My very first Batman story, although, some parts and dialogue are borrowed from the following:

Batman Arkham Knight
Batman Arkham City
Steven Universe Future

Other than that, most of it is original.

3rd Person P.O.V.

2 weeks and 1 day after Pink Diamond returned to Earth.

Gotham

8:23 PM

The night starts off with two incidents cropping up, both rather small, minor incidents compared to what the Dark Knight has been through. Batman reached the top of GCPD to speak with Gordon.

(Gordon) Good, you're here.

(Batman) What happened?

(Gordon) We got two crime scenes that are currently waiting to be solved. Most of my crew are at a laboratory trying to do one scene that doesn't make sense. All of the forensic officers are at the scene, trying to figure out what the hell happen. Anyway, it'd be much appreciated if you can check those two scenes out.

(Batman) I'll get right on it.

(Gordon) Good. Be sure to contact me when you're finished. That way, I can close the case.

Batman left to find the first crime scene.

10 minutes later

Batman entered the apartment through the window.

(Batman) Alfred, what's the casefile description?

[Cowl Comms] The report says that Officer Patrick Maloney. His wife, Mary Maloney, came home to find her husband dead. It's a shame, she's six months pregnant and now a widow. 

(Batman) I'll make sure the murderer won't get away.

Batman scanned Patrick's corpse.

(Batman) Cause of death is blunt trauma to the head and a cracked skull. His brain has been clobbered too many times to recover. The murderer used a heavy object and chances are their hands are on it.

[Cowl Comms] Let's hope the object is still here. It may be the only thing that'll reveal the murderer. 

Batman looked around the empty apartment. While be didn't find an object yet, he found papers on the table.

(Batman) These papers are for a divorce. Patrick signed this, Mary hasn't.

[Cowl Comms] Very unfortunate. 

Batman found a golf club and scanned it for finger prints.

(Batman) No recent finger prints on this.

He found a baseball bat on the ground. He picks up the bat to scan it.

(Batman) None on this, too.

[Cowl Comms] Do you think the murderer disposed the weapon? Or took it with them? 

(Batman) They could, but most murderers tend to get rid of the evidence to avoid getting caught with it.

Batman's boot accidentally knocked over the trashcan when he walked by it. A large bone falls out of the trashcan, looking recently cooked and eaten.

(Batman) A lamb leg.

[Cowl Comms] The correct term is a bone of a lamb leg. 

(Batman) Lamb legs are very large and solid when frozen.

[Cowl Comms] Indeed, sir. I've cooked lamb many times to know this. 

(Batman) And there's a hand print at the end of the bone. They belong to Mary Maloney.

[Cowl Comms] Well, she obviously intended on cooking it for dinner. 

(Batman) Except her hand was wrapped around the end of the leg, like it was a handle.

[Cowl Comms] Sir, are you suggesting-- 

(Batman) Possibly, but I need more evidence to be certain.

He looked at Patrick's body. He examined it and determined how he would've fallen when he died.

(Batman) Ballistic analysts indicates he was attacked from behind. Multiple strikes to the head. Whoever did this, caught him unaware and was behind him when he had his back turned. I believe I know what happened.

Batman used all evidence to tell the story of the crime.

(Batman) Patrick returned home with the papers filed for a divorce. Mary didn't take it well. During this, she was cooking a lamb leg, and when she snapped, she grabbed whatever she had near her. She used the leg to beat Patrick to death. Once he died, Mary tried getting rid of the evidence by cooking the leg, sending the meat off or eating it, which I highly doubt, and throwing the bone away.

[Cowl Comms] I suppose her rage wasn't completely uncalled for.  

(Batman) Murder is murder, nothing can justify it. Where is Mary?

[Cowl Comms] Tracing her cell phone locates her just right outside. She just got back from the Police Station. 

(Batman) Time to surprise her.

Batman went into hiding and Mary just opened the door. She put her purse down and looked at the corpse of her husband. She displayed no emotion when looking at it.

(Batman) Mary Maloney.

He stepped out of the darkness. She turned around.

(Mary) Batman? Where are you doing here?

(Batman) I came here to figure out who murdered your husband. I need to ask you some questions.

(Mary) Sure.

(Batman) What were you doing before you found Patrick dead?

(Mary) I was cooking dinner and got groceries. I was cooking spaghetti.

[Cowl Comms] The report says she was cooking the lamb. 

(Batman) Really? That's not what the report said. You were cooking lamb.

He caught her in her lie. Now, he was going to be blunt.

(Batman) I know you killed Patrick.

(Mary) You're insane. I would never--

He gripped her collar and lifts her off the ground with his hands.

(Batman) Patrick filed the papers for divorce. You killed him afterwards. Why?

(Mary) He was a coward. Leaving when I'm pregnant, especially since we're poor, many bills, and he chose now to leave.

(Batman) You would've gotten plenty of money for child support. Now, you're going to rot in a cell with your child.

(Mary) You have nothing to prove.

(Batman) With all the evidence I collected, it won't take long for the jury to convict.

He headbutts her to incapacitate her. Her dropped her on the couch.

(Batman) Alfred, send the GCPD the evidence and my location, along with a taped confession.

[Cowl Comms] Right away, sir. 

He left the apartment to find the other crime scene location.

13 minutes later

Batman reached the house.

[Cowl Comms] The casefile is a missing person report. A man named Andrew Thomas is missing for a few days. Last known location was his home. 

(Batman) If there's evidence on his whereabouts, I'll find him.

He looked around the house. It looked fine and there was no sign of struggle, in case he was kidnapped. He eventually found something on the floor.

(Batman) A glass eye.

[Cowl Comms] His file says he has one. I don't think he would intentionally leave it laying on the floor. 

He noticed some blood near where he found it.

(Batman) I don't think it was him who left it on the floor.

He used Detective Mode to scan the blood.

(Batman) This blood is a match for Andrew Thomas.

[Cowl Comms] But what of his body? If he were dead. 

He still had Detective Mode on and noticed something under the floor. He turned it off and punched his fist through the floorboards and removed them.

(Batman) I found him. He's dead.

[Cowl Comms] Oh, dear. 

(Batman) His throat was slit and he has multiple stab wounds. Someone killed him personally to have this many wounds.

He found the knife. Unlike Mary, who tried getting rid of the evidence, this killer was incompetent for leaving the murder weapon with the body of their victim. He scanned it.

(Batman) The handprint on this is for James Tripp. Alfred, search for whatever you can find on James Tripp.

[Cowl Comms] It appears he was a former patient of Arkham, due to schizophrenia. But he was released on grounds after the night Joker took over the Asylum. 

(Batman) I guess he must've snapped and murdered Andrew Thomas. Where is his location?

[Cowl Comms] Sending it to you now. 

Batman followed the coordinates. He eventually found the killer not too far away. He grabbed the man's throat with one arm.

(James) W-what do you want?

(Batman) Justice. You killed a man and hid his body under his house. Why?

(James) The eye! It kept looking at me! Staring into my soul!

(Batman) You killed him because of his glass eye?

(James) It kept speaking to me! I had to silence it!

(Batman) You should've stayed at Arkham longer. Now, you're going to Blackgate, where you'll rot for the rest of your life.

He knocked him out.

(Batman) Gordon, you can close the casefiles. I have both suspects who are murderers waiting to be picked up by the Police.

[Cowl Comms] Good work, Batman.

(Batman) What's the status on the laboratory?

[Cowl Comms] We asking the scientist some questions and he responds saying it was an accident. A chemical residue was found but the forensic team says the structure is complicated and it's beyond record. 

(Batman) I'll take a look into it.

[Cowl Comms] Good to hear. I'll send my men to pick up the suspects. 

Batman went into the lab

24 minutes later

Batman entered the abandoned lab. He looked around, broken beakers, destroyed equipment, and dents on the floor and walls. Batman checked the computer.

(Batman) There's a lot of elements mixed into the same concoction. I can't determine what exactly it is, but I can name a few elements I can recognize. Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Beryllium, Potassium, Xenon, Iron. There is a lot of exotic elements from the periodic table mixed into other things that are unidentified.

[Cowl Comms] Good Lord! I feel horrible for whoever ingested all of that. 

(Batman) There's a lot of stuff that wasn't supposed to be in the concoction. The experiment was ruined. The two scientists are Dr. Howard Long and Dr. Charlotte Oliver.

He checked their files.

Howard Long - ALIVE
Charlotte Oliver - DECEASED

(Batman) Dr. Oliver was unfortunate to be exposed to the concoction. She's dead.

[Cowl Comms] A rather unsavory demise. Poor woman. 

(Batman) The GCPD says it was an accident. Alfred, what do the reports say about Dr. Long?

[Cowl Comms] It says he added an extra elements by mistake. He never specify how, and he left before he knew what happened to his friend. He knows she was exposed to the horrible serum, and died from an overdose of elements. They never found her body. 

(Batman) She most likely tried to flee when she was exposed and tried to get help. She most likely died trying to get help.

[Cowl Comms] I feel awful for her. May she rest in peace. 

(Batman) It looks like the experiment was to cure cancer. Charlotte had cancer.

Batman saw a beaker with a little bit of a white serum in it. He scanned it with Detective Mode.

(Batman) Alfred, scan the element I just sent you and let me know what you read from it.

[Cowl Comms] One moment, sir... It just came in. Oh my... 

(Batman) What do you see?

[Cowl Comms] Many, many elements. They've been corrupted to the point they created a new type of serum. It's a toxic restorative cell that... heals? It also enlarges the muscle and bone structure in the body. 

(Batman) What?

[Cowl Comms] I'm no chemist, but this doesn't seem natural or even real. 

(Batman) If that is the case, maybe Charlotte isn't dead.

[Cowl Comms] And is probably living a fate worse than death. 

Batman can see footprints.

(Batman) These footprints are dated to be recent yesterday.

He set Detective Mode to make the footprints glow so he can follow them.

(Batman) Alfred, I have a lead on Charlotte. If she's alive. I'll let you know how I carry on.

He followed the footsteps. They lead to outside and they scattered around the place. Charlotte must've freaked out upon the accident.

Eventually, the trail runs cold.

[Cowl Comms] Sir, did you find Charlotte? 

(Batman) No. The trail leads to a dead end. The footprints were abruptly cut off. Mostly because they lead to a road and tire tracks smudged the footprints. She could've gone anywhere, or she was possibly hit by a car.

[Cowl Comms] There was no hit and runs in Gotham recently. 

(Batman) None we know about.

[Cowl Comms] I would possibly try to argue with that, but it is Gotham we're talking about. 

(Batman) Charlotte's condition is unknown at the moment. We need to find a body to know for sure, if there is one. I have her picture saved in the Bat-Computer.

He switched the comms to Gordon.

(Batman) Gordon, I need access to the morgue.

[Cowl Comms] What for? 

(Batman) We have a possible ID for the victim of the chemical exposure. She may have died.

[Cowl Comms] I'll be there. 

Batman went to the morgue and reached their shortly. Gordon was there before him.

(Gordon) I'm not sure if she would be here, but if it was recent, it's worth a shot.

They both walked into the morgue. Batman looked at the names. None of them are related to the name Charlotte Oliver.

(Batman) There's nothing here.

(Gordon) Damn. I'd thought she'd be here. Maybe any relatives?

(Batman) I did a background check on her. She wasn't very social when growing up, and both of her parents  are dead from old age. Nobody knows her personally, other than her colleague, Dr. Long.

(Gordon) But he said she's dead.

(Batman) She could be dead. But she could also be alive. I need evidence to confirm it. Any trails that lead to her isn't much help.

(Gordon) Well, if we can't determine her status within 30 days, she'll be presumed dead.

(Batman) If she's alive, I'll find her.

Gordon's radio spoke.

[Radio] All units! All units! There's been a break in at the Wayne-Tech Science Division. 

(Gordon) Hey, Batman--

He was gone.

(Gordon) Every damn time.

Outside

(Batman) Alfred--

[Cowl Comms] I saw, sir. There's a break in. The alarms were on for a short period before they were cut. Power was shut off, which explained why the alarms were turned off. Someone is attempting to steal valuable equipment. 

(Batman) I won't let them.

He grappled to the nearest building and used his Grapple Boost to practically fly to Wayne-Tech. After minutes of gliding, he reached the top floor to see if the intruder has made it there yet. He found a nearby employee that was injured, he's a guard.

(Batman) What happened?

(Guard) There's this thing downstairs. She's huge and she demanded for our chemistry unit. I told her no, and, well, that set her off. She smacked me with the back of her hand and walked around, looking for the chemistry unit.

(Batman) How did she get in?

(Guard) She tore through the wall, like it was paper. I saw some guys draw guns at her but she practically bitch slapped them like she did to me.

(Batman) She could've killed you.

(Guard) Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Maybe she's trying to save time or whatever, I dunno.

(Batman) I'll stop her. Get everyone out of this building.

(Guard) Yes sir.

Batman went to search for this female intruder. He went past the wall she broke through but went back to see it.

(Batman) That's the same type of hole that was created when Riddler was taken out of Blackgate.

[Cowl Comms] So it seems she's responsible for Nigma's escape. What could she want for an annoying man like Edward?  

(Batman) She probably needs his intelligence. And she needs the chemistry equipment for the same reason. I need to stop her.

He went down stairs through the elevator. With the power out, the elevators won't move and there's people trapped in them. He used Detective Mode to locate them.

He pulled off the weak part of the elevator to jump in there.

(Employee) Batman?!

(Batman) Hang on.

He used the REC to power the elevator enough to reach the bottom of the building, safely. He forced the doors opened with his hands.

(Batman) Get out of here.

The all obeyed his command.

(Employee) Thank you.

Batman went find the intruder. He used Detective Mode to make it easier, which it did. One skeletal figure was average sized and the other was way larger than normal.

This is the intruder. She's the size of Bane before he took TN-1. He turned off Detective Mode, and was sneaking up to her.

He noticed the unconscious guards and some employees who were unfortunate to get in her way.

(Moonlight) I don't think you understand the situation here. I'm not here for money or power, I just want your chemistry set and microscopes.

(Scientist) But that is Bruce Wayne's. It's one of the most expensive things in the world.

(Moonlight) So? Wayne can buy another. And it's not like I wanna keep his stuff. I just need it for to fix something, and I'll bring it back. Give it to me, or I'll take it anyway.

(Scientist) I-I can't. I'll lose my job.

(Moonlight) Fine, have your way.

Her hand fits perfectly around his head. Instead of crushing it, she just moved him out of the way. She walked into the chemistry unit, making loud footsteps.

Batman sneaked up to her. He jumps and lands on her shoulders, but she instinctively grabbed him and threw him off.

(Moonlight) Batman. (Sighs) I hoped I got through this fast enough.

(Batman) You're stealing valuable equipment and damaging property.

(Moonlight) Look, I don't have time for this. If you want to walk away without bruises, get out of my way. Now!

(Batman) No.

She just glared at him. He recognized her face.

(Batman) Charlotte?

Her face went blank.

(Moonlight) Me?

(Batman) But... you're dead.

(Moonlight) I wish. But no, I'm alive... and suffering.

(Batman) What happened to you?

(Moonlight) Oh, just some painful transformation and the pain of looking like this. I'm still a little sore.

They both heard sirens, the Police was near. She looks at Batman with thinking eyes and grinned, revealing sharp teeth.

(Moonlight) Actually, I have an idea.

Before he said or did anything, he saw her fist hitting his face, knocking him out.

2 hours later

Batman woke up, tied to a chair

(Moonlight) Wakey, wakey! Rise and shine, bat.

His wrists were tied and his ankles were, too.

(Moonlight) And, in case you're thinking I peeked, I didn't. I don't care who you are, I really don't. You could be the president for all I care.

(Batman) What do you want?

(Moonlight) I want to be normal again. And normal can be subjective to everyone, so, my definition is being the human I used to be. Not whatever the hell I am. I need your help. I believe you could help me.

(Batman) I don't work with criminals.

(Moonlight) (sighs) I figured you would say that, not that I would blame you. Which is why I took the liberty of forcing you to cooperate.

Batman looked to his left to see an IV bag hooked up to his arm with some blood being injected into his veins, her blood.

(Moonlight) If you won't help me, you will join me in my fate. And chances are, you'll die.

(Batman) I'm fine with that.

(Moonlight) You may be about you, but you may not be fine with other people with my blood in them. My blood is indefinite, I could infect the entire world if I wanted to. So, are you going to help, or do I have to infect everyone else?

(Batman) Where is the cure?

(Moonlight) That's the issue. I came to Wayne Tech to get the stuff to create a cure. But you threw a wrench in my plans. So now, you get me the cure for the both of us. The person responsible for this is Dr. Long. Go talk to him, and see what he says. Maybe he'll have the cure. If not, you're doomed.

She untied him but held him with one arm effortlessly.

(Moonlight) If I were you, I'd hurry. Your health won't be good for long.

She broke the window and tossed him out.

(Moonlight) And don't come back until you got the cure!

Batman glides away before he fell too close to the ground. He lands softly.

(Batman) Alfred, Charlotte is alive and she's poisoned me, and is threatening to poison Gotham, too.

[Cowl Comms] Oh, dear! Is there a possible cure? 

(Batman) Yes. Dr. Long may be the only one who can cure the both of us.

He heard a different voice.

[Cowl Comms] Bruce? What's going on? Your suit's bio-analyzer is red. 

(Batman) Nice of you to join us, Oracle. Alfred, bring Barbara up to speed.

[Cowl Comms] Of course, sir. 

[Cowl Comms] But-- 

(Batman) I'll be in touch.

He went back to the lab, it was the only place he knew Dr. Long would be. He got there shortly and he can see the scientist.

(Batman) Dr. Long.

(Howard) Batman? What are you doing here?

(Batman) Charlotte Oliver. Tell me what happened.

(Howard) I swear, it was an accident.

(Batman) It had better be a good one. Charlotte is poisoning me and threatening to poison Gotham as well, and we need a cure.

(Howard) Okay. Charlotte had cancer, so me and her tried creating a cure to it. And if it was successful, we would use it to create vaccines for cancer so nobody would ever have to worry about it again. All went well but then when we were about to test it, I tripped and added more things into it. I dunno what the hell was in it, but it got mixed into our work and the beaker broke near Charlotte. I was terrified so I ran, and I thought she died. I guess not.

(Batman) She hardly looks like what she used to. It's no wonder why she's angry. We both need the cure, or Gotham is going to become like her.

He sighed.

(Howard) And here is the bad news... There isn't a cure for the both of you.

(Batman) What?

(Howard) Look, the disease is very complicated. Her immune system is constantly multiplying to be stronger and is too great to have any medication to help it. No disease or treatment can save her. As for you, her blood is contaminating yours, and it will alter your immune system as well. Creating the cure would be simple, but the ingredients for the cure is the impossible part. I need something pure, something that can heal and is way stronger than the cells in her blood. I estimate by morning you'll be too far gone for a cure.

(Batman) What if I told you I know how to obtain a healing element that is probably stronger than Charlotte's blood? Would that help?

(Howard) Well, sure, but how are you--

(Batman) Prep your equipment and wait for me to return.

(Howard) Okay. Let's hope you're right. Your life depends on it.

Batman left. Once he was outside, he tried contacting Steven. Except Steven is probably asleep, but it was worth a shot anyway.

(Batman) Steven?

Someone responded and it wasn't Steven.

[Cowl Comms] Hello? Batman? Is that you? 

It was his mother, Pink Diamond.

(Batman) Pink, I need your help.

[Cowl Comms] Sure, what is it? 

(Batman) I need the four Diamond essences to help synthesize a cure for a disease that's beyond human record. Gem treatment may counter this disease.

[Cowl Comms] We don't have any Diamond essences stored, although we should in case we encounter a corrupted gem. We would need to go to Homeworld to obtain the other three. 

(Batman) I'm on my way now.

He grappled to the Batwing and had it set to autopilot to Beach City.

[Cowl Comms] Sir, the scan of the serum you sent has been fully uploaded to the Bat-Computer for the full analysis. The serum changes a person's metabolism and blood cells to something worse. It causes their body to be deformed into the growing stages to a higher or lower height. And as far as their blood cells go, they're constantly multiplying and very regenerative of it's self. Any physical injury would be temporary since the blood would restore itself and heal the wound like that. This includes broken bones, bleeding, nerves, illnesses, and even death. How it is possible isn't very clear, because the brain and heart needs blood and, well, it multiplies to fix it. I don't think she could ever die, even if she wanted to. 

[Cowl Comms] That's not all. I've ran a simulation of what would happen to you if you don't get the cure. There's three phases of the disease. The first stage is pale white skin, which is a match to Charlotte's skin. The second stage is fatigue, which will be a serious problem if you're doing something important. And the third is deformation of your muscles and bones, which could kill you. It's 50-50. You die, or you become like her. 

Both Alfred and Barbara informed him.

(Batman) Hopefully, we won't have to find out if I get the cure fast enough for the both of us.

[Cowl Comms] Sir, what would happen to Miss Oliver? Dr. Long said that there wouldn't be a cure for her. 

(Batman) Charlotte would poison Gotham if I don't bring something back to her. And it's worth a try to see if a gem element can counter an Earth element.

He eventually reached Beach City.

Beach City

Batman glides to the porch of Steven's house and opened the door to step inside.

(Pink Diamond) Good, you're here. Whoa...

(Batman) What?

(Pink Diamond) Your face... It's white.

She grabbed a hand held mirror to show him. His face was pale white, identical to Charlotte's face.

(Pink Diamond) Are you poisoned? Is that the disease you talked about?

(Batman) My blood is contaminated. I need that cure before morning.

(Pink Diamond) Okay. I got this.

She showed him a cup of a liquid.

(Batman) What is this?

(Pink Diamond) My tears.

(Batman) How did you... Never mind.

He grabbed a device in his belt to suck up some of her tears. Now he has 1/4 of the cure.

(Batman) Let's go to Homeworld.

They both stepped on the Warp Pad to warp to Homeworld.

Homeworld:

Batman and Pink step off the pad and walked towards the Palace.

(Batman) You don't have to go with me. I only needed someone to warp me to Homeworld.

(Pink Diamond) Are you sure? You don't look well.

(Batman) I'm sure. And if the Diamonds see you, we might be here longer than planned and we don't have much time.

(Pink Diamond) You have a point. Okay, I'll stay.

He walks through the Palace doors, viewing it. Last time he was here, it was more like a private venue, now it was up like public display to everyone. Gems are viewing the Diamond's thrones and their weapons.

(Batman) (coughs)

He coughed up blood. He wiped his mouth with his arm, blood being visible on his gauntlet. He needed the cure as soon as possible.

Bruce went to Yellow Diamond's room first to check on her. He sees her working at her workbench. She's piecing together a gem.

(Batman) What are you working on?

She flinched and turned around.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh, Detective! You startled me. I was just reversing one of my awful experiments. I can't always find every piece. But I recently discovered a new power of mine. I can manipulate a gem's physical form permanently. And I can piece together a gem's shards and power them enough for them to be conscious. After all the damage I've done, it's only right to use my powers for a little reconstruction work on the gems I've hurt. Speaking of which, I've got to reconstruct the gems inside the Cluster.

(Batman) Later. Right now, I need your help.

(Yellow Diamond) What is it?

(Batman) Do you know the cure to corruption?

(Yellow Diamond) Of course. It requires all four Diamonds to heal it. Why do you ask? Did we miss a gem?

(Batman) No. I need all four Diamond essences to help create a cure to a disease.

(Yellow Diamond) Are you infected? Because you don't look to be in good health. Granted, I haven't seen you in over 15 days, but I'm certain your face wasn't pale last time we met.

(Batman) Do you know how to obtain a form of your essence? I prefer a liquid.

(Yellow Diamond) Well, much like Pink, a Diamond's enzymes are one of the purest sources of our essences along with tears and sweat. But since I haven't done any physical exercise or feeling down, I guess my enzyme is what I can do for the moment.

Batman revealed the vial.

(Batman) Spit in this.

(Yellow Diamond) Spit?

(Batman) Gather the saliva in your mouth and force it out of your mouth into this.

She followed his instructions. She gathered large wad of saliva and spit it into the vial. Disgusting, but necessary.

(Yellow Diamond) There. Oh, Detective, you have a little something right here.

She used her thumb to wipe blood off the corner of his lip.

(Batman) Thanks for your help.

(Yellow Diamond) Not a problem. Be sure to return any time.

He left her room to find Blue.

(Batman) (coughs)

He saw her door, he was close. His legs felt weak and numb. He stumbled before falling onto the ground.

(Batman) (labored breathing)

He felt a bright light shining in his eyes. He looks up to see a door opening and two silhouettes.

Martha: Bruce, you can hear me, can't you? You need to step into the light. Your father and I have been waiting. We've miss you so much. You have to do it. We need you to do it. Bruce? Bruce?

The light disappeared and a different feminine being was there.

(Blue Diamond) Bruce? Can you hear me? Hello?

She waved in front of his face. He stood up, slowly.

(Blue Diamond) I heard a noise out here and I see you lying on the ground. Are you okay?

(Batman) I'm fine.

(Blue Diamond) You don't look fine. Your face is pale, like White's. What happened?

(Batman) I'm infected with a disease that is beyond human control. I need the four Diamond essences to create a cure. I have Yellow and Pink's. I need yours and White's.

(Blue Diamond) I have a way of giving you my essences easily. Follow me.

He followed her into her room, only to see clouds everywhere like someone is smoking weed in here (I don't smoke pot).

(Batman) What is all this?

(Blue Diamond) My new power. I'll elaborate.

She cleared her throat.

(Blue Diamond) Back before you came into my life, Bruce, I wanted everyone to feel the pain I felt. Witnessing your resistance against my power made me realize two things. One of them being I must make up for my awful behavior by bringing joy to others.

(Batman) And the other?

(Blue Diamond) I realized that there's some who suffer worse things than grief. And I apologize for bringing up your past through your emotions. In that moment, my tears vaporized into these clouds, bringing pure joy to all those who came into contact with them. Try some.

She blew some at his direction. The cloud touched him and nothing happened.

(Blue Diamond) (gasp) Are you... okay?

(Batman) I said I am fine.

(Blue Diamond) I mean emotionally. If you want to talk about--

(Batman) I said I am fine. 

He spoke in a low, forced tone. He took a Freeze Blast and used it to make the cloud she blew towards him turn into a liquid. He caught most of it with the vial he's using to collect the Diamond's essences in.

(Blue Diamond) Bruce, I'm serious. We can--

(Batman) Thanks for your help, Blue. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer.

He dismissed the conversation to leave. He needed to find White. He finds her door and went through it.

He approached her. She's sitting in her chair, legs crossed, viewing a report with a smile on her face. She moved her eyes and spotted the Caped Crusader.

She dropped everything she was doing to greet him.

(White Diamond) What perfect timing, Wayne. I've just gotten back from my latest charitable escapade. I've been going from planet to planet, giving voice to the little gem. Ah, I see you're sporting a new look under that mask. Perhaps you're attempting to look perfect like me.

(Batman) This isn't intentional.

(White Diamond) So I see. What brings you by to my quarters?

(Batman) I need your help.

(White Diamond) To look magnificent? I could go on for hours and hours to explain the basics of perfection. But I fear you would need sleep and that would get in the way.

(Batman) I don't need beauty lessons. I need your essence to create a cure.

(White Diamond) You require my essence? My, my, I'd never thought of the day someone asked me for my essence. But I guess I haven't seen it all.

(Batman) Where would I obtain your essence? I'm running out of time.

(White Diamond) Fortunately, I have my essence in this.

She showed him a bottle. It wasn't like a drinking bottle, it looked like a soap bottle.

(White Diamond) This is my processed essence I produced to make me glow beautifully. It should work as it would if I'd given you my essence from the source.

He holds the vial and she squirted a handful in her hand and some into the vial. She rubbed the essence on her face, neck, and gem. Batman placed a lid on the vial and shook it a little.

With all four essences, it creates a rainbow color inside the vial.

(White Diamond) There you go. Now, is there anything else you would need from me?

(Batman) No, that would be all. Thanks.

He left.

(White Diamond) Take care, Wayne. Come back soon.

Batman left the Palace. He reached the Warp Pad and showed Pink the vial.

(Pink Diamond) Perfect, Let's go.

On Earth:

They warped into the living room.

(Pink Diamond) I hope whatever you need in that will help you.

(Batman) I do, too. All of Gotham is depending on this.

(Pink Diamond) And if it doesn't?

(Batman) Then tonight will be my last night. My life is depending on the cure.

(Pink Diamond) You could always be resurrected by me, you know...

(Batman) I prefer to die naturally.

(Pink Diamond) Steven wouldn't really want that.

(Batman) I know. But he should respect my decision.

(Pink Diamond) I just hope that day is a long day away for both our sakes.

(Batman) We'll have to see what happens in the morning.

He left to go back to Gotham.

Gotham

Batman made it to Dr. Long's lab, where he was at. He cleaned up the place, though it couldn't be as clean as it would be yesterday

(Howard) You're back.

(Batman) Here.

He gave Howard the four Diamond essences in a vial.

(Howard) I honestly thought you wouldn't return.

(Batman) I'm a man of my word. How long would it be until the cure is made?

(Howard) With whatever this is, it's gonna take it a little while. I should have it done before morning.

(Batman) Will it cure the both of us?

(Howard) For you, yes, I guarantee. Charlotte, I'm not sure. Maybe this stuff would get rid of the abnormalities in her. Though, it's partially doubtful to believe it would cure her 100%.

(Batman) Let me know when you're done. I need to bring it to her.

(Howard) How would I--

Batman gave him a device.

(Batman) Just press the button and you will get direct access to me. You're only keeping it for a short while before I have to ask for it back.

(Howard) Yes sir.

Batman left the lab to go to the Batcave. He used the Batwing to travel there.

(Alfred) Master Bruce, are you okay? You look terrible.

(Batman) Thanks, Alfred.

(Alfred) You know what I meant, sir. What did Dr. Long say?

(Batman) He said the cure would be made before morning and that it's guaranteed to help me.

(Alfred) And Miss Oliver?

(Batman) He doubts it would help her all the way.

(Alfred) Let us hope it does somehow. There's no telling what she would do if it doesn't work.

(Batman) Regardless if it works or not, I'm putting her behind bars.

(Alfred) It won't be easy in the condition she's in. If she capable to break down walls, then she could break you quite easily. No to mention your usual style of brutality won't work due to her regenerative state.

(Batman) Unless the cure works.

(Alfred) True. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Ms. Fitzgerald just left not too long before you arrived.

(Batman) Phoebe? What did she want?

(Alfred) I asked her what she would want at this time of night, and she said she wanted to buy some of our rum.

(Batman) Did you let her?

(Alfred) Reluctantly, I allowed her to buy as much rum as she wants, and it was the good ones, too. She bought over $200 worth and left like that. I guess she has a predilection for rum.

(Batman) I guess we now know what she would want for her birthday.

Batman heard a voice calling him.

[Cowl Comms] Batman, it's ready. 

(Batman) That was fast.

[Cowl Comms] Yeah, I'm kinda surprised as well. You ought to hurry here, better to get it as soon as possible, I know I would. 

(Batman) I'm on my way.

(Alfred) Good luck, Master Bruce.

He got in the Batwing and left. He reached the lab to see Howard holding two vials.

(Howard) Here's yours.

Batman took it and drank the substance in it.

(Howard) With some rest, you'll be back to normal tomorrow.

(Moonlight) And me?

They both turned around to see the woman who sent Batman on the goose chase.

(Howard) Ch-Charlotte! How did you--

(Moonlight) You think I forgot where our lab was? Give me the cure, now!

She demanded. The doctor approached the former doctor with the cure in his hand. But he tripped and broke the vial.

(Howard) Oh, shit!

(Moonlight) YOU MISERABLE, PIECE OF TRASH!

She pushed him away and tried licking up the cure. She cuts her tongue on broken glass. The cure was soiled on the dirty floor, it's worthless now.

Howard got back up on his feet and slowly backed away in fear. She starts to chuckle.

(Moonlight) (chuckling) I get it. This is how it's supposed to be, huh? I get cancer and instead of a cure, I get a Godforsaken disease that makes me look like a monster.

(Howard) Charlotte, it's not like that. It was an accident!

(Moonlight) Oh, you "accidentally" tripped to add the other chemicals to my bottle, and now you "accidentally" tripped and broke my cure? You're either a clumsy doctor, or lying. You're no fit for a doctor anyway.

(Batman) Charlotte--

(Moonlight) No. I'm not Charlotte anymore. Charlotte is dead. I'm just a science experiment gone wrong. My skin and hair are as pale as the Moon that shines it's light onto the Earth. I am... Moonlight!

She declared her new identity.

(Moonlight) And now, Moonlight will kill you both!

She approached them. Batman threw a Freeze Blast on her hand and it did nothing but freeze it. She slammed her frozen hand on the ground and the ice broke, her hand is still intact.

(Moonlight) (laughs) You think my limbs will break in the ice?!

She threw a heavy punch at him but he ducked and her fist hit the wall. He then kicked her knee which forced her to get down on one knee. He jumped and slammed both fists on her head, but it didn't knock her out.

She pushed him off of her.

(Moonlight) Out of ideas, bats?

He gave her a solid punch to her abdomen. She laughed off the punch, it didn't absolutely nothing.

(Moonlight) Test me, come on!

She beckoned for another strike. He jumps and kicked her square in the face. She hardly moved from that.

He then jumped and tried knocking her over by kicking her with both legs but she wrapped her arms around him, ensnaring him. She then squeezed, attempting to crush him. He got one of his arms loose and jammed a Batarang in her eye, taking advantage of her undying life.

She lets go and he backs up. She pulled the Batarang out of her eye and smiled as it healed right in front of both the bat and doctor.

(Howard) I think I'm going to puke.

She inspected the bloody custom-made shuriken before she tossed it to the side. She approached them both again. Batman activated the Shock Gloves to see if electricity would even the odds.

He gave her a punch and she stepped back a little. Then, he pressed both hands against her, trying to electrocute her. She was shaking up a little bit, but she slowly overpowered it and punched Batman back.

(Moonlight) Anything you do won't work. You can't beat me, even if you wanted to kill me. There's nothing in your arsenal that could help.

Batman sprayed Explosive Gel on his fist. He runs and punched her right in the face with it. It detonates on impact and both of them were knocked back.

Batman's gauntlet was damaged and his arm and shoulder are sore. Moonlight was pushed through the walls. Batman gets up to see where she went.

(Batman) She's gone.

(Howard) Oh, God. Where could she be?

(Batman) I'm not sure. But I doubt this will be the last I would ever hear of her.

(Howard) I guess now you made a new enemy.

(Batman) The device.

(Howard) Oh, right.

He gave Bruce the radio.

(Batman) I'd keep a low profile if I were you.

(Howard) Way ahead of you. I... I wished things didn't turn out this way. It really was an accident.

(Batman) I believe you.

(Howard) She doesn't. And she won't be happy until she gets cured, which will be never now, or I'm dead.

(Batman) I won't let her.

(Howard) Nothing can stop her. She's invincible.

(Batman) She's immortal, not invincible. There's a difference.

(Howard) You're fond of breaking bones, that won't work on her.

He looks to see Batman was gone. He prayed Charlotte was still in there deep down somewhere. But right now...

There's only Moonlight.

End of Chapter 13

4/2/2021