A Kryptonian's Fixation

Bruce: Losing Control

Every few days, between searching for the warehouse thieves, I trained Clark as both Bruce Wayne and as Batman. He was getting better every day, he was genuinely a fast learner, which was good. Or I had thought that it was good.

"Now if you see here, Mr. Wayne, we can increase our profits if we-" The investors paused as my phone started to ring.

I raised an eyebrow as I leaned over to look who was calling me. I was sure that Dick was doing fine. He was a good boy that never caused any problems, so I could only wonder who would be calling me.

"Sorry, gentlemen, it seems I have to take this." I flashed them that winning smile as I reached out and picked up the phone.

The investors smiled back, a couple of them blushing.

"Hello, Wayne Industries, how may I help you?"

"We need you in the Watchtower." J'onn's drawled voice sounded over the phone, making me frown.

"I see... I'll be there shortly." I clipped the phone in place and looked to the investors. "It seems I am needed somewhere else. I do apologize for this."

The head investor shook their head, reaching out a hand.

"No, no! You're perfectly fine. A man with as many hands in as many things as you, it makes sense you would want to make sure that everything is running smoothly."

I grasped their hand with a laugh.

"Very true. Want everything to be running smoothly."

I walked and talked with them for a little longer. They had plenty good things to say and offer, I just needed time to write up a document with them. Of course, I didn't really have to say much before they offered to write it up for me. That meant I would have to carefully read through it, but at least then I wouldn't have too much on my plate.

After all that, I went down further into the Wayne Enterprises' basement. There was a smaller Boom Tube and another suit for me. It wasn't the one that I usually wear to the Watchtower, however. I hope that Superman doesn't use his x-ray vision on me.

I walked through the Watchtower, seeing everyone whispering to each other. They all looked worried. No, they looked terrified.

I narrowed my eyes.

"What is going on?" I growled the moment I was in the large meeting room.

The other Justice League members jolted, snapping their heads to me. Superman was there, his arms crossed and his face set firm.

"Batman, you're late." Wonder Woman hissed, narrowing her eyes on me.

"What happened?" I growled again, narrowing my eyes to her.

She tilted her head up, a scowl growing on her face.

"Superman has brutally attacked several mutants, and today has killed two. The public is willing to let this go, seeing as those mutants have been causing-"

"Superman, what happened?"

'What the hell was he thinking? I thought I was training him so accidents like these don't happen!'

His face softened when he turned to me, just enough for the anger within his sky-blue eyes to almost disappear.

"I was a bit aggressive with them, but they threatened to explode the city. They had planted bombs in peoples' chests with their powers!"

I felt my heart stop for a moment.

"Superman..." I didn't know what to say. What do you say to knowing that? "We both know that isn't a good reason."

"I have tried talking with them, they wouldn't listen to reason. They then joked about using Bruce as their next bomb! I couldn't risk them getting out! Not with Luthor roaming free, again!" He was snarling his words, the edges of his eyes beginning to glow red.

"Superman, breathe before you kill someone else." I snapped, taking a broad step forward.

He followed my orders, his tense shoulders falling as he exhaled slowly. It was then that it seemed to click what he had done. What he has been doing.

"Oh god..." He covered his mouth, his eyes wide. "I..."

I narrowed my eyes on him. This... This didn't seem like him. As much as I believe he could become evil, or mind controlled, I doubt he would act like this. He had consciously made the decision to kill those people, to protect me. Now, reminding him of his actions, forcing him to see that he could kill someone else... It was making him act like this.

"Superman, we need to look into your mind."

"W-What?" He took a step away from me.

"You claimed that you killed them to protect Bruce Wayne," I started.

"I did." He muttered like a defiant child.

"That means we need to check your brain." I finished.

"My brain?" He was beginning to look annoyed.

"Yes, that does make sense. See if perhaps another is tampering with his ability to regulate more destructive tendencies." J'onn floated over to us, a friendly hand being placed on the Kryptonian's shoulder.

I nodded, taking a step back. There was nothing that I needed to say anyway. We were now all part of the same page.

"You believe this?" Wonder Woman snapped, her face scrunched. "That he-"

"It is better to look. See if it has a trigger. We will do a normal scan and then we'll do the scan while asking questions." I interrupted her, giving her a mild glare.

She shut her mouth in a thin line, though she didn't look too pleased.

Ignoring her, I looked to J'onn. He nodded, gently pushing Superman forward.

"It shouldn't take long. A few hours."

"I'll examine the evidence. See if force was truly necessary." I told; something was just itching under my skin about the bombs. Call it a hunch if you will.

Superman stared at me for a long moment, blinking a little before nodding slowly, walking ahead of J'onn to the Medbay.

He better be alright.