With that the tension, like an overdrawn rubber band snapped.
Batman rolled away narrowly avoiding Ironman's repuslsor blast, before launching a batarang at the shoulder canon War machine had trained on him. Upon making contact the batarang released a pulse that effectively disabled the weapon and caused War machine to flinch backwards.
Batman was denied a moment of respite, as Ironman pressed him with continuous fire. Forcing Batman to rely on his borderline superhuman agility as well enhancements from his suit to avoid the blasts.
As Ironman followed up intensifying the frequency of attacks, Batman pressed a button activating the concussive grenade he had set up with the blast that sent Ironman flying and landing on his back.
The moment allowed for Batman's suit to begin its self repair to the bits that were singed under the rain of fire. This moment was cut short by War machine flying in to blindside Batman with his shock baton.
Batman barely responded in time by raising his cape to serve as a shield.
The suit morphed in such a way, that it transferred most off the force to the floor below. However once the baton made contact with Batman's cape a terrifying boom was heard as Batman was dropped to his knee.
Batman gritting his teeth through the pain, rose up, pushing the baton away. Then proceeding to follow up with a shock powered punch to War machine's jaw and then another shock powered jab straight to the gut. The resulting force causing War machine to drop his baton as Batman grabbed his helmet with both hands and delivering a headbutt that actually staggered the armored hero.
Batman was ready to follow up with a few more attacks, however Ironman made his presence known once more, by charging into Batman's side.
*Urgh*
Batman let out a grunt of pain as he was sent rolling.
Resting on his knees, Batman observed the two armored individuals. War machine had managed to regain his bearings were as Tony was glaring at him. Batman's mind began to analyze the situation he was in.
He knew that speaking to Tony at this moment was out of the question... at least until he calmed down. Rhodey however probably wanted him contained due to the orders from the military, add to the reaction he had when he heard what was happening to Pietro. He was definitely not on Batman's side
Batman's frown grew even more profound underneath his mask, taking these two would take time. Time he didn't have, making it back to his feet Batman decide then it was time he brought this to an end.
Seeing he was back on his feet, Ironman and War machine shared a tacit nod before they both took flight and charged at him. This time however Batman refused to let them get close to him.
Tendrils launched from his suit, catching them by surprise and holding them in place before making their way into the gaps of both suits.
"Tony what the hell is this stuff?! It's making its way into the suit!"
"I'm working on it" Tony addressed Rhodey before shifting his attention back to J.A.R.V.I.S. " buddy what am I looking at".
"It's seems to be a composite of various materials, most unknown, however there seems to be vibranium included in its make up sir"
"Looks like Bats has some fun stuff, time to put some distance between us" Turning back to Rhodey, he spoke up "Rhodes, time to go long".
Rhodey who up till this point was trying to burn cut his way through, turned and gave Tony a nod.
*Whirrr*
All thrusters in both armors were immediately pushed to their full power, and broke out of the hold Batman had on them. Batman was prepared for this as he knew that his suit would be unable to hold back their armor for more than a few seconds.
With enough space Batman dropped a few smoke bombs to obscure their vision.
"Lost visual switching to infrared." Rhodey began but paused when he realized after switching to all forms of vision enabled in his suit he was still unable to see through the smoke.
The tension continued to rise as the two didn't dare to dive into the cloud of smoke, at the same time they hesitated to fire considering not one of their scanners could pick up anything.
The question lingered in their minds, was he even still there?
Their question was answered mere moment after as four objects flew out of the smoke and towards the two of them. Who didn't hesitate to fire at them, though that proved to be the wrong decision as upon their destruction they produced a blast that disoriented the two.
In the confusion they barley saw the grappling hook that launched into the air, only to be soon followed by Batman. The two followed him with their eyes to see him enter the Batwing before flying off.
For a long moment, neither of them said anything. The Batwing had vanished into the clouds, leaving only the disturbed air and the ruined rooftop in its wake.
"...Did we just get played?" Rhodey asked, half-joking, fully irritated.
Tony clenched his fists, the servos in his armor whining. "We got outmaneuvered. That's different."
"But he didn't go for the kill," Rhodey added, rubbing his helmet, Batman's headbutt had left him with a headache . "He had openings. He just... neutralized."
Tony didn't respond. His HUD was already pulling up data, rewinding the confrontation, Batman's battle in the building till their confrontation analyzing it from a dozen different angles.
Multiple non-lethal attacks. Selective system targeting. No civilian engagement. Rapid exit upon tactical disadvantage.
It read more like a black ops infiltration than a rogue superhero rampage.
"You think he's telling the truth?" Rhodey asked.
Tony sighed, the fury in his chest slowly making room for something colder. "I think... Batman believes he is. Which is worse."
Tony stared at the empty space where the Batwing had been.
It was at this moment that Captain America's voice resounded through their coms, "Tony, Rhodes we have Bucky. How about you?"
"Yeah about that, Cap," Tony rose his hand to the side of his head.
"We need to compare notes. Now."
Tony spoke as he looked to where Batman had disappeared.