Chapter 53: Chapter 53: nightwing fate
Seeing that Red Hood was still pursuing his criminals with the intent to kill, Batman wanted to intervene.
But he didn't have the time—not now—because Nightwing's condition was critical. It was even life-threatening.
Driving the Batmobile, Batman rushed to the Batcave, determined to save Nightwing.
Meanwhile, Barbara, hearing about Nightwing's injuries, hurried back to Wayne Manor.
The three of them—Bruce, Barbara, and Alfred—carefully examined Nightwing's condition. Unfortunately, they were disheartened to realize that there weren't any skilled doctors left in Gotham capable of performing the necessary surgery.
The recent Scarecrow incident had devastated the city, leaving it in chaos. Most of the talented medical professionals had fled, unwilling to stay in a place that had become a living nightmare.
Then, Batman remembered someone: a childhood friend he had lost touch with. old friend was now a renowned expert in neurosurgeon.
Bruce had followed his career over the years and knew this man might have the skills to save Nightwing.
However, when Bruce tried calling him earlier, the friend hadn't answered and was now unreachable. It seemed he was too busy to pick up. With no other options, Bruce try again.
"Bruce?" Thomas answered the phone, his tone tinged with surprise. "It's been a long time since you called."
Hearing the emotion in his friend's voice, Bruce gripped the phone tightly. He forced himself to remain composed.
"Tommy, I need your help," Bruce said.
Thomas Elliott, lived in Philadelphia—not far from Gotham. After Bruce's call, he wasted no time and rushed to Gotham.
At Gotham General Hospital, the two childhood friends reunited. There was no time for pleasantries. After a quick briefing, Thomas suited up and entered the operating room.
Ten hours later, Thomas emerged and announced the surgery was a success. He had pulled Nightwing back from the brink of death.
Bruce exhaled deeply, a wave of relief washing over him.
Soon, the entire Bat Family gathered to visit Dick. Even Damian, often aloof, made an appearance to check on his older brother.
As Nightwing began to feel slightly better, damian couldn't resist taunting:
"You're a disgrace to us! Getting ambushed by a bunch of lowlife scum like that~."
Nightwing, with his head wrapped in bandages that left only one eye visible, looked pale and weary. He lacked the energy to engage in his usual banter, even with Damian.
Despite Nightwing's fragile condition, Bruce insisted on transferring him to Wayne Manor, a decision that enraged Thomas.
As Dick's attending physician, Thomas confronted Bruce furiously.
"You're putting his life at risk, Bruce!" Thomas snapped. "Didn't you ask me to save him? If you want him dead, you might as well have done nothing from the start!"
Bruce remained resolute but evasive. There were too many secrets hidden in Wayne Manor, secrets he couldn't risk anyone uncovering—especially someone as perceptive as Thomas, who had displayed a genius-level intellect since childhood. Bruce feared Thomas might piece together his identity.
Bruce replied, "Tommy, your mission here is complete. Leave the rest to me."
Thomas slammed his hand on the table, his disappointment evident.
"I thought after all these years, we were still friends. Clearly, I was wrong."
Bruce raised his hand, intending to say something, but hesitated. After several attempts, he remained silent. Without another word, Thomas stormed off, disillusioned.
At Wayne Manor, as Nightwing regained some clarity, Bruce began questioning him.
"You're saying the one who attacked you was Deathstroke?" Bruce asked, in disbelief.
Since joining the Justice League, Bruce had thoroughly investigated every member. its included Shazam's apparent identity, Dane Davis. He also knew about Deathstroke's attempt to assassinate Dane, which had ended disastrously for the mercenary.
If what Nightwing said was true, it meant Deathstroke wasn't dead. He was still active—and dangerous.
Bruce felt a gnawing sense of unease. Deathstroke's involvement complicated matters. As a mercenary, Deathstroke was notoriously difficult to trace, and getting information from him was nearly impossible.
But Bruce couldn't shake the feeling that the attack on Nightwing was connected to a larger plan. Killer Croc and Catwoman's recent actions seemed unrelated on the surface, but deep down, Bruce suspected they were part of the same conspiracy.
Fortunately, Bruce had a lead: he'd placed a tracker on Killer Croc before the CIA took him into custody. Now, it was time to follow that lead and uncover the truth.
Bruce read the situation carefully and acted immediately. He donned the Batsuit, jumped into the Batmobile, and sped off to track Killer Croc.
Though the Batmobile was fast, Bruce wasn't rushing to capture Killer Croc just yet. Instead, he intended to follow him, hoping Croc would lead him to the real mastermind.
Bruce knew one thing: Croc's ultimate goal was the $10 million. If the money had been stolen, Croc would stop at nothing to get it back. Killer Croc climbed up a tall building, clearly aware of who had taken his money. Finally, on the rooftop, he confronted the thief—Catwoman.
Catwoman didn't seem surprised to see him and attempted to reason with him.
"Stop, Waylon," she said calmly. "We've all been tricked by Poison Ivy!"
Bruce had just reached the rooftop when he heard the name Poison Ivy. He froze momentarily. Poison Ivy? he thought. She's involved in this too?
But Killer Croc wasn't interested in explanations. He lunged at Catwoman, bellowing, "Where's my money?!"
Catwoman, growing frustrated, shouted back, "I told you—Poison Ivy lied to us! She took all the money!"
She dodged his attacks with agility, However, her stamina was limited, and the relentless attacks from Croc soon put her in danger.
That's when Batman intervened. Raising his arm, he fired a high-voltage taser gun, striking Killer Croc and subduing him instantly.
The electricity coursing through Croc's body brought him to his senses. He glared at Batman but didn't make another aggressive move.
Bruce approached him. "Tell me—what do you want that money for? Who told you to kidnap the child?"
"It was Poison Ivy," Croc growled, his voice laced with desperation. "She said... she said if I gave her $10 million, she could cure my condition... make me normal."
Bruce inwardly scoffed at the absurdity of Ivy's promise, but he kept his expression neutral.
"Batman?"
Catwoman's voice called out hesitantly from behind him. Bruce turned to see her standing there, unsure of whether to approach.
"Selina..." His voice faltered, filled with emotions he couldn't express. After a brief pause, he steadied himself and asked, "Do you know where Poison Ivy is now?"
Catwoman met his gaze. This wasn't the reunion she had imagined, but seeing him stirred something deep inside her. Despite everything, she nodded.
"I found her safe house," she said quietly. "I was just about to confront her." she added, "Batman, you have to believe me. I had no choice... Poison Ivy tricked me."
Bruce understood. Poison Ivy's ability to manipulate others by controlling their hormones made her a difficult. Batman turned back to Killer Croc, who was still lying on the ground, subdued.
"For your own sake, stay out of trouble next time, Waylon," Bruce said sternly. "Don't break out of prison again."
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