บท 11: Chapter 11: Confession, Legendary Pokémon
Chapter 11: Confession, Legendary Pokémon!
The underground second floor of the stronghold housed a laboratory, and Batman and Quinn walked through it, observing traces of water everywhere.
In the middle of the laboratory was a circular laser cage, with some of the laser emitters damaged, leaving only two or three functioning properly. It was unclear whether whatever had been held in the laser cage had escaped or not, but judging by its size, it was not a small creature.
In front of the laser cage was a computer, and Batman headed straight for it. Connecting his portable computer to it, a password window popped up.
"This computer was designed with water resistance in mind, so the hardware remains undamaged," Batman remarked.
He activated his communication device and said, "Oracle, hack into this computer's system and release all permissions."
"Got it," came the response.
Back at Gordon's residence, Barbara maneuvered her wheelchair into her room and activated a secret mechanism, causing a highly advanced machine to descend from the wall.
"The system has been breached. The firewall was poorly guarded. Done," Oracle, who was actually Barbara herself, demonstrated her exceptional hacking skills, easily breaking through the defenses.
Ever since being paralyzed from the waist down by the Joker's gunshot, Barbara had been providing technical support to Batman under the alias "Oracle." She was one of Batman and Robin's biggest supporters behind the scenes.
The other significant supporter was Alfred.
After a series of decryption efforts, Batman successfully accessed the system interface, but all he found were damaged files.
"Are you sure the data inside is still usable? I mean, the Black Mask wouldn't be that kind-hearted," Quinn questioned, doubting that they would find any useful information. If not for the unexpected appearance of Edward, they might not have even known about this hidden lab.
"The data inside has already been automatically destroyed, but I'll copy whatever remnants are left onto this disk and store it in the utility belt," Batman explained.
He turned to Quinn and said, "Gordon is not someone who can hide his feelings. I know what kind of expectations he has for you. Don't disappoint him. My advice is to start with trusting your teammates. Non-manually deleted files can be recovered, and Oracle's skills make it possible. It's just a matter of time."
Quinn remained unmoved, finding it somewhat amusing that Batman would suggest talking about trust with someone like Robin around. He thought it would be futile since Robin wouldn't appreciate such sentiments. To Quinn, Batman seemed like a clumsy father who couldn't express affection to his child's face.
Batman's search action paused as his eyes narrowed into slits, giving Quinn an intense gaze that made his heart race. Quinn stepped back involuntarily, feeling the weight of Batman's disapproval.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I prefer straightforwardness," Quinn retorted.
Batman took out a specially designed grenade from his utility belt. Over the course of his long career fighting crime, he had encountered many stealthy criminals, and this grenade was specifically designed to counter such foes. It was the latest creation from Lucius.
Quinn realized that things were about to take a bad turn, but it was too late to stop Batman.
The grenade exploded, releasing countless shining particles that floated through the air. Manaphy instinctively covered its head with both hands, frightened by the explosion. But after realizing it wasn't hurt, it cautiously opened one eye, seeing the glittering pieces falling from the sky. Excitedly, Manaphy started to dance in the air, momentarily forgetting its disappointment at not finding its companions.
Seeing Manaphy enjoying itself and not noticing its own visibility, Quinn consoled himself that at least he was saved from the trouble of comforting the Pokémon.
Batman had not anticipated this outcome. He immediately contacted Lucius.
"Bruce?"
"Lucius, I asked you to develop an anti-stealth device. What did you give me, fireworks?"
Lucius Fox was the head of Wayne Enterprises' research and development and the provider of Batman's high-tech equipment. He responded calmly, "Bruce, I fulfilled all three of your requirements: wide range, light weight, and significant effect. I even used easily accessible materials to reduce the cost..."
Batman interrupted him, "Now I have an additional requirement: replace the phosphor with the most expensive one!"
Before Lucius could reply, Batman terminated the communication. He put aside the files he had been reviewing and created a new document on the computer, naming it "Stealth Breaker II."
Inside the laboratory, Manaphy frolicked among the shiny particles. A shadow cast over its head, causing it to shiver and quickly retreat behind Quinn. Peering cautiously at Batman, Manaphy trembled all over, releasing a pitiful cry.
"Mana~" Quinn held Manaphy in his arms, gently removing the particles from its body, muttering, "You're too playful. You don't even realize when you've been spotted. Luckily, Batman is not a bad person. You should be more careful in the future."
Batman remained silent, observing Quinn and Manaphy, feeling a sense of anguish.
Quinn raised his palm, surrendering, "Alright, alright, Batman. I confess, I'll be frank."
Approaching a broken glass jar, Manaphy buried its head in Quinn's embrace, unwilling to look inside. Its small body trembled uncontrollably as the jar held too many unpleasant memories for it.
Quinn gently patted Manaphy's back and explained, "This little one was confined in this jar before, used for experiments every day."
"Mana..." Manaphy's cries sounded feeble.
Since Manaphy was already exposed, Quinn decided not to hide anything.
"Its name is Manaphy, a mythical creature known as a Pokémon. Manaphy possesses a mysterious power from birth, able to communicate with other Pokémon telepathically. For some reason, I can understand what it says, so it sought my help."
Quinn used Manaphy's voice to explain the Pokémon world view.
"Manaphy told me that in the world of Pokémon, humans and Pokémon coexist in harmony, considering each other as partners, advancing together.
Within the world of Pokémon, there is a special class of beings called 'Legendary Pokémon.' These Pokémon typically possess powers capable of changing the world—some control fire, others ice; some can halt time, cut through space, or even create an entirely different world.
Even in this advanced technological era, they are still revered as divine beings, which proves their tremendous power."
Batman glanced at the remaining laser pillars, and Quinn did the same.
"Are you saying that beings similar to Manaphy have come to our world and were captured by the Black Mask? There's a contradiction here. Powerful deities cannot be imprisoned by humans."
"Unless they are still powerful," Quinn added.
Quinn had some speculations in her mind. Coming from the world of Pokémon to the DC Universe, there was no way it could be without danger. Manaphy mentioned the way it arrived in the DC Universe, through an underwater vortex in the vast sea. It was certain that Manaphy wasn't the only one drawn into the vortex.
Manaphy was one of the fortunate few.
However, the unknown mythical creature was not as lucky as Manaphy. It might have reached the DC Universe using its own power, or perhaps the DC Universe exerted a powerful suppressive force on powerful outsiders. Either way, it must have been in a weakened state, making it an easy target for Black Mask, the ambitious schemer.
Quinn hinted, "I remember Black Mask possesses mind-controlling abilities..."
Batman's face turned grim as he recalled Black Mask's declaration when he fell into the river. There was no doubt that Black Mask's plans were extremely dangerous.
Batman entered the laser cell, attempting to collect any remaining biological information. However, he found nothing – no fur or scales. Despite this, Batman managed to extract valuable information.
"Ask it to list legendary Pokémon that don't have scales, feathers, or fur," he said.
"Manaphy?" Quinn tilted its head, not quite understanding. Since hatching from its egg, Manaphy hadn't encountered any other mythical creatures.
Quinn, an exceptional translator, started to frantically search her memories. No scales, feathers, or fur; that eliminated Ho-Oh and the Legendary Birds. Arceus couldn't be controlled mentally. There was also Rayquaza...
Quinn shook her head, unable to come up with an answer. "Manaphy mentioned that there are too many possible Pokémon. It's hard to say."
"Furthermore, it warned me that each legendary Pokémon possesses the power to change the world. We need to free them from Black Mask's clutches quickly, or Gotham's destruction will be imminent."
Manaphy looked surprised at Quinn, wondering if it had said so much.
Quinn covered Manaphy's mouth, preventing it from making any overly cute noises, and said seriously, "Batman, this situation involves more than just Gotham. We need to contact the Justice League."
The Justice League had always maintained communication with the public, and Batman was in charge of it. People had a general understanding of the work they did, so Quinn's suggestion didn't seem out of the ordinary.
Batman also considered contacting the Justice League, suspecting a connection between Manaphy, the other legendary Pokémon, and the first batch of "fragments" that arrived on Earth.
Yet, Quinn's proposal gave Batman a sense of unease. He discreetly observed this potential future successor to Commissioner Gordon.
"It's not yet at a point where we need the League's support. Black Mask's plan hasn't begun, and once we find him, we can put an end to everything."
Batman's response wasn't what Quinn hoped for, and he seemed slightly disappointed. Having the Justice League around meant he could gain some credit. Although Batman was also connected to the League, it could be exhausting to keep up.
Later that night, Quinn returned to the Gordon residence to find a table full of sumptuous dinner, but only he and Gordon were there.
"Where's Barbara? Isn't she joining us for dinner?" Quinn took a seat after pulling out a chair.
Gordon pointed upstairs with indifference. He was used to Barbara missing dinner due to her busy schedule. "Barbara said she had something to do and already ate early. She told us not to wait for her."
Quinn knew the real reason – Barbara was probably busy helping Batman with data recovery.
After wiping his mouth, Gordon asked calmly, "Quinn, how was your first day of patrol?"
Quinn sat up straight and replied formally, "Reporting, sir, everything was normal, quite similar to my time in Central City."
"Similar?" Gordon's expression was playful.
"Except for a higher frequency of cases, greater concentration, and not getting beaten by the Flash, it's exactly the same!"
Gordon looked at Quinn, chuckling. "You're telling lies with your eyes wide open, huh? I should have known. Kevin already informed me that you slipped away to work solo."
"So, tell me, what have you been up to?"
Gordon seemed to have seen through the truth. He sipped the vegetable soup his daughter cooked, drawing a cross on his chest to calm his slightly elevated blood pressure. After his brain no longer felt congested, he started to think about many things.
"You managed to face Robin in front of Batman and come out unscathed, which means you had a good reason on your side. That puts my mind at ease. Also, what crisis is Gotham facing?"
"Sorry, Commissioner, Batman doesn't want me to discuss this matter with anyone. He specifically mentioned you," Quinn shifted the blame to Batman.
Gordon understood Batman's concerns. As the Commissioner, he attracted too much attention, and his involvement might have unintended consequences.
"It's alright. Since it's Batman's request, there must be a reason for it. I won't inquire further."
Sighing, Gordon got up from the table, leaving a desolate figure behind.
Thinking that Batman and Quinn were cooperating without involving him, Gordon couldn't help but sigh. He knew that one day Quinn would replace him in his position, and he was mentally prepared for it, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon – it was just the first day.
Quinn tidied up the utensils and returned to her room. Standing at the door, she looked at the room farthest from hers, a faint light visible from under the door.
Knock, knock.
"Barbara, can I come in?"
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