American Comics: The Strongest Villain

"I'll find out more once Catwoman gets back," Felicity muttered, her fingers flying over the keyboard, trying to dig up more intel.

Laurel glanced over at Su Sheng, who seemed deep in thought. "What's on your mind?" she asked quietly.

Su Sheng shook his head, not giving much away. He was reflecting on the situation. Since Barbara Gordon took on the mantle of Batgirl, injuries were inevitable. But for something serious enough to cause Catwoman such concern? Unlikely. And the idea of Catwoman being the one who hurt Batgirl? That seemed impossible. Catwoman had the experience and wits to avoid such a confrontation unless it was a matter of life or death.

But if Batgirl was paralyzed, Su Sheng had a good idea who might be responsible: the Joker.

It was this horrific act that had once transformed Barbara Gordon from Batgirl into Oracle, the tech genius confined to a wheelchair.

"Do you know who hurt Batgirl?" Thea Queen asked Su Sheng. She had learned just how much he knew—his knowledge of Gotham's secrets ran deep.

"I do," Su Sheng began to reply, but a voice interrupted him.

"I know too."

Everyone turned to see Catwoman approaching, dressed in casual clothes. She moved with urgency, her face showing none of her usual sly amusement. Her eyes locked on Su Sheng as she approached. "You're back just in time."

"Miss me?" Su Sheng teased with a smile, holding out his arms. "Want a hug?"

Catwoman's expression darkened. "I'm not in the mood for jokes. And don't even mention that word right now," she snapped.

It was rare to see Catwoman so agitated.

"What happened?" Felicity asked, her voice cautious.

"Batgirl was seriously injured. She might not be able to continue as Batgirl anymore," Catwoman said gravely. "And the person who did it... is a friend of mine from Gotham. I wasn't there when it happened, but by the time I found out, Batgirl was already down, and my friend was caught by Batman."

She turned to Su Sheng. "I need your help. Get her out."

Su Sheng didn't respond immediately, only smiling slightly.

Catwoman's patience snapped, and she grabbed Su Sheng's collar, pulling him close. "You can't stand by and do nothing! She's connected to you!"

"Easy, easy," Felicity and the others urged, pulling Catwoman back. "Who's your friend, and how is she connected to Su Sheng?"

Catwoman glared at Su Sheng. "Harley Quinn. Don't tell me you've forgotten her."

"Harley Quinn?" Su Sheng raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. He hadn't seen Harley or followed her news since leaving Gotham. Now she'd managed to injure Batgirl and wind up captured by Batman?

"Is Batgirl paralyzed?" Su Sheng asked.

"It looks that way," Catwoman confirmed bitterly.

Su Sheng paused. "So, Harley Quinn—she's taken on the Joker's old role?"

"Gotham calls her Harley Quinn because she's as unpredictable as the Joker was. And it's your fault she ended up like this," Catwoman seethed. "You owe her. If you don't help, I'll never forgive you."

Su Sheng chuckled at her fury. "Alright, alright, I'll take care of it."

The Joker had transformed Harley Quinn into this version of herself—a chaotic figure straddling the line between madness and mischief. It was Harley's own version of the Killing Joke.

"What's the plan?" Catwoman's anger cooled slightly at the thought of getting help.

"First, I need to head to Gotham and assess the situation," Su Sheng said casually.

"I'm coming with you," Catwoman insisted.

"We'll go too," Laurel added, but Catwoman shook her head.

"It's better if the team stays out of this one. Harley is... complicated."

Her reluctance made sense. Harley Quinn's reputation in Gotham rivaled even Batman's in terms of notoriety. If Gothamites were calling her by that name, she wasn't to be taken lightly. This wasn't just about saving Batgirl—it was dealing with someone who had become a living wildcard.

"Alright," Felicity agreed reluctantly.

"My car's outside," Catwoman said, motioning to the door.

"Driving's too slow," Su Sheng replied, raising his hand. A shockwave rippled through the air as a portal opened, swirling like clouds tumbling through the room.

Everyone stared, wide-eyed, as Su Sheng and Catwoman stepped through, vanishing instantly.

Gotham.

The familiar streets sprawled out before them as Catwoman blinked, disoriented by the teleportation. She glanced at Su Sheng, who stood quietly, his eyes closed as though thinking.

"What are you doing?" Catwoman asked, pushing his shoulder.

"Gathering intelligence," Su Sheng replied calmly, eyes still closed.

"By standing in the street with your eyes closed? That's a new one," she scoffed.

Su Sheng smirked. "Maybe you're just shortsighted." He opened his eyes. "I know where Batgirl's being treated. Let's go see her first."

Catwoman nodded in agreement. Seeing the extent of Batgirl's injuries would help decide their next move.

Su Sheng waved down a taxi, and the two climbed in. He gave the hospital's location, and the driver took off, weaving through Gotham's streets with reckless speed.

After what felt like a breathless ride, the taxi skidded to a halt outside the hospital. The driver turned, expecting payment, but Su Sheng simply smiled. He dragged a finger along the window, and frost spread instantly, coating the glass.

"No charge," the driver stammered, shaking his head furiously.

"You're too kind," Su Sheng chuckled as he opened the door—only for it to snap off its hinges and crash to the ground.

The driver paled. "I-it's fine! I'll fix it!"

Su Sheng stepped out of the cab, Catwoman reluctantly following. As soon as they were clear, the taxi sped away like a rocket.

"Gotham people—they're so kind," Su Sheng mused, walking toward the hospital with Catwoman beside him.