Fool Me Once [Bruce, Ra's, Selina]

[Deleted]

[Followup to First Impressions ]

[Deleted]

He didn’t expect anything less in a response coming from Selina. In all honesty, the extreme guilt, anxiety, and violated curiosity he was currently feeling due to Ra’s al Ghul’s utterly unexpected arrival in Gotham didn’t allow much room for emotions like empathy. Of course he understood Selina’s being hurt (she always had the hidden tell when covering up emotional pain of using glib sarcasm) reacting to the sudden reveling of such detrimental information about his life with sharp, biting comments. By now Bruce had driven them well beyond the freeway boundaries reaching to the outskirts of Gotham’s borders. They were on a lone, desolate highway now – heading deep into the thick, dark forest spreading out endlessly before them. Slate-blue razor eyes suddenly stole her own sparkling green gaze, stabbing with an unnerving stare that only he was capable of wielding.


“I’m not going to "set" him on Nigma, or anyone else for that matter! Ra’s al Ghul isn’t some trained attack dog. You don’t get it, Selina. The man isn’t just immortal; he’s dangerously ingenious when it comes to bringing his genocidal delusions into fruition. He only lives to serve his own purpose – by any means necessary! It’s not a matter of “if” with him, it’s a matter of “when”.”


Bruce’s words were as sharp as his gaze. He would then take a turn off the lone highway onto a dirt road that ventured even further into the depths of the densely wooded forest. He deliberately didn’t answer her last question regarding any other “fun” guests from Bruce’s past she ought to know about.


“We’re headed to one of my satellite cave sites where I keep certain types of leverage when absolutely needed. Just in case Ra’s doesn’t exactly feel the need to be cooperative when he comes to.”


After a few sharp turns that took them well off and far away from the dirt road they had been weathering Bruce finally brought the vehicle to a stop – now located somewhere deep within a clustered thicket of skyscraping trees. The beginning jagged rocky inclined slope eventually leading up to a mountain side was jutting out before them, covered in tree stubble. Even though it was mid-day, the thickness of the untamed foliage surrounding them blotted out the sun, save for a few scattered slivered beams of pale light delicately trickling down through the trees. The scene was almost peaceful in a dark and eerie sort of way. And then?


The ground beneath their parked car suddenly began to sink at an alarmingly fast rate, as if the Earth had decided to swallow them whole vehicle and all. Cleverly constructed within the wooded mountainous area around them was a highly advanced and impossibly hidden secretly secured subterranean lift which provided the entryway access to a heavily technology enforced underground satellite cave. One of his many, many satellite caves – all of which served as a base of operations when utilized. Like now. This satellite cave certainly wasn’t as massive as his main base hub, the Batcave, but it certainly didn’t lack in being well stocked with a myriad of supplies in all categories.


Running deep below the flat plateaus of the cave dwelling was a flowing fresh water river – the very same fresh water river that ran through the Batcave, as well as running through all his satellite cave bases, connecting them together. Certainly made for easy access when getting around by subterranean means. The only light provided within the murky, damp cave came from strategically installed LED lights, casting a sterile, dimly glowing hue. The opening above they had just come from via lift was already seamlessly closed shut, making it seem as if the wooded forest high above ceased to ever even exist. The satellite cave was their world now, their reality.


“Don’t say I never take you anywhere nice.” Pathetic at best was his attempt at humor, though it was an attempt a very rare few ever got to experience. She elicited that from him, despite his grave nature and grim focused determination.


Within a matter of moments Bruce had removed Ra’s from the backseat of the car and secured him to a heavily armored restraining chair within one of the empty holding cells built into the cave wall. Now standing at the computer terminal console he began to rapidly pull files up that accessed surveillance audio and video feeds he had hidden all around Gotham in effort to locate any possible information regarding Ra’s’ arrival in Gotham. With his back facing Selina and his focus apparently intent on doing research, it would come as a sudden surprise when he poignantly, quietly spoke.


“I’m sorry, Selina.”

[Deleted]

Sitting there, she didn't know what to say. Lips parted once, twice, and finally pressed together as she couldn't find the right words to express what she had deduced about her close friend. Her close friend that hadn't been able to walk straight, let alone run, prior to his little jet-setting adventure. "Bruce. I don't think you understand what I'm saying. Aside from the fact your immortal, undead mentor just tried to publicly blackmail me, with not only your identity, but my own, and threaten someone under my watch-but Edward Nigma took a little swim in whatever pool of magic that Henri-Ra's-whatever you call him douses himself with. Do you not understand the implications of this?"

Instead of a shrill accusation, her words grew more and more calm as she laid it out for him. Exhaling in one low breath, she caught Bruce's gaze at her and turned her head. She should be livid. She should be hysterical. Was she either? No. She'd dealt with more weird, and now that she ...was the paramour of the Dark Knight, she knew there was always a backup plan, to the backup plan.

Staring out the window as they passed trees, rocks, and other terrain that was vastly differing than the metropolitan they both thrived on, she listened to him quietly, letting his words tumble about in her head before she answered him.

Of course they'd be heading to another cave, another base, another whatever where Bruce could do his thing. Inhaling deeply, she shook her head barely at the whole situation, glancing at her phone as a text came through. Charlotte would be fine at the manor. She had two of the best people about her. People that she trusted. "And this man, that you say is dangerous, and prone to delusions of genocidal capacities, is the man who taught you everything you know? Was he the one who chose your namesake? Could you have picked something a bit more menacing than a blind mammal? Are you sure you aren't on Luthor's side, or worse?" Another barely there shake of her head; her anger was spinning into the eye of the storm; she was at the center of it all, quietly composed and at her best. Or worst, depending on which end of her wrath you were standing.

"And you had the balls to give me shit over what I've done. When I have never maimed, or laid a hand on someone, unless they touched me first. I just steal. And what has this man done? What has he taught you? And somehow....he pieced together that I am tied to you, who I am, and now, going after ...." What was Charlotte? Not her child, per se...but more than just a ward. "Going after Charlotte. I just...had you never thought to maybe mention something like this? Does Dick know? Is he aware?" Ceasing her questions, she was quiet as the car descending into something similar to the main cave, but...differing. Only after Bruce had fully removed the man in the fine suit, that was years old, did she then open the car door, and cast a cursory glance around. As he attempted to make a joke, she only fired back in kind, "I wish I would've known to pack appropriately!" Or even wear something than expensive heels, and work attire, her emerald blouse and grey suit not quite appropriate in the satellite cave.

Seething, and taking in the finer details of the subterranean base, she almost missed his quiet apology. It baffled her. Not the actual apology, but the action. What was he offering those words in appeasement for? Allowing her into his world? For jeopardizing her safety, and those in her sphere? Sorry for what?

[Deleted]

It would take a moment for him to process the slew of accusing rationalizations wrought with information she onslaught him with. It was when he saw her silent reaction to his proffered apology that the gravity of everything suddenly sunk in… The moment she gave him that look. Not just any look, but it was that look. That look – as in, that one specific type of look only given by those who have managed to find the keeper of their heart. That look.


And had Bruce been any semblance of emotionally available or emotionally normal, then he might’ve taken this rare moment of silent intensity to reflect on just what it was he actually had just apologized for – giving her an explanation of guilty admittance for his crucial errors directly affecting her. But? This was Bruce. And no sooner had such a whisper of an apology escaped his lips, than the moment it took for him to now place direct focus onto a key bit of information he had just come to learn.


“Edward Nigma has come into contact with the Lazarus Pits?” His tone grave, steeled to match his glacial gaze. “How long ago did that happen? How long have you known, Selina?”


As he barked his questions out at her, he quickly made his way over to the computer tech-console station and began to access live-feed surveillance information around Gotham City – pulling the digital images from an encrypted link to his supercomputer back the Batcave. Back facing Selina, carefully keeping Ra’s within his peripheral vision, Bruce continued to access digital files laden with status updates that connected him securely in with Dick’s location and a possibility of comm-link communication.


“Like you Selina, I drew the line of what I am and am not willing to do. Ra’s may have helped to create Batman, but he sure the hell didn’t define him. I’m responsible for being Batman and all he has come to represent in Gotham. Not Ra’s. I act on my own accord, so does Ra’s. Despite my history with him, Ra’s would’ve come to Gotham, anyway – targeting you as a powerful source to use for information, given your reputation and connections.” He would only allow so much when it came to taking the blame – anger was usurping all other emotions now.


“Dick is aware.” Bruce tracked Dick and Kory’s GPS signal, watching as they arrived to Wayne Manor. Security cameras now indicated in their surveillance feed that Dick and Kory also arrived with Charlotte safely in tow. “Tell me what you know about Nigma’s involvement with the Lazarus Pits.”


Even though he was still clothed in that rich, tailored high-fashion business suit completed with a stylish, slick haircut and clean shaven jaw – Bruce was completely in Batman mode, behaving as focused, grim, and edgy as the Bat was legendary in being known for. If Nigma had managed to access the Lazarus Pits, it could possibly be a reason for Ra’s al Ghul’s unexpected appearance.

[Deleted]

Had he not heard her the first fucking time? She rolled her eyes as he asked her again. She snapped her head back to attention, eyes narrowed on him. "Did you not hear me, Bruce? I got a phone call from him...months ago. Post-China. He was trashed, and flirting...and peculiar. About a month after that, I ran into him. And he could do just that. You tell me the last time you saw Edward Nigma run. It's the only thing that makes sense. He was radiant. New." She turned form him, not willing to give in to his interrogation. This was because of him, not her.

Glancing around the bare-bones, yet fascinating cave, she crossed her arms. There was a deep-seated chill in here. Bone-weary. But still impressive.

She still didn't like his words. "Why, and how are people targeting me? I already had a nice little bulls-eye on my back. And yes, I'm not that stupid to realize that ...those that truly know who you are, know I am...a liability." She didn't like talking in these terms. These were loss terms, ripped from her own company's book. Sighing, she walked to stand beside him, a tiny blip hitting a designated perimeter.

Engrossed in watching the various computer workings, screens, and whatnot, Selina finally raised her eyes when he spoke. What an ass. Doing that. Using that voice, while still in his suit. Gently, her fingers gripped his chin and turned him to look at her.

"That's all I know. I'll repeat it for you every forty-five seconds, for the next half hour, if you need me to. But beyond that, I don't know what else is going on with Eddie. Nina had looked at him...did he thing, and knew he'd..been rejuvinated. Ok? He'd fraternizing with another enemy. That's it." She was calm, and deadly, despite her ramping anger at him.

[Deleted]

How embarrassing, and a woman of all people. Numbness ran through out Ra’s’ body as his eyes began to flicker open from his forced sleep. At first, he had little to no feeling in his extremities, with his fingers and toes lifelessly attached to his body. A sickening dryness stuck to his throat and mouth, likely yet another side effect from the injection he had sustained. With a burning feeling of humiliation in that he had allowed her to so easily dispatch him, Ra’s attempted to piece together the moment at which he fell into a deep sleep. A slight prick of a syringe still stung his neck, although his capture occurred hours earlier. Stiffness ran through his legs and arms, as if he has being in a single position for far too long.

It took him a few moments to fully awaken from his drugged state, and even longer for the side effects of the injection to wear off. Flexing his fingers, he lightly scratched the metal chair’s arms, with him noticing the restraints that bolted him down. While maintaining a calm demeanour, or at least as calm as he could possibly be in this situation, Ra’s’ eyes darted around the cell in which he found himself. It was bare, with no luxuries for its prisoner, just bare walls, one of them being glass so that people may inspect what is inside. Although simple, the cell would likely be fitted with top of the range security systems, courtesy of Wayne Enterprises. Breaking free from both his shackles and the cell would be a mighty feat but one which Ra’s hoped he could accomplish.

Although if he was easily knocked out by a Woman, then he had reserved feelings concerning his chances of escape. Doubt sat in his mind, doubt of his own abilities. Perhaps he was losing his touch, becoming too old. However he soon put the mistake down to the fact that it was a Woman, so he had likely underestimated the threat that she posed. Quickly, Ra’s decided that Ms. Kyle must have contacted Wayne for aid in the matter. Speaking of them, through the glass wall, it was possible to see them both talking with one another, likely on the subject of the man who sat in their prison. However he had no idea what they planned to do with him, although his best guess was that they’ll either keep him here for a time or they will hand him over to the GCPD. Although to Ra’s’ knowledge, they had no proof that he had committed a crime at all.

Having faith in his League’s skills, Ra’s believe that if he did not escape then they would likely discover his location at some point through some means. With him absent, Talia will become temporary leader of the League until Ra’s is recovered. Their top priority will be finding him so it will only be a matter of time. One of the League’s many specialities is finding people. “I hope I’m not interrupting something.” Through quick breaths from his lunges, Ra’s spoke out to his captors through the glass wall between them. The allies and friends of Bruce Wayne will likely become the League’s top targets, in an attempt to capture them so that they can be given back in return for Ra’s. However Ra’s knew that Wayne would likely have a procedure for this, one in which he would protect his allies while making them aware of the threat. “A woman...next time I'll just skip the pleasant conversation.”

[Deleted]

@knightfall said:

The new data came in quickly with ongoing revelations that threw the world into a new sharp contrast that changed everything. Nigma in the pits, the insufferable honesty of everything Selina said. Bruce was furious, his mind working overtime, putting contingency plans together quickly. For all of his planning and preparations, there were some things that he had not considered.

There was a failure of imagination, the paranoid's mind had not been quite fast enough. This was another mistake that would need to be rectified, something solved with experience. Despite all attempts to be otherwise, Bruce was just a man, and that was a limitation that needed to be rectified with practice, experience and training. He felt her turn his head and stare into his eyes. They narrowed with practiced muscle memory, the glare of the Dark Knight.

"No" he said to that, looking at her face. "You're no more a liability now than anyone else ever. If you're being targeted, it's because of what you do, and who you are. You're connected to everybody in Gotham, you're independent, and you're smart. Anyone trying to get into Gotham would try to do it through you, if they want to establish themselves."

He listened to what she said, and narrowed his eyes, and then his expression softened. Bruce seemed placated by the statement, slightly. "I just wish I'd known this before. It changes things slightly, and I need information to work."

Quick thinking, the mind moved with rapid progression, the presence of Ra's al Ghul was a complication that required a certain level of focus to address, he broke away from Selina, going to the computer, he hit a few buttons and started the program running.

It was then he looked over his shoulder for a moment. He looked at Ra's for a moment, glaring eyes. Ra's al Ghul, the face of his old mentor, darkly mocking him. Bruce remembered the cold, the extremes of temperature, the understanding face. "Believe me, if I had any choice in the matter, you wouldn't be here. You'd be put in Arkham like all the other madmen."

[Deleted]

The restraints soon made his wrists saw, and the joints in his knees continued to ache from their inaction. Looking from the Cell, Ra’s examined Bruce Wayne, his student of many months, the man who would have been his prodigy and heir. Although he didn’t enjoy admitting it often, Ra’s was smart enough to realise that the Pits would not keep him alive forever. Every time he uses them, he feels like a part of him is lost with the duration between usages increasing slowly. If Bruce had stayed with the League, Ra’s could pass from this Earth knowing that his work would be done and that it would be continued for eons to come. However it soon became apparent that Wayne lacked the conviction to save Humanity from itself, maintaining the cynical view point that the people of Gotham had lives to live. Ever since then, he has been a thorn in his side, constantly being a source of pain for the League of Assassins.

His mind flew back to their time together in the mountains of Nepal, where the cold was enough to snap your fingers from your hands. Still it was in those passes and glaciers, that Ra’s showed Bruce how to be more than just a man. Exercises in martial arts, teaching him the various forms of karate, kung fu and taekwondo to name just a few. Stealth was key in his training, with Bruce learning how to be a shadow amongst criminals, how to strike fear into their hearts. The final chapter of his training consisted of the pupil being taught not about physical means, but of the mind, of crime in general and how the League fights said decadence. Throughout the months of training, it was clear that there was a bond between the mentor and the student, with perhaps Bruce adopting Ra’s as a form of surrogate father and with Ra’s seeing the son he always wanted.

And now Ra’s sat idly at Wayne’s mercy, curious as to what will be done with him. Cold eyes of green pierced the Detective, watching him from the shadows in which he sat. “Madman? Come Detective, we both know that I am in perfect control of my actions.” Maintaining his face of stone, the Demon sat upright in his chair, attempting to be as comfortable as possible. The drug still ran through his body but the effects were wearing off quickly. “You’ve been dealing with Gotham for too long, now you only know madness and chaos. After all you’ve done, Detective, after all your sacrifices, are you beginning to head my words? Every day people are massacred by the virus of crime, but you wish to only treat the condition. It will never work, the virus will grow stronger. You need to purge the wound and start afresh.”

Harsh truths are lost on a man as arrogant and ignorant as Batman, who is lost in his own impossible war. Turning to Selina Kyle, Ra’s saw her for what she was, a tool of the Batman. There was no doubt that she is the elusive thief known as Catwoman. Surveillance showed the two mingling in secret, but it was now clear as day to him. He was no fool; he could join the dots together. There is affection between the two, their eyes betray in their inner thoughts. “You have allowed yourself to be corrupted by crime.” Obviously, he referred to Miss Kyle, with a strong hint of contempt in his voice.

[Deleted]

Both men were doing not a damn thing to lighten her mood. With a practiced calm she both heard, and ignored Bruce. But the words of this Ducard, or al Ghul, or whatever his name was, those words were heard with a crystal clarity.

"Mmm. If there is a damn next time, Ducard." She snapped back, thankful the wall was there. Not for his sake, but for her own sake. She wanted to get her hands on him sooner rather than later, and a physical barrier was keeping her from doing so. Probably for the better.

As Bruce snapped off some other Batman colloquialism, she rolled her eyes again, angling her body toward him. "That's bullshit, and you know it. And forgive me for not just hotsyncing my brain to your computers so you could have every thought, every movement, every damn piece of information directly linked to you so you could have 'information to work,' Bruce. I apologize." She spat sarcastically at him, her words venomous.

As the two men finally glared at one another, she could feel the emotion between them, almost taste it's bitter taint on her tongue.

As the two engaged in conversation again, Selina laughed at the older man's words. If he'd been in perfect control, he would've thought ahead to the fact Selina might actually arm herself. Or defend herself. Or maybe give a shit about those she cared about, and act appropriately, and quickly. Could the man not see that? She huffed, and turned back to Bruce as Ra's shifted in his seat. She was more than willing to head in there and tie an appropriately tight knot to keep him from squirming, if need be.

But his thinly veiled words? She could hear a threat if whispered. She'd known shade thrown at her by mere glances, and mouthed words to rapt ears. She wasn't a fool, even if this man was taking her for one. She knew the risk of coupling with Batman, and she'd weighed her options without gambling. And while Ra's continued to say polite words with nasty meaning, she'd stay silent until Bruce finished his computations. She honestly just wished he'd imprison the man after finding out his reasoning for threatening both her, and Charlotte, first.

[Deleted]

@knighfall said:

Selina’s response was warranted, there was no way for her to know what he needed. He narrowed his eyes to her, and grunted. This was about as close as she’d get to an apology, a backing down and an agreement of wrongdoing. Nevertheless, there was no way for her to know the hornet’s nest she had just kicked over. She was in danger now, in a way that Bruce didn’t think she’d ever really understand.. That was irrelevant; the time for recriminations was far past and couldn’t be revisited until the situation had stabilized. The reality of the situation was that one of the most dangerous individuals on the planet was now tied up in front of him. The last time this sort of encounter had occurred, the roles had been reversed. Batman had the advantage, he knew that, although it wouldn’t last long. He looked at his former mentor, fallen so far from the pedestal he was once put upon. He remembered the lessons, took from them, was shaped by them, but he’d never accepted the conclusions.

He looked at Ra’s, eyes narrowing, his posture had become larger. The tense and growling voice of something no longer entirely human had served to terrorize the superstitious and cowardly of Gotham City for years, it had become part of the myth of the Batman. “Purge Gotham? You forget, Ra’s. This. Is. My. City.” He stared into the eyes of the Demon. “You want to destroy it? Then you’re going to have me as an enemy. And I will not stop.” He narrows his eyes and touches the cape of the demon for a moment, narrowing his eyes, then looking over the man. Details came up in his mind. Ra’s al Ghul had taught the Dark Knight much, but he was far from the only mentor that the Caped Crusader had.

The Demon’s head was a talker, in a way that Bruce wasn’t usually. Batman was a man of action, quiet like the shadow, speaking only when necessary. Ra’s, on the other hand.

“I can see you as a man with a mission, you’re here in Gotham with a plan. You didn’t expect to get taken down by her, so you’d intended to get to her for some reason. You did it to get to me, maybe, or to get to another contact, more likely. This wasn’t planned, though. You didn’t intend to get trapped here, which means you got outmaneuvered. You didn’t know she was. Okay, so you went after Selina Kyle, and you didn’t do it to get to me, otherwise you’d have more of a backup plan to get out. You don’t have anything to escape the ropes that I can see. No special equipment. So this was your attempt to go after her. But the only thing I don’t understand is the younger one. Why the girl? She’s young. Innocent?”

[Deleted]

A dark grimace fashioned its way onto Ra’s’ well-angled face, with his white teeth slightly glinting through the mysterious beard which sat around his lips. Shaking his head in a disappointed fashion, Ra’s felt that all of his mentoring had been wasted upon the man who stood before him. The Bruce Wayne he once knew was a mere shadow of this arrogant, narrow-minded and empty-headed playboy who thinks that he knows all the lessons there are to be taught. Months of training, in the hope that at last a worthy champion had been discovered to become the next Head of the Demon but the thought of this Batman only left a sour taste in his mouth and the memory of a lost chance. “Your City? The Wayne Family may enjoy thinking that Gotham is their City but in truth, they are the City’s. For hundreds of years, when the Police and the law have failed them, the people could always turn to the charitable Waynes when they should have been becoming self-sufficient, not dependent upon the rich.”

“That will be your greatest lesson, one which I could not teach you. Your family showed mercy, mercy which resulted in their brutal murders. Proof that Gotham is not worth saving.” This was not the first time which Bruce had been told these things and Ra’s doubted that it would be the last. Self-righteous men such as him rarely listened to harsh truths. In the years that he had been the Dark Knight, was there a visible drop in crime? At first. The Mafia, the gangs, they feared him but his appearance spawned a worse form of criminal, beings such as The Joker or Two Face. In the short term Gotham has improved but it shall suffer in the future when he is too old to fight his battles. As he could not fight, the least he could do was talk. Words can often be the deadliest of weapons when used correctly.

When the Detective moved in on Ra’s, the Demon’s only response was his continued look of disappointment. “Do you think me some thug that you face on the streets? Your methods won’t work on me; after all I taught you most of them. I’ve have lived for a long time, and will do so for a long time after you are just a bitter memory in the minds of me. The vigilante, lost in his own self gratification. The gadgets, the suit, the training, it all means nothing if you are not willing to do what is necessary, to have the strength to realize that man is flawed and that mercy will not save them.” Harsh words but true, they reflected the cruel and unmerciful way of nature. Anyone who thinks otherwise is only deluding themselves.

He wasn’t wrong in his assumption that Ra’s’ original plan had failed with his capture but this result is greater than his original aim. Now he has the undivided attention of the Batman. “Age will serve no protection but you are blind to believe that she is innocent. No one in this City can claim to be innocent and you are blind to say otherwise. I targeted her as she was the best option, petty morals will not affect what I do for the greater good. Judge me not by my methods but by what I wish to achieve.” No doubt Wayne thought she was now safe from harm but when she became involved with him, she had to have known that danger would follow. Had he forgotten that Miss Kyle was a criminal? A thief who takes what she does not deserve but it would seem that her feline charm has won him over. “What do you intend to do with me? Arrest me? Give me over to the GCPD? You don’t have the power to throw me in prison nor do the Police have any right do deal with me, you have little proof to say I committed any crime and I would be free with in the day, free to visit Miss Charlotte.”

[Deleted]

There was a whole lot of talk going on, and very little answers, or action for her liking. As her arms crossed across her chest, her back to this peculiar man she shook her head barely at Bruce, who seemed to waver between the Bruce she knew, and a very focused, irritated Batman. As they spoke of her, and even Charlotte in such a detached way she just blinked as she tried to keep her anger below a boiling point as they fought over who claimed proper ownership over Gotham.

Did it matter? Did it really matter who 'owned' Gotham or not? They sounded like two children bickering over a toy. She rolled her eyes at all the babble between them. And now they were bitterly going on wistfully about years gone past on who trained who. Seriously.

She could only hope that Kory and Dick had picked up Kit and taken her to the Manor. At least Dick didn't pussyfoot around, and Kory would understand the situation.

[Deleted]

Turning back to the computer table, and turning his back deliberately on Ra's, Bruce placed his fists on the desk. His mind was going over hos options, looking for a loophole, a way out for him, Selina and Charlotte. He knew Ra's threat was true, the police had nothing. And even if he did end up in Arkham or Blackgate, the League of Shadows would break him out quickly. Looking up at the computer, an idea suddenly occurred to Batman. Turning back to face Ra's, Batman kept his eyes locked on the Demon's Head even as his own mind calculated the success option of his plan.

"Your actions and your words don't mesh, Ra's. You claim to be sane, to be trying to save Gotham. But you're willing to kill an innocent girl, a girl who has done nothing but found herself under the care of Miss Kyle. Shouldn't innocence like Miss Charlotte's be cherished? Be protected? Thats why I will always stop you Ra's. Because I believe Charlotte should be protected for her innocence. I believe she should be allowed to live her life and enjoy it. Not be punished for someone elses crime. Selina isn't a saint. She's done horrible things, but I believe she wants to make the most of her life. She HAS made the most of her second chance, she has started down her own path to redemption. She is a success story, not a tool for you to blackmail to achieve you're own selfish needs."

Stopping a few feet away from Ra's, Batman looked down at the ground and shook his head.

"I know you better then most, Ra's. I know the ends to which you will go to achieve your destruction. And you know me. You know I will not let it happen. This is MY City Ra's. It's under MY protection. I know I have become a beacon for the crazy side of humanity. But no matter how many times they stand up, I put them down Ra's. I always put them down. And since I know you have some twisted plan, some wicked design upon the city I love, I am going to give you one chance to shut it down and walk away."

Turning back to the computer, The Dark Knight locked eyes briefly with Selina. He was not yet sure of the depth of his feelings for Miss Kyle, but he also knew he wouldn't let anyone hurt her or Charlotte. For better or worse, he needed Selina. Looking back at the computer he barked out his next words.

"Computer, activate Five Minute Self Destruct sequence. Codeword: Thomas."

Selina's eyes went wide, but a quick glance from Batman cut her off as the computer whirred and then responded.

"Request Acknowledge. Self Destruct Sequence activated."

Turning back to Ra's, Bruce stood in front of the Plexiglass box and snarled.

"I can't kill you. I can't jail you. And I know you'll come after Charlotte from wherever you end up. But I know I can rely on your honor. Your word still means something Ra's. Even in the moments of your darkest insanity from the Lazarus pits, I've at least been able to rely on your word. And so I will give you one chance Ra's."

"Give me your Word of Honor. You will not come after Charlotte. You will not come after Selina. Or I will self destruct the computer and leave you trapped here. No way for anyone to get in. No way for you to get a message out. Just you, trapped inside this cave, for eternity."

"Clock's ticking, Ra's."

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A part of Ra’s regretted targeting the child, though the logical side to him knew that personal feelings must play no part in strategy. This Charlotte Geier was the perfect target, easy to reach yet close to the key: Selina Kyle. Her age would have no sway over Ra’s’ opinion, nor her gender. A certain coldness ran through Ra’s as he thought about what he was saying. When did the League begin threaten children? We were better than this once. Looking at his hand, he noticed a few wrinkles below his knuckles and his thoughts shot straight back to his Lazarus Pits. It was hard for him to deny that his thoughts rarely were not focused upon them, although you’d expect that after using them for more than half a millennium.


“I am sorry that I had to involve the Child, she would not have being harmed. Although you may think me one, I am not a monster. It’s easy to think of your enemies as monsters, black of heart with no feeling. I am the contrary; I do what I do because I feel something unlike the masses of mindless oafs who pretend to rule this World. Everything thing I’ve done, everyone I’ve killed, it was all done for a purpose, understand that Bruce.” The restraints in the chair felt like they were tightening with every moment that he sat in the chair, the cold metal scratching the hairs upon his wrist. Two jade eyes gleamed from the darkness of the cell as Bruce gave his offer and began the countdown; eyes which can make lesser men turn away with pressure.

“You may bury me in here but it will not be my grave. A thousand men while be searching this City for me and they will find me soon enough, I have no doubt. Then we will find your Family and teach them the price of opposing us. So I counter your offer, Detective. Free me and I’ll leave the Girl for now, abandon me here and I’ll burn her.” Unflinchingly, Ra’s listened to the timer countdown to zero as he tapped the arm rest lightly with the fear of death absent from his mind. The Demon does not make idle threats, which he had hoped Wayne had realized my now. “The only way to stop me is to kill me and since you’re not willing to do it, then you’re really out of options. That’s why I’m strapped to this chair, you fear what I’ll do if free.”

No doubt the Young Girl was now ‘safe’ from the League’s eyes though Ra’s could hazard a guess where she could be with the most likely being the Batman’s headquarters at his Mansion. However unlikely that he’d be stupid enough to place her in such a location, it would make sense with it being relatively close and safe thanks to Wayne Tech security systems. Though he had no idea where he was currently, it could be at his Manor or some other Site. One of the League’s specialties is finding people and all their effort will be focused on finding their Leader.

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Bruce stared at Ra's for a few moments, his mind working through The Demon's Hands offer. Realistically Ra's was right, there was no way he could be left trapped under here for an extended period of time. The League of Shadows had extensive resources, and Talia would get them started on Bruce Wayne's plots of land. This land may be owneed through a long chain of puppets, but no purchase could be completely untraceable, and Talia would eventually find her father. It might take a week. It might take a couple of years. No matter how long it took though, when Ra's was found he would be angry, beyond reason, and incredibly dangerous. Turning to look at Selina, her own eyes showing the trust she had in Bruce to make the right decision. He couldn't let her down. Glancing back over at the countdown, and recognising there were three minutes left, he turned to look at Ra's.

"I've always understood your reasons Ra's. I've never agreed with them full, but you know I've at least understood them. We both want to save Gotham, our only difference is in the principles. You want to raze the city completely and re-grow it. I still have faith in the heart of the city, a city raised and built by generation upon generation of my family. If the Lazarus Pits hadn't warped your mind, you and I might have even been allies. But that will never happen so long as you threaten my city or my friends."

Looking over at Selina again Bruce sighs and then shakes his head and after a moments pause looks up at Ra's.

"You are right though. I bury you here, it might be weeks. It might be months. But the League will eventually rescue you. After all, Talia knows my identity, she could go through all my resources. Look through all my Gotham Properties and blocks of land. She'd eventually find the deed, right?"

Bruce then grins and smiles, stepping closer to Ra's until he's only a few feet from him.

"Unless, I did something entirely crazy, like got Superman to buy the land. You don't know his identity, Ra's. No record for you to trace. No paper trail for Talia to find. And this underground cave is miles out of Gotham. So something tells me, while Talia MIGHT eventually find you, it'd take a fairly long while. And I'm guessing you'll need to use the Pits soon. The clock truly is ticking."

Staring Ra's down, Bruce finally steps back and crosses his arms, looking at Selina with a grin before looking back at Ra's.

"My final offer, and you take it or you enjoy a nice long dirt nap. I take you back to Gotham, doped of course so you can't find your way back to this cave. I send a message to Talia with details for where to come and get you. In return, you swear to me you'll leave Charlotte alone permenantly. None of this 'For Now' threats."

Bruce looks over at the countdown clock, watching it tick closer to 2 minutes and then back to Ra's.

"Clock's ticking."