Flipping Through the Pages
Copyright© 2026 by Dragonpig
Chapter 14
The screen showed Universe 47-X Batman approaching the greenhouse complex with predatory grace. Without hesitation, he smashed through the main entrance, cape billowing dramatically.
Inside, Louis the Lilac—wearing a purple suit adorned with flower patterns—stood atop a raised platform surrounded by writhing, snapping lilac bushes the size of small trees. Several terrified civilians cowered in cages suspended above the man-eating plants.
“Ah, Batman!” Louis the Lilac declared theatrically, twirling his flower-topped cane. “Welcome to my garden of delights! These lovely citizens will become fertilizer for my beautiful blooms unless Gotham surrenders to my fragrant rule! I shall take over this city one flower at a time! My perfume empire will—”
THWACK!
Universe 47-X Batman had simply walked up and punched Louis the Lilac square in the mouth, sending the villain crashing unconscious onto the greenhouse floor.
Back in the Batcave, the older Batman blinked. “Well ... he’s certainly direct.”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne raised an eyebrow and continued taking notes.
On screen, Universe 47-X Batman efficiently freed the hostages from their cages, then dragged both Louis the Lilac and his flower-costumed henchmen outside after he delivered a well deserved beating. Where Commissioner Gordon and several police officers waited.
“Batman!” Commissioner Gordon called out. “You look ... different today.”
“Old uniform was at the cleaners,” Universe 47-X Batman replied curtly.
“Well, we appreciate the help. We’ll get Louis the Lilac locked up in jail where he belongs.”
Universe 47-X Batman stopped. “Lock him up? Is that what you said?”
“Well, yes. What else would we—”
“Why don’t we just get rid of him?”
Commissioner Gordon looked confused. “Get rid of him? You mean transfer him to another facility?”
“No. Permanently.”
The Commissioner’s face went pale. “Batman, what are you suggesting?”
“He always escapes. Always repeats the same crimes. Handle the problem. Eliminate the threat.”
“Batman!” Chief O’Hara gasped. “That’s ... that’s incredibly harsh! We don’t do that!”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” Universe 47-X Batman said coldly.
“No! You just put criminals in jail so they can think about their next crimes. It’s like a vacation spot!”
Universe 47-X Batman stared at Commissioner Gordon for a long moment, then shrugged as the police led Louis the Lilac away.
“Fascinating crime-fighting technique,” Ultimate Bruce Wayne muttered as Universe 47-X Batman returned to the cave.
“Please, have a seat,” the older Batman said, gesturing to the chair across from them. “We’d like to discuss your performance.”
Universe 47-X Batman sat down, removing his cowl to reveal a stern, weathered face.
“First off,” Ultimate Bruce Wayne began, consulting his notes, “I liked how you handled Louis the Lilac. Straight to the point, got the job done efficiently.”
“But,” the older Batman interjected gently, “this killing business ... why do you have such a problem with our traditional methods?”
Universe 47-X Batman leaned back. “Your traditional methods don’t work. Criminals escape, repeat their crimes, kill more innocents. The cycle never ends.”
“Well, you see, chum,” the older Batman explained earnestly, “we don’t really do that sort of thing. We prefer good old-fashioned fisticuffs, then off to jail, where they can think about the errors of their ways. Deep down, everyone has good in them.”
“How naïve. I used to believe the same thing until reality opened my eyes. I might be dressed like a bat, but I’m not blind,” Universe 47-X Batman replied. “I’ve heard that crap before. Some people can be reformed, but some people just need to die.”
The older Batman and Ultimate Bruce Wayne exchanged glances.
“Okay, well...” Ultimate Bruce Wayne said slowly. “We’ll get back to you on this.”
Universe 47-X Batman stood and replaced his cowl. “Fine.”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne opened a dimensional portal with a gesture. “Thank you for your time.”
Universe 47-X Batman stepped through the gateway without another word. The portal shimmered closed behind him.
The older Batman turned to Ultimate Bruce Wayne. “Well, chum, that was ... intense.”
“Definitely effective,” Ultimate Bruce Wayne mused, reviewing his notes. “But maybe a little too intense for this Gotham.”
“Indeed. Shall we interview the next candidate?”
What an absolutely riveting first interview! Will the next candidate prove to be a better fit for our Gotham City? The suspense continues to build, dear viewers!
Ultimate Bruce Wayne looked around the cave again. “Seriously, do you not hear that voice?”
“Not a thing, old chum. Not a thing.”
“Well, old chum, all this interdimensional interviewing has worked up quite an appetite,” the older Batman said, stretching and wincing slightly. “How about we grab some sustenance before we continue?”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne looked up from his notes. “Sure, I could eat.”
“Splendid! I know just the place,” Batman said enthusiastically, leading the way to the Batmobile.
As they settled into the iconic vehicle, Ultimate Bruce Wayne behind the wheel, Batman directed him through the winding streets of Gotham. “Take a left here, chum. Pat’s Diner has the best Bat-burgers in all of Gotham City!”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne raised an eyebrow but said nothing, following the directions until they pulled up in front of a modest diner with a neon sign reading “Pat’s Diner - Home of the Bat-Burger!” They parked the Batmobile right out front, its distinctive fins gleaming under the streetlights.
As they entered, the entire diner erupted in cheerful greetings. “Batman!” called out an elderly man from behind the counter. “Your usual table is ready!”
“Evening, Pat!” Batman replied with a wave, leading Ultimate Bruce Wayne to a corner booth with a small plaque reading “Reserved for Batman.”
A young, somewhat nerdy-looking waiter of about eighteen hurried over, his face lighting up with genuine excitement. “Batman! Great to see you again! Who’s your friend?”
“Stevie, my boy, I’d like you to meet a colleague of mine,” Batman said warmly. “And might I say, you’re looking well! How’s that correspondence course going?”
“Really great, Batman! Thanks for asking!” Stevie beamed as he pulled out his notepad. “The usual for you?”
“Actually, make it two Bat-burgers tonight, chum. And tell me, how’s your mother’s leg doing?”
As Stevie rattled off updates about his family, Ultimate Bruce Wayne watched with fascination. This version of Batman genuinely cared about everyone he encountered.
“You know,” Batman said to Ultimate Bruce Wayne after Stevie left, “that young man is the finest waiter in all of Gotham. Why, just last month I was here after a particularly grueling encounter with the Riddler—my cape was singed and I was covered in question mark-shaped confetti—and Stevie brought my food right out to the Batmobile without me even asking! Now that’s what I call service above and beyond the call of duty!” Batman paused, his eyes twinkling with admiration. “And his timing is absolutely perfect, old chum. Never gets an order wrong—not once! Even when Bruce Wayne orders delivery to the manor, Stevie always arrives right on time with exactly what was requested. It’s almost like he has a gift for knowing exactly what people need and when they need it. His timing is simply impeccable!”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne smiled. “He seems like a good kid.”
“The absolute best! Always has a kind word and never asks for anything in return.” Batman leaned back in the booth. “So, what do you think about this second Batman candidate?”
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