Chapter 30: Shadows of Manhattan
The cool night air of Manhattan clung to Batman's cape as he crouched on the rooftop, blending seamlessly into the city's skyline. Below him, the port bustled with the clandestine activity of armed men moving crates from a large ship. The criminals worked swiftly, aware of the risks yet oblivious to the silent predator watching from above.
Batman pulled out his binoculars, scanning the scene. Six men were loading the crates onto a truck, while ten others stood guard, guns slung across their shoulders. His eyes
narrowed at the insignia on one of the crates-a mark he'd seen too often lately. Kingpin's operations were growing.
He moved like a shadow, silent and unseen. With practiced precision, Batman dropped down behind one of the guards farthest from the others. A quick strike to the back of the neck, and the man crumpled to the ground.
Batman dragged him into the shadows, swiftly moving toward his next target.
Meanwhile, one of the thugs barked orders. "Get moving, fast! The boss doesn't want anyone messing with this shipment. Especially not that bat freak!"
Unfazed, Batman crept behind another guard, neutralizing him just as quietly.
With two down, he slipped into the ship, his footsteps nearly inaudible. The dimly lit corridors led him to the captain's cabin, where he spotted the thug from before on the phone, nervously reporting in.
"Yes, boss. We're almost done. No issues so far, I swear. We'll have the goods at the base by morning," the man said, his voice shaky.
Batman waited until the man hung up, then silently stepped behind him. As the thug turned, his eyes widened in terror at the sight of the Dark Knight looming over him.
"Ah-"
Before he could scream, Batman's gloved hand covered his mouth.
"Who are you working for?" Batman growled, his voice low and menacing. The man trembled but remained silent, fear evident in his wide eyes.
"I said, who's your boss?" Batman's grip tightened, his patience wearing thin.
"I-I don't know," the man stammered, his voice barely audible.
Batman pressed harder. "If you don't tell me, you'll regret it."
"Kingpin!" the thug blurted out, his eyes welling with fear.
Batman's scowl deepened. Kingpin again.
Without another word, Batman knocked the man unconscious and left the cabin.
Moving swiftly through the ship, he incapacitated the remaining thugs with ease. Once the area was secure, he activated a small transmitter, sending a signal to the NYPD for backup. The authorities would clean up the mess.
As Batman left the scene, gliding from
rooftop to rooftop, his mind raced.
Kingpin's reach was spreading too
quickly. Something bigger was
happening beneath the surface.
But before he could delve deeper into
his thoughts, a sharp whistle cut
through the air. Batman instinctively
dodged to the side as an arrow zipped
past his head, embedding itself in the
wall beside him. He stopped on the
edge of a nearby building, his eyes
narrowing as he searched for the
source.
"Well, well, well... the Batman himself," came a voice from the shadows. A man stepped into view, dressed in black and silver armor, a skull mask covering his face. In one hand, he held a bow, and on his back was a sword and shield.
"I've heard a lot about you," the man said with a smirk. "I'm Taskmaster, and you've made some powerful enemies, Batman. They want you out of the picture."
Without waiting for a reply, Taskmaster unsheathed his sword and charged at inhuman speed. Batman barely managed to dodge, but not without consequence.
The tip of the sword grazed his armor, slicing through it as though it were nothing. Blood trickled from the cut on his chest as he leapt back, his mind racing.
How did he cut through my armor so easily?
Taskmaster stood still, casually twirling his sword. "Shocked? This blade's made of adamantium. No armor can stop it."
Batman's jaw clenched. He'd faced powerful foes before, but Taskmaster was different. His movements were precise, calculated-someone trained to mimic the best fighters in the world.
Batman quickly realized he would need to adapt his strategy.
Taskmaster charged again, this time with a flurry of rapid strikes. Batman dodged and parried, his experience and agility barely keeping him ahead.
But Taskmaster was relentless, and each swing of his sword came closer to landing a fatal blow.
Batman flipped backward, creating distance between them. He needed a plan, fast. Taskmaster grinned beneath his mask, clearly enjoying the challenge.
To be continued....
(A/N): Quick question, we know that batman is now the silent protector of new york but which part.
I was thinking queen's, as manhattan is the hot spot for both heros and villains. So, what do you think.
Also, I want to introduce Bruce's copy skill in his fight against taskmaster (who is a guy). Do I need to think about a brutal and bloody fight between them.