The Scramble [Complete]

[Blackfire]

Based on the information Batman had gathered from Bradley, Croscucant seemed like a place that catered to the Gotham crime fighter for combat purposes. Batman had to give the militant leader credit; he was a natural salesperson – the way he had highlighted a particular aspect of Croscusant that suited Batman’s profession. On the other hand, there was the Orc who had spoken to young man for first time, interrupting him and King Bradley’s conversation. The creature’s voice was croaky, and deep enough to send tingles under the combatant’s costume. He degraded Croscusant by stating that it was a corrupt place. Bradley replied by indicating the Orc’s jealousy. You could slice the tension between the two with a knife. It was only then that Batman discovered the reasoning behind the segregation between the two leaders, which resulted in two separate small armies. It was as clear as crystal that the rulers were rivals.

“Please excuse Thrall,” said Bradley, smirking. “He does not comprehend the fact that you’re a crime fighter who’s driven to take down criminals.”

Now Batman grinned, to the Orc’s dismay. This was entertainment.

“That’s not my point,” replied Thrall. “My point is; Croscusant is not the place that needs protecting.”

At that point, it became obvious to the crime fighter what was transpiring. The Orc was ridiculing Croscuscant in order to promote his homeland or the place he resided. There was more…

“So let me get this straight,” said the young ‘Prime’, pointing his right, index finger at Bradley, and then shifting it towards Thrall. “You two are both promoting your turfs, right?”

Both leaders responded at the same time.

“Correct,” replied Bradley.

“Yes,” replied Thrall.

They turned towards each other, grimaced and then returned their stern expressions towards Batman.

The youngster clad in black placed his left hand on his hip and slanted towards Thrall. “What’s so badass about your turf then?”

This situation reminded Batman of chess match. Both leaders had moved their pieces back and forth, but Bradley had placed the opposing King in check. Now it was Thrall’s turn to get out of check and put Bradley in check.