Chapter 24: Unraveling the Mystery
Ethan stood his ground, his fists clenched as Batman loomed in front of him. The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating. He knew Batman wasn't the type to waste time with small talk—if he was here, it meant he had questions. Questions Ethan wasn't sure he had answers for.
"I don't have time for this," Ethan said, shifting his stance slightly. He wasn't looking for a fight, but if Batman pushed, he'd push back.
Batman's eyes didn't leave him. "You fused that weapon in less than a second. That's not normal."
Ethan exhaled. "No, it's not."
"How does it work?"
Ethan smirked. "That's the thing—I don't even fully know."
Batman's expression remained unreadable, but Ethan could sense the wheels turning in his head. The Dark Knight was calculating, analyzing every word, every movement. Finally, Batman spoke. "You're not just some meta-human with a fancy ability. You're something else entirely."
Ethan's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "And what do you think I am?"
Batman didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his utility belt and pulled out a small, sleek device. With a single press of a button, a holographic display projected a series of images—heat signatures, battle footage, even DNA scans. Ethan's heartbeat quickened.
"You've been under surveillance," Batman confirmed. "Gotham isn't kind to unknown variables."
Ethan crossed his arms. "Great. So now what? You take me in? Throw me in a cell?" His voice held a challenge, but Batman merely studied him in silence before speaking.
"No."
Ethan blinked. "No?"
Batman deactivated the display. "You're not a criminal, at least not yet. But you're dangerous, and Gotham doesn't need another wildcard. I need to know if you're a threat."
Ethan hesitated. He had no grand plan, no ulterior motive—he was just trying to survive. But Batman wasn't the type to accept uncertainty.
"I'm not here to cause problems," Ethan finally said. "But I won't just roll over, either. I have my own mission."
"And what mission is that?"
Ethan looked away for a moment before meeting Batman's gaze head-on. "To figure out what I am. And why I'm here."
For a moment, neither spoke. Then, Batman nodded. "Then we start there."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what? You're helping me now?"
Batman turned, motioning for Ethan to follow. "I don't trust you. But I also don't believe in wasting resources. If you want answers, follow me. If not, leave Gotham before I decide you're a liability."
Ethan considered his options. Walking away meant going back to square one—alone. But if he followed Batman, he might finally start getting answers.
With a deep breath, he made his decision.
**To be continued...**