Chapter 5
Metropolis
(Bruce POV)
I glanced at Oliver and spoke into my microphone.
“You ready?”
I heard his voice come through the ear piece.
“One more minute. We need to wait until everyone is set in their respective positions. You got the plan down?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll get my part done.”
I was crouching behind the facility by the back door. It took a couple of hours but we were able to locate the facility that Lex and the Joker took Chloe to. Apparently it was one of his 33.1 warehouses. I was brought out of my thoughts by Oliver’s voice in my ear.
“Now!”
I got up, bust open the back door, and ran down the hallway. Before leaving Gotham we went over the layout of the facility and decided on a course of action that would have the best result. Oliver was coming in from the west, Clark from the front, A.C. from the east and Victor is covering the outer perimeter.
I spoke into my mic.
“Three men ahead.”
They came at me with guns, but before they were able to get any shot’s off I lifted my arm and pushed a button. Gas filled the small corridor causing them to fall to the ground. I grinned and walked over their bodies.
“Guards neutralized. How is it coming Green Arrow?”
“I’m almost all the way in the facility. Boy Scout is on point. He says there are two doors straight down the corridor you’re in. He’s leading the guard’s away, head in that direction. We’ll meet up with you as soon as we can.
“Got it.”
I jogged down the hall looking for the doors. Normally I’m not good at being a team player, but this isn’t half bad…knowing someone is there covering my back has it’s advantages…I’m not saying I’m going to join there merry group of men…but some alliances in the future couldn’t hurt…
(Victoria/Chloe POV)
I heard gun shots being fired and I glanced over at Lex. He ignored them and watched the scientist injecting something into the IV in my arm. He turned his head in my direction and I gave him a satisfied smirk. He glared.
“What’s the matter Lex? Upset that your plan isn’t working? You do realize what’s coming don’t you? Those gunshots are your people going down.”
His lips turned up in a cold grin.
“Or…maybe it’s your people dying. Either way this shouldn’t take too much longer.”
I looked over at the Joker lying unconscious and chained to a metal table. He’s going to be pissed when he wakes up…I wonder if Lex realizes what he’s gotten himself into…
“And what about him? Do you realize what you’ve done? I mean I get you think there isn’t anyone else in the world worse than you and well, I’m tempted to agree, but what do you think he’s going to do when he realizes you tricked him?”
Lex shrugged.
“It doesn’t matter…because in the matter of 15 minutes you’ll both be dead and we’ll be gone.”
Another set of alarms started sounding and I smiled.
“I don’t think you have 15 minutes Lex. If I were you, I’d run…”
“Thanks for the advice…”
I opened my mouth to say something when a sharp pain shot through my entire body. I threw my head back and screamed. It was like fire shot through my veins. I could feel it moving throughout my body…a couple of minutes later it stopped and I froze.
I could feel the sweat dripping down my head as I took deep breaths. I brought my head down and my eyes found Lex’s. His body was tense, but his eyes were smiling. He raised a brow and spoke.
“I’m sorry…what was that you were saying before?”
I shook my head. My body was starting to feel weightless and everything felt foggy.
“What…what did you give me?”
“Sorry…that isn’t any of your concern.”
I opened my mouth and tried to say something, but nothing came out. I felt the room starting to move and in the back of my mind I heard loud shouting before everything went black…
(Lex POV)
I watched as Chloe’s head fell against her chest and then turned my attention to the flailing Joker. He was yanking against his bindings and yelling at me furiously.
“You!!! You…slime…Luthor…you have no idea who you’re dealing with…mmmmhh you don’t want to be my enemy…see…you don’t!”
I chuckled lightly and circled around him.
“You…well I’m not actually sure what you are. What I do know is you’re a sorry excuse for a criminal. Gotham sure has lost it’s touch…such thugery. It’s embarrassing.”
I heard something slam against the door and it shot open. Standing in the doorway was none other than Batman…and behind him several other do-gooders. I sighed. They pulled in the room and formed a semi-circle around Chloe, the Joker, my scientist and myself.
I glared at them and before they could move toward us I held up a glowing red vile.
“Don’t move. I’m holding the antidote to a poison that’s been given to Chloe, it’s the only one. If you come any closer I will smash it and then your little rescue mission will have been for nothing.”
The Joker was cracking up behind me and I put a hand to my head.
“Would you shut up!”
“Ohhh the Batman is here…are you here to save your lady luck? Hmmm considering you weren’t able to last time…oh…that was my bad…sorry about that by the way…Rachel really was quite the woman.”
Before Batman could make his way over to the Joker, the Green Arrow stepped in front of everyone.
“We don’t make deals with murders Luthor…give us the antidote or we burn your facility to the ground.”
I opened my mouth and was about to say something when something hit me from behind. I lost my grip on the vile and it flew in the air as I fell to the floor. I heard a rustle of activity as there was another slam against my head. Things were getting fuzzy and people were fighting.
The last thing I remember seeing before everything went black was a large black cape floating across the floor…
One Week Later
(Chloe POV)
I walked through the newsroom to my editor’s office. I knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and smiled.
“Hey chief, I just wanted to give you that story you asked me to cover.”
I stretched my hand out holding the paper and he took it. I stood there while he looked at me quietly for a few minutes. He cleared his throat.
“Which byline would you like me to use?”
I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you want it to say Victoria Vale…or Chloe Sullivan?”
I gave him half a smile.
“Use Victoria Vale…it somehow seems fitting that my last article in the Gotham Gazette is printed with that name.”
He nodded and glanced down at the papers on his desk. I started to walk out of his office when his voice stopped me.
“Sullivan…there’s nothing we could do to possibly keep you here…is there?”
I turned back around and smiled.
“I don’t belong here chief…it’s been close to two years since I’ve been home. I love it here, but it’s time for me to go back home.”
He nodded and I smiled.
“Don’t be too upset though, I hear the real Victoria Vale is an amazing reporter and if my sources are correct, she’ll be coming to town pretty soon.”
“You know…you’re alright Sullivan…”
I laughed.
“Thanks chief.”
I left his office and walked over to my desk. I sat down and started packing things up. It’s been a week since the night of the charity gala…a week since Lex injected me with the poison that took away my ability to heal. The way the guys told it, I almost died that night.
Apparently while I was unconscious the Joker got free and attacked Lex, who was holding the antidote to my poison. He dropped it, Clark caught it and all hell broke loose. Oliver, Victor, A.C. and Bruce…that’s right…Bruce Wayne is Batman…took down Lex’s scientist and stopped the Joker from killing Lex.
The Joker got away, but Clark flew Lex over to the police station while he was unconscious and left some pretty convincing evidence with him…He’s been locked up ever since, which leaves me free and clear to return to Metropolis.
I sighed. I had just finished cleaning out my desk when someone behind me cleared their throat. I turned and leaned back in my chair. I smiled.
“Hello Mr. Wayne.”
“Bruce, please.”
I nodded.
“So…what brings you to my domain?”
He placed his hands in his pocket and spoke quietly.
“I was hoping I could speak with you for a moment.”
I stood up and nodded.
“Sure, come with me.”
I led him to an empty office and closed the door behind us. I turned, leaned against the conference table, and folded my arms across my chest.
“What’s up Bruce?”
“So…I guess you know my secret now…Chloe.”
“And I guess you know mine…”
He nodded. It was quiet for a moment before he spoke again.
“I’m glad you’re alright.”
“Thank you…for saving my life. I was told that you were instrumental in finding where Lex was keeping me and you were also the one who carried me out of the facility…so again thanks for that. I owe you one.”
He shook his head.
“No…you don’t…let’s call us even. Okay?”
My face softened and I gave him half a smile.
“Okay…”
My voice trailed off and he cleared his throat again.
“So…are you really heading back to Metropolis?”
I nodded.
“Yeah…my friends and family are there…my life is there…now with Lex gone…well I can finally head back.”
“The Gazette will miss you.”
“They’ll find someone to replace me.”
He pursed his lips together and hesitated before speaking.
“I’ll miss you.”
I opened my mouth and closed it. I studied him before opening it again. My voice came out soft.
“You barely know me.”
“That’s true…and yet…I can’t imagine you not being in Gotham…”
“There isn’t anything here for me…”
“I’m here…”
His voice trailed off and he seemed almost embarrassed. I moved closer to him and stroked his arm lightly with my hand.
“I’d like it if we could get to know each other better…there’s something about you Bruce…you’re different.”
He smirked.
“So are you.”
I watched him closely for a few minutes, studying his face. It’s true I don’t know him very well…and he doesn’t know me, but at the same time I feel drawn to him…like a magnet…ever since I came to Gotham I’ve felt like someone has been watching me…protecting me…
And I’m pretty sure it’s been him…would it be so bad if I extended my trip a little bit to get to know him? Would that make me crazy? His eyes bore into mine and I saw something in them that I didn’t recognize. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t say goodbye yet. I cleared my throat and broke the stare before speaking.
“Maybe I could stay an extra couple of weeks…”
I felt his hand come up to stroke my arm gently.
“I’d like that.”
I nodded and gave him a smile.
“Then I think that can be arranged.”
He was staring at me and I opened my mouth to say something, but I never got the chance. He cupped my cheek, moved in closer to me and captured my mouth with his. I closed my eyes and moaned into the kiss. He moved to deepened it and I let him.
He tasted amazing…we broke apart and my eyes fluttered open slowly.
“What was that for?”
He shrugged.
“Just because…”
I grinned, leaned in and kissed him again. I’ve known a lot of heroes in my life…but none like Bruce Wayne…maybe if things worked out I’d stay in Gotham…or maybe I’d go back home…who knows, but at least I have the option of doing either…
No matter what I decide…I know one thing for sure…whichever I choose…it’s going to be full of surprises…an adventure…and I wouldn’t have it any other way…
Metropolis
(Bruce POV)
I glanced at Oliver and spoke into my microphone.
“You ready?”
I heard his voice come through the ear piece.
“One more minute. We need to wait until everyone is set in their respective positions. You got the plan down?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll get my part done.”
I was crouching behind the facility by the back door. It took a couple of hours but we were able to locate the facility that Lex and the Joker took Chloe to. Apparently it was one of his 33.1 warehouses. I was brought out of my thoughts by Oliver’s voice in my ear.
“Now!”
I got up, bust open the back door, and ran down the hallway. Before leaving Gotham we went over the layout of the facility and decided on a course of action that would have the best result. Oliver was coming in from the west, Clark from the front, A.C. from the east and Victor is covering the outer perimeter.
I spoke into my mic.
“Three men ahead.”
They came at me with guns, but before they were able to get any shot’s off I lifted my arm and pushed a button. Gas filled the small corridor causing them to fall to the ground. I grinned and walked over their bodies.
“Guards neutralized. How is it coming Green Arrow?”
“I’m almost all the way in the facility. Boy Scout is on point. He says there are two doors straight down the corridor you’re in. He’s leading the guard’s away, head in that direction. We’ll meet up with you as soon as we can.
“Got it.”
I jogged down the hall looking for the doors. Normally I’m not good at being a team player, but this isn’t half bad…knowing someone is there covering my back has it’s advantages…I’m not saying I’m going to join there merry group of men…but some alliances in the future couldn’t hurt…
(Victoria/Chloe POV)
I heard gun shots being fired and I glanced over at Lex. He ignored them and watched the scientist injecting something into the IV in my arm. He turned his head in my direction and I gave him a satisfied smirk. He glared.
“What’s the matter Lex? Upset that your plan isn’t working? You do realize what’s coming don’t you? Those gunshots are your people going down.”
His lips turned up in a cold grin.
“Or…maybe it’s your people dying. Either way this shouldn’t take too much longer.”
I looked over at the Joker lying unconscious and chained to a metal table. He’s going to be pissed when he wakes up…I wonder if Lex realizes what he’s gotten himself into…
“And what about him? Do you realize what you’ve done? I mean I get you think there isn’t anyone else in the world worse than you and well, I’m tempted to agree, but what do you think he’s going to do when he realizes you tricked him?”
Lex shrugged.
“It doesn’t matter…because in the matter of 15 minutes you’ll both be dead and we’ll be gone.”
Another set of alarms started sounding and I smiled.
“I don’t think you have 15 minutes Lex. If I were you, I’d run…”
“Thanks for the advice…”
I opened my mouth to say something when a sharp pain shot through my entire body. I threw my head back and screamed. It was like fire shot through my veins. I could feel it moving throughout my body…a couple of minutes later it stopped and I froze.
I could feel the sweat dripping down my head as I took deep breaths. I brought my head down and my eyes found Lex’s. His body was tense, but his eyes were smiling. He raised a brow and spoke.
“I’m sorry…what was that you were saying before?”
I shook my head. My body was starting to feel weightless and everything felt foggy.
“What…what did you give me?”
“Sorry…that isn’t any of your concern.”
I opened my mouth and tried to say something, but nothing came out. I felt the room starting to move and in the back of my mind I heard loud shouting before everything went black…
(Lex POV)
I watched as Chloe’s head fell against her chest and then turned my attention to the flailing Joker. He was yanking against his bindings and yelling at me furiously.
“You!!! You…slime…Luthor…you have no idea who you’re dealing with…mmmmhh you don’t want to be my enemy…see…you don’t!”
I chuckled lightly and circled around him.
“You…well I’m not actually sure what you are. What I do know is you’re a sorry excuse for a criminal. Gotham sure has lost it’s touch…such thugery. It’s embarrassing.”
I heard something slam against the door and it shot open. Standing in the doorway was none other than Batman…and behind him several other do-gooders. I sighed. They pulled in the room and formed a semi-circle around Chloe, the Joker, my scientist and myself.
I glared at them and before they could move toward us I held up a glowing red vile.
“Don’t move. I’m holding the antidote to a poison that’s been given to Chloe, it’s the only one. If you come any closer I will smash it and then your little rescue mission will have been for nothing.”
The Joker was cracking up behind me and I put a hand to my head.
“Would you shut up!”
“Ohhh the Batman is here…are you here to save your lady luck? Hmmm considering you weren’t able to last time…oh…that was my bad…sorry about that by the way…Rachel really was quite the woman.”
Before Batman could make his way over to the Joker, the Green Arrow stepped in front of everyone.
“We don’t make deals with murders Luthor…give us the antidote or we burn your facility to the ground.”
I opened my mouth and was about to say something when something hit me from behind. I lost my grip on the vile and it flew in the air as I fell to the floor. I heard a rustle of activity as there was another slam against my head. Things were getting fuzzy and people were fighting.
The last thing I remember seeing before everything went black was a large black cape floating across the floor…
One Week Later
(Chloe POV)
I walked through the newsroom to my editor’s office. I knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and smiled.
“Hey chief, I just wanted to give you that story you asked me to cover.”
I stretched my hand out holding the paper and he took it. I stood there while he looked at me quietly for a few minutes. He cleared his throat.
“Which byline would you like me to use?”
I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you want it to say Victoria Vale…or Chloe Sullivan?”
I gave him half a smile.
“Use Victoria Vale…it somehow seems fitting that my last article in the Gotham Gazette is printed with that name.”
He nodded and glanced down at the papers on his desk. I started to walk out of his office when his voice stopped me.
“Sullivan…there’s nothing we could do to possibly keep you here…is there?”
I turned back around and smiled.
“I don’t belong here chief…it’s been close to two years since I’ve been home. I love it here, but it’s time for me to go back home.”
He nodded and I smiled.
“Don’t be too upset though, I hear the real Victoria Vale is an amazing reporter and if my sources are correct, she’ll be coming to town pretty soon.”
“You know…you’re alright Sullivan…”
I laughed.
“Thanks chief.”
I left his office and walked over to my desk. I sat down and started packing things up. It’s been a week since the night of the charity gala…a week since Lex injected me with the poison that took away my ability to heal. The way the guys told it, I almost died that night.
Apparently while I was unconscious the Joker got free and attacked Lex, who was holding the antidote to my poison. He dropped it, Clark caught it and all hell broke loose. Oliver, Victor, A.C. and Bruce…that’s right…Bruce Wayne is Batman…took down Lex’s scientist and stopped the Joker from killing Lex.
The Joker got away, but Clark flew Lex over to the police station while he was unconscious and left some pretty convincing evidence with him…He’s been locked up ever since, which leaves me free and clear to return to Metropolis.
I sighed. I had just finished cleaning out my desk when someone behind me cleared their throat. I turned and leaned back in my chair. I smiled.
“Hello Mr. Wayne.”
“Bruce, please.”
I nodded.
“So…what brings you to my domain?”
He placed his hands in his pocket and spoke quietly.
“I was hoping I could speak with you for a moment.”
I stood up and nodded.
“Sure, come with me.”
I led him to an empty office and closed the door behind us. I turned, leaned against the conference table, and folded my arms across my chest.
“What’s up Bruce?”
“So…I guess you know my secret now…Chloe.”
“And I guess you know mine…”
He nodded. It was quiet for a moment before he spoke again.
“I’m glad you’re alright.”
“Thank you…for saving my life. I was told that you were instrumental in finding where Lex was keeping me and you were also the one who carried me out of the facility…so again thanks for that. I owe you one.”
He shook his head.
“No…you don’t…let’s call us even. Okay?”
My face softened and I gave him half a smile.
“Okay…”
My voice trailed off and he cleared his throat again.
“So…are you really heading back to Metropolis?”
I nodded.
“Yeah…my friends and family are there…my life is there…now with Lex gone…well I can finally head back.”
“The Gazette will miss you.”
“They’ll find someone to replace me.”
He pursed his lips together and hesitated before speaking.
“I’ll miss you.”
I opened my mouth and closed it. I studied him before opening it again. My voice came out soft.
“You barely know me.”
“That’s true…and yet…I can’t imagine you not being in Gotham…”
“There isn’t anything here for me…”
“I’m here…”
His voice trailed off and he seemed almost embarrassed. I moved closer to him and stroked his arm lightly with my hand.
“I’d like it if we could get to know each other better…there’s something about you Bruce…you’re different.”
He smirked.
“So are you.”
I watched him closely for a few minutes, studying his face. It’s true I don’t know him very well…and he doesn’t know me, but at the same time I feel drawn to him…like a magnet…ever since I came to Gotham I’ve felt like someone has been watching me…protecting me…
And I’m pretty sure it’s been him…would it be so bad if I extended my trip a little bit to get to know him? Would that make me crazy? His eyes bore into mine and I saw something in them that I didn’t recognize. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t say goodbye yet. I cleared my throat and broke the stare before speaking.
“Maybe I could stay an extra couple of weeks…”
I felt his hand come up to stroke my arm gently.
“I’d like that.”
I nodded and gave him a smile.
“Then I think that can be arranged.”
He was staring at me and I opened my mouth to say something, but I never got the chance. He cupped my cheek, moved in closer to me and captured my mouth with his. I closed my eyes and moaned into the kiss. He moved to deepened it and I let him.
He tasted amazing…we broke apart and my eyes fluttered open slowly.
“What was that for?”
He shrugged.
“Just because…”
I grinned, leaned in and kissed him again. I’ve known a lot of heroes in my life…but none like Bruce Wayne…maybe if things worked out I’d stay in Gotham…or maybe I’d go back home…who knows, but at least I have the option of doing either…
No matter what I decide…I know one thing for sure…whichever I choose…it’s going to be full of surprises…an adventure…and I wouldn’t have it any other way…
C, please tell me that there is more!
ReplyDeleteA
Ana-
ReplyDeleteAlas...that is the end of the story LoL...I hope you enjoyed it though and maybe in the future if I feel in the mood for a sequel...well I've left it open LoL...Which I do with most of my stories...I end them, but at the same time I leave them open in case I want to write a sequel. :-) I hope you enjoyed it!
-C
Hey C,
ReplyDeletesorry havent been here in a while ive been buzy with real life. loved the story love the rescue and how the story is open ended for possibly a sequel in the future.jk. anyway thanks for spending time and writing this it means a lot to me.
--Celia--
Great fic
ReplyDelete:)