{~Arkham City~} Chapter 4

After arriving at the location with Bruce, I noticed some concealed traps that could signal Cobblepot's men, while Bruce appeared more concerned with the number of guards around.

"Bruce, I've got good news and bad news."

"What's the bad news?" he replied without glancing my way.

"These guys are incredibly careless—just look at the tripwires and other traps scattered about," I pointed out, and he quickly took note of them as he surveyed the area.

"And the good news?" he asked.

"Cobblepot has no clue that your hands are rated E for everyone," I said with a smirk.

"Good That makes things easier. You distract them and I'll take them out silently and swiftly. I need to get that antidote." With that, he nimbly jumped onto a gargoyle perch, while I dashed over, intentionally making noise.

"HUH!? Who's there?" I heard one of the goons say before Bruce swept him up from the gargoyle, making my grin wider.

We continued this routine for about ten minutes, during which Cobblepot was left puzzled by the sudden silence, until he realized it was Batman.

"I know you're here, Batman! Show yourself and fight me!" he shouted, brandishing Freeze's frost ray to defend himself, blocked by the narrow pathway leading to him.

Since Bruce wanted to avoid complications, I had already disabled Freeze's weapon. I nodded at Bruce as he leaped down the path toward Cobblepot. As soon as Cobblepot spotted Batman, he attempted to fire, but the gun wouldn’t work as long as I was around.

Bruce seized Cobblepot, snatching the gun and tossing it into my hands, while I zoned out, examining how the device operated, amidst the painful sounds of the poor guy in the background.

On the bright side, once I returned to reality, I planned to incorporate the gun's functionality into my expanding arsenal.

Anticipating even more advanced equipment from the future, I focused back on Bruce, who was nearing the end of whatever beating he was delivering. As the sounds of struggle faded, I followed closely behind him to where Freeze was being released. Bruce helped him get back into his suit so he could leave this place.

Once suited up, Freeze seemed genuinely relieved. 

"Thank you, Batman. Now to business: the cure that Joker is after can't be created through conventional methods because the final ingredient simply doesn’t exist," Freeze explained. While I could eliminate the poison from Bruce, that would effectively mark the conclusion of the Batman Arkham series.

This changed when Bruce revealed he knew someone who possessed the last ingredient. The woman, associated with Ra's Al Ghul's faction, dismissed Bruce, stating he didn’t deserve to garner Ra's Al Ghul’s attention, before leaving. Bruce managed to place a tracker on her before she departed.

"Tessa, let's go," Bruce called out, grabbing my attention immediately.

"Uma," I replied as we set off in pursuit of the woman to Ra's Al Ghul's base.

To be honest, besides Bruce, I find these people quite foolish. It’s pretty clear that Batman doesn’t just let anyone walk away. By the time they realize it, he already knows everything about them—their lives, their stories, their family histories. Okay, I jest, since that’s my job working with Uzi and V, to ensure they don’t do anything reckless.

Now that I think about it… I wonder what Uzi and V are currently up to.

(J pov)

I’ve been spending time with Grayson lately; it's… refreshing, to say the least. No V, no Uzi, and certainly no Eldritch horror-like Cyn breathing down my neck or watching my every move.

I recognize it’s not her fault; she genuinely attempts to be normal and avoid coming off as an Eldritch creature. Grayson doesn’t seem bothered, but he sometimes needs to remember he’s human, and I’m a machine. Yes, I DO have a soul thanks to my abrupt change of… times.

I asked Cyn to create a normal body like hers, but that request fell on deaf ears. She simply rejected it, and when I inquired why, her answer was straightforward yet made me slightly apprehensive.

' "Do you really want to completely abandon any morals you might still possess just to gain 'flesh'?" ' she said.

Reflecting on her actions toward those unfortunate individuals, I recognized that while they were indeed criminals, not everyone deserves to die... unless they have a history of killing, in which case, perhaps the person delivering justice has also committed similar acts.

I felt the need for input from at least two people on this issue. I first approached my boyfriend. I didn’t disclose what Cyn would do to the criminals, but my vague inquiries seemed to be sufficient, and he didn’t overthink it.

' "That sounds great! But considering how Cyn operates, I’d suggest you avoid asking her about that," ' Grayson advised me.

Next, I turned to Bruce with the same query. After sharing what I wanted Cyn to do for me, he remained silent for a moment, just staring at me.

Then he frowned slightly. I probably shouldn’t have consulted Bruce; he’s very perceptive and it was clear from his expression that he understood what Cyn might have to do.

' "I would advise against requesting such a thing from Cyn. It's already challenging given her perspective, and the last thing I want is for her to start experimenting on criminals. I think that’s the last thing she needs right now," ' Bruce cautioned me.

His response was somewhat vague, which was likely because he didn’t realize she had already begun experimenting. Still, I fear for her potential descent into Cyn's mindset, completely losing her humanity in the process.

She’s already on that trajectory, and the prospect of her going even further down that path genuinely frightens me. I’ve been checking on her—she appears fine, but it’s hard to gauge with her unchanging expression.

Ultimately, I provided Cyn with my answer, acknowledging her perspective. She simply flashed a slight grin before walking away after I responded.

At least she retains some semblance of humanity despite her actions toward criminals. However, I’m increasingly concerned about the way she regards ordinary people; the look she gives them is unsettling, despite her lack of any expressiveness.

Her eyes always seem to be calculating, analyzing, and meticulous—much like the original Cyn/Solver.

I’ve also picked up on something else: the Joker and other criminals seem to be scheming, and Cyn is constructing a rocket... but to what destination? I honestly have no clue.

One last thing: when Cyn departs with Bruce into the night, I occasionally feel a sense of being observed, even if this feeling is unfounded. I’ve grown accustomed to it, but there are moments of wondering where attention might be directed.

God knows where, but at least things are calm... let’s hope it stays that way.

---

(Tessa/Cyn POV Change)

We’ve discovered the hidden entrance to Ra's Al Ghul's lair, but it’s secured with a sword-like key.

Just as I contemplated picking the lock myself, one of the assassins attempted to attack Bruce, prompting me to instinctively intervene by countering her attack, plunging her blade into the lock, and slamming her unconscious against the wall.

Bruce had managed to sidestep after the small altercation.

"I had it," he told me.

"Yeah, you ‘had’ it," I replied with a slight chuckle.

As we entered through the secret passage, I climbed up the ladder to emerge from the hole. Bruce followed, but I noticed he seemed to stagger as he pulled himself up.

"Are you okay, Batman?"

"I’m... fine," he assured me. But after taking just two steps, he collapsed to the ground. While I knew what was happening and could assist him, I couldn’t alter the course of events. My worry intensified when I scanned his body and noticed his heart rate deteriorating.

"Batman, just hold on a bit longer... he’ll be alright, Cyn, just hold it together." A heads-up display in my vision indicated his vitals were plummeting.

Meanwhile, I heard Oracle—Barbara—trying to rouse Bruce. 

"Bruce! Bruce, your vitals are plummeting; it’s like you’re in free fall," Oracle urged through his cowl.

He appears to have revived himself, though his resurgence may be brief as I assist him in standing up with care.

"You need to pursue whatever it is you're searching for right now," she instructs him.

Once I’ve managed to help him stand steadily, he coughs lightly before addressing Barbra.

"How much time do I have?" he inquires.

"Oh, thank goodness... I'm not going to sugarcoat it. At this rate, I’d estimate you have only minutes. Bruce, you need to tell me what you want me to do," Barbra replies, her tone reflecting the same concern I feel. Once I release him, we advance cautiously, ensuring he doesn’t collapse again.

"What should I have Robin do? You know, if you don’t..."

"I'll manage," he responds through clenched teeth.

As we proceed, we come across a dilapidated church, along with some knight statues out front.

When we reach the steps, Bruce suddenly drops to his knees again. I crouch next to him, anxiety evident on my face, unable to conceal it.

Suddenly, three of Ra’s assassins materialize around Bruce and me. I rise, ready to confront them.

"You should have heeded my warning. There’s no one to save you two down here," one assassin states, raising her sword toward us, but a commanding voice interrupts.

"Stop!"

The assassin halts her attack and steps aside, and as I look to see who approaches, Bruce manages to rise and face the newcomer.

It’s Talia al Ghul, Ra’s daughter. As she moves closer, she slaps Bruce, and while I can’t blame her given Bruce’s confessions about his feelings for Talia—let’s just say my reaction wasn’t exactly commendable.

"How did you find us?" she demands.

"I recognized your personal guard; it was just a matter of following her," he replies, tapping his gauntlet. Talia notices the slight beeping sound and approaches the tracked assassin, who looks frightened.

"Please, mistress, he tricked me—"

"Silence. I’ll deal with you later," Talia orders, and the assassin leaves, dejected.

"You didn’t need to get caught to see me, Bruce. After that night in Metropolis, you could have just called," she claims, walking around him with a smirk.

Wait... Metropolis? What happened there? Bruce never mentioned it to me.

I give him a long, questioning look, and he responds with a glance that conveys 'I’ll explain later' before turning back to Talia.

"I’m not here for you, Talia. Where’s Ra? If he’s dead again, I need you to revive him," he asserts.

"Only a true successor may stand before the great Ra al Ghul," she replies, inching closer and delicately gliding her hand along his suit.

"You know... my father always intended for us to be together to lead his army," she suggests, moving even nearer to him.

That’s far too close for my comfort, and I absolutely do not like this one bit.

"Ha... that’s close enough," I interject, trying to halt the situation before it escalates. My jealousy and possessiveness are flaring up.

She disregards my comment, continuing her advance as my frustration silently builds.

"Just imagine it... you and me, creating a better world..." Just as she lifts his cowl to see his face, poised to kiss him, I feel my patience stretching thin. She catches a glimpse of his face, recoiling in surprise as Bruce swiftly turns away, adjusting his cowl back into place.

"What’s going on with your face?" she asks, concern etched in her voice. Too bad he has enough women already, and I can hardly wait for her to meet her end... No, bad thoughts, Cyn—stay calm, nothing has happened.

Bruce offers me a reassuring, albeit faint, smile while they can't yet read his expression. He shifts back to Talia, assuming the brooding scowl he is known for.

"I'm here to take my place by your side," he declares, sounding as though it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Talia gives him a doubtful look.

"You want to become an assassin? Why should I believe in this sudden change of heart?" she challenges him once more.

"You saw my face. Do I look like I have any other option?" Another lie slips from his lips effortlessly.

Talia's skepticism lingers, but she ultimately decides to take him at his word—after making one last check.

"Are you ready to undergo the demon trials? You need to prove you're willing to take a life to save the world," she states, ensuring his commitment.

"I'm prepared," he replies with assurance.

"Then let the trials begin," she responds, clapping her hands softly, causing a secret passage to reveal itself nearby.

As Bruce follows Talia, I attempt to join them but am halted by some assassins.

"Only Batman and Talia al Ghul are permitted in this area for the trials."

I clench my artificial teeth slightly, contemplating how little the world would miss this girl. Talia and Bruce turn back briefly, and while Talia initially seems indifferent, she catches sight of me and offers a small smile.

"Oh? Is this the person you mentioned to me, Bruce? She doesn't seem like a machine to me," she remarks with a smirk, while my expression stays neutral, my mechanical hands beginning to twitch from the tension of my clenched fists.

A barely noticeable flicker of yellow lightning flashes, seen only by Bruce, who, unlike usual, seems more troubled internally by my evident fury.

"Don't worry, I'll come find you after I'm done, Cyn," he reassures me. While his words help, they do little to ease my growing anger.

Once my fist unclenches, I hold a small [[Null]] in my hand, accompanied by a deceptively innocent smile.

"Please hurry with that worthless whore before I obliterate this place and everyone in it," I say confidently and seriously.

Talia looks both shocked and furious over my choice of words, and the assassins near her direct their ire towards me.

"Let’s go, Talia," Bruce urges quickly as they descend the stairs, sealing the passage behind them. My anger only intensifies.

"Now... how about this, ladies: I’m going to torture you until my fury is sated, and no one will come to your rescue," I taunt the assassins with a closed-eyed grin.

"You won’t kill us; you’re with Batman, and we’re better fighters than you, child." Did they just call me a child? I’m far from a child—my body’s growth proves that. The first assassin will be my target, then the other two.

"HahahaHAHAHAHA!" Forget it!

"Come at me!"

(Scene change: Wayne Manor)

In the manor, Alfred is busy cleaning while Cyn’s robotic body wobbles awkwardly, but she manages to get the job done.

"Miss Cyn, could you please pass me the disinfectant?" he asks kindly. She happily complies and hands it to him.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoes from across the hall.

Alfred lets out a long, exasperated sigh while Cyn’s main body stares down the hall.

(N's POV)

This has been nice and all, but while becoming N is great, having to watch these attractive robot girls is a real struggle.

Sure, Uzi and V are intriguing, and their recent antics were quite a spectacle—at one point, I thought I would elevate to another level.

But that’s not my reality, and I never anticipated being pursued in this way by V and Uzi, especially not in the DC universe. I’m baffled as to why they’re here, unsure what timeline or version this is—at least it’s not the absolute version. The mere thought of encountering the most buffed and big Bane sends shivers down my spine.

As I ensured that Uzi and V had moved on, I turned a corner and accidentally collided with someone. Looking down, I found myself staring at a familiar face—one I truly didn't want to see, complete with those distinctive yellow eyes and dressed in a maid outfit. 

"Shit" was the only thing I could think to say in that moment. 

I was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected hug and familiar words that I hadn't heard in a long time.

"Brother!" Cyn exclaimed as she embraced me.

A rush of memories engulfed me—visions of what could have been, contrasting sharply with the reality of my situation. I reflected on my role as a murder drone under N, while Cyn had turned into a dangerous force, wreaking havoc at a gala, ultimately taking Tessa’s life and forcing us to eradicate humanity, hastening its extinction although these memories are from the show and from N.

"O-oh, hey little guy… could you let me go? I have… uh, places to be," I said to Cyn as gently as I could, hoping not to upset the small drone or eldritch being.

Fortunately, she released me, but then she started pulling me along with her.

"*Giggle* Come with me, brother! Alfred needs help tidying up," Cyn chimed in, her tone reminiscent of the shows I used to watch.

What Alfred? Wait, instead of being in the murder drones universe, I find myself in the DC universe, and instead of a mansion in Maryland, I'm now in Wayne Manor with Bruce Wayne and Alfred?

This could be the safest environment I've stumbled into, considering the circumstances. After a short walk, we arrived at Alfred, who appeared to be dusting.

"Ah, Miss Cyn Is this the big brother you've been so excited to introduce?" Alfred inquired, his curiosity evident as I observed him closely.

This Alfred belonged to the Arkham universe, and for the moment, I felt like the safest drone ever.

TBC