Barbara Gordon, now Batgirl, pulls the Batcycle to a stop inside the Batcave. She kicks the stand down, killing the engine.
The Batcave is a symphony of shadows and high-tech equipment, carved into the bedrock beneath Wayne Manor. Computers line the walls, their screens displaying a dizzying array of data, maps, and surveillance feeds. Gadgets of all shapes and sizes hang from the ceiling, and the Batmobile sits in its designated spot, a sleek and imposing machine ready for action.
Batman stands before the main computer console, his back to Barbara. Nightwing leans against a nearby pillar, arms crossed, while Robin perches on a gargoyle statue, his expression a mix of boredom and disdain. Alfred, ever the attentive butler, stands near a table laden with snacks and refreshments.
"Welcome back, Miss Barbara," Alfred says, his voice warm and welcoming. "I trust your excursion was…enlightening?"
Barbara grins beneath her cowl, removing her helmet and shaking out her red hair. "You have no idea, Alfred," she says. "This is way more than just a pet store."
Batman turns around, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Report, Batgirl," he says, his voice a low growl. "What did you find at Pokémon Home?"
Barbara unzips a compartment on her suit and pulls out a small flash drive. "I managed to snag a recording of my entire visit," she says, handing it to Batman. "It's got everything: the tour, the sales pitch, even a glimpse of that sanctuary they have."
She then reaches into another compartment and pulls out the Premier Ball containing Froakie. "And, well, I brought back a souvenir."
Barbara presses the button on the Premier Ball, releasing Froakie into the Batcave. The small, blue frog Pokémon appears in a flash of light, landing gracefully on the smooth concrete floor. Froakie looks around with wide, curious eyes, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Nightwing and Robin react instantly. Nightwing's eyes widen with surprise, and a grin spreads across his face.
"Whoa, what is that thing?" he asks, stepping closer to get a better look. "Is that some kind of ninja frog?"
Robin, on the other hand, scoffs and rolls his eyes. "Ridiculous," he mutters. "What is she doing bringing a pet into the Batcave?"
Batman remains stoic, his expression unreadable. But Alfred's eyes twinkle with curiosity as he observes the new arrival.
"You got a Pokémon too?" Nightwing asks, turning to Barbara with a playful grin. "I thought we were investigating, not adopting."
"I know, I know," Barbara says, holding up her hands in defense. "But I couldn't resist. And besides, I think Froakie could be a valuable asset."
"Hmph," Robin scoffs. "That thing? An asset? It looks like a tadpole that got lost on its way to the pond."
Froakie, sensing the animosity in Robin's voice, puffs out its chest and glares at the young vigilante.
Barbara shoots Robin a warning look. "Don't underestimate Froakie," she says. "It's got skills you wouldn't believe."
"Indeed," Alfred chimes in, his voice calm and measured. "It would be unwise to judge a book by its cover, Master Damian. Or, in this case, a Pokémon by its size."
Batman steps forward, his gaze fixed on Froakie. "Demonstrate," he says, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Show us what it can do."
Barbara nods, determined to prove Froakie's worth to the skeptical Bat-Family. She crouches down, looking Froakie in the eye.
"Okay, Froakie," she says, her voice clear and confident. "Let's show them what you've got. First, can you jump onto that crate over there?"
Froakie nods, its eyes gleaming with determination. It takes a few steps back, gathers its energy, and then leaps into the air. With surprising agility, it clears the distance and lands gracefully on top of the crate.
Nightwing claps his hands together in appreciation. "Not bad, little guy," he says. "Not bad at all."
Robin, however, remains unimpressed. "That's it?" he says. "Jumping? Any trained circus animal can do that."
Barbara ignores Robin's comment and continues the demonstration. "Alright, Froakie," she says. "Now, let's see that Water Gun."
Froakie nods again, its throat swelling as it prepares to unleash its attack. It aims its snout towards a target dummy across the room and then fires a jet of water.
The Water Gun is surprisingly powerful, striking the target with force and knocking it off its stand. The Bat-Family watches in stunned silence as the water droplets scatter across the floor.
"Impressive," Alfred says, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "That's quite a bit of force for such a small creature."
Even Batman seems impressed, though he doesn't show it. "Range?" he asks, his voice terse.
"Let's find out," Barbara says. She points to a target dummy at the far end of the Batcave. "Froakie, can you hit that one?"
Froakie squints its eyes, focusing its aim. It takes a deep breath and then fires another Water Gun.
The jet of water travels across the entire length of the Batcave, striking the target dead center. The Bat-Family gasps in amazement.
"Okay, now that's impressive," Nightwing says, whistling softly. "That little guy's got some serious power."
"Hmph," Robin grunts, crossing his arms. "It's just a water pistol."
Barbara rolls her eyes at Robin's stubbornness, but she can't help but smile. She knows she's slowly winning them over.
"Alright, Froakie," she says. "One last test. Can you show them how stealthy you are?"
Froakie nods, its eyes gleaming with excitement. It disappears into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the darkness.
The Bat-Family scans the Batcave, trying to spot Froakie, but it's nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, Froakie reappears, leaping out from behind a stack of crates and landing silently on the floor.
"Well, I'll be," Nightwing says, shaking his head in disbelief. "That little guy's a regular ninja."
"Indeed," Alfred says. "Its ability to blend with its environment is quite remarkable."
Even Batman can't deny Froakie's competence. He steps forward, his gaze softening slightly.
"It has potential," he says, his voice low and measured. "But it needs training. It's not ready to be out in the field."
Barbara nods, understanding Batman's concerns. "I know," she says. "I was planning on working with it, honing its skills."
"We'll also need to conduct tests," Batman continues. "Scans to determine its capabilities. Its physiology is unlike anything we've encountered before."
Barbara nods in agreement. "Of course," she says. "Anything you need."
Barbara reaches into her belt and pulls out a small, colorful cube. "Here you go, Froakie," she says, holding out the Poké Block. "You earned it."
Froakie's eyes light up at the sight of the Poké Block. It eagerly snatches the treat from Barbara's hand and begins to munch on it, its expression showing pure delight.
"What is that?" Nightwing asks, pointing to the Poké Block. "Some kind of froggy power pellet?"
"It's a Poké Block," Barbara explains. "It's made from berries and other natural ingredients. It's supposed to boost Froakie's energy and enhance its abilities."
Batman steps forward, his gaze fixed on the Poké Block in Froakie's mouth. "Composition?" he asks, his voice sharp and demanding.
Barbara sighs, knowing what's coming. "I have no idea," she admits. "But I'm sure the Pokédex has some information on it."
She reaches into her belt again and pulls out the Pokédex, handing it to Batman. "Here," she says. "Knock yourself out."
Batman takes the Pokédex, his eyes scanning the screen with lightning speed. He quickly finds the entry for Poké Blocks and begins to read through the information.
"Interesting," he mutters, his voice barely audible. "The ingredients are all-natural, but the energy output is…significant."
He looks up at Barbara, his expression thoughtful. "I'll need to analyze this further," he says. "Can you give me some samples of these Poké Blocks?"
"Sure," Barbara says, reaching into her belt and pulling out a handful of Poké Blocks. She hands them to Batman, who carefully places them into a sterile container.
"Thank you," Batman says, his voice surprisingly polite. "This information could be invaluable."
Robin sighs dramatically. "Can we please be done with this?" he says, his voice dripping with boredom. "I have to get to the Titans Tower."
Batman nods, his gaze still fixed on the Pokédex. "You are dismissed, Robin," he says. "Be careful."
Robin rolls his eyes again, but he doesn't argue. He turns and stalks out of the Batcave, muttering something about "pathetic pets" under his breath.
As Robin disappears, Batman says, "Give me the Pokédex and the Premier Ball. Alfred will clean it for fingerprints."
Barbara hands the objects over.
"It's getting late, I'm heading back to the manor," Nightwing says, stretching his arms above his head. "But seriously, Babs, that was pretty cool. I'm looking forward to seeing what you and Froakie can do together."
With a wink and a grin, Nightwing turns and heads towards the stairs leading up to Wayne Manor, leaving Barbara alone with Batman, Alfred, and her new Pokémon partner.
Barbara looks at Froakie, who stares back.
"Well, partner, time to show them what we can do!"
"Froak, Froakie!"
Barbara and Froakie leave the cave, as Bruce stares down at the Pokédex.
***
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