When Two Universes Meet (Marvel x DC Crossover)

Chapter 15: First Mission (I)

(A/N: Wow, I can't believe it's been 15 episodes...:/)

Helicarrier, somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, 7.15pm

"It's time for our first mission," Fury said, his only eye gazing at the Avengers sitting on one side of the long table, and the Justice League on the other side.

"And I hope all of you are prepared." His hands landed on the files placed in front of him. "Because this ain't gonna be easy."

"We can handle anything," Tony assured. He stole a glance at Bruce, who returned a stiff smile.

"Good," Fury nodded, and clicked on his computer. The projector showed the contents on the screen--a PDF version of a file on two criminals.

Tony scanned the pictures. One was a masked man dressed in green, top hat and suit decorated in black question marks. The other was a burly man with a mask covering his face, with tubes sticking out from something stuck behind him.

"I suppose Mr. Wayne have encountered these villains before--" Fury began, but Bruce held up a hand to stop him. "Call me Bruce. And yes, I have. Many times."

Fury cleared his throat. "Yes. These are Riddler and Bane, respectively. Now, since Bruce has been acquainted with them multiple times, why don't we welcome him to the front to talk more about them?"

Bruce nodded, rising from his seat. Fury walked back towards the vacant chair directly facing him. Bruce cleared his throat.

"Firstly, the Riddler is a classed as a C-grade villain in Gotham. He's smart, and he loves spouting riddles, but it could be easily solved. Bane, however, is more dangerous. He's powered by that thing on his back, which contains a strength-enhancing drug called Venom. He's pretty reliable on it, and that makes a weakness. He knows that, and that's why he fights harder than anyone." Bruce's arms went to his back, fingers tracing his spine. "He broke my back once, and I have to admit, it's extremely painful. Just because his flaw can be easy to exploit, doesn't mean we should underestimate him."

The Avengers bobbed their heads, except for Thor, who narrowed his eyes as he examined the two.

"Now I have an important question," Thor boomed. "Does these two ever ally with each other?"

"Mostly never," Bruce shook his head. "The Riddler likes to form petty alliances to gain what he wants. After all, he's not as physically matched with all the others I've fought. But his intelligence makes up for it. Bane also likes to make intricate plans, and of course, it baffles me sometimes."

From the closest end of the table, Bruce saw Barry choke. "But...you're the Batman! You're never confused!"

"But remember that Batman is just a man. A normal human. As powerful my reputation may be, I don't have unique powers like most of you present. So I train, harder than any normal human would. I could defeat any of you in a battle of any means. But that doesn't ignore the fact that I can make mistakes. Mortals could. And so does people like the rest of you."

Bruce's monologue left everyone speechless. It was true that he, as the Batman, was extremely cautious with his words and actions, so much so that the others had come to believe that he was inhuman. That he always had a plan, always had a move, always had a trick up his sleeve.

They've never thought of him that way. A vulnerable mortal who could miscalculate, could trip and fall into traps.

"I think we've gotten sidetracked a little," Bruce said a couple moments later, "I agree with Thor's question." (The god sat straighter after his mention). "Why do these two ally with each other? It's never done before, but it's always a possibility, and rather a question of when. But there could be a motive behind this; I know that these villains would do shady deeds with one another to achieve their goals, then eventually backstab each other."