The Black Mirror Pt. 2

You stared at the monitor for what felt like hours as the blood smaple was being read. After talking to Gordon, he had given you a bit of the kid's blood to examine to see if you could find out how he had turned into a monster.

The final result showed up and you silently cursed yourself before running it again. You refused to believe it. There was no way this was true. No way that was somehow involved in this. Regardless, it came back with the same results.

The kid was exposed to a hormonal mutagen. Not just any mutagen either. Bruce had first encounter it a few years ago. You had seen it yourself almost a year ago in person. The person who was using it, wasn't a person at all.

Y/N: Croc.

You had left behind that life the moment Bruce took you back into the Manor and everyone welcomed you back into the family. You weren't Red anymore. You were Y/N Wayne. You were Batman. That also meant, your bonds with the criminals you had met had to be pushed away in order for this investigation to continue.

You sighed and walked out of the lab and reentered the apartment's living room where Cassandra was watching TV with a bowl of popcorn. You would normally join her but situations have risen.

TV Reporter: In other news, the Chairman of Orion Industries has announced that they are in the final stages of opening their newest Health Center in Detroit. This center will provide free check ups, exams, and treatment to lower income residents regardless of health care.

At least there was some good news. Cassandra watched as you walked into your room and wondered what you were doing. She got her answer when you walked out in full Batman gear. Cassandra was a bit confused since you were supposed to take the night off but she also knew that Batman never had a night off.

Cassandra: Where are you going?

Y/N: Belle Reves. I won't be back til late.

You reached for the balcony door but Cassandra cleared her throat. You stopped and turned around to find her pouting on the couch.

Y/N: What?

Cassandra just stared at you as if she was waiting for you to figure it out yourself. You stood there for a moment as the TV played in the background.

Y/N: Uh, goodbye?

Cassandra only glared at you harder. You finally gave up and walked over to her.

Y/N: What?

Cassandra turned her head and tapped her cheek. Oh. That's what she wanted. You leaned down and kissed her cheek which made her smile. She must feel special being the only woman to be able to command Batman like that. You just silently sighed and left.---------Guard: He's been in here for a few months now. Honestly I'm surpised you even want to see him.

Y/N: He may be a link in a case.

Guard: Hey man, no need to tell me. I just watch these monsters. Step inside.

You entered the interrogation room where you found a large figure you had not seen in a long time. Croc was bound by several chains and a shock collar. Seeing your former friend like this actually did hurt a bit. At one time, you were family.

Croc: Well, if it isn't Batman. Surpised to see you didn't bring that Krytonian with you. Kinda wish you did. I owe him some very harsh words for the way he brought me here.

That's right. Croc was caught by the Leauge sometime after you were taken back to the Manor. Dex was still missing but Jinx and Terra were here somewhere. No clue were Kid was.

Y/N: I'm not here to belittle you, Croc. I just want to ask you a few questions.

Croc just huffed.

Croc: Ask away. I ain't snitching out the kid. I don't care what Jinx and Terra said.

Jinx and Terra? Was he talking about you? Why would he snitch you out? Did he still think you were a criminal?

Y/N: The kid is safe. He's, home, again. This isn't about him.

You saw that Croc was actually relieved to hear this. Even after all of this, he still cared about you. This was just going to get harder. You placed the tube of mutagen on the table and slid it towards Croc.

Y/N: Level with me, Croc. You know what this is.

Croc looked at it and huffed.

Croc: My mutagen. Where did you get this?

Y/N: It was inside of a child. This turned him into a monster and he ended up tearing an arm off another kid.

Croc looked guilty.

Croc: He did....Jesus. Is he alright?

Y/N: He's missing an arm.

Croc: Not him. The other kid.

You nodded.

Y/N: He's being taken care of by some of the best Gotham General has to offer. It'll take some time but, he'll recover.

Croc seemed to relax.

Croc: Good. No one deserves to live like this.

You just looked at him. He was right. No one did. You picked up the tube and placed it back into your belt.

Y/N: Now, you know of anyone who would have something like this? Maybe a supplier or a creator?

Croc gave it some thought. Thank god he was actually trying to help instead of ripping your head off.

Croc: The guy who made this, he's dead. As for a supplier....

Y/N: Croc. Focus.

Croc: I'll tell you only of you give me something in return.

Of course. Why wouldn't he ask you for something. A reduced sentence? More free reign? Better food? You didn't blame him on that last part.

Croc: If I tell you a supplier, I want to know where the kid is. If he's safe.

You raised a brow. That was it? He just wanted go know where you were? If you were safe? Slowly, you nodded.

Y/N: You have my word.

Croc: Good. Cullen Buck. He and his girl, Becca Mulcaheny, run this underground business. Those two were former police officers for the GCPD back in the day. They sell stolen evidence on the black market.

Looks like you finally have a place to look.

Croc: Now tell me, is the kid safe? Is Red alright?

You looked at him and saw the genuine worry in his eyes. The genuine, familiar affection. He still saw you as a family member rather than some punk who took the chance to run. Even after Jinx and Terra no doubly told him that you left. So you did something that Batman should never do.

You stood up, and slowly removed the cowl. Croc watched with wide eyes and you smiled at him.

Y/N: Yeah, Croc. I'm doing good.

Croc looked at you with an open mouth, before he smiled.

Croc: Good. I'm glad to see that you're happy kid. So, Batman now?

Y/N: I'm just filling in. You know, I could come visit you again. Maybe I can kick your ass in chess.

Croc just laughed.

Croc: The day you beat me is the day I turn human again. Though, I would appreciate the visit.

You smiled as you pulled your cowl back on.

Y/N: Alright, Croc. Stay out of trouble until then.

You left the room as Croc smiled. He was genuinely proud of you. He never wanted you to fall into the same life as some of these prisoners or the people he had met. He knew that you were better. That you were destined for better. He slowly rubbed the back of his neck where an "X" scar was carved into his skin.

Croc: I can't genuine that, kid.