Disclaimer: I own no one. DC Comics and the HP Lovecraft guys own everybody here.

A/N: I realize, for those who do read this, I've been on hiatus. Well, I've had school to attend, plus this story wasn't as popular as I would've hoped. Still, I like this story, and I think I should finish it. So, here I go with the next chapter:

The Batman Out of Time

Chapter III

After considerable effort, I got to look at the security tapes. The only notable details they left out were what 'I' demanded from Armitage: a book called 'The Necronomicon.'

Nobody ever mentioned there being such a book at Gotham University. How, then, did I find it? And what was I after?

This, and other questions, were addressed by Robin and Batgirl after they left. I checked recordings from the Batcave, and here's what I found after they left 'my' crime scene:

(for those of us who don't have audio, I provided a transcript.)

-Batcave Security recording *******-

BATGIRL: How did this happen? Batman never steals anything!

ROBIN: …well, ever since that fight with the Man-Bat, he's been…I can't put my finger on it…

(UNKNOWN VOICE): Not himself?

BATGIRL/ROBIN: Who are you? And how did you get in here?

UNKNOWN VOICE: I am a friend of Batman. You could say I'm a friend to all humans. But all you need to know is that I'm a friend.

A slight scuffle was heard here. I assume Robin grabbed the stranger and pressed him against a wall, like I did when I first met him.

ROBIN: Sorry, but I kinda would like a name as well.

UNKNOWN VOICE: I understand. However, I do not have a name. I instead have a term by which people refer to me; The Phantom Stranger.

BATGIRL: Phantom Stranger? I…never heard of you.

PHANTOM STRANGER: Most people don't. I tend to only appear when humanity is in great peril, and that doesn't happen very often. However, it has happened now. So, here I am.

ROBIN: So…would you mind telling us what happened to Batman? Who's controlling him?

PHANTOM STRANGER: I'm sorry. There is not enough time. However, I can say that the person who stole the books from the Miskatonic University Library was not Batman.

BATGIRL: Um, it's Gotham University.

PHANTOM STRANGER: The books were originally part of the Miskatonic University. When Arkham, Massachusetts, went into disuse during the Depression, they were purchased by Gotham University. The Librarian, Armitage, still prefers to have it called 'Miskatonic Library.' The name is not important, however; what is important is the things that were stolen. There is no time to explain the full depth of this creature's plan. You must contact the Justice League, and relay to them what I have told you. They shall prevent him from carrying out his intentions for your world.

ROBIN: Why can't you do it yourself? We've got a city to look after, with Bats out of his head!

PHANTOM STRANGER: I am forbidden from interfering in mortal affairs too much. This conversation is stretching my limits as it is. However, my actions in this particular affair are not over; I shall be needed when the impersonator Batman is safely contained.

I heard some walking here, then a slight 'whooshing' sound. I can only assume that the Phantom Stranger left in his usual manner.

BATGIRL: Did…he just disappear into the shadows?

ROBIN: Yeah. He's better at disappearing than Batman!

They high-fived, and then attempted to call the Justice League.

COMMUNICATOR: (after some static) Wonder Woman here. What's your business, kids? We're not the kind of people who accept prank calls.

ROBIN: Wonder Woman, we just had a visit from the Phantom Stranger. He says Batman's under some kind of mind control, and whoever's pulling the strings has some 'plans' for the world.

WONDER WOMAN: …We'll get right on it. What about you?

BATGIRL: We've got to look after Gotham, with Batman gone and all.

WONDER WOMAN: Understood. Wonder Woman, out.

-End Recording. -

It didn't take long before the Justice League sent out a team of five of the founders: Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Martian Manhunter. They tracked 'me' down to Austrailia, where I had somehow smuggled myself to.

I'm busy compiling all the records of that incident, but it's been delayed a little. Like I mentioned, I've been having strange dreams ever since the incident. Zatanna used her downtime to peer into said dreams, saying they are the link to my missing week. I'm still awaiting the compilation of her findings.

FINALLY!

This story will be very infrequently updated, but I still say: reviews will make me update faster!

P.S. Phantom Stranger fans: He's awesome. As soon as I heard about him, I had to include him.