Chapter Text
The Batman had been working in tandem with the Justice League for almost three years now, and he had fought on his own in Gotham for two years before that. He wasn’t new to the vigilante gig, in fact, it was unanimously agreed upon among the League members that he was a seasoned warrior, one that was well respected, one that was feared. The Batman was a legend among heroes, a ghost, practically- well, definitely untraceable; the League spent over a year trying to find him and recruit him when the rumors began humming outside of Gothams borders. How could a mere mortal make such an impact on a community, enough of an impact that stories of his heroism spread beyond city limits, without ever actually being seen (well, seen clearly at least) or photographed?
Most of the League agreed that if he did exist he couldn’t possibly be human. The tales of Batman were so extreme, almost other-worldly, but there were indications of something happening, Gotham crime rates dropped majorly. There was no feasible way any single human could do what he did for Gotham.
Yet, here he was, fighting beside the Justice League, just as other-worldly as the rumors had made him out to be. Batman was insanely skilled and wise far beyond imagination. He had a plan for any scenario, no matter how unrealistic or seemingly unachievable; somehow he could do what no one else could. Was he somehow even better than the stories had claimed? Yes, it was clear; the Batman was better than anybody could have foreseen.
The first time Batman had fought alongside the Justice League they could do nothing but watch in amazement as he fought with such fierce precision. He was indeed human, from what the League members could tell he used no magic or superhuman abilities, his only defenses were various gadgets and tools he seemed to summon out of nowhere (Seriously, are we sure he isn’t using some sort of magic? Where is he getting these things?!), and his very capable fists. Even now though, nearly three years after Batman’s Justice League debut, new and older members alike would still find themselves entranced with his graceful yet unnerving combative style (not without a lengthy lecture about focusing during missions from the Bat himself, of course).
Clark took notice of the Flashes starstruck stare and winced sightly for him when Batman glared toward the gaping speedster- it was only his third mission the man could have cut him some slack, it’s not exactly easy to get used to Batman’s unique skillset. Nonetheless, Superman could feel the lecture coming when the Bat opened his mouth and began to spea-
About ten minutes earlier:
Bruce had jumped down from a tall building, landing light-footed on the pavement before spinning around to kick the goon who fell promptly to the ground before the man turned to land a few punches on another “sneaking” up next to him (Bruce couldn’t help but think it was quite a pathetic attempt, he almost took pity on the man).
That Flash guy was staring again, he needed to pay more attention. Bruce pulled his attention away from the mesmerized man, he’d have to bring this up at some point, but Bruce was too occupied to say anything at the moment. The Flash must’ve realized he’d been watching though because his eyes darted quickly back to the fight not but seconds after Bruce had noticed him. At least he has a good reaction time, Bruce thought-
WHAM!
Batman stumbled forward, a little astonished at how this man managed to land a blow without him predicting it, he caught himself before composing his thoughts and swinging his fist back to connect with the man’s skull. The Bat growled in irritation but what came out of his mouth was not his usual gravelly sound. He brought one of his gloved hands to his cowl and felt where there was now a crack along the side of his mask. Bruce began to groan, his irritation only grew when he heard himself. The voice modulator in his cowl must’ve stopped working.
The Bat kept fighting as if nothing had happened, engrossed in the fight, when he felt eyes on him again. He spun around to glare at the man in the bright red suit. The Flash shrunk into himself when he realized the Bats scowl was pointed at him. Bruce opened his mouth and began to speak only catching himself a second too late saying only about half the word ‘focus’ before shutting his mouth briskly, rotating in a quick, stiff motion, he grappled off another building and out of sight.