Batman- Top Gun by John Reid (Part 1)

[John Reid]

Midnight in the warehouse district of Gotham City. Inside a warehouse filled with large wooden crates a drug deal is taking place between two rival gangs who are unaware that they are being watched from the rafters above.

Without warning a dark caped figure drops down in their midst as Batman plays out a scenario that he has repeated countless times before but this time things are different. Normally his very appearance would cause any thug to freeze and stare momentarily and then try to flee. Like a wolf springing into a flock of sheep Batman only had to concern himself with which one he would take down first, but tonight things are different!

This time they do not look frightened! They look only angry! This time they do not run!

"It's Batman! Get him!" One of the thugs shout. Almost as one the 12 men charge Batman, grabbing his legs and arms pinning them to his sides trying to take him to the floor. One of them pulls a revolver and shouts, "I've got him! I'll kill him!"

He fires at Batman's head at almost point blank range! Batman ducks his head just as the gun fires, the bullet taking off one of his pointed ears from his cowl, shooting the big man behind him in the face who had him in a bear hug.

Now free, a rage fills Batman fueled by his near death experience, and in record time he renders unconscious 11 of the 12 thugs saving the one who shot at him for last.

"You dare pull a gun on me! You dare!!" Batman snarls at him, only inches from his face.
"Go ahead! Do your worst! Your days are numbered in this town creep!" The thug boasts.
"What do you mean by that!" Batman questions him.
"No one's afraid of you anymore! Word's out on the street how you got your ass handed to you, not once but three times by Bane, Deathstroke and even a chick! Lady what's her name. Don't you get it? Your day is done! You're not the top gun anymore! We used to think you were invincible, but now we know better! Penguin's got a contract with Deathstroke to take you out! He wants a trillion dollars! Can you believe that? Penguin's got half of it raised already. You're as good as finished in this town!"
"That's what you think!" Batman retorts and puts him to sleep. He calls Gordon for the pick up and when next we see him he is sitting in the Batcave, unmasked, holding the cowl with the ear shot off and looking pensive when Alfred arrives, coming down the stairs with a tray and sits his morning tea next to him.
"It's dawn sir, hadn't you best be retiring?" Alfred asks.
"Not this morning Alfred. Get me Clark Kent on the phone and tell him to come see me this morning as soon as he is able."
"Very well sir."
(End of part one)

[The Muse]

o.O oooooooo......What next?? What next?

[John Reid]

"BATMAN- TOP GUN" (Part 2)

Alfred does as asked and less than 30 minutes later he returns down the stairs of the Batcave with Superman walking behind him. Batman is so lost in thought that he doesn't even hear them until Alfred speaks. "Mr. Kent is here sir."
Batman rises and faces them. "Please stay Alfred, this concerns you as well."
"Bruce, what can I do for you?" Clark inquires.
"Clark...I was nearly killed tonight by a common low life thug."
"What happened?"

"You see this mask? This stupid Halloween costume I created so long ago? I deliberately made it as scary as possible to strike fear in the hearts of all criminals who saw it. It worked. They always froze and stared and gave me all the time in the world to take them down...but tonight...Tonight they weren't afraid. They didn't run. They attacked and it so caught me off guard that they nearly got me." He holds up the mask with the ear blown off.

"What's changed?" Superman asks.
"That's what I asked the one I left conscious. They've lost their fear of me Clark. Word's out on the street that...in their words, I'm not the top gun anymore. Due to my losses to Bane, Deathstroke and Lady Shiva, they see me no longer as invincible. The old lion seems wounded to them and all the young lions are emboldened by his weakness or maybe more like sharks who sense blood in the water." Batman explains but Alfred interjects...
"But sir, that's preposterous. There is no shame in defeat by any of them. Bane is superstrong, Deathstroke is superfast and Lady Shiva has some strange ability to anticipate a blow before it's thrown. Why you might as well put on the gloves and try and do a round with Mr. Kent here?"

"Him? Robin could take him down with a kryptonite pebble and a slingshot." Batman retorts.
"You know I have been known to win a few battles." Superman replies wryly. Alfred tries to conceal his smirk as Batman ignores his comments. Superman inquires, "So why have you sent for me? Would you like me to put on a Batman suit and bounce the three of them around a little?"

"Of course not! They'd see through that in an instant and my reputation would be damaged more than ever." Batman explains.
"So what do you have in mind?" Superman asks him.
"The only way for me to restore my reputation is for me to defeat the three of them in combat publicly! In this town, I'm either top gun or I'm a dead man!" Batman states.
"I repeat. What do you want me to do?" Superman asks him.

"In my entire career I've only met one fighter with the skills to take down all three of them. You once listed him as a level 15 fighter and me at level 12...You were right about him. I need to speak with Val Armorr." Batman tells him.
"The Karate Kid? But Bruce, you know he died not long ago." Superman states.
"Yes, he died here in the 21st Century, but he's still alive and well in the 31st Century. I need you to take me there. I need him to train me. I have to get better. Better than they are if I have any chance of winning and he's the only one I know of who has the skills." Batman explains.
"But sir, that could take years!" Alfred protests.
"That's the beauty of time travel Alfred. No matter how long I stay there, I can return to this time seconds after I leave. Will you do it Clark?" Batman asks.
"Of course. I'll be happy to. Any particular time?" Superman inquires.
"Yes. Months ago as you recall I fought with the Fatal Five in this century and was accidently merged with Thorak. It took Brainiac 5's super-science to separate us. The Karate Kid was there at that time, so I'd like to arrive just after that time."

Wrapped in Superman's protective cape Superman carries Batman as they fly around the world. He flies faster and faster until he breaks the speed of light, breaking the time barrier.

(End of Part 2)

[The Muse]

Gah!!!! Suspense!!!

[John Reid]

(Image- Brainiac 5) BATMAN-TOP GUN (PART 3)

In the next scene Superman and Batman arrive in the 31st Century and enter the headquarters of the Legion of Superheroes. They are greeted by Brainiac 5.
"Superman, Batman, what an unexpected pleasure. How may I help you?" Brainaic 5 inquires.
"Wonderful to see you as always. This place brings back so many wonderful memories of my time here as a boy." Superman replies, "But actually I am only here to deliver Batman. he has a problem you may be able to help him with. I trust you'll see him safely home?"
"Of course." Brainiac 5 replies and then Superman leaves them. Batman speaks up. "I'm here to see Val Armorr, if he's available."
"Well then you're in luck. He's just about to leave on a mission. I'll page him."
Moments later the Karate Kid arrives. He says, "Batman? How can I help you?"
"In my time I must face 3 foes, all of which have beaten me in combat previously. I need to get better. You're the only one I know who could defeat them in battle. I need you to train me." Batman explains.
"I'm flattered of course, but my Legion duties must take precedence. Currently the Fatal Five's whereabouts have been uncovered. I was just on my way to lead a team to bring them in. I'm sorry I just don't have time for students, not even as illustrious ones such as yourself." the Karate Kid tells him.
"I'm willing to wait until you are free. In fact I'd be happy to help you bring them in...Val?"
To Batman's surprise he suddenly realizes that not only in the Karate Kid frozen in time but so is Brainiac 5! He doesn't have long to wonder about it as there is a deafening explosion as the nearby wall is blown to bits. To his shock into the gaping hole enter the Fatal Five.
(End of Part 3)

[The Muse]

*Shoots knighthood an exasperated glance*
AGAIN WITH THE CLIFFHANGERS!!!

Aaauuuggghhhh

[John Reid]

(Images; Saturn Girl and The Fatal Five)
BATMAN-TOP GUN (PART 4)

The Fatal Five enter the gaping hole in the wall. The first inside is their leader Thorak, who is half man-half robot. Half his body was disintegrated and 31st century science kept him alive and built a robot half, but they couldn't change his criminal nature and now he had a half computer brain to hatch his schemes. Behind him comes Mano, whose right palm contains an anti-gravity disc that will instantly destroy anything it touches. Next comes the Persuader, a large brute who wields the Atomic Ax which has the power to slice through anything. The only female member of the team enters, known as the Emerald Empress she has telepathic control of the emerald eye which floats near her and can emit a beam of powerful emerald colored energy at her command. Then enters the real nightmare of the team, the giant Validus. No one knows what he is or where he came from but they know that he is invulnerable to harm and immensely powerful. To make matters worse his brain generates a powerful electric field from which he can hurl lightning bolts. Ordinarily Validus has the mind of an infant and is only dangerous if provoked but Thorak has managed to gain control of his will and he is now Thorak's chief enforcer. It was Validus who blew the giant hole through the wall of Legion headquarters at Thorak's command. Now Thorak speaks, "Ha ha! I told you it would work! When that fool Brainiac 5 hooked me up to their main computer months ago to separate me from Batman, I gained secret access to their computer. Not only have I neutralized their security system, but all of those who wear a Legion flight ring are now victims of my paralysis beam."
"So they are all completely helpless!" the Emerald Empress says with glee." Completely at our mercy."
"Too bad for them we have no mercy" Mano speaks up.
"Wait! Look there!" the Persuader interjects, "Someone is still moving!"
"Well bless my circuits! It's Batman himself! So good to see you once again. You saved me a trip to the 21st Century to look you up!" Thorak tells him.
Batman stand still and they begin to circle him. He now stands surrounded by the five most powerful villains in the 31st Century. The combined might of the Legion of Superheroes has never been able to defeat them solidly.
"I'm giving you one chance to surrender Thorak. If you want the Legion, you'll have to go through me first!" Batman warns him.
"Precisely what I had in mind of course. Kill him!!" Thorak shouts.
Mano jumps forward with his antimatter hand at the same time the Persuader charges with his atomic ax. Batman grabs Mano by the arm and pulls him forward, timing it perfectly with the Persuader's swing and the ax chops off Mano's deadly hand. Mano screams and blacks out instantly. The Emerald Empress moves closer and the Emerald Eye pulsates with a green glow about to fire it's lethal energy blast. Batman kicks Mano's antimatter hand launching it perfectly so that just as the beam fires it strikes the antimatter disc and there is a deafening explosion which fells everyone, save Validus of course and due to her telepathic link with the eye the Emerald Empress blacks out.
Thorak is furious and yells "Validus!! Kill him!!!" Validus's brain begins to flash lightning. The Pursuader is also furious and just picked himself up from the floor and charges Batman with his ax drawn back saying, "No! He's mine!!" Batman grabs the Persuader's ax and falls backward rolling the Persuader over his head and tossing him directly into Validus' lightning bolt, his ax acting as the perfect lightning rod!
Now only Thorak and Validus remain, before Thorak can order Validus to attack again, Batman tosses a bat shaped sherikan at Thorak and it strikes him in his robot half just under his rib cage and Thorak goes down like a rock and cannot move!
"Our merger was a two edged sword Thorak. Thanks to that I knew exactly where to strike you to shut down your robot half!" Batman informs him, but then hears a mighty roar. Validus, now free of Thorak's control has no idea where he is or what has transpired? Confused his blind rage causes lightning to flash outward from his brain in all directions destroying everything it hits! Batman takes cover and then hears a voice in his head. "Batman, this is Imra Ardeen, Saturn Girl. I am paralyzed in the next room but I have seen all that has transpired by reading your thoughts. Keep away from Validus. He is invulnerable and even Superman is not powerful enough to defeat him in combat, but without Thorak controlling him he has the mind of an infant."
"Saturn Girl, is your computer voice activated and will it respond to my voice?" Batman asks her.
"The answer to both questions is yes. The last time you were here we made you an honorary member of the Legion." She replies telepathically.
"Computer! Play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata." Batman orders and instantly the soothing stains of the Moonlight Sonata play over the intercom system. Validus hears the music and begins to calm down.
"Ah...ah." Validus utters as he sits down on the floor to listen to the music.
"Batman, I think if you remove our flight rings we will be able to move again." Saturn Girl tells him. Batman removes the rings from Brainiac 5 and the Karate Kid and they are released from the paralysis beam.
"Computer, power down all Legion flight rings immediately." Brainiac 5 says and it works as the Legionaires all over the building find themselves able to move again. As that was happening though, no one was watching Thorak who finally succeeded in re-routing his robot half of his body and regains control over it. He hits an emergency switch on his belt and all of the Fatal Five are beamed up to their orbiting ship instantly.
"Blast it! They escaped again! Well at least I'll make sure they can never attack us through our flight rings again. Batman we owe you a debt of gratitude. Karate Kid you are relieved of all duties save to assist Batman for as long as he needs you." Brainiac 5 orders him.
"I was paralyzed but I could still see. You took down the entire Fatal Five in just 8 seconds. I cannot imagine any 21st Century foes who could defeat you?" The Karate Kid states.
"Any foe that relies upon a weapon, no matter how powerful that weapon is, can have that weapon turned against him, as you well know. I did well only because they did no consider me a threat, but the ones I face at home could have defeated them just as easily. I need to get better. Only you can give me the training I need." Batman explains.

(End of part 4)

[The Muse]

*sigh*
Im a greedy girl. I want to read the WHOLE story!

[John Reid]

(Image the Karate Kid) (Image Superman and Batman in the Batcave) BATMAN- TOP GUN (Part 5)

"Very well. Let's retire to my dojo." says the Karate Kid.

The scene changes back to the Batcave in the 21st Century. Superman had returned to inform Alfred of the successful transportation of Batman to the 31st Century and had barely gotten the words out of his mouth, when a glow and a hum begin to manifest inside the cave. Seconds later one of the Legion's bubble shaped time machines appears and inside are Batman and Brainiac 5. They emerge and Batman says, "Alfred so good to see you once again and to be home at last.
"To us only 15 minutes have passed." Alfred informs him. "To me one year has passed. Brainiac 5 you have my appreciation and gratitude."
"And you ours. Farewell for now, I must get back to my own time. Greetings Superman, once again, always a pleasure."
The time machine glows and vanishes. "I need to speak with you both. Give me one second." Batman says and walks to his computer and hits the send button. "There it's done." Alfred asks, "Might we inquire as to what's been done, sir?"
"Yes. I just sent 3 email messages. I've challenged Bane, Deathstroke and Lady Shiva to meet me tonight at midnight. I didn't tell them why?" Batman informs him. "What are you up to?" Superman inquires.
"I'm going to challenge them to a duel in martial arts combat on live television. I want you to be the camera man as Clark Kent." Batman says calmly.
"Good idea. I can be your back up in case you get into trouble." Batman says, "No Clark...I need your word that no matter what happens, no matter how bad of a beating I take, even if it is fatal, you will not interfere."
"Bruce...I...Look, you know that it's not my nature to stand by and do nothing...I'm not sure I can promise that!" Superman states.
Batman tells him, "This is my battle Clark. My life. If I die it will be by my own foolishness...If I lose this battle Batman is finished anyway. I'd rather go down fighting than to some lucky shot by some punk. I need your word that you will not interfere...I've never known you to break your work. Do I have it?"
Superman sighs and says, "Very well. I sure hope you know what you're doing?"
Batman replies, "So do I."
(End of Part 5)

[The Muse]

AAAUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHH!@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John Reid]

BATMAN-TOP GUN (PART 6)

The scene shifts again. It's midnight at the very warehouse where Batman foiled the drug deal the night before. A door slides open and in walks Lady Shiva.
"Lady Shiva?" Deathstroke says, "So you got an invitation to this party as well?" She sees Deathstroke and Bane standing in front of her. "So what's this all about? Where's Batman?"

"Right here!" Batman shouts and the lights go up. The trio see Batman standing on top of a crate in the center of the warehouse and then they hear a voice coming from their left side.

"We interrupt the current broadcast to bring you this live special report. Live from a warehouse in the bowels of Gotham City Batman has just appeared to face three powerful opponants..." Kent states for the TV audience.

"Alright, "Deathstroke steps forward and says, "I've had enough of this mystery. Start explaining Batman. Why did you summon us here?"
"It's simple. I hearby challenge each of you to a martial arts duel, here and now. Last man...excuse me Lady Shiva, last person standing." Batman states boldly.
"It's some kind of a trick. "Bane speaks up.
"No trick, no weapons. Hand to hand combat. I know your reputations mean as much to you as mine does to me. If you walk away, the world will brand you a coward. If you attack me together, that too will be seen as an act of cowardice." Batman explains as he leaps down and stands before them. "Ladies first of course."
Lady Shiva moves toward him and says, "I don't know why you're doing this, but you other two can go home. This won't take me long." She says as she assumes her fighting stance.
Watching the broadcast around the world others can't believe their eyes. Nightwing is at home in his apartment and says aloud, "Oh my God! What's he up to?" In Titans Tower Wonder Girl shouts to Tim Drake, "Tim! Get in here fast! You're going to want to see this!"
In Justice League headquarters Oliver Queen is on monitor duty and mutters, "Holy...?"
Flashback now to the 31st Century Batman is showing the Karate Kid his footage of Lady Shiva in combat. He says, "This is Lady Shiva. She seems to have the uncanny ability to sense a blow before I throw it, like some psychic precognition. I've never been able to lay a finger on her."
The scene shifts back to the present. Batman throws a right hook, Lady Shiva blocks it and then strikes with a kick to his side. Flashback to the 31st Century where the Karate Kid comments, "She is not psychic. I know this technique and can not only teach it to you, but show you the one method of countering it."
The scene shifts back to the 21st Century. Batman swings with his left. Lady Shiva ducks it and strikes with a fist to his solar plexus. Flashback to the 31st century. The Karate Kid explains, "Notice her eyes never leave your belt buckle. She is watching your center of gravity. All opponents have only two arms and two legs. She watches for the slightest movement to your center of gravity and like a chess master she instantly calculates all of the strikes you can make from that position, this she is ready to block any move you make and is a counter puncher, striking while you are off balance with blows to your nerve centers..."
Back in the 21st Century Batman tries a side kick with his right leg, Lady Shiva blocks it and comes down on his knee with her elbow.
Flashback to the 31st Century the Karate Kid continues. "You have one advantage. You outweigh her by over one hundred pounds. One solid blow from you and the fight is over." "The trick is landing it." Batman states, "How do I do that?" The Karate Kid tells him, "Stand before this mirror. Practice throwing a right cross. In your mind you must see yourself as you are in the mirror, throwing a left strike. When you face her next in combat wait until the right moment and then strike. It will take months to perfect this."
Back again to the battle in the 21st Century. Batman shifts his weight and draws back with his left, Lady Shiva shifts her weight to counter it and then unexpectedly he strikes with his right and catches her in the jaw with his right fist. She is caught off guard and did not see it coming. She drops to the floor unconscious. Batman stands over her in triumph. Bane begins to clap. "Congratulations. You defeated a woman."

[The Muse]

OOOOOOOOO...this IS getting good!!!

[werewolf]

l'm enjoying this riff on DC'S characters even though aside from Batman l don't know them as well as those of Marvel.Knighthood has always been skilled at intricate plotting and cliffhanger chapter endings. l became exposed to them in his DARK SHADOWS crossovers and continuations.More than once l've wished that they were the real continuations complete with the filmed episodes but the stories were great.Here, l can enjoy the DC characters without worrying which reboot they follow or precede.lronicly, though the constant rebooting of DC can get tiresome and confusing l almost wish Marvel would start over after the mess they've made of the 616 universe and the Ultimate version.l can scarcely stand to go near what used to be my favorite characters anymore especially Spiderman.

[The Muse]

I quit following most of it a long time ago because of reboots. I couldnt tell you the first thing about most of it now.

[John Reid]

Glad you are enjoying it. I actually sent it to DC but they returned it with a form letter saying that they don't accept manuscripts by mail. Oh well. At least this way it wasn't a waste of time.

More to come this afternoon.
KH

[John Reid]

(Images Bane and Batman fighting Bane) BATMAN-TOP GUN (PART 7)

Bane steps forward toward Batman. "I can see that you have been improving your skills, but what you do not know is that I too have improved my enhancement! My strength is now twice that when we last met. At this level, I could floor Superman himself. "Wanna bet." Clark thinks to himself. "Prepare yourself for extreme pain." Bane tells Batman. Bane lunges and Batman side steps the blow. Bane hits a packing crate instead and it flies into splinters!

The scene shifts to Arkham Asylum. In his cell the Joker is playing solitaire, cheating of course. In the cell next to his is the serial killer Zsazz. "Joker! Put on your TV quickly! Batman's on and he's about to get his ass handed to him on live television!!" The Joker keeps playing seemingly uninterested. "Who's his opponent?" Joker asks. "The fool challenged Lady Shiva, Bane and Deathstroke to a fight! Shiva is down but the others are bound to get him." "Batman will win." The Joker says casually. "Ah you're crazy! Haven't you heard? All three of them beat him once individually, he can't possibly win!" Zsazz explains. "Wanna bet?" the Joker replies. "You got it! How much?" Zsazz inquires. "Money doesn't interest me. We'll bet kills." the Joker suggests. "You got it. If I lose I'll kill anyone you say and vice versa." Zsazz suggests. "Higher stakes." The Joker states, "Whoever loses has to refrain from killing for six months when he next gets out." "No killing?...None? I...I don't know...That'll be torture." Zsazz hesitates. "Put up or shut up." The Joker taunts. "Alright...Alright you got it! I don't know about the others, but there is no way Batman can take down Deathstroke single handedly. It can't be done. You got a bet!" Zsazz tells him.

Flashback to the 31st Century. The Karate Kid says, "With this opponent, you face the opposite problem. One solid blow from him and you will lose. You must use the same technique on him that Lady Shiva used on you. Block, duck, counterstrike while he is off balance. Come let us practice."

Back in the 21st Century, Bane swings again with an over hand right. Batman leaps out of the way, the blow just missing his head. He counters with a karate chop to the back of Bane's neck. "Hah! That tickled!" Bane remarks sarcastically. Bane tries to hit Batman with blow after blow, but can't seem to connect. Batman anticipates each blow and counters with one of his own to Bane's nerve centers. After fighting for 45 minutes Bane begins to tire, the blows begin to weaken him. "Stand still and fight like a man!" Bane shouts at him in frustration. He swings and misses again, but leaves his throat exposed. Batman strikes with a fist to his trachea cutting off his air and then comes to life with a flurry of blows. Bane staggers and Batman takes advantage ending it with a blow to Bane's nose, breaking it. He slowly collapses unconscious at Batman's feet like a falling tree!

"I suppose I'm next." Deathstroke speaks up.
(end of Part 7)

[The Muse]

He is their worst nightmare....

[John Reid]

BATMAN-TOP GUN (Part 8)

Deathstroke steps forward and says, "I have no quarrel with you. My main quarrel is with your protégé. One day he and I will have our final battle, but that's between us! There's no need for you and I to do this. Walk away now! You know you cannot beat me like you did these two fools. Quite frankly I'm surprised you ever lost to either of them. You must have had an off day, but facing me is another matter entirely. I can take on the Justice League and the Teen Titans combined. There's no shame in admitting you're no match for me."

"You dare threaten Nightwing and tell me we have no quarrel?" Batman growls at him."The only way you'll ever get to him is through me first! You think I haven't heard about the contract you've been hired for to take me out?"

"I deliberately raised my rates to nearly an unachievable amount Batman, because frankly it would pain me to kill such a marvelous fighter. I have little respect for most fighters, but I do for you. Don't force me to do this!" Deathstroke tells him.

"It's not a fight to the death. You leave your toys over there and I'll leave mine." Batman says as he takes off his utility belt and lays it on a crate. Deathstroke removes all of his weapons and lays them aside as well. Batman says, "Now shut up and fight!"

"Alright then,it's your funeral!" Deathstroke says and charges at him.

Flashback to the 31st Century; The Karate Kid looking at the footage of Deathstroke says, "This opponent has two glaring weaknesses. He is 20 years your senior and is missing one eye."
"Believe me, it hasn't slowed him down an iota. His skills are equivalent to mine, but he's been enhanced so that he has cheetah like speed. He can strike me a hundred times and I can't lay a finger on him."

Back in the 21st Century; Deathstroke kicks Batman sending him flying into a crate. Batman rises and Deathstroke is on him striking him over and over with a volley of punches and kicks. His costume is already in shreds. He wisely used prosthetic glue to make sure his mask is glued to his forehead, eyes and nose. As the battle continues Batman become a human punching bag and the rest of the mask is beaten off, his black hair exposed.

In Arkham Asylum Zsazz yells to the Joker, "Hey Joker! Check it out! Batman has black hair!" The Joker replies casually, "No surprise. Everything about him is black. Black cape, black hair, black soul."

Flashback to the 31st Century; The Karate Kid states, "What is the longest time any opponent has lasted against him?"

"Usually it's measured in seconds. Minutes if he wants to toy with his opponent first" Batman informs him.

"There is only one way for you to defeat this opponent, but it will be excruciatingly painful." The Karate Kid tells him. "Recall the famous 20th Century heavyweight championship fight of Ali vs Foreman. Mohammed Ali had only had two losses in his career. One to Joe Frasier and the other to Ken Norton. Both went the distance with Ali and he lost on a decision, but Foreman knocked both out in 3 rounds. Now Ali was to face Foreman. He was well past his prime and Foreman was a giant of a man in his prime. No one believed he had the slightest chance of winning. Yet Ali knocked him out in the 7th round. Do you recall how he accomplished it?"

Batman replies, "Yes. Ali realized that Foreman had never fought more than 3 rounds in his entire life. No one lasted longer than that. So Ali laid against the ropes for the first 6 rounds covering his face and allowing Foreman to pound away at his body. By the 7th round Foreman was so exhausted that he could barely keep his arms up and then Ali came alive and with a flurry of punches he knocked out George Foreman. He called the technique "rope a dope." If you're suggesting I try the same with Deathstroke there is only one problem. It will take him considerably longer than 7 rounds to wear down."

"It shall be an endurance contest then. Which ever of you has the strongest will shall be the victor."

Back to the 21st Century; Three hours pass as Deathstroke pounds Batman mercilessly, his costume now in tatters, but Deathstroke shows no signs of tiring. Batman is on his hands and knees beginning to rise up again from the floor for the umpteenth time.

"Oh no...No! I don't believe it! You can't possibly be getting up again! No one can take this kind of punishment!" Slade says incredulously.

Flashback to the 31st Century. After 12 months of intense training Batman and the Karate Kid suddenly find themselves with company as Brainiac 5 beams into the dojo.

"I have some important news for you." Brainiac tells them. "Our 21st century records are fragmented so it took me quite some time to access whatever remains of information on this Deathstroke character. I had to actually invent a new way to retrieve it from antique computer files..."

"Never mind all of that, what have you learned?" Batman asks.
"Apparently due to his enhancement Slade Wilson never tires." Brainiac 5 tell him.
"door!" Batman mutters under his breath. "Then this plan of attack will never work! All that remains is increasing my skill level until it matches yours. Any idea how long that will take?" Batman asks.

"I estimate at least 15 years." The Karate Kid states bluntly.
"That's too long! How the devil did you learn it at such a young age?" Batman asks.
"I am a prodigy. I am to martial arts what Mozart was to music." Val informs him.
Brainiac 5 interrupts, "I may have the solution to your problem. I've also been working on something else. He holds up a vial with a tiny chip inside. "If you'll allow me to inject this bio chip just below and behind your left ear it will once activated temporarily duplicate the Karate Kid's enhanced abilities to you, but it will last only 5 seconds."

"That'll have to be long enough." Batman tells him.

Back in the 21st century Batman rises from the floor once again and shaking his head in admiration Deathstroke moves in to finish him off. Just as he starts to throw a punch Batman reaches up and touches the chip behind his left ear and activiates it. He feels his whole body flood with power, the chi force of the Karate Kid infuses his body and all of his skill as well. To Slade's shock Batman ducks the blow to his chin and moves with blinding speed. Deathstroke's bones are harder than steel but the Karate Kid can shatter steel or any other substance with either hand. Batman strikes at the back of Slade's elbow and breaks his arm! Slade cries out in pain and Batman is all over him. Batman breaks his collar bone, left shoulder and then with only one second left he strikes the pelvis where they two bones come together in front just above the groin and snaps it. Without that the entire skeleton loses its support and collapses. Slade hits the floor and cannot move. It's over! Batman slowly stands in victory.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the fight of the century is over!" Clark says into the camera. "Batman has won over impossible odds!! Goodnight. This has been Clark Kent coming to you live from Gotham City."

In Titans Tower and Justice League headquarters the cheers and hugging commences as all celebrate Batman's triumph.

In Arkham Asylum though..."I don't friggin believe it!! The s.o.b. won again!" Zsazz curses. "I told you so!" The Joker taunts. "How? How did you know? How could you be so sure?" Zsazz inquires. "Because I've always known that he and I are fated to take each other out one day. No one else is worthy." the Joker explains with a smile.

In his penthouse the Penguin too was watching the battle. "Bah!! A trillion dollars he asked! I'm glad I didn't waste my money.

The camera goes off and Clark rushed to catch the Batman at top speed as he collapses in his arms. "Bruce I can see your jaw is broken in several places so I know you can't speak. You have internal bleeding. I see kidney and spleen damage and just about every bone in your body is fractured. You're beyond 21st century medicine. I'm flying you back to the future. Just hang on."

Six days and nights later Batman's time, he awakens in a hospital bed in the 31st century. Sitting beside his bed is Alfred. "He's awake!" Alfred states. Clark says, "Welcome back champ. You're in Legion headquarters. While you were out I contacted Interpol to pick up your opponents. I brought Alfred here to the 31st Century because frankly you weren't expected to make it. It was a great fight Bruce. Your finest hour. Just promise me to never put me through that again."

The Karate Kid says, "Well done my pupil. You made your sensei proud."
Batman smiles slightly and goes back to sleep.

THE END

[John Reid]

Ok here is some background. I actually dreamt most of this story on 2 different occasions (Yes I admit I have Batman dreams) One dream was Batman vs the Fatal Five and the other was Batman vs Deathstroke. Both were rather vivid so I tied them together into one tale.

I really have not kept up with the current continuity of Batman, so it is more than likely that he has defeated one of more of the villains here, but I think it would make a great animated feature. If only I could get their attention, but that seems to be mission impossible. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it.

Knight-Hood

[The Muse]

*morphs into a total fangirl*

SQUEEEEEE!!!

THAT WAS SOOOOO AWESOME!

[John Reid]

Thank you Muse. As a writer I have gotten so little feedback through the years. That is the best thing to me about this site. I can write what I please and get instant feedback. So glad you like it.

Knight-Hood

[Omen]

Okay… Now that I’ve set down and read through this, the first thing I have to say is…

I LUV the Legion of Superheroes!!!! I’ve ALWAYS loved them!!! I collected them as a kid and loved them from the simple Curt Swan art to the Keith Giffen, Darkseid era!!!

I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start…

First-things-first… a special geek note, Validus turns out to be the child of Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad which explains the large brain and lightning. Karate Kid is just as awesome as you described him!! He, Timbor Wolf, Sun Boy, Wildfire, Dawnstar, Element Lad, and the later version of Shrinking Violet were my favorites.

I still have a weakness for Ferro Lad, Tyroc, and Colossal Boy also. They were butt kickers!!

Now, back to the main events… I could go with everyone with a hesitant acceptance on the fight with Deathstroke (not-to-mention, he’s another character I liked from way back in the days). If you go with the earlier version of Deathstroke (the Teen Titan’s, George Perez, version), his powers were a little more amped up than they are now. The current version is a tad weaker to make him more ‘accessible’ (beatable) in today’s solo comics.

The old one came with the full cadre of amenities such as the healing factor, crazy endurance, lack of fatigue, heightened senses, strength to lift somewhere over 1000lbs., and reflexes three times that of a normal human. He’s had a lifetime of military (Special Operations) training and mercenary adventures. He’s as strategic and tactical as Batman and his brain functions at a higher capacity for longer.

Batman has been known to outsmart Deathstroke, but it was often a quick feint or a long complex plan. I’m wondering if Deathstroke would have fought that long without figuring out Batman’s plan. Another thing is, I’m wondering about Batman being a normal human taking blows from a person that can lift half a ton for 3hrs. Batman is still human and no matter how well you are taught defensively, getting hit be a sledge hammer for three hours will crack bones and mush up organs.

But, then again, he IS… Batman.

Hmm… I remember when Batman fought Captain America, he yielded before the battle began and said that it was conceivable that Cap could take him over the long haul of the fight. Although, we all know that the odds would probably be in Batman’s favor. This let the reader know that someone equally trained as him in an equal match, but with heightened natural abilities, would have a great chance of defeating the Bat.

I love Captain America! But, I’m no fool. Batman would cheat to win. Cap would crumble to his strategies. Think of Deathstroke as Captain America with Batman’s resolve. This is definitely a closer match. The only true determining factor is that…

He IS Batman. Which means… he wins by default.

[John Reid]

Glad you liked it. Yes the Legion were my some of my favorites as well growing up. Ferro Lad was my favorite as he was the only masked one and I was so mad when they killed him off on his first mission against the sun eater. That was of course the first appearance of the Fatal Five as well.

Batman vs Deathstroke; Ok we all know that Deathstroke is enhanced and is indeed like a villainous version of Captain America. In their first encounter he did kick Batman around pretty good but silently admitted to himself that Batman's skills were better than his and if it weren't for his enhancements he would not have a chance against him.

Batman did fight Captain America in one of the DC crossovers where the universe was at stake. After hours and hours of fighting Captain America stated that he fought Daredevil, the Black Panther and many others but no one has ever fought him like Batman. So like Deathstroke he all but admitted that without his enhancements he would have lost the fight to Batman. Batman has trained from age 7 to adulthood by the greatest martial artists he could find. Cap and Deathstroke were both adults when they began their training and both rely primarily upon their enhancements to defeat any normal human opponent within minutes. Without the advantage of their enhancements Batman could easily beat them in hand to hand combat.

Now getting back to the fight between Cap and Batman. It ends in a sewer. Batman is the one who is winded and can barely talk. Cap of course has not even broken a sweat. Batman draws back with his batarang and Cap with his shield and suddenly a flood of water rushes in hitting Cap in the back, Batman takes advantage of the distraction and beans him with the batarang. He knocks him unconscious and he falls in the water. Batman then jumps in and pulls him out before he drowns. So Batman won but only due to chance.

Now despite their enhancements both Captain America and Deathstroke are indeed still human beings and can be knocked out like any one else. The trick is landing the blows of course. They do both have a healing factor but it is not as instantaneous as Wolverine's for instance. They heal at an advanced rate but are not invulnerable. Were they to fight Captain America would win for one reason. He is a true hero and would never give up. His spirit and will are his greatest power and that is equally true of Batman. Deathstroke does not have their sense of morality. He is a schemer and is far too over confident due in his enhancements. He was once beaten in close range combat by Green Arrow who trapped him in knee deep glue. Once slowed down like that Green Arrow's skills proved superior because Deathstroke surrendered. Batman in the same situation would never surrender. He is like Cap and would fight to the death.

In my tale I wanted to show Batman's spirit of never giving up by having him rise from the floor after being knocked down by Deathstroke's most powerful blows over 100 times. To have that be plausible I had him train for a whole year increasing his resistance to pain beyond human capacity. I knew that of the two fighters Batman's spirit and will would triumph over Deathstroke's were the odds more even. This was Batman's "Rocky" tale.

One interesting side note that no one noticed. The only one who had absolute faith in Batman's victory was the Joker. No one else. Not Alfred, not Superman, not Nightwing or anyone else. Only the Joker, his worst enemy had absolute faith in him.

I hope Marvel and DC kiss and make up one day and we get some more crossovers. I would like to see Captain America vs Deathstoke myself.

Just my two cents. So glad everyone enjoyed it.
Knight-Hood

[Omen]

Now you're entering the arena of best hand-to-hand fighters of all time... also known as melee or 'martial-skilled'. If I had to do a Top 10, I would have to say:

Location: In an arena, ring, or fighting pit

1. Karate Kid (He is the best fighter in the galaxy)
2. Captain America
3. Deathstroke
4. Batman
5. Black Panther
6. Shang-Chi
7. Lady Shiva
8. Bronze Tiger
9. Toss-up - Iron Fist or the original Judomaster (probably Iron Fist)
10. Toss-up - Daredevil, Black Canary, or Wolverine (Wolverine depends too much on his healing, making his techniques easy to predict)

Location: Open Environment - city, swamp, forest, etc.

1. Batman
2. Black Panther
3. Daredevil
4. Deathstroke
5. Lady Shiva
6. Wolverine (Everyone above him know, or would figure out, that his weakness is drowning and his rage. they would use it against him)
7. Robin - Damian Wayne
8. OwlMan (DC's version)
9. Mr. Terrific
10. Batwing (the new one)

[John Reid]

Well naturally there is a difference of opinion among all fan boys with a list like this.

I maintain that Batman's skills are better than either Captain America or Deathstroke simply by virtue of his training being since age 7 and theirs not until adulthood. They have achieved super-fighter status not because they are more skilled than anyone else but because they are enhanced. This follows for Wolverine too. Like you said he relies on his healing factor and adamantium coated skeleton to give him the edge over any opponent.

We are talking about martial arts skills minus any unnatural enhancements. In any universe I have to place Batman's skills as superior to any other character.

Just my 2 cents, not that I am the last word on this topic as you will get a different opinion from nearly every fan in the comic book audience.

Knight-Hood
I was very upset when they had Wolverine and Cap fight and made Wolverine the easy victor once, only because one of the Wolverine movies was out and he was more popular at the time. This was prior to the Cap movie or Avengers movie naturally.