American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

38. Teaming Up with Batman

"You found Superman!?"

Hearing this, adult Barry Allen was surprised and delighted. Surprised because he didn't expect old Bruce Wayne to help him and find Superman in such a short time, and delighted because finding Superman meant they could perfectly deal with the big trouble of Zod's invasion.

"Don't get too excited yet. Superman was discovered and imprisoned by the Russians a long time ago. No one knows his current condition. We still need to rescue him before discussing anything further," Alex immediately poured cold water on Barry's enthusiasm.

After all, it was Supergirl, not Superman, who was imprisoned in the military base. Alex didn't want Barry Allen's newfound hope to turn into despair, so he gave a warning in advance.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go quickly. The sooner we rescue Superman, the sooner we can discuss how to deal with General Zod's invasion," adult Barry Allen couldn't wait any longer.

"My Batwing only has two extra seats."

At this moment, Batman chimed in calmly.

His meaning was clear: he could only take two people for this mission. The four of them needed to decide who would go, and he would observe to gather more information about them.

Adult Barry Allen didn't notice old Bruce Wayne's intentions. He immediately spoke up, "I'll go. I know Superman, and I can make him trust us more quickly once we rescue him. Besides, I need to redeem myself. If it weren't for me, this mess wouldn't have happened."

"No, let the professionals handle it," Alex interrupted Barry. He glanced at Bruce and then spoke calmly.

"The timeline of this world is chaotic, so we can't guarantee Superman is the same as in your memory. I understand most multiverse changes, so Pietro and I should go. You two stay in the Batcave."

"But—"

"No buts. You both lack experience. You've lost your superpowers and have no self-defense ability. Young Barry just gained his powers and has no combat experience; he would only be a burden. With Pietro, we don't need another speedster."

"I just want to help," adult Barry Allen said, feeling a bit dejected. He wanted to explain, but Alex's reasoning was irrefutable.

"If you really want to help, stay here. For you, regaining your Speed Force is crucial. The Batcave has everything you could possibly need. Prepare yourself and wait for our return."

Adult Barry Allen nodded. Alex was right. Without his Speed Force, he had no combat capability and couldn't return to his own timeline, which he didn't want.

Alex and Pietro seemed highly professional, giving Barry the feeling he was looking at another timeline's Batman—confident and knowledgeable.

With them handling the mission, rescuing Superman seemed almost certain. Barry needed to focus on regaining his Speed Force.

As Barry predicted, after Batman suited up and adjusted the Batwing, he quickly took Alex and Pietro to their destination.

Under the cover of night, the Batwing arrived undetected over the Russian military base.

"There are parachutes in the bag. Do you know how to use them?" Batman activated the autopilot, stabilizing the Batwing and opening a hatch. The seats descended like landing gear, stopping below the plane.

High-altitude winds whipped Alex's face. He knew this was another test from Batman. Though Alex had never skydived, he didn't need to now.

"Thanks, but we don't need parachutes." Alex patted Pietro's leg, unbuckled his harness, and jumped out.

Pietro understood the signal and followed suit, leaping out and diving through the clouds.

Old Bruce Wayne was surprised but quickly followed.

As Alex plummeted, he adjusted his goggles and pulled out a black umbrella. Seeing the ground approaching, he activated the umbrella, which extended and spun like a helicopter rotor.

Alex didn't fully open the umbrella to avoid the tremendous force that would tear his arms apart. He slowed his descent gradually, adjusting the rotor speed until he landed softly.

Pietro's method was more straightforward. Nearing the ground, he threw glass marbles and used them as stepping stones to 'run' to the ground.

Batman, using his cape as a glider, arrived last, observing Alex and Pietro's unique landing methods.

"You've mastered Cobblepot's gear," old Bruce Wayne remarked casually. Alex just smiled, not responding.

"It seems we're at our destination. This military base is off the records, making it the likely place for holding an alien," Batman said, scanning the surroundings with his Bat-drones.

"Alex, what's our next move?" Pietro readied his lightning rod, eager to test it.

"Don't rush. This is a military stronghold with heavy guards. Infiltration is safer. Pietro, scout ahead," Alex instructed, donning his earpiece.

"No problem." Pietro smiled confidently, donning his earpiece. He turned and paused. "Hey, where did the old man go!?"

Batman had vanished, leaving no trace in the snow.

Alex shook his head, smiling.

"Forget him. Disappearing is Batman's thing. Stick to our plan, Pietro. Be careful."

Pietro nodded, disappearing into the base as a blur.

.....

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
For advance chapters: /Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
39. The Terrifying Invasion.
40. Eerie Arrival!
41. Finding Superman.
42. Kara Zor-El.
43. Comfort.