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yall-batman-fanfic · 3 months ago

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The Consultant: Morgan le Fey Case | Batman/Bruce Wayne x Magician!OC ft. the Justice League

Synopsis: After the events of Angels & Demons, the Justice League now turns to Vivian for certain cases that they nor the JLA Dark can handle.

Note: This is a long chapter with almost 15 000 words.

Ever since she regained her powers from the binding, Vivian has been called to the Justice League to consult on certain cases. As much as possible, they would go to their magical experts in the League but sometimes Zatanna and the other members of the Justice League Dark got their hands full, or the cases were beyond their knowledge. In this case, Zatanna was the one who told them that their best option was either John Constantine, who was currently hiding so well the JLA was unable to find, or Vivian Pryor.

“John’s a human mage, he knows more about dark magic than I do,” she decided to leave the fact he was infected with demon blood. “And Vivian, they were close. She may be homo-magi like me but her practices are influenced by John.”

“Because he taught her,” Wonder Woman concluded.

“Yes, and there is also the fact she’s a descendant of generations of witches that goes beyond the Salem Witch Hunt. Then there is also the fact that she’s a professor who studies symbols and icons, she also uses that knowledge in her magic. If there’s anyone who can deal with dark magic, it’s those two. It’s how they can stand the feeling of using dark magic I can never comprehend.”

Problem was, Batman just gave Vivian’s reply to the JLA’s invitation, which was a “thanks but no” – not her exact words but that’s how Hal took it. Knowing the Bat and how protective he was of his personal life, especially towards his family, it won’t be easy to ask him to have her help.

Their best option was to approach Vivian themselves and ask her.

They can’t go to her in their hero identity, so Clark and Diana approached her while in their civilian identities as Clark Kent, reporter, and Diana Price, museum curator. On this particular day, Vivian is working at Gotham Museum, making it easy for them to call for her without arousing suspicion from her colleagues.

After asking for Vivian at the front desk, the two led to a certain part of the museum by the attendee and were brought to the Wayne Family Wing where Bruce Wayne stood in his suit, admiring the large painting on the wall.

Shit.

Of course, he would find out first.

The attendee told Bruce that the guests were there and then left, closing the wing’s door after him.

“Mr. Wayne,” Clark greeted him first.

“This was painted by a Gothamite artist back in the beginning of the 20th century,” Bruce began. “It was inspired by The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism by Gustave Doré. But instead of Christianity triumphing over pagan belief, the Gothamite artist placed the five founding families being triumphant over angels and demons. There has been a debate if the artist’s message was supposed to show the hubris of Gotham’s Founders, or the resilience of Gothamites over natural and supernatural disasters. Man killing gods. ”

“Bruce,” Diana started.

Bruce faced them, frowning. “Do you really think I wouldn’t know if you entered Gotham?”

“It’s important, Vivian is the only one who can help us and you know it,” said Clark.

“I may not like this but this is her decision to make.”

“Then what’s this whole show then?”

“To remind you not to go behind my back ever again. Especially when bringing my wife into this business.”

The sound of boots clicking on the floor caught their attention, and entering from the other closed door was Vivian Pryor-Wayne, dressed in her daily work outfit with her tweed jacket, turtleneck, and skirt.

“I just finished my lecture,” Vivian informed them, “Sorry if I took so long.”

“They didn’t make an appointment,” said Bruce and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“So, what can I do for you both?”

“Is there a place we can speak privately?” Clark asked.

“Don’t worry, the area is secured. I placed a spell to keep our discussions from leaving the room. No one will hear us, even if they try to listen in. So, what can I do for the Justice League? I assume it is the Justice League since you went behind Batman’s back to talk to me and failed. But good effort.”

“Morgan le Fay.”

“Ah! Good old Morgana.”

“We assume you've encountered her?” Diana said.

“Yes, I have. Not a very good encounter too. Especially with her son, Mordred. He's a bit of a mama's boy. What did the incestuous sorceress do now?”

Clark took note of the descriptive word Vivian used on the sorceress but decided not to mention it. Instead, he offered his mind to show the cases they have found recently. Using her magic, Vivian used one of the old mirrors in the exhibit display and had the memories appear in replace of their reflection.

“Multiple accounts of bodies suddenly in that state were found in numerous places in London. Zatanna was the one to identify it was dark magic used. For the castor, Green Lantern was the one who saw the case and had to retreat when he too was almost…”

“When his soul and life force was almost sucked in by the sorceress,” Vivian continued, her eyes never leaving the mirror as she studied the scenes.

“Why wasn't I informed about this?” Batman demanded.

“You were busy in your own missions, Batman,” said Diana, as if it were enough to explain to one of the founding members of the Justice League. It wasn't.

“So, what do you think she's doing? A power-grab? Some tool she needs to power up for? Superman asked.

“No. Mortal souls cannot power any magical tool — unless you want to create the Alchemyst's Stone,” Vivian pondered aloud.

“You mean the Philosopher's Stone?”

Vivian looked closer to the scene where Green Lantern got a good look at Morgana. Her face. “She's aging. Her immortality is fading… why?”

“You're the expert here, Viv.”

Vivian closed the mirror spell with a wave of a hand and turned to them. “I'll take a look at this. See why the old bat is getting old and try to reason with her.”

“How about you apprehend her?” Diana said.

“I'm not a member of the Justice League, and with good reason,” Vivian shoved her hands deep in her pockets. “There's an unspoken rule in our community. We don't mind each other's business and we don't find ourselves killed. It's either I leave you alone or I kill you. This is dark magic, we can't just hold hands and hope fore rehabilitation or hope for the system to do its job. People like Morgan le Fey do not submit to any kind of jurisdiction.

“The best I can do is to see what’s wrong, help her out so she stops this soul sucking gig she's started. If you want to apprehend her, do it after I do my thing make it look like I wasn't part of it.”

“That’s not how the League operates,” said Diana.

“It's survival. There's a whole world of dark magic users, and I don't want to be marked as a whistleblower. It's a one way trip to hell. The magical community is vast, Wonder Woman. We lurk amongst mortals without them nor the JLA knowing, but we know each other, and it's easy to find that one person who told the JLA about Morgan le Fey and helped them. If you want my help. Those are my terms. I talk to her, give her what she needs but I don't let you take her. For my sake and for Bruce and my family, I'll need to take you down too.”

Bruce smirked and turned to Superman and Wonder Woman, “Well? Do you still want her as a consultant?”

Reluctant, Superman and Wonder Woman nodded and said, “Yes. We'll agree to your terms.”

“Great,” Vivian clapped her hands and her work clothes changed to a pair of dark trousers, a white shirt, and a long, maroon coat that fanned around whenever she moves; and in her hands a thin and sharp hair stick appeared which she used to tie her hair. It was both an accessory and a weapon. “Let's go!”

“Just like that?” Superman said.

“Well, do you want Morgana to suck more souls?”

“No.”

“I'm coming with you,” Batman said. “I'll change in the car.”

“You brought the Batmobile?” Clark asked.

“No, but we're taking my car first and then meet the Batmobile somewhere,” said Vivian. “I don't suppose you two are coming along?”

“There's no space,” Bruce stated.

“It's a five seater, Bruce,” Clark stated. “I've seen Vivian's car.”

“There's still no space.”

“He's embarrassed to change while you're in there,” she teased her husband. “But this isn't turf, Superman. Your vibrant red and blue don't blend in with the darkness.”

“Robin wears red, green, and yellow, Viv,” Clark countered.

“It's more of a rank thing really. The baby bird isn't ready to blend in the night just yet.”

“I thought Jason was baby bird?”

“He's grown out of it. Imagine calling a hulking man ‘baby bird’. So, I'll have Batman was my personal escort around — send him the details and I'll be sending you the bill right after.”

“Are you going to charge us?”

“Kidding! Not really,” she whispered in the last part.

~*~

Driving into the crypts brought nostalgia to Vivian. These were the very same crypts that she and Bruce went to on their first mission together when Deacon Blackfire killed her agent and tried to kill her to bathe in her blood. After closing this part of Gotham, Bruce went back and made it look like the place was blocked away from the public, but he actually turned it to a secret place for meet ups with the Batmobile.

“Not a stone nor dirt out of place,” Vivian giggled as she saw the gargoyles she summoned to life and protect Batman from Deacon's followers and cage them. . “How sweet of you.”

Batman smiled. “Nostalgic?”

“Yeah, it was my very first case with the Batman.”

Bruce chuckled, he took Vivian's hand and caressed the rings she wore. Her engagement ring and wedding band. “Who would have thought a case involving a murder and Deacon Blackfire wanting to kill you for your blood would lead to this.”

“Who would have thought indeed,” Vivian got on her toes and placed a kiss on his lips. “Alfred's running late.”

Bruce wrapped his arms around her. “I don't mind.”

Grinning, Vivian brought him down for another kiss, this time much deeper and passionate –

“Well, this is…” Clark's voice echoed in the dark crypt.

Breaking the kiss, Vivian and Batman found the Kryptonian floating a few feet above ground looking at them.

“What are you doing here?” Batman questioned him.

“Diana and I thought it would be best if I come along, incase of back-up.”

“I'm back-up.”

“No offense, Clark, but to be honest, I think J'onn would be more suitable for this mission. Or Dinah and Oliver,” said Vivian.

“What's the problem with having me around?”

“They're inconspicuous.”

“Batman is a known founding member of the Justice League,”

“Yeah, he blends in, and he's already built a name there.”

A years ago, during her and Bruce's date, they encountered a mystery of a wolf terrorizing Eastend. First problem: there were no wolves in Gotham. Second: if there was, there was no reports of the zoo losing one. Turns out the wolf was a man who was turned to a werewolf, and to help him, Vivian brought Bruce – who was in disguise as some random person – to one of the hidden clubs in Gotham that was run by a voodoo witch-doctor, Papa Midnite. It was there that Bruce saw the truth of the dark arts and the supernatural world. They were able to save the man who was turning into a werewolf by giving him a wolfsbane potion, which Vivian brew, and sent him back home to his family.

The Batmobile arrived, entering from the tunnels, and after parking beside Vivian's car, Alfred got out and greeted them. “Early shift, Sir?”

“Hi Alfred,” Clark greeted.

“There's a case that Vivian is needed by the JLA. Can you take her car back to the manor using the same route we took,” said Bruce.

“If I can drive that vehicle with so many buttons with half of it being a button to self-destruct or destroy a building, I'm sure I can manage a simple sedan,” said Alfred.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Vivian handed him the keys.

“Coffee, Mrs. Pryor?” the old butler handed her a thermos.

“You always know what I need,” she happily took the thermos.

“How many have you drunk since this morning?” Bruce asked. Vivian ignored him and got in the front seat of the Batmobile. “You're riding at the back.”

Clark sighed but smiled. “Figures.”

“And change, I have some civilian clothes there that would fit you.”

Superman floated to the back, sat down, and buckled in. Batman sighed and went to the driver's seat, he said goodbye to Alfred before closing the hatchet and driving away.

“So, that's the place you both met?” Clark spoke as he changed to the clothes Bruce mentioned.

“Not really met but where we ended the case,” said Vivian. “The first time I encountered Batman I was nineteen and just moved to Gotham. He saved me from some muggers who were about to… you know.”

“I see…”

“He was still clumsy then, too. Got stabbed a couple of times.”

“It was the first year, Viv,” said Batman. “You were nineteen then?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Nothing. I just remember how younger you are than me.”

Vivian reached out and caressed his cheek to reassure him that it shouldn't bother him too much. “Then after that, some other cases, like Firefly burning a club — saw Batman there, he got everyone to safety. Not that I needed saving then because of my magic.”

“You were out of practice.”

Vivian shrugged. “Then the other time at the bank.”

“You seem to have gotten in the middle of the crossfire of Gotham's crimes too often even before meeting Bruce,” said Clark.

“It's Gotham City.”

“The first official meeting we had was during her book launch,” Bruce spoke. “But as Bruce Wayne, the first time I met her as Batman was when Gordon had her in protective custody in a house at Gotham Heights.”

Vivian smiled at the memory. It was the first time that someone gave her that sense of safety whenever her magic made her sensitive to the ghosts around her. “Oh, turn here,” she told Batman.

“We're not going to the club?”

“We are, but we need to bring something for him — a trade.”

Vivian got out and bought something from the shop. It took her a little while but she returned with a bottle of brandy and vodka.

Arriving at the club, Batman parked his car in the alleyway and followed Vivian. He told Clark to keep his head down and follow their lead as they descended the sketchy looking stairs and stood before a bouncer that was bigger than him and Bruce.

“Pyotr,” she greeted.

The man, Pyotr smiled, and for a moment his eyes shone red. “Vivian Pryor,” he greeted with a thick Russian accent.

Vivian got out a bottle. It was vodka.

Pyotr sighed and spoke in old Russian, “Rules, Vivian.”

Vivian replied in the same language, “Please. You let me do it the last time.”

“Consequences.”

“I'll handle, Papa Midnite. Please.”

Pyotr looked at her as she pouted and sighed. He messed with her hair, making Vivian snicker, and took the bottle. “But first,” he showed the card where two ducks sat on a cloud.

“Two frogs on a bench,” she replied.

Pyotr moved aside and opened the door for her. She, Batman, and a disguised Clark entered the club where an eternal night was. Music blared loudly and luminous lights flashed around. People – rather, creatures and immortal beings were inside dancing, drinking, or fucking on the benches. Clark wasn't sure what to react with what he was seeing, it was just too much for him.

“Easy, boy scout,” Batman teased him. “This is just the first floor. The ones below are much, much darker.”

“There's more?” Clark said.

“The lower you go, the more things get complicated and unconventional. Keep up.”

The two men followed Vivian to the guarded double door where she spoke to the two… vampires. They looked at her then to Batman and Clark. “They're with me,” she told them. “And Papa Midnite wouldn't want my or my guests' blood all over the floor.”

Reluctantly, the two moved aside and let them through. Behind those doors, Clark was surprised to find the room quieter and more civilized. There was a library inside and a collection of magical items. The further they went in, Clark found himself disoriented. Weren't they in the basement earlier? How come they were now walking into a shop that had the view of another side of Gotham.

“Vivian Pryor,” Papa Midnite greeted her. “Welcome back.”

“Papa Midnite,” Vivian greeted and showed him the brandy.

The witch-doctor accepted the gift and placed it on his desk. “I see you brought Batman again, and another one.”

“JLA business — they asked for a consultation.”

“Then you're getting paid.”

“Their payment is getting off my back for a couple of months. It's about Morgana.”

“Ah, the King's half-sister.”

“And the mother of his living child, Mordred.”

“You're going to turn her in?”

“No. My concern is just her stopping with the whole soul-sucking business. And to do that I need to help her gain her immortality and be off my merry way.”

“Why not take every bit of power she has?”

“I can't do that –”

“Can't you? You can if you wish — Phoenix. Destroyer of Worlds. Creator of Life. The Ouroboros.”

“So, you know.”

“Everyone knows. We all felt it, just as we felt it found its host in you, Vivian. Like I said,” he opened the bottle and poured it into two glasses. “Welcome back.”

Vivian took the glass and clinked it with Papa Midnite's own. “John helped with controlling it. And he's teaching me.”

“That does not sound like Constantine,” Papa Midnite moved around to look for something in his study.

“He makes me take him to a pub right after.”

“That sounds like John,” Papa Midnite returned with a vial in hand. “Blood of the demon.”

“She's already a monster, Midnite.”

“Which is where the Alchemyst's Stone is needed. Normally to use the Stone, a hundred sacrifices is needed, but with this demon's blood, one drop is enough.”

“Why go through that massacre?” Clark spoke for the first time since they entered the shop.

“Because it is easier to get a hundred souls than to call and fight the demon Mictlantecuhtli.”

“People die before they can even finish the ritual. Killing is far easier then,” Vivian took the vial and hid it in her coat's pocket. “The Stone?”

“I do not have it.”

Vivian sighed. “Do you know where it is?”

“You know who to ask.”

“Right…”

Smiling, Papa Midnite gave her another thing. A gallow's rope. “Safe trip, Vivian Pryor.”

Vivian accepted the rope and led Batman and Clark out of the store. This time Clark was really, really confused. How did they end up back where they came from? Even the Batmobile was there!

“Where to now?” Batman asked her.

“I need to ask the Fates where the stone is,” Vivian replied. “But first, I need to gather my offerings.”

“Offerings?”

“I need a snake.”

“There's a pet store not far.”

“And a crossroads.”

“Does the intersection work?”

Vivian laughed. “How about somewhere that's not in the middle of traffic? We can head to the Estate. There's a perfect crossroads there. First, can you get the snake?”

Batman nodded and went to the pet store across the road.

Clark went to her side and watched as Batman went inside, like it was a normal thing to do in his uniform. “I don't think I'll ever get used to this.”

“The magic or Batman going to a pet shop because I said pretty please?” Vivian smiled as she watched Batman point to the large snake in the tank and paid the store attendant.

“Both.”

Not long, Batman returned with the snake in the tank. Vivian reaches inside and lets the snake crawl around her arm and into the pocket of her coat, surprising the two men.

“That was a snake, Vivian,” Batman pointed out. “And I paid for the tank.”

“Then take it back and get your money,” she teased.

“I'm more concerned with the snake in her coat,” said Clark.

“It'll be okay.”

“My concern is mostly for you.”

“I'll be alright. Let's go,” she got inside the car and acted normally, as if she were not holding a snake in her coat.

Superman turned to Batman and said, “Do you ever get used to this?”

“No. Not really. It's what makes our marriage interesting.”

~*~

It was deep into the Wayne Estate that Vivian found the crossroads she needed. Using the tree she had the gallows’ rope tied to it, and in the middle of the crossroads she stood. It was getting dark now, and in any minute the sun will be gone, making it the perfect time for her to make the call.

Not far from where she stood, Batman and Superman stood by the Batmobile, watching. The latter was completely confused as to why Vivian had all of these prepared and for what.

“I see,” Alfred appeared. “Another summoning ritual, Sir?”

“Yes.”

“This isn't the first time?” Superman asked them.

“No, but this is different from the last,” said Alfred.

“The last time she summoned a ghost to speak for another case,” said Batman.

“This is beyond interesting, Bruce,” Superman muttered.

Darkness came to the skies and in the middle of the crossroads, where she stood, fire appeared, burning the grass to create the symbol. Kneeling on the ground, Vivian began the ritual, “Maiden, Mother, Crone, your child, your blood, summons you. I heed your aid in this trial I face. I call for the aid of the Fates. The-Three-Who-Are-One, The-One-Who-is-Three. The Hecate.”

Lightning flashed in the once clear dark skies, and mist surrounded the area making it hard for the three men to see her.

From where she stood, Vivian saw the silhouette of three women appearing. One a Crone, one an older woman, and one a maiden. They flashed before her, slowly approaching until they surrounded Vivian. The Fates have arrived.

“Vivian Pryor, it's been a while,” said the Maiden.

“You've grown since we last spoke, love,” said the Mother.

“You were but a wee child clutching to her mother's skirts when we last saw you,” said the Crone.

“But we've seen you. Watched you,” said the Maiden. “Grew with you,” she had Vivian stand.

A hand was placed on her belly. “And grieved with you,” said the Maiden.

“And saw your imminent return,” said the Crone.

Vivian kept her head bowed but she would peek at the Fates, humbled before their presence. “I was just a child when I saw the Hecate… it was you who gave my mother the answers to hide my power and how to hide me.”

“Do you wish to hide, child?” The Mother asked.

“No. I do not. I am in need of your help.”

The Crone scoffed. “Another request. Pryor women.”

“Calm now, sister-self,” said the Mother.

“Vivian has brought gifts,” said the Maiden.

“Vivian opened her coat and lets the serpent slither from the pocket and to her arm where the Crone's hand met hers. The Mother welcomed the serpent and let it enter her mouth. Swallowing it whole was the Maiden.

“You may ask us three questions,” said the Crone.

“And get one answer from each of us,” said the Maiden.

“Thank you,” Vivian bowed her head. “My first question: The Alchemyst's Stone. It was once owned by the witch-doctor, Midnite, where is it?”

It was the Maiden who answered: “It was last seen and bought by a wealthy man.”

For a moment, Vivian saw an auction take place and shown at the stage was the Alchemyst's Stone. The beautiful stone wrapped in gold and encased in glass. She sat in the back with the Maiden at her side and watched as a bald man raised the highest bid and bought the item.

“When was this?” Vivian asked the Maiden.

“Vivian,” the Maiden laughed lightly. “One question, one answer.”

They have returned from the scene and Vivian stood before the Mother. “Next question: The Arcana. Where can I find it?”

It was the Mother who gave the answer: “It has been in the possession of a Demon in the shadows.”

She watched from the corner of the room as the man wearing a green cloak place the Arcana back on the shelf. She didn't need to see his face to know who he was.

A frown etched to her mouth, “Ras al Ghul. Where is he now?”

They have returned to the crossroads. “One question, one answer!” The Mother reminded her.

“My last question then,” Vivian said. “How did Morgan le Fey lose her immortality?”

It was the Crone who stood before her and gave the answer: “Bold question, child.”

“My last question,” she told the Crone.

The Crone looked at her for a moment and answered, “Promises left unkept tires the patient son.”

“Mordred,” Vivian watched as the blond boy stood in his castle. “How did he do it?”

“YOU HAVE ASKED YOUR QUESTIONS, ONEIDES!” The Fates flashed before her, merging their forms until they disappeared as if they never were there, and taking with them the gallows.

Returning to where the three men stood Vivian was met by Batman's question: “Did they come?”

“Yes, they did,” she replied.

“We didn't see them, it was just you we saw the entire time. Did you get what you need?” Superman asked.

“I did. I got names. Leads,” Vivian took a breath. “There are two things we first need to find. The Alchemyst's Stone is close by, problem is it's in the possession of someone you won't like.”

“Who is it?” Batman asked.

“Lex Luthor.”

“I'm not even surprised. What else?”

“The Arcana. You won't like the answer for this — rather, I don't like the answer. It's with Ras al Ghul.”

Batman frowned.

“And I know who took Morgana's immortality. But first those two things,” Vivian turned to Superman. “I can't just take the Stone, Luthor needs to give it to me.”

“It just so happens,” Alfred spoke. “Mr. Luthor has an event tomorrow night. You might be able to sway him to give the Stone. Mr. Luthor has shown his fondness of Ms. Vivian – apologies for my implication, Ma'am.”

“Well, you are right about that, Alfred,” Vivian shrugged. “Even if it creeps me out.”

“It looks like we'll be attending Luthor's event tomorrow night after all,” Bruce muttered. “I don't like this. Not one bit.”

“Neither do I… we'll call you once we got everything, Clark,” Vivian said to the Kryptonian. “Tonight, Bruce and I are just going to visit Damian's grandfather… do you think he'd like to come along? I mean, Talia will be there too.”

“I think it would be nice… do you want to stay behind?”

“No. I wanna look Talia in the eye, and besides, Ras al Ghul will wonder what you need it for.”

“I'll tell him it's an errand for my wife.”

“I'm still going. Last thing I need is Talia doing something — she might get a piece of your hair and make another kid with you using that.”

“I don't think that's how…” Clark trailed off.

“You get the point!”

~*~

Sitting in the back of the Batjet, Damian Wayne awkwardly watched as his father and his surrogate mother sat silently through the whole flight. This was the first time they were quiet in a long while. He knew it had to do with the fact they were visiting his grandfather and his mother, and normally Damian wouldn't care but when it comes to Batman and Vivian, it was concerning.

“Tell me again, why do we need to see them?” Damian asked.

“That's how shared custody works,” Vivian muttered.

Bruce sighed. “There's a book we need to get. Vivian thought you might want to see your mother and your grandfather.”

“I see,” his gaze went to the back of Vivian's headrest where he could see locks of her auburn hair peeking at him. “I'll keep watch on Mother. Make sure she does not do anything she's not supposed to.”

At the front, Vivian smiled. Reaching out, Bruce took Vivian's hand and filled the gaps between her fingers. He leaned down a little to meet her hand to kiss. A simple gesture but it was enough to defuse the tension. It made Damian smile.

Arriving at the Headquarters of the League of Assassins. Batman landed his jet at one of the bases of the mountain and the three of them entered Ras al Ghul's tower using Vivian's magic. No need to sneak through the many guards when they have a shortcut.

Stepping inside, Ras al Ghul did not mind them until he's poured himself a drink. “Detective, nice of you to let me see my grandson,” said Ras al Ghul. When he turned to see them, he faltered when he saw Vivian. “I was not expecting your wife.”

“Ras al Ghul,” Vivian greeted.

“Grandfather,” Damian stood before him. “Where is Mother?”

Ras looked at them for a moment and then called for his daughter. A moment later, the door opened and a woman with brown hair and green eyes came. The same green eyes as Damian.

“Damian,” Talia said, quite surprised at their presence. “Beloved.”

Vivian frowned at what she called Bruce.

“Talia,” Bruce said, coldly.

Talia's gaze then turned to Vivian. “You're here.”

“Nice to see you too, Talia,” Vivian muttered. Turning to Damian, she pulled down his hood and brushed her hand through his hair. “Go to her,” she said with a soft tone.

Damian gave Vivian a soft gaze and squeezed the hand on his shoulder before coming to see his mother.

“What is this visit about?” Talia questioned. “Have you grown tired of seeing our son?”

“I've accepted Damian as one of my own,” Vivian said.

“But he is not. He is mine and Bruce's. He looks so much like him, doesn't he? Our perfect boy.”

“Talia,” Ras warned her. Surprising his daughter.

Vivian turned away from Talia and approached Ras al Ghul. “I need to speak to you.”

“Of course,” Ras al Ghul bowed slightly. “Follow me, Phoenix.” He led her to another door which was his study. Closing the door behind him, Ras al Ghul said, “You trust me so easily.”

“I don't,” Vivian said.

“Yet you easily turn your back to me.”

Vivian turned to him with a smirk. “But you wouldn't dare now, wouldn't you? You know what I can do before you can even blink.”

Ras al Ghul chuckled. “You are learning the ways of your husband… or the ways of your second son.”

“It was Jason who learned from me.”

“He has always been close with you — when he was revived from the Pit, the first thing he looked for was you.”

Vivian touched the locket that rest on her chest. “Dick is my first son, but I didn't really feel like a mother until he grew up and moved out. With Dick, he's someone I can count on. Someone who was there since the very beginning. With Jason, I got to be that. I got to be a mother.”

“What brings the Hostess of the Creator of Life in my presence?”

“The Book of Arcana. I am in need of it.”

“And you cannot have it unless I give it willingly to you,” said Ras as he went to the shelf where he kept the book for so long. “Here,” he handed the book to her.

“That easy?” Vivian raised a brow at him.

“Yes.”

“I thought there'd be like a negotiation or something,” Vivian took the book from his hold.

“I have memorized its content. I have no need of it. And I think taking in the son of your husband with my daughter is painful enough.”

Vivian frowned. “Like I said, Damian is mine, just as Dick, Jason, and Tim are mine.”

“But there is still the bitterness, yes?”

“Towards Talia? Yes. Damian? None,” Vivian hid the book in her coat. “Thank you for that, we'll be taking our leave now.”

Ras al Ghul nodded and lets Vivian leave the room. In the previous room, she saw Batman still standing where he was while Talia sat on the couch with Damian standing at her side. The two were speaking but ended when Damian saw Vivian and said, “Are you finished, Mom?”

“Mom?!” Talia sneered.

“Yes. Let's go!” Vivian smiled and had Damian under her arm. “Say goodbye to your Mother.”

“That was quick,” Batman said to her.

“Ras was cooperative today,” Vivian shrugged.

“Until next time, Beloved,” Talia told Bruce, and ignored Vivian.

Bruce glared at Talia and called for Damian so they can leave. The boy did not wait and jumped out of the window, then used his grappling to catch him. When it was their turn, Vivian was about to levitate her and Bruce but he told her to wait. About to ask, Bruce cut her off with a deep and passionate kiss. She was surprised at first but then a smile crept to her lips and kissed back. When Bruce wrapped his arms around her, she cupped his face and tried to pull away but Bruce followed her.

“Bruce,” she said between kisses. “She gets the point.”

“Are you still pissed?” He murmured against her lips.

She shook her head and kissed him once, “No. Not anymore. Let's go home, my love.”

Bruce kept his arms around her and jumped them off the tower where he used his grappling to land them safely where Robin was.

“What took you so long?” Damian demanded.

“I said goodbye to your mother,” Vivian shrugged.

He raised a brow at them. “And what did she say?”

“She'll see you at Christmas,” she patted Damian's cheek.

“Really?” Damian turned his back to them. “Next time, make sure to turn off your comms before doing something so disgusting, Father.” He marched towards the jet and went inside.

“Please don't tell me…” Vivian muttered.

“Yeah, we all heard it,” Oracle spoke through their comms, which Bruce put on speaker for her to hear. “Hi, Viv.”

“Hi, Barbara… patrol night?”

“Patrol night. The boys have a lot to say…” She turned back their comms and then voices overlapping each other were heard.

“FUCKING KILL ME AGAIN!” Jason exclaimed.

“THE FUCK WAS THAT SOUND! AUGH! IT'S AAAHHH!” It was Tim.

“Hey, Babs, don't hold it against me if I don't kiss you anytime soon…” Dick said with a defeated sound.

“How's Cass?” Vivian asked, quite concerned.

“Quiet. Really quiet. Spoiler's with her trying to explain what was… she's trying to get her back to the land of the living,” said Barbara. “And if Duke is a little off for the next few days, you know the reason. Kate might tease you about it, so will Harper. But definitely Kate.”

“Thanks, Babs,” Vivian sighed. “Sorry…”

“We're going home. We'll be in Gotham in a couple of hours,” Batman told her.

“DON'T BOTHER COMING TO PATROL! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO IF I SEE YOU! AUGH!” Jason exclaimed.

“Understood.”

“You think you got it rough, Todd? I'm the one stuck with them for hours in this flight!” Damian called out in their comms.

“Copy… Batman, out.”

Bruce sighed, but still took Vivian's hand and helped her climb the jet. Once inside, Vivian turned to Damian and saw him in a deep shade of red as he tried to distract himself with his video game.

“Did you have fun seeing your mother and grandfather?” Vivian asked him.

“Excuse me if I don't talk to either of you during this flight. I was traumatized by hearing the sound of my parents eating each other's faces in front of my biological Mother.”

“Right, again, sorry.”

~*~

It was hard getting out of bed to get ready for Luthor's event. Since he came home early from Wayne Enterprise, Bruce immediately went to Vivian's study where she spent the entire day reading through the Arcana and watching Morgan le Fey's movements with multiple mirrors, and pulled her away from everything. He promised her he'll only take her from her reading an hour max, but Bruce took his time and made his mark on her for hours on end.

He knew Vivian would never look at another man, especially Lex Luthor, but remembering the first encounter she had with Lex – which was when they were still dating and he took her to one of Luthor's events as part of his cover to get intel — he didn't like how the man held Vivian in the dance while he snuck around the building to find Lex’s servers.

Just thinking about it had him lasting longer with anger fueling him more and more. It made him want to bite down hard enough to leave a mark but knew better than to do so. He'll have to restrain himself. Vivian joked as they made love earlier, “If you want him to know that I'm yours, well done. Because I don't think I'll be able to walk later if you keep going this pace, my love.”

Bruce realized that he was being too rough, which Vivian liked, but after hearing that his pace became steady and more loving.

Now, in their bedroom, Bruce finished fixing his tie and putting on his watch. As he placed his earpiece, he tested it to see if Vivian had hers on.

“Do you hear me, Viv?” Bruce asked.

“Loud and clear, Bruce,” Vivian said through their comms as she stepped out wearing her blue gown with the blue velvet, body hugging gown with the cape-like effect of the chiffon fabric that were attached to her lowered sleeves. “Can you hep me with these?” She showed him the diamond necklace.

“I don't recall giving you this,” Bruce said as he took his place behind her and helped clasping the necklace.

“You didn't. Luthor did.”

He frowned.

“It was his wedding gift.”

“I thought wedding gifts were for the couple?”

“You know how he is…” Taking his hands, Vivian placed them around her and she leaned back on his shoulder. “Just for tonight… besides, after earlier, I doubt I'd look at another man,” she teased him.

Bruce hummed in amusement. “I hate the fact you're dressing up for him.”

“We need the Stone, Bruce.”

“I know.”

“Besides, the diamonds may be for him, but this,” she led his hands from her waist and up to her crotch, purposely letting him linger there, then up to her chest where his hands brushed over where her nipples were, and then one of his hands to her neck. “All of this is for my husband.”

“He's a lucky man.”

“I'm the lucky one.”

“Trust me, Viv. I'm the lucky one,” Bruce kissed her cheek.

“It'll take us a couple of hours to get to Metropolis if we're driving. We need to go.”

“Just an hour,” Bruce said. “Depends on traffic. We're taking the car and the yacht.”

“You know, I always forget that you got a yacht that can fit a car.”

“We have a yacht, Viv.”

Coming to the sitting room where everyone was mostly at the moment watching some show before heading down to the cave and start patrol, it was Cassandra who first noticed them and tugged on Stephanie’s shirt and pointed at their direction.

“Wow, you’re looking good, Viv,” said Stephanie.

“Thanks, Steph,” Vivian smiled as she accepted the faux fur coat that Alfred prepared for her. “Thank you, Alfred.”

“So, this is what you wear for covert operations, huh?” Kate smirked, teasingly. “Not bad, Viv.”

“Not always.”

“Just when you need to seduce and trick Lex Luthor to giving you a magical stone that requires a hundred-soul sacrifice to work?” Tim added.

“Yes, that. The thing with the Stone is he needs to give it to me willingly. No tricks or influences of magic. Or else…”

“Consequences,” they finished.

“Where’s Dick and Jason?” Bruce asked.

“They’ll be here in a bit, they just went out to get some snacks,” said Duke.

“But you’ll be on patrol in a couple of hours,” Bruce checked his watch.

“Hey, come on! We still got a couple of hours to kill. Might as well do something that’s normal. You should be proud of us,” said Stephanie.

“Wrong parent, Steph,” said Tim.

“Right. Vivian’s the cool-one. Bruce is the… yeah, he’s Bruce.”

The sound of the front door opening caught their attention despite the sitting room being far from the entryway, but Dick does know how to make an entrance. “Sorry, I’m late!” Dick called out as he and Jason came in with a bag of snacks. “Got caught in traffic. Couldn’t leave Jason there, could I?”

“You can and you should have,” said Damian.

“What the fuck is this?” Jason said when he saw Vivian wearing the dress that was too revealing for her in his opinion. “Ma, cover up!”

“Jason, I am,” said Vivian.

“Those, cover up those!” Jason removed his jacket and was about to throw it over her but she caught the thing midair with magic and threw it back at him.

“No. It took me hours to get the hair done and my make-up, you are not going to ruin it.”

Jason threw his jacket away and turned to Bruce with a menacing look, telling him to do something. But all he got from the man was, “The only thing I don’t love is the necklace.”

“Why?” Duke asked.

Dick had a knowing smirk. “Because that’s a wedding gift from Lex Luthor – and before you ask, remember the time when you both went on your honeymoon and I was left here with Alfred to fix all the presents?”

“But they were all still wrapped when we got back.”

“I called in a favor from Superman – it was Alfred’s idea really, so we could find if there’s anything that needs to be refrigerated or stored properly because who knows when you two were coming back. And Clark saw that with the congratulations card signed by Luthor… he said some other things too but let’s stick with the congrats.”

“Been keeping that for a long time, haven’t you? Waiting for the right time to tell us?” Vivian walked up to Dick and pulled his ear teasingly.

“Not really. I was supposed to bring it to my grave, but I guess after a decade in the marriage it’s a good time to tell. You didn’t even notice the missing whipcream there… oh shit,” Dick’s face fell.

Vivian smirked. “Let me guess it was Veronica Vreeland who gave it, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let that sink in, kiddo,” Vivian patted his cheek.

A mix of “Eeew!” and laughter from the others.

“Excuse me as I throw away the whip cream I bought for tonight’s junk food night…” Dick said his goodbye to them and went to the kitchen.

Turning to Jason, Vivian sighed and faced him with a sympathetic smile. She pried his arms from how they folded over his chest and held his hands. “Thank you, for always looking after me, and I am glad that there is still a gentleman inside this,” she poked at his heart. “There are just some things I need to do to get the job done.”

Jason sighed and reached for his pocket and pulled out a stylish hairstick. “This was supposed to be for your birthday but you might need it tonight.”

“What is that?” Tim, Stephanie, Duke, and Damian crowded over his shoulder to see.

“Get off me!” Jason told them and sighed once again. He went behind her and stuck it just where the pins were and was an eye-catching accessory with its sophisticated design of a snake. To Jason. “I found this in some warehouse from a man stealing some artifacts. It’s some old Nordic hairpiece. It’s made of bone, so it won’t sound an alarm. He tries anything, you stab him – don’t think just do.”

Smiling, Vivian reached out to Jason and brushed his cheek. “My sweet boy, always looking out for me. Thank you, Jason.”

“Yeah, yeah, and after doing the job — just cover up,” Jason muttered and looked away. “But you do look beautiful, Ma.”

“We better get going,” Bruce told her. “Kate, I’ll leave everyone to you, Dick, and Barbara.”

Kate saluted lazily.

“See you guys when you get back.”

“Alfred’s going too?” Damian asked.

“He’s the one whose going to bring home the yacht.”

Saying theri goodbye, Vivian and Bruce were about to leave the Manor when Damian called for them. The boy ran up to Vivian and wrapped his arms around her.

“He does something to you, tell me. I’ll make him pay,” said Damian. “This is your first mission, Batman will understand if you accidentally stabbed Luthor at the neck.”

Bruce frowned.”Damian.”

“Right?” Damian glared at his father.

“It won’t come to that.”

“How lucky I am to have sons who are willing to gouge out someone’s eye to protect me,” she teased. She bent down and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Damian. We now need to go or else we’ll be late.”

Getting in the car which Alfred brought to the front, Vivian and Bruce got in the back and watched as their home grew distant from their gaze.

“We’ll be at the harbor shortly, Master Bruce. Traffic seems to be at our side,” said Alfred.

“Perfect, thanks, Alfred,” said Bruce.”

“And Ms. Vivian, there is something that I prepared for you under the seat. Master Bruce, if you please.”

Bruce reached down and pulled out the item. “Is this one of my taser darts?”

“Yes, and I fashioned it to look stylish for Ms. Vivian to wear. She will be doing this operation alone.”

“Aw, I feel touched that everyone is worried for me… how come you didn’t give me this when I had my other cases before?”

“With ghosts, and demons, and the creatures of the dark, you understand survival is necessary. You understand the nature of dark magic and the consequences it has. You follow your own code when in your element. But this time, this is not the darkness, here you follow the Batman’s code. Best to prepare tonight for something you are entirely new at. Not to mention you cannot use your magic.”

Vivian smiled. “Thank you, Alfred. This means a lot.” She slipped on the bracelet and turned to Bruce to say, “What’s next? Tim’s making me a mech suit and Damian’s giving me a sword?”

“I was thinking more of a uniform first to hide your identity,” said Bruce.

“Yeah… no. Not into the whole spandex and kevlar thing. I like my work clothes. It’s practical. Besides, John doesn’t have the cape and tights, so why should I? I’m a consultant, remember?”

Bruce chuckled. “I guess you’re right.”

The yacht ride to Metropolis was serene, and it would have been romantic if Diana have not called to inform them of Morgan le Fey’s movements. The sorceress was at it again and they still don’t have the stone. Good thing is, Vivian knew how to help Morgan le Fey regain her immortality, and who it was that took it from her. But she still did not say who.

At Metropolis, Alfred drove the couple to New Troy, Metropolis where LexCorp headquarters was. Arriving at the venue, the butler commented how they were just right on time with how most of the people are now almost inside, giving the Waynes the spotlight they needed to capture Lex Luthor’s attention.

Thanking Alfred, Bruce opened the door and stepped out. He smiled and nodded at the press who were now turning their attention and their cameras at them, all calling for him to look at their direction. But Bruce ignored them as he reached inside the car to help Vivian out. More camera flashes came and Vivian forced a smile as she greeted them all with a wave. Bruce kept his hand on her back and acted as some sort of shield between her and the cameras, knowing how Vivian never liked walking down these carpets during events, while still giving her the spotlight she deserved.

Just as they expected, the crowd calling out “the Waynes are here!” caught the attention of many who were inside. There were those who came out to greet them and complimented the couple for their coordinated and stunning attire, and then there was Lex Luthor who met them halfway through the carpet and greeted them.

“Bruce Wayne,” Lex said first but didn’t offer a hand to shake, then he turned to Vivian. “Professor Vivian Pryor,” he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “A pleasure as always to see you again. Ah! I see you’re wearing my little gift.”

“I thought it would fit the occasion, this is a celebration of your new division opening. Congratulations for the successful start on Luthor Foundation for the Arts.”

“You know me, Viv, I’m a man of many interests and arts is one of them,” Luthor said.

“Right.”

Luthor was about to invite her inside for some drinks but Mercy came and whispered to him that the event was about to start officially and he was to give his speech. “Excuse me, Viv, I need to go. Maybe right after I give my whole speech, I can show you what the Foundation is about, and who knows, you might be interested in working there too.”

“Poaching my wife while I’m right here, Luthor?” Bruce spoke. “You really have no shame.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” Luthor shrugged and was already backing away to head back inside. “Come inside, there’s drinks, food, and the whole spiel abouf the plans for Luthor Foundation for the Arts, and something big!”

Luthor gone, Bruce made his hold on Vivian’s waist known to all as he leaned down and whispered to him, “The hand. Use Jason’s gift for the hand and Alfred’s token at his neck.”

Vivian chuckled, turning to him she placed a kiss on the side of his lips, making the press go wild and flash their cameras more. “I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s go, I’m kind of curious about what he’s unveiling.”

They entered the building and the noise of the press died down.

“Luthor is starting a division in Luthor Technologies that’s working on a top secret project. He’s hiring archivists around the world, and after that little attempt to get you to join Luthor Foundation of the Arts, he wants you – a renowned symbologist and iconologist – on his team.”

“What does Luthor Tech want archivists in there? A little odd don’t you think?” Vivian whispered.

“Take a guess.”

Vivian frowned. “Magic.”

Bruce nodded. “Looks like you have a new case coming up after this.”

“Looks like I do… and I have a feeling it has something to do with the Stone.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s wearing it right now,” Vivian watched the man of the hour on stage as he gave his spiel on LexCorp’s new projects. She didn’t care about what the man had to say at all, what she cared about was the brooch he wore. The red stone wrapped with a frame of gold. The Alchemyst’s Stone used a brooch.

A sacred and powerful magical item that was fought for, killed for, and passed on through generations until lost during World War II, was now being used as a brooch by someone like Lex Luthor.

“How about the neck with Jason’s gift and the balls with Alfred’s token?” Vivian said.

“Just make sure you’re a good shot to avoid major blood vessels, the spinal cord and airway, and aim for the part where there’s softer tissue.”

“Hold him down and I’ll find my mark.”

The main event ended with fireworks blasting in the skies. Vivian and Bruce were already at the bar by the time Luthor got down the stage, the former having her glass of chardonnay and the latter drinking his ginger ale. But whenever they ordered, Bruce would ask for the same drink as Vivian, and as Vivian takes the glass she does a little trick that transforms the chardonnay to ginger ale.

“Don’t even think about making that joke in front of all these people,” Bruce told her as he saw the smirk on her face.

“What? That I performed a reverse miracle?” Vivian snickered.

Bruce chuckled but hid his smile behind the glass. “Funny.”

“This is taking too long,” said Vivian. “I’m going to speed things up.”

“How?”

“Sorry about the dress, but I promise I’ll fix it later,” Vivian timed it perfectly and did a little trick to have the walking server lose their balance a little and lose their hold on the tray of red wine, spilling all over her. Vivian let out a gasp of shock while Bruce jumped a little with the surprise.

“I am so sorry, Ma’am!”

“It’s fine,” Vivian reassured them.

“Please, let me take your coat — we’ll have it cleaned.”

“Vivian, are you alright?” Bruce asked her.

“I’m fine, Bruce, really. These things happen… too bad about the dress, though.”

“What’s going on here?” Luthor came to their little crowd. “What did you do?”

“Lex, please, it was just a mistake,” Vivian told him, hoping it would ease the heat on her victim. “These things happen.”

“We’ll take care of the bill with cleaning your dress, Mrs. Wayne,” said the manager of the server who arrived with Lex.

“That won’t be necessary,” said Vivian. “Please. I think I just need to clean up a bit.”

“Luckily for you, my penthouse is just at the top,” Luthor offered his arm to Vivian. “I’m sure Mercy can find something for you to change in, Viv.” When his secretary didn’t reply, he pressed on, “Right, Mercy?”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be sure to find Mrs. Wayne something that would suit for the evening,” said Mercy.

“Bruce, please excuse us. I’ll be sure to return your lovely wife before curfew,” said Luthor.

Bruce frowned but said, “Thank you. Viv, I’ll wait for you down here.”

Vivian nodded and accepted Luthor’s arm and followed him to the elevator which went straight to his private quarters. It was a long ride, and she was thankful for the glass walls that gave them a view of Metropolis.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Luthor began.

“It is,” said Vivian.

“But I’m sure Gotham is still your home.”

Vivian chuckled. “Well, I do live there, Lex.”

“Tell me, how did Bruce react when you wore that necklace?”

They have arrived at his floor. The elevator doors opened and Vivian stepped out right after him. His personal floor at the top of his business. If Lex’s excuse is because he’s a workaholic, then that’s just a lie. Bruce was a workaholic but he doesn’t have a penthouse atop of Wayne Enterprise —

Wait. The Batcave was right under Wayne Manor. Their home.

But that’s a secret place, no one knows about the cave but them and the Justice League.

“I had to convince him that it’s only right that I wore this tonight. I mean, this is your event after all,” Vivian said.

Luthor chuckled. “I don’t blame him. Even I would prefer if you only wore my gifts.”

Vivian turned to him with a knowing smile. “Is that right, Lex?”

“Yes. I’m sure Wayne is fuming right now, especially with you up here with me.”

“Flattery.”

“Well, you are a beautiful woman, Professor Pryor. Intelligent too.”

Vivian hummed in response.

“I would give you all the jewelry there is just so you don’t wear cheap old things,” he nodded at Vivian’s brooch. Jason’s locket.

Vivian frowned. “This was a gift from one of my sons for Mother’s Day. It was the first gift I got, and it was the first time I celebrated. It’s far more valuable than any jewel there is.”

She heard Bruce chuckle at Luthor’s mistake, then he said through their comms, “Easy, Viv. Not too hot, you want to get him comfortable to get the stone.”

“Right, Jason,” Luthor muttered.

Vivian took a breath. “Speaking of brooches,” she nodded at the one on his lapel. “If I’m correct, that's the Alchemyst’s Stone. The real one, I presume.”

“Of course,” Luthor said, slightly offended. “You know?”

“Yes. I’ve read about it. History believes it was Nicolas Flamel who made the Philosopher’s Stone – the stone that performs transmutations. Transforming rock to gold – that kind of thing. Some claim it’s imbued with magic from Flamel’s wife, Perenelle Flamel. She was presumed to be a witch, you know.”

“I’ve read that as well. So, who was it that made the Stone?”

“Perenelle. Using her magic, she made the stone, imbued it with her magic and kept them alive for centuries. Until it was stolen from them. It was found in the Vatican at some point. By then, it was believed to have been violated by dark magic,” Vivian leaned on the table to get a closer look on the Stone, not realizing she was showing a bit too much of her chest. Which Lex noticed. “If you look closer you can see the markings on the gold frame which was used to alter the use of the Stone to something beyond simple transmutation. There, those runes,” she pointed at the mark on the gold frame.

“Impressive as always, Vivian,” said Lex. “I was waiting for after the event to call you here to discuss an opportunity, but after that little lecture, I can’t just let you go without giving you a spiel of what’s really happening in LexCorp.”

“And that is?” Vivian asked. She had a guess it was the case Bruce mentioned to her earlier.

“Alexandria. In one of my travels,” really it was his dealings with the right people, “I have found a scroll that holds a secret to a different kind of energy. One that can remove all of these fossils. One powerful enough to light cities.”

And weapons.

“It’s written in another language that’s why I’ve set up a team to start researching the language but they came across some bumps on the road. There are symbols there that do not follow the language’s way of writing. The researchers have been using your books to help them read through them but there is just so much that second hand knowledge could do. That’s why I want to offer you a position at LexCorp as the Head of the Archivist Division. You will be leading a team to decode the scrolls and be part of something big.”

“Lex, your pitch sounds great but I can’t just… Wayne Enterprise is a direct competitor of LexCorp, you do know that, right?”

“You don’t work for Wayne.”

“I don’t. I’m married to him. I can’t just do that —”

Luthor scoffed. “Please.”

“Lex. No, I’m not going to do that to Bruce.”

“But you want this project, right? The curiosity to know what’s in those scrolls is eating you alive. Isn’t it. Wayne wouldn’t understand,” Luthor crept closer to her until Vivian was trapped behind the table. “He’s not a researcher, he’s not a scientist. He’s just someone who has a Trust Fund.”

Vivian glared at him.

“Kidding! Wow, you are a tough nut to crack, Vivian Pryor,” Luthor then removed his brooch. He looked at it for a moment and then held it to her.

“What is this? A bribe?” Vivian sneered.

“No. Take it. See it as a signing bonus.”

“I’m not signing anything, Luthor.”

“Fine. But take it for now, and if you don’t want to work with me then give it back.”

Vivian looked at the stone and saw the pulsing red within. “So, you want me to have this?”

“Yes. I bought this at an auction just to piss off someone who got in my way.”

Vivian felt the pulse of dark magic from the Stone.

Lex continued. “Besides, I’ve read about you, Viv. Your family. Took a long time digging, but did you know you came from a long, long, long line of witches?”

Vivian’s blood ran cold. “All women who were different then are branded as witches,” she told him.

“I would like to think that this would be more of use for you than it is with me.”

“Is that right? Because of my blood?”

“I’m almost to his floor,” Bruce spoke through their comms.

“Who knows, it might bring out the little bit of magic that resides in you. So, you may have it as a reminder of the proposal. It is yours,” Luthor shrugged.

The transfer was complete. Vivian could now feel the Stone. Accepting the token, Vivian thanked Lex and said she’ll think about it and –

He leaned down swiftly and placed a kiss on her lips —

“AAHHH!” Luthor fell crumbling to the ground, clutching his balls as he went to a fetal position. “You just – did you just tase my –”

The elevators opened and Bruce walked in. “What happened?” He asked her.

Vivian walked to the cabinet and opened a bottle of scotch. “He kissed me,” she answered as she didn’t bother to pour into a glass and gulped from the bottle itself to rinse her mouth and spit it out at the sink, then drank another gulp.

“He did what?!” Bruce marched up to Luthor and grabbed him by his collar. Luthor tried to reason with him, he lied that it was her who kissed him, that she came onto him, but it only fueled his anger more and Bruce punched the man across the face. Twice.

Walking to her husband’s side, Vivian caught his fist before he could land a third punch. “That’s enough, Bruce,” she whispered. “Mr. Luthor will be reminded about this. Please.”

The elevator came back again, this time it was Mercy and a couple of security guards. “Mr. Wayne!” Mercy gasped at the sight of Bruce’s fists and a bloody nose of Lex who was on the ground.

“Your boss got a little touchy,” Vivian spoke. “Luckily my husband had a feeling to follow us up here. We’ll taking our leave and won’t be telling anyone, we wouldn’t want to ruin Mr. Luthor’s night.”

A threat.

Mercy nodded and moved to the side. “A gift from Mr. Luthor, Professor Pryor.”

“No need, he’s already given me one. And the answer is no, Lex. Not ever,” Vivian led her husband to the elevator, passing security on their way. Once the doors closed, Vivian took his hands and cleaned the blood off them with a napkin from her purse.

“Did you get it?” Bruce asked.

“I did,” Vivian answered. “You got blood on your shirt,” she clicked her tongue, but nothing too hard for her to fix. One brush of her thumb and it was gone. “There, good as new… Bruce.”

“He touched you.”

“And you’ve shown him what happens when he does. My love, please,” Vivian had her hand on his nape and pulled him down for a kiss. “Better?”

“I still want to kick him off the building and tie his ankle to his bed.”

She kissed him again and this time it was long enough to stop the fueling rage. The elevator doors opened and they were at the event hall once again. Vivian asked for her coat from one of the staff but before she could get it, Bruce placed his blazer over her and carried her coat in his arm. Exiting the building, the Waynes met with Alfred at the front who saw the mood on Bruce’s face and sighed. He had a feeling something happened in this little operation.

They went straight to the harbor where Alfred drove the car into the yacht and then the yacht to the waters, but they did not go straight to the path back to Gotham. While waiting for Superman, Bruce and Vivian changed out of their gala attire and to the Bat uniform and the red cloak, respectively. When Clark appeared, they bid goodbye to Alfred and mentioned where they were headed.

“I heard the commotion all the way from home, when I heard the jet I came straight here. You got the Stone?” asked Superman.

Vivian showed the red Stone that shone in her hands.

“I heard what happened with Luthor too. How are you?”

“I tased his balls,” Vivian shrugged.

“Oh. So, you’re good then.”

“Disgusted but satisfied… I never tased someone before. I did stab someone but never tased them.”

“Good to know you're alright, Viv,” He smiled at her, relieved. Turning to Batman, he told the man that the latest place Le Fey attacked was at Glastonbury and she has not moved from there since.

“I'll hold her down in that place,” Vivian summoned the seals and the image of Morgan le Fey who has yet to do something in Glastonbury.

“So, do I carry you both there?” Superman asked.

Batman gave him an incredulous look. “Viv.”

“On it,” Vivian summoned a portal. “Bulletproof Kryptonians first,” she said.

“Of course,” Superman sighed.

Stepping in, Superman disappeared from the yacht then Vivian and Bruce followed suit and were met by the chilly early morning of Glasbury. Looking at her Wayne Tech phone that Bruce customized to be secured, connected to his personal satellite, and has a button to call Batman immediately, Vivian saw it adjust immediately to five hours ahead as it detected the new timezone. It was three in the morning now. The witching hour.

“The Phoenix is here,” Morgan le Fey's voice echoed in the night. “Vivian Pryor.”

Before she stepped out to find the sorceress, Vivian summoned circle around the three of them. Finishing the incantation, the circle burned on the ground with ambers continuously glowing. “Do not step out of this circle unless it is completely necessary,” she told them. Then she got out. “Into the light, I command thee.”

The Phoenix's power took form with her, transforming her appearance to don its sacred robes while still wearing her maroon coat but this time the coat glowed with flames, as well as the runes that were engraved in its lining. Her eyes turned to gold and magical essence exhumed from where she stood.

“New tricks, Pryor?” Morgana appeared before her wearing her gold mask and robes. “Last I saw you, you were just an amateur witch trying to understand the Phoenix's power.”

“Last time I saw you, you were making out with my boyfriend,” Vivian shrugged. “And I burned your hair for it.”

“How is John?”

“He's John, he survives. So, you've been causing a bit of trouble,” Vivian conjured two seats and a small table with a bottle of wine from their collection. “So much trouble that the JLA was forced to outsource.” She gestured to the seat. When the sorceress did ont move, Vivian added, “Either we sit down and chat like two grown women or I just do the same thing I did to you before.”

Morgan le Fey sat on the seat and took the glass of wine. “Turning on your own now, Pryor?”

“No. They know how I operate,” Vivian took a sip of wine. “I'll just be fixing whatever this is and then once I'm done, I'll give you a thirty-minute headstart before the big-S comes flying after you.”

Morgan le Fey chuckled. “Is that so? You will fix my problem and let me go?”

“If I give you up to the Justice League, every sorcerer, witch, mage, warlock, vampire, and magical and divine and damned being will go after me. The JLA understands my conditions and they will abide by it.”

“Then why is Superman and Batman here?” Morgan le Fey nodded at the two men far from where they were.

“Come on, Morg,” Vivian poured her another. “You know thirty-minutes is more than enough for you to head off your merry way. Superman is just here to even out the playing field.

“Like he can keep up.”

“You'll be surprised.”

“And Batman?”

“He's just nosy.”

She heard Bruce's disgruntled hum in their comms.

“Continuing the talks, Vivian said, “Soul sucking for immortality. You're not a demon, Morgana.”

“Aren't I?” Morgan le Fay cocked her head to the side.

“Well, I hope you're not. I mean, you're no Enchantress — she, I expect the soul succing. She is a succubus afterall, but you… what did Mordred do? I need to know so I can get you back your immortality and so you can stop all this.”

“My son has grown impatient. If there is a monster you seek, it is him not me… he has taken my power to take Camelot.”

“Camelot is gone.”

“He plans to take its place and build a new one, and rule the kingdom from there.”

“Caerleon then,” Vivian said. “Why does he need you out of the way?” Morgan le Fey raised her hand and showed to her the amount of magic left. “He has taken your magic and immortality.”

“He made a deal with those below. A tool that would grant him the power he needs to create his new world. His New Camelot.”

“Dealing with demons comes with a price… he knows better. There's always a catch.”

“But like you said, my child has grown impatient for his birthright.”

“One that's supposed to be expired by now considering Camelot was way back in the 6th century,” Vivian sighed. “Alright, I got what I need — and they got what they need,” she got up and stretched. “Batman, have Wonder Woman and Zatanna see Caerleon, they'll find Mordred there.”

“No!” Morgan le Fey got up. She was about to cast her magic to stop Batman but nothing. She was not able to do anything at all. “What did you do?”

“Binding spell. The wine,” Vivian nodded at Morgana's glass.

Le Fey threw the glass to the ground after seeing the micro-carvings on the neck.

“Mordred will be dealt with accordingly. Don't worry, they'll return him to his mother… I can't say unharmed but he'll be back in your arms again. But the Justice League needs to deal with him first, and I need to finish my work.”

Reaching into her coat, Vivian pulled out the demon-blood infused Stone and the Book of Arcana. “I keep my promises, Morgana. You’ll get your immortality back.” She let the book float beside her and open at the page she needed. “This can go two ways. I release this and you fly to your son with little power you have and die before you get there with your speeding age or we stay here, I return your immortality and the JLA stops him and brings him here. The clock is ticking, Morgana, with the amount of souls you’ve been taking, I say everyday your mortality is catching up on you. Even now I can see it.”

Morgan le Fey fell silent as she pondered.

“You can learn magic again but you can't do that when you're being used as petrol for my car.”

Morgan le Fey glared at her. Removing her mask, the sorceress finally revealed her aging face. With the robes she wore, Vivian couldn't see the fast deterioration but now she knew this was urgent. Any moment now the sorceress can literally turn to ash before her.

“Good,” Vivian helped the sorceress to sit and be comfortable on the leather chair. “Superman will come back with your son.”

Clark took that as a sign to leave and fly to Caerleon where Diana and Zatanna would be waiting.

Vivian then held the Stone before Morgana and began the spell. Using her own glass, Vivian poured the demon's blood into the wine inside, with her hand holding the Stone she is powering with her magic, she cast the incantation, “Htiw siht puc, I nruter ot ym s'rotsac ega, I peek htaed ta yab.”

Flames danced in the wine's red color and died instantly.

“Drink and you won't turn to ash,” Vivian said and helped the old sorceress to take the glass. Drinking slowly until her body began to revert back to her old and youthful self. No longer was Morgan le Fay and crone, she was now back to her youthful self, just around Vivian's age now.

Finished with the incantation and the wine gone, Vivian conjured a mirror and showed the woman her face again.

“You couldn't have made me younger?” said Morgana.

Vivian smirked. “I’ll take that as a thank you.” Snapping her fingers, the chairs, the table, the wine and glasses were gone.

“Why help me, Pryor?” Morgana asked.

“I told you, the JLA asked me to intervene, and this is me intervening.”

“You could have killed me. That would be easier. Just like what you did with Mammon.”

“I erased him from existence. I kill him he’ll just come back up here.”

“Same question.”

“Survival has always been our way… who am I to judge a witch who has done so much to survive this world and give a life to her son. Despite the wrong things you have done and the obsession on taking back a kingdom that is far gone now, this has always been how we survived. We take.”

“Maybe back then, but this time you give.”

Vivian smiled. “Blame my husband, he has a way of rubbing off on people…”

“Bruce Wayne. Does he know?”

“Yes. He does.”

“And he does not mind?”

“No. And I want to do the same thing he does with the amount of power and wealth I have. He has Gotham as his project, maybe I can start here.”

Morgana scoffed. “A fool's dream. Dark magic is done with sinister deeds, Vivian. It cannot be stopped.”

“I know. Like you said, a fool's dream. But maybe with this you won't do something that would bother this realm for a while? Maybe spend the time to recover and ger your magic again?”

Morgana looked at her for a moment. “Fine. But that does not stop me from taking back our kingdom.”

“A century of peace is more than enough. Oh, look, your son's here.”

Floating down, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Zatanna came to where they stood and where Batman met them with Mordred beaten. The man still wore his dark armor and had a few injuries that needed mending.

“Your first project,” Vivian told Morgana. “Your son needs you.”

Morgan le Fey sighed and approached Mordred. She took him from Wonder Woman's hold and said, “We had a deal.”

Wonder Woman glared at her and released Mordred, letting Morgana take him. The Sorceress held her son in her arms and took one last look at Vivian's way before disappearing using the little magic she had left.

“Where did she go?” Wonder Woman asked Vivian.

“Diana,” Batman warned her. “She's abided with the terms, Morgan le Fey won't harm anyone while she regains her magic and helps her son. Peacetalks were established.”

“She will come back.”

“And when she does I'll deal with it. Then it will be on equal grounds,” Vivian said. “Let her recover and let her save her son. Besides, the JLA has something more important to deal with involving Luthor now anyway. I'll leave you to talk about it, right now I’m going home.”

“Back to the darkness, I command thee.”

The Phoenix form disappeared and Vivian was back to her normal appearance and was strolling towards the lamp post. “I'll stop by at my Father's before heading home! See you then, love!”

“Vivian,” Batman caught her arm before she teleported away.

“What?”

“You did good.”

Smiling, Vivian got on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Alfred said that I have my own code. And I do, but there are times when I also want to help out people in need.”

“Is that so?”

“My husband has a way of influencing people around him.”

Batman smiled softly.

“But I can't say with those vampires that we encountered, and the ones you saw in the club.”

“You can't kill what's already dead.”

Vivian had a lopsided grin, “I'll see you at home. Try to ease Wonder Woman to not hating me for letting Morgana go.”

“I will. See you at home, love.”

Stepping back, Vivian waved goodbye and teleported away and appeared at her father's gym where he was currently sleeping for some reason.

“Come on, Dad,” Vivian woke him.

“Vee, what are you doin’ here, love?” Adam woke up, still groggy.

“I had a consultation in the area and I wanted to see you. Let's get you home, okay?”

Adam nodded and followed his daughter to the portal she opened and helps him lay down in bed.

~*~

Back in Gotham, Vivian was having a nice cup of tea at the garden with Damian when Bruce appeared with a surprise.

“What is this?” Vivian asked as she held up the black card with the Justice League logo at the middle. Flipping it over, she was met by an ID and Watchtower security access. It had the name The Phoenix over what she calls a mug-shot but with her face. Her base of operation, which is Gotham, with Universal access. And power level which is ranked Unknown. Then at the bottom was the word Consultant.

“No more going through the whole security system of the Watchtower,” said Bruce. “Also, did you do something with your photos? Flash said that they were seeing different people whenever they developed the card.”

Vivian smirked. “I don't do masks, but the runes of my coat has a glamor that hides my identity. If anyone takes a photo of me or sees me, they won't know it's me unless I let you know it's me.”

A chuckle left Bruce's lips, “And when were you going to tell me that?”

“I thought you figured it out by now,” Vivian returned to her reading. “So do I get to add that in my CV? Consultant for the Justice League, my references are Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.”

“I'll give a good recommendation. But I'll put up a good fight to keep you from getting poached by other organizations.”

“Like the Titans?”

“What do you mean?” Bruce turned to Damian in question.

“Dick reached out to me to ask for help with Raven. He said if I was consulting for the Justice League, I should also consult for the Titans. I believe you remember her? Daughter of Trigon.”

“It was my idea,” said Damian. “Grayson should put his story straight.”

“I know and I'm proud that you're looking out for your teammates.”

“So, the Titans have poached you already.”

“Just for a consultation. You know, I should start putting fees.”

“No.”

“Kidding!”

#batman #batman x oc #bruce wayne #dc fanfic #batman fanfiction

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