Chapter 25: Closing the Circle
Ethan followed Batman through the shadowed alleys of Gotham, his mind racing. The encounter with Taskmaster, the mercenaries testing him, and now Gotham's greatest detective pulling him into his orbit—it was all too much. But if there was a chance to unravel the mystery surrounding his abilities, he had to take it.
"Where are we going?" Ethan finally asked, keeping pace with the caped crusader.
"A secure location," Batman replied without elaborating.
The two navigated through the city with practiced ease, slipping past prying eyes until they arrived at a nondescript building. Batman led Ethan inside, revealing a hidden passage that descended deep underground.
As they entered a high-tech chamber, Ethan realized where he was—the Batcave.
"Impressive," Ethan admitted, taking in the massive computer systems, the rows of specialized vehicles, and the arsenal of weapons lining the walls.
Batman ignored the compliment. "You said you don't fully understand your abilities. That needs to change."
Ethan crossed his arms. "And you think you can help me figure that out?"
Batman stepped toward one of the terminals and began pulling up data. "Your DNA doesn't match anything on record. Your body heals at an accelerated rate, and your muscle density is off the charts. That's not just a metahuman mutation—it's something more."
Ethan frowned. "So what are you suggesting?"
"You're not from here," Batman said flatly. "And I don't just mean Gotham."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. He had suspected it for a while, but hearing it confirmed sent a wave of unease through him. "Then where am I from?"
"That's what we need to find out." Batman's gaze was intense. "But first, we need to wrap up your unfinished business. Taskmaster and the people after you won't just disappear."
Ethan clenched his fists. "Then let's end it."
---
The next night, Ethan stood atop a skyscraper, scanning the city below. Batman had provided intel—Lorna Kane, the woman behind the mercenaries, was making her move. A high-profile meeting was taking place at an abandoned docks warehouse, and Ethan planned to crash it.
Using his fusion ability, he enhanced his boots for silent movement and his gloves for better grip. As he infiltrated the warehouse, he spotted Lorna and her entourage. Taskmaster was there as well, standing like a sentinel beside her.
Ethan stepped forward. "Hope I'm not interrupting."
Lorna smirked. "Ah, Ethan. I was wondering when you'd show up."
Taskmaster remained silent, but Ethan could tell he was already analyzing his every move.
"This ends tonight," Ethan said. "No more mercenaries, no more tests. You want to see what I can do? Fine. Let's settle this."
Lorna chuckled. "Brave words. But do you really think you can take on all of us?"
Ethan flexed his fingers, energy humming as he prepared his fusion abilities. "Let's find out."
The battle erupted in an instant. Taskmaster charged first, his movements a perfect mimic of Ethan's past fights. But Ethan had been learning, adapting. He shifted his tactics, fusing the environment to his advantage—turning crates into shields, weapons into unpredictable hybrids. The fight was intense, brutal, and unrelenting.
One by one, Lorna's forces fell, until only she and Taskmaster remained. Realizing she was outmatched, Lorna signaled for retreat.
"This isn't over," she hissed as she disappeared into the night.
Taskmaster, battered but standing, gave Ethan a nod. "Not bad, kid. We'll meet again."
As the dust settled, Ethan exhaled. The immediate threat was dealt with, but the bigger mystery remained.
He turned his gaze toward the Gotham skyline. "One step closer."
In the shadows, Batman watched, his expression unreadable.
"To be continued..."