章節 136: CHAPTER 134

[Barbara Gordon's POV]

Batman had apprehended Scarecrow but the citizens were still acting on the drug's effects. Luckily, Alfred was able to replicate the antidote in that short amount of time. Since it wasn't injected into their systems and were drugged by inhaling it, the antidote worked the same.

We continued to help the affected citizens, calming them down until we noticed the Batwing soaring above the city, dispersing the antidote into the air like a protective shield against the toxin. Alfred skillfully controlled the Batwing remotely, and as the antidote spread, the citizens began to regain their senses, and the nightmarish illusions faded away.

Finally, the dark cloud of terror that had engulfed Gotham was lifted. Bruce handed Scarecrow over to the police, and he was swiftly taken to Arkham Asylum.

However, Batman's paranoia kicked in as he expressed concern over Scarecrow's claim of hidden bombs in the city. He believed Scarecrow wouldn't bluff about such a disaster he intended to unleash with glee. We set to work, scanning the city for potential bomb signatures, but initially, our search yielded no results. Expanding the search, we were surprised to detect a radioactive signature on a rooftop.

Bruce and I quickly headed to the location, leaving Raven behind as backup in case things turned sour. There, we found four bombs, already deactivated. These bombs were rigged with fear toxin, ready to unleash their deadly payload on detonation, claiming the lives of those who would have been in the range of the explosion, while capturing the sanity of the rest. Thankfully, whoever had disarmed the bombs left them behind for Batman to find, leaving their identity as another mystery.

As we returned to Wayne Manor, my thoughts drifted to Raven's date earlier, reminding me of how dangerous of a person he was. While he hadn't committed any crimes, his violent actions towards Jason still haunts me. Jason, who was skilled in combat, had been beaten and broken by him.

He had chosen not to be a hero, opting instead for a life devoid of responsibility, which troubled Bruce and I. I resolved to look out for Raven and warn her about his true nature, hoping to keep her safe.

Jason being as stubborn and hot headed as he was, he confronted Tom again and came back semi-traumatized. He didn't tell what he had experienced at his hands but he never spoke of him again.

Then again, there's that incident with Joker. The event with Joker, emphasized the immense power Tom possessed. A mad man who was considered too dangerous by everyone, even Bruce warned Jason and I not to fight Joker. But Tom went toe-to-toe with him and completely shattered Joker's mind.

If he had been a hero he would have been one of the strongest allies we have. Yet he had chosen not to be one, opting instead for a life devoid of responsibilities and use his strength however he pleased, living a boring life of a shut-in teenager.

I guess I just have to look out for Raven and tell her about his true nature. After all, she did agree to our girls weekend just to pull me out of my depressive cycle. Although Kara wasn't able to make it this time but I was actually having fun with Raven around.

…

From the dark skies, Ace flys over the skyline of the city buildings and drops the remnants of the bomb on the rooftop where Batman had his battle with Scarecrow. "Look what I found, good thing I was in the city for the weekend or else it would have been a whole different thing right about now." I would say with a casual tone. Or at least that's how I would have done it but it's better Batman doesn't see Ace in Gotham for a while, or else he would figure out that I'm currently living in Gotham City and go on a full blown manhunt for me.

*Click!!!*

The sudden "click" snapped me out of my thoughts, and I released a relieved sigh. I had managed to locate and disarm the bombs just in time. The faint click indicated that Scarecrow had remotely triggered the last bomb, a testament to his twisted mind. Fortunately, my speed saved the day.

Though I could easily have disposed of the bombs, I decided to leave them behind for Batman to find. It would serve as a reminder that I had a favor owed, a card to play if I ever needed it. With that settled, I made my way back home.

"Look who's back. It's lover boy," Jason teased, his mouth full of a late-night snack he had scavenged from my fridge. Given their voracious appetites, I realized I needed to restock groceries more often.

"Isn't it way past your bedtime?" I retorted, a smirk forming as Leo tried not to burst into laughter at my comeback.

"Don't forget, this is around the time I used to go out for patrol. Old habits, you know," Jason replied, his tone light. "But seriously, what took you so long?"

I nonchalantly answered, "Just had to deal with a few bombs here and there. No big deal," as I reached into the fridge for a chilled drink.

"Bombs?" Jason's eyes widened, and Leo turned to me with an intrigued expression. My casual remark made it sound like defusing bombs was a walk in the park.

After taking a swig, I turned to Jason, "Leo's given me the lowdown on the Outlaws. I've made a decision."

"Spill the beans, then. But first, let me ask you something," I interrupted, curiosity gleaming in my eyes.

"Sure."

"What do you think about Tyrant Ace?"

Jason's face lit up at the mention of that name. "Are you kidding? He's like the coolest person alive. Ended Joker without even breaking a sweat. The way he did it, with style and flair, was just... mind-blowing. He's like true justice, doesn't care about the world's rules, just does what he thinks is right. And honestly, most of the time, it is right. He's exactly what the world needs, man."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "You sound pretty taken by him. You do know why he's called a 'tyrant,' right? From a different perspective, he's practically a villain."

Jason's enthusiasm didn't waver. "Yeah, but he's never harmed any civilians. Plus, he earned that name because anyone who crosses him pays for it."

"Now you just sound like a fanboy. It's a bit unsettling," I remarked, suppressing a chuckle. I could see his admiration for Ace going beyond the norm. I decided to press on a bit.

"What if I told you that Tyrant Ace is actually a member of the Outlaws, the group Leo here belongs to?"

"No way. Seriously?" His excitement was barely contained, quickly covered up by an attempt at nonchalance. "I mean, big deal, right?" he added, clearing his throat.

"It's true. He just operates more discreetly," Leo chimed in, grabbing the TV remote to check the latest news downtown.

Jason's gaze turned to me, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "If you're not part of the Outlaws, then how do you know so much about them?"

"Chill, detective. No need to go all Sherlock on me." I shrugged, evading a direct response. If Jason was going to be staying with me, he'd figure out my secret eventually. I'd deal with the fallout when the time came.

As Jason leaned in, clearly still curious, Leo's voice cut through, saving me from further questioning.

"Hey there," Leo's urgent voice drew our focus to the television. We turned our heads to see Jason's astonishment mirroring our own.

"Unpredictable Assault: Wonder Woman's Unprovoked Rampage in City Park." The screen displayed chaotic scenes of Wonder Woman unleashing her powers on unsuspecting citizens and even the authorities.

Silence hung in the room as we struggled to comprehend the inexplicable actions of a hero known for her virtue. But the shock intensified as the next headline flashed across the screen, momentarily leaving both Leo and Jason speechless.

"What the...? No way." Leo uttered, his eyes glued to the screen. "No freaking way." My own reaction mirrored his the moment I saw the headline.

'Superman Shot, His Life Hangs in the Balance,' flashed across the screen, accompanied by footage of Lois Lane gripping Superman's hand as he lay on the pavement with police officers who set a parameter around them.

The atmosphere shifted, the casual banter vanishing, replaced by a sense of urgency and disbelief. The news was a game-changer, and none of us could anticipate what lay ahead. Well, except for me off course. No one would have been able to pull it off if not for Lex Luthor. "So let's finally on the move."

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章節 137: CHAPTER 135

In the dimly lit Batcave, I sat at my workstation, meticulously documenting the night's events. With intense focus, I recorded my successful retrieval of the new and improved Fear Toxin formula and its antidote. My concentration was interrupted by the presence of Alfred, whose expression revealed the gravity of the news he carried. His words indicated that tonight was going to be a long and challenging one. "Mr. Wayne, I know the timing might not be ideal, but there's something you need to know."

Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, I turned my attention to Alfred, ready to absorb whatever information he was about to divulge. "What is it, Alfred?"

Alfred hesitated briefly before uttering the unsettling revelation. "Sir, it's Superman. He's been shot."

The words hit me like a thunderbolt, and a myriad of thoughts raced through my mind. How was it even possible to wound the Man of Steel? Time was of the essence, and I needed to act swiftly. I reached for my keyboard and initiated a call to the Flash. "Flash, listen carefully. I need you to head to Star Labs Kyoto. Ask them to forge a piece of Kryptonite into a scalpel. Bring it to me as soon as possible."

The Flash's response was laced with urgency and desperation. "Can't help you. I've got a bomb bolted to my wrist. If I stop, it'd…"

"Explode," I finished his sentence, understanding the dire predicament he was in. Fatigue was setting in, and I knew a decision had to be made soon. "Keep running, Flash. I'll find a solution."

My efforts to contact Green Lantern yielded no response, leaving me with no choice but to reach out to Martian Manhunter. "John, I need your assistance." Instead of a reply, I heard agonizing screams over the line. "It's Batman. What's happening?"

"BATMAN, AM STILL BURNING!!!" The raw anguish in Martian Manhunter's voice was palpable.

As I pieced together the fragments of the unfolding crisis, it became apparent that a meticulously crafted plan was at play, targeting the Justice League systematically. A sense of unease settled in as I recognized the familiar pattern of the attacks. Reluctantly acknowledging the grim reality, I knew what needed to be done.

Without hesitation, I sprang into action, my gaze shifting toward Alfred with a determined yet concerned look. "Alfred, prepare the Batwing immediately. The Justice League is under attack."

Alfred's voice carried a blend of curiosity and concern. "By whom, sir?"

"By me," I stated grimly, the realization chilling me to the bone. I swiftly made my way to the Batwing, ready to face the looming threat head-on. While en route to Metropolis, I contacted Wonder Woman, who was in the company of Cyborg, fresh from a fierce battle with her arch-nemesis, Cheetah.

I told her the League was being attacked and she wasn't too surprised by it as her encounter with Cheetah who used a chemical on her. It affected her optical perception and made her rampage through the park and into the streets attacking innocents, a move that seemed way too clever for only Chesteh to pull off by herself.

I needed her to get to John and induced him with the counter to the Magnesium Carbonate in his system. The compound caused him to catch fire upon contact with oxygen, making it difficult for him to submerge himself in water and extinguish the flames. The concept was based on his vulnerability to fire, a weakness which was cleverly exploited.

Immediately, I conveyed to them the intricate chemical solution required to halt the combustion consuming Martian Manhunter. Luckily, Cyborg was with her so I told him straight up about the chemical compound to which he would need to get Diana, 'Lithium Polymer.' The compound, when administered, would neutralize the effects of the Magnesium Carbonate and extinguish the flames which had engulfed John.

As soon as I was done with that, I made a call back to Flash. Upon connecting with the exhausted Flash, his labored breaths audible over the line, I provided guidance amidst his fatigue-driven uncertainty. "Listen, Flash, I can't stress this enough. Vibrating through is not an option. Trust me."

His weary voice sought an alternative. "You've got a better idea?"

"Marginally," I admitted, acknowledging the potential risks. "How close are you to an iceberg?"

"I'm never far from anything. Do you think that would slow down the detonation?"

I exhaled, acutely aware of the stakes. "If you make even a minor miscalculation…"

"Understood. If it fails, at least no one else will be harmed." His response resonated with determination, and in the next heartbeat, I heard a muffled explosion and his pained grunt.

"Flash!" The urgency in my voice mirrored my concern.

"Flash, are you alright?" I pressed, seeking confirmation of his success.

His response reached me, punctuated by his heavy breaths and fatigue. "Not like I'd have been two seconds ago… But I'm okay."

If we are to successfully extract the bullet from Clark's dense skin, then we definitely need John on standby. After giving that information, I proceeded on to Metropolis as I hoped Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and I would make it there on time. One fact kept bugging me at the back of my mind but I needed to deal with the crisis at hand first, and that was why there wasn't any response from Green Lantern.

…

[Lois Lane's POV]

In the heart-wrenching aftermath of the battle, Metropolis stood battered, its spirit barely intact. The sun dipped below the skyline, casting an eerie glow upon the fallen city. And there, lying on the cold, unforgiving pavement, was Superman, a hero who had faced countless foes and emerged victorious. But this time, he lay defeated. A chilling hush blanketed the scene, the gravity of the situation heavy in the air.

I stood there, helpless, watching as the man I loved fought for his life. The Man of Steel, vulnerable and mortal. His strength waned, his once indomitable spirit flickering. My heart ached, every second passing as if suspended in time. My voice trembled as I whispered his name, willing him to hold on.

Then, a shadow cut through the darkness as the Batwing swooped down, its sleek form a stark contrast against the gloomy sky. Batman emerged, his cape billowing like a haunting specter. The others followed suit - Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman. Together, they formed a somber circle around Superman's fallen form.

"We need to act quickly," Batman's voice was a low growl, his eyes masked in determination.

Cyborg's mechanical face bore a conflicted expression. "But how do we cut through his skin? It's too thick."

"Kryptonite, and you are going to be doing the cutting," Batman's voice held a hint of grim resolve. He produced a small, glowing shard, its green radiance casting eerie shadows on the faces of the gathered heroes.

"Who with the what now?" Cyborg asked, surprised at Batman's response.

Batman grabbed his hand and placed a small amount of Kryptonite in his palm. "What's that?"

"A piece of Kryptonite that you are going to use as a lense, narrow your blaster to minimum and filter it through." He responded.

"But using Kryptonite is risky," Wonder Woman cautioned.

Martian Manhunter's eyes glowed with empathy. "It's our only option. We must save him."

A doctor on the scene approached, his demeanor a mix of trepidation and professionalism. "Here," he pointed to a spot on Superman's chest. "This is where the bullet is lodged."

Cyborg hesitated, his gaze fixed on the Kryptonite. Then, a plea cut through the tension. "Cyborg, please," my voice wavered. "We have to save him."

He nodded, his resolve firming. "Tell me what to do." The Kryptonite transformed into a small laser tool in his hand, its green light mingling with the new found resolve in his eyes. He pressed the tool against Superman's skin, a thin, precise cut forming along the bullet's path.

As the laser worked its magic, Martian Manhunter's hand shifted, elongating into a tentacle that reached into Superman's chest. The scene was surreal, a testament to the lengths these heroes were willing to go to save one of their own.

Minutes stretched like hours, every second an eternity. Then, a collective breath exhaled as the bullet was extracted. Superman's body convulsed a bit as he gave a breath of relief, weakened by the ordeal, but he was alive.

The wounds sealed shut, vanishing as if they'd never existed. Suspense hung heavy in the air for a heartbeat-stopping moment, until his eyes fluttered open, and the jubilant roar of the onlookers erupted into a wild celebration of his survival. My eyes welled with tears, a flood of relief and gratitude washing over me. The heroes had achieved what others might refer to as impossible, snatching him from the brink. As the tension ebbed, the weary heroes exchanged glances, while I found myself enveloped in Clark's embrace, holding him tightly.

In that instant, fear gripped me, a fear that I might have lost him forever. The weight of responsibility pressed on me, knowing that it was my call that led him to that fateful scene, to fall into the trap orchestrated just for him.

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