𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

[𝟓] 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 [𝟓] - 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝

Brainiac took a few steps toward them. It paused as it seems to notice the group of teens for the first time.

"Children: Unexpected," Brainiac spoke, "Assessment: Potential Threats. Commencing Termination." And with that, the alien android began powering up an energy beam that shot out of its palm.

But before it could unleash its attack, metallic black and gray arms flung the large android away from the teens.

Batman shot explosive Batarang's from his gauntlets as well as massive beams of energy from his hands. It pushed Brainiac back a couple of hundred yards.

The Dark Knight turned towards them and his mask lifted to show his face.

"Get to the control center!" He ordered.

The teens are shocked at what they are seeing unfold in front of them.

"Dad! What are you doing?" Lucy yelled worriedly.

"I'm buying you some time! Now go!" He ordered.

"B-But Dad...your heart...you can't-" She was interrupted as Brainiac launched through the trees and into the air, off in the distance.

"I'll be right behind you," Bruce reassured her. "Go!" His face mask was back in place as he flew up to join Brainiac in the air.

"This is wrong!" Aaliyah yelled as she raised her mace, "We have to help him!"

"We can't just leave my Father out there to die," Lucy said. "Agreed," Natalie added.

"Guys!" Katana called their attention, "Do as Batman says! Jonathan and Aaliyah must protect the others. Lucy! Your safety is of the utmost importance! Your Father will join you shortly."

Jonathan placed a comforting hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"She's right," Jonathan agreed in a soft voice, "We need to go!"

They finally turned and began moving again.

In the air, the two battled. Brainiac dodged an energy blast before taking a kick to the face, followed by a punch. He responded with several of his own, pushing the hero back.

Batman used his shoulder cannon and launched another attack on the android before flying away from the control center, seeking to put as much distance between the android and the teens as possible.

They fired energy blasts at each other as they descended into the jungle. Skimming the ground, the Dark Knight increased his speed until he arrived at the control center near their home. He turned to face the jungle, watching as the android tore through the trees. He narrowed his eyes.

They have made it to the control center. Jonathan and Aaliyah stood guard as the others ran inside. Katana clicked a few bottoms and lights started to flash as the room began to activate.

"Where's Dad!?" Cass asked her sister.

"H-He's fighting B-Brainiac." She answered. She looked scared and trembled slightly.

"What!?" she exclaimed.

"Cass...his heart." She said tearing up.