FicWad

Chapter Eight: Gotham Part One.

"Your exploits have gathered a lot of attention, Mr. Potter," said Batman as he stared down the sixteen year old wizard who returned the favor.

Harry stood and held his wand. His eyes did not leave Batman and he responded in a cool tone. "That happens a lot."

"I'm sure," agreed Batman as he matched Harry’s tone.

He looked at his wife and saw she frowned. So he watched Batman with eyes narrowed. "You know as friendly as this chat is, we’re on a deadline.”

"I'll be brief," said the Dark Knight as he had his eyes set firmly on the couple. "Your powers may be great in potential, but they're not going to solve everything. I will offer you some more general grounding about how to defend yourselves in case you find yourselves up against someone more powerful than you. Or even without your powers."

"So, let me get this straight," summarized Kara. "You're going to take my husband into your cold dark cave and train him and expect me not to do anything."

"Kara it's...." started Harry.

"I was offering the training to both of you," said Batman and Kara looked stunned.

Neither spoke for a minute but Batman waited.

"Kara, do you want to do this?" asked Harry. "You know, it could help the both of us but it's up to you."

"Up to me, what do you want?" argued the girl.

The Detective just cleared his throat. "You did say you were on a deadline."

"Sure, fine, just tell us where and when and we'll be wherever," said Kara and Harry agreed with the sentiment.

"I'll be in touch within the week," said Batman as he took a step back.

They looked up and Batman was gone just as quickly as he arrived. Both exchanged a look of confusion.

"What did I just agree to?" asked Kara as she was baffled.

Harry just wrapped his arm around her. "I think we both agreed to it. You didn't..."

"Yes I did," argued Kara as she stood with a set look on her face. "You have a good point. I don't want to be trapped somewhere without my powers and not being able to defend myself. Raving lunatic in a cowl or not, he does know how to fight. Could work on his people skills through and his image."

"Ah, is Supergirl afraid of the big bad bat?" teased Harry with a smile and the blonde girl sighed.

"No, just merely unnerved by the fact he seems to know more than he should," said Kara but she was amused. "You know, you're going to have get a code name one of these days. And a costume."

Harry had no idea how to react to this.

"But no capes," said Kara with one hundred percent seriousness.

"Why?" asked Harry, confused at this.

"They'd block my view," muttered Kara as she nudged her husband, before they got together both of their purchases, along with the few belongings Harry had kept. "Let's make sure we have everything."

"Right," said Harry as the couple continued to pack. They had real estate to look into and many other things to do.
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Batman assumed the guise of famous billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne and made his way to his private jet. The two teenagers did not back down from him at all. They showed enough respect to listen but did not fear him.

An admirable quality if he did say so himself.

Events clicked in Batman's head. Over twenty years as a crime fighter, he had traveled the world to meet many interesting people.

He recalled something that he had almost filed away, an early memory but one that gained somewhat of a significance given the recent meeting he had.

Nineteen years ago in Cairo, Batman ran into some trouble with a group of masked men who appeared to have super natural powers. He was rather green back then. Even when he traveled the world and trained, there was still a difference between training and doing. He did not even have his utility belt back in those days.

So he got himself in a sticky situation but what happened next was worst. The Cowled Crimefighter was saved by a seventeen year old girl.

Now when he met Harry, he understood who he was saved by. The girl managed to take out three of the hoodlums right before Batman pulled out his first smoke pellet. Said girl was on a vacation, with four of her friends, four boys. Said boys had assisted her against the hoodlums when they had arrived a moment later.

One of the boys also turned his cowl a shocking pink and found said incident rather amusing.

The connection was obvious and Batman would not be here today that was for that girl's intervention against those terrorists.

Given that Harry Potter had both her eyes along with her sharp tongue to an extent, the connection seemed clear. She never told Batman her name, but he now knew.

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Dumbledore peered at the many young and hopeful faces at Hogwarts, but one face seemed to be missing. Worry appeared at his fact but he resolved not to jump to conclusions.

"Mr. Potter may have missed the train," said Dumbledore in a disappointed voice and Snape's expression brightened.

A few teachers backed away at the horror of Severus Snape smiling.

"Mr. Potter will not be attending Hogwarts this year, Albus," said McGonagall in a quiet voice and Dumbledore grew rigid with fear. "I did mean to tell you earlier, but in the chaos of the new school year and the protections, it may have slipped my mind."

Everyone at the staff table listened in interest, as McGonagall prepared to tell them the information. "Harry sent me a note and said that he had other opportunities in the world. Hogwarts was no longer best served for his interest. Given he is an adult and he took his Ordinary Wizarding Level exams, there's no legal recourse to keep him here."

Dumbledore breathed in and out. He had plans this year and not much time left to exercise them. As he peered at his hand to observe the damage done to it. His heart rate also seemed to be irregular.

The stress of so many positions and his age may have finally caught up to him.

"Also, Harry and his wife left the country yesterday," added McGonagall as she looked at the Headmaster. "They're long gone to...well they didn't exactly leave a forwarding address."

The Headmaster sighed. Perhaps he had made a few minor errors.

The usual feast occurred and the students filed out. Dumbledore looked at the one girl who likely might have known where Harry gone. He quickened his steps and turned to face her.

Hermione started to lead the first year students up to Gryffindor Tower.

"Hello, Professor," said Hermione in a polite tone and a bright smile, her hair in all of its bushy glory.

"Miss Granger, I wish to speak to you about a serious matter," said Dumbledore. "Harry has run away from our world."

Hermione decided to verify this fact in the loudest voice she could manage. "Oh, you mean that Harry decided to leave Hogwarts because he nearly got killed loads of time over his first five years!"

That little statement sent the Hogwarts Gossip Chain moving and Dumbledore looked rather mortified. No amount of damage control would be able to fix this. He spotted half of the students as they tripped over themselves to send owls to their parents.

"I believe Harry has..." started Dumbledore, but Hermione side stepped him.

Hermione turned around. "Actually managed to wise up and grow a spine. Yes, I think that happened. Harry was so cute and innocent before. He's still Harry, just...different don't worry. He's not going dark. Just a bit smarter."

"Could you tell me anything at all?" asked Dumbledore.

Hermione just hummed for a moment. "Well, I could tell you. It's the matter of not wanting to really."

"Miss Granger, if you do not cooperate, I might have you strip you of your prefect privileges," said Dumbledore and without missing a beat, Hermione removed her badge, before she placed it in Dumbledore's hand.

The bookworm laughed. "Bit of a useless position anyway. And to think, I wanted that for about five years. Then again, the real leaders lead without a glorified piece of tin or too many titles or middle names. Wouldn't you agree, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore ignored the implied jab.

"I'm sorry you seem to be going down an unfortunate path, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore. "But war does change the best of us."

Dumbledore could not resist the temptation and took one gentle peak into Hermione's mind.

All he could see within her mind was a library with the windows boarded up. There was a sign on the door.

"Sorry We're Closed."

"Well it has done wonders for your personality," retorted Hermione as she turned around to face her cohort who looked confused. "Well, Ron, looks like you're responsible for all of these first years. Who look like a rather rowdy bunch. Be sure to thank the Headmaster for that one."

The girl walked off and hummed.

"Thanks a lot Professor Dumbledore," muttered Ron as he turned to the little monsters in horror.

Dumbledore wondered where things had gone completely wrong. Sirius died, he told Harry the prophecy, and Harry appeared resigned to accept his fate. It did pain him but the prophecy dictated what would happen.

The marriage dragged Harry down an unfortunate path. Yet, eventually Harry would hear of the deaths and would come back out of guilt.

Dumbledore took a deep breath, and felt he had a headache coming on.
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Hermione returned to her bed and used a few charms to ensure she would not be disturbed. She had letters to write.

Voldemort may have been powerful but he was careless. He had to use objects of great value for his little anchors to life.

Arrogance was the doom of many people. Great or otherwise and there were few more arrogant than Tom Marvolo Riddle.

"Let's see, got to find a way to get these," muttered Hermione. "Dumbledore would sooner have us stumble around blindly on some wild goose chase based off of half information. I'm not going to do anything, Harry isn't either."

Hermione had to write a couple of letters and do a bit of searching.

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"You are doing what?" demanded Clark over the phone as he walked from his car.

Bruce paused for he continued. "Perhaps I should talk slower. I offered your cousin and her new husband a bit of training. They seemed rather reluctant, but considered the benefits."

"Not sure I think this is a good idea," said Clark.

There was a pause. "Well, they made their choice. The door is always open for you to join. You may not be completely hopeless without powers but still, there is a lot to be done to help you.

"I'm fine," said Clark who had an idea what Bruce's idea of training was and cringed. He coped fine all things considered. He made a few mistakes but those were his to deal with. "You're not going to..."

"Calm down, I'm not going to take liberties with them, although this type of training is very harsh and grueling," said Bruce. "They're going to know enough where they can defend themselves. Their powers may speed along the process somewhat, but that would be a cheat.”

The Billionaire paused on the other end of the phone. "Then again, I could teach them every fighting style in the world and their powers could be at maximum, but it would be useless without the proper mindset. What I intend to teach them is mastery of their surroundings. The Importance of exploiting their opponent's weaknesses and turn their own strengths against them. Powers or not it's very useful tactics to learn."

As he stood outside the Daily Planet, Clark still had reservations. "Kara..."

"You know as well as I do your cousin can handle herself and Potter seems to be tougher than he looks as well," said Bruce. "Once again, if you wish to join, you know where to find me. I've got business meetings all day and you're going to be late for the Planet in two minutes."

"How did you...." wondered Clark but he stopped and realized who he was talking to, “Oh right."

Clark put his phone away, and made his way into the Daily Planet offices. He was not even inside for two seconds, when Lois nearly ran him over as she rushed through the office.

“Back from vacation, Lois?” asked Clark with an amused look.

“Yeah, that’s what it technically was,” said Lois in a hasty tone of voice. “And I leave for three weeks and there’s this new criminal on the loose. Not only here in Metropolis, but also over in Europe. And no one’s gotten close to capturing him.”

Clark looked interested. “What…I didn’t hear about this.”

“Have you been living under a rock, Smallville?” asked Lois in a hushed voice. “This new guy, he’s been sighted in a bunch of places. He’s popped right in through the mirror and he popped right out. The strange thing is he seems to be in more than once place at the same time.”

“Could be a wizard or something?” asked Clark offhandedly and Lois gave him a weird look as she considered the possibility.

“Wizard, yeah, maybe,” said Lois with a dismissive shrug. “If he was a wizard, wouldn’t he just hop on his broomstick or something?”

“Well he could, but he could pop in from the fireplace,” said Clark who remembered something he overheard Harry mention off hand.

“We’re talking about wizards, Clark, not Santa Claus,” argued Lois as she rolled her eyes. “Wizard, magic mirror man, some kind of mirror master or something maybe, he’s been swiping technology all over the place. And he might be working for Intergang.”

“I did hear another version formed,” said Clark, as he kept his ear out for any information. Given Intergang’s past ties to Darkseid, he kept an ear out for any maneuverings involving him.

“Well everyone’s heard that rumor,” said Lois as she shrugged. “Superman should be able to handle it…well if he’s ever around anymore.”

Clark looked at her. “Superman is always around…”

“Yeah, well…I’m going to vent about him for a minute,” said Lois as she took a deep breath. “Ever since the thing with Darkseid, he’s been cold. I tried to tell him that he had to take it slowly. One person at a time, but he seemed to go to the shadows. Then there’s this latest rumor that’s been flying around. Did you hear what he did? He flew all the way to Vegas and plucked two teenagers right off of the street.”

“I’ve heard of it,” said Clark as he hid a slight wince. “But maybe everyone’s over playing what happened….”

The dark haired reporter shook her head. “I head over there, nosed around, about a month ago. Ran into a couple of weirdoes who were looking for some boy, but…they’ve got issues. To think I share the same species as people like that…well you get the drift.”

“I can imagine,” said Clark.

“I looked at some of those pictures that came out after the fact where two teenagers fought Livewire,” continued Lois who had gained full steam. “Obviously mystery girl was Supergirl. So, Superman got his red underpants in a snag, because his cousin may have gotten around the bases before he did.”

“What?” asked Clark as he was taken aback.

“Or, he was going to give some kind of high and mighty speech,” continued Lois. “Of course, it seems like Superman was just being a d…”

“Lois!” said Clark in a reproachful voice.

“Right, I forgot, they don’t use words like that in corn town,” said Lois as she took a deep breath and took a drink of coffee. “Anyway, I hope mysterious green eyed hero boy didn’t take that. Superman or not, that was uncalled for. Of course Superman is the type not to call…never pegged him for that. But maybe I’m being too hard on the guy.”

Clark just smiled. He had a lot of mistakes to amend for.

“Sorry about all that, Smallville,” said Lois. “Still, you would think that Superman, in overprotective mode or not, would not do anything that made him look like a creepy child snatcher. I guess I would think wrong.”

“Well, I’m sure Superman regrets what he did,” said Clark.

“Well it could have been a stupid impulse,” said Lois. “But what’s the story with the green eyed hero boy? He seemed to be awfully cozy with Supergirl. Almost like…nah that’s even a bit too much.”

Clark just smirked. It did feel nice to know something that Lois did not. Although knowing her level of nosiness, she would try and find out before too long.

“And a lot happened in Vegas around that time, some Looney Toon named Radcliffe somehow got his hands on Lexcorp stock,” said Lois, as she pulled out a picture and snickered. “Get a look at this guy, and what he’s wearing.”

Clark looked at the grainy security photo and his eyes widened.

“Well that’s an interesting combination,” thought Clark as he looked at the jacket and the boots in particular.

“Yeah, amusing isn’t it?” asked Lois. “Anyway, I’ve got a lot of work to go to, I’m sure you do too, so I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Right, see you later, Lois,” said Clark as he walked off before he spotted Jimmy Olsen who waved him over. “Hey, Jimmy, what do you got there?”

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A dark tunnel deep underneath Gotham City as two figures walked. One figure held an illuminated wand and lead them the pathway right down the tunnel. Both were attired in workout pants and jackets, one red and blue and the other gold and red.

“Well we should be almost there,” muttered Kara. “Unless we took a wrong turn. He had to give us the most complex directions in the world.”

Harry inclined his head. “I think we’re on the right track. Obviously, I don’t think he wants us to know who he really is.”

“He does realize I can peer under his little mask and figure out who he is, doesn’t he?” asked Kara, as she ducked to avoid smacking her head on the ceiling.

“Why didn’t you?” asked Harry as he watched Kara take the lead. The pants did suit his wife well as he took a minute to enjoy the view.

“It wouldn’t be any fun,” replied the girl, as she waited until her husband joined her. “Okay, it should be right through here somewhere, ah I see it right now. See the giant dinosaur, well you can’t technically but you can in a sec.”

The two pushed the door opened and walked into the cave. Harry looked around, impressed and even Kara was a bit awestruck. The cave had artifacts and they couple stood, in the red light that illuminated the cave.

The Kryptonian girl had a look around. “Well at least he has some cool stuff in her. We’re a bit early I think, he’s not even anywhere around.”

Both walked around and browsed, like they were in a museum.

“He has a giant penny,” muttered Harry who had recognized the American currency, when his Uncle had acquired some after a business trip. “Why…”

“Part time detective, full time hoarder I guess,” said Kara as she grinned and turned towards Harry. “You know, we do have some time and this big space. And we might be sore after this, so how about we…”

“You just couldn’t wait, could you?” asked Harry but he was intrigued at the possibilities. “In the Batcave...really?”

“Hey, it looks clean,” said Kara with a shrug. “It’d be exciting.”

Harry agreed with her assessment.

“Well we got about fifteen minutes before he’s supposed to show up,” said Harry, as he grabbed her waist and watched her eyes move towards the penny. “Against the giant penny?”

“Yes, against the giant penny, it’s the perfect base, now hurry up, before I shove you there first,” said the girl. He was not about to complain. Harry grabbed her and gently backed her right into the gigantic piece of currency. Harry pressed his lips on hers, as she moaned right into his mouth.

Hands roamed right around each other and slipped underneath their clothes, but before the fun could get too far, a door by the side of the cave had clicked open. Kara’s hand was halfway down Harry’s pants before they had to break it up.

Alfred paused before he looked at the couple. He cleared his throat. The super powered couple turned around who turned around and stared down the butler. “Well it may have been quite fortunate that I came down here now and instead of five minutes later. I seemed to have avoided a potentially scarring situation. Although it would not be the first time that I walked in on such an act…but I digress.”

“Just who are you?” asked Harry and Kara looked at him with narrowed eyes.

“Well, I guess the secret is out, I am Batman,” said the butler. “And now since you know, you cannot be allowed to leave here with your memories, I’m afraid.”

Both had blinked and there was silence. Both super powered teens had laughed.

“You didn’t buy that, did you?” asked Alfred.

“Not for one second,” said Harry as he sighed, but they heard footsteps and arrival moments later.

“I figured you might be early,” said Batman as he walked into the cave as Alfred did his dusting duties in the background. “Good, that means we can start early. Are there any questions?”

“Yeah I got one,” said Kara. “Why would you have a can of shark repellant in your little clubhouse?”

“Past experiences,” said Batman without a pause or hesitation. “Are there any other questions?”

“Nah, I’m good for now,” said Kara as she looked at Harry. “What about you?”

“Fine for now,” said Harry. “So…”

“Then there should be no reason to delay,” said Batman as he set out all of the equipment he needed. “I should warn you this training will not be easy. Nor will it solve all of your problems. The real training comes from practical experience. It would take decades for many tutors to teach you have to deal with any situation. We don’t have that kind of time. I just will teach you enough and your ability to adapt from past mistakes will be the real grounding. The real world is the best training ground. Many times there are no magic shortcuts.”

The Detective allowed that lecture to sink in as he set out more equipment and then continued. “You have powers. They will serve you well, but that’s only provided that you have the ability to keep them.”

His attention shifted to the green eyed youth before him. “I am correct in saying that you have been taught that wand of yours is a necessity for all magic.”

“That’s what they’ve drilled into our heads the past five years,” confirmed Harry.

“Well, begin to undrill it if you can, because if life and death hinged on one small and easily breakable piece of wood, then the world may be doomed,” said Batman in a harsh tone as he looked with both eyes completely on Harry. “I know little about magic, there are others who are well versed in the subject in its many forms, but that’s not our concern right here.”

Kara and Harry remained rigid and continued to listen. The speech from the World’s Greatest Detective was far from over.

“I won’t be your friend here and there will be days where you will curse the very day I was born. And perhaps the very day you were born as well,” continued Batman before he paused. “But when you’re up against a foe more powerful than you or if you lose your powers, what is taught in this cave may be the difference between life and death.”

“Right,” said Harry as he felt every word sink in.

“Gotcha,” agreed Kara as her arms were folded and she looked ready for anything.

'Man he needs to get that stick surgically removed,' she thought. 'Harry has issues, but he’s improving and willing to work some things out. I don’t have much room to talk either really.'

“So, when do we begin?” asked Harry.

Batman just looked ready. “No time like the present.”

Kara and Harry both braced themselves but were ready.

How bad could it be?

“Oh and no powers, as this is a purely physical exercise,” added Batman.

They still were ready.

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Fifteen grueling minutes later, one teen was down on the floor and completely winded and drenched in sweat. The other teen was a bit ragged but mostly fine all things considered.

“Kara, are you alright?” asked Harry as he bent his head down and looked at Kara who managed to take a deep breath but her face looked red and flushed.

“I don’t understand, I’ve never felt this tired,” cried the girl as she took a deep breath but it kind of hurt to breath. “My mouth is dry, I can barely think, barely move and…”

“An adequate warm up, we’ll resume in five minutes,” said Batman as he walked off to monitor the patrol that he had sent Robin, Nightwing, and Batgirl on while he was busy.

“Warm up,” gasped Kara in abject disgust but she turned to Harry. “How in the name of everything aren’t you the least bit winded?”

Harry thought for a moment. “Well, I’m used to training like this. Especially on little sleep. Only most of the time, I’m on a broomstick when I did it. The Quidditch Captain I had for my first three years…well he could be a bit of a fanatic.”

He would have to send Wood a fruit basket for all of his efforts.

“What happened?” managed Kara and Harry kneeled before her side as she fought to get to her feet, but it was difficult for her to move. “My skin feels so…and I can…ooh I don’t feel so good.”

“Dehydrated, just hang on a second,” said Harry as his eyes narrowed at the direction of Batman as he grabbed a glass and got his wife a glass of water. “You’d want to drink that slowly and breathe in between every drink. Also move your body around just a little bit, here let me help you.”

Gently, Harry slid off her jacket and Kara drank the water. She breathed, as Harry rubbed her back and her shoulders.

“Thanks,’ managed Kara as she gave her head a shake.

“Don’t mention it,” said Harry as he continued to rub her down.

“Feels so good,” said Kara, but she leaned back against Harry so he could work his magic. “I don’t understand why that happened…really…and I feel so weak…”

“Kara,” muttered Harry as he pointed up at red lamps and her eyes widened in realization.

“I’m so stupid,” said Kara as she leaned back and Harry helped her to her feet. “Red sun lamps, he would have some.”

“We should have guessed,” said Harry in agreement.

She took a deep breath and thought about her mistakes. “Well, maybe I’ve been using my powers as a bit of a crutch and my body’s kind of…”

“Easily fatigued without the yellow sun,” said Harry. “Better you know now then later.”

Harry leaned over and gave her a hugged her, before he gently kissed her.

“Little more water,” muttered Kara, as Harry helped her drink it. “I don’t want that to happen again, I’ve got to…got to be careful. I burned through a lot of my powers trying to keep up with him.”

“That was your first lesson, an enemy will not point out any leverage he or she has over you,” interjected Batman with a stern voice but two green eyes snapped right up towards him.

Harry’s eyes turned around and were right on Batman.

“That little stunt could have got her killed,” said Harry through gritted teeth.

“It wouldn’t have,” said Batman. “She would have been fatigued enough to learn the consequences of her mistakes but not so much so where it would have any lasting damage.”

“He’s right in a way,” muttered Kara as she felt stronger but still a bit sore. “I still want to do this…”

“Your cousin tended to use his powers as a crutch too often and it got him captured,” continued Batman without any preamble and this caught her ire for many reasons.

“I’m not just Superman’s cousin, I’m my own person!” said Kara with a bit of sharpness in her voice and Harry held her tight which kept her mostly calm.

“Yes, I do realize that,” replied Batman. “The shadow of a relative can be a rather difficult one to navigate out of. Patience and you will find your own way.”

After all, even Bruce Wayne had to live up to the reputation of his late father who was well respected in many ways.

He spoke after a moment of reflection. “Let’s resume training.”
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After an hour of intense training and a light meal and water, Harry and Kara were currently on slumped against padded mats on one of the cave walls, asleep. Their arms were wrapped each other as they cuddled against each other, untroubled and peaceful. A blanket was draped over their legs.

Batman slid right into his chair in front of the bat computer. He would allow them to sleep it off for a couple of hours before he woke them up.

The door clicked up and a young dressed in black and blue, with a black mask entered from above. He had long black hair. “Streets seemed quiet, just a few muggers, nothing that we couldn’t handle.”

Nightwing paused and looked at the sleeping couple in the corner and frowned. “You took in more strays, didn’t you?”

“Not exactly,” said Batman. “And it’s good to see you too.”

Nightwing did not respond. He was more used to Batman and his attitude than most. After his parents were killed by a man named Tony Zucco, Bruce had taken Richard Grayson ,or Dick, as he was better known in,. It took some time to capture the killer but six years ago, he finally caught up to Zucco. He was currently in Blackgate Prison where he would be for a very long time.

As the first Robin he had been the Dynamic Duo with Batman for years and years. He had gone out west for a time to hone his skills during his teenage years but he returned and rejoined Batman. For a while things were good but the relationship showed signs of strain over the years.

Currently they were cordial with each other. Yet, the glory days of the Dynamic Duo were long gone and Grayson was now Nightwing. Now twenty four years old, he was not the ten year old who watched his parents fall right before his eyes.

“Is that…” started Nightwing as he looked at the girl.

“Yes, but I’m not having this conversation more than once,” said Batman as he scanned the city. “Batgirl and Robin on their way soon, I assume.”

“Yes, they made one last sweep and they should be arriving shortly,” said Nightwing and sure enough the door opened, and the two named individuals entered the cave.

“All clear,” stated Batgirl, but her eyes widened as she looked at the sleeping couple. “Bruce, is that…Kara?”

“Yes,” said Batman in a completely dead pan tone as he looked at the screen and Batgirl just frowned. Barbara Gordon had started as Batgirl in an attempt to clear her father’s name when had been framed for bribery. It was an impulsive act of a young girl but she had grown into her role.

Granted, there were times where she paid for her impulsive nature. As she took the chair and spun it around so she could be face to face with Batman.

“What did you do?” asked Batgirl as she looked at Batman. “You didn’t draft her into your little mission…please tell me…”

“Calm yourself down or you’ll wake them,” said Batman as he flinched slightly. “I gave them the choice…”

“Boy, we know how that one goes,” muttered Nightwing but he had slightly backed off at the famous Batman glare of death.

Robin spoke up for the first time. “Okay, would anyone explain to me what’s going on?”

“Oh it’s really simple I think, Tim,” muttered Batgirl as she looked at Batman. “Bruce here decided that we three might not be enough, so he drafted my friend and…whoever this other boy is, into his little mission of justice.”

Tim Drake, the second Robin, like all of the others, had a reason. His father had been murdered by Two Face and dumped in the Metropolis River. He had managed to prove his worth.

“I thought my last performance review was a little cold,” said Robin with a chuckle as he tried to lighten the mood. “So…is that boy my replacement?”

“No one’s being replaced and no one’s being forced into anything,” said Batman in a low but forceful voice. “Now, you three, I know you’re capable of listening so do so now.”

The three backed off at one of Batman’s glares of doom.

“I took these two in for some training, but it was not of necessity,” said Batman. “I’ve discovered some hidden evils in the world.”

Batman proceeded to explain much of what he found out and all three listened, even if they seemed rather skeptical.

“I’ll present more what I’ve gathered later,” concluded Batman after his lecture.

“I still don’t get what Kara has to do with this,” said Batgirl as she stood, as her arms folded. “And red solar lamps, really?”

“They were merely a precaution although they served as a useful training aid,” continued Batman. “After the incident with Superman…I know you have a good idea.

Batgirl cut him off immediately. “Yeah, Kara was rather upset about that when I talked to her after he vanished. And then she ranted for almost three hours on the phone when her cousin decided to make her stay indoors at the farm. If I wasn’t overseas I would have…but I’m guessing that situation changed.”

“In a fashion,” said Batman but he offered no more information than this.

“The boy she’s with…” said Batgirl as she looked at them and tried to puzzle that together but her mind ran away with theories and ideas.

“His name is Harry Potter and his story will be his to tell, as is his relationship with Supergirl,” summarized the detective and Batgirl looked rather intrigued. It took all of her self-control not to shake Kara awake right now and get some answers.

Robin looked at his mentor. “So by relationship….”

“Well it looks like Kara and I have some catching up to do when she wakes up,” said Batgirl as she watched them sleep for a moment.

She smiled. They looked rather content together and kind of cute.

“A word to the wise, do not talk down to Potter because of his age or assume you know anything about him unless he tells you,” added Batman.

“Why?” asked Nightwing who had forgotten his irritation for the moment.

“He knocked Superman backwards without breaking a sweat,” said Batman and all three exchanged looks and their curiosity had been piqued.

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On the floor of the Gotham City Natural History Museum laid several guards. They were stiff as a board with horrified looks upon their faces. A couple screams echoed in the distance but the Scarecrow swept right into the museum, as his men followed.

“Keep an eye out for Batman or any of his partners,” ordered Scarecrow as he turned and made his way towards the glass case that contained the statue. “Any capes, and leave only enough for the police to identify their remains.”

The Scarecrow was poised as his eyes darted towards his prize. “An artifact used as a mere museum trinket, no one would understand the true value of such art. With such powers of fear at my disposal, I fail to see anyone of the capabilities to stop me.”

The Master of Fear just nodded and lifted the latch of the case. His men surrounded the case and held their weapons.

He peered at the statue. The cloaked figure called out to him nearly, like a kindred spirit. It was some creature which had the same desire to cause mass terror.

Without any hesitation, Scarecrow held it in his hand and walked off. He would wait for further instruction on how to activate the power from the sorceress and then Gotham City would bow before him.