Chapter Text
"Oracle to Batman, the League is making a move. Motive unknown, leader Nyssa Al Ghul, destination… Starling City."
"Urgent?"
"Very… You know what Batman, it's more urgent than I expected two hours ago. They might be involved with a new mercenary turned rogue, identity's Slade Wilson, code name: Deathstroke. He has some kind of body enhancer called Mirakuru that made him into super-soldiers, turns out, he made a batch of them."
Batman didn't reply, his thought lingered on the word, Mirakuru. It was the Japanese for miracle. Presumably something similar to Bane's Venom. And Oracle continued, "And that's not the worst. As I linked Deathstroke to this, I also found out, somehow the not-so-hero-Arrow had a connection to the team Amanda Waller led, and while I hacked it… Well, bad news. In short, Waller's gonna blow the city."
Batman wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose. He had heard the miraculous return of Oliver Queen and the appearance of the Hood and now so called "Arrow". It wasn't hard to piece it together that Oliver was really the Hood and the Arrow. Previously, he ignored him because he's just a vigilante, out for blood. Plus he didn't operate in Gotham. After the earthquake, he'd gone to Starling a few times to donate, but still didn't want anything to do with the Hood.
Now that there are clear indication that the Arrow is connected with Waller and the League, and he stopped killing. Batman wanted to sigh badly, he knew in his heart that this Arrow problem will be his. Clearly, now was the "perfect" timing to get involved… But, he had to get involved, for the sake of Starling City, and the city right beside it, Bludhaven.
"Keep in touch, will be in Starling City in twenty minutes. Call Batgirl to cover."
As he signed out from the communication link, he fetched the newest Robin, Damian, his son. Thankfully, there really hasn't been any bad things lately. Hopefully, it will get better. But, he knew, inevitably, later, whenever it is, there will be a break out at Arkham Asylum and he'll have to get busy again. Sometime, he wondered why he still lock them up in there…
…
Twenty minutes later, he and Robin arrived at the coordinates that Oracle later gave them as the base of Arrow's operation. As he drove his Batplane, he could see that the city is like hell right now. Somewhat reminded him of multiple occasions back in Gotham. He reassessed his decision to get involved with Arrow and regretted not getting involved earlier. This Arrow, clearly could've used some training, both in restraining and in control.
His son was visibly quiet tonight, it was expected. He was always quieter when he knew he's going to see "family".
Nyssa was his aunt, and a competitor with Talia. Over the years, they've argued on a lot of things, including who is the heir to their father's throne. In the end, Nyssa won. Because Damion chose him over Talia. It was… in a way, comforting for him to know that his son chose him, the dark yet slightly less violent and slightly lighter road. Not that it was any better though, if anything, it was harder.
For that, he was proud.
He soon found their little meeting room, with Nyssa and other girl going in. As he and Robin hide in the shadow, he saw Arrow. Younger than him, but older when he became Batman. He was truly getting better at controlling his anger. When he first saw the work of the Hood, he knew the Hood was angry. It reminded him of Jason, which was another reason he was not willing to meet the Hood. Plus, it was when Joker escaped… Again… Like he said, he really wondered sometime why he keep putting criminals in Arkham…
He heard their plan and decided he had his own plan. For example, preventing any of those League members from killing and anyone from dying in general. Another example, he really need to talk to Arrow after this, on his recruitment process. The boy seemed… scared. Nothing like his Robins. He can almost hear Damian's typical "tt", but for now, other people takes priority.
Thoughts crossed his mind, he followed them, carefully not to be seen, though they were already quite distraught to realize anyway. He stayed close to Damian, reminding him not to make any rash decisions. Damian was getting better at not jumping out at his will.
Finally, they captured some woman, he didn't intervene, and he still needed more time to observe the Arrow. The situation posed no threat to the Arrow nor to the League. As he imagined, Nyssa executed, but prevented by his batarang.
Nyssa soon realized that it was him that followed, her voice grew more fascinated while others were on high alert since his presence was not sensed.
"Detective. I should've known you'd show up. Now, why don't you show up. Did you bring my little nephew too? I've missed him, so did his mother."
Everyone except him and Damian was lost. Including the other girl that stood beside her, Sara, was her name.
He appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, but in reality, from the shadow of the roof. As soon as he jumped down, Robin followed, along with his typical "tt" and the sentence, "you were never my aunt, cheap replacement of my mother."
Nyssa's face showed tiny spark of anger, which was enough for everyone to catch. Arrow's arrow was pointing to him. And she spoke again, "you don't have to point that to him, it won't have any effect. He… He was the best of all. Isn't it? My brother in law."
He ignored every word of it, but couldn't help but remember Talia's face. Just for a moment, then he was back to reality, "You weren't close enough. What do you plan to do?"
Arrow didn't lower his arrow, "who are you."
Nyssa's voice was echoing in this room again, "Oh, he is the greatest detective in the world. My sister's beloved, once, also my father's chosen heir. The famous Batman, the Br…"
She never got to finish her sentence, her face was almost carved by her nephew as she blocked the attack from Robin. She only raised an eyebrow at him, "you've gone weak, my little nephew. Has he turned you into weaklings?"
"Shut up, harlot."
"Robin."
Batman's voice was dark and demanding, it made Arrow feel even more alert. Just from that voice he could feel how dangerous the man is. He never really knew Batman. No one has ever mentioned that name before. Yet… League of Assassins knew about him, and apparently also married a daughter to him?
It was confusing to say the least. And what is up with kids in the field?
"Arrow, what do you plan to do?"
Batman's voice was getting inpatient, and it was even more nerve racking to hear that threatening voice.
Arrow still pointed at him, "WHO ARE YOU! Tell me now or I'll shoot."
"Tt, look again, you shall not talk to him like that!"
Robin was engaging the fight again. Even though its purpose was to protect him, Batman still growled, "Enough! Both of you. And Arrow, do you want to save the city or interrogate me?" Batman was almost out of patience, if Oliver Queen doesn't choose wisely, he'll have to send in his people to handle the situation. And honestly, his people, will not hesitate to hand Arrow over to the police along the way since he had killed and the original M.O. looked too much like revenge.
Like he said before, Arrow reminded him of Jason.
"I sure as hell don't trust you."
"Tt, like we trust you." Robin's head slightly tilted up to show his arrogance, he was right though, Batman would've never approved if Arrow was just a revenge seeker with anger issues that kills.
"I am Batman. From Gotham. All you need to know right now is that we come here to help. WE don't kill." As he said the last sentence, he turned to Nyssa, "And same goes for you. If I see you kill anyone. I'll break you."
"I'm sure sister gets this a lot doesn't she."
"I am no longer in contact with her."
"Shame, you've always had her interest."
"And grandfather's." As contempt as he could be Robin ended the conversation by stabbing Nyssa's weak spot. She was only the second in line, not even second technically.
"But I am the heir now, and that's what it matters." Nyssa try not to sound too bitter, in reality, she was jealous of Talia and Damian, even Batman.
"No, the legacies are mine and mine alone." Damian's voice was darker than normal, he even made Arrow feel a chill from the spine.
"I said, enough." Batman finally broke their conversation, impatiently, he went in front of Arrow, grabbed his collar, "I'll give you last chance before I take control over this city, do you have a plan."
Arrow struggled, but couldn't free himself from the Batman. He looked into those white glass shaped "eyes" and could only see darkness. It was even more terrifying than Slade's or anything else really. He tried to put on a poker face, but the stoic impression of the Batman was too good. He had no choice but to reply what he was asking. Finally, he nodded. A symbol of recognizing Batman's authority. Batman then quickly released him, gave him room to move, "then get on it. I'll be watching you."