expression on his face. “You’re right. I can’t stop you physically. That’s why I’m trying to appeal to your good senses.”
“I have no such senses. Everything I do is for our cause. Bearing our child is for the cause as well.”
Superman then decided to step forward. “I can’t hurt you. I know that. However, I can take you to jail and you would have no possible way to escape.”
“You think you’re so clever, huh?” Talia pulled out a dagger and pointed it at her stomach. “Come any closer and I’ll do it, I swear to you.”
“Stop!” Batman cried out, but Superman had already done so.
He turned to Batman with a perplexed look on his face. “What do we do now? I can’t fly at her full speed or I might hurt your son.”
Batman spent a while thinking about his next move, but he realized there was no other option. “We have to let her go.”
“What?” Superman asked.
“We’re at an impasse and I’m tired of struggling. We won’t be able to detain Talia safely. We’ve lost this one.”
Talia seemed surprised at first but then she sheathed the dagger. “I knew you’d come to your senses eventually. Thank you for finally seeing reason.”
“You know,” Batman replied, “I still have strong feelings for you, and you’re the mother of my child. Maybe I can offer you more than just an olive branch.”
Talia stopped smirking and seemed intrigued. “Go on.”
“You’ve taken on the League. I understand that and I wouldn’t want to interfere with that work. Let’s not be adversaries here. Let me help you and we can perhaps compromise on our approaches.”
“Oh, no. There is no compromise possible. You either devote yourself to the creed or you stand aside.”
“But don’t you think that’s too rigid, not to mention dated? You and I could do more than keep to the status quo. Why not evolve the League instead of leaving it stuck in the bronze age?”
“You have no appreciation for our traditions or our methods. What would compromise achieve?”
“There are real maniacs and monsters out there. These are the kind of criminals that the police can’t handle alone. We could act as special consultants, investigating those extreme crimes too dangerous for the general public. But if we’re going to do that, we cannot kill them. They deserve due process no matter how monstrous their behavior.”
“It’s like you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said. That will not be possible.”
“Talia, please. Be reasonable.” Now that Batman had her on a tangent, he took one small step forward as he spoke, making sure not to break eye contact with her. “Your father wanted nothing more than for me to join his cause. Now I’m offering to do so. Would you insult his memory by turning me down?”
“Yes, he wanted you involved, but not like this. You’re the one insulting his memory with this ridiculous proposition of yours.”
Batman took another step forward. “I’m willing to change, Talia. I love you. I’m just sorry I didn’t realize it sooner.”
This made Talia stop for a moment as she contemplated his words. “You had better not be lying to me.”
“I’m not lying.” Batman took one more step forward.
“That’s close enough!” Talia said, unsheathing the dagger again. “Did you think you could distract me so that I wouldn’t notice you coming closer? I’m insulted that you considered me so careless.”
“I’m not going to hurt you or our son,” Batman said, “and neither will you.” He took a fourth step closer.
“That’s far enough! Don’t make me do it. We’ll both regret it.”
“Exactly what I’m counting on.” A fifth step.
“Stop now! I’ll do it, Batman, I swear to you.”
A sixth step. “No, you won’t. You want to have this son as much as I do.”
Batman was now within Talia’s reach. She lurched forward with the dagger but he dodged out of the way and knocked it out of her hand. Superman sped forward and crushed the dagger under his boot.
Batman then got behind Talia and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re not going anywhere now.”
“Let go of me!”
“I will once the police arrive. I promise.”
Out of the stronghold came a battalion of ninjas. They had seen what happened and were ready to fight for Talia. Unfortunately, Superman was still nearby and he made quick work of all of them, knocking them all unconscious with little effort.
“Good work,” Batman said. “Can you get the police here?”
“Right away.” Superman took off.
Talia struggled, but Batman had her in a firm grip. “How dare you,” she said. “I’ll end up giving birth to our son in prison.”
“And when that happens, I’ll make sure to raise him right.”
“You would take a child away from his mother?”
“When his mother is a megalomaniac, I think that’s a reasonable course of action.”
“Bastard. You’re going to pay for this, I swear you will.”
“Maybe I will someday, but today you’re the one who’s going to pay.”
The police arrived a few minutes later with Superman leading the way. Commissioner Loeb was among the officers responding, as was Harvey Bullock. “Talia Al Ghul,” Loeb said. “We’ve been waiting a while to bring you in. Never could get past your defenses at this stronghold.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Talia said as an officer came forward to handcuff her.
Loeb looked at her and smirked. “For what you’ve done, you’re going away for a long time.”
The officer put Talia in one of the cars and then drove off.
Loeb then approached Batman. “I know things between us haven’t always been pleasant,” he said, “but we’ve wanted her for months now and I have to acknowledge how important your assistance was. You’ve done Gotham a service today for once.” He offered a hand.
Batman shook it briskly. “Thanks,” he muttered.
Loeb, still with that smirk on his face, signaled the other officers to depart.
“I’ll see you guys later,” Bullock said.
Loeb looked at him strangely. “Am I missing something?”
“I gotta consult with the two freaks over here about another case.”
“Really? Anything you have to say to them, surely you can say to me as well.”
Bullock glared at Loeb before finally giving in. “Alright, I get it. See you two later.” Bullock reluctantly departed with the rest of the officers.
Superman looked at Batman. “What was that all about?”
“Probably about Loeb himself. He’s as corrupt as they come.”
Superman shook his head. “Is there anyone in this city who isn’t up to their necks in it.”
That made Batman chuckle. “Not likely.”
Superman let out a laugh. “Hey, Batman, now that we seem to have a free moment, I’d like to ask you something.”
Batman’s smile vanished at once. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s somewhat of a proposition, but we should really discuss it somewhere privately. Your manor should suffice.”
Batman kept a poker face even though inside his stomach turned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I have X-ray vision and that cowl’s not made of lead. Let’s stop pretending and have a serious discussion.”
Batman grimaced. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“I know, but at least now I’ve got some leverage.”
“So much for being a Boy Scout.”
“Once you hear what I have to say, you’ll understand.”
Batman doubted that, but he knew he had little choice but to hear Superman out. “Let’s go, then, but don’t make it obvious where we’re heading. I still have a secret identity to protect.”
Superman agreed and took Batman through the city in a circuitous route. They managed to leave Gotham and go back to Wayne Manor without undue attention.
Once they arrived, they saw Alfred dusting a vase. When he saw Superman was with Batman, his jaw dropped. “My word,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting company.”
“It’s fine,” Batman said. “Superman, this is my butler Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred, Superman.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Alfred said, still appearing dumbfounded.
“Call me Clark,” Superman replied. “Clark Kent.”
“I see we’ve both dispensed with the secret identities then,” Alfred said. “What brings you here, Master Kent?”
Superman smiled at the name. “I helped Bruce here out of a jam and now I’m cashing in that favor.”
“Let’s find a quiet place to talk,” Batman said.
The two of them headed into a drawing room and Batman removed his cowl. “Let’s hear it,” Bruce said.
“The insanity you’ve been dealing with these last few months,” Superman said, “is not unique to Gotham. Heck, there are so many more monsters out there, aliens from other planets, things you’ve never had to deal with and even I struggle against. It feels like the universe gets crazier by the hour.”
“Hardly an astute observation. What’s your point?”
“The only way for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. I know you understand this. That’s why I’m here.” Superman took a breath. “I’ve been in contact with other heroes, people who want to fight back, who have the powers to fight back. What would you say if we asked you to join our ranks?”
Batman balked at this. “Not exactly my typical MO.”
“I recognize that, which is why I didn’t start with you.” Superman pulled out a phone and made a video call. He then flipped the screen so Bruce could see who was on the other end.
He was surprised to see several heroes who had recently made national news. There was Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Hawkgirl. He was blown away to see them all on screen.
“You were right, Supes,” the Flash said. “He really is a man of few words.”
“How did you all…?” Bruce asked, feeling utterly floored.
“Superman approached all of us,” Wonder Woman replied, although it looked like she was struggling to use her phone. “There are big threats out there, and we need all the help we can get to stop them.”
“What could I possibly have to offer?” Batman asked. “You all have special powers. I’m just a freak in a mask.”
“That’s not even remotely true,” Green Lantern replied. “You’ve stopped threats in your city that no regular guy off the street could ever face.”
“What’s the point?” Aquaman asked. “I can tell by the look on his face that he’s not interested.”
“Hold on,” Bruce said. “I never said I wasn’t interested. I’m just not sure how I can help.”
“We need somebody who can plan,” Martian Manhunter said. “A tactician who can keep everybody organized and knows how to strategize against physically superior opponents.”
“Which basically means we need your brains,” the Flash added.
“And everyone agrees with this?”
“I was skeptical at first,” Hawkgirl said. “Then I started watching the local news. Now all of us are onboard.”
“So, what do you say?” Superman asked.
Bruce continued to consider it, but he did have one more question. “From where would we operate?”
Superman frowned a bit, which Bruce noticed. “I don’t think we could operate out of Gotham. Our foes often come from other planets and we need to be ready to engage them before they breach Earth’s atmosphere.”
“Which means I have to leave Gotham,” Bruce said. Alfred and Barbara would be okay without him, he supposed, but he wasn’t so sure about Selina and Dick. “Before I agree, I have to have some conversations. This is a big step and I need to have all my ducks in a row.”
“We understand,” Superman said. “There’s no hurry here. Well…I mean, there’s some hurry, but not so much that you can’t put your affairs in order.”
“I appreciate the support,” Batman said. “It won’t take too long. I promise.”
“Keep us posted,” Superman said.
The first person Bruce spoke to was Dick. It was the weekend, so he was at the manor on his phone. “Can you put the phone away?” Bruce asked. “I have to tell you something.”
“Is this about that offer from Superman?”
“Correct.”
Dick put the phone in his pocket. “Go ahead.”
Bruce smiled, appreciating that Dick was making an effort to listen. “Things are going to be tough around here with me gone. I don’t know how much of the work I do here I can prioritize. That means at some point you’ll have to take up the mantle. I know it’s asking a lot and you haven’t trained for nearly as long as I have.”
“I’ll find a way,” Dick said. “Sign up for martial arts classes, practice vehicle combat, whatever it takes to help this city.”
“You’ll have Lucius’s help with the technology,” Bruce said, “and when you get your driver’s license I’ll have him make you your very own Batmobile.”
Dick could barely contain his excitement. “No way, really?”
“Yes, you’ll be getting a lot of toys. Just remember what to use them for.”
Dick smiled and, to Bruce’s surprise, gave him a hug. He returned it warmly. When Dick pulled away, his smile had faded.
Bruce was concerned by this. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s just…I mean, you’ve basically been a father to me since my parents died and now you’re leaving.” He sniffled, fighting to hold a tear back.
Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not leaving forever. I’ll still make time to visit when I can.”
“Really? Because I’m not sure you’re going to have that kind of time.”
“Then I’ll at least call, and if you ever have the need to talk, I’m only a phone call away.”
“Unless you’re in some other solar system or something.”
“We’ll see about that. Don’t worry, Dick. Things are going to be okay. I have faith in you.”
Dick smiled and let the tear trickle down his cheek this time. “You know, for everything you’ve done for me these past couple of months, I don’t think I ever properly said thank you.”
Bruce gave Dick a warm smile. “It’s okay. You never had to.” This time Bruce stepped forward and gave Dick a hug. As he did so, he remembered a time when his father gave him the same kind of affection. Yes, it was still painful to remember his father like that, but it was also soothing in a way. He had done everything he could to make sure Dick had not felt abandoned the way he had, and even though he was going to be leaving Gotham, he would make sure he did not leave Dick behind.
Bruce pulled away from the hug. “Take care of the manor and of the city for me while I’m gone, okay?”
“If I can.”
“Trust me. You’re capable of much more than you think you are.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because I was just like you not that long ago, and if I can do it, then I know you can.”
Dick smiled. “Here’s hoping.”
Selina was next on the agenda. Bruce made his way into the bedroom he shared with her and started by giving her a fierce, longing kiss that she eagerly reciprocated. As her tongue made his way into his mouth, he momentarily forgot everything he was supposed to be doing. He could have stayed that way forever, kissing Selina fiercely, taking her to bed, and sharing with her the passion he had for her while she did the same for him. As pleasant as that distraction was, he had to pull away and regain his good sense.
“You haven’t kissed me like that in a long time,” Selina said.
“I know. It’s because I’m not sure I’ll ever have the chance to do that again.”
“So, you really are going through with this, huh?”
“At least when I’m in a clearer headspace.”
‘You mean when the two of us aren’t kissing, bodies pressed together, ripping our clothes off of each other and—”
“Okay, point taken.” Bruce chuckled. “There are bigger threats out there than what we see in Gotham, and Superman and the others need all the help they can get.”
“Then who’s going to take care of the bad guys in Gotham?”
“Mainly the police for the time being. Dick’s not quite ready to take the mantle, but he’ll get there in time.”
Selina frowned. “You know, I understand why you’re doing this, but I have to say it’s leaving me in the lurch.”
“If you’re worried about staying at Wayne Manor, I assure you there’s enough room here for you.”
“It won’t be the same without you, though. With you gone I can see myself wandering these empty halls missing you.”
Bruce let out a sigh. Once again, he started to doubt if he was really doing the right thing. He had to take a breath and steel his nerves. “I’m going to miss you, too, more than anything. Some things are just bigger than two people who are in love with each other.”
“There it is.” Selina choked up a bit. “What does this mean about where we stand as a couple?”
“It means whatever you’d like it to mean. You don’t have to feel obligated to keep seeing me. It wouldn’t be fair to you to keep you from seeing someone else when I’m not going to be here.”
“I’m glad we at least agree on that. Still, I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone as generous, understanding, and frankly filthy rich as you.”
“I’m sure someone will snatch you up. There’s going to be a line of suitors for you a mile long.”
Selina laughed. “Now you’re being silly.”
“No, I’m serious. You’re beautiful, intelligent, funny. It’s not going to take you long to find someone new.”
Selina batted her eyes. “Whatever you say, handsome.”
Bruce let out a sigh and gave her a kiss again. “No matter what happens for us in the future, I’m never going to forget the love we shared. You managed to keep me grounded when I was going out at night trying to stop maniacs from destroying the city.”
“It’s too bad the city ended up destroyed anyway.”
“I’ll make sure my foundation helps to fund reconstruction efforts.”
Selina looked up at Bruce and began to blush. “There’s still a few months left before your friend’s wedding. If that’s how much time we have left together, then we’d better start putting it to good use.” After saying that, she reached up to begin unbuttoning her blouse.
Bruce smiled as he began to take off his suit.
A few weeks later, Gordon was back at home after being discharged from the hospital. Batman headed over there to speak to him about his plans. He requested that Bullock be there, too, and he was smoking a cigarette in front of Gordon’s house when Batman arrived.
“So, I hear you’re moving on to greener pastures,” Bullock said sardonically.
“I wouldn’t call it that,” Batman replied. “The world’s in big trouble and I have to do something about it.”
“Sure,” Gordon said. “I still can’t believe you’re doing it. I thought this city had plenty of problems to keep you busy.”
“I know it’s asking a lot, especially from the police,” Batman said, “but if the Earth is destroyed then no one will be left to care about Gotham.”
“With this guy out of the hospital,” Bullock said, slapping Gordon on the back, “we’re gonna start a new era at GCPD. We’re fast tracking you to become the commissioner, pal.”
“According to you, I am,” Gordon replied.
“It has to be you, Jim,” Batman said. “Loeb can’t be trusted. The investigation we’ve been running has made that clear.”
“Alright, fine, but I’m gonna have a hell of a time running GCPD without you taking out the freaks.”
“Don’t worry. If things here get out of hand, I’ll be back to help. Besides, I’m going to have Superman on my side. You might actually find things are better here after I’m gone than they are now.”
“Now, that’s optimistic,” Bullock said, lighting up another cigarette. “Fine, go have fun with your new friends. Just don’t be too much of a stranger.”
“I won’t be. I promise.”
“Yeah, sure.” At that moment, Gordon and Bullock got a call on the ham radio indicating a bank robbery downtown. “Ah, fuck. Here we go,” Bullock said. “We’d better get moving, Jimbo.”
“Get the car started and I’ll join you soon.”
Bullock wandered off, grumbling to himself.
Now with him out of earshot, Gordon turned to Batman. “I just wanted to say that I really admire what you’ve done for this city, and for me personally. It wasn’t that long ago when I took a statement from a kid who had just seen the murder of his parents.”
Batman, surprised by the sentiment, choked up and gave Gordon a hug. “You were so kind to me that night, Jim. I’ll never forget it.”
The two of them remained like that for as long as Gordon could justify. He then pulled away, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Good luck, Bruce.”
“Same to you.”
Several months went by, and in that period of time, Bruce was able to get the rest of his affairs in order. First of all, he had to announce to the board at Wayne Enterprises that he was stepping down from his position as chairman. He told them that he would still be funding the organization but that he had to leave Gotham behind. Everyone on the board was skeptical of this, but there was little they could do about it. To their chagrin, he promoted Lucius Fox to be the new chairman. That caused groans and mumblings, but Bruce didn’t care at this point.
The Batcave he left intact, partly because Dick would some day take it over, partly because that computer could still be operated remotely. As long as Alfred kept his eye on the manor, no one would be the wiser.
Finally, the day of Rachel’s wedding arrived, the final day that Bruce would still be in Gotham. Bruce was seated in the front row with Rachel’s mother. Harvey’s family was seated on the other side of the chapel. It was, admittedly, somewhat painful to see her marry somebody else, but Bruce was happy for his friend and hoped that things would start to look up for her. Harvey, by all accounts, was a decent man and the perfect partner for her, and for that Bruce was happy.
After Harvey read Rachel his beautiful vows, Rachel cleared her throat and began in reply. “Harvey, when I first met you, I was a bit of a mess. But it didn’t matter how difficult I was or how much help I needed. You have been there for me always without question. I never thought I could deserve someone as kind, loving, and noble as you. Now that we’re here, getting married…it’s time for new beginnings. I will always be there for you, no matter what happens, because you have shown me that same courtesy time and time again.” Rachel started crying which made Bruce tear up as well.
Once the ceremony was over and they were at the reception, Bruce came over to congratulate the two of them. He shook Harvey’s hand and noticed Harvey still had an iron grip. “Congratulations to both of you,” he said. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Same here,” Harvey said. “I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have met someone as wonderful as Rachel.”
Rachel beamed. “This is the happiest I’ve been in months.”
“So, Bruce,” Harvey said, “I hear you’re packing up and leaving Gotham. Are the rumors true?”
“They are,” Bruce replied.
Harvey whistled. “Everyone’s speculating about the reason why. Care to give me a scoop?”
Bruce shook his head, chuckling. “Sorry, Harvey. Have to keep this one close to the chest.”
“Harvey, can you excuse us for just a moment?” Rachel asked.
Harvey raised an eyebrow but, to his credit, didn’t pester her about it. “I’ll go get us another round.”
Once Harvey was out of earshot, Rachel turned to Bruce. “Is this about Batman?”
“It is,” Bruce whispered. “I’ve got an offer to join with Superman and a bunch of other heroes.”
“Wow, I’m surprised you took up that offer. The Bruce I knew was much more of a loner.”
“Times have changed, and the world is in peril. This is where I need to be.”
Rachel smiled. “You never were one to back down from a challenge, no matter how ridiculous.”
Bruce laughed. “I can’t help but notice you’re still wearing that pearl necklace that fell into the well all those years ago.”
“Oh, these?” Rachel said. “After you recovered them, I made sure never to lose them again.”
Bruce smiled and gave Rachel a hug. “I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too. Be careful out there.”
“I promise I will.”
Harvey came back with champagne for himself and soda water for Rachel. “Did I miss something?” he asked, grinning.
“Just two friends saying goodbye,” Rachel replied.
Bruce choked up, hoping not to start crying. It was tough, but he managed to hold his composure, even though she was still the hardest person to say goodbye to.
“It’ll be okay,” Rachel said, finding it hard to hold back her own tears.
Harvey stepped forward and gave her a hug, holding her tightly. Bruce smiled, knowing that his best friend was in good hands.
After the reception ended, Bruce headed back to the manor and to the Batcave. Alfred and Lucius were waiting for him there, as was Barbara given that it was a Saturday night.
Superman was also there, ready to take him to Metropolis where he’d be meeting the other heroes.
After changing into the batsuit, Bruce said goodbye to Lucius first, giving him a firm handshake. Lucius handed him a carrying case. “This case is made to hold the pieces of your batsuit.”
“Thank you, Lucius. Wayne Enterprises is in your hands now,” he said, “but if you ever need help or advice, let me know.”
“I will, sir. It’s been an honor to work for you.”
Batman smiled and then went to Barbara next. “Help your father fight crime, okay? You’ve been an invaluable resource and I wish you the best.”
“I’ll be out there kicking ass someday. Just watch.”
Batman smiled and gave her a hug. “I wouldn’t expect anything different.”
Finally, he came to Alfred. For him, he had no words, instead giving him a fierce hug and starting to cry. “I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me over the years.”
“Nor shall I, sir. I have to say that when you started this endeavor, I wasn’t the most supportive. Now, though, I think if your parents are up there seeing the man you’ve become, that they would be proud of you.”
Batman smiled as tears streamed down his cheeks. “That’s all I ever wanted.”
With the farewells over, Superman stepped forward. “Ready to go?”
Batman took a look around the Batcave. “No, but I’d better get going anyway.”
Superman smiled and lifted Batman gently. “To Metropolis, then.”
With Superman’s speed, it only took a couple of minutes to arrive in Metropolis. Once there, Batman saw that the other heroes he had met several months back were here waiting for him. As he looked at all of them, he felt overwhelmed, but he was certain that he would get used to it in time. He shook everyone’s hand as Superman formally introduced him to them.
Finally, Superman turned to Batman and smiled. “Welcome to the Justice League.”