Chapter 11: How to be a superhero step 3
I quickly sidestepped Clayface's massive swing, his hammer-like arm smashing into the floor with a resounding thud that sent dust flying into the air. Without missing a beat, I raised my right hand and fired a repulsor blast at his side, the energy striking his clay-like chest with precision as I moved backward to keep my distance.
"That doesn't work on me, squirt!" he bellowed, his voice oozing with disdain. His chest, momentarily blasted apart, reformed almost instantly, the clay shifting and rippling like water returning to its mold. With a roar, he lunged, his massive hand reshaping mid-air to form a grotesque claw aimed straight for my head.
I ducked just in time, the claw swiping inches above me. As I rolled to safety, I quickly joined both hands together, charging a powerful double repulsor blast. The suit's systems hummed as energy built up, and I unleashed the attack with a blinding burst of light and force, aiming straight at his torso.
"I'm not a squirt!" I shouted as the blast slammed into him, sending chunks of clay flying in every direction. "The name's Iron Spider, mud man!"
Clayface stumbled back, his form destabilizing slightly from the concentrated attack. "You'll regret that," he growled, his body rippling as he began to recover.
[That didn't work, Iron Spider. He'll just regenerate,] Emma said, her tone laced with amusement.
[Yes, I know,] I replied, charging energy into my hands. [But don't worry. I have a plan. Are you happy now?"]
["No,"] she retorted, clearly enjoying herself. [''But I'm surprised you got hit. What happened to your Spider-Sense? Back at the castle, you dodged everything I threw at you''.]
["Spider-Sense works fine," I replied, narrowing my eyes as I focused.[ "I just didn't have enough time to react."]
Clayface had now fully reformed, his hulking body towering as he barreled toward me with alarming speed. His voice boomed, filled with rage. "I'll crush your head into mush!"
"Let's see if you can," I shot back, my hands glowing brighter with each passing second.
[Electrical discharge: 100% ready,]Emma informed me through the comms.
Without hesitation, I clapped my hands together and slammed them into the ground.
ending a massive wave of electricity coursing through the ground. Arcs of lightning crackled outward, illuminating the darkened hall as the ground beneath Clayface sparked and hissed. His charge faltered as the electricity coursed through his muddy form, forcing his body to writhe and destabilize rocking him out .
"Let's see you regenerate from this," I muttered, watching as the electricity did its work.
"How am I kidding? He'll regenerate from this," I said to Emma while collecting a DNA sample from Clayface's unconscious form. "But at least he'll remain out cold for about five hours."
"I've got bad news," Emma chimed in, her voice slightly tense. "Batman has arrived with his sidekicks. They're making their way toward you."
"Yeah, that's definitely not great," I muttered, securing the sample and standing up. "Looks like I won't be getting DNA from Killer Croc today. My little chat with Mr. Freeze? Postponed. No problem—we win some, we lose some."
With that, I began making my way toward the section of the prison where Batman was already engaging some of the criminals. By the time I arrived, the fight was over. Batman and his sidekicks stood victorious, surveying the aftermath. There they were: Batman, the Dark Knight himself, aka Bruce Wayne; Red Robin, aka Tim Drake; Robin, aka Damian Wayne; and Orphan, aka Cassandra Cain. That's a solid lineup.
Before I could say a word, Batman's sharp gaze locked onto me. His gravelly voice broke the tense silence as he stepped closer. "Who are you?"
His sidekicks instinctively shifted into defensive stances, ready for a fight.
"Hey there, friendly superhero reporting for duty. Name's Iron Spider," I said, letting the voice modulator in my suit .
Batman's expression didn't shift as he stepped closer, his tone gruff. "Why are you here?"
"I was nearby helping out when I heard about the breakout at Arkham," I explained casually. "Thought I'd lend a hand. Ivy and Clayface are already dealt with—they'll be out cold for at least four to five hours." Of course, I had my own motives for being here, but there was no need to share those.
Robin, standing a step behind Batman, raised his sword slightly. "You just happened to be in the area during a breakout? Sorry, but I don't buy it."
I chuckled under my breath. "Really? In a world with flying aliens , this is where your suspension of disbelief hits a wall?"
Batman cut in, his voice sharp. "If you're really here to help, why haven't I heard of you before?"
"Simple," I said, spreading my hands. "First day on the job as a superhero. Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?"
Before Batman could press further, Commissioner Gordon arrived, his presence cutting through the tension.
"Batman," he said with a nod before turning to me, his brow furrowed. "And you are?"
"Iron Spider," I replied, offering a mock salute. "Your new friendly superhero."
"Great," Gordon said dryly. "Another one."
"He's not mine," Batman said immediately, as if preempting the thought.
"Correct," I added quickly. "I'm fully independent."
Gordon nodded, choosing not to linger on the matter. "Anyway, the criminals are apprehended, and Black Mask has gone into hiding. Thank you for your help, Batman."
"How many times have I told you, Gordon?" Batman replied with a faint sigh. "No need to thank me."
"Looks like the job here is done," I said, activating the thrusters on my suit and hovering slightly off the ground. "I'll leave the cleanup to you professionals . Time to see who else needs saving in the city. Remember the name—Iron Spider. And don't forget—I'm independent." With that, I took off into the sky, leaving the Bat-family behind.
As I soared away, I heard Robin's dry comment behind me. "Great, another Nightwing in the city."
Tim, ever the calm one, shrugged. "Could be worse."
Batman didn't waste time addressing the banter. "I'll check on Ivy with Orphan. Robin, Red Robin—go secure Clayface."
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