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INJUSTICE is a 2025 live action American superhero drama, tragedy and adventure film based on the highly popular 2013 video game of the same name and the Detective Comics comics and is yet another installment in the long-running DC Extended Universe. With the DCEU now having stepped away from Zack Snyder and firing whatever they can at the wall to see if it sticks, the reception of what was filmed after Snyder’s departure didn't seem to improve the stock value of the DCEU even with a few diamonds in the rough. With the MCU still racking in the money and positive reception and compared to Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which received almost universal acclaim, DC decided to take a leap of faith: finally pulling the trigger on an INJUSTICE movie. After many years of focusing squarely on solo films, the risky direction was made to cram most of the DC comics popular heroes and villains together and put the 2013 story to the big screen with their reputation and integrity on the line....especially after the animated movie suffered a similar fate. This didn’t work out, someone was gonna take their ball and head home.


The film is produced by DC Films, Atlas Entertainment and RatPac Entertainment and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will also be produced by Charles Roven and Peter Safran. Finally, the film will be directed by the man originally behind the cowl, the returning Ben Affleck.


Main Cast[]

  • Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman
  • Henry Cavill as Kal-El of Krypton / Clark Kent / Superman
  • Gal Gadot as Diana of Themyscira / Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
  • Bradley Cooper as Barry Allen / The Flash
    • Ezra Miller as younger Barry Allen
  • Sterling K. Brown as Victor Stone / Cyborg
    • Ray Fisher as younger Victor Stone
  • Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan / Green Lantern / Yellow Lantern
  • Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
  • Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon / Oracle / Batgirl
  • Morena Baccarin as Selina Kyle / Catwoman
  • Bryan Cranston as Lex Luthor
  • Jensen Ackles as Jason Todd / Red Hood / Red X
  • Finn Wittrock as Richard 'Dick' Grayson / Nightwing / Deadman
  • Margot Robbie as Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn)
  • Jurnee Smollet as Dinah Laurel-Lance / Black Canary
  • Steven R. McQueen as Tim Drake / Red Robin
  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli / Huntress
  • Alexandra Daddario as Zatanna
  • Zachary Levi as Shazam (Captain Marvel)
    • Asher Angel as William 'Billy' Batson
  • Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
  • Danny Glover as Lucius Fox
  • William 'Billy' Brown as John Stewart / Green Lantern
  • Taissa Farmiga as Rachel Roth / Raven
  • Vanessa Morgan as Koriand'r / Starfire
  • Peyton List as Terra Markov
  • Charlie Hunman as Oliver 'Ollie' Queen / Green Arrow
  • Hugo Weaving as Sinestro
  • Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as Black Adam
  • Harry Lennix as J'onn J'onnz / Martin Manhunter
  • Aubrey Joesph as Virgil Hawkins / Static Shock
  • J.K Simmons as Commissioner James Gordon
  • Viola Davis as Amanda Waller
  • Will Smith as Floyd Lawton / Deadshot
  • Idris Elba as Robert DuBois / Bloodsport
  • John Cena as Christopher Smith / Peacemaker
  • Daniella Melchior as Cleo Cazo / Ratcatcher 2
  • Sylvester Stallone as the voice of Nanuae / King Shark
  • Joe Manganiello as Slade Wilson / Deathstroke
  • Bryce Dallas Howard as Pamela Isley / Poison Ivy
  • Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Waylon Jones / Killer Croc
  • Dave Bautista as Bane
  • Alycia Debnam-Carey as Donna Troy
  • Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya
  • Evan Rachel Wood as Julie Madison
  • Kane Hodder as the voice of Kalibak
  • Ciaran Hinds as the voice of Steppenwolf
  • Jace Norman as Richard "Richie" Osgood Foley
  • Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko
  • Emilia Clarke as Mera
  • Jackie Earle Haley as Victor Zsasz
  • Robin Atkins Downes as the voice of Cyrus Gold / Solomon Grundy
  • Kurt Russell as President Kane Boon


  • Diane Lane as Martha Kent
  • Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta


  • Jared Leto as The Joker


  • Ghassan Massoud as ???
  • Aiysha Hart as Talia Al Ghul
  • Matt Bomer as Bizarro
  • Chloë Grace Moretz as ???


  • Ray Porter as the voice of Darkseid

Synopsis[]

Tricked into killing his wife Lois and destroying Metropolis with a nuclear bomb, Superman, filled with grief and rage, kills the Joker. In the years to follow, the Man Of Steel loses his way as he becomes a tyrant and establishes a new world order. In an effort to stop this, Batman summons his own team, The Insurgency to put an end to the totalitarian One Earth Regime. But as the weeks turn to into months and the days turn into years, both teams are forced to resort to more desperate measures to ensure the other side won't win.

Story[]

Metropolis.

A city that was the embodiment of the good side of urban society. A city that proudly displayed what humanity could accomplish.


But all that was over.


All that was lost.


All that lied in ruins.


A symbol discarded. A beacon of hope destroyed. Millions upon MILLIONS of bodies discarded, burned, wiped off the face of the planet in the quickest yet painless way imaginable. A thick layer of ash covered everything in sight. All that was left were the skeletons of buildings. Small fires were still burning here and there.


Unprecedented and unpredicted, the destruction of this fine city unleashed shockwaves on a unimaginable scale unlike any other attack in recent memory. Police were frantic, civilians from afar were terrified and the news was ALL OVER IT. For an event THIS recent, it was impossible to pull away from the subject.


Police officers at the GCPD were running rampant either watching the news, answering calls or just making a lot of noise amidst the outburst of information flooding their way.

Commissioner Jim Gordon (J.K Simmons) and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) did not turn away from the horror displayed on the screen. They couldn't. It was an eye-opener, a game changer, an Earth shattering revelation to the constructs, the morals and beliefs of every dirty criminal out there who'd had either constructed this attack or simply watched from afar.


Either way, this was hell unleashed.


Jim: God almighty.


Renee couldn't say anything. With tears in her eyes and her mouth covered, she couldn't stand to watch anymore and slowly walks away.  


The news was only to get worse from here on out, curtesy of Gotham Gazette reporter Vicki Vale herself, looking visibly and visually distraught over the ENTIRE situation, it almost seemed as if she didn't have the wear-withal to sit through this let alone call upon the event.



"Re-reports are flying in from-all over the world. It has been confir-confirmed that the Joker has unleashed a.....massive scale nuclear weapon.....upon Metropolis." She said, pressing on with the traumatic experience. This was her job to do. And she did it, albeit at a slow yet methodically pace with her voice crackling more and more after every sentence. "We are.....not aware of the total casualties but it is likely to be in the millions. The Joker has since been apprehended and is currently being taken to Strykers Island. The effect this attack has left o-"


She stood shaken for a moment as she suddenly catches wind of chatter in her earpiece. Her expression once again remains professional but as the info slightly spreads open, it gets even HARDER for her to maintain said composure.



"This-just in: we have JUST received word that......Daily Planet editor in-chief Perry White and reporter Lois Lane are both confirmed to be on the list......of the deceased."



In the midst of the ruptured and destroyed chaos of the once beloved city, was the self proclaimed beacon of light hovering above the mild glimmer of the sunset.

It lowers and lowers further downwards towards the ground as the figure became noticeably more apparent, thanks to its cape and the object it was holding in its grasp. Superman (Henry Cavill), holding his dead wife Lois (Amy Adams) in his arms as he laid on the ground on her knees, ruptured, broken and in complete disbelief. The expression on his face was priceless and not in a good way. This was his responsibility and he didn't live up to the responsibility of protecting the one thing he always swore to guard with his life. The unfortunate matter is that Lois wasn't the only one he had to protect as the city mattered just as much.


His duty was left unfulfilled and it ate at him.


But there was something much more traumatic on his mind from this loss. Something even the sanest of people would understand.


And the mere importance behind it seemed strong enough to break the Man Of Steel from the inside out as he bellowed from the top of his lungs, echoing throughout the outskirts of the broken city and all across the state.


All across the country.


All across the world.


His son.....His unborn son was dead.


So much had been stolen from him. With all the birthdays, family vacations, all he planned to do with them.....now it was now never going to happen. Superman would have loved that child to death. But he already had loved him.


He continued hugging the dead Lois tight, drowning himself in sorrow and grief. Tears were flowing through his eyes for the pain of his deceased wife and son. Diana (Gal Gadot) soon eventually landed, approaching Clark. It didn't take long for Superman to hear her foot-steps approaching with his enhanced hearing. If anyone COULD comfort him, it would be her.


Wonder Woman: Kal.....


Superman: I did this.....Diana. I killed them. I-I-


Wonder Woman: No.


She expresses confidently, gripping him by the shoulder.


Wonder Woman: You are not responsible for this. That madman orchestrated this entire thing. Not all is in vain, Kal. We can make this right again.


The expression on his face told the story right then and there. Dissipating from sadness, it quickly eroded into frustration, frustration eroded into anger and anger eroded into BURNING RAGE.

All fault lied in the hands of a single man. A single man so inhuman, so sociopathic, that he showed zero remorse for what he had brought down, delightfully laughing over what he had singlehandedly caused, singlehandedly destroyed. He knew who was responsible and Diana was right. They can fix this, they can make this right to repair the damage of the most important person in his life being stolen, taken from him.

Internal conflict wrestled in the back of his mind, coming to grips with the recurring situation, none of which stopped him from balling up his fists and further crushing the concrete.


Wonder Woman: Superman?


Seeing Superman stand up carrying Lois up in his arms once again reminded her about how she couldn't do the same with her aunt.


He had made up his mind on what to do.



Quivering against his own will, he simply handed Lois over to Diana, holding her in her arms now.



Superman: Will you hold them? Keep them safe for me?


Diana couldn't refuse.


Wonder Woman: Of course....but where are you going?



Still unable to process his thoughts and emotions properly, not much could stop him now as he launched himself away from the area.



The Teen Titans faired no better. Some were caught up in the midst of the explosion too little too late so those who did manage to get out, namely Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Terra (Peyton List) and Nightwing (Finn Wittrock), hurried back to scene, desperately praying those that were caught weren't lost. Dick went rushing on through the smoke and for the next three minutes, there were no signs whatsoever and no response, just ruble and ashes and fire


Terra looked onward, petrified in fear, not believing what just happened. She screeches from her lungs peak, nearly ripping apart the concrete beneath her.


Terra: Kori? Raven? Garfield?!


Cyborg: Where could they be....Dad!


H--help......


A brief sound of a voice cracking made them both look over towards the cloud of smoke and Starfire (Vanessa Morgan) came out through the smoke and debris covered in dirt and ashes with her armor torn up and practically destroyed. Visibly shaken and almost drenched in tears from the destruction, the comfort of her friends was definitely needed.

But that was the thing. The way her voice cracked as she called for help already gave away the indication of her worst nightmare.


Briefly glancing over at Raven and Nightwing from aside her stepping out further through the smoke, green, green and more green flashed through the ashes as the mangled, singed body of Garfield Logan aka Beast Boy (Cole Sprouse) was shown, wrapped in Kori's hands.


Almost immediately, Terra had her hands covered over her mouth in complete disbelief and shock over what had just occurred. It's been three months since the two expressed feelings for one another.....and then this happens.


Terra: I--Is he....??


To her complete dismay, Kori nodded in sadness.


There would be no song for the broken-hearted, no silent prayer for the faith-departed; nothing but utter hell washed down over her following the swift, traumatic loss of one of their own. Having to take Gar's body out of Starfire's hands and kneel down beside him, the hardened, flakey texture of his singed skin left Terra crying out in anguish with her terrakinesis cracking the concrete beneath her and nearly erupting 1938 Simon Street, Hobs Bay.


Kori has to hug her from behind and move her away from the body to get her to calm down and Dick had to do the same for Star as she tears up, unable to save her friend.


Cyborg only faced down in dismay, bending to a knee only to catch a glimpse of a S.T.A.R. Labs access key card nearby by the dismantled Ace o' Clubs bar. Crumbled and stuck amongst all the debris, he lifts all of it up and away. On the front side of the crumbled pass was his dad's name and picture on it.


That was clear recognition, if any was needed, that his father.....Silas Stone......was gone too.....


Erupting from sadness to frustration to pure unadulterated anger, Victor tried his hardest to contain his frustration to no avail, punching a brick wall and shattering what's left of the window frame.


I'm sorry.


He looked back seeing Raven (Taissa Farmiga) reappear behind him from the shadows.


Raven: I was protecting Kori and Gar from the explosion before getting caught in the flames.


Cyborg: Heh....wish I could say the same for my Dad.


Raven: I know what it's like to lose a parent. I'm sorry I couldn't stop it sooner.


Victor's reply came in the form of a stinkface reaction, since Ravens father was the literal epitome of hell incarnate, how would she know if her parents are so cold blooded? No verbal response was needed, as he walked away from her, gripping his fist on that card.


The sight of Dick comforting the girls bawling their eye's out over Beast Boy brought some sense of shame. Even her eyes dropped at the sight, for her annoying yet charismatic teammate died on her watch and her best efforts weren't enough to save him.



Grieving was over for Superman.


Bursting and ripping through the air, flying at full speed across the river with rage in his eyes for what had just transpired earlier, he barely skims past Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) who was checking along the outskirts of Metropolis and beyond to see what else the nuke left in its wake. He simply looked down at Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) and Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who was assisting him in the cause with a hint of confusion and a wave of uneasiness.


What does he think he's about to do...?, Billy thought to himself.



The bigger question was what was The Joker (Jared Leto) thinking when he went through with this.

Men like him, however are very few in number especially with his type of agenda. His entire career had been littering and festering the scraps, dismantling the status quo, making every 'right' decision worthless via exposing everybody's lack of humanity: all except for Batman (Ben Affleck).


Once again, his lack of morality colliding with his inescapable pursuit of vigilantism bled chaos through the bowels of their rivalry and Strykers looked to be another stamp, a bookmark on Jokers never-ending stride for chaos.


One of the few interrogation rooms still left unharmed, was where Batman held Joker inside, cuffed up to the table, still laughing hysterically. He was amused. Oh, how could he not be? He just made Superman destroy his own beloved city. What a joke! He briefly wondered if he could make Batman do the same. The latter was currently glaring at him. If looks could kill, he would have died a thousand times over. But Joker knew the Bat like the back of his hand. Batman wouldn't do anything to him, at least not anything fatal.


A tad more furious than usual, he slams Jokers' head down onto the table, disorientating him slightly.


At least the laughing stopped.


Joker: Why do you always go for the head? You're gonna get the victim all fuzzy.


That astute observation gets quickly ignored by an angry glare.


Batman: The Nuke! Why did Lex give it to you?!


"What? You want one?", joked the Joker sociopathically. "Copybat...."


The man in front of him had just nuked Metropolis and was making puns? In a burst of rage, he grabbed the Joker by the shoulders, prepared to punch him again but then he stopped.

Triggering Batman always brought him this wicked sense of pleasure so him calming himself down before he let his anger get the better of him, always brought Joker dismay. He'd used to get to the Dark Knight easily whether he used to kill or not.


As of right now, this was no exception.


Batman: You took his wife.......his unborn child......and his city from him. Why?


Joker: You need a reason? It's probably the same reason I beat that puppy to death with a kitten last week. When the howling and meowing stops, and all you're left with is a mess of fur and blood and brains, well, you can't beat that warm glowing feeling inside.


Now he was teasing him.


Batman: This has always been about us. Why do this to him?


Joker: Every time you and I play, I lose. I'm one to admit: I got a bit bored of losing. So I decided I'd try this on easy mode for a while. And it WAS EASY.....As easy as beating a puppy to death with a kitten.


He pulls him closer.


Joker: I mean.....someone took it all away from you too, right Bats? And look at what you've become: An all-punching, all-kicking little ball of angst. And you just couldn't let me go, could you? I just wanted to bring down your grim facade and, for ONCE, let you see the world as I see it: giggling in a corner and bleeding. But you've denied me even that because you are truly incorruptible, aren't you? Huh? No matter how far I've pushed you, no matter how deep you plunge down the rabbit hole, you won't kill me out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness. Why else did you think I wouldn't kill you? Because you were just too much fun.


The Clown Prince rolls his eyes, chuckling sinisterly.


Joker: And to think you and I were destined to do this forever. And then here you come again, dragging your friends into our personal playground, our little game for two. So I just had to go and send him a reminder of what happens in our little circle of darkness. Now THAT begs the question......

He whispers in his ear.

Joker: What do you think Superman will become? A God who's deluded himself into believing he's a man; who will he become next?


Batman: You're asking for too much. There's some things in this world even YOU can't corrupt, Joker.


Joker laughed.


Joker: HA! Oh, Batsy. You're so cute....You REALLY THINK your new friend will still be fun to play with?


"He will grieve", the Dark Knight assures confidentially. "But he'll stay one of the best men I know."


Joker: No. I think it's going to be a lot funnier than that.



Before the Caped Crusader can respond.....the wall from the outside BLEW open which nearly knocked Batman and Joker off balance. While the ruble from the wall crumbles from the outside, they both looked back to saw Superman levitating down into the room with his eyes glowing with pure hatred.

Joker chuckled in dark anticipation. He was moments from getting what he wanted.


Superman: Get away from him!


Batman: I'm handling this.


Batman tried to stop Superman, but the latter ignored him, for his word no longer mattered and pushed him aside without any hesitation. Batman looked on warily, ready to pounce if Superman got out of control.


Limping and stomping up to the madmen like an angry child, the Joker smirking at him, softly chuckling with his hands intertwined just PISSED Clark off even more. He tossed the table aside, grabbed Joker by his jacket and SLAMED HIM to the right side wall into the mirror, earning another delighted whoop from Joker.


Superman: Bastard! You drugged me! Made me.....


He had to stop himself from making any more drastic movements, bowing his head in both defeat and utter shame.


Superman: L--Lois....My son......


Joker: Awww.....first Krypton, now Metropolis. My my, people you love do tend to blow up, don't they?


There he goes again, mocking him. The Man Of Steel growls loudly, raising his fist. But Batman's cry stopped him in time.

Batman: Superman DON'T!


He wouldn't kill him, but he soon would if the clown continued ranting. Having to stop himself yet again, he punches out the window beside Joker creating a perfect circle dent to it. The sight of seeing Superman hit an all time low on morale was exactly what he wanted: he wanted to break the unbreakable and he was mere seconds away from doing exactly that.


Joker: That's why I like you Superman. You're much more gullible than.....Batsy here.


Superman: RAAGHH!


He threw him aside him to the other side of the room in a fit of fury as he hits the wall, bouncing off the broken table as he laid there. Unfazed by the act, Joker painfully stood up, still smiling as if this wasn't a big deal.


But it surely was.


Joker: You-you think you can have a family? You think that locking me up will magically reform me to the point where they'll be safe......


He points to Batman.


Joker: That HE'LL be safe. So big, yet so dumb......


He sits back down much to Superman's bewilderment. He wanted to punch that stupid grin off the clown's face so badly. How could he still talk like that? He wanted to destroy what the Joker had and make him feel the pain! But deep down, he knew that Joker didn't have anyone close to him anymore since Harley was just a toy.

Joker would just laugh everything away.


Joker: If you never danced with the devil in the pale moonlight, time is all but wasted. Now run along....so I can break out of here. I got lots of planning to do to top this.


Superman: The only reservation you're going to be attending is currently slated six feet under.


Maniacal laughter rings in his ears. Uneven twitching, uncontrollable shaking, it got to the Man Of Steel more than it ever could get Bruce.


Joker: Why yes, my friend. I do in fact know there is special place in Hell for me. It's called a throne.


That did it. Superman lifted Joker up by his throat, preparing to finish him.


Batman: THAT'S ENOUGH!



Batman strode forward, attempting to push Superman away, but it was the other way around with Supes simply tossing him aside like he was nothing. Batman grunted as he hit the floor colliding with the collapsed wall, unable to do anything as he watched Superman draw back a fist.


It didn't knock him out.


But it did give him a free V.I.P seat to witness the true meaning of horror before him.


With Superman turning his eyes back towards at Joker.....his eyes filled up with dreaded red once more.


Superman: She was my world......and you took her from me.


Those words rung a bell to Batman more than he expected to. The same words ushered to him in his nightmare from three years ago. He never thought he'd have to hear those words for real.


Joker: You say that but.....d-do you think you'll ever love again? Cause who knows? May-maybe you won't kill your next family.


That was it.

The final straw.


The Man Of Steel had about enough.

Superman roared in anger. Somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind, he heard Batman cry out "NO!" But, all he knew was that he had to kill this fiend, so that he can no longer do anything more.



ARGH.....Ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaAAAARRRRGGGGGGGH!



~One week later~



Temperatures were rising steadily; nothing but old 60's music rung throughout the boiler room as a crate loaded itself into a large oven with the eroded door swinging wide open. Humidity filled the air following slight squeaking as the actual body that was due to be cremated entered, having been laid down on the crate. As the stove that led up to the fire began to sizzle, the body slowly was pushed inside, almost with such care and delicacy.


You'd think this person would be worth remembering. He would be. Just not for the right reasons.


With nothing but a flower on its purple suit, standing out from its decaying white puffball face and green scaly hair, a dead Joker, days after he was brutally murdered by the Man Of Steel after gassing and tricking him into killing Lois, looks as if he couldn't be any happier with the sick and twisted smile over his face with his jacket soaked and covered in blood from the hole in his chest.


As seconds turned into a minute later, the trigger was pulled.


The entire oven was then lit upon the fire, as it proceeded to burn through the Joker's body from his skin all the way down to the bones. Nothing but smoke could be felt or seen through the fires and flames. It felt like an eternity it went on forever, even when the smoke blew out to the oven, rendering the corpse to ashes.



Imagine a world without crime. Imagine a world without war. Imagine a world in which major conflicts are almost nonexistent. Now open your eyes. Take in the world you dreamed about, wished for your whole life. But there is something wrong. This is not the world of happiness that should be omnipresent in a place such as this. This is not the world in which every nation gets along. There are no nations. This is not a world of being carefree, it is one of fear. This is a world in which crime has not been eliminated through justice, but through injustice, by the gods who walk among us.



~Title: INJUSTICE~



~Nine months later~



Nine months ago, the Joker was cremated. I pressed the button and burnt the evil bastard myself. And then......we waited. After the destruction of Metropolis, Gotham braced itself for the inevitable power struggle to come. But It didn't. Crime actually fell the day after Superman's immediate "prevent crime" speech. But deep down, I couldn't help but since a greater evil was approaching.


I knew war was coming. I was just waiting for SOMEONE to pull the trigger when it did.



The streets of Gotham were relatively quiet this time around as people just walked on by minding their own business or driving alongside the roads. While the people downtown didn't appear to be the least bit concerned when it came to the recent lack of crime happening, that could not be the case for those who WERE concerned.



Re-enter the disbanded Arkham City.


Following the events of Victor Fries' redemption and the aftermath of the disastrous Protocol 10 epidemic, the media took no time at all writing all over the story. For starters, the destruction of the entire city had insured everything that Bruce Wayne had needed to officially continue his campaign to shut down Arkham City for good. With the decree that the entire asylum site be shut down as soon as possible, as a result, Quincy Sharp's martial law was overturned once he was arrested and incarcerated for his involvement with Protocol 10. As a result, Gordon and the Gotham City Police Department were given back full jurisdiction in Gotham City. They were sent to arrest all TYGER forces, transferred any and all inmates away from the prison, rescued all the falsely imprisoned and thanks to some outside assistance, they officially shut down the city once and for all.


Nobody had been daring enough to either enter or return back to there.


All except for ONE.



The former Dr. Harleen Quinzel aka Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) had been the busiest she ever thought she would be, following the events of Metropolis and the death of her former Mr. J. Despite having actually done better for herself without the psychotic clown in her corner, Harley's persistence on getting closure for all his wrongdoings ended up bringing her back directly where she started.



Following his death, she had since then shut herself off from almost everything else, becoming even more psychotic and fierce, and any of Joker's old henchmen, who had previously seen her as a useless bimbo were dealt with quickly and earned her respect. Constantly mourning and frequently crying and/or laughing from the eyes of her men, she was also starting to seem like a liability.


Evaluations and changes were made immediately at the Funhouse, Jokers second base of operations connected to the Sionis Steel Mill, as the place was demanded to be rigged from pillar to post, surrounded by armed HARLEY thugs, grunts spray-painted with the signature Joker face-paint, all defenses would be at a high alert at all intervals, at all times.


But they weren't alone.


The Dark Knight and Boy Wonder replacement number 3 were here, scaling the skylines from above.



Red Robin (Steven R. McQueen): Oracle....we're in. Any news?



No. He's been gone two days. I'm worried. More worried than I should be about what he'll do now. You know what he's been like since....



Batman: We'll find him, Barbara.



I hope you're right.



Red Robin: Looks like Harley Quinn is preparing for a siege. What is she planning?



Find Superman and the both of you get the hell out. We can't have the others showing up. Not here, not now.



"Don't worry, babe", he confidently, reassuring nothing is bound to go wrong. "It's us, remember?"



You sound just like Bruce now.



As Tim chuckles, the transmission cuts off.

The dynamic duo observed the entire area and it looked like there were sniper on every roof armed goons all over the found looked like Harley was ready for war

Robin: This doesn't look good Batman. Harley's crazy but I've never seen her this extreme. What's she up to?

Batman: I don't know. But let's stay focus Robin. We'll need to go by the book on this one.

Robin: Sure but.....why go through all this much trouble for the Joker? I thought she was over him since Helena and Dina and her went at Black Mask.

Batman: Harley was never that smart Tim. Not since the Joker made her into what she is.

Robin: No kidding.

Batman: Alfred. We need a way to get inside the steel mill.

Have you tried the front door sir?

Batman: Why didn't I think of that?

Robin: Ha! See you do have a sense of humor!

That be too easy. Well all the main entrances are locked down and heavily guarded the only direct approach would be.....oh no it's suicide.

Batman eyed at the chimney across the entire mill

Batman: The main chimney. Ok then.

That transmission cut off too and Bats turned to his young partner

Batman: You ready?

Robin: Let's rock.

They took their grapples and boost themselves up in the air and held out their capes to glide towards the chimney but all of a sudden....

......a sonic blast wave nearly hit them catching them both off guard and forced them to land and to encounter......a very angry....Cyborg

Robin: Victor?

Cyborg: Wasn't trying to hit you guys. Fair warning.

Batman: A warning shot Cyborg?

Cyborg: I don't want to hurt you guys unless I have to.

Batman: Then you're gonna have to. No one dies tonight.

Cyborg: My friend died in Metropolis Batman. Beast Boy is gone. Even my dad. And you promised we save him. You even gave your word!

Batman: I'm sorry about your father Victor. I'm even more sorry I couldn't live up to that promise. I understand your pain.

Cyborg: Do you?! Then why not stand with us and help us make sure what happened in Metropolis never happens again.

Batman: You have a right to be angry. But it's not a blank check. And the Justice League isn't a death squad.

Batman nearly stood to fight but Tim help up his hand to him turning his head to him

Robin: Bruce.....you need to find Superman. I'll take care of Victor.

Batman: Are you sure?

Robin: He's my friend Bruce. Let me talk to him.

Batman: Be. Careful.

Bruce grapples up as the former friends of the Teen Titans stood face to face

Robin: I can't let you stop us Vic.

Cyborg: You gonna stand against your friends too Tim?

Robin: If I have to. I miss Garfield too but he wouldn't want this. Neither would your father.

Cyborg: You don't know how I feel!

Robin: No?! My dad died too Vic. There's not a day that goes by where I don't wish he was still here. Bruce will never replace him but I know he wouldn't want this for me either.

Cyborg: Robin please don't make me fight you......think if what happened to Lois happen to Barbra. If the Joker took her from you?! You still wouldn't act?!

Robin: OF COURSE I WOULD! I would kill him myself. But I wouldn't keep slaughtering those responsible. We can't change how the world works Victor. The Teen Titans aren't a death squad either.

Cyborg: Then you leave me no choice.

Cyborg armed his cannon

Robin: Neither do you.

Robin took his pole inhancing it's size and then Cyborg fired only for Robin to dodge it and lunge the pole at him for Victor to grab it but Tim flips over him kicking him down as Robin lands on his feet

Robin: Stay down. Last warning.

Cyborg: You first.

Victor blasts his cannon again for Robin to dodge again and both countered each others attacks Cyborg ten grabs him by the cape and throws him aside

Tim rolls over and Victor approaches him

Cyborg: Think about your next move Tim.

Robin: Which one? This?

Robin shoots explosive jell at him an when they explode the stun him long enough for Robin to kick him sending him flying and hits the gat doors having enough Cyborg yelled and charge and he and Robin continued fighting

Inside the mill an armed goon walked by and to his surprise Batman smashes through a window knocking the goon down and grabbed him to interrogate him

Batman: Harley Quinn Superman....where are they?!

Goon: Please....I have no idea where they are.....

Batman: You really don't want to lie to me. You know how many of your friends I put in the hospital after Metropolis?

Goon: Alright! Alright....Quin's got him locked in some secret room. But you'll never get in without the codes!

Batman: Then give me the codes.

Goon: They're on my phone. Take it!

Batman: Much applieched.

Bats knocked him out and took his phone opening it apart and install the safe clip downloading it to his cryptic graphic sequencer

Soon as the codes were down loaded Batman saw a sign held by a Joker statue

"AFTER SUPES YOU'RE NEXT BATS!"

Bruce realized Harley was expecting him to save his friend


Fortunately……or unfortunately, depending on one would like to perceive it, someone was already close to beating him to the punch.


Inside of the actual Madhouse, it had become apparent that Harley had well and truly lost it.


She had practically decorated the ENTIRE building or, at least, the parts of the building in which used the most access available. Shredded confetti, torn banners, and flyers, spray paint from all over the walls. One wall in particular in Access Corridor A read "FALSE PROPHET, DEAD GOD, MURDERER."


So revenge was alive and kicking……or whatever splices of that drug were left radiating inside of Harley.


The goons in Access Corridor A, who was guarding the area, could definitely feel Harley's pain but they had every reason to be concerned for their OWN self-being.


Goon #3: You heard from Harley?


Goon #1: Nah. Probably still crying.


That was the expected answer but not the one they needed to hear.


Goon #2: Well, she better get over the boss soon. She's turning into a liability.


Goon #1: I know, I know but what choice do we have? She's gone crazy since J died.


Goon #2: She was crazy before. Not to mention, why she’d even come back to him?”


Just discontented shrugs in unison from everyone.


Goon #3: But at least, she's got Supes. Got him contained and all that. Once he's dead, maybe she'll, uh, she'll calm down?


Silence rang through.


Goon #3: What?


Almost everyone shook their heads "No".


Goon #2: She's lost it more than I already thought she had. How do we know she's not just gonna kill us all in the end in a crazy revenge-stricken-driven plan? Wouldn't be the first time someone tried that out.


Goon #3: That is….actually a good point. Perhaps we should hatch up an alternative or something to get the hell out of here before hell freezes over. I mean it's bad enough now but how much worse can it get?


Goon #1: It always gets worse around here.


Around here, reassuring the truth in this neck of the woods wouldn’t be very sporting unless you’re looking to get your ass kicked in.


Soon as he says that, a flash of lightning and wind breezes past that goon as he flips over himself and lands flat on his chest, unconscious, just like that.


Brief glances from the others as they come to attention with their guns perched at all four corners.


Seconds later, ANOTHER flash of lighting and dust blows through the entire room, sweeping everyone off of their feet and almost immediately knocks them all out before zipping out the Access Corridor and into the next room, leading deeper into the Warehouse.



Normalcy continued somewhat on the outside still, with Tim having been flipped over from a biel throw from Cyborg, the latter using his cybernetic advances and strength to overpower the third Boy Wonder.


However, shurikens were thrown in Victor's direction in a crouching position. All four of them just reflected off of Cyborg, thanks to his hardened reflective shield.


Amidst the small distraction, Red Robin slid up underneath Cyborg, twirled around his head, and then slammed him straight down with his right hand flat across his chest. Rolling through, however, Tim didn’t get enough time to truly recover. No less than thirty seconds later, Victor is already back up on his feet.


He charges at Tim again, this time with his leg and shoulder thrusters in full effect. It takes Tim off his feet entirely, blindsiding him through the barrels and pipes and weak walls traveling at 3 miles an hour.


It was at that instance Red Robin knew Cyborg was holding back. And even the latter himself knew that.


It wasn’t going to stop Victor from doling out the punishment on his friend, albeit begrudgingly. Finally, at a stopping point, Victor proceeds to purposely drop atom down onto the gravely ground of an abandoned alleyway nearby the discontinued Ferris Wheel attraction nobody ever bothered to use.


There, the beatdown continued.


Two gut punches and a knee later, Victor then slams Tim back into the brick wall head face before proceeding to go old school, boxing him square in the abdomen.


Forcing Tim to cover up, the best he could do was maneuver his elbows around the raging fists and wait for an opening. What made that bit difficult was Victor manifesting extra cybernetic limbs for dexterity out of his back.


Applying quadruple the hand-to-hand expertise that Muhammad Ali would blush at, to say Tim was outclassed in this position and with his back literally up against the wall, that opening he desperately needed was quickly winding down….


….until it finally came.


In a brief stint of muscle memory coming back, Tim grabbed one of Cyborgs' actual arms and intertwined it with the extra limb, briefly throwing off his aim as he clocked Victor in the face with his own arm.


Tim tried to get back in with a double cartwheel kick to Victors' head but when he went in for another punch, Cyborg went in for a roundhouse, which Red Robin was forced to duck under.


Going in for another one, Tim went for another punch…..only for Victors' foot to convert into a cylinder arm lock that cuffed Tim’s hand in that socket for that prolonged period of time, thanks in turn to constant self-modification. Slamming his hand into the ground with his foot practically cuffed right to it, Cyborg now had Tim in a precarious spot.


Twisting his body in a full 360 degrees, Victor had 500 plus pounds of force hurdling right for him. The punch connects, hurdling Robin back up to the wall….


…but once again, at the cost of Victors' lack of a keen eye being caught in the moment.


Tim had another shuriken thrown to his left as soon as the punch connected and that shuriken he threw was a reverse shuriken, circling a full 180 past Cyborg before semi-circling back towards the silver slabbed tin man and wedged itself into his right shoulder. Within a few seconds, it explodes…..


….erupting more smoke out of the weapon and into Cyborgs mainframe, temporarily blinding him.


Not waiting for the smoke to clear, Victors' collapsible face plate slinks on with his cybernetic left eye allowing him to see through the thick blanket.


Tim was gone, unfortunately.


A wave of regret is quick to wash over Victor because he knew better. Tim knew better. They understood each other well enough to dissect how the other was feeling but it shouldn’t have resulted in the two of them engaging each other like that.


But that didn't stop him from reporting his arrival.


Cyborg: Batman and Robin are here.


Understood. I will be there soon.


Cyborg: One of ours is already inside. Listen.....let’s try not to hurt them any further, ok? Robin is still part of the Titans.



We'll do what we have to do, Victor. It's all we can do. Our main concern is Superman and Quinn for now.



Cyborg: Roger that.



Inside one of the rooms of the madhouse, another goon was pacing around with a bat in his hand, with the T.V glitching out showing the same footage: one video recorded message after another.



You left me to die.



You left me to die.



You left me to die.



You left me to die.



Getting tired of it, he bangs on the TV in a futile effort to fix the connection. Irritation kicked in but not before but a shadow looms over him and the TV screen. His first instinct, prior to looking in the direction of the shadow was to confront him.


All he ended up with was his head smashed into the TV.


Red Robin made short work of him, pressing forward through the Dry docks. The sight of dislocated mannequins and animatronic robots hand-drawn became only slightly creepy. After all, there really is no telling dissecting just how crazy a crazy person is.


Especially if her name is Harley.



Shut up, you idiots! I'm trying to think here!



Does it hurt?



Shut your stupid mouth! You're just lucky I need you later.



Trailing behind the annoying pipsqueak voice up through a window out of the room, the 'widow' Harley Quinn had two officers up on the bridge with her, smacking one GCPD officer down with the butt of her gun.



Red Robin: Barb? I found some hostages on the inside. Quinn's got 'em.



Any sign of Clark?



Red Robin: Nah, that's a negative. I'm gonna keep looking. Harley's telling the hostages she's got some plan for them. Don't know what to expect, but they'll be safe. Just not for long.



Be careful, baby. Please. And listen......during your encounter with Victor, I hacked into his communications. He's told Diana where you were. She's on the way now.



Red Robin: Fan-freaking-tastic.



You think? She hasn't been the same either since......well, she won't talk to Bruce directly after the Contingencies got out on her knowledge. Can’t say I blame her for that but….these are the risks we have to take.



Red Robin: We'll help her too once we find Supes. It's all we can do.



Retracing his steps in the meanwhile, Batman returned back to the back entranceway which was guarded before, and slapped in all three codes. Once he used the codes to gain access to the back entrance, everything went according to plan for now. He walks right in with little to no trouble at all as he takes in the scenery only for a minute to gaze straight through the hallway as more spray-painted signs to his left and right kept assuring him that….


“After Supes, you're next B-man!"



The more Batman passes the same sign over and over again, the further he proceeded but little did he know, he was being followed.


Little did he know that he, unfortunately, wasn't going to get the chance to see and/or "rescue" Superman first.



In the warehouse, which was connected towards Access Corridor A, an entire pile of unconscious, twitching bodies just laid there, scattered all across the floor.


Courtesy of the fastest man alive.


The sight of these random nameless, faceless nobodies lying around twitching from the electricity in his suit always made Barry chuckle a little, but there was a specific reason as to why he was in this room as his eyes laid across one barren object sticking out apart from anything else that was around him: A crimson cape.


Flash: Oh boy.



Soon as he goes over and picks up the cape by the end, only one of MANY possibilities came over his mind, concerning as to what might've happened to Superman. But he didn't want to think about the end results right now.


Although he just COULDN'T help but to think about it the more he stared at the cape.



Barry. What's going on? Have you found him?



Flash: Umm.....sort of.



What does that mean?



Flash: Means possibly.....I'm close. Give me a second.




Right then and there, he's off again.


Dashing through the hallways, he stops dead in his tracks when he comes up to a doorway, sprinkled in spray paint and covered in fliers and banners and confetti and all kinds of ridiculous paraphernalia jazz.


It was a rather messy display.



Enter the Shrine Of Joker.



Nothing about the room itself was particularly interesting within itself. It looked like pretty much every other room Barry had come across......except there were a few animatronic robots perched around him and a giant wooden Joker statue in front of him, holding a glass sphere in his hands.


That alone was already suspicious enough as it is. So he just had to step forward to get a closer look. That's when Flash sees Superman inside of the monument sphere. A sigh of relief comes over him.....until his eyes peek at an ominous green glow radiating from the inside.


It meant good news…..but not for long.



"Oh thank God", he exasperated, piked back into his earpiece. "Hey. I found him."



Praise the Gods. Is he Ok?



Flash: He's trapped.



Then get him out.



Flash: Nothing is that simple, Diana. Harley built some kind of monument to the Joker and I think he's stuck inside. And based on the green glowing, it's safe to say—



Kryptonite.



Flash: With THAT in there, he'll never get out. Looking at this place, she's crazier than we thought. Imma search the area and try to work out how to save him.



I'll be there in five minutes. Harley will face her destiny when I arrive.




Something about the way she said that gave Flash a very inhuman chill crawling down to the spine after the transmission cut off. He honestly didn't know as to where this was going to go, at least for him.



Flash!



He speedily turned his head seeing Batman land behind him. Not scared, just pleasantly surprised.



Flash: Bruce....uh...hey, buddy. I see we're on the same mission.


Batman: What're you doing here?


Flash: Didn't 'the same mission' ring any bells? I'm here to rescue Superman. But all this has got him pinned up like a dog. I don't think he knows we're here.


Batman: You know I can't let him run free if he kills anyone.


Finally, gaining some sense of authority, Barry pulls the brooding knight off to the side.


Flash: Look....I get when he killed the Joker, it was against this code of yours. Believe me, I'm not down for killing either....but....do you think for a second....that maybe Superman....might be fighting for a better cause now?


Batman: Executing criminals is nothing better than what we're supposed to do. I made that mistake years ago. I can't let him repeat it.


Flash: Well, tell that to Diana. She's on her way and I doubt she's in a merciful mood. While you were gone the past nine months, she and Supes have been talking like they're going to war with every criminal on the planet. This could get messy, Bruce.


All the more reason Clark needs to stop this, Bruce thought to him still showing deep care and concern for the alien who he befriended. All he does say though is….nothing.


Typical Bruce Wayne.


Barry could only afford to perk his shoulders up, shrugging, before going back to examining, Batman had to take time to think over something that popped in his head. It made him ask Barry one question.



Batman: Everything about Superman was all done out of love for Lois. I saw you in a dream in which the world was in chaos. No civilization, no vegetation, no means of freedom. It was an utter wasteland surrounded by unending war. You told me I was right about him. And that Lois was the key......right?



That statement made Flash stare at him silently, like part of him knew what he was talking about.

Flash:......right?

Batman: Then now that she's gone.....Clark's not in his right mind like he wasn't when we brought him back until Lois came.

Flash: I see your point Bruce but don't you think Clark's intentions haven't really changed.

Batman: Course I know that. But they can't justify his actions. He needs to take time to grief.

Batman almost broke through the locks and the Kryptonite energy but there was one more problem.....two keys were needed

Batman: Dammit.

Flash: What is it?

Batman: We need two keys to open it. And no doubt Harley has one of them

Flash: No problem. I'll fetch them in heart beat.

Batman: I need you to keep an eye on Clark case something happens. Lock it down and don't let anyone but Robin and myself in.

Flash: Just like the old days.....I think.

Bruce exited the room and contacts Oracle

Batman: Oracle. We need two keys to get to Clark. I need a location and I need it now.

Let's see. Here we go. The first key is located in the smelting chamber it's filled with Harley's goons all heavily armed. Harley has the other one.

Batman: Did you get that Tim.

Got it. I'll take Harley. I'm actually not far from her.

Batman: Good. Be careful.

Wait Bruce I think you should know one more thing.

Batman: What is it?

Diana's on her way. Victor called her here and I don't think she's happy right now.

Batman: Let me worry about Diana. Stay focused Robin.

At Red Robin's location

Red Robin: By the book. I know.

The transmission cut off and Tim made his way and soon......came across Harley's office with her old costumes hanging up her red and black jester suit and the attire of the first suicide quad and the red dress

Even with Superman logo's with no marks sprayed on them

Red Robin: Harley's out of her mind.

He came across her desk and computer and found security fee marking two days ago on the night Superman disappeared

Tim clicked on it to play the fee in hopes getting answers

Two days ago - Arkham City

Harley's goons had captured a few Arkham guards when Superman orchestrated an execution for them and he merely had them all in motion for them.....all but one.....Harley

She had been kidnapping prison guards out of madness since she was thrown back in after the Joker's death and giving her involvement in Lois's death he wanted nothing more......than to rip her apart too

Superman flew to steel mill where goons had a guard tied up and were talking about what happened to the Joker

Goon # 1: It's weird you know?

Goon # 2: What is?

Goon # 1: The Joker gone. I always thought he last forever.

Goon # 2: Yeah it is strange without him. What weirds me out more was who put him down.

Goon # 3: Batman?

Goon # 2: Nah. I mean yeah Batman was there when it happened but it was really Superman who killed him.

Goon # 3: Superman?! He killed Joker?!

Goon # 2: Yep.

Goon # 3 Goddamn. I always figured it be Batman who'd do him in if Joker were ever to die but Superman?? How could it be him? I thought he was too goody goody to kill anyone.

Goon # 1: He was. But I guess when Jay killed his woman and nuked his city he didn't had much to be goody with anymore.

Goon # 2: Yeah. And since then Superman's been scaring the crap out of me more than Batman. I think he's really on the brinks. I don't think Jay knew what he was doing when he turned Metropolis into a wasteland.

As they talk more speak of the devil Superman bursts in through ceiling and landed hard on his feet startling the goons

Goons # 3: IT'S HIM!!!

Goon # 1: TAKE THAT BASTARD DOWN!!!

They fired at him but of course the bullets bounced off him as he approached them and he ignited his heat ray blasting two of the goons they screamed to death as they were burnt to their bones and the skeletons dropped flat on the flour and the last one remained falling back as Clark approached him and grabbed him by the neck

Superman: Where's Harley?

Goon # 2: Don't hurt me man......I had nothing to do with that nuke!

Bringing that up only angered Clark more he gripped tight on his neck he was loosing oxygen

Goon # 2: Smelting......chamber.....

Superman's expression didn't change he NAPPED hi neck dropping him and he went to guard to untie him as he came to

Guard: Superman thank god.....

Superman: Are you alright?

Guard: I will be.....but....what did you do to them?

Superman: Never mind that. You need to get yourself out. When you get a chance head for the church. You'll be safe there.

Superman left the guard confused his reaction to the dead guards did not change and why would it? Superman freaking killed them

A the rogue hero got deeper in the mill he just walk through like Darth Vader on a mission to hunt down the rebellion and any goon that came his way all been burnt to the bones necks twisted and heads punched off

Clark has totally LOST it

Soon as he arrived in the smelting chamber the two last guards were being torched in the office hearing their yells Superman didn't bother stopping just walking in

When he got spotted the goons yelled and opened fire but like earlier it was futile Superman burnt and fist decapitated them all one by one

Some tried to get away but Superman stopped them in speed and all ended up dead

Soon as they were all dead Superman came in the office

Superman: You two alright?

Guard # 2: Superman.....I thought we were goners.

Superman: You're safe now.

I DON'T THINK SO BOYSCOUT!

The guards and Clark turned around and Harley appeared in goth makeup with more goons behind her

Harley: IT'S DEAD SUPES TIME!

Superman: HARLEY!

Clark tend to lung at her only for Harley too shoot kryptonite at him making him drop down on his knees and cough out and eventually....knocked him out

Harley: Awe did that hurt S-Man? Too bad! Get his murdering ass up! And bring them too!

The goons took Superman and the guards dragging them away


…..leaving the cape behind.


Cutting back to reality, Robin was just horrified at what he saw on that video feed. Seeing a man of honor lose his way this fast and this senselessly was no surprise looking back at Bruce's conditioning but someone like him?


The beacon of humanity that we desperately needed in times like this? It still felt unreal.


Red Robin: Jesus, Clark.....never thought you'd really do all that....


Listen up, dumbasses!


Hearing that whiny squealing voice from the other side of the room obviously was a red flag for Red Robin. Glaring out the window to his left, he comes across a shipyard near the back end of the Madhouse by the dry docks, surrounded by more goons....


….and Harley herself.


The two other missing cops, however, were a no-show. Tim could only assume Quinn had them moved. But at this point in time, HE had to move from his current position.


In case you've missed it, I want this room kept secure. Hell, I NEED this room secure, ok? I don't care how you do it, just DON'T let me down. Mistah J wouldn't like it if you failed me, would he? No, he wouldn't. He'd be VERY upset. He'd probably kill you all or break your legs or glue your eyes open or make you eat a grenade.......Nah. Who am I kidding? He'd do something much better. He WAS Mister J after all......he had a plan. I'm just here. Alone. Relying on you idiots. So don't fail me!


That's how much of the insanity Tim had to hear from the edge of the railing. It always left him feeling queasy.


Red Robin: Holy bat-shit, is she delirious.


Should that be any surprise?


Red Robin: Bruce, where the hell are you?


Getting that other key card.


So…..Guard duty for me.


The sudden pitch in tone and voice threw him off-guard before he realized who he was with.


Red Robin: Barry?


Don't ask, ok? Until Diana gets here, we're stuck guarding the Clown Killer.


Red Robin: You found him?


He's alive, but he might not be for long. He's in a statue monument filled with Kryptonite. Because of course, he is. Sooner you get those keys the better.


Red Robin: Right. I'll be in touch.


Zooming in with his detective vision, catching a gold sparkling item through the camera lens on his mask from afar which marked an item of importance: The card was on Harley, as expected.


He cuts off the transmission.



And speaking of that key, the Worlds Detective already swiped one, thoroughly clean.


Arriving back into Jokers Shrine, Barry kept his word and let him in from that door, uncharacteristic filling in as an indentured servant until the glass ceiling was bound to collapse.


And by that, it meant until they got Supes out of his glass cage.


Flash: So that’s one card, right?


He nods.


Flash: Ok, ok.


Batman: Diana isn’t far behind. I need you to find Cyborg. When she arrives, she may complicate a few things so I need you two to slow her down.


Eye shrugs and jittery shoulders weren't the answer he was looking for but it was what he got anyways. He couldn't go through with it even if he wanted to.


Flash: And......yeah. Let me tell you why that might be a problem.


The sound of another goon getting his head kicked in and tossed in the room drove Batman and Flash towards the door, looking back.


That's when they see Cyborg cracking his knuckles and his neck off to the side.


Batman: Victor…..


Victor was left simply posing ahead, pointing at him just to clarify his standpoint of the enemy.


Cyborg: You have to understand: these criminals have to face real justice once we free Superman.


Batman: Executing is not justice, Victor. It's a sentence by the judge.


Cyborg: Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you pass as judge jury and executioner when you and Clark duked it out?



Of course, he was gonna bring that up. The event that escalated the tension between the two originally and became worldwide was never to be mentioned.....as the gripping comparison from who he was in comparison to now felt cancerous.


Batman: That was a long time ago. I changed for the better. And I know you can too.......


It wasn't gonna cut it for him as he whipped out his Sonic arm cannon, aiming it directly at the Dark Knight.


Cyborg: This, NOW, is how we can change all of this for the better. You adapt or you perish, Bruce. EVOLUTION.


This was expected from Victor: having lost his mother because of a car crash and his father defying fate to bring him back, it left the man despondent, gloomy, secluded, depressed, and even somewhat robotic especially after the accident.


Now he’s back to where he was before he met the League. With any sliver of a chance there was of repatching with his father destroyed, the fallout behind why he’s reacting this way was all too universal but…..to what degree and at what point?


Cyborg: I can't let you stop us. Not this time.


Digging through his virtual computer and skimming through and hacking into WayneTech, Bruce noticed how most of his devices were shutting down and felt his belt was getting heavy.


Cyborg: Don't mind me. Just hacking into your WayneTech and satellite signals.


Batman: Allow me to return the favor.


From behind his back, he pulls a disrupter and slams down on the trigger, activating a virus in Victor, briefly shutting down his system and cybernetic enhancements. Nothing BUT the human part of him couldn't move so there he stood, like a statue.


Immobile.


Cyborg: The—the hell?


Batman: Initiated a virus from your central core, shutting down all your cybernetic enhancements, via EMP. It won't kill you but you won't move for a while.


Cyborg: This won't— Ugh, hold me for long, Bruce. And you know that. My backup—backup system kicks in the next fi—five minutes. And do—don’t forget the anti-virus I installed.


With the only elephant in the room being Flash since he just didn't know what to say or do, it was made rather clear that he appeared to be stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even as Cyborg eyed him, expecting him to help him up, Barry didn't react.


He just stared over at Bruce, seeing him re-uploading his Wayne-Tech.


Back at the dry docks, Robin came through an air vent from inside the nearest safe house with Harley standing by the missing cops while patrolling armed goons roamed all over the place.



You need to hurry. Diana's nearly a mile away.



Red Robin; I got this, hone.



Well....about that: sorry to complicate matters but it turns out....you. Bruce. Barry. Victor. They're not the only ones there. The batscanner detected your progress is being monitored.



Red Robin: By who exactly?




By me, of course. Who else?




Interjecting the comms link boomed a voice with a rather fresh tone, briefly catching both Robin and Barbara off by surprise.



J--Jason??



Hello, Barb ....Timbo. Funny how I didn't really get the vacay I needed. As soon as I land in Miami, I hear news of a bombing in Metropolis and the Clown plastered with a hole in his chest. So I figured its only fair if I help tie up loose ends.



'Tie up loose ends' normally doesn't end well for the people involved, for it translates most of the time to "Someone's gonna die" and that really wasn't needed.



Red Robin: Whoa whoa Jason......we're not tying up loose ends with Harley here, ok? She's got Superman trapped here.



And from what I heard, he was here to tie them up HIMSELF. They're the worst of the worst.



Red Robin: Jason, he killed Joker, his goons and he was going to do the same to Harley. I saw the footage.




Sounds like Justice to me.




Killing people isn't Justice. Superman can't see that anymore. He's grieving and needs time to heal.




Yeah, well what if it been Gotham instead, Barb? What if the Joker killed your dad or Tim?



No response from either party, proving his point right then and there.



Yeah. That's what I thought.



Jason cut off from the line and Tim sighed softly.



Red Robin: I don't like this, Babs.



We can't let him stop us. Just get the key from Harley and get out.



With little to no time to lose, Tim cuts off the line, waiting 'till the guards moved out of the room, leaving the hostages on their own.


As soon as they left, he proceeded on the mission as Harley Quinn started walking around with a shotgun loaded with Kryptonite bullets.


Jumping down from the vent above, he startled the last two apprehended cops as they both muffled in joy and excitement. He tells them both to settle down and let him do his thing.


And so one by one….


…..Robin SNATCHED the first two goons from behind with his staff swinging around them and then landed flat on their faces, alerting the third one.



So as he aimed at Robin, he vanished.....


.....only to be repelled from his feet up to the higher ground. His muffled cries alerted the others.



Goon: Boss....I think we got company!


Harley: Rrrr......either it's Bat-Brain or the Dummy Wonder. Whoever it is, I want them DEAD!



The rest eventually spread out one by one but they were all EXTREMELY unlucky.


Whether it was from corners or from below them or even from directly behind them, Robin managed to pick them all off one by one. Batclaw here, explosive gel there, line launcher over there.



Nobody got their shots off on the birdman. All that's left was Harley.



Harley: Hello? Anybody? Did you get that brat?! WHAT'S HAPPENING?!


No answer. She knew what the likely result was and she didn't like it.


Even though she wasn't scared, this was one position too many that she had been involved in. With a severe lack of response and a severe lack of patience, to say she was irritated would be putting it lightly, bringing back the two cops out in broad daylight yet again before smacking them both down in a fit of fury.



Harley: Oh my-Hello? Whoever you are, I know you're there. You hear me?! I know you're there and it's too late!



Ramming the barrel of the gun aside one of the officer's heads with her fingers itching to pull the trigger, she doesn't notice the whirring sound of a Snap-Flash stuck on the side….


….blinding her once it goes off.


So by the time Red Robin flies up over the railing and pins the former psychiatrist back to the railing, she had already lost way before then. It gave both cops ample opportunity to make a break for it and run.


Harley attempted to say ‘Fuck it’ and just shoot one of them dead right now but Tim had already taken ahold of the gun and butted her against the head with it before shattering the single barrel shotgun with a single hand.


Harley: Get off me!


Red Robin: The key.


Harley: You'll never find it, dumbass!


Red Robin: Oh really?



Catching a black metallic item in her outfit, he had one of two suspicions as to what that was. So he then SNATCHED it from the upper part of her tank top.


And fair enough, it was the key.


Harley: No! That's mine!


She reaches for it, violently, only for Tim to tease her further, feigning dropping it over the railing. Pissed, she goes for a boot to the abdomen…..which Tim immediately catches.


Not wise.


Harley: Let me go!


Red Robin: Whatever you say, toots.



Grabbing a nearby rope, he wraps it around her leg and drops her over the railing, leaving her to hang upside down while all the blood quickly rushes to her head.


She had been in far worse predicaments so this wouldn’t harm her. And she’d take a while to get out from that either way so Robin was left taking his sweet time walking away from her.



Harley: Get. Me. Down, Bird-Brain!


Red Robin: I'll come back for you soon as we're done with Supes…..assuming you’re still there.


Harley: NO! Let him rot in there; he deserves to die!


Red Robin: Did Lois and her baby deserve it?



Her face scrunches as her voice cracks slightly as she ushered "What?" under her breath, somewhat surprised. Nobody mentioned a baby dating back to the explosion. Luckily, there was time to ponder the thought as Tim hurriedly power-walked out from the dry docks.



In time, Red Robin arrived at Joker's shrine where Bats Flash and Cyborg waited for him. Victor was still very much nailed to the ground from the disruptor. But even at that extent, it still had Tim worried.



Red Robin: Umm.....didn't know he was pledging to us.


Cyborg: I can't move. Short-circuit EMP.


Batman: Disruptor.


Red Robin bumps him on the shoulder, still a little bit sour following the reveal of his Agamemnon Contingencies. "Really?"


Batman: I'm just taking precautions.



This coming from a guy who rarely ever confides in his allies for information and hides secrets from everyone all the time: the typical Bruce Wayne facade that he's gotten accustomed to.


He looks back at Victor, still struggling.


Red Robin: Well, anyway, I got the other key.


Awkwardly glancing back between him and the Scarlet Speedster, he lets Barry take the key, following through with their temporary alliance.



Flash: Allow me, good sir.



He immediately snatches both keys away and dashed over to the panel, fidgeting around with the control scheme before finally slicing the card keys through their slot. Immediately as he did that, the Joker statue began to move but only its arms. It fumbled around with the sphere ball since the mechanics were breaking the arms apart but.....



…..there was a complication.



Instead of just dropping him flat on the floor, the statue THROWS him and the sphere ball out the room.



Cyborg: Oh, for Christ's sake!



Five minutes was up for Vic as his backup systems kicked in as his jetpack burst him off the ground and out the room, taking off almost immediately.


But not before he snatched the cape from Flash. The obvious question remained…..


Red Robin: What now?


After all, there was no clear game plan after the deed was done.



You don't need to worry about him, Bird-brain! He'll be dead very soon.....and so will all of you.



A retail gate opens from within the room they were in and in the inside, they see a homemade bomb with a locked encryption code. Flash groans heavily, realizing he had himself stuck on bomb duty now too.


And if there was one situated here, so would there be elsewhere in the madhouse.


Bruce however wouldn't allow that, telling him "Let me handle it."


He steps forward but Tim gets in the way.



Red Robin: Let me help him. It'll give both sides one less thing to worry about, considering there are more bombs around here. You go after Supes.




Landing back in the warehouse with Superman's cape in tow, the sight of the sphere comes into his hindsight for Cyborg. Dented, cracked, and practically destroyed, the sphere laid on the floor in ruins as well as the Kryptonite.


Crawling from out the corner of the room after a few minutes of recuperation, Superman tries his best to stand up and immediately falls back down. Almost 48 hours with Kryptonite really nearly killed him. Sensing he needed help, Victor goes over, wrapping his arm around his shoulder and lifting him up.


As for Clark, he bends backward by a LITTLE bit, cracking his back as soon as he got up to a vertical basis.



"What kept you, Vic?", was the first thing he asks, albeit weakly.


Cyborg: Ever heard of 'Thank You'?


Seeing that he has his cape, Clark takes it back.


Superman: Thank you. Wh-where's Diana?



At that moment, the alarm goes off. The whirring of the siren filled Clark with a dreaded sense of sick delight knowing the whole gang is here, as he still limped.


Guess that answers that.


But as the overbearing sirens blared on and on through the speakers throughout the former Steel Mill turned Funhouse, it now meant every guard and goon situated inside would now be put on high alert for one of two very important reasons: A. an intruder has definitely invaded the premises to officially make it be known they're coming for Superman.....


.....or B: Superman busted himself out of his confinement by sheer willpower.



Well, he was now out, albeit in a weak state.



But not if Bruce has anything to say about it.


Yet all Bruce could do upon entering the room was staring at the physically drained, broken man that he would like to think he still called a friend. Two days' worth next to kryptonite would have absolutely killed him if they didn't get here any quicker....but on his own, Clark already looked close to suffocating on his own behalf.


Just a few more minutes and he would be back to normal form.


Before Batman could properly do anything about that, CYborg was already on top of him, catching his movement from behind and bombarding him with an onslaught of blasts from his sonic cannon. Had Batman not been equipped with Alfred's heat-absorbing gauntlets, the blasts would've done more than simply bruise him.


One extra blast dosage later, however, Cyborg sent Batman flying back out of the room where he came from.


Clark's reaction to that was....perplexing.


Superman: Was that necessary?


Cyborg: He wasn't going to listen to you anyways.


Superman: I'LL....deal with....him.

Superman was about to go after Batman till Cyborg grabbed him by the shoulder

Cyborg: Never mind him for now. We got a job to do remember?

Superman sighed looking back where Batman was sent flying

Superman: You're right. Let's round up the inmates but we need to find Harley.

Cyborg: Let Flash handle her. Let's go.

Victor and Clark made their way out of the room as Batman soon got back on his feet frustrated to end this he was going to catch up to them till he found his path blocked......

......by the Amazon Princess herself

Batman: Diana.

Wonder Woman: Hello Bruce. Long time. Here to help?

Batman: Yes. To help you and Clark not make a terrible mistake.

Wonder Woman: Mistake? You think I want this? You think any of us want this?

Batman: Then don't do it.

Wonder Woman: You don't see the bigger picture Bruce. The Joker forced our hand Metropolis has changed the world. Now we have to change with it.

Batman: Not like this Diana. It would destroy everything you honor.

Wonder Woman: Where's the honor in Kal's family? Where's the honor in the Joker? After all the grief he caused you.....Jason Barbra you could have spared Kal from this if you had finished him long before.

Batman: You know what I was like then. Enough blood is on my hands. I don't want to see you and Clark and Victor making MY mistakes.

Wonder Woman: We sure could use that Batman.

Batman: That Batman wanted to kill Superman. He wouldn't do you any good. But that's besides the point Diana. You're letting him get in you're head. Don't let him turn you into the thing you swore to protect others from.

Wonder Woman: Last chance Bruce. Stand with us or get out of our way.

Batman: You know I can't do that Diana.

Having enough of Bruce's ego she drew her sword

Wonder Woman: Of all people I thought YOU would understand.

Wonder Woman lunged at Batman with her sword but he countered them with his gauntlets clashing and thrashing one another

Diana had most of the apprehend given her ability the only advantages Bruce had smoke pellets blinding her and few open shots which made her drop her lasso without any of them noticing

Meanwhile Flash and Robin continued defusing the bombs thanks to Flash's speed tech wiz they were able to disarm the first two bombs in seconds but soon as they got the third one Robin started to encrypt the disarm

Only.....Harley......reappeared behind them with a knife and was about to lung at Robin from behind but Flash catching her at full speed had her hand with the knife gripped and wrapped around her body

Flash: Play time's over honey.

Harley: Let me go!

Flash: Just keep doing what you're doing.

Tim continued defusing the bomb and the timer was just at 0:03 when Tim finally disarmed it as it slowly reached 0:01

Tim: Ohhh too damn close.

Flash: Go find Batman I'll catch up.

Red Robin: Sorry Flash I can't trust you with her.

Flash: Understandable.

Flash being more understanding dropped Harley on the flour who looked up at them with anger and sadnes

Harley: Just kill me and get it over it with.

Red Robin: Not a chance.

Harley: You would send me to be with him. Supes took everything from me!!

Flash: You really don't see the bigger picture do you? You know Superman only killed Joker cause he killed Lois.

Harley: Who gives a shit about her! She deserved it!

Flash: Oh?! Then did the baby deserve it too?!

Harley froze hearing that again as she slowly turned to Robin who approached her

Red Robin: I wasn't kidding when I said Lois was having a baby....when your "Puddin" killed them both. That's why he killed him.

Harley: What.....??

Being reminded of Lois's pregnancy made Harley's heart sink lower

Harley: I don't understand......

Flash: Well that's why Superman did what he did. He lost the love of his life....because of yours. And his unborn child dying before he ever got to live.

Red Robin: And what I don't understand....why did you even go back to him when you almost made something better for yourself?

Harley didn't know how to answer that not knowing till now that Lois was pregnant really opened her eyes more Harley wasn't a child killer no matter how crazy she was but seeing Joker was made her realize Tim had a point why did she go back?

Harley began to cry and both Tim and Barry couldn't help but to feel bad for her

Harley: I need to be alone.

Red Robin: I have to take you out of here first. It's better you're with Batman than Superman.

Harley didn't acknowledge him not when Red Robin lifted her back on her feet just when they heard sirens approaching

Flash: Police are here.

Red Robin: I'll take Harley. You get out of here.

Flash: Clark's gonna be pissed if I leave her in your hands.

Red Robin: Then stand with us Flash. This is all wrong.

Flash was tempted but.....he simply just nodded and ran in top speed as Tim escorted Harley out

Meanwhile Batman and Diana continued clash fighting as it went on for minutes but one flash boom from Bruce Diana was blind again giving Bats enough time to grab her lasso on the ground spinning it and Batman tied her into it giving Wonder Woman a taste of her own medicine

Batman: Enough of this Diana. I need you to tell me the truth. Where is he going?

Diana tried to struggle at first but the lasso's truth telling ability even effected her

Wonder Woman: Ugh......main entrance to the city.

Batman went in silence and he tied the lasso to a near a pole which would hold her only for a minute in a half and began walking away till she houts at him

Wonder Woman: Don't turn your back on him Bruce! He's your best friend! He needs you!

Batman: And that's why I came.


Luck would eventually fall to Bruce's favor, for better or worse.



The effects of the kryptonite still lingered on, plaguing the son of Krypton with almost every step he took. Unable to make use of his invulnerability, heat vision, super breath, freeze breath, x-ray vision, or his superspeed, Clark was severely handicapped after being held against his will.


Noticing this wouldn't be the hard part; it'd be accepting it for the foreseeable future.


Aware of the shortcomings given to them, Cyborg was forced to change course for him; allowing Clark to simply walk away and out of the abandoned city but promising to meet up with him by the entrance once the situation with Harleys' henchmen was dealt with.


Clark, understandably, was unable to get past the notion of how he was actually feeling but Victor was able to convince him. Once he regained the ability to at least hover a few feet off of the ground, he did slowly fly away from the Steel Mill and the Madhouse leaving Cyborg to take care of the remaining gun-toting henchmen.



Only problem was the Gotham P.D had already taken care of that for him.


He was left by the main exit way on the fifth floor where things were, progressing smoothly enough. Cyborg was just letting Gordon and the GCPD in to round up the rest of the goons and all walked in straight lines but one was just full of questions.


Catching notice of Cyborg with his arms crossed, it was hard not to.


Goon: Yo cop! What'd they gonna do with us? Where we going?


Given the answer was obvious, the cop didn't answer so he surprised him, taking him hostage attracting attention to more cops surrounding him and everyone else nearby.


Goon: I ain't going nowhere till someone tells me what's happening.


Cyborg: Get back in line!


The voice already triggered goosebumps through every goon there was. Of course, the sight of seeing Superman floating into the room with the raging burning eyes from before would've been better viewing make everyone, even the cops, shiver in fear. But considering who was helping keep him company, Harley's goons had every reason to either comply or just cower back under a rock with Cyborg being involved.


As if he didn't need to make the point even clearer,


Cyborg: Now!



Sucks Superman had to miss that tiny scuffle, for his condition wouldn't let him remain that dominant for long.


For now, he was left slowly hovering through the deserted, filth-ridden, cesspool that came to forever brand the mega-prison and give it its nasty reputation. A simple look around was all he needed to grasp the whole picture....


....but stumbling into Sheldon Park? That is where the true face of Arkham City unveiled itself, basking in the horror of the presence....


....of Wonder Tower.


The whole area itself was walled off years ago, becoming the headquarters for the TYGER Guards and the official site of Arkham City. Professor Hugo Strange operated the events of Protocol 10 from Wonder Tower until he was stopped by the Birds of Prey and Batman.


Wonder Tower itself laid dormant next to the abandoned subway and in front of the actual entrance to Arkham City but that was nothing compared to what was itched up underneath: Wonder City, an abandoned city that was located below North Gotham City which housed one of Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pits.


It was an actual city where Ra's developed the Lazarus Pit, a front to cover a violent and sinister conspiracy that served Ra's megalomaniac desires. Behind the scenes, hundreds of criminals and even potentially innocent individuals were captured and violently murdered by the Wonder City Mechanical Guardians. In the meantime, Ra's had perfected Wonder Tower as the crown jewel of his city, which rose over the entire city as a monument of prosperity but was actually part of Ra's experiment to test the Lazarus Pit.



Just another beacon of corruption from the inside out....but Clark couldn't say he had an understanding of where Ra's was coming from.



That's when the sudden gust of wind blowing past his cape and hair caught his attention and understandably, his ire as well as Batman bursting through the skyline with his cape breaking his fall, merely stinging in Superman's ear. Standing face to face with his old adversary turned ally, the two simply glare at one another.


Now unlike Diana, Bruce had more than likely been on more neutral ground with Clark, considering their complicated history together. No reaction resonates from Bruce while reaffirms his grounding, taking two steps forward towards the grieving alien.


Clark only sneers at his presence. It didn't have to come to this but they both brought it amongst themselves.


Both were thinking alike, albeit not in the same manner.



Batman: You're better than this Clark. You don't have to do this.


Superman: Those…..clowns are unredeemable. They're thieves. Rapists. Murderers. Like the Joker! And they're all lead by Quinn, who may I remind you, was just as involved in my family and all of Metropolis's deaths! That's the problem for fighting in truth and justice, Bruce: the battle never ends.


Batman: And executing them will end it?


Bruce really didn't understand it. First Joker, now this? The obvious question that came to mind was simply….


Batman: When does it stop?


Superman: When there's no more crime. When people can live without fear; we want the same thing, Bruce. Don't you get it?


Batman: I get the where you're coming from. What I don't get is the how; how you expect to live with yourself knowing you're making the same mistake I made: You're scaring them.


Superman: GOOD!


Clarks' rage became more visible.


Superman: They should be scared. Too scared to press the button, to pull the trigger.....or to hurt each other. You were the one who taught me that, remember?


Batman: But you killed a man.


Superman: I DID. And every time you let that madman live, how many more did you condemn? Did you ever feel responsible? Did you ever feel guilty?


At a standstill, Bruce faces down.


Guilt overran him every time a life was taken but it wasn't just about the victim as it was more of what'll happen to himself. The moment he takes a life is the moment he became the thug that murdered his parents in that alleyway.


"Every time”, Bruce admits. "But you said it yourself: we don't get to play God. No one gets to decide who lives and who dies."


Superman: Is that what the younger you would've told you the moment he lost everything in that alleyway?


Batman's face just spelled disgust with that angry blank stare.


Batman: I WANTED to kill my parents' murderers. I could have. There's not a day that I wish I could go back and take care of it myself. But it's not the life they would've wanted for me…..and it's not the life Jor-El Laura Johnathan EVEN Lois would want from you.


Immediately nodding his head furiously at the mention of his dead wife, Clark just dashes forward and stares down the Caped Crusader with nine months worth of resentment and rage boiling over. Luckily, the effects of the Kryptonite were finally wearing off for him.


Superman: DON'T you put that on me.....


He demanded with his eyes slowly bottling up and burning red and his fist clutched to the bone. But Clark suddenly found himself massively depowered: his strength was depleting and he could no longer felt use his heat vision.


A solar grenade, held in Batman's grasp, caught his eye.


Containing the same emit radiation that mimics Krypton's red sun, it was essentially its own form of Kryptonite: weakening Superman enough not to be able to unleash his full power.


Superman: Red solar grenade?


Batman: To null your powers. You need to stop. Take time to grieve before it's too late.


Superman: You wouldn't---


But he did, once again forcing his palm down on the grenade, keeping his powers reduced.


But finally, Bruce's thumb snaps off the metallic pin as he dropped the solar grenade and exploded, launching both of them back and leveling the empty street.



Superman still barely recovered from Harley's kryptonite it had a more effect on him stunning worse than ever.


Superman: After everything we been through......you still won't let me live.....or let me die?


Batman: I won't let you become what Joker is turning you into.


Superman: He took EVERYTHING ME!!


Batman: And he'll win if you go down this road.


Superman: You're suppose to be my friend.



Batman: Which is why I have to stop you.


Superman lunged his hand for his neck but Bruce countered it able to have an advantage from the effect of the red solar grenade Batman then uppercuts him below the jaw but Clark grabs Bruce by the arm forcing him off


Superman: I use to think you were a criminal like those you bring in. I can see I was right all along.


Batman: Sorry you feel that way. But you're becoming what I thought you were too. I won't allow it.


They kept fighting each other due to Clark's effect from the red solar Bruce kicks Clark off his feet


He rolls over across the ground and Bats pull out kryptonite rope from his belt


Batman: I'm sorry Clark.


Superman: Get away from me you traitor!


Batman was just about to tie his hands till a gunshot rings out through the streets.


That's when a familiar voice startles them both....


Look who I found, old man.



Both Bruce and Clark locked to where that voice came from revealing the Red Hood (Jensen Ackles) himself the second Robin Joker murdered 10 years ago and revived by Ra's Al Ghul with the Lazarus pit



He was holding the serial killer Victor Zsasz (Kevin J. O'Connor) before simply dropping Zsasz down on the ground and watching him collapse in front of them both. Even as he crawls back to his feet, the condition the gunshot left him in was remarkably not good and it worsened further once the Red Hood grips him from behind, holding Zsasz hostage with a hunting knife to his neck.


Red Hood: Victor Zsasz. Psychopath.



Batman: Jason??


Red Hood: Well it ain't fucking Deathstroke!


Batman: What'd you doing?!



Red Hood: What am I doing?! I'm bringing criminals to justice and now hopefully, THIS will finally open your eyes. Go ahead Zsasz. Tell them what you told me. How many innocent women have you killed?


Zsasz just chuckles


Zsasz: According to the count on my marks......a hundred in twenty one



Red Hood: A hundred and twenty one. Huh. That's a higher number than Jack the Ripper's women kill count. Come to think of it it's more incorrigible to me.



Batman: Robin let him go!


Red Hood: You're still calling me that child's name?! I told you eight years ago that's not who I am anymore! You rather fight your own friends than the real problem?! No wonder The Joker got away with Metropolis. Have you ever considered for a second that maybe you're wrong?


Batman: I'm warning you son.



Red Hood: SON?!


He kicks Zsasz down on his knees still holding the knife to his neck



Zsasz: Please......


Red Hood you may have trained me but you didn't raise me! And I haven't forgotten what my real father was. He was psychopath too! And yo let him live when you plucked me from the gutter! Have you ever considered for once maybe you're wrong?!


To both Bruce even Clark's horror Jason SLITS Zsasz's neck the look on his face was in shock and pain he let out a dying groan and the psychopath drops.......DEAD


Batman could not believe what his former ward had done neither could Superman even though he was here to do the same thing to all of the inmates here mainly Harley it was all till shocking giving even a way Jason was still a kid to Clark


Red Hood: Problem: SOLVED! And good fucking riddance! Who's next?!


Batman: DAMMIT JASON!!!


Batman was mad as hell now and who can blame him he just witness his adoptive son take a life like Superman despite Zsasz wasn't his first he began charging at him with force intending to teach him a lesson


Batman: This is a line we do NOT cross!


But then Red Hood kicked him away as he stood next to Superman



Red Hood: Then stay on your side Batman! From here on I'll be on Superman's Cause he finally gave that clown what he deserves!


The very boundary that he set for himself and others was not to simply be tossed aside and forgotten about. Unfortunately, some people's urges are too headstrong to be convinced otherwise, as was always the case with Jason.


Batman: Why?


Red Hood: Are you fucking serious? Do you REALLY have to ask ME that? We're at WAR with these animals and you think you're better than him? You had all this time to get rid of the bastard who put so many innocent people in the dirt and yet, you let the Joker keep on killing.


Batman: I'm not that same person I was back then.


Red Hood: That's no damn excuse! I fucking suffered because of your no-kill bullshit for years and so did everyone else who's stood by you. You couldn't save me or Barbara or Lois or ANYONE!



Sensing the argument was quick to get out of hand, Superman sticks himself into the conversation stepping in front of Jason.


This wasn't the time or the place for any more family drama.


Superman: That's enough......for now.


Red Hood: Harley.....her goons. What about the rest of them?


Superman: Taken care of. There's a time and a place for everything.



Once again, Jason looks back at the man who took him in, raised him, trained him, lost him. Any monologuing speeches would quickly fall on deaf ears, for he simply lacked the empathy or compassion to care anymore.



Batman: Jason. You go with him......and it'll be too late to walk away.


Red Hood: Story of my life.



Knowing he had no chances of changing his mind, Bruce just had to stand back and watch as Jason, with confidence, shook Superman's hand firmly. It was official then.


Superman: Welcome aboard.



Still gripping ahold of his hand, Clark finally was able to regain enough of his abilities after more than just a minute's worth of not getting into any physical contact. He just flew upwards with Red Hood hanging at the tail end of his hand, looking down at his surrogate father, before he flying up into the sky.


Once in the air, they both zoom off.


Bruce was left there on his own to witness this sight just as the GCPD finally arrived on the scene, storming past the area while leaving Batman square of the middle of the street…..


…..everyone leaving Batman to his disappointment.



Except for one.



Hey, Bruce.


Turning back to the front of the room, he catches sight of Tim dragging Harley behind him, cuffed. But he still thought it was best for the professional to handle it.


Red Robin: I'd figured you'd like to handle this loose end yourself. Fair enough?


That's as far as Barry went as far as asking for any help for now.


Luckily, Bruce nods.


Red Robin: Good. So, umm......guess I'll.....see you later?"


Again, he nods. Knowing where that would lead to, he grapples upwards and takes off.


That left him with Harley, sternly staring at the Dark Knight. Aggravated, annoyed, robbed of her place, she was understandably defensive.


Harley: Well......what'd you waiting for, B-man? Come on and stick the knife in some more. Kick the hell out of me and get your innovation. Come on!


Batman: No. Not this time.


Much to Harley's surprise.


Batman: I don't want to hurt you. I don't even want us killing one another. But we're running out of alternatives here. Perhaps it all hinges on tonight. I know the Joker meant a lot to you....but I also know he drove you to the abyss. Bent your life out of shame. I've been there before.


Harley: Wh-what do you know of my pain?


She rebuttals, seething in anger and regret, gritting her teeth.


Harley: You should've left me to die long ago.


She chokes up, with tears streaming down her cheeks and ruining her makeup.


Batman: Maybe I do, maybe I don't understand. But I can rehabilitate you. You could use your skills for something better. You don't need to be alone. We don't have to kill each other.


He offers her his hand, sticking it out......much to her surprise.


Batman: Let me help you.....Doctor.



Harley doesn't respond back in any way. She only faces down.



Batman.



The familiar voice forces Batman behind him as he sees Commissioner Gordon stepping in, seeing the carnage around him. Even as he stares up at the sky past Wonder Tower, this was exactly what he feared. The sins of Metropolis had caught up with them sooner than expected and based on how Bats and Supes came so close to ruling it out again, the worst can only be assumed.



Jim: I think......I think the Joker won. Superman's prosecution and everything he fought for....undone. We betted all on him…..and now people are going to lose hope.


Batman only nods his head, disagreeing entirely. He knew that they won't.


Batman: The Joker cannot win. I will rebuild the hope Joker destroyed. To become what Gotham, what Metropolis needs us to be. Call it in.


Jim: For what?



He doesn't get an immediate response from Batman. He just stares back at him with this odd glare of sympathy and subtlety in his eyes. Gordon didn't know what was going through his head but he hoped Batman had something planned in mind.



~ONE YEAR LATER~



A full year after the destruction of Metropolis rocked the world as the 21st Century shot heard around the world and Superman had already taken control of most of the Worlds strongest connections to national security. From the United Nations government to even the Pentagon, his iron fist on the U.S, let alone the world, was growing tighter and tighter by the minute.



His orders were strict but fair: he'd allow people to live peacefully as long as they didn't break the law in any way. Those who DID would be ordered a death sentence to any who'd dare take innocent lives, commit any crimes or anything heinous. The scary thing was it was even issued to the young offenders like children that would shoplift.


It didn't matter what the person did or who you were: if you broke the law, you were re going down.



However, knowing he couldn't possibly do it alone, Superman took the liberty in taking the teammates who sided with him and forming a new team of heroes to help maintain order in case things didn't work in his favor, giving birth to the One Earth Regime. The fallen Man of Steel steadily became more and more brutal and fascistic as the year passed, rechristening himself as the High Councilor and commander of the Regime with Diana as his second-in-command.


Victor was the cybernetic technician of the group not only to provide supplies and strategies but to make sure Batman would not have any advantage over them. Red Hood, due to his military experience, became leader of the Regime's militia force.....


.....alongside Christopher Smith aka the rejuvenated Peacemaker (John Cena) as second-in-command, following the death of the Suicide Squad.



Hal Jordon had surprisingly switched rings since due to his actions in the Regime; his green ring no longer answered to him. He had decided to answer to its enemy's core run by The Guardians' most feared enemy of the galaxy.....Sinestro (Hugo Weaving) of the Sinestro Corps. The rest who sided with Superman, namely Flash, Shazam and Terra were onboard, along with a few old enemies turned temporary allies, namely Black Adam (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) and even longtime rival Lex Luthor (Bryan Cranston) was onboard with this dictatorship.


Or so it seemed.


Rather furious over his iron fist on all of reality but still mindful of his wellbeing, Luthor fell into a deep sense of regret following the events of Metropolis and as an act of reconciliation, had only funded the entirety of the One Earth Regime in order to gain Superman's trust....for Bruce Wayne.


Desperate to end Superman's new plan for the world, Bruce needed to fight fire with fire and build a team of his own, an army of residence of superheroes that did not and WILL NOT abet Superman's rule.


Luckily, he had JUST enough members necessary to build his fully-funded Insurgency: Martian Manhunter (Harry Lennix), Zatanna (Alexandra Daddario) and Green Arrow (Charlie Hunman) were the only official Justice League members that stood with Batman's resistance as Aquaman remained AWOL.


The remaining Teen Titans also wasted no time in siding with what they felt was the right side. Despite how disappointed they were in Cyborg and Terra and Jason, they couldn't tolerate any more distractions for the time being. Even grief for Beast Boy wasn't enough for them to call off their alignment.


Beast Boy's death had also brought forth the presence of Julie Madison (Evan Rachel Wood) from Goth-Corp, for she had actually tended and cared for the boy before he was recruited as a Teen Titan. Her decision to join the residing Insurgency herself as well as the Birds of Prey: Dinah Lance-Queen (Jurnee Smollett), Helena Bertinelli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) along with support from the GCPD and Batman's oldest allies, Alfred (Jeremy Irons), Barbara Gordon (Jane Levy), and Lucius Fox (Danny Glover) all came at essentially low stakes.



One day, Bruce had called in a meeting to announce his plan for the next move down in the Batcave. All other hero's and heroines who signed up for this cause were all present and accounted for with Julie and Lex being the only civilians present.



Bruce: Thanks for coming, everyone.


He gave his brief thanks, letting the silence overtake the room before he continued.


Bruce: I called in this meeting for two reasons. First: to ensure that everything that is in place and that what can be done over Superman's terror is being done. Secondly......Luthor has informed me of a very special discovery not too long ago; something that holds a key to give us all a fighting chance to withstand the Man Of Steel. Lex?



Tidying his suit and tie beforehand, Luthor holds out a remote from his pocket which, when pressed on, opens an image on the screen of the Batcomputer revealing the next big thing.


More than an equalizer. More than a weapon. It appeared to be something much greater.



Lex: What you see here.....


He begins browsing the images one at a time.


Lex: .....is a 3D computer model of Kryptonite pills. Our research indicates the effect of the pills upholds some of Superman's powers into its host and beyond nice can only assume he's been giving it to his allies.


Bruce: Kryptonite only has a small effect on humans but not as bad as Superman. The effects are temporary as they last over an hour but an overdose can be deadly. Take too much and your body won't last much. It can cause cancer, liver to heart failure, or worsen any disease. But if we can get the pill that's being held at the abandoned Navy ship in Alaska, which Superman now calls his Fortress of Solitude, I can analyze it on the Batcomputer to create more pills for us, giving us the power boost needed to stand against Superman.


The history lesson turned chemistry class now finished, Lex turned the presentation off from the Batcomputer.


Lex: Correct. Now does anyone have a question?"


Helena: There is one problem that crossed my mind.....


The Huntress interjects without warning.


Helena:.....and it's the rather obvious stretch as far as what's gonna happen if Superman finds out what we're doing? What's to keep him from stopping us from getting the pill?"


Bruce: I've established some connections to President Kane before. He can provide a military distraction that Superman won't ignore, giving us enough time to get in, find it and get out. If it doesn't last, J'onn's the only one of us who can hold Clark at bay to buy us more time.


Almost immediately, both Ollie and Dinah Queen shoot their hands up, albeit uncharacteristically. Although, which one wanted to go first quickly became a problem.


Ollie: Wait, you wanted to go-


Dinah: I did raise my hand, didn't I?


Ollie: Was I supposed to know?


Dinah: Yeah, well I wanted to know-


Lex only clears his throat to direct the two's attention back to him.


Ollie: You're gonna let Hank Henshaw duke it with Clark on his own?


Lex: Considering his strength, speed, durability, invisibility, regeneration, and the fact that he can shape-shift, I am positive he'll be able to keep Kal-El at bay for as long as he has to.


Dinah: Not without backup. He could die.


J'onn: I don't fear death as much as I fear not trying. There isn't much justice in this world, so perhaps that's why it is satisfying to occasionally make some.


He felt the eyes from all across the room, gazing over at him.


J'onn: It is what my parents taught me: always do what's right and for what you believe in.


At that moment, Julie was the next to get involved.


Although she didn't raise her hand, she didn't need to since she was also the one lending the support to the team and the Teen Titans as well.


Dick eyes at her and nods while Kori just leans on her shoulder.


"Julie?", Bruce asked.


Julie: Bruce, yes. I, um.....look, I'm gonna feel like an idiot for saying this but how exactly are you getting all of this information? If anything, with Victor in the Regime, they're more than likely to have some crafty security protocols installed to keep you from stealing their information.


The genius billionaire playboy philanthropist nodded extensively, for he was well aware.


Bruce: Which is why I sent one of my own go in undercover to record and send images of the events that occur, keeping the facts from fiction and sharing every little detail and information needed on the Regimes' next move and beyond.


Zatanna: You implanted a mole agent within the Regime?


She feigns shock and awe.


Zatanna: Jesus, Bruce. You aren't playing around.

Dick: Well when you're hometown is destroyed and your friend becomes the most dangerous force on the planet wouldn't you want to take every opportunity you have to-----

That's as far Dick got before Kori places her hand on his knee preventing him from hyperextending

Kori: Ease your storm he means well.

Dick takes a breath as the next question comes into play curiosity of Tim

Tim: Um....Bruce.....just one question. How exactly did you meet the president?

Bruce: As Batman always meets everyone.

Lex: Everyone please keep your questions on minimal. We're here about the pills.

While questions and answers kept coming and going the only person disinterested in the entire thing happened to be Rachel Roth also known as.....Raven it had nothing to do with possibility that she was having regrets about choosing sides

She detested violence all the same as she told Luther hours before the nukes hit Metropolis but the only problem......was Jason

They had a SMALL connection in the Teen Titans since Dick promoted him with them but after he joined the Regime it was on a short notice that it had caught Raven by surprise the first time Cyborg and Terra was one thing but the former boy wonder who she grew close with that she couldn't explain not even to Nightwing and Starfire or Red Robin

The anguish and anger from it was eating her alive she felt the need to exit the room halfway through the meeting but Kori and Zatanna happen to notice her and fallowed after her

Unfortunately by the time they fallowed her out of the room they came at a dead end or so they thought they both see the black of her cloak phasing through the wall that lead into Bruce's office out of all places

Zatanna flickered her want teleported both her and Starfire into the office out of all places

Zatanna flicked her want teleported both her and Starfire into the office with Raven to almost NO reaction whatsoever she didn't flinch nor turn around to acknowledge them she just at there with her cloak off looking depressed

Rachel: I don't want to be disturbed.

Kori: We just assumed we give you some company. Perhaps the joy of having friends around will ease your troubled mind.

Rachel: My mind is never troubled Kori. People come people go. It's pointless to be upset about Cyborg and Terra.

The response triggered her eyebrows from Kori and Zatanna the delayed response didn't help Raven any quicker

Rachel: What?

Zatanna: This isn't really about Victor or Terra is it? Nor your friend Beast Boy......it's about Jason right? Dick told me about your......relationship with him.

That triggered Rachel almost instantly but kept calm a possible

Rachel: We.....never had a relationship.

Kori: Rachel it's ok. It wasn't any different with Dick and me. I know how you feel about him. And I know it's hurting you that he's with Superman.

Glaring back at them with anger in her eyes she telepathically pushes them back to the wall and strains them with force a they groaned in pain

Kori: Rachel don't just calm down.

Zatanna: Seriously don't make put a spell on you.

Rachel: Your magic is child's play to me. Don't make me send you to another dimension.


That shout only barely forced Kori back up slightly against the wall with Raven's eyes glowing red and multiplying for the first time in two years since......


.....since Trigon.



Raven already felt the burning hatred coursing through her veins as well as the jewel on her forehead brightening up for a mild minute but quickly turned herself away, covering the Chakra jewel on her forehead.


She didn't want to go back to being that person.




Rachel: I-I'm sorry....


Kori: Rachel....you do not need to apologize. He meant a lot to us as well. Dick always talks about him.


Rachel: It doesn't matter anymore.


Zatanna: Bullshit. Of course, it matters. Doesn't every one of our feelings matter?



Rachel only nodded, for it mattered more than she ever thought before.



Rachel: After I lost my mother.... my homeworld.....I shut everyone out. The Teen Titans gave me hope for this world. Hope for myself. So Victor and Terra, with their choices, I know the pain that they felt. I know how easily hope can be broken.


Zatanna: You never thought he'd do the same?



Raven just shook her head.



Rachel: I suppose....perhaps I should've seen it coming.



Barely holding her composure, she planned to leave it at that, prepared to turn away. Kori firmly stops her. She wanted to assure her that….



Kori: They did not betray us. HE did not betray us. This all hinges on everything Bruce pledged to end. Superman gaining control is one thing. What he does with it is another.


Zatanna: Bruce said he had it difficult way before the Joker. It can do very much to a child while growing up.




When it comes to her demon lord father Trigon, Rachel found no issue denying that. The cracks had already shown in this war long after Superman put a hole in Joker's chest so it was only a matter of time before the bough actually breaks.




Those cracks, however, were about to duplicate in size and in quantity down over at enemy territory. As Bruce had promised, his plan had already been set squarely in motion leaving his second mole with ample opportunity to get exactly what he needed…..


…..in the Fortress of Solitude.




Scout Ship 0344 used to be Superman’s former ‘base of operations’ in the eyes of a few before what would come afterward.



An ancient Kryptonian colonial vessel originally commissioned for Explorer Guild teams to scout out planets during the Great Age of Exploration, its former commander abandoned the ship after arriving on Earth, where it remained for thousands of years before its discovery and eventual commandeering by Kal himself in 2013.


Lex Luthor, of all people, breached the ship and re-purposed the damaged genesis chamber to create the ancient Kryptonian mutant Doomsday using Zod's corpse, overloading and depleting the power reserves in the process. After being placed in the possession of S.T.A.R. Labs, the ship was infiltrated by the Justice League, who used the biomatrices of the chamber and a Mother Box to revive Superman.



Afterward, the ship was placed in extensive care with the government.



So Superman’s new base was constructed out of a Kryptonian crystalline material known as a sunstone amongst one of the few mountainsides down in the Arctic. Now resembling the form of what appeared to be a spiky crystallized ball, all bets were now off on where’d Kal be and where he’d go.



Nowadays, he’d have strict access on who would enter his Fortress; with his relationship with Bruce stretching on thinner and thinner ice as time dwindles away, Kal could only trust his own members, his One Earth Regime to be let in.




And therein lies the issue at hand with letting in everyone who you think is an ally; another crack was shown via another one of the Regime's moles and Batman's DOUBLE double agent.



Selina Kyle (Morena Baccarin).



Her black leather catsuit covered her entire body, except for the underside of her arms. She has a large, circular golden zipper, brown modified corset, brown leather backpack, knee-high boots attached to a taloned apparatus resembling cat's paws, chain mesh elbow-length gloves attached to clawed gauntlets that enable her to slash, a cowl that resembles a cat's head, metallic goggles that sit on her forehead, and a tail that doubles as her whip.



Her fashion sense hadn't gone out of style but in her mind, the Fortress interior was rather imbecilely complex, for she had been roaming around for the last ten to fifteen minutes looking for the latest thread on the pills, finding absolutely nothing.


From the Menagerie to the laboratory leading back to the ENDLESS stretches of hallways, nothing was sticking out of plain sight for her to investigate or work with.



If finding a needle in a haystack ever needed a physical image to play off of, this would be it.




Catwoman: Half an hour later, still no sign of the pill.


Stay in contact. The minute you see the pill, get me a visual and report back. But if you see Clark or any of the others, cut off the transmission. We don't want them to hear us.


Catwoman: Understood. And Bruce....



The urge to tell him over the earpiece sounded less inviting than just telling him in person but there wasn't an easy let alone constructive way to say it with the delayed silence.


All she can say is simply…..



Catwoman: I'll....see you soon.




And then she cuts off.


Famished from the lack of results, she does have to take off both her cowl and goggles, sitting back in the lab to collect herself.



There are days the tiredness comes in both forms, physical and mental. Her body needs to rest yet her mind needed it to move in sync to burn the anxiety right out. What didn’t help was that at this moment, her brain was on five percent battery so, if anybody took to mind, she could’ve definitely afforded some moments' worth of rest to soak in the calming, peace of nature to….


….rejigger and jog her memory.



That moment didn’t come. Not before long, she's startled by a voice only to turn back and soon saw Terra walking in.




Selina: Oh hey. Yeah, you're, uhh......you're the Earthbender.


"I don't have a codename or anything like that", she says shyly, turning away. "Just call me Terra."


Selina: Well, if that's how you wanna go with it, that's fine with me. But weren't you-


Terra: Yeah, yeah, I was. I, umm......was going to ask you about why.....



She stops halfway through her sentence as she freezes. Either she didn't know what to say or she lost her train of thought. Regardless, Terra was lost in her thoughts with no idea on what to talk about next.



Selina: Lost your train of thought?



She nods.


Selina: Then let me guess you want to know why I joined the Regime.



She nods again


Selina: Well sweetie, it's like this. Bruce and I had a hard time going in our relationship long before he got mixed with Superman. We both fought for what we thought Justice, just on opposite sides of the law. In all honesty too...I was bored to death. Bruce and I worked better when we were forbidden, when the masks were on and the claws were out....so I did the best thing for both of us. And Superman offered big money if I.....well, you could say my greed got the better of me. Bruce didn't take it well....and.....been with you all ever since. Just know I'm not sad. I didn't become Catwoman to bag Bruce Wayne. I don't ever want to rely anyone but myself. I'll go where I want to go, take what I want to take. And never, ever look back.


Terra: Sorry. I'm only with Superman cause Joker killed--


Not helping that Terra was already fifty seven flavors of cross-eyed discordant over the whole debacle she officially put her self in, it didn't look encouraging that she'd really find her footing.


If only Selina wasn't an avid jduge of character.


Selina: You know what, come here for a sec.



Leaning on the edge of the wall, she does move away as they sit by the table. Selina's calm, suave exterior compared little to Terras' jittery, body language. She wanted to say things were ok but all she felt was flustered at the end of it all.



Terra: Leaving the Titans, my friends......the ones I thought I could depend on. They......they took me in, gave me a home with people that I can look up and trust and-



She chokes up again.



Terra: Garfield.


Selina: Beast Boy?



She admits nodding over to her.


Terra: He was the only person in which I could truly call.....my only one. I-I never got the chance to say goodbye. I didn't even-even get the chance to bury him......



Sensing more emotional trauma coming from her, Selina had to wrap an arm around her shoulder to give her a little more comfort. By that point, the young terrakinetic felt more comfortable continuing her traumatic story.


Terra: Even before all this, I did a lot of bad things I'm not proud of. I let Slade get the better of me, making me betray both my boyfriend and my friends. Realizing my mistake I tried to take Slade down myself. Almost cost my life and took a year for the Titans to forgive me. Most of them. Rachel was.....complicated. And just when Beast Boy and I started our relationship.....he was already gone. We were gonna spend the summer in Hawaii and then.....


Selina: What of Garfield?


Terra: I was pretty much out of balance and depth when it came to my powers. I was always losing control at the worst of times and the people that I loved, my parents, grandparents...... paid the price for it. Goth-Corp collected me after my third accident and I had no say in the matter. That very same week I got in.....that's when Garfield came along.



Hearing Selina sigh heavily didn't give Terra the wrong idea.



Terra: I don't know why or how but his bubbly, charismatic, energetic, zest of life-free spirit...... rubbed off on me in like, almost the best way. Having 'grown up' with him, I.....almost forgot what was wrong with me.....at least until I thought otherwise. When I told him I had to get out of Goth-Corp, he suggested I stay but said he wouldn't stop me if I went through with it.


Selina: But you did.


Terra: And yet......Life finds a way. I just thought we'd have more time.



Tears were once again streaming down and drenching Terra's cheeks. Just when she thought her life might finally turn around, a madman takes away part of the best thing that ever happened to her and forces her to side with an evolving tyrant or, in her mind, a diplomat willing to do whatever it took.


Selina: Suppose we're almost cut from the same cloth, after all, you and me.



The professional cat burglar-turned-vigilante found no issue in digging through Terra's defenses because she knew from a past life that she used to be exactly where Terra was: lost.


Fractured.



Uneasy.



Hard to get.



Miserable.



Selina: I used to be sweet and innocent like you.


Terra gave off a look of perplexity and mild amusement, her eyes suddenly widening like she was asking Really? Then what happened?


Showing rather than telling, Selina unsheathes the claws from her gloves in front of her, which sort of intimidated her in a way.


Selina: But then life dug it's claws into me.


Terra: Cat claws?


Selina: Not before I tasted death. I was.....betrayed and, in a way, murdered by someone who I thought was my friend and....he turned out to be everything my father was when he left my mother.


Terra: What'd he do? Did he give you killer curiosity?


"No.....nothing like that", Selina chuckles mildly. Looking back at it, it wasn't really worth laughing at but time has a funny way of conveying through people.


Selina: He thought I was digging too much into his underworld connection, which I was. And afraid I'd expose him, he fired a gun at me and I fell out a window. I don't remember much after that but the next thing.....I woke up with cats all around me. And nine lives later, I'm glad. Cause I'm proud of who I am. Honey, I am sorry for your loss. But just know it's never too late to change no matter how much terrible you done. I learned that the hard way myself.


Terra gave a nod with a tear and she was about to walk away till......


Selina: Terra one more minute.


She turns back to her


Terra: Hmm?


Selina: I got distracted with our talk but uh.....Superman actually assign me to guard the......weapon he's making for us. And I got a little side track in this place with how big it is. Do you know where it is?


Terra: Up stairs 12 flours you'll find the largest vault in the world it's one mother of a big ass vault. Biggest I've ever seen. I don't know if you'll know need a key to open it but....I wouldn't anyway. The High Councilor keeps something else in there that's much as dear to him as Lois was.


Selina: Thanks dear. Take care.


Terra left and Selina tapped her ear into the transmission to Bruce


Selina: Did you get that?


We got it. The President's sending the strike now. We're on our way.



Meanwhile at the watchtower the rogue Man of Steel was in a darker red and blue suit that resembled to his original as he was working on tactics to control Solomon Grundy's brain patterns with a technician collar


Clark was more broody while working give that tragedy in Metropolis still haunts him even when he flashes back of Lois dying while floating in space and holding her lifeless body when carrying her back down


Joker's last laugh when he killed him haunted him worse making him more angry


As Clark got lost in his thoughts Diana walked in in a red and black amazon dress


Diana: I see the collar's working. Good.


Superman: Hmm? Oh yeah. Yeah.


Diana: Know for a fact re-education wasn't gonna work on him.


Clark: Hm.



Diana: Well if you're not busy.....I thought you and I could.....take the rest of the day off. Maybe---


You guessed right Clark and Diana have been hooking up the past year Diana assumed it was a relationship but to Superman was a rebound


Superman: I....I can't today. I got my hands full.


Diana: Are you sure?


He didn't respond which drew the rogue amazon's concern


Diana: Kal....I know you didn't loose your hearing ability. I even know this is still......awkward to you. Are you even.....ok with this? Us?


Superman: Of.....of course. I'm sorry Diana I'm just....a little distracted. Given it's only been a year now.



Diana: I know. And I understand. But I hope you know....I'm not trying to replace her. I just thought---after what you told me after----



Superman: I know. And I know you wouldn't....I just....I just miss her so much.



Diana: We all do.



Clark nods and stands up giving Diana a soft kiss



Superman: Go see how the others are doing. I'll be fine.


Diana: I was about to. I just thought I also tell you Lantern's----


Superman:---just arrived. I know. Guess my hearing ability is still working.



Diana could chuckle mildly, a genuine smirk creeps up over her face as she walks out but not before Hal Jordon, the newest member of the Sinestro Lantern Corps walked in close behind her. Gripping his yellow ring tightly, he just stood on the edge of the support beam.


To be fair, his normal preserved suave self didn’t fit all that well with yellow on him instead of green.


But that was all on him.



Yellow Lantern: High Councilor. Love Diana's new look.


Superman silently yet briefly stirs a soft 'Hmm'.


Yellow Lantern: We have a problem on the Korean Peninsula. Our friend in the office launched some military airstrike and the Navys' at bay.


Blindsided by the news, Kal bolts out of his seat but remains frozen in place, slowly absorbing each word ushered and taking in the gravity of what the hell that meant.


Most of the U.S government ties were mostly now lying at the buck squarely with the son of Krypton so nobody could do literally ANYTHING NOW without him catching word of it. That included the President of the United States of America, who just launched an attempted airstrike attack?


Kal’s face left his eyes agape with unbridled confusion and contempt, going from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds. The only problems were the obvious ones…..



What was the President thinking? How’d this even happen?



~Yesterday night~



Last night in Washington D.C at the White House, President Kane Boon (Kurt Russell) was NOT having a good night.


Tossing and turning with no end in sight, he was unable to keep himself steady for more than a few seconds. That serenity, cradle of dreams? All of it whittled away once he was even elected and it ended up being a huge mistake. Upon that stage were the presidents of the world, some honest and sincere, parental and gave a feeling of security - others were agents of chaos and sowed discord.


Some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time; considering what happened a year prior, Kane couldn’t have been any less lucky.


But once the initial restlessness boiled over, he couldn’t keep his eyes closed for much longer. Straining his eyes open a little bit, he can only sit up off his bed….


….staring off to the side, glancing across his desk and down to his private cellphone line.



But then comes a sound cocoon crackling through the blackness; thunder erupting as a roar of promised rain, an emotional rollercoaster when twinned with the earthbound lightning.


And that forbidding sound brings his gaze over to the patio. That’s when he saw an image.



An image of the Batman's shadow.


He yelled out, lifting himself up and out of bed, only to see the shadow was gone. The only thing he noticed was the patio screen doors open with the wind blowing out against them. Boon didn't leave them open on purpose and knew that Bat shadow was not part of any dream.


Boon: Batman?!


So it didn't take long to know the gist.


Boon: Why are you here?



I have a request for you Mr. President.



"Well you could at least make an appointment", he says trying to keep his composure frequently turning at every corner to catch where he might appear next.


Unfortunately, Batman briefly flashed by the bed which once again shook Kane momentarily. But once the shadow disappeared, it was back to walking around the room.


Boon: I can only assume you've come with a solution?



My colleagues and I formed our next move against Superman. He hides a power source for his forces making them as strong and powerful as him and which is what we're gonna steal from him tomorrow morning.



Boon: I had Superman believe I'm on his frontline. If he knew I helped you---



He doesn't need to know. You're the Commander-In-Chief, you direct an attack he can't ignore and that's what we need. I need one provided to get Superman's focus off the fortress.



The President wasn't so much confused by the legalities or limitations of said plan. It was the sheer ludicrousness of it all that he needed to wrap his head around.


Boon: Let me get this straight.....you and your resistance want me to launch a military attack to distract the false god excuse of a man while you break in his lair to steal....what, a battery?



THAT battery may be the Earth's only chance to gain their freedom again.



Thunderflashes in the presidents' eyes, his eyesight finally allows him to see Batman fully out on the patio with his eyes glowing white. While not the first time the two have met, his ability to adapt and inhibit the shadows to his advantage had more than enough influence on even the most powerful of people.


President Kane knew that all too well.


Boon: I'll....I'll do it. But Superman will know I launched this attack. How will I keep him from shoving his hand through me?



Keep him talking as much as you can and if he gets edgy just tell him I forced you to do it. I already have a backup plan. Just remember......this is for all of the Earth's sake.



Straightforward and to the point, Bruce gives the president some peace as he leaps off the patio and back into the night while also leaving Kane with his heart racing.


Kane stood there panting with his heart racing and there was a knock at his door and an agent came in for he heard some bits and pieces of the conversation.


Agent: Mr. President? Everything ok sir?


Boon: Yes.....get the General on line 1.


Agent: Excuse me, sir?


He takes another step forward towards his agent, almost as if he was staring him down, and once again tells him......


Boon: Get the General on Line 1. Tell him to prepare an airstrike by 1800 hours. A storm's about to come our way.



So come the present day, things were quickly getting fast, furious, and down to business.


The General had replied to and accepted the President's response to gather and round up the U.S Navy by the morning and have them turn against NORTH KOREA out of all places.


Considering how economically poor yet glibly vicious North Korea is towards America and the rest of the world in general, that should've been the very LAST place that anybody should be headed unless anyone had a death wish. The thing is most generals and military personal failed to release that even though the President called it in, it wasn't HIS idea.


Cause who was to argue with a mentally insane troubled man who dresses as a bat with 25 years of experience?


Apparently, Ollie was.


The footage of the entire U.S Navy setting off from shore and out to the ocean was caught and being recorded on the Batcomputer and Ollie's eyes were completely drawn to it since the news had first come up early in the morning.


He jumped as soon as he heard the door opening from his right, only to see Bruce in his Batsuit and donning his cape. Ollie did catch Bruce giving him a bit of a glare of seriousness but he didn't pay it any mind until he looked back at the Navy on the screen.


That's when he asked...


Ollie: Ok, ok, ok, what the hells happening out there?


Bruce: Asked the President to call in a favor. U.S Navy ships just turned to the Korean Peninsula.


Ollie: Wait, what?


Bruce: It's a distraction they can't miss.


By that point, he puts on his cowl.


Batman: Black Canary and Manhunter are with me. The batwing will take us just south fr—


Before he can even finish, Ollie just grips ahold of his hand tightly like he was preventing him access from leaving. In reality, if he was going to go on this dangerous mission, he wanted a piece of the action as well.


Might be harder to convince him than expected.


Batman: Ollie.


Ollie: Don't think for a moment that you're leaving me behind, Bruce.


Batman: This is a surgical strike. I'm not taking anyone that I don't need. I still have the mole within The Regime who's the world's greatest thief, someone who can hold Superman off when comes to it, and a woman whose voice might be able to shatter Kryptonian crystal.


Ollie: And you have her middle-aged root-n-tootin' eagle-eyed goth-loving marksman of a husband who can shove 2 arrows up your condescending ass before—



Hey!



The sound doesn't tick Batman off in the slightest but it does draw Ollie's attention, seeing his wife all geared up and ready to move forward with this plan. Arguing was the last thing she wanted to be on the receiving end of.


Canary: Really, guys? An entire armada is buying us a small window period of time so that we can take steps to possibly save the world. I'm going to do that, whether I have to wait for y'all or not. You two feel free to keep bickering, though.


She heads out to the elevator, leaving "Bruce" and Ollie in silence.


Except Bruce was being awfully more silent than Ollie was. But finally, it looked like Bruce was convinced. If the Green Arrow was going to join them, he needed to suit up quickly. There wasn't much time.


With no time to argue, Ollie just rushed to the back to get his bow set as Batman just looked over at Dinah. He noticed an unusual flare that was missing from her eyes.


Doubtful. Hesitant.


Canary: I understand not wanting to bring him for this. I'd rather he stay out of it too. But since Ollie and I....


Batman: I realize that. More than you know.


Awfully strange that Batman would know all about that either cause of his relationship with Selina or something was different.


But Dinah can see that.

Batman still wasn't sure about tis took him a few moments to think until he slightly nodded

Batman: Alright you're in. But you must fallow my lead. We only have one shot a this so you'll need to fallow orders Ollie.

Ollie: Hey you started this rebellion. You're the leader anyway.

Batman: I need you to take this seriously. If we're blown then Clark won't hesitate to kill us if he has to. No limit will old him back now.

After much talk and still......little disagreement Batman Green Arrow Black Canary and Martion Manhunter left for Superman's fortress of solitude by Batwing

But meanwhile near by the bay of San Francisco the military force prepares an attack as planned for Batman's diversion to distract Superman which not too long when it was close.......

......Superman Yellow Lantern and Wonder Woman all hovered above the ship whic caught the soldier attention and shout out at excitement and panic

The General leading the attack stood out in the open as the Regime forces hovered down to the ship and landed firmly on their feet

The General held out his hand ordering his troops to stand down which they did and he and Clark approached one another in serious positions especially how serious Clark looked on his response to this

Superman: General. I trust you have a good reason for this.

General: It's nothing personal sir. It's only a phase for any potential threats to come our way.

Superman: Why do you think I build this Regime? To make sure we don't have to worry about threats!

General: I understand sir. I'm with you all the way. Except I have my own orders from the president.

The General hands out a document order which he took and read it but his serious expression didn't change as he did and then eyed at the General again

Superman: Why would the President authorize this?

General: He wouldn't say sir. Just said this was a caution drill. You'll have to take it up with him.

Superman: Believe me.......I WILL.

Now it was looking more serious as Superman was not gonna let this fish get off the hook that easily he turned back to Diana and Hal giving them orders.

Superman: Lantern. Stay here and keep an eye on everyone. Don't do anything unless any wrong moves accrue. Diana? We're gonna pay an old friend a visit

Cutting back to the fortress of solitude the Batwing lands just outside it with Jonn landing on his feet a he actually flew fallowing the Batwing and Batman and the Olivers off boarded the Batwing

Once they entered the fortress Selina waited for them in her cat suit in the main hall and didn't take her long to notice them

Catwoman: About time.

Batman: I been busy. You sure it's here?

Catwoman: Superman says there's no safer place for it than here. Terra even said something else was here. Something important to him.

Batman: We won't be here long. Lead the way.

So Selina lead Bruce and the others to the twelfth flour which took minutes to get being Superman didn't add elevators to this place.......yet

But soon as they reached the flour they're looking for there it was.....

.......the largest ice vault in the world just like what Terra told Selina

Green Arrow: Holy honey damn. And like my grand-pappy Arrow use to say.....there's always a bigger lock.

Batman: Leave it Ollie. Jonn. Can you phase through and open it on the inside?

Martion Manhunter: I believe so.

Jonn then walked up to the vault shifted and jut walk through

Catwoman: I can see why you brought him.

Black Canary: I wonder how it worked for hhim on mars?

Green Arrow: Maybe he went to night school.

Batman: Stay focus people. We're short on time.

Eventually took minutes but slowly the vault did unlock and was pushed open from the inside by Manhunter who.....had a concern look

Batman: What is it?

Manhunter: Someone ele is here.

Bruce and the others walked in cautiously and to their surprise especially Bruce.....

.....Martha Kent (Diane Lane) was in it



The entire mission from that point on was held at an indefinite halt. They were gonna have to move a little faster than that.



The U.S Navy, or at least the ones that were supposed to be sent to the Korean Peninsula, could've literally been decimated within a few minutes by Superman himself simply because.....well, he basically felt defied by the General and the others who were with him.



If only Kal thought it was necessary. Why else would he leave Diana and Hal back there to care of it for him?




So with the Navy dealt with, Superman knew he had to head over to the White House and take a long chat with the President concerning the situation, which unfortunately wouldn't bode well with the rest of the heroes who had him occupied.


And in no time at all, he landed down emphatically with a purpose at the entrance of the White House, breaking his fall with a simple break of his feet. Just then and there was when the President noticed him along with two of his other agents.



Superman: Mr. President!



The Commander in Chief didn't want to keep him waiting.



Boon: Give me a few minutes.



The agents obliged and left him on his lonesome just as the opposing force had approached him.




Superman: You know what's funny: I almost wasted my time making those ships turn right around when you could've done it with one phone call.



Boon: You can't just—



Superman: Yes, I CAN.



He bellows deeply, imposing his superiority over the Commander-in-Chief. He's only lucky he didn't have to grab him as he only stares him down with authority.



Superman: Why are you doing this? You must've known I wasn't going to let this stand. Exactly what made you—



At that moment, he stops himself. He took a moment to think over the course of action and the situation and almost immediately, he puts two and two together and he recognizes what had happened: he had been tricked.


This was the Presidents plan the entire time.



Superman: You DID know. You wanted me distracted in North Korea. Why would you—?



Using his head and quick thinking, he uses his X-Ray vision to trackback whatever possible disturbance might very well have already occurred. Having to quench his eyes to zoom out further, he digs his vision all the way back to Alaska.


Sure enough, he saw the disturbance: There were intruders at the Fortress.




Superman: Ohhhhhh.......no, they are not!




He immediately shoots off the ground and into the sky, zipping out from Washington D.C and quickly heading north. But not before he had to make a quick call via earpiece.



Superman: Diana, we have an emergency. Meet me back at the Fortress. I'll be sure to let Selina know.




And that would come sooner than any of the Insurgency members at the Fortress would've considered.



The sight of Martha in the safe now changes the complexity of what this situation entailed. It wasn't just the Kryptonite pill that Clark had left behind the vault. Leaving his biological Earth mother there as well? Why he did it was completely unknown to the Dark Knight but it immediately flipped a mental switch in the mind of the Dark Knight.



Martha: Bruce.


Batman: Martha.....I didn't know you were—


Martha: I know. But.....believe me when I tell you: I'm fine.



She then takes ahold of his hands.



Martha: For your safety and mine, I think you should go now, Batman.



For some odd reason, Batman knew that Martha was right because if anything, she knows how down the deep end her son has gone since Metropolis. And the fact that Superman is delusional over any little thing has made him grow quite a few targets on his back.


So in a strange conventional move, Bruce decided to call off the plan altogether, once again, to the surprise of only one.



Batman: You're right. We're leaving. I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent.


Arrow: Wait, what?! B-but what about that whole 'Fate of the World' thing?


Batman: It's not gonna matter now. Regardless of the distraction, Superman isn't thinking straight. If he suspects for a SECOND that we're after his parents, he's going to kill all of us.




Once again, he was right on the money.


The sound of Selina's earpiece buzzing annoyed her as she whips it off her ear but what she hears on the other side indicates that they might be pressed for time.


VERY SHORT time.




There's been a breach at the Fortress. Selina, do you hear me? I said there's been a breach-in at the Fortress!





Catwoman: Shit.



Everyone turns to her.



Catwoman: He's coming. Bruce, take me hostage.


Batman: What?


Catwoman: Superman's on his way. TAKE ME HOSTAGE.



Knowing how close Superman was to the Fortress, it left Batman with no choice in the matter.



Reluctant but eventually giving in, he holds and traps Selina like a hostage in a chokehold as she pretended to struggle against him.


To be fair, when she played, she plays rough.



Catwoman: HEY! Keep your—


She back-headbutts him but he only tightens his grip on her.


Catwoman: Argh.....would—would you mind? Quit yanking my tail.




While they played along and moved along outside, Black Canary had already evacuated.



Green Arrow turned around to check with the Manhunter but even he seemingly vanished from the scene without so much as a peep. It left him all alone in that massive hallway; pondring between standing across Martha and just going along with what everyone else had done.



It would've taken them around the same time to traverse around the giant Kryptonian statues of both Jor-El and Alura, Kals paternal guardians, and all around the Fortress: 26 minutes. And the same amount of time to get out. Even with Cat cutting the time by half, in only 12 minutes......this was going to be a doozy.




And lord help him, Ollie was not quitting so easily, though. The whole "Fate of the world" thing got to him so much that he was not going home empty-handed.



Besides, his thoughts weren't all on JUST Dinah. So he went deep into the vault, quickly zooming past Martha.



Martha: Where you going?!


Arrow: To get what we came for.


Martha: But Clark—



Green Arrow stopped, turning to Martha before she could even finish.



Arrow: Mrs. Kent.....you heard about your son's wife, right?


Martha: All over the news. And despite how I feel about Clark's actions.....I understand cause he's heartbroken. Jonathan and I want something better for him than this....


Arrow: Then you know we can't let him win on this.


Martha: My Clark's still a good man. He's just.....


Arrow: He's grieving, yes.



He cuts her off.



Arrow: And so will I if he wins cause Dinah and I have been working on something special of our own. That's why I have to get that pill.



She briefly covered her mouth to subdue the shock.


There could not have been an even worse time to manifest on such an act, especially in the past year: it was very risky and, one would even say, irresponsible regarding the situation. But in that shock, another side of the coin could be briefly shown to her: humans evolved always physically close to nurture, to a parent or tribe member to protect them. As such there is a need for being carried, to observe the world from such safety and comfort.



And it was this practice that Ollie and Dinah had performed, all the more reason for this work in their favor.



Arrow: Please.....Martha.



There was silence......before she sighed.



Martha: It's down the hall to the left.



Arrow: Bless you.



As Arrow made his way to Martha's directions, she did feel bad about snitching her own adopted otherworldly son like this but she knew deep down what he was doing is wrong. She and Johnathan before his death taught him better than this and this grief over Lois gave Clark no right to take away everyone's freedom else's freedom.



Deep down, she prayed she was making the right choice.



Right outside, Batman and Catwoman struggled again, still into character as they looked up to see SUPERMAN hovering right above them with Diana, again, being poised directly behind him. With his eyes burning red as fire, he calmly hovered down to them and landed on his feet with this irritated look on his face. Even with concern for one of his allies, he still looked the same.


Nothing really changed much.



Superman: Using your own girlfriend as a shield, Bruce? That's pretty cold.


"She wouldn't cooperate. I had to take precautions", Batman insists further "tightening" the grip around her neck.


Superman: She and Jason see the penalty of leaving our enemies alive, Bruce. Why can't you, for Raos sake? Did Joker's life mean so much to you than your own friends and family?


Batman: They meant a lot more than you think. But the world didn't ask for your grief to overthrow it. Not only have you stolen everyone else's freedom but Martha's as well.


Pretending as if he choked Selina out, Batman dropped Catwoman down beside him as she pretended to be out cold......except for the fact that she wasn't.


She could hear everything they were saying. However, further complicating matters was when Wonder Woman landed beside Clark, staring straight at Batman with determination.


Superman: This was the only place where she'd be safe. The government kidnapped her after my speech to stop crime and I had to tear them apart just to find her. I mean....she's the only parent I have now. MY parent! You of all people!


Batman: You have to stop what you're doing.


"Enough deception", Diana interjects, slightly annoyed by Bruce's constant venting and repetition of repeating the same thing over and over again while rewording it.


Wonder Woman: This is your last chance, Bruce. I know you're too conceited to accept that we're working in the best interests of the world but if you, or any of your team, do not stop this now, we WILL respond by force.



Expecting a cooperative response to her straightforward albeit levelheaded demand, Batman responds by.....walking away. Wonder Woman didn't take kindly to being ignored as she called him out yet again.


This time, he complies.


Wonder Woman: You can't walk away from me, Batman.



"No. No, I suppose I can't", Bruce admits.


And then out of thin air, he whooshes off the ground with his bare feet and arms alone, raising the eyes and concerns for both Diana and Clark. Catwoman, still pretending to be out cold, heard the whooshing but couldn't turn her head to blow her cover.



The shock was real at first, see Batman actually fly away.....which would make sense given the cape. But unfortunately, common sense kicks in a minute later.....


......when they discover that wasn't really Batman.



Wonder Woman: J'ONN!



The duo flew after him......or at least, that was the plan.


Diana WAS going to go in after him but Clark had to stop her. He had a quicker yet more alternative method.


As his eyes just glew red like fire once more, he blasted his heat vision right at his back, and almost immediately, it hits him rendering him defenseless.



Back on the inside, Canary had finally caught the attention that Ollie hadn't followed her on the way out. She groans heavily and begins to back-track all the way to the vault. Fearing for her husband's safety, she bolts through the vault door past Martha and immediately stops.


The silence was staggering but the sight was mesmerizing.


Canary: Ollie? Tell me you're seeing what I'm seeing.


Arrow: For the past 3 minutes.


It was more than just one pill stored in that vault. It was well OVER 300.



Canary: Better report this to Bruce.



Almost immediately, the ceiling of the fortress caves in as Martian Manhunter falls through into the vault and crashes down amongst the cabinet that contained the pills on the right side. He seemed to be in a little bit of pain there since he got heat vision across his back.


Stumbling back up to his feet, the couple is quick to recognize him.


Arrow: Where the hell were you?


Manhunter: Listen, you two need to get out of here now. Take the pills and go.


Arrow: But what about Martha?


Manhunter: NOW!


He zooms up past them just as Superman comes through the opening and just smacks him back to the wall.


After a few right hooks, Manhunter just pushes him back through the wall and out of the vault before wrapping his elastic body himself around the Man Of Steel. While the overall effect didn't hurt or de-power Superman like Kryptonite normally does, it did slow him down exponentially.


Even more so with Martha being forced to watch.


Superman: Mom......go.....now!



Clark just groans louder in pain since the Manhunters shape-shifting just kept getting stronger and stronger to the point where he couldn't physically move anymore. As he takes a knee, his steady yet uneven heavy breathing barely keeps him on edge.


Balling up his fist, he musters the strength to get back to his feet and rip Manhunter off him by his elastic head as he maintained his shape.


Recovering immediately though, he dashes over and sucker punches him across the jaw. Unfazed, Superman returns the favor.


The punches keep dishing out again and again and again until Superman finally breaks the pattern by using his super-breath and blowing him back through the air. Thinking alike, the two adversaries flash heat vision, flying at one another and clashing. But Superman wins out as he carries Manhunter out of the Fortress.


But not before J'onn breaks free, slamming into his back and forcing him out, both crashing into the internal structure, causing some of the crystal ice inside to crumble and fall. It attracts both Dinah and Ollie as they immediately run out of the vault, not even hesitating to grab Martha along with her.



Unfortunately, they don't get far as the place begins to crumble further to the point where the ceiling begins to drop icicles from above and right above Dinah no less.



Arrow: GET DOWN!


In a quick move, he pushes Dinah away from the falling ice as everything just begins to cave in on top of one another.


Pretty soon, an entire pile of ice and Kryptonian crystal falls in-between the floor causing a cave-in, trapping Ollie and Martha on one side and Dinah on the other.



Canary: Ollie!



I'm ok, pretty bird! Just stuck on the other side, that's all.



She groans, despite the notion that her husband is ok. Literal ice droppings cover Dinah's jacket and fishnets in dust as she retains a vertical basis. Plans dramatically changed for the worst but Dinah had no intentions of leaving anyone behind. Not while her voice can shatter Kryptonian crystal.


If they were leaving, she wasn't leaving anyone behind.



I'm gonna need you to stand back.



Arrow: Dinah, don't you do it. Your scream could bring down more of the roof.



You can't stop me.



Arrow: Dinah, listen to me! You HAVE to go! If you're still here when Superman comes back, he'll—



I don't care. I'm NOT leaving you.



Stopping and sighing heavily, Ollie had to ask seriously,



Arrow: —remember when you told me and Bruce off for bickering earlier while someone was buying us a small window of time?"



That was different, ok? THIS is the "fate of the world" thing. THIS is more important. YOU are.



You don't have a choice in the matter.



The voice immediately peeks both of their attention.



Canary: Bruce?



Oliver, I hid a locator in the hood of your suit.



Arrow: Because of COURSE, you did. Genius.



Keep that locator tracker on you, stay safe and find another way out. Dinah will be back for you soon as Clark is gone. Time is on the essence here.



Canary: Who said anything about—-



Dinah, Bruce is right. I don't need to drone over the essence of heroism cause I'd rather him have me than you. Get the hell out NOW!



Canary: But--



Dinah....We have to break Clark's control over the world. Otherwise.....our kid won't have a future.



Canary: You think I haven't thought of that?



I know you did. But it's the reason I have to be here. Besides.....if something happens to me, that kid's is gonna need you to be there.



Canary: He.



Ollie felt his heart stop for a second.


Arrow: What?



I had time to learn the gender. I wanted to name him.....Connor.



He smiles.


Arrow: Connor. I always liked that name.



I know.



Ollie smiles wider to himself knowing he was gonna have the son he always wanted It gave him a reason to either keep on the mission for his growing family or die trying.

Back outside Wonder Woman tended to Catwoman all though Selina was faking she was out cold but.....Diana didn't seem TOO concern for her Diana never trusted Selina cause of her THIEVING reputation and doesn't know why Superman would recruit given he's now killing criminals aside from her affections for Bruce but that was all more reason for her not to trust her

Jason was only an exception all cause of his determination ending all crime himself Wonder Woman stood up by her as Terra hovered down on a flying rock controlled by her powers

Wonder Woman: Terra what'd you doing back here? I thought you were relieved of duty.

Terra: I was but the High Councilor called me back here for backup. Says there's intruders.....

Terra faced down and saw Selina on the ground who grew complete concern for her unlike Wonder Woman

Terra: Oh my god! Selina! What happened?!

Wonder Woman: She'll be alright. Apparently her and Bruce had another couple's councling

Terra: Batman's here?

Wonder Woman: He and----

Dinah and Terra were interrupted by a loud crash above them and looked up to see Superman and Martion Manhunter continuing their battle above

Wonder Woman: Get inside!

Terra ran as Diana ordered her as she looked back up to the air fight Clark and Jonn pounded and struggled to one another

Superman: Why choose his side over mine?!

Manhunter: Because he's right this is all wrong. I know you believe what you're doing is right Kal. But you cannot become the thing you're trying to protect this from.

Superman: BECOMING?!

He shoved him off pissed as hell hearing that

Superman: You think I'm anything like them?! Like HIM?!

Manhunter: I understand your pain. There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could hold my loved ones. But I made a promise to the earth I would never allow any harm fall upon them a it did Mars.

Superman: Yet you fight for Batman when he didn't think about his parents he stands against me. Even after your family tragedy. Why didn't you think about them when I build this organization?!

Manhunter: Because you're in slaving this planet ass well as mine was. You cannot just take everyone's freedom.

Superman: That freedom is what's destroying this world. I only wish to protect them themselves. Give them a free world without violence.

Manhunter: And murdering criminals isn't violence?

(Good point Jonn)

Superman: THEY WOULD NEVER STOP!!

Manhunter: And you could learn from that.

Superman: ARGH!!

Superman launches at Jonn hitting him forcing them both to launch straight forward like a missile as Diana leaped straight up after them leaving Selina behind giving her an opportunity flee from her position

Inside Canary made her way to the main hall and just near the exit......

.....until the ground shakes and cracked open tripping her on her back se looked up and entered Terra on another giant flying rock and her eyes glowing gold

Black Canry: Terra.

Terra: Long time Dinah. Haven't seen you since the reunion six years ago.

Black Canary: Yeah you were a shy kid there. Love to catch up but gotta go.

Dinah almost ran but Terra made her trip by another shake from the ground

Terra: I can't let you leave Dinah you're with the Insurgency. Which means you're under arrest.

Black Canary: Well hate to brake it to you sweetheart.

She stands up again

Black Canary: I have no intention of going quietly.

Terra: Have it your way.

Terra just about waved her hand till Canary shouted her sonic bird call forcing her to her knees and covering her ears Dinah made a run for it till......

.....the sounds of Terra's cries made her stop and worry like any concerning adult for any child

Canary walked back to her kneeing down placing her hand on her shoulder

Black Canary: Sweetie are you ok?

Terra opened her eyes with eyes glowing gold

Terra: You alway were to fool.

Terra turned back about to attack to Dinah's concern but....

.....a flying battering came out of no where and it STABBED Terra in the hand

She let out an agonizing scream with Dinah landing on the flour looking up and Batman glided down with his eyes glowing white when emerging from the shadows

When Terra pulled the battering out of her hand she yelled again in frustration looking over as The Dark Knight landed by Canary and faced Terra was a little struck with shock and terror looking into Batman's eyes

Terra: Batman.....


When the mugger of the thief stops to think twice, that is fear. And that fear was irradiating through Terra’s bones and all the nerves around her brain; it was like shackles tied around her arms and legs. A knife in the gut slowly twisted, a constant hammer on the head.


Yet fear also evaporates like water under an early summer sun. When fear comes, some people walk with confidence right past because like the ghosts of children's nightmares, fear is an illusion.


The identity of the man behind this myth, this legend was as clear as day for her…..and yet Terra could not break that illusion from the man to the mask.


All she could do was boldly stare him down with angry eyes, her vulnerability peeling back to the surface for only a seconds worth before switching gears from empathy to cold emotional indifference….the attempt to do so, at least. Never once has she directed this mode in Bruce’s direction, and came off less like a sign of intimidation and more of her being part on being protective of herself.


Her softer self was taking a backseat but not much about her ruthless aggression coin displayed much ferocity; a far cry from the same bait-and-switch tactic pulled on Dinah a minute earlier so something was definitely in the works.


Bruce being rope-a-doped into it seemed unlikely……but Dinah never knew with the man.


Batman: You were one of Slade’s apprentice’s?


Terra: And the only one who mattered.


She grunts loudly, snapping her other hand back as a giant piece of Kryptonian glass from the floor hurls towards Batman with his back directly towards it. No effort is made by the Dark Knight to turn around or acknowledge the passing object about to cave his head in.


But since when did he have to?


Canary stepped in almost immediately, inhaling in and exhaling just as quickly, releasing another loud and bombastic Canary cry. The glass rock shatters as pieces hurl around Batman from above….


….before Terra grips the bat-a-rang with the blood soaked tip and lunges forward, attempting to stab the Caped Crusader with one of his own weapons.



No attempt at selling the incoming projectile attack, Batman only has to palm strike Terra square in the chest to force her back a couple of feet away.


But the strike was only the prelude. No sooner should Terra recover from the strike, she's too late to notice a trip mine attached to her. It fires a small device, attaching both itself and Terra to the wall and pulls her toward it.


The impact slams her up against the kryptonite mineral as it indefinitely knocks her out.



Batman: We're low on time. We need to leave.


Canary: Wait, where's J'onn?



Still blowing through the skylines, repeatedly punching away at Kal's punchable face with all the regret in the world.


Superman is able to avoid the next punch before head-butting the Martian and blowing on him in an attempt to freeze him. But J'onn, sensing the attack, warps his body away from the direction of the breath and now in worm size, slithers his way towards Superman's cape.....


....where he proceeds to daisy chain Kal in midair, nearly choking him on his cape, blinding him and damn near trying to suffocate the once-proud Boy Scout turned tyrant.


Once J'onn could barely see Diana approaching far behind, he reshapes into his original martian form and lets go of the cape. Allowing Superman to plummet into freefall, the speed does eventually catch up with Diana having to readjust her positioning to barely catch him.



Another distraction having paid off, Wonder Woman and Superman are blasted by Manhunters heat vision; the extreme temperatures forcing them back onto the icy solid surface with both of barely keeping their full balance upfront.


Staring up at him, it was clear that what Batman had said about J'onn in his Agamemnon Contingency was accurate: he was just as formidable as the rest of the League, if not a few decibels stronger than the both of them.


Wonder Woman: You were the heart and soul of this team outside Cyborg. Why can't you see you're making a mistake?


Manhunter: I've made a mistake? Look at what he's become.


Superman: And what is that?


The alien spits out arrogantly to his former League member.


To his surprise however, he immediately found his vision blurred and warping in and out of the very fabrics of reality until the violent shaking halts for all but a moment. Recovering his balance, Kal sees barren wastelands, dry surfaces, eroded land all choked within a murky temperature rating.



Mars.


In further ruin.


An alien race, the Manhunters race, was being overrun by H'ronmeer's Curse, a telepathic plague that reacted to telepathic energy and carried from one Martian to the next whenever they elected to use their psionic powers. The plague responded to a Martian's innate fear of fire, causing them psychosomatic stress so intense, that their bodies and minds would literally burst into flame.


Many Martians burst into flame within seconds, forcing Superman to nearly collapse under the weight of it all.


Coincidentally, another alien race had invaded with the intent on capturing or killing any Martin's they find. Made the situation all the more stressful for it and paralleled, in a way, Krytpons destruction.



This is what it feels like. When your planet is overrun.



With J'onn's telepathy taking full effect, it was difficult at first for Superman to block out the vision.


Superman: Stop.


When you're part of a weaker species, dominated by a stronger one.


The sight of the Martin Manhunter himself only made Superman squeal louder in agony, following the intense pressure set behind the telepathy.


Superman: ENOUGH!


There was no unseeing the horror: J'onn desperately trying to keep his wife and daughter from using their mental gifts, but they were unable to do so, and thus ultimately contracted the virus.


J'onn was anguished as he watched his family burning to death before his very eyes.



I watched my planet become overrun by Tyrants, he says telepathically as Superman was forced to watch J'onn watch his mother be dragged, taken away. My loved ones succumbed at the hands of my brother. There was nothing I could've done to help my people. This is how it feels like to be ruled, to be helpless. I know the feeling.....and I won't allow loss consume you to do the same to Earth.



Breaking in and out of reality, Clark's efforts eventually prove successful, finding the strength to lock himself out of the Manhunters telepathy and gripping his hands away from his head.



He acknowledges this traumatic feedback.....by head-butting J'onn back through the sky again.



Both looking up, Wonder Woman flies down and grabs Manhunter by the head but.....


.....his shape-shifting gets the better of her. As he changes from his physical form, he ends up wrapping around her, constricting a very tight hold around her before slipping through her arms and into her mouth to take control of her body too.


Superman: DIANA!!


He went to aid her, but the Amazon Princess or formal now could not breath, for J'onn was cutting off oxygen to her brain which was slowly killing her.



I always knew you two had somewhat of a bond between one another. Two aliens, yet you side with the one that looks just like you.....and you both underestimated me. You see yourself invulnerable but I've been inside your head, Diana. You've changed so much and I've seen the violence in you. Maybe....maybe the world would be better if you're not in it.



Choking and coughing and shaking uncontrollably, the Goddess Of War nearly succumbed to the grips of her Justice League partner.


But then she remembered a fragment of her past she'd like to forget: Bruce's Agamemnon Contingencies. J'onn's weakness, while not exactly a physical one, could still be triggered under the pretense of extreme heat and pressure.


Wonder Woman: Fi-fire.


Superman: Hmm?


Wonder Woman: From Bruce's Contingency plans; J'onns weakness is fire. Use your heat vision and get him out of—ARGH! Get him out of me, Kal!


Superman: Diana.....


She doesn't let Clark rebuttal, knowing this was the only way.


Wonder Woman: Just DO IT! BURN ME!!!



He just stood there in aggravated silence, since he knew there was only one way to save her. As much as it pained him to even think about, he stood there clutching his fists together until Superman finally gave in, BLASTING Wonder Woman with full power with his heat vision.


Trudging on through the heat, Diana still felt her airways and oxygen being blocked.


The heat ray had no intended effect on Wonder Woman due to her advanced durability but Manhunters strangulation from inside proved too much as Diana finally collapsed in mid-air before falling to the ice beneath her.....


.....until it started to wear off.


The intense pressure of heat from the heat vision burned deep into J'onn Jonzz psyche as it'd do to any other Martian, causing his skin to combust within seconds. The fire forced J'onn to shapeshift and merge out of Diana's body but the screaming and pained grunts died out almost as soon as he began to leave Diana and as she finally found steady ground and breathed heavily, all that was left of him was......


.....nothing.



At least to them.



By the time Clark finally ceases control of his heat vision, a small microscopic ball of fire sinks through the ice, still burning all the way through the bottom to the frozen ocean depths below.


The Martian Manhunter was presumably dead.....



As for Diana, the effects of the heat vision, let alone having the Manhunter inside of her draining all her oxygen had rendered her unable to perform since it had left her severely wounded. Unable to move anything, she nearly falls over only for Superman to catch her.


Quickly scanning her with X-Ray vision, he determines the process caused her to slip into a coma.


Superman knew he couldn't stop the Insurgency and aid Diana at the same time so he tapped on his ear speaker to let one of his allies handle this.


Superman: Superman to Watchtower. I need immediate evac for Wonder Woman at my current coordinates.



And in literally 50 milliseconds later, the Flash arrived in time but slipped himself on the ice. By the time he recovers as steadily as possible, he sees Diana down for the count.


Flash: Good lord!


Superman: Get her to the medic wing on the Watchtower. I have something personal to deal with.


Flash: What happened to her?


Superman: It's was J'onn. Just get her out of here.


Flash: You sure you don't need backup though?"


He nods his head no.


Taking his answer to heart, Flash just picks Diana up and runs off carrying her with caution. It becomes dead silent for a brief moment until Superman looks back to his right where Selina now vanished......


Immediately, he bounces off the terrain and flies back to the fortress.



Not much time was left.

Back at the vault Ollie and Martha continued their talk on what the right thing to do was Marth understood what her son was doing was wrong but like any mother of course couldn't help but to defend her son still

Martha: Listen I understand Bruce's intentions. But my Clark is still a good boy. I don't approve of his new method but he's only in pain cause of Lois. And their baby. He still means well.

Green Arrow: I'm sure he doe. Trust me if the Joker killed Dinah or our own unborn kid I'd shoot an arrow at his head. But you know what he's become. Innocent people are suffering in this and he can't see that anymore.

Martha: Believe me. It's killing me to see him like this. I do wish Johnathan was here to talk to him. But he's gone too. Clark's all I have left.

Green Arrow: I understand Mrs. Kent. He doesn't see it but.....your son needs us to top him. He needs you.....to put in what's really best for him. Best for all of us. I don't want my own kid to have to live in a world like this.

Martha was torn in this conflict she never wanted to do anything to her son but she knew Ollie was right Clark had to be stopped and Martha had to know what was really best

And with a heavy heart she let Ollie pass hesitantly as he walked around her there lied.....what they came for:

The Krypton Pill

The power source that gives you Superman's strength temporary

Green Arrow knew they were for a pill but he didn't think something small could make you into the next Superman

Green Arrow: I must say I wasn't expecting it to be this tiny. Looks like that stuff from that dinosaur movie the bad guy gave to those kids that turned them into monkeys.

Arrow just about reach for it till.....

Ollie!

Startled by tat yell both Arrow and Martha turned back to see a very pissed off Superman with his eyes burning red he's furious and not thinking straight

Without Batman Catwoman Black Canary or Martian Manhunter to assist him Green Arrow was out of options he could possibly take the pill give him the strength he needed to stop Clark but wouldn't do any good later since it's the only pill here and what if Clark won anyway the Regime would win without it

Realizing the inevitable end drawing upon him Green Arrow now knows the only right thing to do

He reached for the pill but Superman shoot his heat ray at the flour near warning him not to touch it

Superman: Not one finger on that pill Ollie

Green Arrow: Come on man. We really gonna do this?

Superman: It's too late to stop now. Much too late.

Green Arrow: I get that. But we been friends for a long time Clark. It doesn't have to be this way.

Superman: What other way is there?!

Superman slowly approached Ollie with Martha scared to death to see what her son might do

Superman: Crime war no one ever tried to stop it. No matter how much someone begged well that's why there's me.

Green Arrow: And that's the problem. You taught me the right things to protect those in need. And I still stand by all that. It's hard to see that now I know but it's not impossible.

Superman: What if Joker killed Dinah Ollie? Would you be saying that then?

Green Arrow: That's jut what I wa explaining to your mom.

Superman turned to Marth and aw the sadness in her eyes

Martha: Clark.....I know you're hurting. And I understand. It's killing me you're in pain. I want to help you.

Superman made a mild grin to his earth mother as she placed both her hand on her son's cheeks

But seeing this as a distraction Arrow moves in front of the pill taking it with his hand behind his back his other hand reached for two arrows

Martha: I know there' still good in you. It's too late. Stop now. Come back. I love you.

Superman: I just......don't know if I can. I want to. But I don't know if I have the strength to.

Martha: You do. I know you do. You've always been strong. Think about that little farm boy from Smallville. The boy who saved those kids from that bus crash. Swim to me Clark like I told you that day at school.

The mother and on talk got more emotional and touching a Clark turned away seeing Green Arrow pointing his first arrow with his bow

Clark pushes Martha aside looking firmly serious at Ollie

Superman: We both know that won't help you.

Green Arrow: That we do. It won't. But it'll make me feel better!

Ollie shoots and a expected the arrow bounced off of Superman's chest but to both his and Ollie's horror it HITS Martha in shoulder

She let out a painful scream as Clark watched helplessly of his earth mother's injury and slide down from the wall

On the look on Ollie's face he was in more shock of his accidental shot he didn't mean to hurt Martha he knew now he should have waited till Martha wassn't too close to him and he was devistated

But it didn't matter now.....

.....for Superman's rage boost kicked again firt Lois now this turned to Ollie with hi eyes burning red and teeth crinched

Clark let's out a bellow a he speeds to Green Arrow and SLAPS him hard to the flour

With how strong that slap wass Ollie spit out blood as his jaw was now broken from that super slap he took his second arrow pointing his bow a Superman approached him only this time.....he wasn't exactly aiming at him

Ollie fires the arrow the last minute it flew over Superman's shoulder and out through the hole behind Superman but he didn't turn his head to it

Still under rage for his mother's injury Clark lunges at Ollie and started pummeling him with his bare hands OVER AND OVER AND OVER with blood flying out of Ollie as Martha watched in horror now sseeing the monster her son has become

Martha: CLARK STOP!! PLEASE!

Superman didn't heed his mother's pleads as he kept throwing fists at Arrow breaking every bone in his body and busting him open

And then when Clark finally stopped......Oliver Queen the Green Arrow....the husband of Dinah Queen the Black Canary and a father to be......

.......stopped breathing......

....The Green Arrow.....was gone


As for the arrow soaring through the air…..


….it lands a full 1,222 meters away from the Fortress up against the Batwing which catches Dinah, Batman and Selina's attention. The former of whom was contemplating the worse as far as J’onn’s disappearance while the two women just look down at each other as Dinah picks up the arrow and realizes something.


Ollie had taken the tracker from the back of his hood as well as ONE super-pill and hooked it onto the arrow.


Sadness overtakes her.


Catwoman: That's it: that's what you were after. Ollie saved the day.


Canary: Yes......yes, he did.



The tone in which she said that was enough to imply to Selina and Bruce that the worst might've already occurred.....and that it didn't matter what would come next.


Bruce already catching on to what she knew simply nodded slightly before turning back and walking away, back to the Batwing.


Catwoman: We'll—we'll just wait right here. Maybe he's still—


She tries to keep the spirit upbeat but Dinah's body language kept shouting 'Don't do that. Don't give me hope.' Dinah was having none of it.


Canary: Don't bother......He's not coming.



Unable to keep her composure, expressing that defeatist statement as gloomily as possible, Dinah brushes past Selina with her head down, following Bruce back to the Batwing….


….the former entering the Batwing on her own.



Few seconds later, Bruce fires up the Batwing taking it off the ground and blasts off the terrain, leaving Selina all on her own right there in the Artic.


Dinah tries not to cry.....but this time, her exterior breaks and the tears begin to flood. While visible to Bruce, her pain was shown. A life of higher joys is a life with more tears of all kinds. Every blessing is a curse. Only by accepting the curse in full measure can you receive the blessing in full measure.


She loved that man, for he was her greatest blessing……and his death destroyed her.



The longest recorded distance for an arrow to fly through the air is 1,222 meters. I'm better than that. An arrow traveling that fast, with THAT much force, THAT much velocity. Is it enough to hurt a Man Of Steel? Of course not. But I wasn't aiming for him. This should hurt. I know it should. But I don't feel anything. I'm trying to talk but my mouth doesn't work anymore. I'm sorry, pretty bird. I wish we would've had more time.


Dinah. The prettiest girl in the whole damn world.


I was so lucky to have met you.




The aggravating sound of silence is deafening, silencing and choking the air back at the Batcave. It's typical when it comes to a man who's used to so much loneliness in his life. But this time, there's a sound to be heard.


The sound of sniffling and the sound of tears.



Near the Batcomputer was where the noise was formulating. More sounds of crying and sniffling can be heard and seen over Bruce's shoulder as Dinah had hugged him tightly for comfort after knowing that Ollie went out not as a hero but as a legend this day.


But all at the cost of his life.


Dinah would have to spend the next six months on her own prepping for baby Connor to arrive......without her Arrow man. Bruce, feeling the same sympathy for when Clark lost Lois, knew he had to comfort her the best he could.


Canary: I—


He stops her before she goes any further, not wanting what happened to Clark happen to her.


Bruce: Don't. You need to rest......take some time to grieve and call me when you're feeling better.


Dinah says nothing. She only glances back at the Batcomputer as it uses its scanner to analyze the pill Ollie had risked his life to get for them.


Bruce: Dinah. We got what we needed. He would've been proud if he could see it from here.


She knew he was right.


Taking the time, she gives him one last hug before walking out the Batcave, leaving Bruce on his lonesome yet again. He just sits back in his chair, looking surprisingly twitchy and sleep-deprived, watching as the Batcomputer finally begins to analyze the super-pill.


This was the only way to duplicate Superman's powers from the pill. And there was no turning back now.



The computer begins to scan and analyze through the pill as it quickly reaches 4% percent and higher.


But ONCE AGAIN, this aching nerve or sensation comes over him as he just stops what he's doing and just stares at the screen. However, not before he looks behind him.



He sees Superman.


He's covered in Ollie's blood.



Superman: In one year, I took care of all the madmen in Gotham.....but I left the original.


He takes the initiative and approaches Bruce this time, watching him as the same blank yet ticked off expression from his face bombards him.


Superman: And just like them, like all of your insane reflections.....you'd watch this world BURN.


Bruce: You're delusional, Clark. You need help.


He then feels himself tightly hoisted up in the air with Superman's eyes burning red once more.


Superman: BE CAREFUL HOW YOU SPEAK TO ME.



Analyzing: 18% complete.



Bruce: What—do you want?


Superman: To finish what I started.


Bruce: No, you're not.


That was Bruce spitting truths with confidence, knowing Clark won't push forward with his promise despite the lengths he's gone. He knew him too well.


Bruce: You didn't HAVE to face me back at the Madhouse; you could've used your heat vision and lobotomized me from space, used your superspeed to squish me into the cement. You said it yourself long ago: 'if you wanted it, I'd be dead already.'



Analyzing: 26 percent complete.



Brief silence overtook the area as Bruce took another close look at Clark's suit. It might've been covered in blood but it wasn't his. It was all over him......and he knew he couldn't have injured himself back at the Fortress. Really, only one conclusion could be drawn here.


Bruce: Is that Ollie's blood you're covered in?


Superman: He—


Bruce: —was the most ethical and compassionate person Dinah ever had. And a damn good friend of ours.


Superman: HE ALMOST KILLED MARTHA, Bruce!


Once again, silence.


First HIS Martha......and now Clark's.


He would've been more sympathetic and sentimental about it.....if the issue here wasn't how Clark had handled the situation up to before she died. Bruce felt bad for Clark over what could've happened had he been more unlucky but that didn't mean it absolved him from what he did.


Bruce: Y-you brought that......on yourself.....when you lost control.


Absolutely disheartening it was for Superman to hear that. Incensed and appalled by Bruce's lack of decency and humanity for the person he helped saved years ago, further tightens the grip around his neck.


Superman: Excuse me?


Bruce: Go on. Try and justify Ollie's death. I'll call Dinah and you tell her why HE had to die for the greater good. I know what you're doing, Clark cause I've seen this before: you think I can stop you. And somewhere deep down, you WANT me to.


Superman: STOP TALKING!



He tosses Bruce to the other side through the waterfall in his office down to the bottom floor as he crashes onto his actual Batmobile and bounces off of it. Normally, having to look into the eyes of a deranged look of a man would give anybody shivers but Bruce was not like other men.


Even as he walked back up to face him, Bruce showed no fear, sluggishly moving back up the stairs.


Bruce: Nngh......that WOULD be easier, wouldn't it? If I stopped talking......if I doned a metal suit and hit you over and over again.....if I exposed you to some Kryptonite so that you could feel the same pain I felt when I lost my flesh and blood.


He flips a remote out his pocket.



Analyzing: 58% percent.



Bruce: Sorry to disappoint you with this anticlimax Clark, but I'm not going to fight you. I don't think there's a way that I can beat you without killing you. And I'm not a murderer......Not anymore.



He presses down on the remote which changes the feed on the Batcomputer to static and what does it show on the screen: Clark and Lois' wedding video.


This immediately catches Clark's attention and he chokes up within the first five seconds of watching it.



I, Clark Kent, do solemnly swear to love and cherish you, to honor and protect you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do us part.


You May kiss the bride.



That was the moment Clark and Lois kissed.


The moment both of their lives changed forever.


As soon as he sees this, Clark turns himself away from the screen, drowning himself in guilt and anguish but also infuriated that Bruce would stoop low to THIS level.


"Stop—stop it, Bruce. Enough", he pleads.



Honor and protect.



He hears Bruce's voice in the distance but he couldn't see him. The shadows were his friend and this made Clark all the more vulnerable since he couldn't see him.


Superman: You can't hide from me. I WON'T play your games, Bruce.



You failed to protect her.



Analyzing: 83% percent.



"I failed? I FAILED?!", Clark raises and strains out his voice, appalled that Bruce would consider him the madman when he believed it was the other way around.


Superman: YOU FAILED! YOU FAILED EVERYONE!



And honor? Do you truly believe that you are honoring Lois? Do you think THIS is what she would want?



Superman: I'M DOING THIS FOR HER!"



You stopped doing things for Lois the moment she died. You lost your connection to us, you lost your humanity when you lost THEM.



He can hear Clark yelling in agony as he slams down on the table connected to the Batcomputer. The keyboard was totaled but the actual computer was still fresh and still analyzing the pill, unbeknownst to him.



Analyzing: 93% percent.



Superman: Play this game all you want, Bruce. But I'm done being lectured. Time to stop hiding in the shadows.



From where he was, Bruce knew he was right. He mentioned in his Contingency plans how he took no joy out of beating the people he called this friends. But if it was something that needed to be done, then he had no choice.


It's never a thought he relished. Sighing heavily, he knew that.



Bruce: You're right. It's time to even the playing field.....and it's time to give you what you want.


From behind a support beam, he presses down his Ultrasonic Bat Beacon and then tosses it up to his office, through the waterfall and through the window where Clark was. Once Superman sees it and the beacon hits the floor, it pulsates this sonic pulse that screeches up against Superman's ears as he fell to the floor.


But the ultrasonic was a signal.


It called an entire swarm of Bats to the area as they all surrounded Superman.


Finally stepping out from the shadows, Bruce catches the batswarm surrounding Clark and how he quickly used his heat vision to burn some of the bats to ash just before the rest of them dispersed.



Analyzing: 98% percent.



The super-pill was almost analyzed.


Hearing the computer announce how close it was to completing the pill, Bruce had to move fast. Sliding up under Supes, he jumps over the next table and reaches for the pill.


He doesn't make it.


Clark stopped him at the VERY last second. He struggles to get free of Clark but Clark then headbutts him square on the nose, rendering the billionaire playboy woozy.


Superman: You're right, Bruce. I'm not here to kill you. But I can't have you in a position where you can hurt me or the world anymore.


Bruce again tries to make a move on him but Clark takes it one step further and then just hoists him up by his back. Deja Vu immediately begins to flash back for the Dark Knight.


THIS TIME, he was scared.


Bruce: Clark, DON'T! Cla—AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!


That was the sound of a bloodcurdling scream emitting from the knee of a Kryptonian overlord cracking the vertebrae and shattering Bruce's back. It was KNIGHTFALL all over again.


The second time someone had broken Bruce's back in quite a brutal, dominating fashion. His spine broken and shattered right on the enemy's knee. As for Clark, he literally just kicks Bruce out the window and back on the bottom floor again, like he has no respect for his self-being anymore. In his mind, Bruce was too dangerous to have around.


But even as he casually walks down the stairs to face Bruce again, Clark could tell he wasn't going to give in easily. He was still trying to get up after having his back shattered.


Superman: Stay—


He walks straight up to him and presses his foot down on his back, creating even more pressure to keep him from getting back up.


Superman: —down.


Bruce: NAARGH!


The pain was quite excruciating.


But again, Bruce was trying to fight it off as if nothing happened.


Bruce: Y-you.....


Superman: It's over, Bruce. Stop trying to fight me.


Bruce: Hnng.....wasn't trying to fight—you......



Analysis complete: Uploaded to remote server.



Superman: What?


He stops right in his tracks. Once beeping rings over his eardrums, Clark turns back to realize that the Batcomputer had finished scanning and analyzing the super pill that was stolen from the Fortress.


Even more alarming to him......the pill was gone.


Growing furious rather quickly, he AGAIN puts more pressure on Bruce's back to get a response out of him.


Superman: Where did it upload to? Who has access to it?! TELL ME!


He doesn't even give Bruce a proper chance to answer the question as he keeps wrenching down on his back, only making the pain worse. But no matter what, Bruce STILL WOULDN'T budge.


Clark Kent.


The voice took a while for Clark to get adjusted to, but not as much as the hand around his shoulder. Once he takes ahold of it and he turns around, he sees a familiar face.


Superman: Alfred?



Alfred just stood there looking at him, but the glare in his eyes was different. It's as if he could see right through his shades of color to take a glimpse at the man he's truly become in the last year. He takes a deep breath before taking off his glasses, tucking in his shirt.


And then he HEADBUTTS the Man Of Steel, RIGHT IN HIS NOSE.


The only difference is, Clark actually felt the trauma, the pain, the agony up against him as it rendered him physically woozy. He stands there motionless for well over a minute as the blood trickles down his nose and face and then he falls back next to Bruce, unconscious.


Alfred had taken the analyzed Super pill.


Alfred: I am SO DISAPPOINTED in you.


But he wasn't done with him yet.


Balling up his fists, Alfred then proceeded t pummel on Clark like a mad Gorilla over and over again, this time getting blood on HIS hands and screaming "NO MORE! NO MORE HURTING MY FAMILY!"


The beating continued.


Punch after punch after punch.


It wasn't until Superman was not able to fight anymore, covered in bruises and his own blood that Alfred ceased the massive beatdown. But not before he kicks the Man Of Steels head in, breaking his shoe. The massive boost of strength and agility and durability felt unreal but it worked and it left Alfred briefly smiling before he tended to Bruce lying there with his shattered back.


Holding him up to in his arms as he did all those years ago, Alfred carries him to their own teleporter, away from Clark and transporting them to where the pills were being uploaded to, a place Clark wouldn't find.



Finally, he leaves Clark there in a puddle of his own blood.



Wayne Manor.


The former rundown mansion, residence of the Wayne family and headquarters for the Justice League once again laid unused and deserted following the dissolving of the Justice League and the rise of the Regime's grip over power. With their old headquarters off limits, Bruce's old home made the perfect hiding spot and temporary HQ for the Insurgency for his efforts.


Aside from the Batcave, of course.


"Ah-ha!" rung from upstairs in Bruce's room. Rapid typing and scrolling along a computer screen for the past three minutes, Oracle had finally gotten her big break.


Thanks to the Oracle Network and upon encrypting the file set on the superpill from mere minutes ago, the analyzed data went through directly to her.


Oracle: Done.....


Pulling the USB file out from her laptop, she simply flings it behind her allowing Zatanna to catch it.


Zatanna:.....and done.


Oracle: Subject file 5-U-93-R for the Kryptonite nanotech drug is set.


Z just leaned herself back to the wall, crossing her arms staring ahead to Dick and Helena on the bed. Either they didn't hear her or they were occupied to the point that they missed it.


Instead, Dick just raised his hand up.


So she passed it to him, leaving Helena open to snatch right out and Dick to snatch it back.


A slight smirk perks out from both of them, seeing how their past flirtations didn't interfere with their intermediate friendship. However, the stench of boredom was polluting the room for the past few minutes so something needed to be done to pass the time.


The solution?


Helena: Go fish.


Cards were stacked down on the bed for the fifth time as Dick and Helena exchange rapid fire glances at each, smirking at each other.


Dick: Do you have any......threes?


The look of shock and astonishment in Helena's eyes were priceless for Dick to see. Zatanna had to refrain from chuckling even just a little bit.


Helena: How—What the hell? You're cheating.


Dick: Do I look like I have a death wish?


"It's pure luck, Dicky. Trust me when I tell you that", Helena implies as she watches Dick throw aside his batch of cards away.


Dick: Luck ain't got nothing to do with it.



The door then swung open in a state of panic, turning everyone's attention to Alfred carrying Bruce in his hands, tending to his shattered back. His expression screamed I need help! Please!, a plea that was too great to be ignored.


Dick and Helena wipes the entire card stack off the bed and just laid Bruce down on the side. He groans loudly and in massive agony to everyone's bewilderment aside from Alfred. The obvious question that Barbara asked needed no delay.


Barbara: What happened?


Alfred: Master Bruce's efforts were successful. But in the aftermath, his back's been shattered.


Dick: Again?!


Alfred: Master Kent wasn't willing to let this go down without punishment being made. So I gave him his own.


Confessing this as he raised up his fist confidently, this puzzled Helena albeit in a giddily amusing way.


Helena: You knocked his ass out? So that stuff really works?


Alfred: By Joe it does. The pills.....are they....?


Barbara: Fully analyzed. We'll be able to manufacture the formula and make some of our own soon. We won this round.


Bruce groans loudly.


Even if that was the case, it wouldn't be the last time they'd hear from the man of steel. And Bruce was determined to make sure they were prepared for the potential aftermath when that happened. Desperate, he tried to sit up but that made him groan ever louder in pain, so the others had to pin him back on the bed.


Against his own will, that is.


Bruce: This isn't nessercary you know.


Barbra: But it's for your own good Bruce.


Alfred: She's right sir. Knowing you you you would imperially keep going in your current condition like you did when Bane did this to you.


Bruce: I don't have time for rest Alfred. Even if I wanted to.



Alfred: Now stop sulking. I doubt Master Kent will make any more moves tonight. Right now.....we're at our worst despite we got the job done.



Bruce went in silence knowing what Alfred was talking about causing him to face down in silence of the recent tragedies


Bruce: Has anyone heard from Jonn?


Barbra: Nothing. Dinah said there wasn't any trace of him. Nor a body. But.....it's no guarantee if he's even alive.


Bruce: Dammit. What about Dinah?



Alfred: She's taking time off sir. I think after Master Oliver' departure can hardly blame her.


Barbra: And it's worse than that. Did anyone know she was pregnant?


For Alfred it was a surprise ass he looked at Barbra in a shocking look feeling terrible for Dinah more than before


As for Bruce.....he just face down clutching his fists seeing now that Clark was beyond helping now and just like his other friend before Superman Harvey Dent when he became Two Face it was clear to Bruce that his new best friend was on the same level the REAL Clark Kent the TRUE Superman died with his family in the nuke of Metropolis



In his eyes this new Superman......was just a madman who looked like him a mask without a face unmerciful and unreasonable



Bruce was now determine to top this newly evil tyrant any means nessercary



~TWO MONTHS LATER~


After the events in Arkham City Harley laid low for the entire year she socialized a bit only in disguise to hide from Superman but the whole year had given her time to think


Why did she really go back to the Joker after she made something better for herself after the last SS mission saving the world from a giant tar fish?



What would killing Superman only avenging Joker bring her?



Even if the Joker was never killed would she be happy with him? No.


Every now and then she even received text from her old friend Ivy AKA Poison Ivy checking on her wanting to see her but Harley never replied to her texts she didn't even accept Batman's offer NOT that she didn't want to giving she sensed care from both him and Red Robin that night at the steel mill


Harley didn't even know where to go from here....


.....except reassuming her former ego


Harleen Quinzil



But sadly she couldn't get her old job back due to her pat records with the Jokerand being a fugitive from the Regime


But a month after Green Arrow's death (The first month) Harley ran into a gang of.......a Harley fan club which......made her feel a little whole



She was taken in by this gang and what made her accept their terms......was they were more of a Harley fan club than the Joker's given in a way they looked up to the Joker but ONLY he created Harley



Harley was even more prouder when he was unnominated to lead them



One night at the old Gotham Monarch Theater the same theater Bruce went to with his parents before their murder the Harley fallowers gathered for Harley's opening speech for the latest events of the civil war


Harley: Boys boys settle down! I really love what you done with the place. So much better than both Arkham's Asylum and City.


They cheered


Harley: Dear members of the Harley clan. We all know the truth about our beloved Joker. Yes it's true our relationship was.......toxic I admit. But the real problem is why he died. The Metropolis incident. Tricking S-Man into killing his poor wife and son. And I didn't know about the son till after I almost killing him myself. Then he tried to kill me.


They booed



Harley: But more importantly I admire the hard work you all done in my name. The disturbaces distractions even General Pains in Superman' red underwear ass!



They laughed



Harley: But let's think bigger. A source of mine from B-Man's rebellion that Superman made THESE for his thugs


Harley was holding out one of the Kryptonian pills how she got it could be from the source in the Insurgency she just mentioned


Harley: And thank to that source who......tried to help me get over Mr. J awhile back we now have them. With these babies a mother fucking bus could fall on u and we didn't even be hurt! Slapsstick at it's finest!


They cheered again just as Harley took a gulp of the pill and felt a mild increased radiation spiking through her body and through her muscles, increasing her tensile strength. She gave out a sinister grin before she laughs manically.



Harley: From now on.....we'll be more than a nuisance. The barking dog will become the rampaging elephant. The whoopie cushion a land of ours! Harley Quinn........A QUEEN! And god help anyone who dare disrespects the Queen!



They cheered louder as she basked in the glory. Maybe she would, in fact, get a good grip on Superman's Regime IF the opportunity presented itself.


However....



BOOM!



Better luck for her next time.


The walls blow back behind her and collapse over one another as Regime militiaman come crashing in to invade the party. While most of them went forward to deal with most of the Joker/Harley gang, very few of them began opening fire on everyone in the room.



Two militiamen attempt to go after Harley but reacting quickly, she immediately kicks one in the balls and then tosses him aside....only to get popped with multiple bullets to her back.


Upon taking the pill, it had rendered Harley nearly invulnerable for the next 60 minutes. Whether that was a good thing or not, only one can assume.


Harley: I—I should be dead. Ha-ha! Thanks, happy pill!


She dodges the gun and headbutts the gunman before slamming him off stage and then jumping square on his chest taking the air out of him. Jumping back up to her feet, she causally walks through the crowd of Harley goons and militiamen, popping each militiaman that came her way. Eventually, she got comfortable and whips out her mallet.


Gutting another one in the gut, she swings her mallet around and bashed him over the head with it, killing him instantly.



However, more militiamen come rolling in through the collapsed wall at least until three new faces pop through ready and willing to cause bucketloads of trouble.....



The mysterious mercenary dubbing himself......Red X.


Peacemaker.


And in comes Terra, sporting a new orange and yellow attire with a brown jacket and golden shades.



The former had its sights laser-focused sorely on Harley, watching her spastically decapitate and smash another six separate militiamen at once, spinning about and flopping around them like a psychedelic frog. It just spoke more towards her unpredictable, dangerous moveset and how, when in control of herself, she’s a force to be reckoned with.


Nobody really had a gameplan against the ticking time bomb that was the former doctor and psychiatrist.



X, taking offense to just LOOKING at her, takes one step forward and gets blocked by Peacemaker. His matters were present elsewhere.


Peacemaker: Go. Harley's ours.


'Ours', he says.....glancing over at Terra, essentially promising that she'd get her grubby hands on the former clown princess all while she answers back with a simple smirk.



The tricky thing about wars are you can’t really get away with doing anything without the other side peeking in and getting in your business.


As expected, the Regime weren’t the only ones who had a lock-on regarding Harley Quinn and her whereabouts.


In the main hall elevator which led down to the Batcave and Batcomputer there, Barbara had once again gotten into contact with the Regimes mole, Selina via communicator, displayed on the screen.


Again, it had to be where nobody could see her.


Oracle: Selina. Anything?



I just received info on Harley.



Oracle: I wondered what happened to her after last year. What's she up to?



That's not the problem. Superman's spies located her hideout. Seems she's making an army of her own to take on Superman: A clan of Harley worshippers. Clark's sent Terra, Peacemaker and a mystery figure called Red X to launch the assault.



Oracle: Red X? Never heard of him.



Me neither. He must be Superman's new errand boy. But I hear he's got skills.



Oracle: I'll send Helena and the Titans to stop them and have them bring Harley. Bruce has been trying to find her for months.



Speaking of Bruce, how is he?



Oracle: He's fine. Toughening out; still wobbly but he's trying to manage.



Somehow he always does. I'm sending the location now.



Time was quickly running out, though.


Back at the auditorium, Terra stood right where she was on the stage before closing her eyes. Balling up her fists slowly, the ground slowly begins to crack open attracting everybody's attention, all except for Red X and Harley.


Swiping her hands around, Earth spikes out from the ground and impales well over a dozen of Harley clan members and then hurls a boulder towards Harley.


It barely hits her as she slides back while guarding herself.


Terra, impatient to get her hands dirty, just leaps over off the stage and lands in front of Harley with her eyes glowing a bright golden. Slamming her fists through the deteriorated wood, multiple strings of wet Earth tips through the floor and snaps at Harley. Her bat and mallet were snatched away with ease as the Earth wrapped around her arms and legs, keeping her trapped.


Needless to say, the sight of the former mind-controlled puppet to Slade being a slave to Superman was a questionable decision that puzzled Harley.


Just not in an appalled kind of way.


Harley: Blondie joined S-man, huh? Guess I gotta ask between him, Bats and the Titans, who's boots are tastier to lick?


Terra: Batman's a criminal, just like you.


Harley snickers; she didn't classify herself as the bad guy in this story despite the same voice in her head protesting against that.


Harley: Oh no no no. NOT like me. See, Bats and Supes CORRUPT young minds while me......I just have this uncontrollable urge to bash them out of their skulls!


This only triggers Terra even more.


Terra: Which also excuses me from sparing you!


With no weapons on hand, Harley was left effectively bare-handed against an angsty teen terrakinetic. She would might’ve been up shit creek without a paddle if she hadn’t taken the pill but she found no issues in simply biding her time and waiting it out…..much to Terra’s annoyance.


Even as Terra tightens the wet wraps of Earth around her, Harley felt no sense of emergency or pain. She sensed no threat from this kid….


….until she hears a click and a slight bump to the back of her head. Peacemaker holding his patented silenced pistol up to the dome of Harley’s head brought Terra some relief, under the assumption that the former Suicide Squad member might be able to convince her otherwise to let this go down quietly.


Peacemaker: I wouldn’t do that.


Only problem was she recognized that voice. How could she not?


How could she forget the voice of the man who murdered Rick Flag, one of her closest friends?


Harley: YOU!


Ripping Terra’s wraps of wet Earth around her arms and legs, she immediately backslaps Peacemaker across the face before kicking him square in the chest launching him back. Terra tries to launch more rocks her way but Harley powers through each boulder and pebble, launching her through the auditorium seats.


Left some of her Harley gang with someone to beat on.


That’s when her gaze turns back towards her former Suicide Squad member. With venom in her eyes, she slowly reaches down for her bat.


She looked forward to smashing that silver toilet seat helmet off and bashing it into his cranium.


Peacemaker: Harley…..


Harley: But I thought you were dead!


Peacemaker: Been hearing that a lot. But you're about to wish I was.


Harley: Why? Are you---?


Peacemaker: With the Regime? Yeah. Cause they talk of peace. And I make peace.


Harley: And I thought we were friends.



Peacemaker fired at Harley but thanks to the super pill the shots did not do such harm to her Peacemaker was shocked and Harley raised her bat swinging it knocking him off his feet


During the fighting Red X spotted Harley across from them and his eye lens lowered


Red X: Harley.


Harley was about to make her get away until a sharp red blade shaped a an X hit the flour a warning to her Harley looked where that was thrown and saw the Red X running towards her



But then she had her bat up and by the time he reached her position Harley lunged her bat flipping him over but landed on his feet


Red X: I'll kill you clown!



Harley: Jut like that? No dinner or a movie? Then again none of the above for now cause still recovering from a toxic relationship.



Red X ignited X blades from his gauntlets which Harley dodged them by back flips hitting him on the head with her bat


Harley made another run for it only to be tripped by the ground shaking she fell on her chest to see Terra hovering down on a flying debree controlled by her powers and her eyes glowing gold in anger


Harley: Oh hey blondie bear. All grown up I see.


Terra: Harley....you're just as responsible for not only Metropolis Lois.....but also of Garfield.


Harley: The cat?



Not thrilled of her joke Terra was about to strike Harley turns around but......



.....another explosion came out of no where catching everyone in the room off guard and to Terra and for some reason Red X's shock.....


.....the Teen Titans have arrived


Nightwing


Starfire


Red Robin


Huntress


And Raven


The militia all froze in their tracks as did the Harley worshipers but then when they pointed their guns at them.....Dick gave the call


Nightwing: TITANS GO!


The Titans of the Insurgency charged into battle fighting off the Regime troops ad Harley's crew Peacemaker Red X and Terra ran in from their side giving Harley the chance to escape but.....


.....she didn't take it she looked back at her crew fighting for her and everything they did for her.....she didn't want to leave them so.....


....she stayed and fight


Nightwing thwarted off ten soldiers then he soon encountered.....the new player himself


Red X just stared at Dick like he knew him from another lifetime Nightwing however just smirked as he had his hock sticks ready


Nightwing: You working for Superman tough guy?


Red X: Red X.....works for true justice.


Nightwing: I'll take that as a yes.


Nightwing and Red X began thrashing their weapons at one another clinging and countering one move after another they moved up to the stage and both moves comparing to one another as Dick found that.....odd



Red X' moves were similar to his and Bruce's who was this guy Nightwing had a funny feeling about him but kept focuing on the fight



Raven disarmed the soldiers she fought by burning out their gun with her magic she even levitated one for answers


Raven: Time to talk. What is your mission? What'd you want with Harley?


Raven was suddenly struck from behind releassing the soldier Rachel looked p and to her surprise and disgust.....


Terra: Hel-lo! Does the word Metropolis mean anything to you? We been looking for this bitch since she and her dead psycho boyfriend nuked it.



Raven: Terra.


Terra: Rachel.


Raven: Traitor.


Terra: Witch.



Wasting no time, both of them charged at one another and just tackled each other down while the Titans had already spread out, handling whatever they could coming their way.



Or the other way around.




Terra and Raven kept smacking at one another on the floor…..


….at least they were until Raven kicked her face in on the ground, breaking her sunglasses.




Her eyes glew gold, annoyed by her sense of fashion choice being taken away and just levitated Raven on a floating rock to disrupt her balance, only to get right back up and tackle Raven to the floor.


She grabbed her by the head but Raven phases right through, knocking Terra off her balance enough to leave her wide open. Blasts of purple streaks of lighting shot through the ground sporadically spreading wherever Terra stepped until one blast of lighting blew Terra back further.



Hitting the wall, she narrowly avoids a punch from Raven before she pushes her back slightly. The young terrakinetic was quick to see Starfire flying after Harley Quinn, deducing it was another attempt from her to remove herself from the scene and it only looked like Kori was going to add to the proceedings quicker.



Terra: What do you think you're doing?!



She yells as she launches sharp rocks from the ground aimed directly at Kori but Raven deflects them in the nick of time with a chunck of the wall she teared out with her telekinesis and launched it at Terra. But she lifted more earth in front of her to shield herself….


….and then launched both pillars of rock at Raven. The young Azreathian immediately obliterates them both.




If Terra couldn’t get rid of the pesky fly that was Starfire, one would assume Peacemaker would have the better luck.



His trusted Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX wouldn’t fare any better against either Titan but perhaps the most subtle approach was the best. With no in the building currently focused on him, his sights were readjusted towards the only Titan actively making herself obvious in a fight that was mostly grounded: Starfire.




One Harley thug unfortunately gave away his location, allowing the ‘distracted’ Peacemaker to chop him in the throat from behind, drag him towards his position behind a fallen pillar….


….and kill him by breaking his neck on the edge of it.




His attention having been drawn elsewhere, Christopher turns his attention back to the ceiling where a glistening Starfire stayed above the action, occasionally dipping down to dispatch more henchmen and firing star-bolts before going back up above.



Primed in position with his blowgun and Poison darts stacked up, he was just about ready to blow….


….not that it wouldn’t have helped since an arrow literally breezes past his hands and smacks him across the head. It doesn’t knock the chrome dove engraved helmet off of him but it does, once again, take him away from Starfire and instead has him focused on someone else entirely.



Huntress, primed with her crossbow in hand, simply shrugged at the sight of him, sporting a playful smile.



Huntress: Oops.



Having arrived late to the party, Huntress felt obligated to crash it and make her presence known, thanks to a tip from Oracle. To say Smith was peeved would be an over-justification. What was supposed to be an open-and-shut ordeal turned into an bloody escape room with obstacles pressed up against him with each step towards him.



Considering the last time he landed in hot water left him in a coma, he was not looking forward to history repeating itself. But he wasn’t down for playing along with the former princess of the Bertinelli family.




Peacemaker: And here I thought Sionis’s stunt could’ve made you part of the solution.


Huntress: And end up like you? Being the mentally unstable son to a fascist, Smith?


Peacemaker: Says the daughter of a whole family crime ring.




Exchanging one-handed insults towards one another didn’t sit well with either individual. With Helena gripping her tactical knife holstered on her right leg and Chris wielding his axe from his left leg, the two got defensive.



Circling around each other while the canary continued to ravage the disbanded auditorium in the background, Helena is the one to make the first move.




She goes in for the head but Peacemaker ducks it and blocks the next incoming strikes with his axe. Pushing into him now, Smith has to push her off before coming down with the axe. Moving out the way, he hits the right end corner of the stage instead. Opportunity arisen, Helena slides up in front of him and hits him with a drive by kick….


….once more, clocking his helmet in place before Capoeira-kicking him further back down and flipping off the stage.



Smith attempts to trip her but Helena effortlessly avoids the leg….only for Peacemaker to clock her with in the back of the head with a pele kick. Woozy but not groggy, Helena spins around a full 360 before hitting Peacemaker square in the neck, knocking him over with a discus clothesline.



With a few precious seconds to spare before he gets back up, Helena disarms three incoming militiamen at once with her foot before rolling over and pulling three more goons out of harms way with her crossbow and arrows, i.e. launching arrows with wires attached around them and then pulling away before the floor bursts with more Earth sticking out.


It attracted Terra's attention but Raven again responded it by slicing the boulders in half. Ripping a a large pipe from out the ground, she let the pipe spray water over on the young child before Terra telepathically grips another pipe nearby and turns it back on Rachel.



Neither one of them would budge and once again, shields were put up.



Terra: You know Raven? You can try and deny it to yourself all you want. But you know it all too well: you knew you never really liked me.


Raven: I never really wanted to KNOW you.



She corrects her as she pushed Terra back letting the water soak her even further.



Raven: You had fooled the others before but I always knew you were fishy, mind-controlled by Slade or not. But he made you a weapon. We made you whole again. You needed us.


Terra: Oh really? Is that why you let me live at your house and steal all your secrets? Didn't think Jason would do the same?


Raven: SHUT UP!!




She launched another wave of energy her way only for Terra to avoid it which also left Raven wide open. She finally rips all pipes out from beneath the floor with her hands and lunges every faucet of water at Ravens direction.



Unfortunately by moving out of the way, she wasn't quick to notice Terra shaking her hands, erupting and making the wall behind Raven tumble on top of her, knocking her to the ground.


She can hear the Azarathian groaning in frustration, for Raven was not quick enough to respond.



Slowly but surely, Ravens composure was crumbling and her attack coordination was proof of how successful Terra was at getting underneath her skin.




Nightwing wasn’t fairing much better with the equal that was Red X.


Holding out his palms, X waves via energy from his Xenothium belt shoot directly at Nightwing with no luck. The flying Grayson ducks under two before rolling over another X blast as it just wrecks a few nameless Harley clan members behind him before finally deflecting the next ones with his sticks. Pretty soon, he decided to return the favor launching his own electric batarangs at the new mercenary.


X responds back with some of his own X-shaped shurikens.



Avoiding the projectiles, the two charge at one another, leaping forward and socking each other with a Superman punch with knocks them down simultaneously.



Both fell down seconds between one another before awkwardly glancing at each other, kicking up to their feet in the exact same ready stance and the exact same pose. Confusion quickly strikes over Nightwing again over the fact that almost every single one of his moves were either deflected, copied or used against him. More of a brawler type up close despite the plethora of weapons at his disposal, X slams down on Nightwing before bludgeoning him with his elbow and a gut punch that takes Dick off his feet.


Flat on his knees Dick lands before kicking X's chin in before dropkicking him in the face for a moment. Landing down on his chest as it turned him inside out, Nightwing barely blocks the Xenothium blast from Red X, blasting him off.



Shortly after he lands, Nightwing calls his batons back before slapping them into a staff and slamming the butt of the staff down for an electrical blast, launching X a few feet away. Unfazed, he retaliated with an Xenothium reduced level blast that, despite Dicks best efforts to block it, launched Nightwing clear out of the room.....


....straight through the floor and solid walls.....


....and up to the second floor.




Red X looked over to see Red Robin fighting off S-Militia while the remaining Harley clan members were forced to cover for him. That cover lasts for only a few seconds.


A clown held up an abandoned crowbar at one of the few militiamen before he just swiped it away and puts a bullet through his head. Red Robin jumps in and pushes the guard back with his bullet shield but lets his guard down tripping the other ones behind him with his staff.


Or so he thought.



Despite dodging the militiamans punch from his front, he goes low forcing Tim to drop the staff. Then he proceeds to smash him in the chest with the crowbar. This, somehow, triggers X as his white eyes bolted up in shock.


Another crowbar shot to his back later and Tim was rolling over on the eroded wooden ground.



Before too much goes wrong and Tim gets Jason Todd-ed to death, the militiaman gets an explosive X to his neck, which explodes on contact, barely knocking him out due to the low charge it was set on. Tim looked back at the new mercenary and needless to say, his expression spelled confusion.



Red Robin: D-did you just save me?



The only response he got was an attempted kick to the side but Tim quickly blocks it.



Red Robin: Ugh....buzzkill.



Nightwing however soon found himself woozy on the second floor which looked an abandoned attic than a theater room. Having to use the staff to maintain his balance, the effects of the Xethothium slowly rip through his suit only to get taken aback by the sky cracking and crackling apart.


Off his domino mask went as he looked up. Through this tiny hole from the crack of the roof, he briefly heard a whoosh zooming in from afar. This actually perks a sly smirk from his mouth.


He knew what was coming and he didn't care. To him, it was time to settle the score.


—————————————————————————-


Bolting by up from a quick unpleasant slumber, Bruce, somehow in the back of his mind, felt a deep disturbance and an awful gut feeling from deep within. From past experiences, the last time he lost a Robin on his watch, he was brutally beaten and "murdered" by his archenemy.


And that result drove him to the edge of insanity.



Dick was handling himself well with the Teen Titans but with Superman being the rampaging tyrant he is now, there's no guarantee that he'd be safe for long.




Bruce: Dick. Tim.




Feeling the father from within, he knew he couldn't sit back any longer. The only way he'd be able to help his sons is to get up and out but only if his back still wasn't recovering from being shattered by someone who's name wasn't BANE. And given Superman was what Bane wasn't, the wear and tear on his back lasted longer than him.



But then he stared over at a pill organizer that was left on the cabinet.



Shortly before the alarm was risen back at the Batcave, Dick had scrambled in his pill organizer, taking out three of the six pills out: all of which were manufactured the previous night from the single kryptonite pill analyzed months earlier.




Reaching into the closest drawer besides him, he stumbles to open it all the way and once reaching inside, pulls out his Batclaw.



Aiming at the cabinet, he misses the container. Rewiring his Batclaw, he fires again and he manages to grasp ahold of the container before pulling it back towards him and dropping the Batclaw. He was lucky to find that there was only two pills left in the container.



Reaching towards the one at the far left corner, he eventually holds it up close to him. The issue stemming deep in his mind isn't whether or not these would work more than it involved his parental concern for both of his surrogate sons.


He refused to not be there for them again.




Bruce: 40,000 plus years of evolution and we've barely even tapped the vastness of human potential.




—————————————————————————-


Superman had FINALLY arrived at the auditorium, via distress call. He can only assume the situation had been dealt with. But if nobody had already taken care of Harley, then by all means, he was going to do it himself.



Only issue being that somebody was already there to stop that. Using his X-ray vision to scan the place, he could see the Titans actually HELPING the Harley Clan fend off his militiamen, with the exception of Terra, Peacemaker and Red X.


However, he does get a lock-on on Harley herself.



That's when a slight metal THONK ricochets off the back of Clark's head and just snaps back to Nightwing.



If he wanted his attention, he got it.



Superman: Dick. What do you want?"


"The hell do you think I'm here for?", he boasts, cracking his neck off to the side.


Superman: Please don't tell me you plan to get in my way too, ok? I get enough of that already.



Nightwing: You must be psychic. Cause I take pleasure in saying that's EXACTLY what I'm going to do.



Superman: Then I would recommend you'd be careful. It doesn't matter who gets in the way: Harley dies today.


Nightwing: Over my dead body.


Superman: We both know you can't beat me Dick.


Nightwing: You're right. I can't. That's why I brought these.



Nightwing revealed he had a super pill which was to Clark's shock remembering when he killed Ollie when they came for it and when Dick said "We brought these" he meant each one had one all except Starfire and Raven who are powerful enough to equal Superman......ish


Nightwing swallowed his pill and Superman turned serious knowing even Bruce' oldest son was standing up to him and nearly attacked till Starfire swooped over lunging Superman a far from Harley' position a possible who was fighting off a handful of Regime troops helping her CLAN


Once in the back stage Superman recovered from the impact and he wasn't in the best mood for anything slowing him down especially seeing he was confronted by Starfire



Superman: Starfire.



Starfire: I want answers, Superman.


Superman: Answers? You're tugging on the wrong cape.



Starfire: You Terra and Victor aren't the only ones who lost people.



Superman: I'm sorry about Beat Boy Kori. But for him you shouldn't be fighting me. Harley's just as responsible for everyone who died in Metropolis. I took ONE life to save millions.



Starfire: And that's why the Teen Titans will stop you.


Superman: And turning on me was a big mistake.



Starfire: Not as big as the mistake you made when killing Oliver Queen.



Superman's eyes burned in red as he grew angry and lunged at Kori only to get punched away again and he flew back crashing through every wall and end up in a bathroom


Soon Nightwing came in from behind Kori who turned to him and smiled


Nightwing: Did I miss the fun babe?


Starfire: It's just beginning. Where's Harley?


Nightwing: Tim's looking for her. Helena's distracting the soldiers. Rachel's handling Terra.


Starfire: Guess they should wrastle out their issues.


They soon heard rumbling no doubt Superman was recovering and they looked at each other


Nightwing: After this.....want to take a weekend off?


Starfire: What'd you think?


Kori grabbed Dick's shoulder and pulled him for a kiss Dick was stunned at first but sinked into it


Meanwhile with Raven and Terra they continued their fight only Terra got most of the apprehend each time she taunted her



Terra: You know what I don't get about you the most Rachel? You claim you don't have emotions but that doesn't explain the grief you had when Jason joined the titans.



Raven: I told you to SHUT UP!



Terra: But how did you really feel? Did you get angry did you even cry? Better be careful. Garfield tole me all about your tamper tantrums.


Raven: You sunk even lower to even DARE bring him up like that.



Terra: I'm only doing this for him this time. I made mistake with Slade but Superman tand for the right cause.


Raven: Say that to Oliver Queen.



Terra: Oh there it is. There's the anger.


Raven: Anger is pointless. My emotion are under control.


Terra: Mah mah mah "Anger is pointless" And you say I'm fishey? You and Jason were the fishiest. Thick a thieves really.


Rachel ran to attack but Terra levitated a chunck of wall beside her pinning her to the back wall


Terra: Come on Rachel. Just admit it. Looking at Dick and Kori it's got to to sting you at least. What really hurt more. That Jason walked out on you or me tricking you before? That Jason couldn't take his eyes off the Joker even if you were in front of him? That I nearly whipped out your team? That HE chose revenge over true love? That everyone liked me BETTER than you? That HE not even once......gave you a kiss?


Raven: STOP IT!


Terra: Or let me guess......is it that deep down you really believed we were friend......or you really thought he feel the sam for you a you do......but DIDN'T.



There it was at thi moment Terra knew......she fucked up


Raven's eyes glew white breaking the chunk to piece and forced Terra acros the room with debree falling on her



Finally, something inside the Azerathian snapped.



Raven: AAAAAAARRRRGGHHH!!!!


A cry of rage bursts from Raven, bolting herself away from the wall and immediately incinerating a quarter of the militiamen coming up from behind her. Huntress and Red Robin had to jump out the way before sucker punching two more coming their way.


Neither one could, however, prevent the sudden loss of Rachel's self-control.



Raven: I TRUSTED YOU!!! WE TRUSTED YOU!!! WE GAVE YOU EVERYTHING AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY US?!



Rachel screams formulating four red eyes and her cloak drowning from a bright purple to a dark clouded red. A stream of darkness from under the cloak knocks Terra inside-out before grabbing her by the foot and slamming her around and around and around. Spikes of Earth shoot up from the ground below separating her and Terra, giving her some breathing room.


Terra backed up as Raven telepathically shot at her, launching her at the wall and tossing her through mounds of rubble before uprooting whole slabs of pavement over the young terrakinetic. Raven's soul-self even engulfed Terra into a portal through time and space to another dimension.....


.....and immediately sucked her back out as she stumbled into more militiamen.


Terra: Out of the way!


A cry usurped seconds too late, for those four militiamen got sucked through the floor just as Raven bursts through and grabs Terra again with a giant pulsating hand, nearly seconds out from squishing her ribs.



Terra literally just had her ass handed to her and Raven was just about to finish it.....only to hesitant when she felt her rage boost slipping out of control she barely tries she felt her rage boost slipping out of control she barely tries to hold back only to get kicked away from Terra......by Red X


She hit a wall and soon felt a hand on her chin being pulled to face the mystery masked figure


Red X: You know cutie. The only crime here is that you and I haven't gone out on a----



Raven's eye lowered angry and interrupted Red X's flirty quote by zapping at him forcing him off her


Huntress and Red Robin kept fighting off Regime men and had half of them beaten down till Peacemaker pointed his gun at them



Peacemaker: Not one tep further.



Red Robin: And I thought you were a keeper of peace.


Huntress pointed her bow but Peacekeeper was hit from behind and fell over to reveal Harley hitting him from behind with her bat and she turned to Tim and Helena


Harley: Oh. Hey Helena. Long time.


Huntress: Indeed. You just can't seem to keep yourself out of trouble can you?


Harley: Hey honey I try but trouble always seems to find me.



Red Robin: You need to come with us Harley. Superman's playing for keeps and he won't stop till you're six feet under.


Harley: I can't boy blunder. These people need me. Since Mr. J......Joker......they ben like family to me. Someone's got to watch over them like they did for me cause now they're a target to S-Man too.


That was by far the noblest quote they ever heard from Harley they can tell she was starting to change......slowly


Just when Harley nearly turned away Huntress yelled STOP! and she turned back to her


Huntress: If you won't come with us you may need us again sooner or later. Superman's likely to try and track you down again. So take this.


Huntress threw Harley a bat communicator for her to reach the Insurgency whenever she needs them



Harley: Thanks Hel. And......tell B-Man I said hey.



From there she back flipped and turned to her remaining CLAN


Harley: Come on let's go!


The CLAN began retreating with her but the Regime Soldiers tend to chae after them but Tim and Helena tarted thwarting themoff giving the Harley CLAN a head start


Back with Starfire and Nightwing they came through the holes Superman smashed through when Starfire punched him through them and they ended up in the bathrooms where he landed in but.....


.....he wasn't there anymore



Nightwing: He's still here. Back when he was good he didn't even walk out of a fight. Doubt he'd start now.


Good?


Startled and out of no where Superman came from the entrance of the bathroom and blat out of his heat ray causing a debree to collapse separating both Nightwing and Starfire from opposite sides of the bathroom and the room between it


Kori even hit her head on the flour knocking her out


Nightwing: Kori!


Superman: You think I'm not good anymore Dick? You really think I'm the bad guy now?



Nightwing: Well you're killing people now. So what the hell do you think?


Superman: Apparently you don't know my real intentions.



Nightwing: Course I do. You want to rule it.....like any fallen hero now villain.



Nightwing charged at Superman and from the strength from the super pill both Dick and Clark crashed through more walls leading them out back they both landed on the concrete flour and both stood up



Superman whipped the blood off his mouth as Nightwing had his shock sticks out to him


Nightwing: Give it up Kent. It's over I got you where I want you.


Superman: I gotta be honest Dick. I really....really admire your courage. I was like you when I was your age. I can ee why Bruce likes you. When I first aw you I didn't think you had it in you. But he sure trained you well. Even Lois admired you.


Nightwing: How can you do this to her?



Superman: To her?! No Dick no....I'm doing this FOR her.


Nightwing: Yeah right!


Nightwing threw one of his shock sticks at him but Clark caught it with his bare hand and snapped it in half and gave sigh



Superman: Dick. Richard. You're young. You don't understand how the world works.


Nightwing: Maybe not but I do know taking control of governments tightening your grip to the planet and KILLING people is wrong!



Superman: You think all that is wrong? How do you think Bruce paid for his bat suit? Huh? Or any of hi little toys? People like rich people all powerful they do anything like they OWN the planet. That's more cruel than what I do now. People like us? They don't care about u. Not even Bruce. He means well but he's got his own parents tragedy wrapped in his head he doesn't think of the people he hurts in the process. He always had everyone live in fear. Even innocent people are scared of him. We build their roads fight their wars they don't give a damn about us. We always pick up after them eat their shit tone of scrap. That's how it works Dick. You know what I'm saying? I know you do. Caue you felt it when you hung up your Robin suit and make a life for your own. The only problem is.....you're still in his shadow and that Nightwing suit proves it. He inspires you to dawn it. And deep down......you know I'm right.


Nightwing: Bruce is a jerk yeah. And yeah you're right I wanted to get away from him for years. But.....he's alway been there for me when I needed him. And I know he can be cold a steel.....but he knows the difference of Jutice and REAL Injustice. Why are you even telling me this?



Superman: Becausse I'm trying to help you undertand......and.....trying to kill the remaining time you have on that pill. You have less than an hour now.


Nightwing widen his eyes and Superman charged at him but Dick countered him making a sonic pound ncreating an impact around the area and held each other off



Unfazed, however, it doesn't last long.



All Dick does get out of that is a hand wrapped around his throat as he found himself blasted out of the bathroom and through the theater again, crashing through ceiling....


....after ceiling.....


....after ceiling before crashing through and landing on the roof.



The man barely recovered from the clunking of debris snapping against his arms and legs and head but it wasn't enough to prevent Superman from catching up to him and grabbing him by the throat again.


Dick again flips over and gets out of Kal's grip, launching his escrima sticks as they ricochet back and forth on and off Superman's head and chest. Heat vision could barely catch them in time and when they did, they completely singed Nightwings main form of weaponry. But it didn't stop Dick from kneeing him in the gut only for Supes to sucker-punch the first Boy Wonder out of his sight.....


....as he crashlanded onto the parking lot just outside the auditorium. Upon landing, Dick felt a slight crack in his unlucky right shoulder. Exerting a silent groan, he cautiously eases his shoulder up a little before getting back to his feet.


The sexy boy took notice of this as he again launched both his escrima sticks at the man with his one good arm.


Another thunk to the back of Clark's head only distracted him as both singed escrima sticks returned to its owners before Dick slammed down on the concrete, launching an electrical blast at high frequencies barely blowing the Man Of Steel back. The frequency however kept coming as the blast was eventually replaced with sonic emitters.


If anything, it was a distraction to get an opening and kick him flat on the S logo which made Kal slip back further.



But the pain he felt from being halted in his tracks was nothing compared to what he would have to do if Dick didn't stop....which was bound to get easier, seeing how the pills effects were wearing off.


The hour was almost up and the confused glance on Dicks face withering into unsatisfied bewilderment was a testament to how well it worked to perfection. Hiding a sly chuckle but now visibly frustrated, Superman charges up his heat vision to the max and fully incinerates the grounded escrima sticks, destroying the emitters stored within them.


Frustrated wasn't the right word to explain how either man was feeling.



Nightwing: You can't win, Clark!


Superman: This is my world as much as it is yours!



The two combatants charge at one another yet again.


Nightwing, getting desperate, barely tackles Superman off his back and to the ground and pummels him repeatedly. Punch after punch after disoriented awkward punch, he gets in just enough leverage on him despite being mostly one arm free; however, Superman's invulnerability begins to return following the diminishing of the pill's effects, rendering Dick's assault ineffective.


He eyes over at his glove no sooner should Clark grab it and he backs up nervously, knowing the tables have turned yet again.


Then comes a brutal punch to the pretty boy, sending him flying through the air.


Dick gets himself hurled back into the auditorium via crashing through the entranceway and another wet wall, leaving him with his right shoulder fully dislocated.....AGAIN. Luckily, the pill didn't completely wear off just yet, for he only had a paltry five minutes left.


But that wouldn't matter if there was nobody else to fight.


The entire auditorium was practically empty at this point......with dead bodies from the Harley clan. Not all of them escaped but not all of them made it out with their lives either.


All that was left were militiamen, surrounding him with their guns cocked and loaded with permission to aim and fire when needed from Terra, smirking smugly with her arms crossed and Peacemaker standing as patriotically as he possibly could, like he was proud of this smug display of cold hearted cowardism.


But it wasn't just him.


Red Robin and Huntress were tossed to his side as Raven followed suit, dropping flat on her back from above, indicating Dick wasn't the only one who got his ass kicked. And then came Starfire literally being dragged out from the far corner of the room.


Nightwing: Kori.


Nothing more humiliating than being grabbed by your hair and then thrown alongside the rest of the trash. But that was exactly what Red X had done, and the sly laughter came raining down on all five of them.


Red X: Keep your guns trained on 'em. If it even looks like they're planning to make a move, open fire. Oh, and.....pretty boy over here.


He points over at Nightwing.


Red X: Might wanna avoid the V symbol. That's a, uh... a little trick. That's where the armor's the strongest. Aim for the weak spots at the shoulders first, then coordinate fire at the points where the plates meet.


Huntress: Someone's dissected a lot of homework.


Snapping his head over to her, he only gets distracted yet again.


Red X: You say something?


Nightwing: Hey, X-tra puffy. Eyes up here.


Dick directed his attention back towards him as the mercenary couldn't help but to chuckle under his breath. He found this cute; the Titans still trying to muster the courage to fight despite being outnumbered.


Red X: Always standing up for your buddies, that's what I like about you: Predictable. I know your every move before you do. WE KNOW HOW YOU THINK.


Red Robin: Do you know what we’re thinking now?


Red X only chuckles only for Terra to intervene, answering the question for him.


Terra: Course we do. You're thinking....'Who the hell is this guy?


Raven: No, Terra. We’re just tryna figure out whether I should be ashamed of the both of you or if I'm that pissed off enough to take out you….you….


She eyes over at Peacemaker.


Raven:…..your goons and Superman altogether because believe me, we’ll do it.


Peacemaker: Look, on behalf on Superman's orders, we don't plan to kill you. But just so we're on the same page here, we fully, FULLY intend to clean up the scum that YOU let escape. That’s a promise written in blood.


Starfire: Afraid we can't allow that.


Red X and the troops looked confused.


Starfire: Here comes the Wildfire.



Sparks flicker from the eroded floor only for a whirlwind of fire to surround the Titans and spread out to the opposing forces.


Rifle fire can be heard ringing through the ring of fire but they never go anywhere beyond or past the flames via Ravens force field keeping the fire from reaching them. A cross of her hands and a single shove later, the entire ring of fire dispersed throughout the entire auditorium.


Out of nowhere, Star bolts were shot from the sky with Stafire surprising the opposing side. Even as the militiamen continued to fire at her, chaos and mass panic ensued.


"This is not the way things should've gone!" Peacemaker exclaims.


He barely gets an inch away from X before he grabs his arm and just shakes his head 'No'.


Peacemaker: We still got enough gas in the tank left to run. Call in a full retreat, get the troops out of here.


Not understanding why, X shook his head ‘No’ in disgust.


Peacemaker: Harley's gone, X. We're not gonna draw her out like this. All we can do is take care of the pesky twerps ahead. You get everyone out. I'm gonna take care of them-


X: We leave NO ONE stone unturned, Chris.


Peacemaker: I can handle myself.


Terra: Well, someone's gotta watch your back.


Terra suddenly intervenes in the conversation, quickly rebuttaling back, slamming her foot through the floor as more spikes of Earth shoot out from above and below at lightning fast speeds, leaving Starfire and Raven to block the projectiles and shield their teammates from getting impaled….


….all while the militiamen kept attacking the grounded Titans.


Tim has his bullet shield up for good measure all while Red X just stood there with his arms crossed, looking up to see Superman fly back in through the hole in the wall, frustrated and very angry. So much so that he leaps through the air which in turn stopped Terras assault and forced Raven to switch gears, displaying a shield to protect the others.


Seeing how the inevitable outcome was inevitable, all Helena could say was….


Huntress: Awww shit.


The shield did them no good, shattering instantaneously and dispersing the Titans while also launching Red X back into debris by the collapsed stage.


All the commotion and gunfire continued to rage on in the background.


Menacingly and methodically approaching the team, the High Councilor gloats....


Superman: Martyrs, each and every one of you.


....before he blocks Tim's staff with one hand and swats it away with the other, none of which stopped his relentless onslaught of punches and kicks.


Following the pill's effects running on empty and lasting over an hour implied to the non-alien entities of the team, it made Kal's job all the more easier following a misfired Snap-Flash on the back of his cape. The explosion only made him jump and backslap Tim into unconsciousness.


Superman then flew towards Huntress, but the former assassin let out a smoke grenade. The Man of Steel was caught off-guard for a moment, and this allowed Huntress to get in a few more punches and kicks. Huntress then began to throw more of her arrows towards Superman before Clark blew his superbreath and froze her in place.


Unable to move, this left her vulnerable for Clark to disarm the crossbow from her hands. It caught Starfires attention but all she got was trouble, for Superman grabbed her by her neck and slammed her into another wet wall.


Superman: You may be strong.....but MY will is stronger.


Starfire: You.....have spread enough misery!


Kori cries with the most utmost confidence, slapping her palms over Superman's eyes and cheeks and nearly gripping her hands through his hair as her hands radiate with heat and his face starts to sizzle.


Clark struggles to loosen Kori's grip from giving him any potential thermal degree burns, which only left him grunting and yelling in pain. Kneeing him in the gut, Kori finally gets leverage away from the wall as she kicks Kal back a foot further only to block his ray of heat vision.


But that's when a cable from a Batclaw gets wrapped around his neck and Dick just yanks him away.


Nightwing: Thank you, malady.


Starfire: G'lutnog (bless you).


Starfire turned her attention back to Terra but not before scooping Helena off her feet to do so.


It left Nightwing and the Man of Steel standing face to face again. Nightwing charged at Superman full of fury and rage but he didn't realize that time had flew by fast while fighting.



Five minutes on the pill were already up. And his super strength wore off as a result.


By the time Dick began to reach the realization of his depleted strength, when Superman launched an uppercut to Nightwing's chin, it launched him up into the air and snapped his neck like a twig.



Superman halted in his tracks, hearing it from the contortion alone as his face dropped to pure dumbfounded shock as he watched Nightwing flop down to the floor like a fish with his neck contorted and his life cut short. An immediate sense of regret overtook him following what he'd just done; it seemed he had no idea that the pill effects JUST wore off.


With no time to process, he looks up to the sky and takes off.



Red X couldn't see the aftermath, following the minor bump given from Superman's scuffle with the former boy wonder as he finally crawled himself out of the ruble. His vision finally recovering from the fall, his eyes lit up widely upon the sight in front of him, seeing the Titans fallen leader.


Not even Terra was immune to emotion, once again covering her mouth in shock upon seeing her former Titans leader laid out on the floor. Red X was the only one with enough courage to cautiously try and approach Dick. Inching another step closer before setting his visor to Tactical Vision, Red X could scan through multiple layers of Dicks body via a red layout. He switched from scanning the skin, muscles, and skeletal systems only to receive the same result: no pulse.


All it read over his visor about his deceased enemy was Neutralized.


Amidst all the fighting, only Raven and Red Robin caught sight of Dick lying like a dead fish in the middle of the room and almost immediately, both their hearts sank. Helena and Kori eventually caught on and the horror engulfed them both.



A unsettled yet slightly enraged Raven cried out Azerath Metrion Zinthos!, pushing every remaining militiaman back with a thunderous shockwave that left them flat in the middle of the room. Tending support the best they could, the remaining members rushed to their fallen leader too little too late.


X just removes himself from the scene, allowing the Titans to see for themselves.



Raven: Nightwing?


Red Robin: D-Dick?


Huntress: Richard?!



Raven expresses concern, tapping on his neck and catching no pulse. Tim pants and breathes heavily, rapidly checking his vitals with no response and no success in finding a pulse all while Helena screams nearly on the verge of disbelief.


Off with their masks they went, desperately, frantically trying to find someway to work around the inevitable with no avail; Raven had to pull them both away from the corpse, now struggling herself with this giant gaping fear of regret; first Beast Boy and now Nightwing fell victim to a senseless attack that she felt obligated to protect them from.


The team in their moment of disarray and distress, just look back at the new mercenary with distraught and disgust.


Nobody said a word to each other.



Raven: I thought you knew better.


Raven spoke up with a hint of concern buried underneath her boiling discontent to X. Her body language didn't speak of any correlation or connection that familiarized herself with the new merc but her eyes and voice betrayed her.


Raven: Guess I made a mistake.



And the way she spoke to him was filled with such resentment and disappointment all while Red X could do nothing but droop his head and glance down at the body.



Kori, however, took this loss the hardest.


Her jaw completely fell seeing her earthling lover lifeless on the floor the closer she approached him. His skin had quickly grown cold to the touch, his neck bent out of shape like a pretzel, his legs crossed over the other following his position; tears fell from her eyes as she comforted Helena.


However, kneeling down and gazing the cold, lifeless eyes of Dick gazing over at Red X’s direction, Kori's grief and shame quickly bubbles into ceaseless boiling white hot rage.


And her uncontrollable shaking coupled with her eye's pulsating a menacing green shade was enough of a warning as it was to turn and run.


It didn't stop Red Robin from trying to withdraw and hold Starfire's anger in check.


Tim: Kori, no!


Sensing where it was going but inevitable nonetheless, the former Tameranean princess screeches in a fit of blind rage tossing Red Robin aside and charging straight ahead at the mercenary, beating him senselessly with blow after blow after blow to the body all while Red X does nothing but try to delay the onslaught.



Then comes a cloud of smoke straight in the center of the room as Batman unceremoniously arrived with a re-enforced spine, jumping down to the ground and walked around, analyzing the situation around him - until his attention was taken by Red X and Starfire.


He frowned at first until his eyes caught sight of Dick's body.


His eyes bolted, his jaw dropped and his heart sank.


He immediately pushes X off to the side before leaning down beside Tim. Tears were a common emotional state of pain or a physical irritation of the eye.....a neuronal connection between the lacrimal gland (tear duct) and the areas of the human brain involved with emotion and not even the Caped Crusader himself could prevent the inevitable from occurring as he rocked Dicks lifeless body into his arms.


His reaction to Nightwing might've been genuine for an enemy but that was nothing compared to Batman glaring over at Red X staring at him coldly following the accidental demise of another loved one.


Batman: What.....did you do?


He gets no response.


Batman: WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!?!


Batman's scream startled the main team of Titans minus Raven as he stared ferociously at Red X. His glare let alone his vibrant pulsating eyes demanded an answer while he breathed heavily and hoarsely in disbelief. X just approached his foe, taking a moment to piece together what to say and how to say after the atrocity he commuted before Bruce.


He can only sigh heavily before kneeling down to his level.


There was a long and sorrowful pause.


But before X could reply, peeping out a grunt that sounded genuinely regretful, Batman suddenly and abruptly ended the cheap guilt-trip by punching him towards the chest. Given the increased effects of the pill, it once again sent X flying out of the auditorium.


Nobody else moved. They could only simply watch as he grieved.



25 years of dedicating his life to this, of dedicating his life to wage war on crime, to ridding Gotham of its scum, and yet he always seems to lose someone close to him everytime. The pain he's dished out to others is nothing compared to the pain of losing your closest relatives though and he had hoped no such thing would happen again: Another death in the family.


Once more......he had to atone with lifting the corpse of his oldest son while everyone in the room watched in either confusion, shock or awe as Bruce causally walks off and away from the scene of another failure: a failure in which he felt he was just as responsible for.



There's a scream that can't be silenced: Its rising, growing louder and louder. It's the scream of a child abandoned, suddenly.....long ago. As the scream echoed then in that alley, it echoes now in my mind. It penetrates all the dark places. It slams into the loss. It bounces against the regret.....and the pain.



He's gone. I'm abandoned again. My son.....is dead.


As hours pass a dark cloud hangs over from both sides of the war


When the Batwing landed in the batcave everyone there gathered around in despair and anxious as the hatch open with Batman coming out carrying Dick's body wrapped in sheet with a broody face with the remaining Titans behind him

Alfred looked down in sadness shedding tears for poor young Master Grayson Barbra was horrorfied a she covered her mouth letting out tears of her own for her first former boyfriend now best friend

Kori from behind Bruce had not stopped crying since they left the theater he sat on the flour crying out more for her love with Helena comforting her

Tim and Rachel were the last to offboard the batwing they were speechless feeling defeated of this tragedy Tim shed small tears for his oldest brother and Rachel couldn't believe for this tragedy she almost lost complete control over Terra's taunt and Dick's death

A portal opened on the flour she was standing on and sank down into it disappearing in it and the portal vanishes

Selina however manage to slip away from the Regime arrive in the cave and to her own horror saw Bruce carrying Dick's lifeless body when walking through the batcave which she could not even hold back her own tears

But what worried Selina more Bruce was the one carrying the boy who he raised and trained and he wasn't shedding a single tear just the same broody expression

Bruce kept saying Clark needed to take time to grief for Lois and now that he has his own tragedy he's not grieving for his own son the way he should be and giving Selina could not hold back her tears she could not let Bruce hold back his

Batman soon disappeared when he walked the corpse down stairs to the bottom level

At the watch tower Terra was sitting in the main hall in her own grief Terra knew she was once again on the opposite of the Teen Titans.....again but.....she couldn't hold back her tears for Dick either she cries out covering her face with her hands Garfield and now Dick

Red X was an in elevator and to make things more odd he was faced down for what accrued given he was accused Dick's murder unaware it was his own leader who done it

But his grief would not be odd for long as he reached up for his mask detatching it and pulling it off his head revealing.....

......Jason Todd

Yes that's right Jason assumed a new identity when joining the Regime he become Red X a ruthless vigilanty who brings Superman's enemies to justice

But after what accrued that's what drew Jason's first confusion if he really joined the right side started to eat him alive

He looked at the mask growing more angry for his brother and best friend and when Jason shed his own tears in his angry eyes he.....

....SMAHED the mask into the wall denting both of them and out of rage and grief he yells out while smashing it more on every part of the wall shattering the mask to bits

Soon as the elevator doors opened two Regim Soldiers were caught off guard with their Commander having one of his tantrums again

Jason: Out of my way idiots!!

Jason brushed them both aside as he stormed out of the elevator and the two troops looked down to the shattered mask

Back in the batcave had just buried Dick's body in the cemetery behind Wayne Manor and Bruce was in a black tank top and sweat pants and he was hitting a heavy bag to beat out his grief

Not even noticing Selina coming down behind him she was not gonna let Bruce brood his way out of this one this time she had to convey in im to REALLY grief for his son

Selina placed her hand on Bruce's back who turned around to her

Selina: Bruce......this isn't healthy for you. It's not healthy for all of us.

Bruce: I'm fine.

Selina: Don't say that you're not fine. You just lost one of the closist things you had to a son. You need to mourn.

Bruce: There's no time for mourning Selina. Clark could make his next move anytime soon.

Selina: Bruce no.

Bruce: We have to be ready when he strikes again. Get back to the watch tower and fill in every detail......

Selina: BRUCE!

The World's Greatest Detective looked at the former queen of cat burglers who just took him by the arms looking in his eyes nodding to him and pleaded

Selina: Don't be Batman right now. Be Bruce Wayne. You need to grief for you boy.


Grieve: to mourn, feel distressed for or because of someone.




The memory that word entails only made Bruce more sad, bitter, aggressive, alone. Nobody processed grief like him…..by just not dealing with it. It was unhealthy and it poisoned him in more ways than one. Moments like these showcased how hopelessly stubborn this facade he painted over his mask was, none of it which was guaranteed to help him do better.


The wish for Dick to be here again filled him with such rage and bitterness; the same rage that engulfed him when Jason was killed…..



….when his parents were. And how was he processing that pain?




By spending the last three hours since witnessing the death of his oldest surrogate son, beating himself up via a punching bag dangling over a wooden totem pole.



Breathing heavily and surly, he doesn't take time to stop, leaving Selina’s words dangling on deaf ears. He immediately grabs another punching bag and continues to dish out punching while yelling ferociously.



The sound of his knuckles meeting wood vibrates louder and louder until all he could hear was the sound of his fists pounding against the bag strapped to the trunk of the pole and his voice just screeching louder and louder with each blow delivered. Even when Selina tried to hold him back, it didn't deter the current line of action.


She had to forcefully pull Batman away from his set of training bags, ignoring his moody rage-fueled expression and his shattered knuckles that were covered in blood.



Beating at punching bags for three hours straight was guaranteed to have done that.



Having Selina in his corner seemed to take him down to a mental safe haven. The anger and frustration in his eyes faded as well as his body language and possibly even his mental strength. For as long as he's done this, very few people could see him this mentally broken down.


Or be allowed to.



He starts to sniffle quietly only for Selina to gently caress the hair on his head.



Selina: One day.


Bruce: I-I can't.....I have to-


Selina: Please......just for one day. Don't be the mask.




Traumatized and torn apart from yet ANOTHER death in the family, Bruce just collapsed down to his knees in grief, in anguish, and in deep regret. This was enough to drive him mad before......but this time, there was no telling.



Selina: It's ok. Let it go. Just for today. You can fall apart. I'll hold you together.




She promises as she hugs him from the side as he buries his face on her chest.



For the first time in years.....in decades.....he cries.



~FIVE YEARS LATER~



FIVE YEARS.


It has been half a decade since Superman had taken the role of both the High Councilor and the title of being the world's most powerful and dangerous being to ever walk the face of the Earth. The iron grip that he left on this world had created such a terrifying and emotional impact that most of the higher standards of people critical of Superman or his rule completely disappear.



Government officials.


Activists.


Reporters.


Politicians.


Any and all types of people and branches of government with some position of power and authority were either wiped off the radar permanently or much much worse. Hell, even other lesser-known or more poised heroes that would’ve responded to such situations like this were either already dead or refused to add any more semblance to further bloody the water.



Constantine was hardly any help.


Zatanna left after the second year.


Guy Gardner was dead. John Stewart was missing. Hawkman was left brain-dead.


Amanda Waller was AWOL.



And still no sign of Harley Quinn.



In the Fortress of Solitude, Superman had kept it well guarded since the circumstances surrounding Martha's death. He even made it the Regime's new headquarters, for the Watchtower was now off-limits under the occasion Batman could hack into its systems with ease. But that left Cyborg in charge of it to keep the systems locked down cause he needed it to track the Insurgency.


But Superman taking a role as Clark Kent.....for once, he needed to dumb himself down a peg and speak to the civilians of the homeworld he inhabited as his own.



Following the Regime's stilted nonsensical rampage all across the world to rid of crime, they ended up creating more problems than they solved, executed a bunch of innocent civilians and criminals (most of which weren't justified), and eliminated everyone's will of free speech albeit not in the way which Clark didn't saw it beneficial. But all that mattered to him now was peace and prosperity.....and there was no way to do that without getting the public back on his side.


For such an occasion, a suit and tie was needed as well as a mirror to guise up. Clark begrudgingly sighs, on the off chance that what he was about to do would tremendously backfire but there lied no signs of turning back.


Also, no turning back from answering the main computer beeping, for a call was being sent from the other side. Clark just walks ahead and presses "Accept" without even looking at the screen.


Clark: Yes?



It's Flash, High Councilor. Billy and I are on our way to Atlantis as we speak with the treaty.



Clark: Good. Have you informed Arthur you're on the way?



Just right before I called you; had to get Mera to pass it along though. I just hope Arthur cooperates. You know how he can be.



Clark: For his sake.....He BETTER. Good luck.



That's as far as the transmission goes before the signal cuts off, leaving Barry with this aching shiver down his neck as he twitched. It left him with a lot to consider, but all for another time.



Lex Luther had about the same amount of thought and doubt and sincerity around what he needed or had to do; for playing a double agent was twice as frustrating as Selina made it seem.....or even worse. Wiping the sweat from the brow of his forehead, he drowned out the hesitation before walking into Monitor Womb of the Watchtower.


The heart of the Watchtower, it stretched the entire center of the complex, housing the Leagues' vast computer/communications/sensor network.


All crisis points were detected through a circular chamber with multiple holographic displays....or Cyborg (Sterling K. Brown). Although monitor duty is assigned in a revolving system, Martian Manhunter often volunteered for this as his great telepathic powers were uniquely attuned to the Martian technology whenever he could use it. Batman had also been seen using that said room to plan and strategize in private on several occasions.


But with both of them barred for years at this point, Cyborg was left in charge, monitoring, tweaking, and diving through his own holographic display although the screens he displayed showed off the work of the hacker.


It made Lex raise an eyebrow.


Lex: You on to something, Victor?


Cyborg: Bet your bald head I am. I'm hacking into Barbara Gordon's website to trace the resistance base.


Lex: The Commissioners daughter?


Cyborg: Barbara used to be Batgirl. But since she was crippled by the Joker, she became Batman's new second eyes through Wayne-tech under the pretense ORACLE. If my hunch is correct.....I can trace the URL back to Barbara's website and peek through the interface to get the original source, so we should be able to track where the Insurgency have set up shop.


Lex: And that's your smartest play?


He felt stupid asking the obvious but he continued to play dumb despite knowing this was another problem. One that Lex knew could jeopardize everything.


Cyborg: Only way to catch them by surprise......but damn, man. It's gonna take longer than I thought. it's been five hours at this point. Believe me, Barb's pretty good at keeping her systems untraceable.....but we should have their location by the end of the day.


All Lex could do was smile mildly at the comment. Still playing along, he knew that this would still offer little time left to come up with a plan.


Lex: Very good, Vic. I'll....inform Superman after his speech.


Cyborg: Thanks. He said he might need you anyways.



Luthor only nodded, as he was quick to exit the room in a brief rush. Blending into the darkness of the hallways, he was aware that he had to think of an alternative plan, one that wouldn't potentially blow his cover.


His first thought was calling Batman but the thought ALONE was too risky. Even if he was needed to stop Superman, if he even did anything at the notice, Victor would catch wind of it behind the scenes.


At this risk, he needed someone much closer to talk to and less obvious. Unfortunately, with limited options, only one thought came to mind.


~GCPD~

During the last five years Gordon continued to help Batman especially in his war against Superman Bruce even gave the GCPD some super pills in case they needed to fight any of Superman's allies even Clark himself

However wa not hi most fatal struggle just recently Jim was diagosed......with cancer it was a hard thing for Barbra to swallow and Batman insisited Gordon sit this out but you know how our beloved commisioner is

Gordon would rest until Superman's rule end too and he was not gonna let his own condition stop him

Gordon coughed out as the tv in his office showed where Clark's speech is about to be held and Gordon felt disgusted for what ever he may say or lie about with how far he's sank into but worried more for whoever will buy his manipulating words

Gordon does feel for Clark yeah he hated the Joker jut a much for crippling Barbra but this was too far for him to level on

Soon the speaker on his desk buzzed and he pressed the answer button

Gordon: Yes?

I'm sorry to bother you Commissioner. But you have a call on line 1.

Gordon: Patch them in.

Gordon took his office phone taking the call letting out a couple more coughs

Gordon: This is Gordon.

Comissioner Gordon Lex Luther here.

Gordon: What'd you want Luther?

You can tell from the tone of Jim's voice he wasn't fond of Luther yet due to his.......past records

I wouldn't call if it wasn't important. But I'm afraid we have a problem. And by we.....I mean your daughter.

Jim stood up from his seat as he mentioned Barbra

Gordon: What about Barbra? Where is she? How badly i she hurt?!

She's safe. But.......maybe not for long and I think Superman may win the war.......if we don't stop it now.

Gordon: What the hell's going on Luther?

Cyborg is tracking the Insurgency......by hacking into Barbra's accounts.

Gordon: WHAT?!

We only have hours before he cracks that egg and if the Regime find them Superman wins the war.

Gordon: Like hell. Meet me at the hall of Justice in an hour.

What'd you gonna do?

Gordon eyed down to his desk were he opened a drawer and revealed his own super pill he could use them to stop them but the catch is........the more he takes the more his cancer will grow......but with his daughter in danger and Superman close on winning........he was out of options



But then, Gordon stood there for a moment with bad feelings burning up in his gut. This decision may very well be the make-it-or-break-it deciding factor that would tip the war in the favor of either side if he wasn't careful. Very rarely had he caught himself thinking with his heart as opposed to his head but for once, the two appeared to be in natural equilibrium.


He knew the cancer he was recently diagnosed with would kill him sooner rather than later, so....why the hell not?


Gordon: I've been trusting you all this time. Now you have to trust me. MEET me there.


I'll contact you the minute I'm close.


Gordon: The SECOND.



With nothing else to say, the line gets cut off.


Frustrated, Gordon just yells outwards and throws his phone to the wall in complete bewilderment and shock over what he had just heard. The snapping of the wires and cables against the wall opened him up to whoever was left working at the GCPD, eyes with laser-focused glares snapping over at the ailing Commissioner. Worry, anxiety, tension, they were all cooped up as neatly as they could in a schizophrenic white-hot barrel of dynamite waiting to just be set off.


Gordon sets his eyes back towards everyone with a faint but trembling quiver in his eyes and mouth before turning away. None of the other officers, staff or agents surrounding him felt obligated to further stoke his already sensitive emotional state so they let him be.



All except Montoya.



Montoya: Should we be worried about who's on the other side?


Gordon: No. In fact.....it's our chance to hit checkmate.



He coughs once again.


A break comes and goes before it comes back; now he's relentlessly coughing now, barely able to get another sentence out. 'It hardly hurts to keep trying' was what he was going to say but too much of it hurt for him to even continue bloody speaking.....and it was difficult to not turning to see Renee grow worrisome for his well-being as always.


Recovering, he bolted up out of his chair soon as he finished, Gordon's demeanor quickly shifting and getting defensive for the task ahead.


Gordon: Come with me. We're heading to the Hall.



Funny how the GCPD, in general, wasn't overtaken by Superman's rule almost immediately.



The same would apply for Atlantis, apparently.


Heavily isolated from the surface, the underwater kingdom of Atlantis is home to the ancient, isolated, and highly advanced Atlantean culture originally part of a larger Atlantean empire. The present-day Atlantis is now one of four surviving kingdoms after the Sinking of Atlantis alongside the Xebel, the Fisherman, and the Brine.


The Trench could largely be considered an exception to the rule.



Once upon a time, Orm Marius, the second son of the former Queen Atlanna once took the throne upon Atlantis in an attempt to unite the Seven Kingdoms as the Ocean Master and declare war against the surface world, due to humanity's continued pollution and mistreatment of the seas throughout history.


However, despite his best efforts, he ultimately failed to succeed in this undertaking and was finally defeated and apprehended by his half-brother…..



Arthur Curry, now rechristened as the Aquaman (Jason Momoa).



Usurping his throne and with Mera (Emilia Clarke) and Nuidis Vulko’s (Willem Dafoe) help, he became the first half-breed to become the new king of Atlantis, wielding Atlan’s trident before taking his brother into custody. He’s been king ever since, causing a massive shift in the Atlantean ideology as well as the remaining four kingdoms.


And then Metropolis happened.


And then the Regime happened.



Following the aftermath of Metropolis, the four remaining Atlantean kingdoms…..were emotionally divided.


People from the depths of Atlantis were either oblivious to the actions upon the surface world or were actually trying to contribute to the cause somewhere but barely anybody had a keen eye or ear on WHO did WHAT to WHOM and WHEN.


The one more helpful to the cause, at least emotionally, would be Aquaman but surprisingly, he too hadn’t kept tabs on what was occurring above ground not just because of typical issues with maintaining the kingdom in his new home but also because The Regime had made it INCREDIBLY difficult to brief them on any upcoming situations with specifics.


All he was able to get out of this was the unlikely assistance of one of his royal archivists, who gave out much of the information he needed to hear.


The only thing is hearsay is a tricky but easy conundrum to fall under. Arthur wanted to take his word on it considering it was the closest thing to any REAL information he got but it was still a massive risk to take.


So he had to resort to asking his trusted friend and mentor Vulko for aided assistance.


Vulko: You need information on surface world governance?


Aquaman: History and current structure.


Vulko: For the treaty negotiations with the 'High Councilor'?


Arthur only looks over at him, trying not to laugh at the nickname given to Superman. It sounded ridiculous for someone like him.


Aquaman: Yes. Yeah, that's what I need. The-the treaty negotiations. We haven't had much luck with info leading up to it though, have we?


Vulko: No. Our resources have been running on empty even with the extra hands we could muster.


Aquaman: Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. Clark’s been less than willing to reveal The Regimes' inner workings for years now. Explain it to me. Recount the events of his ascension.


Vulko couldn’t help but look back at his former student turned king awkwardly, considering how much he normally knows.


Aquaman: A thorough review might illuminate new strategies for negotiation......IF we are to go through with it.


His determination on pressing forward with this left Vulko beaming with a little bit of light. The tide seemingly turning in their favor now, the prescient now set still didn’t spell good times ahead for the kingdom.


But as much as Vulko wanted nothing to do with this war, as much as Mera or any of the other remaining kingdoms wanted nothing to do with it, Arthur had a point. With the situation getting too complicated on the surface world, their assistance might be needed.


He does explain eventually.


Vulko: Five years ago, a criminal known as Joker had deceived and tricked Superman into killing his wife and unborn son and destroying Metropolis along with it. Blinded and filled with grief and emotion, Kal-El killed the Clown.


Slight hesitation crept in on Arthur’s behalf now knowing everything he heard from that archivist was 100% factual.


Vulko: His fear won out.


Aquaman: I remember where I was once the city was nuked. I'm lucky Mom and Dad are safe.


Getting off point, he allows Vulko to continue.


Vulko: Almost immediately afterward, he showed no mercy, no restraint to anyone who would break the law or defy him. Playing judge, jury, and executioner, he and some other like-minded friends of his quickly rained in the criminal element, if you will. It made him quite popular.


Aquaman: But only because Clark consolidated his power onto others. The death of one doesn't justify-


Vulko: Except up there, the people are desperate for stronger leadership. And in the process....


Aquaman:.....democratic institutions were completely wiped away.


Both men tried to refrain from looking down and feeling sorrow for whatever prosecutions awaited for those who would defy the Regime above the surface world; they knew how the game was played up there. Arthur still did from time to time.


The King was just as connected to up there as he was to Atlantis but he couldn't stomach the thought of Clark's reign of terror spilling into the area where he's learned to care and adore for.


But a presence suddenly lurked from behind and it caught Arthur off-guard. He turns and sees a Royal archivist, the same one who leaked him the information.



Archivist: Sire, the High Councilors’ envoys await you in the throne room.

Aquaman: Very good. On my way. Keep digging.

Vulko: Yes sire.

Arthur made his way to the throne room where Flash (Bradley Cooper) and the man formed child hero Shazam (Zachery Levi) were discussing the matters of the treaty all though they haven't given much detail to the Queen Mera (Emila Clarke) Aquaman' Spouse and Queen of Atlantis

Flash: Your highness it's our great pleasure to know Aquaman agreed to Superman's terms

Mera: I wouldn't ay he has.....yet of course but whatever the terms we'll be pleased to know to reconnect to the surface world again. Arthur tried to keep us out of the war as possible since Atlantis is his birth right.

Shazam: I've never seen anything like it. It's nothing like the Lost Empire! It's bigger! You guys got a big crystal under the throne? Not that I'd steal it but.....

Flash: Ok Billy keep in mind why we're here.

Shazam: Sorry.

Mera: Oh Arthur.

The two Regime members turned to see the king himself to enter te throne room a little intense given he hasn't let anyone from the surface to enter Atlantis since the war started

They approached one another and Arthur gave a mild grin and nod

Aquaman: Flash. Shazam. Welcome.....to the city of Atlantis.

Shazam: Your majesty.

Aquaman: "Majesty"? Come now Billy it's Arthur. We been friends for years.

Shazam: It's still an honor

Flash: And to be the first surface people to visit Atlantis in five years.

Aquaman: Indeed.

Flash: So.....what's it like being a king now?

Aquaman: It has it's ups and downs. We're doing everything in our power to keep our city at peace.

Flah: Which is exactly why we're here.

Aquaman: Of course. Of course. The treaty.

Flash: Yep the final draft. Superman will be pleaed you've accepted his terms.

Aquaman: In......indeed. May I?

Flash hands Arthur the treaty a Mera had her suspicions on again while sitting there and Arthur......did not like what he was reading as he walked up to the Queen making her concern as his face........lowered.....displeased

Mera: Arthur what is it?

Shazam: I there something wrong Arthur?

Aquaman: That's "Your higness" to you boy.

Shazam: What?? I thought you said-----

Aquaman: You cannot expect me to aby to this! Tis is complete subigation! The treaty here delcares Superman will rule Atlantis!

Mera: WHAT?!

Mera stood up standing next to him as Barry got firm with him

Flash: It's what you accepted remember? It's what HE expects. And you WILL sign it.

Aquaman: You DARE threaten me?

Mera: Both of you tread careflly.

Shazam: Superman promises Atlantis will be in better hands if you hand your power over it to him. And you WILL answer to him

Aquaman: I'M THE KING OF ATLANTIS! I ANWER TO NO ONE! Unlike you two. I have said for the last five years I want no part in this war this government. My will is to tand for Atlantis

Flash: I'm sorry Arthur. But we have our orders.

Aquaman: Your orders do not apply here. Leave Atlantis now.....or face execution.

Flash: You're signing that treaty......like it or not

Flah and Shazam attacked but Arthur and Mera leaped over them Arthur and Mera leaped over them Arthur lunged at Billy knocking him aside a Flash speeded to him throwing fast punches but Mera catches him and headbutts him

Mera: You can tell Superman.......HE WILL NOT WILL ATLANTIS!


With her superhuman strength, she’s barely able to push Barry back a few feet away….only to get immediately swept off her feet by Flash quickly shoved her aside before going low and sweeping her at the legs.



Mera quickly recovers from the easy-ongoing attack, well aware of the Flash’s preference to hold back on those he deems close to him. And she hardly felt those last two attacks.



Sprinting for her again, Flash comes running in but Arthur barely gets in the way, knocking off his focus long enough to cause disorientation. His speed did knock Arthur to the wayside….and that was exactly what Mera had planned. Her eyes shone a bright blue, her hands are wrapped in a bluish aura and even the liquid she began to manipulate becomes bright.


Slapping her hands together, a sudden breach was lifted as the water drained bubble around them all so that they could talk in privacy……splashed at Barry at all corners and collapsing him with waves, surrounding the entire throne room with water once again.



The sudden compression and decompression of water surrounding Flash found him flopping through the waves, barely adapting and swimming through the water.



But once again, Mera switches it up and creates ANOTHER breach, eliminating all the water that surrounded the Scarlet Speedster only to collapse on him again as he coughs excessively.




He doesn’t see Arthur coming from the side as the latter kicks him back up to his feet before he lunges down on him with an axe handle to his back. A knee to the gut later, he just grips Barry’s back, locking his arms around his waist before lifting them up, flipping them over, and slamming him down for a gut-wrench powerbomb.


Selling the back pain at first, Flash is quick to kick Arthur square in the chin from where he laid three separate times before rolling back to a vertical basis.



Barry just thrusts his entire body forward while surrounded by electricity, headbutting his foe in the abdomen before delivering a swift lightning-charged kick to his opponent's midsection. Arthur toughs it out just as Barry goes for a flying uppercut and stops the fist from coming down.



Aquaman: This is just sad, Barry.



A brief but short staredown transpires with Aquaman looking more displeased and annoyed with his former friend before tossing him aside, long enough for Mera to dropkick square across the face and then him inside out.



Out of nowhere, Shazam bursts out from the side, taking Arthur by surprise and tackling full throttle out of the Throne Room of the Atlantis Royal Palace…..


….before stumbling down onto the gladiator arena situated above the Ring Of Fire.





It's 2:45 p.m at Washington D.C, above the surface.


A large crowd all stood by in anticipation at the capital as President Kane had made an important announcement regarding the latest activities of Superman.


A man once beloved by the people of Earth had begun to sour over on the people that he swore to protect. As a deranged man once said: In spite of everything they've done for the people, eventually they will hate you.



Up to the podium, the president approached, his posture and body language static, sure, and calm. Only a hint of irritation was hinted in his eyes and face.



Boon: My fellow Americans, it is......my, No, OUR duty to regain the image of our future in this world. Whether or not Superman wants the same, I, for one, wish to speak out as all you do. But after much conflict, Superman has agreed to speak out his real intentions in hopes he will regain our trust in him.



Almost immediately, the crowd began booing at the mention of his name.


To them, it was VERY unlikely that they'd ever trust Superman again after all that's happened the past five years. He's turned them from a democratic institution into a one-sided dictatorship.



Boon: Yes, yes, I understand having him today is the last thing any of you want. But....I've agreed to make this easy on us all. Superman WILL answer to ALL of us here today.



The crowd cheered.


A massive gust of wind brushed over the White House and the podium in time Superman was already at Washington minutes ago stepped on the stage and shook Kane's head to be generous in public.


But catching one glimpse of him on stage made the people Booed at him again as he stepped up to the podium.



The boos would not die down as his hands once again gripped the edge with veins popping out of his hands and face. This time around, he looked extremely calm, cool, collected. But that didn't mean he was slightly ticked at the constant booing from the people who once supported him.


Some part of it made him think: where did it go wrong?



Clark: I'm sorry if I've frightened any of you.


The booing finally begins to subside as they let the man speak his mind.



Clark: But we should've spoken on this matter sooner.


The crowd didn't stop booing at him given they all felt in slaved and threaten by their greatest hero for the last five years and Clark in a way....did not blame them which is why this speech needed to be taken place


Clark: Everyone just hear me out. I don't expect any of you to trust me. I understand my actions have destroyed it! But my intentions of protecting you are the only things that have not changed. Never have. Never WILL. Yes I have killed the Joker. Yes I was forced to take one life after another and no one is more ashamed of it than I am. I NEVER wanted this but imagine everything you held most dear was taken from your hands at an instant.


At the batcave the Insurgency were watching this on live broadcast both Dinah and Kori looked at the screen with a grudge given they both lost lost the men they loved cause of him


That's what the Joker had done to me. To those who do not know.......Lois.....my wife.....was pregnant with our first child on the day Metropolis was nuked. Taking Lois was bad enough......but taking my unborn son....before he even lived.......I could not let the Joker slip from that.



The people at DC and those at home watching this on tv were truck to hear that and slowly began to understand Superman's motivation



Clark: Deep down part of me regretted killing him but after he took Lois my son and my whole home from me.......that was the final straw. He even looked at me in the eyes and told me he would top it all just before he died. So please.....all of you ask yourselves this......what if the Joker destroyed your home.......killed your parents.....your husband......your wife.....boyfriend girlfriend.....brothers and sisters......sons and daughters?! Imagine he took any of them away like he took mine! Would not act?!



People chattered in the crowds some understanding.......others even understanding but not forgiving him that easily


Clark: I only build this Regime......to make sure NONE of you....will loose what I lost. Feel the pain I felt. I want to give you a world where none of you ever have to worry about loosing your loved ones or friends. The Batman lost so many himself long ago before he and I fought together for truth and justice. That's what set him on his dark path 15 years ago. But because of that he built a moral code that he would never cross that line again and that code is why the Justice League is now didvided by a civil war between the Regime and the Insurgency. And because of my friendship to Batman I understand his methods but what he doesn't understand......


Bruce's expression lowered hearing him on the screen


.....Crime and curroption will never end unles someone makes the hardest choice. Batman if you're watching this and I know you are......know despite my friendship to you I will stop you too if you force my hand like any criminal.



Clark: Which is why I cannot promise any of you a world wide peace.......unless extreme action is taken to eliminate crime any means nessercary.....before it's begun.....forever. Whatever you all choose after today......I do not expect your support....but my authority only lives.......to inure Metropolis.....NEVER happens again.



The people began to chatter as the Inurgency were just nodding Dinah wa more disgusted



Dinah: That lying son of a bitch. How does he expect them to believe all that bullshit?



Barbara: He's making statements of his real intentions. It's still no excue for his passt crimes for the last five years of course.



Kori: I'm with Dinah on this one. All though Dick' murder wa at the hands of the Red X, Superman is just as responsible.



(Ohhh Kori you don't even know how responsible)


Bruce: Even if he gains their trust back it's not gonna stop us from our mision. The world depends on us that we stop Clark. We'll gather intel soon caue there's something we'll need whenever we make our next move against the Regime. Something that I hope will end this war.



Barbra: And what's that?



Bruce: I'll explain in our next meeting. Were's Helena and Tim?



Barbra: Lex called them over. I tried him myself but no answer.


Bruce: I'll have Selina look into it.



Bruce left the cave as the others watched on a the speech went on



Outside of the hall of justice Gordon met up with Luther Red Robin and Huntress to discuss their plan of stopping Cyborg's tracker



Following the disbandment of the League and Bruce having to renovate elsewhere after the Manor fell into disrepair, it also stood to reason that this, too, was barely put to much use after the band split. But not for a better lack of trying….



….as Alfred had used the build-in teleporter on the far right corner of to bring a physically broken Bruce Wayne to medical aid nearly half a decade ago.




That teleporter, running primarily on Wayne-Tech supplies and energy, looked prime and ready for use for the next traversal energy job from one location to the next….no matter where that would occur. Unfortunately, said location was being guarded by Cyborg who was a few hours out on finding the Insurgency’s location…..


….who were literally hiding in plain sight.




Only reason why they aren’t exposed by now is thanks to the Commissioner’s daughter, a detrimental but brave feat even he had to applaud.




Gordon: Stubborn…..just like her old man.


Lex: You raised her well.



An argument both Helena and Tim had to nod in agreement with.




However, the former had mere seconds to re-innovate her posture following Montoya popping up from behind the ailing Commissioner, spastically brushing back her hair and loosening up her shoulders and chest.



There was no hiding the big fat rocks on both of their fingers…..and even less likely of hiding how they now felt for each after half a decade of endlessly fighting a war.




One hurried gallop towards Montoya, the latter followed suit, hugging the respective Birds members while gently caressing each other for the few brief moments they could snatch.


Love often has no frontiers, and so gender becomes mute to its calling, especially in times of dire stress.




Helena: Means a lot that you came.


Montoya: I could say the same; time likes working against us though, doesn’t it?



She says as she eyes down at her watch, the time just shy at 5 minutes before 3:00 pm. Another half an hour would need to pass before the firewalls and proxies Oracle set in stone would be overridden.


Business before pleasure. Some thing never change.




Taking that into brutal consideration, Helena nods firmly before turning back to Tim and getting the same response.


It was all up to Lex and Gordon, the latter of whom was barely holding himself up: skin and bones, pale as a ghost, face masking the ordeal inside.




No point in delaying the inevitable any longer now, was there?



Gordon, more determined to save his daughter from the crossfire than ever before, kept ignoring his cough onwards and pressed forward to the entranceway up the stairs with Lex and the Birds in tow.



Stepping in, they all walk around the round table before waltzing straight for the far left corner of the hallway, down another right, and came across said teleporter.




Lex: I took the liberty in updating the teleporter with my Biological signature. It’ll only teleport you up to the Watchtower if you’re with me. But in order to stay in cover for the Regime, you have to make it look like you took me against your will. If you lose this war, they can’t know the truth.




Understanding of this, they all backed away once Lex took a step ahead and did his magic. With a simple handprint on the encased metal and an additional number-pad to follow, the enclosing metal surrounding the pod slunk away, leaving just the regulated standing pad amidst the ongoing cloud of energy.




They all then stepped forward.




Before long, all four were sucked into the teleporter’s magnetic grasp and then pixelated away…..



…..up to the Watchtower.


Back at Atlantis in the ring of fire both Shazam and the newly king of the even seas circled one another a Arthur gripped his tris triton determine to protect his city his people whatever the cost


Aquaman: Your orders be damned boy!



Shazam zaps his beams at him but Arthur rolled aside to dodged them Billy kept zapping only to miss him constantly with Aquaman rolling from place to place around the arena



Aquaman: I don't want to hurt you kid.



Shazam: Then sign that treaty!



Aquaman: Let's not take this further! Let me talk to Superman myself. I'll remind him who truly rules Atlantis.



Shazam: You don't "Talk" to Superman. You do what he wants. And you're gonna do what you agreed to.


Shazam: Like the Kraken I am!



Shazam unleashed a beamful fist but Aquaman countered it with his triton and both countered each blow he throws Billy though manage to get an open shot and uppercut him above the ring then Shazam flies up punches him back down and Aquaman lands hard back in the arena


Billy even grabbed him by his feet spins him around and gives a wide toss with him and Arthur hits the arena wall crashing through it


Back in the throne room with Flash and Mera they kept fighting themselves Flash speeded throwing punches to catch her off guard but lucky for her she fell in front of him tripping him giving the Queen an open shot and stab him in the ankle with a dagger


Flash let out an agonizing yell a Mera stood up holding her dagger kneeing down holding it below his chin



Mera: Arthur devoted his life to honor his Atlanting ancestors. We would never give our kingdom like a pair of worn boots to surface dwellers.



Flash: It' not like that. The treaty only acquire Superman to maintain the oceans. And to recognize your autonomy.


Mera: And put our armie at his beck and call? Never. More like appeaement than a nessercary compromise. Tou and Shazam shall be commited to the Atlantian dungeons till treason decides your fate. GUARDS!


As the guards came running in Flash was force to fight his pain off and stand and speed run out of the throne room


Mera: Find him!



The guards ran out carrying her orders


Back in the ring of fire......within it Shazam searched for Aquaman sparkling his hand to shine light to see in the dark


As he searched his every surroundings


It was quit......too quit......


....utter silence........



.......until.....


......Billy wa tarled by a roar and out of no where a shark like creature came out of no where roaring nearly biting him but Shazam zapped him in the nick of time



He fell back finding himself being confronted by.......


.....King Shark (Voiced by Sylvester Stallone)



Shazam: What the hell?!


King Shark: Lightning lad.



A guffaw and spring in his step later, he leaps forward toward the self-proclaimed Captain Marvel, forcing him back out the wall. More debris blows out from the arena wall as Shark falls on top of Shazam, forcing him down onto the arena seats.


Toppling head over heels over arms on top of one another, no efforts were made to blend into the decor. Instead, they continued to keep rollin' rollin' rollin' rollin' down the stairs, crushing the seats and eventually through the crowd barriers. Back down onto the arena floor...


....Shazam finally gets the upper hand on the metahuman beast, slamming him down onto the floor face first and crashes him onto the other side of the arena gate, leaving a quick flash of a blurry yellow streak of light in his path.


And then, in an utterly baffling move, he pulls him up from the back of his neck and screeches....



Shazam: SHAZAM!



While no thunder crackles under the weight of so much water, lightning does eventually follow.....and down it hurdles towards the arena.


Flipping Shark on his back so he appears in front of him, the lightning does hone in on its supposed target.....and zaps Shark with immediate precision and ferocity. The effects leave the Shark-humanoid ultimately worse for wear, ultimately leaving him yelling out in agony.


Once the lightning finally dies down, Nanaue is given a reprieve. But not before Shazam gets back on his feet.....


....towering over him, charging up both of his fists with energy.



Shazam: Big boy. Gotta put you down now!



THUNK!



The sound of Atlan's trident bouncing off his head and forcing him back a measly quarter of a mile away from Aquaman into another arena gate was far from a pleasant display of head trauma. Gripping the trident tightly like its the last thing he'll ever hold, Arthur just stares at a recovering Billy Batson.


Resentment fills his eyes.


Shazam knocks the rubble off of his suit and cape, bringing his focus back to the straight and narrow, redirecting his gaze back to Arthur.


Gripping the ground with his fists balled up, he just takes off, flying at the King of Atlantis at full speed.


Arthur was ready for this, however.



Aquaman: Leave. My. HOME!


Within an inch of his position, Aquaman slams his trident down below him, resulting in a shockwave, canceling out the water around him and blowing Shazam back yet again.


The water around them now drained with the rest of the arena covered in a bubble until further notice, the attack worked.


It left Billy barely able to move after the giant knockback. All he could see was Arthur crouching beside him, staring him down and shaking his head in shame just like Barry.


Unfortunately, Arthur had to attend matters with Nanaue, who also found himself still breathing after the lightning strike and wanted a little bit of a nibble of the Wizards's champion. Reaching a hand out for him, Arthur had to smack it away.


He wouldn't allow that on his watch.


Aquaman: Easy there, easy. He’s beaten, Nanaue.


King Shark: Nom-nom.


Aquaman: What? No.


King Shark: Just one bite?


Aquaman: INTERVITION!


King Shark: Awe.....



Aquaman approached Billy as he laid there helplessly


Aquaman: Billy Batson. For your crime' against Atlantis you shall face treason and judgment in the name of the seven sea's. Now---


Out of no where Flash came speeding in throwing punches at both Aquaman and King Shark and grabbing Shazam and ran out.....in a "Flash"



Speeding through at Atlantis they made it back to sub they came in from and shove off back into the ocean


Billy manage to regain his focus changing back into Billy Batson (Asher Angel) with Flash piloting the sub



Flash: Fine just.......got my head off bitten off by a mutant shark. Was that friend of yours?


Flash: King Shark? Yeah you could ay that. He was there during the second suicide squad incident


Billy: Well Superman's not gonna be happy with us we couldn't get Aquaman to sign the treaty.



Flash: I'm sure he'll be more mad at Arthur than us.


Billy soon noticed the tab wound on his ankle


Billy: Barry......you're bleeding!



Flash: It's just a scratch I'll be fine.


Flash: It's just a scratch I'll be fine.


Billy: It still looks deep......makes me wonder.


Flash: Wonder what?


Billy: Flash? Aquaman made it look like we were the bad guys. Aquaman only fought us cause he was defending his home like any of us would......you think......we're till doing what's right?



Flash went in silent for he was wondering the same thing for the passt five years only went along with it.......in fear and wanted to believe it was a right cause



Billy: I mean.....I don't know.....I went with this only cause Superman said it was ok. That wa good enough for me.


Flash: I know the feeling. I even asked myself: "What if Joker killed Iris like he did to Lois"?


Billy: It made sense of first. I mean that was cruel for what the clown did. So got what they deserved. But after what happen back there......made me think.....what if Batman's right? What if----



Flash: Bruce.....can't go against his code. Last time he did he lost his way and he and Clark almot killed each other.



Billy: And you don't think Superman has now?



He went silent again as Billy went on


Billy: If it's happening again only the other way around......what if Superman end up killing Batman thiss time? Or Robin or any of the Teen Titans I mean you told me you saw Superman kill Nightwingon that security camera at the theater and he told Jason and Terra----


Flash: Billy!


They both went in silent......yes Flash does know the truth of Dick's murder and the only one he told was Shazam only cause he walked in on him the others don't know not even Superman only caue his fear won out on this



Flash: Look Billy......Superman's not actually gonna kill Batman. He just wants to bring him in to stand trial. And by the time Cyborg has a track on him and the Inurgency-----


Billy: Then what? I mean you don't really think he would? Remember what he did to Green Arrow? Martian Manhunter?



Flash went in utter silence again facing down for a moment when staring forward lost in his thoughts......but they were soon interrupted when the radar detected the teleporter at the hall of justice was being used


Flash: Something's not right. The teleporter is being used but picking up multible life forms. We could have intruders at the Watchtower. Barbra mut ave picked up Cyborg' tracker on her.



Billy: Then we got to top them.


Flash: Let Cyborg and Terra worry about that. We're needed in Washinton. I'm also picking up bogeys heading for DC. Superman may need us more.



And there......they took off out of the water and into the sky as the sub was not only.....a sub but a jet the javelin 7 the transportation of the old Justice League



Speaking of Superman, he was still back in D.C.


And he was still making use of that long speech.


Clark: We have been acting against some of the greatest evils on Earth for half of a decade now—men and women. Governments and other totalitarian Regimes that have killed and tortured and oppressed without consequence for too long......and some people today might see the One Earth Regime as a perfect example of hypocrisy: an all-powerful worldwide organization run by 'fascist tyrants' corrupted and influenced by the very thing we once promised to destroy.


Silence erupts the crowd with some mild booing still erupting through the conference. But this press confidence was broadcasted everywhere, it was all over the news.



Clark: Some of you might see me as an alien.



The GCPD were watching.



But I came to this world as a child. And I was raised by two of the greatest, most compassionate people on Earth. I believe in this world.....



So was Martha.



......and I believe I AM one of you.



And begrudgingly, so was the Insurgency.


Each and every one of them were all looking at the Batcomputers feed of the press conference staring in silence, watching the speech continue onwards. Bruce and Dinah were the only ones who had the slight hesitation to want to turn it off and just look away.



I know there are some who STILL disagree with our actions. But I could no longer stand by and allow the people of Earth to suffer as my family did. Not when I always had the power to prevent it.



Clark: Our actions have been extreme; I will not deny that. But the end result is the same as I intended: fewer people are dying from meaningless and needlessly wars. Less people are now grieving for loved ones. Sons and mothers and daughters and fathers who have been lost are now coming home.


His way of words had begun to rub off on the audience this time. Now, he was finally getting small numbers of cheers again.


Clark: My friend, Lex Luthor, has reminded me that we STILL hadn't told you all why we're doing this. In his words, 'he wanted us to shape a message'. Our message is simple: your lives are important. We just want you to be SAFE.



Now THAT did the trick.



Everyone was cheering him now.



However, the Insurgency hardly bought any of that.


Kori was gripping the hair out of her head while all the others simply looked away from the screen. Bruce and Dinah still had their eyes laser-focused on the screen and every second to come wasn't getting any easier for them to watch.



Dinah: Unbelievable. They'd be fools to believe that murderer.


Rachel: But this is the kind of fucked up world we live in. When people are desperate for peace or strong leadership, they'd give anything away just to acquire it.


Dinah: But you'd think they'd learn their lesson from the past five years, right?


Alfred: He believes his intentions are still the same as they were, Miss Lance. His actions might not capture the validity of his words but he still cares for this world.


Dinah: Tell that to Ollie! I-


There she goes; lashing out on a ghostly cord that grew from her bent spine and dangled over her head as some rotten carrot one would chase.


She's still grieving; still unable to properly recover from the loss and move forward.



Dinah: I-I have to go check on Connor.


Unwilling to press forward with the matter anymore, she storms out the room. Even as Barbara, and Alfred looked at Bruce as the others kept watching the debate, this couldn't JUST slip them by.


And it did bring up an interesting point.


Barbara: She is right about one thing, you know: Superman gaining their trust back in the worst of times only clouds their sense of judgment; fooled them into thinking WE'RE the bad guys. And not only will it be the Regime we have to worry about; the whole world will be fighting against us again. We can't let that happen again.



Kori: Umm, excuse me?


Interrupted and startled, the three that turned away looked back to see Kori pointing at the TV.


Kori: What is that?



She simply walked to the front row as the screen revealed the sky was acting funny. It was in a circular swirling motion, all of the clouds bundling up into fluffy dark greys. ����



Down at Washington, everyone including Clark and President Kane all glued their eyes up to the sky as it slowly began to crack and break itself apart all while the ground began to shake. This was no Earthquake; whatever was causing the sky to break apart was causing shaky as even the ones who are watching this on TV had that same feeling of uneasiness wash over them.


Martha was having it worse for wear.



Clark can only clutch his fist in anticipation of what would come next and then......


.....BOOM!!


People screamed and panic as everyone at home looked at their screens in shock standing up from their couches and chairs



Clark looked up in seriousness but to his own shock the explosion in the sky cleared reveling a swarm of......parademons lead by........Kaliback (Voiced by Kane Hodder)



Kaliback: SUPERMAN! COME OUT AND PLAY!



Clark: Kaliback!



Boon: Friend of yours?



Clark: Hardly. Get somewhere safe gather many as you can with you.....this is about to get personal.



Clark pulled open his collar shirt revealing the logo Kryptonian symbol......of hope as the Perademons swarm everywhere all over DC with people running in terror



In the batcave everyone stood up in sock as Bruce recognized those things from both his knightmare dream AND from the fight with Steppenwolf


Bruce: No.....



Barbra: What the hell are those?



Bruce: Perademons. I seen them before......during the fight with Steppenwolf. Oracle. Get on your computer get us status.



Barbra: I'm on it.



We finally come back to the Watchtower where Gordon Luther Red Robin and Huntress explored the Watchtower and things seemed to be much more organized and put together


Red Robin: Wow. This place sure changed last time we were here.


Lex: Superman's been more fashioned here since he build the Regime. I funded the new tech here and even installed the security here.....which wa how I was able to shut it down the cameras before arriving


Huntress: Clever. I always thought you were a mad man Luther but you're sure a genus.



Gordon: Let' get impressed later. Right now we need to----


Gordon coughed out loud in the middle of his statement which concerned the others


Red Robin: You ok Commissioner?



He continued to cough


Gordon: Never mind me now.....we got to find Cyborg and get him to shut off that hacking tracker.



Next thing they hear.....is yelling they went hiding behind walls to listen and hear familiar voices nearby


Think you're pretty tough aren't ya?


Red Robin: Victor......



I'm not afraid of you.....CHILDREN!



Gordon: Slade.....?


You will be.


Huntres: Terra?


Red Robin: If he's here thi won't be easy.



Gordon: Well we won't make it esay on them.



Lex: Easy big fella. We'll need to get into character. Post.


In a back room Cyborg and Terra did have Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke (Joe Managaniello) both one of Batman's and the Teen Titans's arch rivals under retraint and being tortured by both rogue titans



Terra: This is your final chance to accept the High Councilor's amesty......"Master".



Slade: Get re-educated in your boot camp apprentice.....like you two? Like hell.



Cyborg: Choose your wordss carefully Slade. The boss is bein' generous with you. But I wouldn't be not after the grief you caused us before. And everyone who died in Metropolis five years ago wa enough to sent me on the brink......cause my dad and Beast Boy were one of them.



Slade: Pleae.....I had nothing to do with that. It was all on that clown.



Cyborg: Doesn't matter. You're still on the wrong side of the law.


Slade: In that case.....tell this....to your so called....."Boss".


He spits in them causing Terra to torture him more till.....



FREEZE!


Turning back Cyborg and Terra looked in shock to see Tim Helena and Gordon holding Lex hotage to keep his cover on


Lex: LET ME GO OLD MAN!


Gordon coughs holding Lex and pointing his gun with Robin holding his staff and Huntress pointing her bow


Gordon: Release your hostage and take me to your computer tracker Cyborg.


Cyborg: How the hell you know----



Red Robin: Barbra doesn't have to be a geniu to know when she' being tracked Victor.


Huntres: So this is how things work here?



Cyborg: And you're still playing with that little toy?


Terra: Something's not right......they wouldn't be here unless they forced Luther to give them access.


Luther: Why you think I'm held hostage here?!



Terra: Good point.


Red Robin: Stand down. You're done here.



Terra: You feel his pain? Not yet.



Terra waved her hand shaking the flour causing Robin and Huntress to fall back on the flour Gordon and Luther fell back too but only to a wall once Luther was free he had to run to make his hostage situation was more real



Cyborg: After we're done withh Deathstroke and Superman gets back from DC how bout we go talk to him.



Gordon then was forced to take one of the super pills knowing the risk but had no choice oce it took effects Gordon knocked Cyborg away forcing Terra to turn the sick and powered commissioner



Terra: Enough! Commissioner Gordon......you're under arrest.


Only response she gets to that is the gritting of his teeth and a slight growl rumbling underneath his breath. Raspy, warped, and less harmonized than normal, controlling his breathing was a hassle in itself.



Didn’t stop him from reaching for his Smith and Wesson 39 semi-automatic millimeter handgun and shakily aiming at the young terrakinetic. He also took notice of Cyborg recovering from that mega punch to the face, massaging the right side of his cheekbone.


It didn’t take a genius to learn he took a pill……although it raised rather worrying concerns.




Gordon: Stop the trace.....let HIM go......


He orders, nodding over to Slade, still held up to the table against his will by more wraps of wet Earth around his arms and legs and neck.


Gordon:…..and come quietly.



Cyborg: With all due respect, sir, we’re in a space station. There’s no way you’d be able to fire a weapon in—


He spoke too soon as Gordon did, in fact, fire the gun, launching a single bullet out the barrel, only hitting the mechanical portion of Victor's skull and leaving a small dent in the process.



This doesn’t faze Gordon although it does surprise Victor and Terra a little bit.




Gordon: You want to make any other assumptions?



No answer.



Gordon: Stop the trace or the next bullet hits the soft side of your face.


Terra: Victor?


Cyborg: Let him go.




Confused at first but seeing no other reason to argue, Terra lets loose her grip on Slade as the Earth slowly unwraps away from his body.


He eventually falls flat on the floor, wearily collecting his breath right as she faces Gordon.




Terra: I don’t think you’re gonna kill one of the few friends I have left. At least not in cold blood. Besides, I’m not sure you can.


Gordon: Does it look like I give a damn anymore? Don’t do anything stupid.


Cyborg: Don’t have to do anything. I just have to wait.


Gordon: For wha—




He suddenly crouched himself over as he once again began coughing and hacking blood in front of them both no less. Indeed, Gordon's cancer is quickly catching up to him, and the pained commissioner struggles to keep his weapon raised before crumpling over, face twisted in agony as he drops his sidearm.



It wasn’t long ‘till Cyborg noticed the same thing: with Gordon’s heartbeat racing, his breathing irregular, and his cancer choking up whatever oxygen he had left in his lungs, he could barely keep himself together even WITH the pill.




Terra: He's dying.


Cyborg: His vitals are dropping. I’m sorry, Terra. But it looks like his time is up.



She was confused but at this rate, seeing Gordon like that, it was the truth. He wasn’t going to last long.



With an inkling of humanity still burrowed underneath the exterior of the war-hardened young woman, Terra slowly felt herself emotionally gripped to the visual in front of her, having to resort to watching someone slowly choke on their own breath and die in front of somebody else.


It reinvoked the worst memories of the death of her own parents.



Terra: Commissioner?



She's only able to get one step towards him and her index finger edging the bridge of his shoulder before she gets met with a bullet shield in the face for her hesitation.


With Red Robin making the save, it was good enough of a distraction as any.



Barley gripping his knuckles to the edge of his hands, Gordon slithers his way back up to his feet.


Refusing to surrender, the commissioner immediately charges at Cyborg, and tackles him to the ground. Punch after punch after elbow after elbow to the man reshaped by one of the Motherboxes, the ailing commissioner powered by the Kryptonite pill was relentless towards the cyborg.


However, the detriment of how close he would be to falling only increased with every ingrained series of events to transpire.




In a defensive reaction, Cyborg mutates his arm into his patented sonic cannon and blasts Gordon at point-blank range, though Gordon's increased durability allows him to survive the blow.



However, the feedback does knock back an incoming Huntress who was intended to jump flat off of Gordon’s back and smash Victor in. She’s lucky to recover alongside the main computer….


....where she notices Lex ducking in alongside to sneak by where she was, cradling his hands towards the main computer.



Moving out the way with Lex intent on working his magic; Huntress turns her attention to Terra instead, realizing how under control the Commissioner was…..despite how little time she knew he now had.





The possibility of treason from one of their trusted moles was the least of the One Earth Regime’s worries, however, if the arrival of Kalibak didn’t do enough to stir the hornet's nest for Superman.



Since he was DEAD around the time that Steppenwolf came around to Earth, Clark didn’t really know anything about either him or anything or anyone else relating to the rule of Darkseid.


However, he didn’t seem to give a damn about who Kalibak was in any way.



However, he was left distracted as the insanely large battalion of Parademons led by Kalibak literally flew and breezed past him, laying waste to and slaughtering several witnesses fleeing the press meeting.


Very few of them actually go after the Man Of Steel.


The few that DO don’t last long.



Clark quickly uppercuts one as its head spins a full 360 degrees before just tossing it aside. Soon as the other one comes along, Clark leaps over it and immediately RIPS its wings off. Blood squirting out from its back, he simply tosses the wings at another incoming Parademon, blinding it.



Distracted, Superman finds him blasted square in the chest. The impact pushed him back away from the White House, through the complexes and back out towards the road. His suit and body completely denting the concrete sidewalks and the tarmac on the roads.


Woozy, the attack from that weapon actually forced him down to his knees.



The blast resonated from Kailbak’s Beta Club, as it briefly managed to knock the Man Of Steel down. However, it was unclear whether Clark was feigning his injury or if it really did hurt him all that much.


For Kalibak, he seemed to think otherwise.




Kalibak: I’ve heard that as of five years ago, you didn’t believe in fighting anymore. Is that true, Kryptonian?




Clark can only look up at him, disdain and resentment bottling in his eyes.


He doesn’t get a chance to answer as Kalibak boots him square across the face, knocking him down again.




Kalibak: Come on now, what’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re already pleading for my favor?




He AGAIN kicks Superman, this time square in his chest, rolling him over onto the sidewalk. This time though, Superman is more in a hurry to get up and try to attack.


Kalibak beats him to it, unfortunately.


Smacking him upside the head with his Beta Club, another hit later and the Man of Steel turned High Councilor was left in the ground once again.



Immobilized.



With his Parademons roaming all over the area slaughtering tens to thousands of people, his cockiness and over-confidence were shooting through the roof. But then again, being the son of a tyrannical God tends to do that to you.


It helped in his favor that Superman was really taken aback by this attack. You’d think that after five years of driving away any and everyone existential force that encompasses the far stretches of the galaxy, while bending the rules in your image back at home, that anybody would be willing to think twice about invading Earth.



At least that is what Superman hoped, slowly crawling back up to his feet with the sheer weight of his body shifting all the tiny pebbles of debris and gravel away from him.



Kalibak: Tell me.....do you feel that?


Superman: Call.....off......your attack.


Kalibak: Or WHAT?



He chuckles again.



Kalibak: You expect me to be scared? ME, the son of Darkseid? You haven’t really changed after all this time, have you? For a Kryptonian with so much unlimited power, you rarely exploit it to the peak of your mind's desire. There is no reason to fear you, the universe knows this as does Darkseid.



He couldn’t see just how furious Clark was getting from where he was, but the Man Of Steel was getting very irritated.




Kalibak: You will NOT save this planet. Your pathetic moral code precedes you and YOU will see this planet BURN.





The fascination comes over him as he turns back to see Superman finally getting back to his feet. But that display of hopeful dubiousness quickly fades once he sees the expression plastered over Clark’s face.


He was PISSED.



Kalibak: You.....look......what is wrong with you?




No answer was given. All he got was that deadly thousand-yard stare and now he was the one beginning to get irritated him.




Kalibak: Don’t give me that look, you vile succulent little—



He charges and dashes forward and hits the Man Of Steel with his Beta Club.....only for the club to simply dink him on the shoulder before uppercutting him on the cheekbone. Or at least he would’ve….


….if Kal could feel it.



Once again, Kal’s invulnerability to be immune or highly resistant to one or more forms of physical damage, injury or disease and illness paid off. He didn’t even flinch from the weapon at all.


All he did was crack his neck with a twitch in his eye.




Kalibak: Oh shit.


Superman: NOT. IMPRESSED.



Swiping the Club away from the son of Darkseid, he bends back the weapon, breaking and shattering it upon making contact.



An attempted punch from the beast later goes unheard of. Superman immediately kicks him back in the chest with authority, launching him a mile and a half away from him as he crashed and burned onto the road.


Not without blocking a few Parademons that just so happened to be coming his way.



Confused and incensed at what should’ve been a straightforward victory and with one weapon short, humiliation could not have been anymore patronizing for the would-be conqueror.


Pounding the tarmac, further cracking it in frustration, his luck depletes even quicker when he’s met with Superman IMMEDIATELY flying straight for him. Unable to anticipate the attack until too late, all Kalibak could do was block.



It did not work.


Kaliback was sent flying crashing through buildings and after he landed out of breath he looked up to Superman who was still coming at him and for the first time in Kaliback's life......he felt fear in his heart



In the batcave Oracle was on her tech' to get update on the pera invasion only to find he had.....slight errors


Barbra: The hell?



She tried to get them back up and running but only to find more errors



Barbra: This doesn't make sense.



Bruce soon walked in and noticed Barbra having problems



Bruce: Oracle what's wrong?



Barbra: My sytem are having tacnical data errors. It's not possible.....I've never had to deal with this.


Bruce: Check the commination.



Barbra did only find her firewall wa being breached


Barbra: Someone's been messing with my firewalls. Honestly Bruce do I come in the batcave and start messing with your stuff?



Bruce: I wasn't on here Barbra.



Barbra: Well someone was. Someone from here or.......



Bruce: Or what?



Barbra had a grim feeling her heart tarted racing he went back on her computer and manage to track the source of the problems



She soon found......Cyborg's tracker on her



Barbra: No....



Bruce: What is it?


Barbra: My systems are being hacked to trigger a tracker on u. And it's coming from the Watchtower.


Bruce: WHAT?!


Barbra: Yeah once my fire wall i down......they'll know where we are.



Bruce: Can you stop it?



Barbra: Not from here. The only way to stop the tracker......is from it's own source.



No time to loose Bruce tapped on his ear with his communicator till in it.



Bruce: Batman to Catwoman. Selina are you there?



No answer



Back at the Watchtower the fighting continued Huntress almost had Terra down for the count till she shakes her off and slammed her to the flour



Terra: Time to take out the trash.



TERRA!


She looked up behind her seeing Tim leaping down lunging a kick at her pinning HER to the flour



Red Robin: Do NOT move!


Terra: What' the matter Tim afraid I might exterminate your friends again?!


Red Robin: They were your friend too! I don't get it first you betray us to Slade now Superman?! What did we ever do to make you hate us so much?!


Terra: You joined the wrong side!



Terra forced him off and tended to strike but Robin countered her and slammed her face on a window


Red Robin: Look what's happening out there Terra! Is this the world you want to live in?!



She countered him off and slammed him to the window



Terra: Guess it's never gonna be good enough for you is it?!



He forced her off a Huntress got back on her feet and joined back in the fight with Gordon still beating on Cyborg but his condition got wore from the side effects with the pills growing his cancer faster



But Gordon ignored the pain and kept fighting



As for Lex........he manage to prevent the tracker from reaching it's final process and oon.....cut off the link


The tracker was off wich Barbra noticed from her computer


Barbra: Wait a minute.....now it's just stopped.



Lex nodded to himself but he wan't done yet....he then......looked up on something on Superman......for traces of his DNA




Of course, Bruce would’ve stored separate files on all members of the Justice League and Teen Titans; a thought he didn’t relish but a necessary precaution put in place in the event that any of them would be turned to the other side….


….willingly or otherwise.




But given Lex’s failed attempts to do away with the Man Of Steel himself, the fact he actively looked it up on his own out in the opening where his Regime brethren could willingly see him at any point….


….brought to light how deeply sewn his intentions were to help the right side win, to help win this war. But whatever needed to be done required Superman's DNA in his twisted, multimillionaire mind.




Making a hasty effort with this, he takes whatever strands of data he could steal and uploaded it back to his own main computer at his lab at LexCorp.



And just in time too, for as soon as he turned back around, Huntress’s body is flung over in his direction. He’s barely able to get out of the way before Helena’s body collides with the computer, crackling Sparks everywhere and shorting out its electrical output.



A pretty nasty bump to take regardless, Helena is left sliding off off the keyboard down to Lex’s level, her right hand squarely covering her left shoulder.



The sight from afar looked painful for Montoya, forcing her to come to her lover’s aid.


Upon feeling out her shoulder, Montoya noticed some tension in her left shoulder. As the shoulder is made up of three bones and those bones are joined together by soft tissues to form a platform for the arm to work, the injury looked rather serious, from a hands-on approach.


Her clavicle or collarbone was shattered.




Montoya: You’re injured.


Huntress: I’ll be fine. Dealt with the proxies?


Turning her attention towards a now lingering Lex, he only nods at them both.


Huntress: Good.


Montoya: You better get the hell out of here.



She emphasizes that nod for him to go by shooting her gun over at Terra, who easily blocks the bullets with a Boulder shield. With two attacks on her at once, she turns back towards a charging Red Robin and attempts to slap him back with the boulder.



Instead, he slides up underneath her and plops a Snap-Flash on the sole of her left foot. Soon as he rolls back to his feet, he fires his Batclaw over at her.



Gripping her by the collarbone, he telescopes the wire back to her and clotheslines Terra inside out….just in time for the Snap-Flash to explode, clouding her in a miniature cloud of smoke.



The smoke has a way of revealing the air, making artistry of its swirls and flow. It twirled skyward as if the wisps were dance partners of ancient myth and it disoriented Terra rather quickly. Stumbling through the thick blanket of mist, she was forced to adapt…


….shifting her eyes into a bright distorted gold, serving as her lenses of a tactical vision, barely highlighting enough of the structure of the Watchtower and its inhabitants in earth-like




Little did Tim know that the smoke also disoriented Gordon’s view of vision as well. Unable to see properly, it forbid the Commissioner from continuing beating down on Cyborg forcing him to actually stand back up and away from the window.



Once more, his cancer continued to bite him with those cancerous cells obstructing the airways in his lungs, rendering him unable to move and perform. The opportunity finally arose for Cyborg to finally make a move, lurking as a silhouette through the smoke.


Gordon sees him but is unable to move quick enough to counteract an incoming quadruple punch from Cyborg, using his two extra cybernetic limbs to proficient use.



The blow does launch Gordon across the floor, a view which Terra catches to her misfortune. But please make that shit sundae a double because the next sight that Terra is forced to take in left her dumbfounded; her speech silences itself in reverence to the visual displayed.



Slade’s body was missing.



Terra: Oh you—BASTARDS! Slade’s gone!


Cyborg: Wait, what?



So focused she and Cyborg were on taking care of the intruders and worrying for Lex’s safety, they completely took their eyes off of the ball. Even more so, they were unaware that Lex had shut down their attempt at getting a lockdown on Oracle or the Insurgency base.




And at that moment, the two distracted combatants might as well have already been trounced and gotten the better of.




Terra's eyes catch another silhouette dashing through the smoke....


....and in an instant, the figure is left dashing towards both of them, knocking Terra back with all the force that normally comes with a heavy baton strike while also blowing back Cyborg with a proximity bomb.



Out steps a rejuvenated Slade.




Slade: Have you forgot what I thought you?



Terra: You----


Terra nearly struck but Slade countered her forcing her on the wall and knocking her out



Slade: You were a worthy apprentice. But an ungrateful brat.



Back at DC it was utter chaos the Javelin 7 finally made it and Flash and Shazam saw in shock of the chaos before them


Billy: Oh my stars and guarders.



Flash: Going into stealth mode.



Flash turned on the stealth mode while flying above the battle


Superman approached closely to Kaliback who looked more scared of him noticing a darker side to him and rage in his eyes



Kaliback: You look-----you've never-----what's wrong with you?!


Superman said nothing as eyes lowered in pure rage




Kaliback: SAY SOMETHING!


He launches at him and grabs Kaliback by the collar and throws a punch at him forcing him to roll over Kaliback tried to get back up but Clark kick him on the ground he then grab him by the head and headbutts him forcing back the ground with his face covered in blood


Superman grabs him again and uppercuts him sending him to the sky but hits an airplane busting off it' right wing


Superman: SHIT! WONDER WOMAN!



Diana leaped catching the plane with her bare hands with a little help.......



.....from Shazam teleporting there



Shazam: SHAZAM!


The plane was safely teleported safely to the ground as Diana landed on the heel of her boot with Billy landing beside her



Wonder Woman: You're suppose to be at Atlantis.



Shazam: You're welcome. Appreciate the gratitude.



Diana looked at him seriously and Billy instantly regretted his tone



Shazam: Sorry.



Through out the fighting and panicking Flash speeded through the crowds and found Clark still standing in the rubble ground


Flash: Clark?


Superman: Barry. What'd you doing here?


Flah: Arthur ixnayed the treaty but we got here as fast as we could. What's with the perademons? I thought we took care of them after Steppenwolf.


Superman: He was just a pawn. Kaliback too.



Flash: To who?



Superman: I'll tell you when this over but......Barry......do you see any other way?



Flash: Other way of what?


Superman: Save these people the whole world......without killing these pera's. I've already gain back their trut but if I loose it again cause of what has to be done.......I have to know......if you think there's another way.



Flash looked around him he saw.......there was no other way knowing this would go against his better judgement given his last events during the last five years have started growing heavy on him after hi talk with Billy but he turned to the murdering man of steel......


......and nodded no



Superman: I didn't think so.



Flah: What'd you gonna do?



Superman: What has to be done.



Superman launched up like a missile the peoplee and the pera's looked up seeing him go


Superman made it all the way to space and then.....launched down traight down in full speed creating a massive heat wave through the hemisphere Superman merely became a giant fiery human meteor the pera' all shrieked in terror even Kaliback where he landed hard and soon saw and bolted his eyess in fear.......and then....



BOOM AGAIN!!


Crashing landing back to solid earth at well over the speed of tens of thousands of miles per hour, the energy of his re-entry equaled to that of an asteroid strike close to about 500 tons of exploding TNT.


The instant Superman collided back to ground zero, the instant his fist collided with the grassy terrain back at the White House, everything went to shit.



Flattening the area around him, the grass was weeded away, the tarmac peeled off and out, a community of buildings that stood tall together in the center around the home of one of the most powerful men in the United States, reflecting both the blue and the clouds of white-silver hue laid shackled and whittled away. Nothing but rubble and dust and debris and blood circled around that circular depression of a crater Superman caused.


The rock around the crater is ruched like a ball gown, but harder and more rough than what was left of the concrete on the road that leads back to what was left of the town and the White House. Kal couldn't bring himself to open his eyes beyond his re-entry. It'd bring back harrowing memories of an earlier time: Senator Finch's committee in Washington D.C a decade and a half ago.


The trial resulted in the deaths of Mercy Graves, Wallace Keefe, Senator Finch, and everyone else there, all except him, leaving him swelling in guilt, self-doubt, mortified, and heartbroken over his lack of preparation beforehand to prevent it beforehand. It was that hesitation that got people killed...


....and here he was, detached too far from grace and with no other viable options left, forced to willingly sacrifice more innocents to put the screws loose to a formidably stubborn opponent.



He knew any civilians standing alongside the blast radius were demolished.


He knew the President was dead.


He knew the Parademons nearby weren't as lucky.



Only people he knew had survived the ordeal were Wonder Woman, Flash, Shazam, and Kalibak himself.....


....the latter of whom Kal could see upon finally opening his eyes, seeing the young, brash 'immortal' New God literally buried amongst all the dirt and rubble within the crater he was in.


Superman approaches the New God sternly like a despondent parent, taking ahold of his long hair sticking out from the leveled Earth and dragging him up out of the ground as more rocks and pebbles fly everywhere. The first-born of Darkseid is woozy following the crash-landing from his opponent, disoriented from the utter lengths Superman was willing to go to to get the job done.


Having had enough of taking the beating, Kaliback tried to fight back, shrugging Kal’s hand off his hair and uppercutting the Man Of Steel with as much force as he could.



But Superman didn't move.



Kaliback: You stand still?



Methodically stepping towards him, Clark’s imposing aura frightens his opponent, scurrying away as much as he could. A horrified Kalibak can only stare at the approaching Superman, surprised by how much the Man Of Steel HAD changed prior to the past five years.


Enraged, Kalibak hits back with an incredibly powerful blow to the jaw, but only manages to draw a single line of blood from Superman’s mouth, otherwise failing to affect him, shocking Kalibak.


Kalibak: NAAAARGH!


Unfazed and desperate, he attempts to strike again but Superman catches his punch with no effort.


Superman: You think you can come to MY world, slaughter innocent people, and not answer for your crimes?


Kalibak: Darkseid will—


Superman: No. Daddy isn’t here for you to hide behind.



He then breaks his hand in response, snapping it sideways.


Kalibak doesn’t even get time to retaliate back as Superman bombarded him with body shots to the chest. He dodges another punch from Kalibak and goes back to the body before kneeing him in the face.



Woozy and barely standing from the onslaught of assault, Kalibak barely sees Supes coming as he immediately grabs and holds him up by the neck with force.



Superman: I’ve let creatures like you live before.....but no more. No more mercy for cancer posing as men.



That doesn’t stop Kalibak from futilely choking.....



Kalibak: You c-can’t.....Hng......kill me. I’m immortal......I’M A GOD!


Superman: I.....



He uppercuts him straight up through the air, follows him up and chucks him straight down to the concrete.



Superman: DON’T......



Seeing him crash land on the terrain wasn’t enough. He bolted down towards him only for Kalibak to BARELY cover himself as The Man Of Steel SLAMMED DOWN on the top of his head with a double axe handle, burying him into the ground and contorting his body in the most uncomfortable position possible.



Superman: CARE!!!!!



On the final blow, Superman puts so much ferocity behind his axe handle that the combined force he displays ends up crushing Kalibak's head under his fists and splitting his skull, effectively and IMMEDIATELY killing him.



Guess he wasn’t all that immortal after all.



Exhausted and drained of most of his energy, Clark could only sit back and bask in the sight in front of him: Kalibaks head crushed and embedded deep within the concrete with his body contorted outwards as if he was leaning.


After wiping the blood from his mouth, Superman turns to hear screeching above him.



All of the other Parademons who were sent on him and those who were left around him were beginning to disperse as ANOTHER boom tube appears and cracks through the sky, sucking them all through the hole and back home.



Superman: No more......



That sight would’ve made for disastrous viewing, had Gordon and company been watching all of that from a measly distance away.



Thank God they had other matters to attend to back up at the Watchtower, with both potential grievances having been long since dealt with. Slade had been lucky to be in stable enough condition to block out the pain from being tortured hours earlier to dish back that same punishment towards Cyborg and Terra….


….thus thwarting Victor’s plan on getting obvious whereabouts on the Insurgency’s hideout, thanks in part to Lex playing smart and deleting the proxies sent out to track Oracle while everyone was distracting.



But what exactly has that cost him? Cost everyone else there?



Gordon.



Both Tim and Montoya rush over to Gordon’s aid, the latter slowly rolling back over to his knees and elbows planking against the marble floor unwillingly. All Lex and Helena and Slade could do was watch on, helpless to stop the inevitable.


Hacking up more blood, it was more evidence of Gordon reaching the point of no return. The tumor growing, spreading, consuming him, squashing the very organs that worked to sustain it……had reached its climax.


Gordon: Are....the traces....??


Huntress: Shut down. Your daughter’s safe.


Gordon: Th--thank god....


Lex: Jim. I did try and warn you what the pill would do. But you still took it, regardless?


Gordon: What choice did I have? It was either me.....or her.


All Lex could do was look back in despair; the same with Huntress reflecting that same solitary emotion seeing Montoya close to losing her closest friend.


Even Slade couldn’t help but reflect a silver of gloom on his behalf, taking note of Gordon’s perseverance and courage.


There was hope before. Just a tiny flicker against the wind. With the open eyes of a child Lex reached out for help, fingers extended. At that moment Gordon had a choice of kindness or cruelty; it took no time at all for him to decide.


And in that understanding, he willingly sacrificed everything to protect his only daughter and the world she inhabited.


Gordon: Can you…..give me—give me a minute?


There was the bell toll: the instant Lex and Helena knew it would be the last time feasting their eyes upon the Commissioner. But in doing so, looked across at each other and nodded in unison.


With Slade in tow, he led the way slowly granting his request alongside Lex and Huntress, walking out of the room and back to the teleporter.


Tim and Montoya don’t budge an inch; they stay beside him, kneeling down to his level, knees first before sitting crisscross beside him.


In the end, it wasn’t dying that scared Gordon but pain. If he didn’t wake up in the morning, he’d know nothing of it.


His affairs were in order, his wife gave him some of the best years of his life and vice versa. Barbara was as provided for as she is ever going to be, surrounded by an army of friends committed to raising her like besotted aunts and uncles…..just like him. Gordon remembered grieved for the loss of life he endured all this time, how one interview from an eight-year-old boy who just saw his parents gunned down changed his perception of everything…..


The days his facade would break and he’d cry until his eyes ran dry and chest heaved violently.


Montoya: James?


The Commissioner wanted to see her daughter grow to be a woman and be as good as her father….but better. Now it was no longer her lot, having accepted that the Lord has called him home before he was ready to come. Long has he stopped asking “Why me?” Long has he stopped raging at God.


So now was his last chance to kiss the beloved people who have graced his life and go to Him.


Red Robin: Jim?


He was ready.


Gordon: I’m—I’m….ready.


His words splintered inside of Tim and Montoya, causing more pain than the cancer that was killing him. Terminal. Hospice. Comfort care only.


Looking at him made the agonizing revelation that much more hard. He was skin and bones, pale as a ghost, face barely masking the ordeal inside all while his body self destructed, day by day.


He stares over at Tim weakly, delicately in peace before holding out his hand.


Detached by sheer dejection and woe, Tim hesitated to go through the motions. His hand shaking, he removes his earpiece from the left ear and places it in his hand.


Gordon was only able to wearily bring himself up to his knees now as he was able to stare out of the windows and bask in the glorious sight of the never-ending vacuum of space. Being immensely close to Earth just made the sight from above all the more beautiful to him.


With very few minutes left before his cancer completely chokes out his oxygen and kills him, he knew he had to make one last call to make.


Via earpiece.



Gordon: Oracle?



A few seconds later.....



Commissioner?



Gordon: I’m at the Watchtower. Cyborg’s been dealt with; Lex and Huntress are on their way back to you.



And what about you, Commissioner Gordon? Robin? Montoya?



This time, it takes him a few seconds to answer back.




Can we speak on a closed channel? Please?



Going through with his wishes, Barbara changes the channel and switches it to a closed line so she and he could speak alone.


That way, it’d be easier to let it all out.



Barbara: Dad?



Barbara. I wish you could see this.




Gordon: It looks so beautiful from up here. The seas, the land, the vegetation, EVERYTHING. You can’t see any fear or violence or hatred. It’s just.....calm.



What are you saying?



Gordon: Superman......is a criminal, nothing more, nothing less. He can’t be allowed to hold all of THIS in his hands.



We won't let him, Jim.



He could recognize that voice.



Gordon: It’s good to hear your voice, Batman.



Bruce: Jim.....it’s Bruce.




Gordon: No, it isn’t. It was never JUST Bruce, was it?




Bruce: No, it wasn’t.



You know, you see a lot in this job, a lot of pain, a lot of suffering. But I'll never forget taking a witness statement from an eight-year-old boy who'd just seen his parents gunned down.



Bruce: You were kind, Jim.



You know, I was thinking; I may never get a chance to tell you this.....to say how grateful I am for you. We're the same, Bruce. We'd do everything for our family.



Bruce: I’m grateful. It’s......it’s been an honor to serve Gotham with you.



Thank you, Bruce.......for everything.




Something about the way that statement came out gave Bruce a pause for concern. He could only hope that he wasn’t doing what he thought he was doing.


But Barbara looked more worried than Bruce was. She had to strain herself to keep herself from letting loose any tears.



Barbara: Dad, listen. I just contacted Cash. He’s standing by. Just have Tim and Montoya get you to the teleporter and—



I’m sorry, Barbara.



Barbara: For what?



Leaving you behind again......but you’re strong. You’re brave. And you’re a total original. You always have been. Please, stay strong. The Insurgency needs you. And when the time comes......your mother will......Your mother will be waiting for me. I'll be seeing her again soon......



That brief confession erupted Barbara from the inside. Now the tears were beginning to flow.



Barbara: Dad? Please......don’t do this to me.




I love you, Barbara......and I’m sorry I have to say goodbye.



Bruce: Jim.....



The line immediately cuts off. There’s now nothing coming from over on the other side.



Bruce: Jim?



Still gazing out into the void of space and down on his beloved home on his knees, Gordon, quickly exhausted and barely functional prior to the pill finally increasing the state of his cancer to disastrous effects….


….drops the earpiece.


Gordon collapses onto his back, unable to move and growing limp and immobile. Montoya was lucky to scooch up underneath him, letting his head rest on her lap. Tim lies a single hand on his shoulder.



Speaking his final words to his oldest ally......



Gordon: Batman.....I guess I.....I guess I get to—disappear on you for once.



.....his lungs and his heart finally give out on him as he chokes on his final breath.



The commissioner of Gotham quietly passes away on the Watchtower, content in knowing his daughter and city were safe.


Barbra: Dad?! DAD!! DAD ANSWER ME PLEASE!!


Barbra tried and tried calling and calling out for her father but the silent response was too obvious to Bruce as Barbra kept trying Bruce placed his hand on her shoulder drawing her to turn her head to him



Bruce: Barbra.......I'm sorry......but.....he's gone.


Barbra: No.....NO HE'S NOT! WE CAN TILL SAVE HIM! I'LL HAVE TIM BRING HIM DOWN AND WE CAN GET HIM MEDICAL ATTENTION! WE NEED TO----



Bruce: Barbra!



She turned turned her head again to him and the silence.......says it all and Barbra now drew tears herself and cried hugging Bruce



Bruce comforted her thinking back to all the times he spend with Gordon when Gordon comforted him as a boy when his parents were murdered when he use to chase him during his earliest times as Batman and the pat 20 years of all the caes they solved together




Bruce: Goodbye Jim.



Back in DC it was a giant crater from the explosion countless casualties (Including the President) but were a handful of survivors but a the foggy dust slowly cleared Superman and the rest of the Regime emerged catching their attention


After one moment of silence the crowd slowly cheered it wa faint and low but got louder and louder and LOUDER



Clark then for the firt time in five years......grew a smile knowing he won back teir trust


The Vice President came out of the crowd ran up to Superman and lifted his arms up without hesitation



Vice President: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN GIVE IT UP FOR THE WORLD'S GREATET CHAMPION: SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPERMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


The crowd cheered louder and chanted his name


SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN!



Clark raised both his hands up smiling wider Diana grew a grin folding her arms all satisfied but Barry and Billy were just confused after everything that happened from Atlantis......to this




As for the Insurgency in the batcave seeing this on tv just pissed Dinah off even more seeing them cheer on her husband's killer just was limited of how she took it especially for Kori




Dinah: IDIOTS! They forgotten what he really is......MURDERER!


Alfred: Ms. Drake try to calm down.



Dinah: How can I calm down?! Now those bastards will believe anything that son of a bitch says! We are in deep shit! Superman is gonna point out we're the fucking criminals and they'll believe it!


We've always been criminals


Everyone turned to see Bruce walk back in




Bruce: All of us. It just only matters what crime we commit......to stop the real crime. They know it too even Clark. As I said long ago.....nothing's changed.




Rachel: But this time it has Bruce. We're now likely to be the most hated and most wanted on the planet now.


Bruce: Clar'ss won thi fight yes. But it's not gonna stop us from winning the war. Cause we just had another loss. Jim's gone....



Everyone froze in shock especially Alfred and worried for Barbra



Kori: And where's Barbra?




Bruce: She's murning right now. And needs to. Cyborg nearly hacked hi way into her systems to find us but.......Gordon died stopping him.



Dinah: What was he thinking? He was sick he wasn't suppose to------




Bruce: His daughter was in danger Dinah. You should know that better than anyone.



She faced down knowing she wouldd do the same for her son


Bruce: Later tonight when everyone is here......I'm calling in a meeting.




Bruce: Hopefully.....something that will help us end this war.



No point in waiting.



The voice draws Bruce and everyone else’s attention in the room towards the back entrance by the waterfall. Huntress, Montoya and Red Robin is left methodically pacing up the stairs before coming face to face with everyone in the room.


Lex and Slade were nowhere in sight. The latter was understandable; a man who was used to working solo with no exceptions whatsoever. Lex though……the same could be said.



Nobody was ready to quit mourning for the beloved Commissioner but especially Barbara. Poor Ms. Gordon, all of this time, all of these years almost mentally isolated from her father only to find out he knew her secret all along….


….and then lay down his life for her after a long battle with cancer.


Turbulent, Tim was left removing his cowl, his eyes crippled with anguish and rage. Now was not the time to disrupt his girlfriend.



Tim: We need to end this, Bruce. NOW.



No use in arguing with that. Luckily, for Bruce, it didn’t matter that not everybody was here. It was more than enough for what he had planned.


All that mattered now was how much time they had left to put an end to it all.


Bruce: There is ONE more alternative that I have in mind.


Tim: I smell Plan.


Helena: Well, THAT helps justify it.


Bruce: During my first encounter with Clark eight years ago, I stole some samples of Kryptonite from Lex back when I thought he was a threat. Most of the weapons I used against him were put to good use.....


~Silence~


Bruce: All but one.



Eyebrows shot up.


Tim: But one?


Dinah: You didn’t use them all?


Bruce: I saved the last one in storage in case I ever got desperate. It’s the only weapon I have left to take down Superman. A Kryptonite-based laser that—


Rachel: Hold on.


He gets interrupted.


Rachel: ANOTHER Kryptonite weapon? If you kill him, you’re no better than he is.


Montoya: Why? Clark ripped away someone important from all of us. It’s only fair if he returns the favor.


Tim: Except that’s exactly what he wants. Besides, he didn’t say kill. It’ll only incapacitate him, nothing more.


Montoya: Then update the damn thing. Better yet, use the golden one.


Tim: Not a chance in hell.


Montoya: Why the hell not? They think we’re the enemies either way; why not use that as a catalyst and press forward? Isn’t the smallest chance at victory enough of a reason to keep going?


Helena: But we’re not like him.


Montoya: It’s just ONE death.



Brief silence erupts.


Anger was really taking over Montoya cause she was ALREADY sounding like Superman now of taking a life for the benefit of others.



Tim: It always starts with just one. But once you justify it, you can do it again and again and it becomes easier.



Kori: Renee. Control yourself.



She just stands there rather defensively, breathing heavily as Helena comforted her as best she could



Helena: This isn’t just Gordon talking, ok? We miss him just as much as the next guy....and goddamn it, I miss Dick just as much. Just as much as Kori does. But we’re on the wrong side of the law here and it’s the wrong time and place to let emotions get the better of us.



She kinda had a point.




Bruce: The weapons at Arkham Asylum. The only issue.....I need your DNA to unlock it. All of you.




That just raised eyebrows at him, with confusion spreading across the room.


Bruce: When I build the contingency plans for the Justice League I needed to make sure Superman would never find it if he ever lost control. Our DNA can unlock the seal that blocks his X-ray.


Barbra: And why would you have it hidden in Arkham? It's been condemned since Joker took over the Asylum. Plus Superman's had it under locke down.



Bruce: Victor's tech can easily be decrypted. All though once it is he'll sure to know and inform Superman so we'll have to be in and out once we get to the cave.


Rachel: A bat cave? Under Arkham Island?


Barbra: I aid the same thing.



Bruce: I built it years ago. It's best to plan ahead for situation like this.


Helena: How did you manage to keep this a secret? Especially from Superman?


Bruce: It's me. Remember?


Helena: So you think this weapon can kill Superman?


Bruce: I didn't say "KILL" you did. Raven's right killing him we're no better. No it'll only incapacitate him. Stun him long enough for me get him to a red solar security cell nothing more. The weapon's in the batcave at Arkham Island. I need your DNA to unlock it. Any quetions?



Tim: Yeah where exactly is the batcave at Arkham?


Bruce: Dead Man's Point. It's been a favorite suicide location on Arkham Island for over 100 years. I once saved an unfortunate inmate from leaping off the rocks below. I found a cave entrance there and Lucius helped me move a number of supplies there. It's a regular home away from home.


Kori: And why does our DNA only unlock it?



Bruce: I sealed it in a slab that's too thick for Superman to x-ray on.


Barbra: Great so we get the weapon we can finally stop the son of a bitch.


You'll need all the help you can get then.


Everyone turned to the door to that voice and who entered......was the king of Atlantis himself which alarmed everyone


Kori: What is this?!



Tim: How are you even alive?!



Bruce: At ease. What'd you want Arthur?


Arthur: Believe me I rather not be here either.......but believe it or not.....I've come to finally pick a side.



Rachel: Hardly sounds like you. You didn't pick a side for the last five years.



Arthur: Well I couldn't ignore it after Flash and Shazam tried to force me to sign a treaty to allow Superman take my city.....he forced our hand.



Barbra: Our?



Who came in behind Arthur was King Shark which really alarmed the brave rebels even Bruce


Bruce: King shark!



Arthur: He's with me. King and I formed a truce five years ago to build a strong force.....now my armies and his pack now work in numbers.



King Shark: But I guess it's not enough. But unlike most of the Suicide Squad I never indulged in law breaking. Waller doesn't even subspect her own pet shark now serves under Atlantis.


Tim: Aaaaand you talked in a full sentance.


King Shark: I had lessons......from the Queen.


Arthur: But heed me Bruce. I'm only siding with you because it's the only way to stop Superman from taking over Atlantis.......after he's stopped or better yet killed.....the truce is over......I never want any of you surface dweller to set one one toe in Atlantis again.



Bruce: Fair enough.



Everyone at back down as did Arthur and King Shark stood there behind him and Tim was creeped out around him seeing a shark up cloe ever since Penguin's pet ice shark: Tiny from Arkham City



Bruce: Now here's what we'll do.....once I download the unlock codes to decrypted the tech locking down the Asylum Cyborg is sure to pick up the signal and inform Superman. So we'll have to be in and out. I'll contact Selina cae we need cover. Kori Rachel and Tim your DNA's are needed mot so stay close to me. Arthur......you and King will be our mussel there. Superman will surely have extra security we can't let anything stop u. Got it?




Everyone nodded


Bruce: Alright suit up.



Everyone but Barbra left the room consumed by the loss of her father she took one look at her paralyzed legs and clutched her fists with the only parent she had now gone.......she was not gonna sit this out


Barbra strolled to Bruce's desk took the office phone and dialed a number and called.......




Lex Luther.


Barbra: Lex it's me. I need your help.




A leap of faith was taken at that moment.



Her life these past six years or more, cooped up beside a losing team stuck strictly on life support, has been akin to sprinting through fog. All of her best efforts, while sensational towards many short-lived victories, never ensured a long-lasting shift in a war that really should not have happened. She had already earned her stripes and then some…..


….so if Lex could talk not to her of faith but actively supply another helping hand, his reputation as an unsung hero during this reign of terror would only skyrocket.




It didn’t stop the businessman and former CEO of LexCorp Industries from remaining skeptical about the task Barbara presented him with. It was equal parts bold, risky and suicidal.


An equally concerned Barbara took full notice of her actions, watching him ponder out the thought in silence all while she twiddled her thumbs in uncharacteristic impatience, her palms growing sweaty and her controlled breathing slightly breaking the pattern, growing more tetchy.



Having met up with him by LexCorp Research Park, it was apprehensive as all hell going through with this behind Bruce’s back. He wouldn’t have approved of this…..and technically, neither would’ve Jim.



But it was no longer up to any of them.



Lex: You don’t think that’s too high a price?


Barbara: I’m the only one who can take it.


Lex: Your rationale was never in question. It’s the risks I’m concerned about. If Gordon….


Barbara: Dad wouldn’t have stopped me; he want me to keep up the good fight if it meant we won. Your concern is appreciated, I really mean that…..but it’s not necessary. I’m ready.



Lex was left staring dead at Barbara, almost kneeling down to her level. He could tell she was just as apprehensive about this as him, but that is the most natural of emotions when we see an opportunity with the potential to bring back something special into our lives.


What's more, the emotion was mirrored in her soul, the sheer grit and sparkle reflecting in her eyes. This was a real moment, significant and potent. He was worried, yet he believed in her abilities and her passion; a testament to why Bruce made her a crucial element to their team in the first place.



If anyone can do this, it would be her.



Lex: All right, then…..



Unsuccessful in getting her to back out, it left Lex in a race against the clock. Since he’s still being rather useful as one of many of the Regime’s moles, frequent meetings with them were put in place and scheduled.


Superman is supposed to meet up with him in an hour. So no point in lallygagging.


Moving out from behind the revolving doors, it leads the both of them to one of Lex’s many labs. But as established in the Research Park of LexCorp, Luthor Technologies specialized in research and development into weapons, pharmaceuticals, robotics, computer hardware and software (LexComp), bio-engineering, fertilizer, preservatives, hydroponics, air conditioning, and other fields.



So he was living up to his namesake, alright.



Lex: For the sake of full disclosure, I was lucky to modify the formula ahead of time and design it to your specific needs. But it bears repeating saying that the science is….unpredictable.


Barbara: Worst case scenario?


Lex: Possible permeant neurological damage, complete spinal paralysis with no motor or sensory function, and, of course…..death? Are you ready?



She could only nod and shrug.



Barbara: When you put it that way……how can I say no?



She seized an opportunity, made the best of it in a dark time, and took it at the first hurdle.




A certain latitude that Floyd Lawton (Will Smith) did not receive or take equally as fondly as her.



The World’s Top Marksman, the man who never misses, the Exterminator himself was now mentally and financially crippled to the point of almost no return. And to think not all of his ‘fortunes’ pre-Metropolis was this murky.



Cold.



Unsatisfactory.



Having joined the government-sanctioned Task Force X and having made some friends along the way, while on a mission in Midway City back in 2016, Lawton was tasked with the defeat of Enchantress, who built a doomsday device in the city, and her brother Incubus. His success with the mission served to reduce his prison sentence and allowed Lawton to regularly visit his daughter, Zoe.



Deadshot's success in helping shepherd Task Force X's maiden mission allowed ARGUS to arrange several more missions for the group, albeit composed of different combinations of members in certain missions. At least one member, the deceased Savant was known to have heard of the phrase "Suicide Squad" coined by Deadshot, referring to the name upon joining the team.




Everything changed though, following Metropolis.




When the Boy Scout snapped, Floyd remained as absent from the proceedings as possible, following the death of his ex-wife Susan and her boyfriend Darnell who just so happened to be in Metropolis around that same time. Despite his not-so-clean track record, he was, surprisingly, one of the only few “criminals” out and about in Gotham that were offered amnesty prior to Superman’s rise to power.


And for the sake of his daughter, he had to take it.



But he couldn’t stomach the thought of leaving her upon realizing it would leave Zoe all alone and susceptible to whatever Superman did next. Luckily, he didn’t have to lift many fingers to ensure her safety.


But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t come at a cost.




Having to move to Midtown City to stay anonymous, most of his days were reduced to excessive exercising, push-ups, sit-ups, more punching bags and occasionally sneaking out to rob whoever he could, desperate to put food on the table and get by. Since Superman effectively took away any and all assassination jobs, this was the best he was forced to do.



But not today.



The effort at doing so became more monotonous than the actual attempts made, with Floyd barely rocking himself up off the couch, legs first.


His eyes immediately shoot towards the window, while his hands dangle around the cross around his neck. From the window comes a refreshing flow of air, enlivening the senses and relaxing the breath….


….if not ever so slightly.



Suddenly, there was a knock at his door that not only startled him but made him point a pistol near the entrance.




Floyd: Who's there?




No answer.




Keeping his pistol up and cocking the hammer, he slowly trudges towards the doorway remaining cautious as ever. He peeked through the peephole and what he saw....


….made him lower his gun.



Unbolting the locks and opening the door, it was none other than the one, the only Amanda Waller (Viola Davis).



Floyd: Huh. ‘The Voice Of God’.


Waller: Of every location you could’ve hidden in, it had to be here?


Floyd: Plain sight, classic tactic.



He wasn’t exactly in the wrong there. Sometimes the obvious choice wasn’t always that obvious and understandably, it left Amanda a little embarrassed.


Nearly facepalming at the revelation of spending two and a half years trying to find ‘the Serial Killer who takes credit cards’ ended with her finding him at one of the bases of operations of the Suicide Squad’s more successful missions, Waller was understandably despondent to that.


Waller chuckles mildly, feigning laughing it off, and just waltzed right in, needless to say to Floyd’s priceless reaction.



Floyd: Did I say you can come in?


Waller: Be lucky it’s me coming in and not Superman.


Floyd: Fair point.


He shuts the door



Floyd: What'd you want Waller?


Waller: I have a job for you.



Floyd: Another Suicide Squad mission? Hate to burst your bubble Waller but didn't the Bat shut you down years ago?



Waller: Yes but Superman has forced my hand. He may not know but I believe his Regime is destroying everything I fight for. And I don't know if Batman will ever win this war given it's been five years but I don't intend to take chances Batman may try to stop me but.......if the Insurgency fail to stop Superman.......my squad maybe earth's last hope.....and finally fulfill what I originally build this team for. Even so.....there's a slight possibility Superman may come after you for this.....when he whipped out all of crime. And given he recruited an army.


Floyd: Whoa whoa whoa.....I know where you're going with this.....and......here' three reasons why I think that's a suicide more than your team of suicidal criminals. 1. SSuperman made it clear no more crime and murder or you get murdered. 2. I wa forced to retirement when he banned crime INCLUDDING assasination. And 3.......I'm trying to be better for my daughter her mother and.....her asshole of a boyfriend died in Metropolis and last thing she needs......is her father.....still doing bad and stupid things.


Waller: As much a I try to undertand.....do you really......want your daughter to live in a world.......that's govern......by a mad tyrant?


That's what made Floyd go silent



Waller: I know you mean well Floyd. And your daughter is the mai reason you did what you did. But be honest with me......are you really happy......with her under Superman's authority which is judge jury......if any mistakes.....are ever made?



Floyd: All I ever wanted......was Zoe to grow up without fear and.....violence. So part of me thanked Superman for that. But the other part.....never trusted him from the git go not even during the Zod invasion........



Waller: So.....just for your daughter's sake......you tink will....



Floyd wa in utter thought he wa scared where this will lead him and his daughter but knowing he doesn't want her to live in a world of a Regime......run by a super powered tyrant......Floyd.....felt both regretful......and desperate......and soon he looked at Waller with determination



Floyd: Alright I'm in. Only cause there's some next level shit and I'm with that. But before you get to reboot me up know you choe me first so you reconize my skills. But after that I don't want no more anything to do with your top secret mission shit or nothing like that. Cool?


Waller: Cool whatever you say slick but I'll need to tell you something about all your skills.



And minutes after that Floyd suit up from gear to mak loaded weapons and from there........


......Deadshot returns


At Lexcorp in Luther's office Lex has been on the phone.......



.....with Barbra for hours



Lex: You sure you're fine Barbra? I am impressed that this worked. But why don't you want to tell Bruce yet? That's understandable but we can't afford further delays. Well do what you can but I recommend you don't hold this back further before......




Lex was soon interrupted by his speaker that buzzed



Mr. Luther. The High Councilor is here to see you.



Lex: Fuck.....no not you Barbra. I'll talk to you later tonight. Something's come up.



Luther hung up on Barbra and replied on the speaker



Lex: Send him in.




A moment not too soon.....Superman entered the room


Lex: Ahh the man of the hour. Clark my friend how are you?


Superman: Good.....first time in years.



Lex: Please.....have a seat.



Superman set down on the sofa as Lex sat back in his desk



Lex: SSo my friend.....what do I owe the pleasure?



Superman: I need some information. When Victor reported about your......hostage situation he told me he......found a result of you finding traces of my DNA that was downloaded to your frequencies. May I ask what that' about?



Lex's heart skipped two beats fearing Superman might kill him there and then so he paused for thought.....and thought of a.....MILD lie



Lex: Actually.....something to help you stop the Insurgency.




Superman: How so?



Lex: I been working years to devolp a.....a cloning machine.....it's something I been building long before.......the......tragidies......but since then I been working more ways to use it to help serve in the Regime.....I needed your DNA......because I been making you....an army of Supermen.....like yourself.




Superman: Like me?



Lex: I know I should have asked first but like you I want Batman and his rebels dealt with as you do I didn't had time to say at firt and got desprate.



Superman: I see.....an army of Supermen?




Lex: Exactly. It'll till take me a few weeks.



Superman: You'll figure it out. You always do.




Lex: Glad you think so.



Both Kal and Lex stood up and shook hands



Lex: Would you like to join us for dinner this weekend? Stephan has a new shipment of that Kansa beef.



Superman: I'd love to but I got my hands full at the moment. Maybe next time.



Superman was about to walk out.....but stopped to think and had to ak one question......



Superman: Your.....cloning machine......you don't suppose.....it could.....make another Lois.....do you?



There was brief silence before there was an answer back.


Lex: It’s possible, yes. But as far as I’m concerned, there was only ONE Lois.


Clark just chuckles it off briefly. But still the thought couldn’t leave him: what if this was the only opportunity to bring back the ONE thing that meant so much to him? What if he could regain what was taken from him?


Stolen from him?


Killed from him?


With this brief yet visible painful expression over his face, he brushes it off quickly and just walks out the room.



Once the coast was clear, Lex scrambles back to his computer and turns it back on. Lucky for him, the data regarding his clone DNA had fully been transferred onto the resounding data chip.


Data transfer complete.


He’s quick to pull the USB out from the slot and just stares at it before putting it into his pocket.



Over the time span of 10 minutes, he’s walking up the stairs and out onto the roof of his newly rebuild LexCorp building in the rebuilding of Metropolis. Basking in the cool air for only brief moments, he approaches the very edge of the roof where he saw he wasn’t alone.


Amanda Waller and Slade had been waiting for him.


He didn’t even have to acknowledge his presence to them as he just stares out into the sky, glueing his eyes deep at the barren moon


Lex: Beautiful, isn’t it?


Slade: The moon? Or it’s light shining off your bald head?


Lex: Glad to see you’re both onboard. I’m pleased you wanted to meet. So I suppose you’re ready to join our little club?


Slade: Business is bad. Being hunted is worse.


Waller: When the world is in all but in peril, sometimes we have to make sacrifices.


Lex: Even so, after so many refusals.....why now?


Waller: Preferably speaking, you and I have the same beliefs, Luthor: Superman thinks he’s above the law......and I intend to remind him that he isn’t.


Her reasoning made sense.


Lex: Slade.


The silence was deafening. But poignant as a recumbent Slade is forced to admit that he is only joining them because......


Slade: They made it personal.


On the other side back in Gotham, what really needs to be said about Bruce?



Being limited on backup plans and with his wings close to be clipped, he had very little chances on winning this war with the Regime. But he had one last alternative in store and now was the opportunity to act on his promise.


He had stored one of the last few Kryptonite weapons in his possession at arguably one of the most notorious shitholes in the country, an environment in which known inmates are known to escape from at least once a week.



Arkham Asylum.



A Victorian-style psychiatric hospital and sanatorium located within the suburban community of Somerset on the outskirts of Gotham City, the family estate turned medical treatment center for the terminally ill is dedicated to rehabilitating those considered too dangerous for normal prisons such as Blackgate Penitentiary or even Belle Reve.


Originally, Arkham Asylum was used only to house genuinely mentally ill patients, having no connection to Batman or his allies and developing to become a premium 500-bed psychiatric facility holding a range of individuals, but in more recent years, it has become infamous for holding the majority of the Dark Knight's adversaries, with almost every one of them ending up within Arkham at least once.


Only for them to break out just so Batman could put them right back in.


That long, gratuitous pattern was halted thanks to Superman’s no-nonsense totalitarian brutality. He almost caused the Asylum to shut down entirely but alas, no avail.


Perfect opportunity for the Caped Crusader to get in, find what he’s missing and get the hell out. But he wouldn’t be at it alone.



Dropping in from the roof, Red Robin, Black Canary, Huntress, Starfire and Raven followed suit, leaving Montoya as their eyes and ears on the outside to keep a close eye on the perimeter. Aquaman and Nanaue were primed at the ready from afar.


Her pistols at the ready, she perches herself by the edge of the building in a sniper-position.


Montoya: I’m at the ready.



We are go for extraction.



One by one, each member drops in from above, landing in the Penitentiary, the main incarceration area for the various deranged inmates of Arkham Asylum. It included a Main Cell Block for some of the most crazed patients on the island, an Extreme Incarceration area, and a Visitor's Center.


For Kori and Raven, it was their first time scouring the depths of this decaying confinement center. Passing by each cell told a different story.


Something rather disturbing…..but all of which pointed back towards the same trajectory. Apparently taking their liberty is not enough, keeping them from those they love is not enough, seizing our property to pay for their upkeep in the “maze” is not enough. This place was designed to take so much more than that. By the time a person has done even half their minimum sentence here they rarely recall their name and have lost most of their vocabulary.


For the most part, those who takes the most and gives it in this torture had their sanity shot, swinging between crying for the mothers and battling invisible demons.


The latter of which Raven knew all too well. Kori however was more vocal about this.



Starfire: Out of all the places, it needed to be here? Real subtle of you, Bruce. I’m surprised this wasn’t priority number one for Kal?


Huntress: Point taken. How DID you hide anything in here from Clark? Looks like he was pretty thorough in his searches.


Batman: He wasn’t kidding in taking care of all the ‘madmen’. Shortly after Dicks death, I called in Lucius with a favor. He brought packages of them here and I injected the walls of this facility with lead polymer. Even if Superman finds us here, he won’t suspect WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR.


Raven: Sounds environmentally SAFE.


Canary: Sure went through a lot of trouble.



Ignoring that last remark, Batman turns back the path ahead, switching his cowl to alter his eyes, activating Detective Mode. The blue layout caught wind of the stained, decaying architectural structure of the Asylum, highlighting multiple deceased inmates from the skeleton up to the muscle tissue.


Any medics that were there were highlighted in white.


All of them had been dead for years now; the bodies have all been decomposed by then.


However, the Detective Mode began to pick up a faint disturbance from the end of the room…..leading outside.


Following the signal, the others tailed behind him outside of the building and into the Botanical Gardens, perched alongside Arkham Mansion, one of the oldest structures on the Island directly beside Dead Man's Point.


Heading straight inside, they made it down to the basement via elevator, leading to another Batcave.


Batman: Neutralizing Superman was something that I knew I couldn’t handle alone. So I put the weapon in a vault that only opens by simultaneously sampling DNA from Superman's closest allies.


Red Robin: But they joined the Regime.


Bruce: With Ollie dead, J’onn vaporized, Zatanna AWOL and the others backing Superman’s insanity, that leaves the rest of you and your matching DNA.


The signal, sustaining a faint but audible heartbeat, grew louder and louder. Bruce eventually turned back to the wall on the far right.


Approaching the right wall in which his Detective Vision picked up the signal from, he gets a feel for the area, massaging over cardboard alongside the brick walls.


Batman: It’s behind here.


Turning off his Detective Mode, he then takes out his Explosive gel and just sprays a bat symbol on the weak structure of the stone wall.


The Dark Knight steps back and the rest stand behind him as he presses down the button on the gadget, triggering the gel to explode and completely rupturing the wall. While prices of ruble came crashing and flying all over the place, only one piece of ruble stood out from the rest.


It was oddly shaped but protruded enough to catch the eagle eye of Tim.


Red Robin: Wait. There, THAT one.


He picks up the rectangular rock.


Starfire: A rock?


Raven: You’re gonna throw a rock at Superman. Yeah, that’s BRILLIANT. I never would’ve thought of that.


Batman presses a button from his remote and out from the ground, the shape of a pentagon lights up with a laser, carving itself out from the ground. Opening itself up, the DNA scanner rose up from out the ground.


Sensing where this was going, Tim just placed the rock on top of the scanner.


Red Robin: Everyone gather around. Hands on the scanners.


Unlocking the weapon was only accessible via handprint of each member of the team. Each member had their own signature colors to identify themselves via DNA so they all gather around placing their hands on their separate section of the scanner.


Bruce had blue.


Tim had Red.


Dinah had yellow.


Kori had orange.


Raven had purple.


And Helena had.....



Huntress: Pink? Really?



Kori just shrugs.



Batman: Computer. Begin recognition scan.



Responding to Bruce's command, the computer scanned their palms and in several seconds, the rock on the scanner CRACKED like an egg.


Bruce whipped the shattered rock shards off, revealing a briefcase. He opened it, revealing three parts of a ray gun and a pure Kryptonite shard alongside it.



Raven: Artistically, I guess that WASN'T the rock you thought I was asking.


Canary: You know what they say: there’s more than meets the eye.


Bruce closes the case and he handed it to Helena.


Batman: Alright, let’s go.



Guys, come in!


The sudden cry of desperation piking in from the other side of comms drew everyone’s ire and concern but not as much as her lover. Helena quickly answers.


Huntress: Renee? You see anything?



Montoya: You’ve got hostiles incoming. LOTS of them.

Batman: STAND TOGETHER!

The brave rebels stood together and the first to burt in the Arkham batcave was Bane Grundy and Catwoman who all stood together as well as the Insurgency

Still being the mole Selina had to act her part to make the Regime believe se was on their side o had to stay on top of that Batman had to make it convincing with his brutal greet

Batman: Bane Catowman and Grundy.

Catwoman: Hello Bruce. Still as handsome as ever.

Bane (Dave Batista): He esperado mucho tiempo para esto. (I've waited long time for this.) Now I break your back Bat-Man.....this time....PERMINANETLY.

Batman: Sorry Bane. But Superman beat you to it.

Batman threw a smoke bomb distracting the Regime members and the Inurgency pread and tok a villain at a time

Batman threw a smoke bomb distracting the Regime members amd the Insurgency spread and took a villain at a time

Batman went for Catwoman (To keep the cover going) Robin Raven and Starfire went for Grundy and Huntress took on Bane

Grundy: GRUNDY SMASH LITTLE TITANS!

Red Robin: Didn't know you were a hulk fan Grundy.

Raven: Azerath Netrian Zinthos!

Raven caught Grundy in her telekinetic grip as Starfire launched her starbolts which barely slowed Grundy down Robin truck with his baton hitting him multiple times wich hardly did any damage

Huntress shot her bow at Bane only end up catching the arrow with his bare hands

Bane: Foolish child. I was trained by the great Ra's Al Ghul. Your pitiful human weapons are meaningless to me.

Black Canary: Oh yeah? How bout a bird call?

Dinah yelled out her bird call wich stunned Bane enough for Huntress to shoot another arrow cutting off one of Bane's tubes but not enough to leave him weak he charged grapping Dinah covering her mouth and about to knock her lights out only for Huntress to climb on top of him and pull another tube off but still barely weakening him he had two more left but still dropped Dinah

With Bruce and Selina she launched her whip for Batman to counter them to make it more convincing she soon pinned him to a wall enough time to whisper

Catwoman: Did you get the weapon?

Batman: Yes. Now you get the weapon?

Batman: Yes. Now you just need to capture me.

Catwoman: Few more rounds first. Just so you know not enjoying this as I did the other night we spent together.

Batman: Less talk more fighting.

They kept on


A knee to Bane’s face and a flip later, Dinah is behind his back, staring down his precious venom supply. Not much time is taken to do anything about it, as Bane attempts to backslap Black Canary away with no avail.


Backflipping away, Canary left Robin ample opportunity to telescope his staff outwards. Swinging upwards around Bane’s left arm, he boots Bane across the face…..only for the behemoth to big boot him across the chest and knock him down. The distraction worked well enough for Huntress, shooting four arrows out from underneath him.


Telescoping out to the wall, the arrows wrap around his legs and tie him down momentarily. It was long enough for the Birds to take turns wailing on him…..to mild success.




Kori and Raven had better luck with the giant zombie brute, leveling him with constant punches and blasts to the face. Most of them mildly irritated the former Cyrus Gold who slapped away Starfire, only to do the same to Raven.



But he misses as she phases through his hand.



Reappearing mere seconds later, Raven pushes him back telepathically all while his feet skid amongst the gravel. Not done yet, she is made aware of Grundy's increased frustration, waddling his way towards her. Raven is lucky to emit a powerful bolt of energy that hurls Grundy away from her....


....long enough for Starfire to swoop in and lift Grundy up off his back to hurdle him through the roof of the Batcave and out the door of Arkham Mansion, leaving both of them in the Botanical Gardens.




Grunting mildly, the concussive impact of hurdling through a building barely left Grundy phased at all. If anything, Starfire was wondering the extent of damage this former killer-turned-living legend could take.


And that is where she made a mistake.



Looking away from her opponent, Wonder Woman and Black Adam were already here in the same vicinity as her, staring down at the Tamaranian.



Starfire: You….


Black Adam:….let your guard down at your peril.



Adam swooped down, attacking Starfire dragging her face among the floor before swooping her into the open wall. Kori was barely able to put some offense on Adam with a backfist and a headbutt. But another headbutt later and Kori’s on the ground.



However, thanks to the massive hole Grundy left out the Batcave and through the mansion, Robin and Raven were able to catch notice of Adam and Diana’s arrival. Swooping in, Diana quickly knocks Tim down as she sprints down to the Batcave….


….leaving the Titans against Teth-Adam.



Red Robin barely knocks Black Adam off Starfire before flipping over him and blowing him off with a Snap-Flash. Blinded by the brief flash, Raven puts her telekinesis to use, slamming him aside to the other side of the building.


Reacting quickly, Raven phases pipes through the walls and just casts them at him, only for him to cast them back.



She barely dodges the pipes but distractions get the better of her, as she’s quickly caught by Adams lightning. Since his beams had increased much further then how normal intends to blast at sometimes, there was no limit as to WHERE they would hit.



Because of that, some of the lightning hits the red gem on her forehead. This forces down her to the floor.




But it didn’t destory or shatter the gem.




It actually seemed to absorb Black Adam's magic, which within, only increased whatever power was stored in there. Not to mention the potential inner demon in her left by her father, Trigon.




Suddenly...…she hears laughter.


Raven was stunned down falling flat on the ground with the titans aiding her



Raven was stunned down falling flat on the ground with the titans aiding her


Red Robin and Starfire (Both): RAVEN!



They tend to her as Black Adam hovered above them and Starfire had to hold him off


Starfire: Tim get her somewhere safe Ill keep Adam busy.



She launched herself pounding Black Adam across the gardens as Robin tended to her he lifted Rachel up but she opened her eyes bright......RED which scared Tim enough to back up



Raven was in some kind of trance for her voice was deep as she spoke under those red eyes



Raven: Hatechred shall rule. Rage shall consume you.



Red Robin: Raven.....your voice.....it can't be......



Raven: What's the matter boy afraid of the dark?


The demonic tranced Raven came at Robin to attack but he threw a taser grenade at her stunning her with the electricity snapping her out of it her eyes turn back to normal and she fell on the flour again with Tim tending to her again


Red Robin: Raven?



She stirred as her eyes opened slowly showing them at their normal state



Red Robin: Why didn't tell us?




Raven: I----I.....



Red Robin: Don't be afraid. Just tell me if it's true. Is it-----?




Raven: Yes. Trigon......has returned.




Back in the batcave Wonder Woman came through the hole that that wa busted through earlier by Starfire and Grundy and just in time to see Helena and Dinah hold Bane off the last minute and reached the last two tubes pulling them all off at once




Bane let out a roaring bellow a he fell to the ground Canary and Huntress turned to see Diana approaching them with eriousnes in her eyes


What Dinah saw in her.......was a tyrant just a reponsible for her husband's murder given she's rebound to the real killer and was there when it happened



Wonder Woman: The woman who lived.




Black Canary: Meet the woman who kills.



She draws her sword




Wonder Woman: Only when the situation requires it.



Black Canary: Save your breath bitch this is payback Diana.



Wonder Woman: For what? One of your ballroom brawls?



Black Canary: More like a back ally beatdown.




Wonder Woman: Green Arrow was just as aragonite.



Black Canary: That's what made him more handsome. More than your boyfriend.




The Rogue Amazon lunged for Dinah to make her bird call at her forcing her to drop her word and Huntress smacked Wonder Woman back




Batman and Catwoman continued their "fight" making it as real a possible but suddenly......Selina felt under the weather which caught ruce off guard when she.......




.......dropped on her knee and......THREW up



Batman broke hi cover and showed concern luckily for them Wonder Woman was distracted by the birds of prey



Batman: Selina? Selina are you alright?



Catwoman: Yeah. I don't know what that was. Or where it came from I just don't feel good.



Batman: Pin me down.



Catwoman: What??



Batman: DO IT!



Doing as he said Selina kicked him off his feet and pins him to the flour which soon Diana shrugged Dinah and Helena aside and saw Catwoman had her own dark knight in shinning armor pinned down on the flour




All though Diana still had no love for Selina she was satisfied the leader of the Insurgency was finally captured



Wonder Woman: Excellent work Kyle. Maybe you're worth something after all.



Catwoman could tell that was really an insult as she grabbed Bruce by the arm



Wonder Woman: On your feet Bruce. Let's go.



Batman: I don't think so Diana.


She punched him to knock him out which almost made Selina run at her but had to keep her cover she soon heard a Psst


Selina turned over and saw Helena kick the case containing the weapon Selina smiled and opened the case but......the weapon wa destroyed during the fight




Selina: Shhhhhhhhit!



Wonder Woman: Kyle! What did you find?



Catwoman: Uhh......



She closed it



Selina: Just a case. But it's highly locked.


Wonder Woman: Then take it to Lex. He'll pry it open. Move it!



Selina was just getting tired of Diana' demanding attitude even more when she forced Bruce up she turned back to the others who nodded at her and went with Diana and Bruce


Outside was much worse with Aquaman and Montoya


However, it was much worse for the latter.


With Diana, Adam, Bane and literally EVERYONE else who invaded the Asylum just downright avoiding her presence and ignoring her, it all felt way too simple to call it off as them simply not realizing she was there.


A tiny silver of her brain wanted to believe that but even for reconnaissance purposes, the wool couldn’t have been pulled over her eyes so easily; an assessment that Montoya would eventually be proved right about.


No rustling, no leaves blowing, nothing shivering up and around her body. Strangely enough, she had just noticed there’s no wind here. NO WIND at ARKHAM ASYLUM.


You can count on the back of your hand how many times the wind would blow through this house with a powerful passion, scattering old documents as if they were the leaves of fall and banging the doors as if they were its chaotic drum beat - the marching band of one without fingers or hands.


Tonight, no breeze at all. Too many red flags were going off.


Poised to aim at whatever or whomever she felt was lurking about, she takes the cartridge out from her pistol and rechecks. No powders released; still in form usage. Clicking the cartridge back in and pulling back on the hammer, she does eventually turn back around….


….only to be met with a chain, coated in beige-like yellow, fastened around her neck and wrists. Fastening quickly around her hands, Montoya’s unable to keep the pistol gripped for long and drops it.


There it lies, directly underneath the gaze of the Yellow Lantern, Hal Jordon. To make matters worse, Sinestro is right there alongside him, arms crossed and poised with sickening glee.



Montoya: Y-You wouldn’t—


Yellow Lantern: Back THEN, I wouldn’t. But for the sake of all that’s just and true—


Montoya: Spare me the—the ri-righteous bullshit, Jordon.


Not taking too kindly to that, passing the rein to Sinestro, HE now takes ahold of her and begins to choke her with his chain on her neck.


Sinestro: You will submit.


Montoya: Oppressing—yo—your home.....wa-wasn’t enough, Sinestro?


Sinestro: The One Earth government is similar to mine on Korugar. An alliance was logical. So for now I tolerate you humans.


Putting more pressure on the chain around her neck, Montoya was unable to speak out any magic words to save herself. While using Bruce’s Contingency plan on a regular human to their advantage was far from ideal, it would definitely succeed in putting the screws loose to Huntress, given how close she and Montoya had gotten.


What better way to do well away with one of the core Justice Leaguers and a Bird Of Prey?


Except for one issue.


They were missing one.


From the depths of the ocean bed miles away, a huge tidal wave suddenly shakes and stirs and shoots itself onto the surface with little to no sign of slowing down. Rupturing though houses and soaking the mainlands, it didn’t stop at all.


Hal was barely able to catch the disruption via his power ring.


Possible disturbance 2 miles away and closing fast.


Yellow Lantern: What?


But by the time he figured that out, it was too late.


The tidal wave immediately splashed down on both him and Sinestro, bombarding them with thousands upon thousands of pressure of water pressing against them.


Said tidal wave also knocks Montoya off the roof of the building, sending her into freefall for only a few seconds. The waves completely submerge all over her, soaking her in blue before they surprisingly, gently….


….placed her back down on solid ground. It left both her and the two Yellow Lanterns drenched. But there was more to the wave then Hal recognized.


Once the wave finally deformed and gave out significant space between her and the opposing forces, a shadow appears deep within the waves and out comes Aquaman, splashing all about.


Aquaman: Permission to come aboard?


No answer was needed. Montoya just nodded “Yes”.


Yellow Lantern: Arthur?


Sinestro: The “legendary” Aquaman. This just keeps getting better.


Arthur is quick to throw his trident at Sinestro but he blocks it with a shield and just plucks the trident aside. Arthur’s quick to bring it back however as he slams it through the ground, creating a lightning strike.


It barely distracts either of the Yellow Lanterns but that gives Arthur a chance to make his move on Hal.


Unfortunately, that left the mere human against Sinestro. Or so it would seem.


Sinestro: You’re hardly even worth vaporizing, love.


Montoya: Flattering. But you’ll rethink that in a second.


With no leeway, Montoya goes straight for the nutshot; no exaggeration, no delayed reaction, she firmly swings her leg for the fences in a vain attempt to get a cheap shot in.


No such luck as the Korugar totalitarian leader simply removed himself from her field of vision before sweeping her up by the legs with a single hand brush, turning her inside out.


And then comes a formatted machete aimed down at her head, which Montoya avoids.


Another slash with the machete aimed at her arm was necessarily avoided. In that short timeframe, dipping under his arm, Montoya boots him square across the face and rolls back to a vertical basis. Recovering, Montoya goes for a roundhouse which Sinestro easily blocks….


….and then smacks Montoya back towards the fence, her back and shoulders grazing the metal as she exclaims loudly, feeling out any potential injuries.


In comes Sinestro in her sights, his ring formulating his machete into two armored gauntlets, one for each hand as he approached the discombobulated Montoya with malicious intent in mind. She was right about one thing.


She did force him to change his mind on killing her.


Sinestro: Lucky you. Guess you get to die by my hand after all.


Montoya doesn’t say anything to that. She just smirks, uncharacteristically throwing Sinestro off. Regardless, it wouldn’t change the outcome as Sinestro lunged forward, intending for his gauntlet to completely break through her face and his fist….


….just phases through her. No luck on actually getting his gauntlets to make any contact with the GCPD veteran. Trying again, no such luck.


He even went as so far as to switch up his arsenal and even formulating back to the chains again…..still nothing on actually trying to grip her.


Montoya: Presto. Dnilb (Blind).


A sudden flash of light blinds Sinestro immediately, not so much to where it forces him back but it does distract him. In those lights his retinas became flooded and all he saw was white, bathed so bright that our eyes take a moment to adjust. Sometimes light can be so similar to the dark.


Yet in a few moments more he could see, the blindness quite resolved.


Out from the blinding light…..and out of Montoya’s body…..Zatanna emerged, portraying a clever use of astral projection and chirpy with an elegant smile over her face, flipping the hat over her head.


Zatanna: Miss me?


Zatanna cat her wand to stun Sinestro which also caught both Hal and Arthur off guard then Zatanna turned to them and casted at Hal striking him down


Aquaman: Zatanna.


Zatanna: Thank me later your highness.



Out of no where Aquaman spotted Wonder Woman holding ghd unconcious Batman and she threw her sword at Zatanna without her nothing



She would have been a goner if Arthur hadn't jumped in the way and deflected the word off which Diana looked at him with a displeased look knowing he's fighting with the Insurgency instead of signing the treaty


Wonder Woman: You were suppose to sign that treaty Arthur.


Aquaman: And give away my kingdom to a surface dweller? Never!


Aquaman was about to attack but eeing Batman in Diana's grip Zatanna stopped him by grabbing his arm



Aquaman: What'd you----?!


Zatanna: We can't risk Bruce getting killed. He's the face of the Insurgency.


Wonder Woman: That's right. Surrender is your only option. Tonight Batman will face treason.....and the Insurgency will be crushed. And the Regime will be victorious.



Wonder Woman ordered an retreat and the Regime members have fallowed her all flying with Hal and Sinestro's ring powers carrying them except Adamn who flew himself



Catwoman however came to them with the other Insurgency members behind her with Robin holding Raven up with her arm around his neck and Zatanna was the first to notice the case in Selina's hands



Catwoman: Yes but bad news. The weapon's been destroyed.



Zatanna: Dammit!



Red Robin: Can it be fixed?


Catwoman: The Kyrptonite's still in tact. But the optical resoator is beyond repair. Even with Luther we don't have the recourses to build a new one before we can save Bruce in time.


Canary: Looks like we're gonna need help.



Starfire: But who?



Red Robin: There might be one way. While with the Titans Victor build a prototype weapon that matches the same brand design as the weapon. It could be what we need to stop Superman.


Starfire: That's right he did.



Huntress: Selina any idea where he keeps it?



Catwoman: Sorry no. Each time Victor asks me out I've alwayss rejected him. And he never told me. I don't even know if he told Superman.



Red Robin: Then we need to find him. Learn were he keeps it.



Canary: How you gonna do that huh? I know Victor is still your bud but it's not like he's just gonna hand it to you since he's in the Regime.


Red Robin: We'll do all we can. But we need to do it quickly caue sooner or later Superman' not gonna be our main problem.



tarfire: What do you mean?



Red Robin: Trigon's breaking free in Raven head again.


All: WHAT?!



Red Robin: Raven lost control earlier and almot ate me alive. I had to stun her but if we don't find that prototype or stop Superman now......we ALL loose this war.



Raven: Nothing can stop him.....nothing.....Trigon's.....inevitable.



Red Robin: Don't say that. Don't even think it. We stopped him before we can do it again.




Catwoman: Just get her back to the manor. I'll get the Kryptonite to STRIKERS that's where they're taking him. Meantime find that goddamn prototype.




Huntress: We're on it.



Selina ran into the shadow with the case and everyone counted out for everyone present only to notice.....Montoya wan't really here



Canary: Wait a minute where's Montoya?


Zatanna grinned widely



~The Fortress of Solitude~



Clark was watching the video of his and Lois's wedding that took place in the in the backyard of the Kent Farm Clark's emptiness consumed him more into the darkness looking at the happiest time of his life that took place only seven years ago



Clark shed a tear eeing them kiss at the ceremony and his grip clutched on the arm of his seat taring through it hearing the Joker's last laugh in his head


His thoughts was interrupted when a beeper of the communications went off Clark was both angry and furious of being interrupted he got up and answered



Clark: Yes?



Superman. Good news. We've captured Batman.



Clark's eyes widen with his long time enemy/friend now frenemy now in custody he felt the moment of the end of the war finally dawning before him the only question was......what was he gonna do to Bruce now?



Clark: I'm on my way.



Destination: Stryker’s Island.



An uninhabited prison island, located five miles west of Gotham City and 5 miles east of Metropolis, in between the two cities, it is Metropolis' largest prison facility, as well as the name of the island on which it sits. It is located in Metropolis' West River south of New Troy. In addition to housing some of the worst offenders that Metropolis has to offer, it is also designed to contain various super-powered individuals as well.


It was the set location where once Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, the Trinity made their stand against Doomsday and won.


But only at the cost of Kal’s life.


Now the circumstances, compared to back then, are completely different.



Daily tours of the facility used to be provided to help supplement the rising costs of staff, maintenance and upkeep. Third year into the war, tours were cancelled and the prison hardened their security measures.


On top of incarcerating a good half of Superman’s Rogue Gallery (or what used to be them), they now had Batman to add to such a…..collection.



In the bowels of Striker's Island, Batman was restrained to shackles bound to his arms and legs at the very bottom level of the prison. With his cowl and cape off, he looked just as broken as any other man. Further adding insult to injury, Hal clipped off Bruce’s belt, putting it on the nearest table.


As if he didn’t look anymore naked without his other viable assets.


Through that entire sequence of events however, Hal was piping in over the intercoms, speaking very confidently with Superman before hanging up.


He had just landed and was on his way in.



Yellow Lantern: Ok, Bruce....ready for visitors? Need a comb?


Bruce: Do I look like I can use one?


Yellow Lantern: Never hurts to ask.


The Dark Knight sneered at him. While he couldn’t find it in him to be totally disgusted with Hal as his fear for losing Carol Ferris and the potential death of John Stewart made him give into Sinestro’s influence again, the


But looking at what that led him to do? Ripping Guy Gardners arm off and leaving him to die alone? The price for that was already too much and once this was all over, Hal wouldn’t be able to pay it back.


Bruce knew all too well.


Bruce: I just want to ask one question: did you only change yellow to prove your loyalty to Sinestro? Clark? All it proves is that you're just as misguided as them.


Yellow Lantern: You wouldn't know ‘cause you’ve been afraid, too cuckoo in the head to do what's necessary for the past seven years.


Bruce: That color alone should tell you what you're doing is wrong......when does fear work more effectively than willpower?


Yellow Lantern: Exhibit A.


He simply points to Bruce.


The fact that he dresses as a Bat already contradicted his own statement about using fear as a supporting agent of chaos in his reign against crime.


Effectively defeated the purpose of even asking him that.


Yellow Lantern: In a war against crime, sometimes to do what's right, you have to do a little wrong.


But here......Bruce just felt the need to push some more buttons just to drive another point home.


Bruce: If that’s really how you feel, then how come Carol doesn’t support this? What makes you think she knows this is right?


Yellow Lantern: LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!


Bruce: You really think Superman will protect her if YOU can’t? What if what happened to Lois happened to her?


Yellow Lantern: I’d do EXACTLY what Clark did! I’d avenge her. I’d avenge John.


Bruce: Only to become a monster. Killing Guy did nothing for John’s cause.


Hal suddenly BOUNDS up to him, almost running — suddenly beast-like, veins set to burst, staring down the Dark Knight while gritting his teeth, balling his fists up.



As for Selina, her luck was far from gracious either. On a peculiar level, she felt like shit.


She did eventually make her way along with the other Regime members back over to Strykers in the wake of Batman’s capture. Having to walk alongside Wonder Woman, the one who originally co-founded the Justice League be reduced this empty, hollow shell of what she claimed to be fighting for…


….sickening wasn’t the word to describe just how backwards this was to see her like that.


With the exception of Flash and Shazam, the only ones riddled, shaken and stirred with conflict as she saw them, nothing about being on this side of the war felt righteous at all.



And neither was coming to the realization that even coming to Stryker’s was a gargantuan waste of time.


Because Cyborg wasn’t there.


But in that brief stretch of walking past cell block after cell block after cell block before extending out to the yard and coming back the same way, a revelation spurt in: If Victor wasn’t here with the weapon….


….he was up back at the Watchtower. Again.


Now all that was left was to find Bruce.



But it ain’t like her Dark Knight in shining armor couldn’t last long with a former jet pilot. Ten minutes, he spent cuffed to that table taking the most rudimentary of punches from Hal in the abdomen, chest and face.


Bruce normally wouldn’t phase at the aforementioned effects of 360 to 450 pounds of force dislodging the external and internal structure of his face and body; he’d been through training that pushed his boundaries worse than that. Unfortunately, he is still only human…..


….and the body eventually wears off and gives out. So the pain became to ooze out of Bruce bit by agonizing bit, but not giving out much to Hal’s annoyance.


Yellow Lantern: I’ve always been fed up with your doubts.


Bruce: Why else did I map out that Contingency? Because I knew this would happen!


Furthering proving his point, he slapped Bruce silly. But having finally heard enough, Hal formulated…..giant scissors firmly around Bruce’s abdomen. Intent on injecting more fear into Bruce, he honestly wasted to do a lot more than what he was doing….


….and it just made him look more stupid for trying this hard. Luckily, Selina intervened, bursting through the door and forcing him to reconsider as he yelled out his name.


She knew he wasn’t worth it. And so did Hal.



Selina: I need a moment alone with him.


Yellow Lantern: What for? The High Councilor's coming.


Selina: Just for one minute. I wanna say goodbye if I have to.



Still pissed off about dragging Carol Farris into this bout, Hal was hesitant. But he knew Bruce probably wouldn’t matter soon.



Yellow Lantern: One minute.



Lantern, with an grim audible twitch in his eye and mouth, turned back and left the room, shutting the door from the outside.


Perfect timing, Selina thought to herself.


Bruce: Did you find the replacement?


Selina: Yes. Cyborg has it—


Bruce: —up at the Watchtower.


She nods.


Selina: I got time. I can swipe it and bring it here.


Bruce: It'll take hours. It might be too late by then.


Selina: Not if we can have Lex bring it to us. But that also means regaining control of the Watchtower's teleporter.



Bruce was about to reply...…


…...but Catwoman's beeper went off. That special Batcommunicator that Bruce normally hands out to his allies and closest friends. She’s lucky the room was soundproof, otherwise her cover would’ve been blown.



Selina: Shit. This is Catwoman?



Selina, this is Oracle.



Selina: Barbara, you—



She’s quick to look out the window in the door to see Hal on the outside, literally counting down the seconds she had left.


No sign of Clark or Diana or any other Regime members.



Selina: Make this fast, Babs. I don’t have long.



Barbara: I’m back with the others at the cave. Zatanna’s here as well.


Z? How’s she been?



She looks at everyone from all across the table including Lex, just waiting to see where this would go next. Zatanna was a surprise addition but it was nice to see her back on the right side.


Barbara: Rediscovering her purpose, something along what she said. Look, just letting you know I’ll be monitoring you and Bruce’s progress from here on out. Is he safe?



For now, yes.



Selina: But if you’re gonna do something, I’d recommend you do it quickly. Superman’s forces are surrounding the place and if you do move in, they’ll ambush you.



How else are we gonna do it then?



Selina: You leave Superman to me.



Selina, time’s up! They’re here.



She can hear Hal’s voice from the other side of the doorway as he hopelessly tries to barge the door open, to no avail.


Turns out Selina pickpocketed the key off of him and kept it with her. Meaning she locked herself in. And with a sly crooked smile and a simple shrug to him on the outside through the window….


….Hal figured out they were compromised.



Yellow Lantern: Son of a bitch.


He turns to his earpiece.


Yellow Lantern: Yellow Lantern to High Councilor. We have a mole.



Back in the room with Bruce.....



Bruce: Selina?


She holds up her point finger, indicating one second before she gets back to him. Now she was internally rushing.


Selina: I know, it’s just.....if you’re going to come over, just leave me and Bruce to Clark. How else are we gonna get the Kryptonite weapon, let alone use it? Believe me, leave it to us. We’ll end it.



For your sake, I hope you’re right.



Selina: You and me both. I’ll be sure to le—




BOOM!



The door immediately blows back in smoke, barely missing Bruce and startling Selina spectacularly. Barely covered in the excess smoke, it’s only mere seconds later after turning away from the door that she turns back to towards it.


Immediately, she feels pressure wrapped around her neck as she begins to choke.....


.....at the hands of the High Councilor, Superman.



Superman: Diana. Mind if you take a look?


Hearing him, Diana follows him inside to see him gripping and barely choking Catwoman out.


Wonder Woman: Kal?


Superman: Turns out Bruce’s little kitten wasn’t as loyal as a dog after all.



This doesn’t surprise Diana, honestly.



Superman: Once a thief, always a thief, huh?


The sight of the former cat-burglar smirking at him, almost laughing right in his face spelt great humiliation.


For Selina, euphoria was the better word for it, having released the shackles of being forced to play a turncoat for so long. She had long since given up on trying to remain anonymous.


Selina: Don’t......don’t tell me you’re surprised, Clark.


Superman: Surprised? I’m DISAPPOINTED.



Selina, are you there?! Selina! Catwoman, come in!



Hearing the voice on the other side, he simply swipes the BatCommunicator off of her. He knew Barbara’s fluctuation in her voice; it hadn’t even been a full day since the Commissioner passed and she’s just as in on it as the rest of them.


Withholding his composure but mentally crumbling under the defiance, he just puts the communicator phone up to him closely.



Selina?!



Superman: You’ve since then defied me for this long. Once I’ve clipped the wings off your Dark Knight, no more trying to play catch up with me.


He cuts of the transmission via crushing the phone. Prior to discovering the mole within the Regime, Clark knew that he couldn’t wait any longer to put an end to this. The conflict needed to end sooner rather that later.


In fact, he needed to end it RIGHT now.



Superman: I have to flush them out. NOW.



A brief 20 minutes pass and the Insurgency is at a loss for words. Their mole for the Regime had just had their cover blown and now any chances of getting the Kryptonite weapon are slim if not completely gone.


But morale was far from low for the others. Least of all Zatanna, who’s surprise resurgence through Montoya admittedly shocked the rest of the team after intimate thinking she was truly gone.


Now all that was needed before they could continue was an explanation.


Helena: Zatanna.....you still haven't told us why you came back.



There is a silence to her soul; she was fall leaves under frost, feeling the chill in her blood, coldness bringing the synapses of her brain to a stand still. Part of it is a pain.....yet one Z knew she could endure, one she can toughen through now without the burdening illusion of false hope, burnout and the fear of failure.


Zatanna raises up her right arm slowly before flicking her hand around.....to reveal a tarot card.



A deck of 78 cards total, 22 major and 56 minor Arcana, they spell out life's karmic and spiritual lessons and reflect the trials and tribulations that one experiences on a daily basis, each with its own imagery, symbolism and story. Only one was in her possession.


Tossing it out along the table so everyone could see, the edges of the card reflecting against the light from the ceiling above......revealed the Hanged Man: the card of ultimate surrender, of being suspended in time and of martyrdom and sacrifice to the greater good.



Zatanna: They help me see into the future. Had to double check with these because I've gotten my visions wrong before but this.....it told me Bruce was going to get captured. And that this may be his last stand.


Of course, there was more to the story. Jumping straight into the point wasn’t going to lessen the blow any further. As much as she tried to refrain from doing so, clasping her hands together…..she needed to actually explain.


Zatanna: I hid before the third year came. Me and Constantine took advantage of Superman's vulnerability to magic and turned the Tower of Fate into a sanctuary for his enemies. I saved many lives, but years of subterfuge….burned me out.


~Silence~


Zatanna: I wish I could say I didn’t care what happened to any of you and that I needed out of this war. But then who am I if I lie to myself like that? Bruce is just as important to me as all of you and I left him out to dry. That ain’t gonna happen again.



It wasn’t anything that reassured her a long-term stay in this Cave but it was the best she could do.


Looking over at everyone at the table, it seemed to resonate well with mostly everyone in the room…..especially Aquaman perched up the corner, knowing full well how much avoiding the action cost him for both of his homes.


But now that only meant an even tighter timeframe. With Zatanna’s vision having come true, options for getting Batman out were dwindling.


Kori: So I suppose now we call for reinforcements?


Arthur: What good is that gonna do? Not too many heroes are left.


Kori: That doesn’t mean we can’t try. If we can find another—


Tim: No time for that.



As Tim walks in the room in front of the others, he immediately redirected his attention, and theirs, to the Batcomputer, bringing up footage of Superman at another press conference.


His usual poised restrained self graced their screens but the gaze in his eyes spoke of a man past the edge. Clark’s message was swift, brief and to the point.



Five and a half years ago, a tragic event cost the lives of millions. Overwhelmed by the guilt for the part he played in the destruction, he was driven mad. He became an agent of chaos; an enemy of peace and security. But no longer. The leader of the Insurgency will pay for his crimes...



Dinah: Oh Christ.



Batman is currently being held at Strykers Island. The rest of his Insurgency will step out into the light and surrender themselves to me. If they don’t oblige to my commands or refuse to show up, Batman WILL be executed at 6 p.m, local time.......May Rao have mercy on his soul.


Tim cuts off the feed, staring back at everyone in the room.


Tim: Getting help will have to wait, Kori. Rescuing Batman just became our priority.


Arthur: It’s a trap.


Tim: Of course it is, Arthur.


Helena: Then we’ll have to be sneaky about it.


Rachel: Sneaky HOW, Helena?


Helena: The Watchtower. We can use the teleporter.



May we be of assistance?



Everyone looked back and who they saw step in the room was an old foe: Deathstroke. Almost immediately, Starfire and Raven stood up, appalled and shocked.


Tim intervenes, preventing either of them from getting a word out.


Tim: Easy, you two. He’s with us…..I hope. Luthor brought him on board.


Kori: Sounds more like the Luthor of old; bringing on board the man who almost repeatedly killed us.


Slade: Only a couple of times.


Five years had passed since the Titans had last faced off against their classic rival and not much bad blood, at least to them, had been soured.


Kori and Rachel had their reasons not to trust him. And Slade didn’t feel no ill will towards them either.



Rachel: I can hardly give a damn which side you’re on. Just don't expect any warm fuzzies from us.


Lex: Trust me. I understand your grudges with Mr. Wilson and I wouldn't have brought him here if I didn't need him.


Zatanna: For what? You never mentioned that.


Lex: I've learned that Cyborg has a prototype weapon kept up at the Watchtower that may allow me to re-weaponize Batman's Kryptonite. While we work on the Watchtower's teleporter, I need Slade to bring it to me.


Tim: Does Bruce know about this?


Lex: Actually, no. If he did, he would have insisted on using the weapon himself. But now that he and Ms. Kyle are in jeopardy, it’s up to me to use it. My contact will tend to make a bail for them if the worse happens.



Then answer one more question.



Montoya enters the room, still a little discombobulated after having her body willingly hijacked by Zatanna but stable.


Montoya: Why you?


Lex: Because Bruce......Batman....is the face of the Insurgency. If he dies, it dies with him.


Helena: Lex Luthor risking his life to save Batman. I want to believe it....but again, sure about Slade?


Slade: I’m more than obliged to prove you wrong. Just send me the coordinates and we’ll get to it.


Rachel: You and US working together? Not a chance.



Lex: The only way to access the Watchtower's teleporter from Earth is the Hall of Justice. And if our cover's blown, we’ll need someone shadowing us.


Kori: I do not like this.


Practically a signed confession that whether the Titans liked it or not, Slade was just as vital to this mission as they were. They all had a role to fill, a part to play….


….so getting along with each other was out of the question.


Slade: I'm not asking for permission.


Raven: But you WILL follow my lead.


Montoya: Hold on. That only leaves Strykers. How we gonna get out?



Lex: Last time I checked, Strykers is equipped with teleportation dampeners.



He pulls it up on the screen, as the map covers the full structure of the Island inside and out.



Lex: The only ones I’ve been able to trace were the ones on the main floor level near the barriers.


Barbara: But they only cover the building. We just gotta get Batman and Catwoman OUTSIDE.


Zatanna: Straight through a brick wall, huh? I’m in.


Helena: I volunteer.


Dinah: Don’t you dare leave me out.



Tim: Guess we got our ground team. Montoya, Kori and Raven are going with Slade.


Slade: Well, that only leaves a diversion. Somebody needs to keep Superman occupied.



They hear yawning from the other end of the table as Arthur just waltzed back awake.



Arthur: Leave that to me.


He stands up.


Arthur: The bastard won’t see me coming. Also, Nanaue’s been itching to have a meal lately.



In that solitary moment, they had their gameplan set. Almost immediately, everybody steps up away from the table and exits the room separately, already splitting up into their individual factions.


Well…..almost everyone.


Only Barbara and the Birds stayed behind.


No words were spoken at first. At least until Dinah bolted out her seat and tried to exit the room. She doesn’t get too far as Barbara gripped her arm, faintly pulling her back.


Barbara: Dinah.Take some time to consider this. You don’t have to do this. Ollie doesn’t need avenging.


Helena: What about Dick?


Not being the only one with a broken heart made it easier for Barbara to get where she was going with that, however.


Barbara: Ok, he’s an exception. Accident or not, The bastard snapped his neck.


Helena: Thank you.


Barbara: But still.....it wasn’t your fault for what happened.


Easy for her to say.


Being a parent was no easy feat but Dinah was willing to take the leap with Ollie. Without him, raising Conner on her own was difficult not just because she couldn’t get over his death but because her son was never gonna know his own father.


That’s hard enough on its own.



Looking through the pockets of her denim jeans and pulling out her phone, she immediately brings up the last photo she took with Ollie back when he was alive.


Their hiking trip.



Swiping to the right, it’s a picture of her with Connor, currently five years old.


She sighs heavily.



Dinah: If I don’t fight…..AND we lose, what would I be leaving for HIM?


Helena: How wise is that? You’d think this is best for him?


Dinah: Even if it destroys me, he’ll know his mother will go down swinging.


Barbara: It’d be better if you live to raise him. You don’t need to do this.


Dinah: Figured you say that. That’s why I’m done asking for permission.



She nods her head to the hallway as Lucius makes his way in with a red small miniature box in his hands. Nobody knew what he was in there for but as he opened the box, the intentions became clear.



The box held a .45 millimeter, M1911 pistol. One of Jason’s old pistols.



Lucius: For you, Miss Lance.



Nodding toward him, Dinah’s quick to grasp ahold of the gun.


Dinah: I’m taking down Superman. I’m going to make sure Connor has a future.


Lucius: Sorry to interrupt but....


He holds out what appears to be a Kryptonite bullet before tossing it to Dinah.


Lucius:...I’m afraid you only get ONE shot, Miss Lance.


Dinah: Believe me, one shot’s all I need.


Lucius: Just......I know you’re angry. I know what he took from you. But when the time comes to take him down......try not kill him. Remember the man he once was.



Dinah: I remember.


She clips the bullet and slams it into the barrel of the gun.



Dinah But I can’t guarantee anything.

Back at STRIKERS both Bruce and Selina were tied up to their hands in isolation cell with her cover blown and the plan now in jeopardy the odds were not too great

Bruce: You should have gotten out of here after you hid the Kryptonite.

Selina: If you gotten out I would have leas you to it. Now this is on both of our asses.

Bruce: Selina........if you don't mind me asking.....what really made you fight this battle with us. You helped me in the past I know but you and I were mostly on opposite sides of the law.

Selina: I wondered if you would ask that. I sympathize for Superman. Lois......wa an amazing person. She was loyal and noble. Even more than I was. What happen to her and her baby was just awful. And I feel bad for Superman too but if he killed you.....Barbra....Tim.....even......

Selina almost mentioned Dick which Bruce figured she was given she didn't say his name

Selina: Despite that I love being a jewel thief.....it wasn't worth choosing my thieving then help you stop Kent.

Bruce: Is that your reaon?

Selina: Maybe it was at first. But after.....everything that's happened.....maybe I started to had more......especially.....after the other night.

Bruce tared down before looking back up at her who looked at Bruce with a growing grin and Bruce....almost grew a mild one till the sound of a door opening revealing Hal opening it with Superman and Diana entering.

Superman: So....after five years of conflict....it ends here.

Bruce: Don't be so sure Clark.

Superman: You should have stood with me Bruce. After everything we been through together we could have more peace than there already is.

Bruce: Tell that to the graves you filled up. Ollie. Jonn. And Dick. They would still be here if you hadn't lost yourself!

Superman: You think I wanted to kill them?! There are more graves out there that wouldn't be buried......if it weren't for HIM.

Bruce: And he's still winning....through you. Think about it Clark.....Joker told me you would be different after what happened to Metropolis. You think he cared about dying when he knew Lois wa the only thing keeping you from crossing the line. He did the same to me when he killed Jason and set me off as you remember. And now look at you....this Regime isn't creating peace Clark....it's giving Joker what he wanted from you. What would Lois think of you now?

Clark grabs his former friend by the neck with burning eyes

Superman: LEAVE MY WIFE OUT OF THIS BRUCE! Don't let my friendship to you fool you. It won't save you from your sentence.

As Superman was busy with Batman Diana turned to Selina tied the way she was

Wonder Woman: Finally they see your true colors as I always saw. I knew we shouldn't have trusted you from the beginning Kyle now you and Bruce face death.

Selina: Oh really. That why you let me stay with you guys in your little ice club house? Informed Bruce all your secrets? No Bruce got ahead caue you all were sloppy.

Wonder Woman: You offered amnesty Selina. You should have taken it. But like any real lying criminal I knew you wouldn't

Selina scoffs

Selina: If I did I would miss my chance to scratch that smirk off the face of Superman's rebound girl.

Clark turned to her while still holding ruce by the neck but his expression dropped when his super hearing caught the sound......of two heart beats in Selina.......

....one was her own....the other......

.....made Clark let go which confused Bruce but as for Wonder Woman she was PISSED with what Selina called her

Wonder Woman: HOW DARE YOU! I'M AN AMAZON!

Selina: Yeah right! An obsolete race with predictable technique. Give me something better Diana. Make it a challenge.

Wonder Woman yelled drew her sword and was about to lice her head off Bruce yelled "NO!" but Diana felt a grip on her arm looking back to ee Superman holding her back

Wonder Woman: KAL WHAT'D YOU DOING?!

Superman: I need to know something first.

Clark walked pass her letting go of heer arm a Selina looked at him with digust and confusion Superman then used his X-rat vision on Selina and what he saw......made his jaw drop......and shed a tear......

Selina: Really? Tears?

Clark then looked at her in the eyes

Superman: It's a girl.......

Selina: What??

Superman: You don't know??



She didn't. She really could not fathom the thought of it until now.


It's a miracle that she had either ignored all the symptoms or simply remained oblivious towards them as the last few weeks and months: increased fatigue, nausea, the vomiting, missed periods…..and then there’s the cramping. All signs led to this one audible conclusion and yet this little error brought to light a harrowing reality about love and war once again.


Worlds collide and hearts get broken.


A sense of motherhood begins so early in pregnancy: a fatal reality check that Selina was quickly and repeatedly zoning in and out of from the shock. There she laid, perched up against the wall, protruded in the window-light of the door that felt all the more lukewarm for the growing belly she now cradled.


Selina: Oh my god....



Both Bruce and Clark were at another impasse. Their loss for words spoke all the emotional beats from their hearts that needed to be said. Hal now was placed firmly in the same boat as well: What would’ve been with him and Carol, had he stayed on the right side?


Not even Diana was immune to the tenderness of the unofficial birth of a mother, for it didn’t take long for her to catch on.


Even for all their differences, respect was still heavily in tow. Readjusting in a new environment; taking someone you care for and having to nurture them in a foreign environment? Diana went through that development cycle decades back….


….and she too had to take someone in, teach her the ways in which she was taught.


But for Selina, the price was high. Just like Dinah, she’d have someone to fight and yet…..so much to lose.



In shock and shameful of what he would’ve done had he not stopped to check, Clark simply backs away from the both of them and exits the room, slamming the door.


It left both Lantern and Wonder Woman staring back at their adversaries, merciful for once, peeling back the layers to reveal fragments of the heroes of old in them….


….before they too followed Superman out.



Seeing a leader reach a state of vulnerability during a highly armed conflict with an opposing force isn’t uncommon. But something about Superman reacting to that….


….felt different. The way he collapsed in front of the door spoke not of the High Councilor, but plain old, regular, Clark Kent. Hearing out that kid’s heartbeat brought him back to a simpler time, when Lois was trying to surprise him about the same news back in Smallville again.


The first in a long while.


However, there still spent consequences for Selina’s betrayal: one that had to be delivered sooner rather than later.


Wonder Woman: As much as I understand.....she's still moled on us. This cannot go unpunished, Kal.


Yellow Lantern: Do we give her to Frost?


Wonder Woman: No. Neither her or Croc will do any good; they’d kill the baby. And she’s no good to us dead either…


Yellow Lantern: So what do we do then?


There was no easy decision here to be made: the demon and angel warriors both have bloody hands, yet one is cold indifference and the other is pure love. One is vice, the other virtue, for they have found peace in their own philosopher's stone.


Said bloody hands can come of killer or medic, or villain or rescuer. So looking to their own hands and asking themselves from whence that blood came was difficult to own up to…..


….least of all, Superman, recovering his momentary prolapse and regaining his balance, confidence and stoic dictatorial gaze. His eyes now spoke of a new plan to punish Selina and punish Bruce as well.


It was 5:30 p.m, with only thirty minutes left and in the hour of Bruce’s execution, they were going to give the world a bonus and make damn sure Selina would be the one to do so.



On the outside of the island, thick blankets of air wipe the ground free of dirt and pebbles and leaves, giving the Flying Fox aircraft troop carrier more than enough space to mark its territory.


Landing only mere miles away outside of the confines of Strykers Island, Red Robin, Black Canary, Huntress and Zatanna exit out of said aircraft vehicle from the hanger, the sight of the prison laid in sight.


Earpieces and communicators equipped, they had everything they needed but first, Huntress needed to check in on Montoya for inspection.


Huntress: Honey, you there?


I’m the last one through the teleporter. We’re all up at the Watchtower now so don’t worry about us; you get Bruce out of there and….be careful, Helena. I mean it.


Huntress: Same. I love you.


Love you too. See you back at home.



The line clicks off, leaving Helena relieved but hesitant.


The same could be said for Tim, who, for some reason, the sight of Jason’s old gun on Dinah kept giving him pause for concern.


Red Robin: Keep that gun away until needed.


Canary: I know where to place my shot, Tim.


Zatanna: Easy there, trigger fingers.



They continue to stare outwards at the island.



Huntress: So I guess this is it?


Canary: Might as well be.



With no one else stopping them but them, they pressed onwards. Soon as they moved along, little did they know.....they were being watched from afar.


By who.....is yet to be answered.....


.......Meanwhile at the watchtower the titans (Starfire and Raven) Slade Lex and Montoya appeared in the heart of the Watchtower remembering the last time they were here



Montoya looked at the exact flour where Gordon collapsed to a hi cancer took it's final stage on him making her clutch her fists



Montoya: They'll pay for what they did to him.



Lex: Stay focus. We only got one shot at this. I blocked out the camera again but we'll need to move fast. Not sure they'll buy a second hostage situation. Montoya Raven Starfire keep watch for anyone who comes our way. Slade you're with me till I get access to the teleporter



They went on their way and Montoya Starfire and Raven stopped in the middle of a second live report from Superman on the flat screen in the lounge


Starfire: Uh oh.....



Raven: Now what?


Montoya: I don't know but it doen't look good.



Ladies and gentlemen there's been a change in plans. Just recently we discovered one of ours was a mole in the Regime for the Insurgency. Selina Kyle as you all know her as the former jewel thief the Catwoman was just exposed for her part she played in the war. he had been feeding Batman all of my information which was how the rebels were alway one step ahead of us and now both Batman and Catwoman will face trial for their crimes but first.......an hour before his execution the question that world has been asking for year will finally be answered. At 5:30PM The Batman.......will finally be unmasked.


Montoya: Awe shit!



Starfire: If he expoes him it's all over. Even if we win thi war.



Raven: They'll be no winning when Trigon take over.


Starfire: Stop talking like that. A Tim aid we can beat him again. YOU can beat him again.



Raven: Kori.......



Starfire: I know. You know I had the same isue with my ister. I thought he was tronger than me but you all believed in me. And so do I.


Montoya: That's right Jim would want u to keep fighting and we're not gonna stop till it's over.



Raven faced down still feeling doubt and oon went back on their mission



Lex and Slade made it to the control room and Lex accessed the teleporters main control room and Lex acceed the teleporter's main control and it was a piece of cake somehow



Lex: That's it. Got control of the Watchtower teleporter once they rescue Batman and Catwoman I'll make my move.



Slade: Can't be that easy.


Lex: Cyborg shared his security protocols. Believing I'm building Superman an army to keep him from learning the real plan he felt I should gain the codes to the whole process



Slade: He shared his password to you? I'm beginning to like you.



Speaking of Cyborg he came out of an elevator to the control room but oon a he spotted Slade standing outside the room he hid behind the wall he even spotted Lex with him



Cyborg: What the fuck---?


Lex: Lexcorp is supplying equipment but we're short on personnel.


Slade: Harley's clan are reckless. Undiciplined.


Lex: Actually the chaos she creates is useful. That's why I kept tabs on her. My contact on Deadshot.


Slade: Not a bad idea. But we need more than pawns if we're ever gonna take down Superman.



Cyborg: That's all I needed to hear.



Cyborg armed his cannon and ran in and Slade spotted him and he pushed Lex out of the way when he fired he tried shooting at Slade but dodged it


Slade: I thought you said this place was secured.



Lex: Just keep him busy.


Lex ran to the back of the room a Slade stood to settle the score once and for all.



Slade: With pleasure.



Slade drew his sword as Lex opened an opening wall revealing a new armor he built during the war imilar to the one he wore to fight the Justice League but upgraded


Victor nearly opened fire again only to get countered by Slade's sword and nearly cut through the cannon somehow his sword had an upgrade of it's own



Cyborg: Whoa!


Slade: "Whoa"? That's it? No clever comment? I was looking forward to that.



Cyborg through a punch at him but Slade dodged and uppercut him in the jaw but it barely slowed him down Victor charged grabbing the sword and kicking him off his feet



Deathstroke fell to the ground as Victor threw his sword away approaching



Cyborg: Pleasure's all mine Slade. Wish the other Titan could see this.


Oh they're here. Just not for this.


Victor turned to where that voice came from and aw Lex coming back in his suit



Lex: What'd you think Cyborg? Like yours but only better.


Cyborg: It's the man not the machine Luthor.




He leaps forward.



Lex: Shield.



An energy shield from Lex’s suit emerges and launches Victor back a few feet, scraping his feet amongst the floor. Reacting back quickly though, he just propels back at him and slips Lex up by the legs. After a short yet swift kick to the head, Lex immediately punches him BACK down....


.....into the computer screen.



Once again, the collision shortens out the electrical outing, hindering its own ability to perform. Having been put into this scenario, Victor’s anger was impalpable, effecting having let that turncoat into their safe graces; the same man who GAVE Joker the Nuke to cut Metropolis’s lifeline, to kill his dad.


And they, for the past five years, just LET him walk all over them. If he ever needed an excuse to actively blame someone now for his dads death…..


….he did now.



With one cannon cut off, Slade didn’t take into account the small immaculate little detail that Cyborg’s body is still in constant self-modulation, I.e, it didn’t matter that his sonic cannon was cut off. His right hand immediately shapes into a plasma cannon.



Manning it, he pushes back away from the computer before firing powerful concussive blasts of blue-hot plasma; setting it to full power. He immediately takes a shot over at Slade but he catches the blast at the last second and pushes himself and Lex out of the way…..


….said deflected blast eventually caught in mid-air by Raven, entering the room alongside Kori. Clasping her hands together and catching the blast in a purple-reddish aura, her energy dissipates the blast into nothing.



Vic is left surprisingly stunned to see TWO of his former teammates siding alongside who he believes is part of the problem.



Cyborg: Since when are y’all with him?



Starfire: Trust me, it was the last thing on our mind.


Raven: Victor, this charade has to end. You know better than this.


Cyborg: I know better then this? I could say the same with you, walking with the common crooks, playing for the wrong team.



Slade: Always a team player, yet you tend to short circuit once you take a good look inside.




~Silence~




Slade: A part of him blames himself for Nightwings demise.


Raven: So do the rest of us.


Starfire: Victor, his death wasn’t what you think it is.



Cyborg: The hell does that mean? It’s because of people like SLADE that we’re left without a leader! That we’re the ones who had to suffer the consequences when the people we love are ripped away from us!


Raven: When will it sink in that you’re not the only one who lost people?!




Aggravated and frustrated, he just slams himself down to a kneeling position, sending off portable rockets from his back towards them all.


Starfire and Slade were quick to roll out of the way while Lex is left lifting up his portable shield, deflecting the missiles….


….only for Raven to phase directly through each one.



No such luck for Cyborg as Raven immediately went in, literally pulling his legs out from underneath him to trip him up. It doesn’t stop Victor from initiating a sonic pound to disorient the young Azreathian, long enough to knock her back with his own shield.


Then Starfire swoops in, blinding him with a starburst blast, leaving Victor susceptible to Ravens telepathy, lifting him off the ground and slamming him up against the wall.


Even trying to fly out of her telepathy, her magic was stronger than his technological prowess. Didn’t stop him from trying, though.



With his robotic eye, a single glare back at Raven and it blinds her momentarily. The two charge at each other again, colliding, gripping their arms against the other trying to push back.



Raven: I’d recommend you stop pulling your punches.


Cyborg: I’m uncomfortable fighting friends.


Raven: Friends don’t let friends join the Regime.




Distracted, Slade throws his sword over at Victor but he misses as the sword barely scarps his shoulder.


This allowed Slade to slide a disk over right underneath him, shocking him and electrocuting his systems, temporarily shutting down his neural network yet again.


Again, he couldn’t move. But also, he had the anti-virus kickstart in the next 30 minutes.



Slade: Damn, did that feel good.


Raven: Try saying that when you’re face down.




Bit of playfulness coming from Raven made Kori chuckle a little. Even Victor couldn’t help but to chuckle himself, despite being unable to move.


Some seeds of their friendship were still in there.


Starfire went close up to Victor placing her hand on the face



Starfire: Deep down you know this is wrong don't ya?


Victor had no words not because of the situation he was in but deep down......he did know he just missed his father and of course he missed Dick at the same time just wanted to believe Superman was fighting for a better cause only to insure no one would loose what he lost like Superman lost Lois



Lex was black in controls and he still had full control of the teleporter



Lex: Thank God. We're still in control. Almost worried I had to start over.



Slade: I thought it was easy for you.



Lex: Only one time. Repeats tak a litteral repeat on the code.



Slade: In that case.......I won't be long.



Raven: And where do you think you're going?



Slade: To get the weapon of course little Raven.



Deathtroke ran out of the room with everyone but Luthor getting a vibe on what he really maybe up to



In the navigating room Flash wa monitoring progress for STRIKERS not nothing Slade was watching him from a distance



Flash: No Clark no sign of any bogeys yet. Yeah. Listen I didn't want to say this in front of Billy......but......you're only just using Bruce to draw the others out right? I mean.....are you really gonna kill him? What? Selina's.....WHAT?! Ohhhhhh....I see......Bruce must have been busier tan we thought. Well that's a bigger reason why we shouldn't----



Flash was suddenly interrupted by a spike in the navigator keeping tabs on the teleporter when SSlade planted a small bomb on te wall



Flash: Nothing Clark I'll get back to you.



Barry cuts off and checked with the teleporter results and didn't like what was going on



Flash: This isn't right. The teleported isn't online.




Is there somewhere you need to go?


Flash turns around seeing Slade with a smirk and arms crossed


Flash speeded towards him but it turned out Slade planted more than one bomb cause as Flash ran around them they set off knocking Barry off his feet



Slade smirked and leaped down to the hole the mall explosion created and landed into......the Watcher's main reactor core. The heart of the Watchtower itself the only thing that keeps it together



Slade: Pay back time you bastards.



Slade went to the core's controls as Flash soon recovered and looked down to the hole seeing lade hacking into the core's network


Flash: Deathstorke.


Flash leaped down into the hole and speeded towards Slade and grabbed him bu the hand



Flash: STOP WAT YOU'RE DOING!



Slade: It's not what I'm doing my boy.


Flash looked up seeing the self destruct alarm goin off



Slade: It's what I've done.



Slade kicks him again and he flies across the room and hits the wall knocking him out



Slade just left him there soon found Cyborg's prototype grabs it and heads back to the others who noticed something was not right on the controls



Slade: Mission accomplish.


He throws Lex the prototype


Slade: Time to go.


Lex: What you do Wilson?! The reactor's going critical.



Starfire: WHAT?!



Slade: First rule of warfare: Take out the command and control. Thi satallite's the key to Superman's rule.


Raven: DAMMIT SLADE! YOU JEOPARDIZED THE ENTIRE MISSION! NOW THE OTHERS WON'T HAVE MUCH TIME TO SAVE BRUCE AND SELINA!



Slade: Sorry kid but Superman's my priority not Batman and Catwoman. Besidess they got time. Just......100 minutes.


Lex: GODDAMMIT! Luthor to Red Robin. We have the weapon and the watchtower that's the good news but the bad news is this: The reactor is gonna blow.


Can you stop it?


Slade nods "No"


Lex: Sorry it's a run away you have ninety minutes.



We're almost in position. Red Robin out.



And in position…..they actually were.



Despite a hasty walk and roundabout around Strykers despite the added security and militiamen, thanks in turn to Zatanna’s ytilinisivni (invisibility) spell, locating the Caped Crusader and the cat was never in question.


Eventually, a location was marked: he was being strolled along, manually by Diana and Hal with Selina not far behind them into an elevator where it would take them all up to the main tower of Strykers, where the control room lied.


That is where Superman was kept lying in wait.


Red Robin: Z, can you get us up there in time?


Zatanna: Easy as one, two, three.


Red Robin: Primed, ladies?


No answer was verbal needed. All Tim needed to see was Huntress arming her crossbow and Canary cocking the hammer of the gun given to her and the acknowledgment was made clear.


Red Robin: Arthur?



Armed and waiting. You give out the signal, we’ll take it from here.



He nods from the other side, only to cut out the feed. The plan was a go but the question was…..do they wait?


Or hurry up?



Up in the main control room is where Superman had everything planned out.


Before he went through with the execution of his best friend within the next hour, Clark felt the need to let everyone else know about what should’ve been known for all of these years. Setting up broadcasted live connections to all over the world, the High Councilor spoke out towards everyone from everywhere.



Superman: Ladies and gentlemen, please pardon the interruption. Though it is an hour early before the Insurgency is supposed to surrender to me to save their leader, I invite you all to join with me.....as a legend is about to unveiled. As I promised, that question that plagued the minds of every citizen on Earth will finally be put to rest. Batman stole one of our closest friends and allies today……so now, I’m taking his anonymity.



Stepping back away from yet another widescreen wired to another keyboard, which also happened to control the security system in the entire building, the cameras were rolling…..


….and through TV, electronic billboards and news outlets galore, the live-video feed was the whole kit-and-caboodle necessary for such an occasion, dragging everyone down right where he wanted them.


Under his heel.



Mechanical whirring ruts to place, the elevator reaching it’s preferred destination and attracting the High Councilors heed and notice. The doors ding, swinging open and reveals the Dark Knight strapped to a patient restraint table with the cowl back over his head.


With Diana and Hal holding him in place, they casually roll him upwards into view, his brooding image gracing or plaguing the screen of whoever was watching. Selina was held by two militia troops, cuffed from the hands and shoved forward.


Those two quickly left the five on their lonesome; the elevator exiting as quickly as it arrived.


The hour was upon them. Literally.


Superman: Are you ready?


Batman: This isn't going to end how you think, Clark.


He frowns.


Superman: For you, it won’t.


Clark stares him down, intent on getting this last word in before he ruined him.


Superman: But lucky for you, I won't steal your family the way Joker stole mine. We could hardly care less about who you are…..but they will.


Motioning towards the screen, the multitude of news articles chomping at the bit at the announcement of Batman’s unmasking, effectively taking the world by storm. For decades, people wanted an explanation: the truth.


Superman: For 30 years, you’ve abused the trust of these people and your own. Now, as they stare into your eyes, your failure will have a face and a name.


Once more, no response. Clark obliges with another smug frown; Bruce really wasn’t making this easy on him.


But what more could he expect?


Superman: Selina. I’d like you to do the others……please.


Selina: Never. I’m done taking orders from you.


Just exactly the kind of answer he was expecting. Same with Diana.


His eyes radiating with enough heat to burn the room to ashes, it sparks widely in his eyes with Selina taking caution of the incoming blast for the safety of the newborn in her womb.


But he doesn’t take the shot. Instead, he redirects it towards Batman….


…as a quick shot from his eyes project a tiny laser of heat through his left shoulder. He groans loudly, forcing Selina to run up to his aid.


Selina: You bastard!


Superman: This is your punishment. I won't ask again: Take off that cowl or the next blast kills him. You know I don’t want that.



So willing and upfront to oppose him, this was part of the reason why sticking around Superman turned out to be just as troublesome as Batman back in the day: they both cared too much. Which meant nothing be enough for him to get the job done.


With her life, her loves life and the baby’s now having been threatened, Selina was ferociously willing to make such a leap. But Bruce, grabbing her by her hand, immediately shuts her down.


Batman: Selina.....it's alright.


Selina: No, it's not! You know what this means.


Batman: You need to trust me.


Selina: Don't you get it? All we've strived for, worked for, bled for......it's been too long of a road to lose it like this. Once they find out who you are under there....there won't be anywhere else left for us to hide.


To her bewilderment, he can only nod at her. He knew this moment was destined to happen eventually…..and he wasn’t gonna do anything to stop it.



She surveys the room, eyeballing over at Diana and Hal....


....then Clark.....


....and back to Bruce.


They all nod in unison. This was happening, one way or another. Outnumbered by a paltry 4 to 1, she was definitely outstripped as far as options; now, there are no qualms in believing could take them all on and make her escape with Bruce, now injured with a burned shoulder.


But then comes the baby.


And all hopes fly out the window.



Still encouraged to unmask him, the unpopular choice was eventually brought forward. She eventually complied, retracting the claws from her gloves and pulls back on his head. With the mask in hand, Selina manually removes it and backed away behind Superman.....


....long enough for the screen and camera to catch a medium close-up of the true face of fear in Gotham.



The Batman was finally exposed as Bruce Wayne.



As expected, shocked expressions were plastered on the faces of so many countless civilians, innocent or not, who were freaking out, exasperated and relentless following the result. What else did any of them expect?


Almost immediately from screens galore, there were angry raving people hissing and protesting against Batman, chanting “You suck!”, “Beat the traffic!”, “We don’t need you!”, etc.



Those chants roared in from ALL over the world.


But not just from there.



From up on the Watchtower.....



Raven: The hell?


Starfire: No.



......and even back at LexCorp where Waller’s reaction to such an extreme event can only be picked apart as…...interesting. She, however, was not the least hit surprised, for she had always suspected the true character of Bruce Wayne.


Despite being fooled before, her gut was telling her otherwise for all these years. At least now, she knew she was right.



Waller: Well, I’ll be damned.




Bruce was just forced to look at Clark in just pure utter distain. The Man who had once inspired hope and security for all of this became the world’s biggest threat. He couldn’t help to feel responsible because HE let this happen.


Now his face was on every news broadcast all over the world. Of course he couldn’t let Clark see that he got through to him, so he was left methodically staring him down as if taking off his mask did nothing. Like he still saw himself as The Batman in this state.


Bruce just looked him dead in the eye, without flinching or ability to be stopped….like he was inevitability, the same man, the same force to be feared; only now, barely a facade of said image.



Superman: Now everyone will see you for all you really are, Bruce: A legend laid bare.



Not much else could be said.



Bruce: I was wrong about you......the whole world was wrong about you. I thought the world needed you.


Superman: It does.....


He approaches him slowly, grabbing him by the throat.


Superman:.....but does it need YOU?



He gets no answer.



But he didn’t need to.



For outside, there was slight rumbling just on the outside of the barriers of Strykers Island. Superman, giving his advanced hearing, could hear it from where he was.


Distracted.


As per usual.



Superman: DON’T YOU MOVE.


He’s quick to burst out the control room to make a quick scan of the area. Not much could be found until he skins through with his X-ray vision and sees a disturbance in the water.


He could already tell from a mile away what was about to happen.



Superman: Arthur.



Flustered, frustrated and annoyed, he changes communication.



Superman: We’re about to have a breach-in. Sinstero, Adam, eyes on everything. Shazam, you’re on guard duty. Block the entrance and guard the perimeter; make sure no detainees get out. X, get Peacemaker and Terra ready. I hope they brought their swim trunks and bathing suits. We might get flushed soon. Diana, Hal, come with me.



Cheese in the trap…..and they all fell right into it, curtesy of the third Robin and the Birds Of Prey.



Everyone took their position on the island uperman and Lantern hovered above with Diana on top of the tower everyone else stood their ground



At Gotham bay a visual of binoculars was on STRIKERS that ight was by Harley herself with her clan behind her




Harley: You sure she's there?


Clan member: Like I said it's hust a rumor. They even say they're keeping her in the most isolation holding there.



Harley: We got to take our chances. B-Man's forces are on their way now as we speak. Once the fighting starts we move in. I'm not abandoning her again.



Clan member: Yes maim. Alright you dumb clowns you heard her! We're moving in soon as the fighting starts arm yourselves!



The clan clicked their guns a tey boarded their yawt and set sail for the island a Harley begins hearing.....a voice in her head similar to her own



Look at you finally doing the right thing.


Harley: Harleen?



Yes now and then she hallucinates her former elf back before Joker got to her back when she wa Dr. Harleen Quinzell even appears in front of her but she wa the only one who could see her


Harleen: After 20 years trying to make a toxic relationship work you're finally making a difference in your life. Even care about your crew.



Harley: My clan. Then been like family since they found me not like social life or medical curer will take me back.



Harleen: There's still another thing you can do. Take up the offer from the Insurgency.


Harley: My clan needs me Harleen.



Harleen: They could be a big help too. Sure you had your differences with Batman and I know you still feel guilty about Metropolis. But it's not like you operated on Lois.


Harley: I watched it happen before S-Man burst in. I LET it happen.



Harleen: Joker would have killed you too. But just look at yourself now saving a long lost friend who tried to help you get away from him.



Harley: I owe it to her. She been trying to tell me Joker was not good for me and I never listened to her not even once when I got back with him jut for that short time before Metropolis.


Harleen: And she will be proud. Just remember everything I aid. What YOU said.



Harley: Whatever you say.



Clan Member: What's that Harley?



Harley snapped out of her trance and the hellucination image of Dr. Quinzell wass already gone



Harley: Uhh.....jut talking to myself........



Yeah literally



Harley's yawt was four meeters away from the island



Superman kept hovering clutching his fits awaiting for the inevitable battle ahead of him



Red Robin and Black Canary in the sewers reached a latter to the island



Red Robin: We're in position. Everyone ready?



All set Tim.



Red Robin: Alright good. Now we don't have much time.....the Watchtower will self destruct in 80 minutes the teleporter will take us off the island in a minute before so we need to get in find Bruce and Selina and get out. Aquaman: Commence the assault.



Rodger that.


The Regime forces armed themselves waiting for the assault a the minute seemed long to them......and then......



.......slowly Arthur rose out of the water with an army of giant sea creatures wimming towards the island a Aquaman gave a war yell which caught Clark's attention



Superman: THERE THEY ARE! ATTACK!!!!!



The Regime Soldiers along with Hal Diana Adam and inetro charged into battle a the giant bug creatures from the sea set foot on the island commencing the attack and the battle begins



20 Huge crustacean shrimp with a whole army of his very own Atlantian soldiers were by Arthur’s side. It wasn’t so much the size that intimated the Regime soldiers more than it was the vast number of them.



The King of Atlantis points his trident forward and his giant crustacean monsters trudge towards the surface all while the Regime gunmen hopelessly shoot at them all to no avail.




Even as they come onshore, the giant shrimp creatures immediately trampled over the gunmen one at a time or swat them away, all at Arthur’s command. When they wouldn’t do the job, his soldiers would very much oblige, knocking down the militiamen or full-on knocking them out on sight.



The few who were able to get off the beach-shore could a few precious minutes of target practice on Red X and Peacemaker…..the latter of whom came out victorious.




Despite upholding the same no-kill rule as Bat, Superman could tell was coming from a man who cared very deeply about both the people he cared about and that he might’ve made a grave mistake trying to rip both land and sea away from him on a leash.



You don’t pick on Arthur’s family.




Aquaman: Are you ready, Clark? To take on the might of Atlantis?!



Superman: Yes. We are…..




He says that while motioning outwards, therefore redirecting Arthur’s attention towards an incoming Black Adam. Arthur is left motioning his shrimp to turn the other way but Adam blinds him and other Atlantean soldiers with a lightning storm.


Blinded but not discombobulated, Aquaman is left gaining brief field of vision from the flashes of light. Some lightning bolts are left striking down on four separate men, severely injuring them to damn near killing them.



Same could be said for the massive shrimp.



Sensing an impending strike incoming, he’s left having to roll off the back of his giant shrimp, lightning penetrating its shell as it squeaks in agony before dropping to its knees and succumbing.



He doesn’t even get a chance to properly mourn the loss of the creature before Adam lunges in from behind and tackled him down onshore.


Briefly kicking Adam off of him, he had to deflect him with his trident forcing Adam to fall aside.




Aquaman: Surprised Superman didn't kill you first, Adam.


Black Adam: Superman's rule brings justice, freedom and security as I did for Kandauq 5000 years ago.


Aquaman: I want the same for my people but Clark's treaty made me reconsider.


Black Adam: Fool. Superman will rule all of Earth, both surface and oceans alike with OR without you.


Aquaman: Over my dead body.




And to think, ALL of this while Diana and Hal was watching alongside Superman. Instead of….


…..WATCHING THE INMATE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE KEEPING AN EYE ON.



Having the opportunity to take advantage of such stupidity, Selina’s temptation to stand back and let nothing happen was revoked almost immediately.


She immediately goes for Bruce, retracting her claws and immediately cutting the shackles off his arms, finally giving Bruce some ability to move. But with his right shoulder burned from the heat vision, his mobility in his right arm was severely limited.



Selina was left having to take ahold of her Dark Knight from the other shoulder and get him off the restraining table, shuffling both of them towards the elevator as much as she could.


Before they could even get anywhere with the elevator, a swirling wind of pixie dust formulates in front of them blocking their path. Eventually, Zatanna with Huntress come through.



The first pleasant surprise Bruce or Selina’s had in a few hours.



Selina: Helena?


Huntress: Glad to see you, Cat.



Bruce: Zatanna….


Zatanna: I didn’t stick through with you ‘till the end, I know. I’m making up for that now.


Bruce: You sure took your time.



Zatanna: Well there's a lot to cover other than Superman. But I'm here now.


They releassed Bruce and Selina from their holdings suited back up



Batman: Selina get us to the Kryptonite......and hopefully we can still use it to stop Clark.




They headed on their merry way but not before encountering some Regime forces that all stood pointing their weapons at them



Batman: The direct approach is suiscide.



Zatanna: I got this.




Zatanna casted her wand turning their guns into TOY guns the confused soldiers looked at them odd ten at Batman charging at them and beat them all down Catwoman and Huntress and Zatanna joined in fighting


One solder falls to the ground after taking a punch from Bruce and he reached on his wrist tech band pressing the center issuing a breach alert in the prison



The only one recieving it on the outside battle was Red X while fighting off the sea monsters



Red X: Red X to Superman. I'm getting a breach prison alert. Shall I engage?



Yes. But take someone with you. Bruce will be cunning.



Red X: I know who can drop his guard.



X fled from the battle


Meanwhile Harley and her clan made it to the island seeing the fighting from the other side


Harley: Alright remember your assignments. Just because S-Man' busy with the Insurgency doess mean we shouldn't expect anything to try and stop us. And we cannot let them! We're not leaving till we get what we came for......NOW LET'S MOVE!




The clan proceeded towards the prison unaware they were being watched by the same viewer through a sniper vision and it turned out to be......Deadshot himself


Somehow he made it to the island himself by Waller's leadership of course



Deadshot: Harley just made it Waller. I'm moving in now.




Good. Remember I want her and the others alive don't let anything happen.


Deadshot: You're talking to the man who never misses. I never miss an instruction either.



Deadshot clicked his gun on his wrist and leaped down to the ground




Soon after awhile Starfire Raven and Montoya were teleported to STRIKERS Lex went back to Luthorcop to prepare himself before getting there to get the Kryptonite Deathstroke......left the scene given he had no interest in saving Batman and they went to joining the fight noticed by Red Robin and Black Canary already in the fighting




Red Robin: What took you guy so long?!



Starfire: We had to plot different coures to get here before setting the timer to get us off later!



Raven: Fucking lade broke the core to self destruct the Watchtower



Red Robin: Never mind him for now. We got a job to do.



The fight presed onward with Black Canary forcing ome forces away with her bird call looking up spotting Superman swooping down ripping some of the sea creatures apart



Dinah frowned with a grudge and who can blame her since Clark made her into a widow and had the gun ready when she confronts him



Back with Bruce and the others they jut made their way to the courtyard where Selina pulled out the cae containing the Kryptonite from the Arkham Bat Cave from a wall he placed in earlier



Catwoman: Here it is.



Batman: Excellent.



Batman was about to take it till they were ambushed by Red X who attacked Helena and Zatanna and Catwoman as Batman was INDEED caught off guard.......


......by his former love before Selina........




......the daughter of the head of the demon himself.......





......Talia Al Ghul (Aiyha Hart)



Talia: Hello Beloved. Still as determine as ever I see.



Batman: Save it Talia.


Talia: I'm sorry Bruce. My father refuse to join him so I had to. He would have killed us if I didn't. He said if I helped find you he'd-----



Batman: Spare me?



Talia: I didn't believe him but I misdirected him I bought you time.



Batman: Small comfort for those who died in my place. Ollie. Jonn. And my own son Dick.



Bruce pushed her off and was about to walk to the case till Talia blocked his path again


Talia: Dammit Bruce! Do you have any idea what I had to sacrifice for you? You think I'm here by coincidence? Let's leave. We'll be free of him. Free from this war. We can be together like we were meant to be.




Batman: There is no "We" anymore.



Talia was thrown back being rejected by the man he loves for the first time in their time together



Talia: You bastard.


Batman: I have a job to job to do.



Talia pushed HIM back.


Talia: So do I beloved.



Here they were, glancing across from one another. Fighting again.


Both could see, unfortunately, that Bruce was technically left with a noticeable handicap in his injured shoulder, therefore greatly limiting his mobility in his right arm. To some extent, it’s not like he suffered any broken bones or dead skin tissue before.


And the latter could see how one of the deadliest female assassins in the world was contemplating going forward with this simple task. Even now, her love for Bruce had her distracted.



Talia: I’ll try to make this painless.



She leaps forward, attempting to stab Batman in the chest with her sword but he grips ahold of the metal, the tip nearly nicking the triple-weaved Kevlar inlays and carbon nanotube fibers through his Batsuit. With sheer willpower, he pushed back at her.


Bad shoulder and all, Batman is left one arm short, punching and kicking away at Talia repeatedly, while the daughter of the Demon managed to trade some blows of her own. With his fair share of death matches in the arms of the League of Assassins, muscle memory was flying by at a hundred miles an hour.


Jumping up at Talia with a leaping shadow kick, it misses. In the midst of that sequence, Talia slides up from underneath him, flips herself over the back and around the head before letting loose, flipping Batman forward. He fires a short-round Remote Electrical Charge towards Talia’s direction, which she deflects with her sword.


Once more, she slides up underneath Batman only this time to grip his cape coming back the other way and blinds him with it. Going back down, Talia puts her legs around his and forces him down to the ground, repeatedly slamming his head in.


Then for further usage, Talia quickly shuffles up to Bruce’s front, wrapping one leg across his face-down €™neck, while hooking her hands behind his head, with one arm passing over their own leg and the other under it. Talia then pulls backward with their arms and forward with their leg, almost squeezing Bruce’s head and applying considerable pressure.


As expected, the hold doesn’t last for much longer. Bruce is able to wriggle his other arm free without much trouble…..elbowing Talia square in the nose, forcing her to let go.


Rolling out from the hold, Batman lands one roundhouse to her face. Talia is able to block the next one and avoid a sweep. While Bruce lunges forward, she attempts to, again, kick his legs out from underneath him. Anticipating this, however, Bruce willingly steps forward and rocks Talia down to the ground forcibly.


Another punch is landed on her but in the midst of the moment, she vanished.


Poof.


Smoke erupts around him as he’s left quickly readjusting his Detective Vision. But there was no need as Talia’s plan to dive on him from behind fell reasonably flat.


One single kick to the neck stopped the aerial assault almost immediately. Rolling on through yet again, Talia threw her sword right towards Bruce’s face…..


….but all she did was skim past the cowl, nicking the forehead before flying towards an impervious Black Canary, following a massive face-buster from Red X.


In the nick of time, however, Selina intervenes, gripping ahold of the sword in midair and returning the favor, tossing the sword back towards Talia like a lawn dart. She’s quick to dodge her own incoming projectile buy in the process of dodging, she left herself wide open.


Batman was able to grip her with the Batclaw before telescoping her towards him and yanking out, folding her inside out with a clothesline and sending her crashing to the ground.


Bruce had to look back at Selina, for the added aid wasn’t necessary but given she too had bad blood with Talia, it wasn’t difficult to see why she’d take the first opportunity she’d get.


Turning back towards Talia, again…..no sign of her. But that was what the latter wanted.


Talia, once again, leaped in from behind, intent on impaling Catwoman whilst her back was turned, but Batman intercepted her with a haymaker punch. The daughter was furious with Bruce for his betrayal and cried out in rage as she aimed herself towards him, leaping upwards and hacking away.


Multiple deflections of her sword later, he kicked her in the stomach twice. He then rolls back towards the edge, tossing out an advanced land mine and sent it towards Talia to no avail. She hastily avoids the distraction….


….but then came another in the shape of shock gloves.


Said shock gauntlets push her back up towards the entrance to the courtyard, leaving her neck briefly snapping back towards the wall, knocking her out.


Even if the impact didn’t do it, the voltage on Batman’s shock gloves and the circuit had one connection made at the frontal lobe of the brain, and the safe voltage to incapacitate someone was 36V, safe current is 10mA. The impact of electric shock on the human body mainly depends on the current that flows.


He basically shut her down and knocked her out.


Batman: You should’ve stayed in Wonder City Talia.


Meanwhile Red X knocked Helena off her feet and lunged an X to disarm Zatanna from her wand and attacked her but she countered him


Zatanna: Who the hell are you?



Red X: If I wanted you to know that would I be wearing a mask?!



He knocked her down and was about to strike but was countered by Batman



Batman: It's Jason Todd.


Zatanna: Jason?



Her Huntresss even Selina was shocked to that breaking newss despite her moling in the Regime she hadn't had any tabs on Red X Jason however didn't seem too surprise


Red X: After all these years the world's greatest detective finally figures it out. Getting slow old man.


Batman: Actually I knew since the day the Red Hood disappeared the ame time the Red X appeared.



Red X: Guess you haven't lost your touch pops.



Catwoman: You ungrateful bastard. He took you in trained you!


Huntress: Sure he can be an uptight jerk.



Zatanna: But abandoned him for Superman?



Red X: For obvious reasons! Ever since he killed the Joker Superman's been more of a father than you ever were Bruce!



Batman: You stopped being my son when you killed Dick Grayson!



The mention of Dick's name caught Jason off guard and was furious at Batman still tinking he killed his own brother



Batman: HE was my son!



Red X: You think I would----I would never hurt him! If you even think I would than you've sunk lower than the Joker! Dick always trusted me but you never will!



Batman: Trust is earned Jason.



Red X: And how long will that take?! I didn't murder Dick Bruce!




Batman: No. your temper did Jason.


Red X: It was HARLEY!


Batman lunged a kick at him sending Red X to a wall and slammed on it



Red X: Old man you are taking life way too seriously.




They charged at each other and Jason slid under Bruce than soon he threw moke bombs at X Jaon leaped backwards throwing Xrangs at the dark knight




He dodged them then Red X pressed red x blades from his gauntlets and attacked Bats who countered them with his own gauntlets they countered punch and kicked each other for half a minute


And soon the struggled on one another



Batman: What'd you expect to gain from this? What do you even plan to do if Superman even wins this war?



Red X: Whatever I want.



He pushed Bruce off



Red X: I'm not playing the big villain Bruce. I'm just doing what needs to be done. As I always have. I'm a vigilante I'm not interested in governing or controlling your precious earth like Clark. I'm just in titled to the Regime till it's over. Then I'm looking out for number 1.




Batman: So this ain't really about Joker or Clark. You're just being selfish.



Red X: Lighten up Bats. I till want the same as you. The scum subdued. That's the only reason I'm in the Regime. Yeah Superman killing the Joker motivated me. And yeah I think he's right about all crime needing to be stopped but I'm only bringing justice my own way. I'm not the bad guy Bruce that's you this time.


Laser X's were shot out of his palms and Bruce dodged them but tripped Red X jumped up leaping up a kick down but Bruce dodged it rolling around then he kicked Jason to a wall and fell on the ground but leaps back on his feet



Red X: Play time's over old man. Better back off.......



He presses the center of his belt



Red X:.....or I tripped the power cord and everyone here gets vaporized like flies on a bug zapper. I don't think you want that conscience.



Batman: And I don't think you want to be disintergrated.



It was a long stare of silence for a moment and just when his hand wa near the button Jason found the belt wasn't there anymore


Red X: What the?!


Catwoman: Looking for this?



Selina was holding up Jason's belt who's eyes bolted at her



Catwoman: Guess I haven't lost my touch either. Better luck next time kiddo.


Red X: Not bad kitty......not bad.



Jason turned back to Bruce who delivered a final blow by upper cutting him off his feet and falls hard on the ground




Batman: You're STILL dead to me.




Jason couldn’t give a rats ass.



Doesn’t matter how erratic Jason had become; in his eyes, taking Bruce’s pity and sympathy was like bringing him down for Christmas to say ‘Here’s your new puppy’…..only to murder the puppy right in front of him. Working alongside Batman was troublesome, tormenting, psychologically abusive and came to define everything on why he grew so vengeful for his patented father figure.


Not even having the decency to scooch his back up to allow his arms to be tied up behind him, Bruce had to manually do it for him, zip-tying his arms together with added pounds of pressure. The ladies saw how badly Bruce intended to not be gentle with the former Red Hood.



And it brought some worry. Did he really mean what he said in the end?



Huntress: You ok…..Bruce?



Bruce doesn’t answer her question.


The man observes his protégé with the gaze of a stranger, that aloof judgement with no strings. From afar and behind closed doors, he had made some opinion of him.


As he did not mean to speak ill of him then, his disappointment eventually trickled through. Though we walk in a modern age with gadgets our fore-bearers could never have dreamt of, there is a part of us that is forever the tribal hunter. We must make an observation, a casual assessment.


Friend or foe? And how did he make such a judgement?



On the grave of Dick Grayson, he didn’t want to have to come to the decision to cast him off as a foe. But this was Jason’s punishment; this was the price he had to pay for his misdeeds.



Batman: We should get going. Keep stalling until Lex gets here.




From that point onwards, the fight continued to spill into the reaches of the prison itself, rattling the structural layout of the Metropolis confinement center.


On the Birds side, only three unfortunate militiamen were left and they barely stood a chance. A low kick was aimed at Tim’s calves before he aims high with a knife. Dropping the knife, he goes for the abdomen but Tim catches his hand just in time before snapping his wrist and rotating his arm around dislocating the shoulder joint.



With him wide open…..


…..Dinah comes in with a roundhouse to the head while Red Robin trips him from below.




Attention span was soon turned to the other two henchmen approaching. Unfortunately, none of them even bothered to look up. Because of that, they got trampled on and squashed by a falling Aquaman.



Barely recovering from the onslaught of Black Adam and forced to have his other soldiers fend for himself, Arthur was left backing up towards Tim and Dinah, their attention now turned to the former slave turned god Teth Adam.


Unfortunately, the numbers would soon be against them all.



Gunshots began to pop in and around Tim’s location, forcing the third Boy Wonder to roll up and out from Dinah and Arthur’s position and go on the defensive, retracting his bo staff into a ballistic shield.



It deflected gunshot after gunshot after explosive round after explosive round with Peacemaker blasting away, not even getting close to penetrating the shield. The issue was he wasn’t trying to penetrate the shield.


With that distraction, Tim didn’t get the chance to make the first move, his legs suddenly rupturing beneath him as the Earth fastened itself to him. Unable to move, it was like quicksand…..


….and both Dinah and Arthur were in a similar predicament. Terra had caught them all off guard.



Peacemaker: Mind if we cut in?



Canary: I'm saving a dance for Superman. That's why I brought them.



Robin was about to strike only for Terra to shake the ground to drop them all off their feet but lucky for them Starfire launched herself down shooting star bolts at them only to get cornered by both of the Yellow Lanterns



Raven flew up to shoo them away from her only to get countered by Adam that flew after her and it was a two on three airborne fight


Robin disarmed Peacemaker by knocking his gun out of his hands with his staff and Black Canary blew him and Terra away with her bird call



Red Robin: Arthur get inside and help the others we'll slow them down as best as we can.



Aquaman: I'm gonna need reinforcements.



Aquaman signaled King Shark on the front creature and gave out a bellow summining......



......the full army of Atlantis the mighty legion of the seven seas and Aquaman pointed towards the facility and the creature King Shark was riding in BURST into the prison and the warriors came running in lead by Arthur leading the charge



King Shark heard a roar from a distance and lowered his eyes and turned to the King



King Shark: Just go. I'll catch up.



Artthur nodded and lead the attack a King Shark ran to where that roar came from



Meanwile Harley and her clan were holding off more Regime Soldiers she wa a woman on a mission not letting anything stop her the clan shot off a handful of the soldiers with Harley bashing her way through them with her bat



All of a sudden the SAME roar King Shark heard earlier caught the Regime Forces the clan and Harley off guard and who came out......



........was the terror of Gotham's sewers the human reptile mutation......Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje)



Harley: Croc old boy is that you?!



Killer Croc: Harley Quinn. I haven't een you in awhile.



Harley: Been busy. I hear you work for Supe now. Kind of a surprise I thought he would kill you since he's killing criminals now.



Killer Croc: Only those who don't summit to him. Besides....I'm in it for the free food. Now I got your scent Quinn I will hunt you down.


Harley: You mean after we saved the world twice the world twice this is how it is?!



Killer Croc: Sorry Quinn I'm a new man---croc-man. Now I----



Croc nearly approached her but a shot was made as a warning shot near his foot everyone looked over......



......it was Deadshot



Deadshot: You getting big Waylon. Boy what you been eaten?



Harley: Floyd!



Deadshot: I retire for five years and I come back just to set yall straight....AGAIN. Not cut out for the quit life anyway but this means I will knock your punk-ass down.


Killer Croc: You think I'm cared of you Floyd? I got your scent too.


Floyd took another making Croc back up to avoid the bullet



Deadshot: And I got yours too. And know what? IT STINKS!



Croc roared and ran but was pounced by a sudden unknow figure and both fell off the railing and fell to the bottom flour



Harley Floyd and the clan ran to the rail and looked down where they fell



Croc and the Giant figure hit the flour hard as it turned out.....it was King Shark



They stood face to face circling one another after standing up



Killer Croc: Finally....it has come to this.....the Croc vs the Shark.




King Shark: Crocs maybe deadlier. But sharks......bite HARDER.




As a testament to said statement, Croc charges for the mutant shark, forcing the latter to do the same. Their colliding forces cancel each other out, resulting in a mini-tug of war between the two freakazoid forces of human nature.



Nanaue now only stood three feet lower than the former Waylon Jones, the latter of which was far more experienced in these brawler amateur wrestler predicaments. In the decades that passed since his first mission with the Suicide Squad, Croc’s evolution expanded greatly with large spiky growths protruding from his left shoulder, his body much larger and bulkier than before, and his legs proportionally shorter in comparison to the rest of his body, giving him a more reptilian shape instead of his regular humanoid state.



And then, of course, there’s his tail.




His first line of attack after headbutting the giant shark, he smacks him aside with his tail as his fin bounces off the wall of the C-Cell Blocks. He doesn’t get much time to recover as Croc slithers up to him and continues to bash his head into the wall.


Fed up with the redundancy, Nanaue takes notice of Waylon’s smaller legs and STOMP’s down on them. It only inconveniences the former alligator wrestler but Nanaue is able to get the upper hand…..if only for a short while.



Following a double punch to the abdomen, Shark runs in with a knee to Waylon's face, forcing him to slither back around, bide his time and push him down.


It only pushes back Nanaue slightly, his feet skidding amongst the graveled halls of the cell blocks. Charging at him again, Croc is met with a high elbow and Nanaue’s fin being stabbed into his chest area.



There was enough leeway there for King Shark to wiggle Croc off of his feet and beat down on him. Unfortunately, the former wrestler didn’t take too kindly to his opponent dissecting him in an area he was preferable dominant in.


So in a last-ditch effort, he bites down on the side of Nanaue’s neck, bringing him sadistic pleasure as King Shark exclaims loudly. His posture broken, Croc effortlessly grabbed the opponent with both arms around his legs while keeping his chest close to the opponent, and used this position to force the opponent to the ground.


But it wasn’t enough for Waylon.



Instead, he picks Nanaue back up again and drops him with a spinebuster; grabbing the Shark around the waist, lifting him up again, and slamming him down while standing on top of him.



Little did either of them know their audience from up above…..we’re still watching.




Harley: C’mon! You’re a fucking King, Nanaue! It’s in the name; Get up!


Deadshot: You know that Walking Tiburon?


Harley: Long story.



It was as much to him as it was to Gary, Terry, Larry, Perry, and Jerry, five of the disingenuous people in her clan brought along for the siege…..but the few Harley grew attached to over the years.


And to think: an inner circle of henchmen with generic names that she couldn’t tell apart but treated them with respect and friendship? She knows a thing or two about being flunky or maintaining a decent family outing.



Gary: C’mon boss. We gotta go.



It was unfortunate but he was right. Nanaue could handle himself fine…..but her target possibly wouldn’t for much longer.



Harley: You’re right, Perry. C’mon guys, it’s just two more stairs up.



That was going to be the end of it but Harley, being the changed woman she now was, decided that maybe Floyd’s assistance would probably be very well appreciated.



Harley: Deadpan…..


She turns towards him before extending out her hand to the former assassin.


Harley:…..will you help us? Please?



No backsliding, no cutting corners, no preferential treatment in store for the recipient at the end of the bargain. This was a simple favor being asked from a friend in need in a time where tomorrow definitely was not promised to you.


As Floyd’s mission involved mostly around Harley and whoever else he was supposed to find, the man was already dubious of Walker’s true intentions from afar. He knew full in well that whatever he gave her…..


….she probably wouldn’t return the favor in the same gratitude. Floyd was smart like that.



But he couldn’t say no to a friend. Most importantly, he couldn’t say no to Harley.




Where they would go was actually a floor upwards in the A-Cell blocks, I.e, the cell blocks that held the kind of adversaries Superman deemed too extreme or dangerous to be let loose…..at least on his terms. Hardly any of Superman’s rogue gallery was left alive following his heel turn so the A-Cell Blocks were barely filled up.


That didn’t mean there weren’t inmates involved. And Harley’s focus was on only one of them.



Pamela Isley a.k.a Poison Ivy (Bryce Dallas Howard)



Following the wake of Metropolis’s demise, Isley saw an opportunity to take advantage of the Boy Scouts' insecurity and place him under her control in the early years in his run as High Councilor. Unfortunately, he had the Regime by her side and the former botanist was dealt with. Luckily for her, it was Barry who convinced both Kal and Diana to spare her, saying she’d be free to do her business elsewhere as long as she didn’t disrupt the peace. So at that point in time, Ivy was granted immunity which she begrudgingly accepted….


….until another five years later, Superman went by recruiting criminals such as Bane, Croc, Killer Frost, and others, attempting to solidify his grip on the world for however long he could. Reaching out to her and thus breaking their agreement as a result, Superman asked Ivy to help him take down the Insurgency.



There was one fatal flaw in all this, however: He still planned to go after Harley…..and Ivy was livid. She turned down his offer to join him and thus, she was placed as a prisoner. She remained as such for the last few months.


But not for long.




Literally cramped up in the corner of the room, Ivy looked to be at her wit's end. In an entire room filled with plants and leaves and roots and all types of flora, they were barely getting any proper sunlight and vegetation needed to truly flourish. Not only were the plants dying but so was she.


Her skin was turning brown all over, not to mention the insides of her were slowly churning and withering out.



Ivy: My babies…..I-I'm here. My poor….poor…..babies…..



Deadshot: You gotta be kidding me. We're here to rescue POISON IVY?!



Harley: Of course we are. She's done so much for me in the past. I can't let her rot in here.



Deadshot: I don't know Harl. She only cares about the fucking rain forest. She'd likely kill both of us.



Harley: Not me. Her and I go way back before she was......like this. Just stay cloe to me and sshe won't hurt you. Hang in there Red. Momma's gonna get you out.



Harley took a card key out she swiped from the Regime Force from the fighting earlier and unlocked the isolation chamber and walked in grabbing hold of Ivy on the flour who was gasping for air



Harley: I got ya Red.



Harley held out a small leaf which Ivy was able to harness to grow it larger Floyd redied his gun cae Ivy would attack them and her brown skin shifted to green as her eyes glew green when they opened and looked over to Harley holding her


Ivy: Harley?



Harley: Missed me Red?



Ivy: How did you find me?



Harley: It wasn't easy I assure you.



Ivy: Well.....by all means.....



She stood up and grew a smile a she stretched out



Ivy: Much better.




She notices Floyd pointing his gun at her



Ivy: At eae fly boy you're killing me here there's a truce.



Deadshot: Can't be too careful knowing your gig. You want mankind extinct like the dinosaurs.




Ivy: Yes but I'm not into that position at least not without alerting Superman.


Harley: Why was he keeping you in here anyway?



Ivy: After your psychotic ex nuked Metropolis I tended to brainwash Superman under my control to restore nature. But I under estimated his regime and tended to kill me at first but like Bane and the others I was forced to join in their war against Batman's rebellion. I told them I wasn't interested in their ridicules' empire. It's only supporting mankind more over the green much further and when I came to.....I was locked in here for the past five years. But what Superman failed to understand.......nature always wins.



All of a sudden giant vines came bursting out of walls outside the chamber due to the tree vines in the prison walls and they tied bth Harley and Deadshot holding them both off the flour as Ivy walked out to the hall and looked up to Harley



Ivy: Thanks Harley. For the daring rescue. I did miss you.



She blew Harley a kiss and turned away to exit the hall



Harley: Ahh she's a good kid.



Deadshot: Yeah I could watch you two all day. You are litterally sick in the head you know that?



She grinned shrugging her shoulders



Deadshot: I don't suppose you have a weed wacker do you?



That was yet to be answered


When Batman and the birds of prey continued onward to meet up with Lex when he arrives but all of a sudden the flour shook tumbling debree from above them Batman pushed Zatanna out of the way and he and Selina got seperated from her and Helena



Bruce and Selina coughed out knowing that was no ordinary earthquake he knew instantly the cause of this



Batman: Terra.



He turned around looking for her but no sign of her



Batman: Terra! Show yourself!



Surrender Batman!


Bruce turned to that voice seeing Terra hovering down on a flying rock after she was blown away by Black Canary she landed somewhere near the facility and made her way to confront Batman



Terra: While you still can.



Batman: I promised Tim I give you one last chance. And this is it!



Terra: I never needed saving!




Batman: I that what you said when you worked for Slade? Is that what you said to Garfield?



Hearing her deceased boyfriend's name triggered her and was about to trike till Selina struck her frm behind knocking her out



Catwoman: Sorry sweetie. But that's why it's called tough love. Don't tell the others I said that Bruce.


They were startled by a burst through the roof and looked to see Hal hitting the ground hard after being struck by Raven and Starfire no doubt Batman stood between him and Selina


Batman: Go. I'll meet you outside.



Catwoman: I'm not leaving you!



Batman: Just go! Our daughter needs you to keep her safe.



Catwoman's eyes widen being reminded of her inside information and because of that she couldn't argue with Bruce and ran as Hal recovered to be confronted by his former friend



Yellow Lantern: Well look who I found. Time to end the Insurgency.



Hal is left firing a yellow missile-shaped construct at his opponent…..which Batman easily dodged. So instead, he fires TWO missile constructs from above his head at Batman. Once again, to no avail.


Bruce effortlessly somersaults under and around them both before launching a batarang….down at the ground. Confused at first, Hal was about to comment on Bruce’s apparent lack of aim and poke fun about it.


Except the batarang ended up exploding right at Hal’s feet, disorienting him.


Taking the opportunity, Batman charges towards Hal, shooting his grappling hook up into the air up to the far corner of the ledge, kicking Hal’s lights out…..but barely. Hal, growing frustrated, is able to reconstruct a minigun from thin air and open fire on the flying mammal man.


He gets dangerously close to hitting him but at his fault, Hal doesn’t take into account Bruce executing a favor on his gauntlets: calling in three mechanical bats to hover around him.


Bruce is left shooting one robotic bat at a time towards Hal, with very little leverage piercing through…..since Yellow Lantern kept trying to shoot them as disorienting as possible. However, only one of them is able to get far enough to stick onto Hal and let loose.


Said connection to Hal emits sonic waves out of the batarang summoning a swarm of bats to attack the Yellow Lantern. It did little to mentally deter Hal as his new profound alliance to Sinestro encouraged him to embrace said fear and use it. Then, however, came an electric shock all while Batman usurped….


Batman: Get over here!


He glided down, rolling over with Hal in tow and throwing him down but still holding onto him. Uncharacteristically, Bruce starts slamming Hal into the ground at full force….


….only for Hal to blast him one time with the ring and bounce him off. An opportunity arising, Hal is left swinging a hammer back around to Bruce’s neck when he gets up, which he blocks with his bare hands.



As for the two former Suicide Squad members, being twisted and tied up in actual vines of poison Ivy was not on any of their bucket lists going forward. Especially Harley, who continued to let her spirit shine through….


….despite the circumstances.


Harley: Oh Red……why you always gotta make me do this?


Slashing at her own shoulder, she dislocated it far enough to where only half of her upper body had enough wiggle room to slither out of the vines. Lucky her then; Ivy’s plants couldn’t actively hurt her. Harley cut the rest of herself free from the vines with a knife, and handed it to Deadshot so he could the same.


No sooner do they release themselves…..do they feel something amiss in the air. Not just with Floyd coming to help Harley but the entire predicament surrounding said adversaries since they arrived.


Croc was the first Suicide Squad member to surprise her, only for Floyd to do the same. Ivy was, unofficially, an honorary member in the past as she gave Harley and the rest of the Squad some unmitigated support. Not mention, how else did she know about Floyd?


And then there was Nanaue.


If Ivy was here, who knows how many other members of the Squad were held captive?


That question was laid to rest not even a few seconds into thinking that. A hole was being burrowed into their room with the structure of the wall in the very corner of the room….beginning to grow out. Essentially, thanks to Ivy’s cooperated escape, it was essentially giving other inmates leeway to plot their own escape now.


Fortunately for Harley and Floyd, this inmate burrowing right to where they were wouldn’t exactly end well for them. But luckily, this inmate just so happened to be another old friend of Harley.


The hole eventually caved in, leaving a hole between the two cell blocks jointed next to each other……and out crawls Cleo Cazo (Daniela Melchior), the former Ratcatcher 2 tired but satisfied after crawling out her cell block from the other side. Now that came as a genuine shock to Harley and served as another testament to how far Superman had truly gone.


Ratcatcher 2 hadn’t been up to much since the Squads disbandment other than just try and get by so the fact that Superman considered her ‘dangerous’, especially since she was still rather young?


Something about that pissed her off.


Harley: Ratgirl?


Recognizing the nasally but animated voice, Cleo was thankfully greeted with a friendly face in Harley, especially under the guise of seeing a friend again after so long.


Cleo: Harley???

Harley: Holy SHIT! YOU'RE ALIVE! And what happened to you?!

Cleo: Don't ask.

Deadshot: It can't be! How......

Cleo: I don't know how to explain it myself.

Deadshot: Well Waller's gonna need an explanation.

Cleo: Still wokring for her? I asumed Superman took her down for running an army of criminals.

Deadshot: If he's planning to he hasn't done yet. But I don't suppose you can get us down can you?

Cleo: I think so.

While Ratcher 2 tended to Harley and Floyd the animal mutation brawl raged on

King Shark charged at Croc tackling him on the flour and BITES him on the shoulder causing Croc to let out a bellowing roar of pain causing him to BITE back on the shoulder

King Shark shrieked forcing him to back off then Croc tackled him back to the wall and started crashing through to wall to wall just for King to grab Croc trowing him off bashing through another wall leading to one of the bathrooms and Croc crashed through of the stalls

King Shark climbed through the hall snarling and bleeding from the shoulder but ignored his injury bet as he could as he grabbed Croc by the neck then throws him down head first sharrting one of the toilets to bits

Croc then kicks King back forcing him to mash into the sinks Croc got up and charged roaring but King grabbed on and they truggled on one another smashing through everything and they crashed through the walls and ended up in another cell block

Croc slashed at King in the cheek just for the mutant shark to fall back and Croc jumped at him but King rolls over and dodges him then King Shark BITES him again.......in the tail

Killer Croc let's out an agonizing roar from the pain and King tried pulling the tail off Waylon tried to shake him off but he wouldn't let go and all of a sudden......

....King RIPS the tail off

Croc lets out a louder of pain everyone heard him which caught Superman and Wonder Woman's attention

They nodded to one another and made their way to where it came from where both Canary and Montoya fallowed them out of the fighting

As Zatanna and Helena made their way out they feared for the wort of whatever happened with Bruce and Selina

Huntress: You think Bruce and Selina are alright?

Zatanna: I'm sure they're fine I seen Bruce get out of worst situations than this.

Huntress: I don't know.....now that the truth is out wonder how he'll process if we even win this war.

Don't think you'll find out anytime soon.

Startled by that familar male voice they looked up Clark and Diana both landed to confront them wich made both birds nervous knowing they could not outmatch both both Superman and Wonder Woman without the super pills

Superman: Helena Zatanna make it easy on yourselves and surrender.

Wonder Woman: Or you will force us to send you to Hades.

How bout you both fuck off!

They turned and Dinah with Montoya behind them struck them with her bird call blowing them away and Montoya happy to ee her love in one piece ran to Huntress and hugged her finding herself hugging her back

Montoya: You ok?

Huntress: I am now.

They turned as Clark and Diana stood back up and looked furiou and Dinah.....holding a super pill and Montoya having a bag full giving Helena and Zatanna some all took one gaining power

Dinah was now taking her chance with Superman

Dinah: You guys take care of Diana. Superman's MINE.


Almost immediately, Dinah looked the Man Of Steel DEAD in the eyes.


The fact that they were holding hands didn’t phase Dinah. But Clark felt as if HE HAD TO get something out because he never had the chance to APOLOGIZE to Dinah for Ollie.


Superman: Dinah.


Wonder Woman: Kal.


Superman: She needs to know. Take care of them, please.


He levitates down, wearily and cautiously approaching Dinah slowly. It had been almost six years since he had murdered Oliver Queen brutally for almost causing his mother’s death.


Unfortunately, it mattered little to Dinah in the grand scheme of things.


Superman murdered her husband and the father of her child in cold blood. A parental maternal figure like that couldn’t let that slide; she wouldn’t dare allow it.



Superman: Dinah.....I’m sorry. I-it was an accident. I never meant to—


Canary: That’s it, Clark…..let’s see the real you. Show me what you showed Ollie before you killed him. You fooled me like you fooled everyone else. I believed that you were like us. I thought you were HUMAN.


Superman: Watch it.


Canary: You don’t see the world like we do. You see humanity as something you NEED to protect, something fragile. We ARE NOT Fragile. We will tear you down.


Superman: Choose your next words carefully, Dinah. They might be your last.


Canary: Believe me, I’m counting on it.



Screeching at the top of her lungs, she executes her Canary Cry propelling both Diana and Superman back, their feet skidding the graveled dirt beneath them. Diana had protection against her….as did the Birds, mostly thanks to Zatanna who shielded Huntress and Montoya with a protective bubble.


Clark didn’t have that same luxury.



As the seconds turned into a full minute, the reverberations stung against the Man Of Steel too much to the point where his eardrums began to rupture and the air pressure fluctuation was so rapid that not even Clark could prevent the screech from affecting him.


It was at the point where his ears were effectively bleeding. But that didn’t stop Dinah from pressing forward.


Finally having enough, Clark just eased up to his feet and tackled Black Canary off her feet all while she hammers him on the shoulder with her elbows. Undeterred, he blasts himself and Black Canary out the north grounds of STRYKER’s and through the back of the prison walls, landing outwards and awkwardly off the rocks stationed outside the complex and onto the terrain.


Neither of which seemed to hurt either opponent. Lucky for the Canary, since she had already snatched a pill and taken it.


At least, from this standpoint, Dinah had the chance to take her shot.



This left the rest of the Birds to face off with the Amazon Goddess Of War. Going back on the defensive, Zatanna evaporated the sound-proof bubble, giving herself, Huntress, and Montoya time to prepare themselves.


Zatanna: We don’t want any conflict here.


Wonder Woman: Likewise.


Montoya: Get out of the way then. Superman’s punishment is long overdue.


Wonder Woman: Not as long as I draw breath.


Huntress: Why is that so? Do you truly think he loves you as I once loved Dick? What makes you think he truly cares for you as much as the rest of the work he’s craved?


Wonder Woman: Helena, It’s not true. His love for me made me stronger.


Huntress: Is that what you tell yourself? Is that what you want to believe from how much he’s blinded you?



She knew where this was going.



Wonder Woman: DON’T YOU DARE SAY IT.


Zatanna: Helena?


She chuckles.


Huntress: Or was that from Steve Trevor?



Outraged, Diana immediately slammed her bracelets together, releasing a large spherical blast of orange white-hot energy, sending the Birds and Zatanna back.


Zatanna: Were you trying to get a reaction?


Helena: Part of my charm.


Zatanna: Save it until after we beat the Princess.



Outside, both opposing forces were still rather ticked off at one another for their own personal reasons even though Dinah was the more hurt of the two. While they both tried to regain her balance, neither were barely able to stand properly.


But then Canary realized something: she had dropped her pistol. It was a few feet behind her. Immediately rolling on through, Dinah is quick to grab the pistol only for Clark to quickly confront her, gripping both arms as tightly as he could.


If only Dinah could see Clark actually wasn’t in the mood to fight her.



Superman: Dinah, I never wanted to hurt you....I never wanted to hurt anyone!


Canary: Oh, shut up!



Offended by the emotional blackmail befalling her, Dinah headbutts him square across the face before dropkicking him square in the chest, just enough to backflip away and get enough distance from him.


She readies her pistol properly, aiming at him, and once again, the two made eye contact.



Canary: I understand what Joker put you through. If he was the one who killed Ollie or Conner, then yeah, I'd probably not be above ripping his heart out too. But I wouldn't take over the world or kill others' families. Widow wives! Orphan children before they're born!


Superman: He was my friend too.....


Canary: And is this reign worth all that blood split? You're the most powerful thing on Earth; stop pretending it's someone else's fault, Clark! It's pathetic! You have super-vision and yet you're telling me you can't see the dictator you've become?! I'm just glad Lois isn't here to see you like this!


Outraged and pissed she brought up Lois, Clark grabbed ahold of Dinah by the throat, a knee-jerk reaction.


Superman: DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT LOIS!!



BANG!



He paused for a minute and gasps.


It felt as if the world slowed down to a halt as Superman's eyes bolted all the way up. He could feel legitimate pain through his chest as well as the rest of his body. Backing up and feeling sick and drained of his strength, the Kryptonite bullet shot through his S symbol and INTO his chest dropped him down to his knees.


With his skin and blood veins turning green, he felt his body burning up from the inside out and himself suffocating as he was brought down to a knee.


Dinah took her shot.



Canary: Kryptonite bullet. You weren't faster than that, were you?


She kicked him down as Clark fell face first, lying opposite of his back. With the Kryptonite bullet still stuck in his chest and systematically shutting him down, it wasn’t long before he then coughed out blood.


She catches him trying to stand back to his feet.


Canary: I only meant to miss anything vital on purpose because I promised Batman I'd show you mercy: The mercy you denied Ollie, you son of a bitch!


Superman: Di---Dinah.....


She grabbed him up by the throat and started SLAPPING some sense into him. With each slap felt, it only strengthened the side effects of the bullet more.


But suddenly from behind, Canary was grabbed by the shoulder and immediately tossed away from Superman like a piece of a flyer.


Courtesy of SINESTRO.



By the time she landed, Sinestro looked down to Clark and smirked sinisterly. Evil was on his mind….and it was the worst kind of horror Dinah could experience.



Sinestro: Kal-El of Krypton. You have the ability to install great fear.



From his palms, he held out ANOTHER Sinestro Corps ring.



Canary: NO!



The ring floated out of Sinestro's hand and INSTANTLY latches on Superman's finger.


Dinah was horrified that the fiendish intergalactic leader had aided the monster that ruined her family….especially when she was so close to ending him. Before she could execute her Canary Cry, however, Sinestro’s ring formulated a choker around her neck, preventing her from speaking or screaming.


And he slammed her down, still keeping the choker around her.


Superman's first use of the ring was forming a beam image of tweezers, redirecting the tips slowly towards his chest. Diving straight in, Kal grunts loudly still lingering from the effects of the bullet…..


….but after a few seconds of wiggle room, his tweezers pull out the bullet and slam it on the ground.



Gasping out a weak, "No...", Dinah is helpless to do much of anything as the Man of Steel, instantly recovering from the effects of the Kryptonite…..


….and fires his heat vision right through her abdomen. Black Canary instantly falls back in agony, blood already trickling out her stomach and chest region.


A mortally wounded Black Canary is on the verge of collapsing, her stomach burning as the newly empowered Superman rises over her, the ring gifting him a golden suit with a glowing cape and solid S insignia….only now furthered tainted by the Sinestro Corps logo.



Dying, Dinah struggles to raise herself up, blood running down her mouth while the now Qwardian Ring empowered Superman floats over her, glowing with the light of fear. Dinah, much to Clarks' bewilderment, smiles through her pain and tears as she tells him….


Canary: You lose.



She then points to her eyes and reveals her final, ultimate victory over the Man of Steel.



Canary: Contact lenses. They recorded everything. Everything I saw…..they saw. And I saw the truth.



As a last-minute item swap before she left the Batcave earlier, Oracle gifted Dinah with contact lenses with a built-in recording function…..and with the STRYKER situation bound to get bloody soon, it was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.


Everything she’s seeing now was being immediately forwarded back to Oracle and those images were immediately being streamed all around the world.


Dinah chuckles louder at this victory…..only to cough up more blood at the end. With her breathing slowly fading out, she tells Clark….



Canary: They'll know you're...you're not their savior. The world will fear you....

Clark was shocked beyond belief he was tricked into giving into his dark path and Dinah had the perfect strategy to expose him one he never thought was possible concluding not only was Batman unmasked......but so was Superman

Sinestro hovered down hearing everything and he chuckled thinking Dinah was bluffing

Sinetro: Don't listen to her Kal. She's bluffing to save save her own life.

Superman: No. No she's not. I can hear them.

Clark wasn't kidding his super hearing heard everyone's shouts gasping and rants

He lied to us!

Batman was right

I knew he was no hero!

How could he?!

He's a monster!

Superman: NO! NOOOOOO!!!!!!

Canary laughed historically as Clark cries out in disbelief

Black Canary: You think unmasking Bruce would win you this war Clark? No.....it only pushed us further to keep fighting. So even if you win......they'll never trust you again.

Superman was PISSED he grabbed Dinah by the neck holding out his fist

Dinah: Go on! Do it! Prove them more how vile you've become! Take me away from Connor! Like Lois and your son wa taken from you!

Superman grinched his teeth but the more she taunted him the more he realized killing her would make him......more like the Joker

He dropped her as Sinestro frowned in confusion......and Superman.......just took off leaving Canary laughing helpless against Sinestro

He was about to blast his ring only to get pounced......by Montoya from behind as Zatanna and Huntress kept Wonder Woman busy

Wonder Woman wung her sword only for Zatanna to cast her wand making it into a butter knife

Zatannna laughed which angered Diana she took her lasso out throwing at er but Helena grabbed it and due to the stength sshe gained from the super pills he wa able to pull the lasso and knock Diana off her feet she hit the ground

Huntress: Give it up Diana. You and Supes are no better than the Joker.

Wonder Woman: You dare compare me to him! You think I would destroy countless lives in cold blood?!

Huntress: Yes I do. For Christ sake Diana count the bodies! How can you even live with yourself?!

Wonder Woman: How dare you lecture me!

Diana got up and both her and Huntress bashed on one another and struggled one another then Diana forced her off grabbed her lasso lassoed at Helena and it wrapped around her neck.........

......Helena choked as Diana did not hold back and one stroke......

.......BROKE her neck

Zatanna looked up and to her horror witnessed Huntress's lifeles body fal to the ground and Diana jut wrapped her lasso back up NOT even feeling remore for her

Diana knew what she done but her cruel intentions have now gotten the better of her after five years she knew what she done and unlike Clark felt about killing Ollie and Dick Diana had no guilt no shame of killing her five years in the Regime curropted her completly and worse.......

......Montoya saw the whole thing as she aided Dinah and she was both struck with shock and grief she cried out

Montoya: HELENA!!!!!!!

Montoya letted go of Dinah and ran to her and as she tried to comfort her Helena was not breathing and Montoya cried harder

Wonder Woman: She should have learned her place.

Montoya looked up at her in disgust

Wonder Woman: And as an honest cop you will learn yours.

Montoya: Why don't you go to HELL!

Montoya: Why don't you go to HELL!

Montoya took another pill all though her last one had not wore off it's effects which was dangerous grew extra strength and out of rage and revenge Montoya attacked the rougue amazon and pumbled on her like Alfred did Superman


Almost immediately, the side effects from such an outlandish decision began to rear its ugly head a few seconds after the exposure. The effects of the 5-U-93-R Pill were similar to that of any other prescription drug you would get over the counter or in the pharmacy.


Take more than the prolonged amount and the effects would be disastrous.



A prescription overdose occurs when someone has an adverse physiological reaction as a result of ingesting too much of a particular drug. Overdoses are caused when someone intentionally misuses the medication…..and Montoya had already taken two straight off the bat. Two may not be enough to cause an overdose….


….but the cop was already overworking her heart more than she had the right to. A disturbing factor that Wonder Woman eventually caught eye of after Montoya quickly began breathing abnormally following another quick barrage of punches.



A simple bop to the head with her shield later and Diana was left rolling her back to Zatanna and Helena’s contorted body. It was almost a blessing Dinah wasn’t conscious at the moment.


She wouldn’t have to see Diana take another life from one of her friends and see Montoya an emotional wreck at the same time.



Wonder Woman: You’re overworking your heart. You need to stop.



Took the words right out of my mouth.



Diana and the rest of the Birds turn to see Catwoman sliding down the rocket terrain to give her girls a helping hand in their time of need.


To be fair, she was an honorary member of the team also.



Diana is quick to back up as Selina eyes over at the prone Dinah with heat vision scars through her chest as she laid almost dead and then Helena, quickly gazing at the lasso around Helena’s neck. Rushing to her side, she immediately chucks Helena’s mask off her face to check for a pulse on her arm.


She finds NOTHING.


Transitioning to the neck, she finds no pulse there either. She had gotten there too late…..with Helena’s neck contorted and her life cut short.


Her best friend.



It left Selina trembling with fury, staring back at Diana. Growing quickly furious to the point of almost shaking uncontrollably, Selena unsheathes her claws once more.


You think cats were fierce before?


You haven’t seen one like this.



Selina: You ruthless....h-heartless......BASTARD!



Incensed and outraged, she pounces on Diana and begins to slash away at her face.


It left Zatanna staying firmly at a distance away while she threw sdnah fo gninthgil (hands of lightning) at Diana…..barely keeping her distracted long enough for Selina to get in some offense.


Blocking herself from a drive-by, Selina only jumps back forward and skims through Diana, breaking a small fraction of her shield in the process. Even then so, Dinah chucks it at Zatanna who immediately phased right through the shield and almost gets stabbed through the stomach with yet ANOTHER one of her swords.


But again, Z phases through.


Zatanna: Eixip tsud.


She blows pixie dust out from her mouth, barely distracting Diana as she kicks her shield back up from behind her, knocking Z in the back of the head.


Again, it left Diana with the infuriated former cat burglar.



Wonder Woman: Can’t believe he left me with the Housecat.


Catwoman: Honey.....if I’m the house cat.....


She retracted her claws once more.


Catwoman:......that means your forehead’s my scratching post!


As soon as she leaps up at her, Diana slams Selina down with the butt of her shield, knocking her out almost immediately.



Wonder Woman: You talk too much.



Fortune was not on the Squad’s side either. With Harley’s mission ‘completed’ in a way, that left her with tending to her remaining Suicide Squad members and with Ivy’s escape paving the way for other STRYKER inmates to do the same, it left her with only Floyd and Cleo by her side.


On one hand, it’d give them an easier alternative route to get out since Cleo’s entire lifetime with rats gave her much added knowledge on the individual sewer systems around. On the other, they still needed to get every other SS member they could out.


And Nanaue wasn’t exactly holding up so well anymore.


Despite his stamina, durability, and regenerative healing factor, Waylon seemed to have him beat there too as evidenced by his backside. Not even a full minute after having his tail being severed off, Croc found himself with a new tail telescoping within the old slot, regrowing that dormant part of him.


Nanaue was left started by that. He knew a thing or two about his own invulnerability but Croc’s looked to be on another level completely. It didn’t look like he could be physically harmed for long.



Croc: Care to try again?


Incapacitated on the ground with hardly the fractions worth of stamina left to catch up with him, Nanaue didn’t have an answer to that. All he could do was stumble back up to his feet….


….only to stumble back down.


Croc: Who called you ‘king’?



Nanaue, again, tried to pick himself back up to his feet but then came…..the sting. That nagging sensation felt all throughout your body when you get bitten or stung or pierced through. Croc had dug his claws right into Nanaue’s right leg….


…and just for good measure, applied his other hand around his neck, digging his claws in there too.


Satisfied with the challenge but literally chomping at the bit to get some actual food out of his pray, Waylon lifted Nanaue up from the neck and leg area effortlessly over his head like a bench press. Shifting his way to the railings, he looks down into a massive void of darkness.


Whatever happens afterward, Waylon was positive Nanaue wasn’t going to survive the fall.



At least that would’ve happened…..had Harley, Floyd and Cleo not waltzed down the stairs and caught eye of Waylon about to throw the big mutant shark to his death.


Harley: SHARKY!


Cleo: NANAUE!

And just then Waylon threw Nanaue down letting out a shrieking snarl as he fell fearing the worst the rest of the former SS members looked in horror to ee what Croc has done now knowing how deeply Superman has curropted him and that's not the worst of it

When they approached him they got a warning shot on the flour near them......

....by Peacemaker

Harley: Chrissy?

Peacemaker: Well well I must have missed the invite to the reunion.

Harley: You son of a bitch. You're gonna pay for everything.

Deadshot: Who the hell are you?

Peacemaker: Oh you must be Floyd. I guess we haven't met yet. I'm Christopher Smith. But my friends call me the Peacemaker.

Deadshot: Hardly one to make peace given you shine Superman's boots.

Peacemaker: He wants the same thing I want. Make peace. And.....Cleo.....is that you?

Cleo: Alive and well.

Peacemaker: And I thought Batman was immortal.

Croc: No one is immortal. Time to cut these termite to bits!

Harley: Croc old boy think about this. Flaggy wouldn't want this.

Peacemaker: Flaggy? You mean Rick Flagg? Don't get me wrong I still mourn for him. But Superman is the right cause.

Deadshot: Wait a minute: What'd you mean you still mourn for him? What happened?!

That's when everyone realized cause Floyd wan't ther he doen't know.....about Flagg's death

Deadshot: What happened to Rick?

Harley: Floyd.....now's not the time.

Deadshot: I need to know.....what happened to him.....?

It wa silent for a moment till.......

Cleo: Floyd......on our lat SS event.....he didn't make it.

Floyd's heart skipped a beat with his jaw dropping realizing the tragedy that accured to colonel Rick Flagg

~Lexcorp~

Lex was prepairing to join in on the assault on STRIKERS yet this will likely blow his cover and that this wa the only shot left to end Superman's rule once and for all Lex knew the end maybe drawing for him

He had his armor ready with the prototype weapon attached the right arm all he needed wa to get the Kryptonite from Selina and Bruce

How he'd get it without Bruce insisting to use the weapon was another worry but there was no time to think of a plan the watchtower was gonna blow soon and the teleporter would transport the Insurgency off the island a mintute before it was now or never

Lex shut everything down in his office as a news report on the asault wa live on the radio

Details from STRIKERS Island are still sketchy. Insursgent forces began an attack nearly ninety minutess ago.

Andre there now? Let's go live to Andre Gracia who is on bay near the island. Andre?

Thanks Rob. It's chaos out here. High Councilor Superman and his one earth forces are battling Aquaman's army of giant inect ea creatures. The metahumans are holding their own. But regular military is in disarray.

With Batman now unmaked as Billionaire Playboy Bruce Wayne in custody is there any sign of who's directing the Insurgence attack?

No idea. Can't see from our vantage point.

As Lex turned te radio off he took a super pill and geared up in hi suit latching the prototype in the armor's arm which just needs the Kryptonite

Lex: Seal appendage armor. Activate reactor core. Begin pre-flight check.

The armor did everything Lex commanded a his computer spoke

The armor did everything Lex commanded a his computer spoke

All systems nominal. All inputs tethered. Neural command schema now online.

Lex: Then this is it. No turning back. If the unthinkable should happen.....it's been an honor.

And soon the upper hatches of Lexcorp opened and then Lex took off for STRIKERS


Back on STRYKER’s Island, things could not be any more out of control. The instigating fight that broke out, leading to Poison Ivy’s escape, also meant countless inmates were lucky to even see the light of day again as some made a beeline for freedom amidst all the distraction.



Most of them, however, were unlucky to even get past the entranceway thanks to Shazam still holding up guard duty…..and Superman sporting an eagle eye over the entire affair with his new yellow lantern ring.




For the Insurgency, 90 minutes was now winding down to 15 minutes.




Now Aquaman’s attention was turned towards the young terrakinetic, thanks to a distraction from Starfire which saw her launch a cyclone of fire around the former Wizard long enough to turn him away.


Arthur, now left at the ‘mercy’ of Terra, found himself swiftly avoiding rocks and wet earth around every crevice in which he could……which meant merely staying off the ground for as long as he could.



At least, that was the plan before Terra actively proceeded to tear him down completely, manifesting three Earth pillars out of the ground and hurdling at him to crush him upon impact. Given his superhuman durability and strength, the pillars normally wouldn’t be an issue if they weren’t being controlled by someone with a mentally durable mind.


Of course, it’d take more than solid Earth to derail the new King of Atlantis.



Step by step by tiny step, Arthur is able to barely push back against Terra’s terrakinesis despite her best efforts. Terra even manifested mini-shards of Earth of the pillars to force Arthur to loosen his grip, bludgeoning up against his hands, hips, and legs….


…..eventually piercing him from all angles.



Withholding in the pain and agony was far from a simple task, given Arthur was human after all. But the regenerative healing factor of his proved to be Terra’s undoing.




Finally, he’s able to push back two of the pillars. The sudden stoppage of the colliding Earth pushes Terra back and more soldiers before Aquaman snaps apart the last remaining pillar with just a single punch. Gripping it with just the edge of his fingertips, he swings it back around towards Terra….


…only for her to immediately stop the pillar and snap it into wooden daggers. Luckily, Aquaman performed a rapidly-spinning circle with his trident so fiercely that it became a blur by the time Terra launched the daggers back towards him.



Doing so repelled all attacks attempting to penetrate his trident defense….and only two of the wooden daggers actually reflected back towards Terra, capping her in both her left shoulder and right leg.




The airborne Titans were having about half the amount of luck Aquaman was having with Terra. Raven was essentially toying with Shazam as her subsequent dependence on magic and telepathy made her far more formidable than Doctor Sivana ever was.



Starfire, on the other hand, was holding her own with Teth-Adam but only just.



Firing a straight ultraviolet energy projectile at him, it proved to be a short but novel distraction once Kori flew toward Adam, hitting him with her blazing hair. It staggers him for only two seconds before clapping back with a rapid dash.



Pushing Starfire back down close to ground level, he goes in for a punch but Starfire swiftly dodges the haymaker before bombarding him with Starbolt eye lasers.



Again, this barely lasted a few seconds as Adam cupped the eye-lasers with his hands and clamped down, breaking the immersion before uppercutting her with a lightning-charged punch, knocking Kori into the air where he follows up with a knee to her jaw. He then grabs her, shouting….


Black Adam: SHAZAM!



He then throws Starfire down onto the roof of the left wing of the facility where a lightning bolt strikes her. Momentarily bellowing aloud, Adam ends the attack by landing on her with a powerful dropkick.



The former princess of Tamaran was left momentarily immobilized from the impact of it all. But she was not one to give up easily, eventually slithering back up to a vertical basis.



Starfire: Give up……or get lit up, Adam!


Black Adam: First time we met you lost.


Starfire: This time, I’ll redeem myself.



Adam once again lunges forward at Kori, going in for a knee strike to the face. It’s quickly blocked by Kori who then headbutts him back and tosses him away; anything to gain distance.



And then, right at what seemed to be the end of the Insurgency’s rope, Lex Luthor crashes in like a missile with his mech suit and tackles Black Adam out of nowhere. No longer remaining anonymous about which side he really was on, this sudden break-in was defiant as it was utterly stupid.


Crashing Adam’s face into the graveled ground, Lex eventually tossed Adam aside, taking Terra off her feet as well almost as soon as she recovered.




The literal last-minute entry put Aquaman on startled notice…..especially Shazam, who was left petrified by the sudden break-in and now knew the full extent on who Luthor had sided himself with.



Shazam: Are you KIDDING ME?!




But that also meant leaving himself wide open to danger. Raven was left taking the initiative, hurling a dark ball of magic towards Billy, leaving him hurtling back down to ground level long enough to give her some space.


And enough time for Lex to float in and give her the scoop for the rest of the time they had here.




Lex: Raven, get Kori and round everyone up! Get everyone off the island! You got 10 minutes!


Raven: Seriously?


Lex: I can take care of these two. Now go!


No time to argue Raven flew to get to Starfire and find the others as Lex flew passed Shazam and Adam and they chased after him



They tried zapping him but kept missing him poorly Lex then suddenly pulled back zooming passed them again and launched rockets from his shoulder pads



He missed them too but they had heat seaking ignition they fallowed them everywhere and soon......hitted them both



The two Shazam wizards yelled out from the hitting they were taking from the rockets and both fell to the ground



Lex then soon spotted the case near Helena's body wherever Wonder Woman took Selina and the others their fate was in Lex's hands given he saw Helena dead on the ground


Lex: Jesus.....



As shocked a he was he even saw the case again opening it eeing the old damaged weapon and the full tact Kryptonite



Lex took the Kryptonite and loads it into the prototype now he wa ready to take Superman down



But all of a sudden he was struck from behind by Billy Luthor bounced on the ground then hit the bottom groundss hard



Afterward he saw Shazam coming and raised his arm



Lex: Shields.



Shazam was countered by Lex's ray shield from the arm of his armor then Lex flew at Billy who kicked him over him and he landed and slid on his feet and hands



Shazam: Since when are you with them?



Lex: Since the day Superman decided to herd us like his own sheep from Smallville.



Shazam: He's not a bad man Luthor! He only wants what's best for us!



Lex: He dosen't see the error of his ways anymore not since Lois died. He has to understand we aren't his playthings and he's no god!



Lex and Shazam went at each other which Lex had mot of the apprehend when he slammed around Lex took ome hits too from mostly Billy's powers



Back in the prison Batman wa lammed to the wall and caught in the beam of Hal's yellow ring as he hovered down to him



Yellow Lantern: It's over Bruce.



Batman: Superman is the enemy Hal. Not me.



Yellow Lantern: Wake up and smell the gunno Bruce. We don't have a choice!



Batman: There's always a choice.



Yellow Lantern: And you made yours five years ago.



All of a sudden Lantern was struck from behind by Red Robin by his baton he walked up to Bruce taking his hand and helps him up



Red Robin: You looked like you were holding back with him.



Batman: I was testing your examining skills.



Red Robin: You knew I was there? Scratch that. Did I pass?

Batman: You need more practice. Come on.



Outside Aquaman ran to his triton after throwing it a Regime Soldier but when he grabbed it Clark swoops down grabbing it too and both struggled on it Superman flew him off hitting a near by tank and Arthur kicked him off



Clark hit the ground and saw Arthur coming down at him about to strike him with the triton but Clark dodged it only to get punched at but Superman punches him off grabs the triton and was about to throw it at Arthur till Superman spotted Batman and Robin leaving the prison from a hole then he frowned dropping the triton and flew at them


Bruce and Tim found themselves 50 stories above the ground and they only had less than a minute before the Watchtower explodes



Red Robin: Uhh....isn't this part where we disappear?



They turned back only to be confronted by a very PISSED off Superman



Batman: Tim get behind me.



He did as the former hero friends locked eyes to one another



Superman: Thought you could fool me Bruce? Like Selina did? Like HE did?!


Batman: We both know this isn't about Joker Clark. It's about you.



Superman: I PERFECTED this world. So many lives were lost that day all because I changed your dark ways. More because I held back when I sshould have used ALL of my power!



Batman: For what?! To control?! To opress?!


Superman: I COULD HAVE PREVENTED METROPOLIS BRUCE! SAVED MY FAMILY!



Batman: Crime took my family too Clark.



Superman's eyes burned red as his anger grew bigger with Batman's lectures



Superman: Yeah but you weren't the GUN!


Once again, his eyes just radiate with red as if he’s ready to flat out incinerate them right here and now to put an end to this meaningless five-year scuffle.



Superman: WERE YOU?!?!




Bruce, I got a lock on! Zatanna and Arthur are in position with the others. Also, I think it’s safe to say the looney-bin is with us. No time for questions; go now!



His chance to escape and keep onwards with this war was nothing but overwhelming pressure to Bruce. From the very beginning, he had one objective: STOP Clark from making the same mistake he made. But the entire time he thought back to it, the more he slowly and slowly realized that maybe Clark was right.


However, what happened next wasn’t what anyone expected.



Batman: NOW!



In a brash move, he takes Robin and pushes HIM off the edge with almost no time to recover. Luckily, he was teleported out of the area without further notice.


So was Zatanna, Arthur and Montoya. Starfire and Raven were lucky to snatch up Dinah and Helena’s dead bodies before they got teleported away too.



Surprisingly enough, since Harley was in enough contact with the Insurgency to be considered a distant ally and got her own communicator, a beacon was also placed on her for future reference…..meaning she, alongside Deadshot and Cleo, were taken away by the gravitational warp technology of the teleporter.


The same went for the prone, unconscious Nanaue.


This left Smith and Waylon QUITE peeved.



Peacemaker: What the fuck?!



But this brought to light another issue here: as soon as he did that, Superman just rushed to the edge just in time to see Tim disappear.



No idea as to WHAT happened came over him yet......until he looks over at Bruce. Suddenly, two and two came together as the cold reminder from Bruce seconds ago finally sunk in what the true purpose of all this was.



Superman: WATCHTOWER!



Realizing the Watchtower has been compromised, he takes off immediately, leaving Bruce there to recount his decision all while his soldiers are left behind pondering if the battle had been won.



As for way outside of the prison, Lex had blocked the last of a combo from Shazam before bombarding him with two punches across the face, a back elbow, and then a kick. But Shazam dodges the kick and just tosses Lex aside. Quickly recovering, he fires a stream of lightning from his wrists only for Shazam to fire back with lightning blasts of his own.


Fortunately, it doesn’t last long.



Lex: Just give in, Billy. Deep down you know I’m right.


Shazam: Why should I listen?! Shazam never q-



He lets the magic word slip through his mouth as a blast of lightning hits him from above and through the smoke, he’s back to being Billy Batson.



Doesn’t take long for him to figure that out.



Billy: Awww f—


Lex: Here’s the thing: NO good.....comes from hero worship.



There he laid on his knees, in defeat.



Lex: Status?



Internal circuitry 60% damaged. Flight mode is offline.



Lex: AGAIN? What did I miss?



Funny how he couldn’t see Superman literally zooming up and out directly over him as he breezes straight through the skies, almost screaming as he passes through the stratosphere, yelling ferociously the higher he elevates, unaware that the probability of lives in safe havens decrease faster and faster by the second.


By the time he gets to space and sees the Watchtower in sight, he’s too late.



BOOM!



The base of operations for the former Justice League burst into flames as debris flew all over the never-ending vacuum of space and just blew Superman back with force as he hurdled back towards a remotely safe distance.


Even then, it takes him a while to recover.




Back down on the ground, the bright explosion through the clouds covers Lex’s bald head, barely blinding him. As he turns to the light, he finally gets a glimpse as to WHERE he was missing as opposed to simply WHAT.


Lex: The Watchtower?



Affirmative.



Lex: Any causalities?



All personal were safely evacuated. Superman was in the blast radius but is unharmed.



This was the only chance he was ever going to get at this. If it killed him, at least he’d die for the right causes.


JUST THIS ONCE.


Lex: Well then.....may fortune favor the foolish.


Recovering from the blast, Superman found it hard to believe that source of all his operations was ALL GONE. First, the people's beliefs in him and now the heart of the Regime.


He was left orienting himself out in space for a moment, simmering with rage but that was about to be the least of his problems.



SUPERMAN!! YOUR TIME IS OVER!!



He looked down to the Earth, his enhanced hearing catching ear of a confident individual calling him down to earth, challenging him, and proclaiming his time is over. It was definitely Lex’s voice. Balling up his fists and biting the urge to grit his teeth once again, it left the High Councilor even more enraged.



Back with Batman, with no lead on Lex or the prototype, he needed to contact the brains for more info. Oracle was the only line available.


Batman: Oracle. Where's Luthor? He's supposed to be delivering the Prototype so I can use the Kryptonite weapon.



Uhh…..yeah.....about that? Look Bruce, don't get mad about this but.....Lex has the Prototype cause.....he's going to use it himself.



Batman: What?



Listen....Lex insisted to use the weapon in case this fight cost anymore lives. And if anyone was going to die for it, it would be him. If it was you.....the Insurgency would go down with a single blow.



Batman: Luthor will get killed if he uses it. I can't let him die cause of me. I have enough blood on my hands.



Bruce.....



Batman: I'm going after him.



Think again!



Bats turned behind him only to see both Wonder Woman and a recovered Red X standing there firmly in a confronting position with Selina as their hostage.


With Diana pointing her sword at him thanks to Zatanna’s magic wearing off and Jason holding a sharp X-shaped blade by Selina's neck, their intentions were made clear.



Wonder Woman: We don't want to hurt her Bruce, but we WILL......



Batman stood there not saying a word.


Once again, the impending reality of looking back and forth between the boundaries of what was right and what wasn’t nagged at him. Perhaps the world has changed since Metropolis.....and it was about time he had as well.


He slowly reaches for his belt.....


…..only to remove it and drop it below him, showing a sign of surrender.



Red X: That’s what I thought.



At this point in time, it really was all up to Lex now.


As he armed the Prototype with Batman's last Kryptonite and pointed upwards, it was all a matter of counting down and waiting.



E-T-A twelve seconds.



Lex: I see him.



Maximum weapons range fifteen hundred meters. Weapons lock in seven seconds. Five seconds. One second.



As Superman became MORE visible through the sky coming down at Lex, his locking system finally was able to get a clear sight directly towards him and ready to fire.


The war was about to end at a SINGLE shot.


Readying the Kryptonite Laser only came so far in the long run as he was electrocuted from behind by a recovered Shazam. This stunned him and caused the laser to malfunction.


Systems failing.


Systems failing.


Systems failing.


Distracted by the intervention, Lex couldn’t move the Warsuit any further, and then…..



BAM!!!!!



A circle of dirt and dust surrounds Lex, his exosuit now beyond repair from the bludgeoning force of speed delivered to him. Hoarsely breathing with a slight cough that follows, blood became to trickle out his mouth with each cough that followed.


On top of that, he couldn’t feel any part of his body. Arms were broken, legs were shattered and his heart was beating ever so faintly. Lex was narrowing tipping on the edge of life support for his treachery.


An understatement, if the dark silhouette of the High Councilor hovering over him didn’t hammer that fact home enough.


Lex saw his expression as a sight to bask in gloriously: Superman glaring down at him with disgust, dissatisfied at yet another one of his friends not only being the mole but stabbing him in the back.


Superman: I trusted you.....and you betray me too?!


Lex: Who....betrayed…..whom?


Enraged by his betrayal, Superman proceeded to rip Lex out of his Warsuit, demanding answers.


Superman: All those years....at my side....that was all a lie?! I GAVE YOU PEACE!


Lex: Peace?! Hahaha....your---your "peace".....is a joke!


Right then and there, he knew he should’ve known better than to accept the man who helped gift-wrap the nuke Joker used to blow Metropolis back to the Stone Age and kill his pregnant wife. Manipulating him, manipulating Bruce, being the one who brought Doomsday into the world, and now this?


In his Eagle eye, Lex hadn’t changed at all.


His fury finally pushed to its limit, Kal quickly grasps his hands around Luthor’s neck.


And at an instant Lex lost oxygen looking onto the eyes of who he compared to be the devil from the sky and for the past five years.....he was right and he knew it as Alexander Luthor.....breathed....his LAST breath


Superman dropped the dead Lutor breathing heavily in frusteration but that was the LEAST of his problems a a reporter helicopter caught on live fee and Superman could hear the people's voices again as he did earlier when Dinah exposed him


Luthor's dead!


Can you believe it?!


He crushed him!


Why would Superman do this?!


Batman was right?!


The voices in his head wa too much for him to bare he yelled out STOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And took off again which not noticing Shazam watched him go all confused


As minutes passed Superman and Wonder Woman ordered the Regime to retreat giving the Insurgency to retreat back to Wayne Manor Montoya carried Helena's body leaving Selina distraught and Canary severly injured and half dead Harley and her clan even the resst of the SS members were transported with them along with King Shark who took serious damge from the fall he took when Croc threw him off the rail



Batman and Catwoman didn't make it for Red X apprehended them right before Bruce could get to Luthor



It could have been a victory for the Insurgency due to the world now knowing Superman's true colors but it was hardly a victory since he was still in control and the Kryptonite weapon was their only shot of stopping him it failed but the Regime didn't win either since they now lost trust in the world due to Dinah's exposure and Luthor's murder being broadcast



So you could say.....the STRIKERS battle was a draw



But the Regime were unlikely going to quit and why would they now that they lost the world's respect for them they were determine to win this war NOW



They all met at the fortress of solitude with the Watchtower destroyed with Clark sitting at the controls and Diana telling tem the briefing on what to do next


Wonder Woman: The Insurgency. They've incited insurrection.


Sinetro: Then we must upress this filth. My corps just informed me another Green Lantern is coming for Hal Jordan and myself. He'll likely assist Batman to stop us.



Adam: Willfulness leads to anarchy. It cannot be allowed to spread.


Cyborg: So what'd we do first?



I made them safe.


Everyone looked to where Clark's voice came from as he sat there brooding and ranted on the people's response


Superman: I shielded them. Sacrificed everything to give them a better world! But are they grateful? Do they appreciate MY protection?! No....they whine. Complain! Side with Bruce and his army of criminals!



He stood up as Shazam Flash (Yes Flash escaped the Watchtower before it exploded) and Yellow Lantern walked in and stopped to see Superman walked to the council table hearing his frightful speech



Superman: So if they prefer chaos then I'll give it to them. Metropolis and Gotham I'll flatten them. Set an example. Then we're marching into Wayne Manor dragging out those Rebles I'll make Bruce watch his precious Rebels die make him feel what I felt when his favorite clown killed Lois and Jon (His son) they'll pay for interfering.


Shazam: Wait a minute.....what'd you saying? We're whiping out cities? Invading the Manor and killing the others?



Superman: Yes! You have a problem with that Billy?!



Shazam: Well yeah. It's crazy. It's gone too far.



Wonder Woman: Man's world is incapable of self-rule. We WILL preserve order.


Shazam: No! NO!!


Shazam confronted the whole Regime with this madnes Flash tried to stop him but Hal grabbed hi shoulder nodding to him



Shazam: There has to be limits! even on us! Especially on us! That's not the Superman I looked up to! He would never detroy innocent lives nor his own friends!




Superman: THAT'S ENOUGH!



Shazam: NO! WE CAN'T DO THIS! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! HAVE YOU GONE NUTS?! LOIS WOULD NEVER WANT YOU-----



Once again, mentioning Superman's deceased wife proves to be too much for the Man of Steel.




Superman grabbed Shazam by the neck, having heard enough prattle out of his messenger. Half of the Regime (Flash, Terra, Jason, and Hal) watched in shock as the rest (Diana, Black Adam, Sinestro, and Cyborg) just stood there looking all too serious.


Did they not give a damn whether the kid died or not?




Shazam: SHA---




Before he could say the word, Clark threw Billy out of the room, into the hall where Grundy had been chained and collared. His roar could be heard out to them from the next few rooms.


It didn’t sting Billy as much as the pain he felt from learning of his hero’s betrayal.



Shazam looked up, seeing Superman floating towards him.




Shazam: I'm sorry, Clark. I really looked up to you before. My brothers, sisters.....




He stands.




Shazam:......but I can't let you carry out this dictatorship.



Superman: They turned against us, Billy! They want the Insurgency to turn their world to a DISASTER again!



Shazam: Because they’re scared of us! What you’ve been having us carry out is insane!




Superman: How can you know what insane is?!




Shazam: Because of what you’ve done! What you plan to do! Maybe Lex was right about you! If God is all-powerful.....he cannot be all good.




He blasted his lightning strike against the High Councilor, forcing Superman back a few feet before he charges forward and crashes him through the walls ‘till they got outside of the fortress.



But literally, on the exact 180, Shazam was left reversing the offense than Superman was putting up defense. For what it’s worth, Clark wasn’t trying to hold back.



He basically stationed his arms together to block the next punch and immediately headbutts Billy.



Then comes the gut punches.




Shazam goes for a headshot but misses as Clark goes back to the abdomen. Following up with an uppercut and elbow to the face, Clark then knees Shazam across the face before blowing him back with his super-breath.




It has a little bit of effect on Batson but it doesn’t stop him from charging through. He slams his fist into the ground, creating a whirlwind of lightning strikes from above surrounding and blinding Superman momentarily.




Distracted, Billy tripped him down to his level before lifting HIM up by his back now before spinning him around and gutting him in the stomach. Tossing him off beside his legs, he just grabs ahold of his cape before wrapping it around his neck.


Once again lifting him up by his back, he tries out a familiar tactic.




Shazam: SHAZAM!




Lightning strikes from the sky, striking Superman in the chest.




Shazam: SHAZAM!




He repeats the process again, inflicting more damage.




Shazam: SHAZAM!




Calling out again, Superman takes his chance, loosens away from Billy’s grip, and accidentally back-kicks him where the sun doesn’t shine. The opportunity arose and Clark dashes out of the way, leaving Shazam susceptible to pain….


…and to the next lightning strike.




Bombarding Shazam with light and force, he was morphed back into his normal, civilian self much to his dismay as he now left himself open to a self-proclaimed God.



Superman snatches Billy by his throat and despite the younger hero's struggles, he cannot break free from his grasp for he was exhausted from his beatdown.




Superman: That’s FAR ENOUGH!


Shazam: SHAZ—




Knowing the source of his power, Billy tries to cry out "SHAZAM!" to bring his lightning bolt down, but Clark quickly blows his ice breath, freezing Billy’s mouth shut. The poor child can only scream in horror although his screams were muffled out by the ice.



But then there’s the heat vision.





It burns through his eyes and straight through his brain, murdering the boy in cold blood and letting his body fall to the snowy terrain.


His mouth was still frozen and he no longer had any eyes.




The Man Of Steel had hit a new low.





At least….that’s not what the others had thought when he brought his dead body back inside by the neck. To see him visibly limp and nonfunctional horrifies Barry and Terra to no extent. Even Jason felt appalled by this action.


Peacemaker was left twitching a little at the sight; his short reunion with Cleo at the prison further softening up by another short decibel.



Black Adam smirked he was happy now that Billy was out of his way he was more glad Superman killed him


Again, Supes drops his lifeless body to the floor; serving as an example to the others in the room of just what happens if they dare question his orders from this point onward.





Superman: Any volunteers?




Nobody says a word. With the exception of Terra slowly looking away and Jason gritting his teeth underneath the mask, nobody had the balls to try and confront Clark about it.


And the High Councilor felt relieved.




Superman: Good then. Cyborg, take control of all media broadcasts. I want everyone to see this.



He nods.



Superman: Diana, Terra, Adam, you’re with me. Sinestro, Peacemaker, Red X, ready your ground forces.




Sinestro is quick to reply but Jason didn’t say a word after the horror he witnesses.


Smith stood still, motionless.




Superman: Flash, Lantern. I think Grundy’s ready. Don’t activate the collar unless it’s necessary. Have him—




He stares down at Shazams deceased body, indicating what he wanted them to do.



Again, nobody said a word......but at least, some of them had the proper decency to pay their respects to their fallen comrade. Hal and Barry nodded at each other, for that was one thing they could agree on in that regard.




Individual assessments had been made and everyone had their job to do. However, Clark then remembered something……and almost immediately, he wished he hadn’t. But desperation was sinking in and the last thing he needed was another turncoat this late in the game.



He had to bring back Peacemaker.




Superman: Smith. Remember that meeting…..Lex and I crowbarred you into? We had a little roundabout regarding your old team?




Immediately, confidence turns to hesitation on Chris's behalf. The last thing Peacemaker expected was to meet up with any of his former Suicide Squad members.....and now he was expected to go out and find the closest thing the actual Squad had to an actual leader?


Especially if judging from past experiences were of any indication, this was destined to go wrong?



All Chris could do at that point was just......take off his chrome helmet and his eyes physically speak what he had to.




Smith: You really want me to get HIM?


Superman: We need every force on deck.



Smith: As you wish.



Clark took one last look at the BOY he just murdered all cause he quistioned him and brought up Lois



Jason and Terra were in shock they didn't think he'd do that especially Flash when everyone left the room ut Lantern and Flash Regime soldiers came and picked up the body



Barry placed his hand on him sadden and dumbstruck to his friend murder the boy they took under their wing and in a way he blamed himself



All cause he was on the wrong side and his actions likely brought Billy into this he even questioned himself if he wa on the right side and after Atlantis it started to grow heavy on him




And now.....seeing Superman murder a child and after they took the body away.......Barry's mind was officially made up




Flash: He was right. He was right about everything. This isn't what we signed up for.



Yellow Lantern: We did our job. We eliminated crime. That's all that matters.



Flash: At what cost?! Billy wasn't a criminal! He was------




Yellow Lantern: A casualty of war. Acceptable loss.



Flash blinked hearing that with his rone rising




Flash: ACCEPTALE?!


Hal faced down knowing that was the wrong thing to say given what Billy wa and he slowly turned to Barry



Flash: For five years I was blind to what we were really doing. I let myself believe we were making things better. But we're not. We're just making them worse. I can't do this anymore. I'm done.




Yellow Lantern: What you have a death wish?! There is no "done".



Flash: Maybe not for you. I understand you're scared Hal. I am too. But I can't let it consume me anymore. Goodbye Hal.



Flash speeded to the door but Lantern beamed a yellow barrier with his ring which bounced Barry back



Yellow Lantern: I can't let you leave.



Flash: Try and stop me.




He then squeezed his way through the beam and manage to get through which stunned him for a bit and Hal floated to confronted him



Yellow Lantern: Dammit Barry don't make me do this



Flash: You're not giving me a choice Hal.




Yellow Lantern shot his ring at him only for Flash to speed behind him throw fast punches at him and speeds in a circle around the fortress and uppercut him to fall off his feet




The sort fight wa loud enough to attract Terra and Red X back in the room



Terra: The hell's going on in here?



Red X: What you do to Hal Barry?




Flash: Jason Terra listen to me. This is all wrong. We've become the very things we sworn to protect this planet from. Superman crossed the line. In fact he's crossed the lines. You saw what he did to Billy.


They couldn't ignore that they too were just as shocked what Clark had done



Flash: We all lost so much at Metropolis yes but enough blood is on our hands. We need to warn Batman what Superman is gonna do.



Red X: Batman's in custody. And I'm not turning my back on Superman after all he's done for us.



Flash: Don't you care wat he'll do? To Tim?



Red X: SHUT UP!




Terra: Jason. What if Barry's right? Billy was only-----



Red X: I KNOW! But----Superman finally got rid of that son of a bitch I can't walk out yet. Not until this war is over.



Flash: He'll never let you go Jason. None of us if he wins. And.....Jas.....I didn't know how to say this but.....I overheard Clark telling Diana.......what happened at the theater.....what really happened to Dick.



Hearing his name made both Terra and Jason turn to him




Flash: He killed Dick.



Terra: WHAT?!



Red X: How dare you-----




Flash: He killed Dick.




Terra: WHAT?!



Red X: How dare you-----




Flash: No. I heard everything he said. He was fighting off Kori and Dick at the theater and Dick ran out of the effects of the super pills. Superman din't know.....until it was too late.




Red X: You lying bastard! It was Harley who killed him!



Flash: Dammit Jason I'm telling you. That's just what he said to cover the truth!



Red X: THAT'S A LIE!



No Jason. It's the truth.




The voice startled Jason cause it clearly wasn’t from anyone else. The same could be said for the others. As Jason looks right beneath him, a nebulous image slips through the floor and startles everyone.


The image of a ghost.



The ghost was wearing a black unitard with blue shoulder pads. His chest is emblazoned with a bluebird with its wings expanded to his shoulders. The armor was familiar enough to Jason and Terra but the guy's appearance remained somewhat anonymous.....


.....at first.



But Jason saw through the ghosts middle-aged look, freakishly long hair and beard. With good ol’ natural hair like that, it wasn’t hard for him to realize it was Dick Grayson.


Only a slightly older image of Dick Grayson.



Terra: Dick?


Red X: Dick? I —how did—wha—your hair is—the hell happened to you?


Deadman: It’s an odd….story of sorts but long story short, I got my neck snapped by a Kryptonian.



Jason’s heart sank when he heard “Kryptonian”. Who else called him for backup when he and Terra were getting laid to waste five years ago? Who else gave Superman the opportunity to do THAT?


Appalled by having such a blasphemous accusation confirmed by Barry, Jason just chucks off his helmet and stares him down.


Jason: N-no. No, he would never—


Deadman: Jason, LISTEN to me. Both of us have one thing in common: we never truly appreciated all that Bruce did for us. At least not how we should have. We butted heads with the man so many times and.....honestly, I can’t count back to the number of times I’ve said “I hate you” to him.


Jason: You and me both.


Deadman: But that was never the truth.


Jason: Dick, you’re kidding yourself. It’s Bruce’s fault that you’re—he couldn’t get to you—


Deadman: But Bruce still loves you regardless. He took more responsibility in his own faults as much as anything else. My death was not one of them.


Jason: But....Superman?? After he---


Deadman: I know how you look up to him now. I understand your pain as much as anyone elses. But that night has longed passed us. It's probably time we all accept the truth.....and let it have it's day: You’re just Superman’s puppets now.



Terra didn’t have to look at him to manifest any emotional responses. Dick never had to look down at her for Terra to be left with this showering waterfall of regret.


Deadman: Now, Bruce.....is a couple of screws loose up there but he rescued us from grief, put a roof over our heads, gave us another chance to have a real purpose in life because keep this in mind: it’s not important how I died......more than it is on how I lived my life. We owe that to him.


Jason: In a matter of speaking, yes.


Deadman: WE saved lives because of him......the greatest man I’ve ever known.


Jason dreaded this for so long. Yet here he was: being forced back into the crosshairs of the only stable....f-father.....he could’ve been given. It was weird; having this scenario turn back on its head: the very man who adopted him.


Broke his spirit.


Destroyed his trust in him and his sense of morality. And yet, he actually wanted to stay with Superman, claiming he’s been more of a father than Batman.



How could Jason think that after being alleviated of such a bothersome burden? And the gears began to shift.



Seeing how Jason finally got the point across brought a smile to Dicks face. His brother from another mother finally glances at him with a half-smile on his face before looking away and nodding before Dick kneels downwards, to give him a hug. A shame that he couldn't physically touch him in his ghost form.


Deadman: Don’t turn your back on Bruce. He needs you just as much as I did.



Yellow Lantern: Alright, THAT’S ENOUGH!



Deadman: Now about you give Mayonnaise a taste of his own medicine?


Hal’s eyes light up.



Yellow Lantern: Don’t even think about it. You can’t leave.


Barry: Hell Yeah, we can.



Vibrating his suit together with enough electricity, he claps his hands together to create a thunderclap with enough force that launches Hal back toward the panels near the computer.


Almost immediately, the ground and ceiling begin to formulate underneath and above both Barry and Jason, trapping them both from the feet all the way up to the face, not giving either of them the chance to move.



Barry was saddened to look back and see that Terra, after hearing ALL OF THAT, was still siding with the Regime. But Jason didn’t seem all that worried. If there was anything she learned about Terra during his short stint with the Teen Titans….


….she always made an effective turncoat.



Jason: You won’t forget who the real enemies are. If you do this, they’ll never stop fearing you.


Considering how she went her entire life being turned away and how fear impacted her negatively even without being under someone else’s footstep, it wasn’t hard to disagree with Hal. But the bottom line was whether or not they were doing the right thing.


And at this point, she knew they weren’t. But this was the fear taking over…



Terra: Guys.....you don’t want to make me do this.


Jason: scoffs Good luck living with yourself, then.



In a flash of iridescent light, Jason teleports himself away, evaporating the Earth around his arms and legs.



As for Flash, his body hummed together at a specific frequency to shake the Earth off his wrists and ankles. Enough pressure later, and Terra couldn’t hold on, giving Barry ample opportunity to just rush off out the Fortress.


This late in the game, and yet the tides seem to be finally turning.



Deadman: Love you, bro.



From that point on, he vanishes in front of Terra.

Jason ran where he was in grief sstrucken as he was vanishing

Jason: No....DICK! Please! Don't leave me again!

I never left you. I never will.

And from there he was gone and he took one last look at his Red X rebuilt mask and Terra cried out with Flash comforting her placing his hand on her shoulder and he looked at Jason

Flash: So.....you understand what we need to do?

Jason:.....yes.

Terra: So what now?

Flash: We need to bail Bruce and Selina out and warn them and the others.

Jason: I got someone else handling that.

Jason was on his phone ending a text to......Waller where Bruce and Selina are

Flash: Then we better get going.

Jason: You guys go. There's something I have to do first.

After Flash speeded off and Terra rode her flying rock both heading for Wayne Manor Jason threw away all of his Red X gear and in one of his hideouts he took out his old Red Hood Gear from a chest

He took the red helmet taring into it and frowned seriously

As he dawned the boots the brown jacket and with the red helet over him he pulled on the hood it was clear mostly to him.....

......That the Red Hood Had retunred

He loads his guns flickering them and placing them in his gun pouches

~Blackgate Prison~

Ever since Superman took contrl he had Blackgate under the most secured faciliteis as well as STRIKERS and that's where Jason took Bruce and Selina after Luthor's death

Bruce was sitting on the bench as Selina paced around figuring a way out of this mess

Bruce: You shouldn't stress much Selina.

Selina: How can I not? Lex is dead. The weapon's gone we're locked up Superman's still in control and worst of all the whole world knows who you are. So I ask again how can I not stress?

Bruce: Because it' not good for the baby.

Selina froze where she stood oce again being reminded of her pregancy and they went silent for a moment till Bruce broke it

Bruce: You really didn't know?

Selina: I guess I wa too distracted with my moling which you by the way bestold on me handsome. So.......couldn't. If I did you be te first to know but couldn't with this war.

Bruce: I'm sure.

Selina: I just never saw this coming. I didn't we were careless the other night.

Bruce: What's done is done. But likely so is the war.

Selina: It's not over yet. Once we find a way out of here we'll think of anoter plan.

Bruce: Selina......that weapon....was my lat Kryptonite weapon. They're all gone.

Selina: What about the spear?

Bruce: Destroyed when Clark used it to kill Doomsday.

Selina: Goddammit!

Bruce: But it wouldn't matter.

Selina: What? What's that suppose to mean?

Bruce: With my secret out there's no guarantee if Batman will have a future.

Selina: Don't talk like that Bruce. From what I hear Superman was unmasked too. Lex's death is all over tve right now he won't have the public supporting him anymore. Now they're looking to you.

Bruce: It may not be that simple. The weapons gone....the pills won't be enough to stop him. And enough blood is on my hands. And I see now.....what I would have to become to stop men like him.

Selina had a feeling Bruce's negativity was coming on.....she had to think of a way to change the subject

Selina: Remember when we met Bruce?


The question piqued Bruce’s curiosity; it was peppered with a delicate innocence compared to the usual sarcasm Selina usually peppers in. Decades worth of playing the same game with different names, again and again, had eventually led to this.



She normally wasn’t one to be all the expressive with her feelings but considering how she’s about to be a mother in well over nine months, it was damn well difficult to do so. And tears began to flow from her eyes.



Bruce: Come here, come here.



He takes Selina into his arms as he hugs her, slouching down into the seat together like a minimalist portrait.



Selina: All those years, tearing at each other’s throats…..Did you ever think it would lead up to this?


Bruce just sighs heavily.


Bruce: I remember you on that boat. When your mask came off. You were, you ARE lovely.


Selina: What? On the boat? No, Bat. Remember? We met on the street.



~Silence~



Bruce: We seriously gonna do this again, Selina?



She chuckles.




Arising from across their door through the dark corridors of the hallway, a prison guard emerged. He taps the door of their cell with his baton, alerting the both of them of his presence.



From then on, it might as well have been a staring contest….one that Bruce was immediately destined to win if it had went on a second further: behind that icy stare was a mountain of pain, yet extracting it would bring pain and instability. Either it would be born and his soul reborn, or she would lash out and it would be forever over.



Yet, come what may, he was worth a real attempt.




Guard: Wayne! Kyle! You’re free to go.




This confused them.



There was no reason as to why they would make bail considering how they JUST got there almost a mere hour ago. But as both guards moved out the way, they saw their reason as to why.



There stood Amanda Waller.



The manipulative and devious but reserved leverager who once made a temporary ally out of Batman was actually saving his ski for once. Although, it’d be fair to admit that for her, it was also the other way around.


Why else would she only now be brought back out of hiding if it wasn’t for Bruce’s persistence? She could never confuse him and Batman for someone else despite his best efforts.



Waller: How you pulled that stunt of Batman and Bruce Wayne being in the same place, I'll never know. But I told you my sources were never wrong.


Selina: Yeah, rub it in some more. Why are you bailing us out?



She just drops her head down in response; like it should’ve already been obvious as to why. Her reputation as ‘The Wall’ still perceived her however, her ruthless, dominating, and unrelenting aura when dealing with others still lingering onwards.


Traces of that Amanda Waller were far from eradicated; a brief through scan of her from the eyes of Bruce would deduce.




Waller: Superman cannot win this war.



But it would seem something had changed.



Waller: I respected Superman's benevolence and selflessness despite seeing his level of power as a threat. I once fondly acknowledged that he shared many of humanity's beliefs….a testament many others working alongside me couldn’t catch onto. If only I’d known this is where it’d all bring us together in the end…..


Selina: You’re still not answering my question: why help us?



No rapid fast quick response was needed. Bruce could tell her response alone, past her dull grey eyes. His stare was as uncomfortable as a chorus-girl corset and had the same effect on Waller’s breathing: constricted and shallow.


There was barely any life left behind those eyes. But every word spoken, every move she was making didn’t seem to betray the intentions set in stone this time….whatever they may be.




One of them appeared to be noble. As Bruce finally sat up from the bench seat, he continued to glare at her menacingly, staring into her soul….and vice versa for Amanda.


Finally, the silence was broken with a….tiny withheld confession.




Waller: Maybe I see more of you in myself than I care to admit.....and I want this chance to turn over a leaf.




Given the Corto Maltese incident led to losing her Task Force after she almost let Starro loose on a rampage in the first place, Batman coming after her and officially shutting the Squad down was an inevitability that, try as she did, she couldn’t outrun him. Superman’s grief giving way set the exact predicament to what she hoped wouldn’t happen.


And now there’s hardly any government left with the President dead, ARGUS vanished and every other branch disbanded.



Bruce: Let’s save the pity party for later.


Waller: You know, we’re both getting too old for this, Bruce.


Bruce: But we both got a job to do.




She nods, faintly.




Having blown past the arctic terrain and back onto the open road again, Flash and Terra raced from across the globe, blowing straight towards Gotham in hopes they're not too late to warn the Insurgency of Superman's plan.


But from a distance away, something caught Terra’s eyes.




Terra: Barry.




Calling him over, he could see what the distraction was about: a bright blurry yellow light beam glistening from a distance was radiating from across the field they were on. It wasn’t blinding or even distracting for that matter….


….but it did tell them who exactly was there and what it was for. Superman’s orders were for Sinestro AND Jason to ready the ground forces for the eventual assault to be but since Jason just defected with the rest of them, Sinestro was taking care of the proceedings himself.



Neither of them could allow that but who takes who’s post?



Terra: Looks like Sinestro is gearing up the forces.



Flash: No time for a detour. We have to keep moving.



Terra: Let me take care of him. You warn the others. You got a better chance with them than me.


Flash speeded on as Terra changed course to Sinestro's location knowing stopping him would give herself away to Superman knowing she turned away from the Regime but this was the only way to slow them down from the upcoming attack on Gotham and Metropolis


There Regime forces gathered for Sinestro's briefing for the attack



Sinestro: Those who have gathered here are the elite. The best and the bravest soldiers to ever fight under the order of the High Councilor Kal-El of Krypton. The strongest force this planet offers. Yours is a heroic mission. It requires that highest One Earth Principles: Obedience. Order. Control. But thoe who defy the High Councilor's command will be executed without qualm or hesitation.



Without noticing someone was hiding in the back corners in the shadows it wasn't Terra it had a deep male voice



Figure: 20 years of fighting this idiot he still loves to hear himself talk.



The way he spoke sounded like he and Sinestro have some history



Sinetro: Firing squad assemble!




The soldiers pointed their guns at the prisoners who refuse to summit to Superman but all of a sudden the ground shook knocking them off guard and the earthquake didn't stop



All of Superman's army were forced down loosing their guns as the ground shaked more



Figure: What the hell's going on?




That's what Sinestro was about to ask......until he looked up seeing Terra on her rock hovering down



Terra: Enough talk Sinestro. It ends here.



Sinestro: Terra?! What's the meaning of this?! Superman ordered you with him!



Terra: Things have change now. Billy Batson's murder opened my eyes. I'm ending this now.



Sinestro beamed his ring to seal her in beam restrians




Sinestro beamed his ring to seal her in beam restrains




Sinestro: Then you're right. Quite enough.



He lifted her in the sky and bashed her down to the ground lift her again and throws her down again and suddenly trows her over the other side




She lands hard grunting in pain from te thrashing she took and spotted Sinetro flying and hovering to her


Sinestro: Desertion Terra? Poor timing don't you think?



Terra: Yeah very poorly. I hould have done this sooner.




Sinestro was about to blat her again only Terra made the ground under him errupt on him to force him up and fly up on another flying debree but Sinestro recovered blating his ring at the rock she was on shattering it to bits




Terra screamed as she fell then Sinetro caught her by the collar of her shirt



Sinestro: I think you'll find the view here most enchanting


He was about to toss her again but all of a udden Sinestro was grabbed by.......a GREEN beam from......



.....the mystery figure who had a Green Lantern ring?



Could this be the coming Lantern Sinestro mentioned earlier?



Whoever he was he gave Terra a chance to kick him off and forced him to the ground



Terra landed on her feet



Terra: Hmph. Can't leave you just lying there.




Terra levitated steel blocks all around Sinestro sealing him in a pyramid



Terra: That'll hold ya till I warn the Insurgency.




Terra looked around for whoever helped her only to see all of te Regime Soldiers tied up and naturalized and was confussed whoever was here......was already gone



Terra: Hello? Is anyone there?




No answer



Terra: Whoever you are.....thank you.



Terra pulled out another debree rock hops on it and flies to catch up with Flash



Speaking of Flash he finally made it outside of Wayne Manor where in the cave Tim unmasked but still in his Red Robin gear wa cleaning is baton looking at a framed picture of him and Barbra




Tim: What'd you think Babs? Perfect as always?



All of a sudden he heard a whoosh sound and Flash appeared in front of him



Flash: My god Tim! Is that you?


Tim: In the.....Flesh.



Tim threw his birdering at him but Barry caught it



Flash: Where's Batman? I need to talk to him.




Tim: He's off somewhere not being a murderer



He throws another only for Flash to catch that too



Flash: Come on Timmy. We both know you can't hit me.



Tim: Wasn't trying to.



As he went behind the table, Flash just looked confused about it. Attack and fall back was a sound strategy in the house of the Wayne’s but there was no sound reason to do it here and now. But then he heard beeping.


Looking down at both Shruikens thrown at him, both projectiles had a timer attached to both and by the time they dialed down to only one second......



BOOM!



A small explosion combined with another knocked both Flash off his balance, blinding him momentarily with his vision now restricted, readjusting to the smoke. The perfect opportunity for Tim to make a move, skidding over the table and knocking off all the accessories.


Sliding off the edge, Tim rolls over before jumping up and kicking Flash square in the face with the soles of both of his feet, twisting as he jumped so that when the feet connected, one foot is raised higher than the other.


Falling back square on his elbows and chest region, Tim clearly had the upper advantage. For an added edge, however, he skimps back towards the table and grabs ahold of his Red Robin gloves and gauntlets.



Tim: Gotta think fast to be fast.


Flash: Yeah.....



As the smoke from the exploding Shruiken wears off, Barry is left flipping off his mask, the armor plating around it shattering following his brief scuffle with Hal earlier.


The first time he’s actively shown his face to anyone since Iris a couple of months back.


Barry: Gotta keep that in mind.


Tim: There’s no keeping anything like that in mind. No timeouts; there are only punishments and repercussions.


What more did Barry expect out of this? Years, YEARS of his life was devoted to defending a former beacon of hope now masqueraded under the guise of a Homicidal maniac….and he actively did nothing to stop it because he actually thought Clark was doing something right.


And yet here he was, forced to crawl to the opposing team with his tail between his legs realizing the grass wasn’t as Green over in the other side. The Birds knew better than him.


Tim knew better.


Arrow knew better.


IRIS definitely knew better than him that he was throwing his life away for the promise of a hypothetical carrot being dangled over his head.


Hell, Shazam seemed to know miles better than Barry despite being on the same side and now the kid is dead because he didn’t listen in time and barely lifted a finger to stop Superman from harming a defenseless child; the very thing the former Man of Steel was once adamant he’d never do.


His eyes dropping to the floor, sadness quickly overtakes him before he has to share the news with Tim.


Barry: Shazam’s dead.



Nothing but silence chokes the air for the next few seconds. Tim saw this as a giant red flag, aware that Batson couldn’t really be killed in his god form unless he was up against a more formidable opponent….or if he wasn’t in his god form.


The third Robin’s heart choked up upon putting two and two together. He went from killing one of their members to…..killing one of his own??? Not to mention Billy was still just a kid?


Barry: I should’ve intervened.



Speaking of intervening, that meant more uninvited guests upon the foot of the Wayne Manor household. Or at least, there would’ve been if any actually stepped foot on the actual bridge of the stairs outside.


Not for Jason.



Teleporting into the manor thanks to the Xenothium drives in his suit, he froze upon recollection of events. Something about this place brought back the best and worst of memories.


For a time, he and Dick used to stay here….at least until Dick left to fulfill his new duty as Nightwing in Bludhaven and the Manor practically fell into disrepair before the Justice League came into existence.


Quite the old bird, still standing after all these decades. One that grew from the ground as an ancient seed of the hills born to blossom. And yet this old house with its centuries-settled foundations?


It brought no feeling of welcome to this landscape.



Jason: Alfred?


He let his eyes wander the roughness of each brick laid in stone and how each was so very straight. The stairs, the balconies, the railings, all of which laid in ruins since the JLA’s disbandment.


Eventually, he gave in, inching his way up the stairs as his footsteps creak against the eroding wood upon each elevation. Reaching the top, his search continued….


…..and it led him to absolutely nowhere.



Jason: Tim? Bruce? Barbara?



His calls echoed throughout the empty hallways to be answered by no one. But he wasn’t as alone as he thought.



As for the only one who heard his calls, its presence was soon made clear: blasting Jason back from the far corner of the room with star-bolts. As Jason slid back with force near the edge of the staircase, he’s quick to scurry back up to his feet, narrowly dodging another incoming star bolt by the skin of his teeth….


….and flipping back over the railing to dodge the rest. As he landed flat on the soles of his boots, Jason remained at a standstill. He wanted to get a closer look at the assailant firing at him.


But then he looked down at his stained Xenothium suit and studied the graze of the blast. It was a decent hit and, even more-so, dealt decent damage of -3HP, which would’ve been able to KO weak enemies with a single attack…..but he wasn’t like that.


No use hiding now who the assailant was as an indignant, aggravated Starfire hovers over the railing to face down the former Red X.


Jason: Kori…..Kori, no.


She had not forgotten the misery she had suffered because of X’s perceived crimes.


Kori: Batman was right disowning you.


Jason: I thought I had no regrets…..


Kori: And now? Not even over Dicks murder?!


Jason: It wasn’t me!


She didn’t care. His punishment was due soon.


Things were admittedly dire with Barry down underneath all the imposing hellfire coming Jason’s way. He still wasn’t making luck with convincing Tim that he really had turned…..as expected as that came off as.


He really was having to try to convince him, a Robin. And he could definitely see why Bruce chose him as the third one.



Barry: I understand nobody’s going to forgive me. Clark led us all down a dark path and we were too simple-minded…..brainwashed.....self-absorbed.....


Tim: Ok ok, I get it. You lost perspective. Can’t say I’m buying it, still.



Patience running thin, he takes his bo staff off to the side and extends it outward, actively preparing himself to beat what he could out of Barry.


And then coming out from Barry’s backside, Terra bursts in quickly. Tim’s eyes widened at the sight of her; taken aback at the sight of not one but two Regime defections simultaneously and of course, it had to be the least two likely to even consider joining such a totalitarian state of power.


Finally, he’s given the initiative to lower his bow.



Tim: Terra?


Terra: We really need your help.



Sensing where this was going, he could get Barry’s sense of sympathy and Terra….it was easy to dissect her after a while. While less skeptical than before however, nothing about this was concrete.


But before there was a surefire answer back, the ceiling crashes through above them and down comes Jason.



He looked completely worse for wear.



With the exception of the dermis as well as some deeper tissues, Jason had a lot of redness over the right side of his face as well as his chest considering his body armor got ripped off. There’s some light to medium blistering on the right side of his face as well as his shoulder and arm.


He had suffered second degree burns from his confrontation with Kori. To Tim’s eyes, that’s three Regime defections now…..and now believing this defection became a lot easier to grasp.



Tim: Jason?


Jason: Tim, my man......might I suggest you put a leash on your war dog?



Again, something else comes through the ceiling and Starfire immediately breaks through.


With her pupils dilating rapidly and her veins close to popping out her skin, her rage can be very well shown.


Completely ignoring that Barry and Terra were even there, Starfire simply flew towards Jason yet again but he doesn’t even flinch as Tim, Barry and Terra had to pull her back away from him.



Tim: KORI, enough!


Kori: What are you holding onto me for? Tim, let me get him! LET ME GET HIM!


Tim: Kori, Stop! Ok, that’s not who we are.


Kori: Maybe we need to reconsider that!


Tim: Dick wouldn't.



It takes only mere seconds for the mentioning of his name to take some heat off of Kori.


Hearing that, she knew for a fact that Dick really wouldn't consider taking another life so Starfire understandably backed down, only to gave Jason a look of dissatisfaction just as Barry and Terra let go of her.



She and Star did make eye contact and it was awkward at first, given from her second betrayal but ONLY because she lost Beast Boy, she understands how much pain she was in cause Superman wasn't the only one who lost someone he loved to Joker and if Dick died by Joker....


…..let's just say she wouldn't know what she do because it brought too many dark thoughts in mind from that.



So she gave Terra a soft pat on the shoulder with a small grin.



She wasn't ready to hug it out like she used to yet but it was a start. Then she turns to Barry.




Starfire: Now if you are not here with the Regime.....why have you come?


Flash: Because like I said Superman murdered Billy. And that was our wake up call. And you guys including Gotham and Metropolis will end up the same way if we don't stop him now.


Then tell us what you know.



All turning to that voice Bruce Selina and Waller all three walked in out of no where and many were shocked to see Waller with them


Tim: What's she doing here?



Bruce: She's with us Tim. Now....what's this all about Barry.



Flash: I need you to listen to me.




Minutes later the Insurgency with the three redeemed Regime members all met up in Bruce's meeting office all but Raven who tended to Montoya and Dinah both their lives hanging by a thread




Even the SS members were with them when Jason noticed Harley part of him wanted to pull out his gun and put a bullet in her forhead for her part he played when the Joker tortured and kill him



But his main concern now was redeeming himself on stopping Superman and avenging Dick



Barry told everyone about Shazam's death and were all horrorfied on how Superman ha gone deep into madness once he also told them what Superman planss to do they now know they're likely screwed



Barry: I'm telling ya Gotham and Metropolis will be history. And then he's coming after you guys.



Floyd: I can't believe he'd do it. It's insane.



Zatanna: We have to stop him.



Arthur: It's gonna be hell of a fight.



Bruce: No.



Everyone looked at Bruce puzzled


Bruce: I build this team to stop him and it cost us many. Dick. Jim. Ollie. Jonn. Luthor. Maybe Dinah and Montoya too. The Kryptonite weapon wa our lat shot and that plan failed.



Selina: Bruce what are you saying?



Bruce: I'm calling it guys. We're closing up shop. You're all going home. And I'm shutting it all down.



Tim: Have you lost your pointy eared mind Bruce? It's not gonna stop him from tracking us.



Jason: He's right old man. He's never stopped doing anything since Metropolis was blown to ash.



Bruce: It'll buy you all time to get away as fast as possible.



Selina: Bruce Luthor sacrificed himself to ave both of us. We can't just leave after that.


Barbra: We have an alternative. After dad died Luthor and I been making another contingency. It was hard to keep Superman in the dark but by compiling his DNA we were able to spawn a cryogenic super being with exact matching power as his




Tim: Babs honey a much as I love your physis maybe you can be a little more specific?



Barbra: He was making another Superman.



Everyone looked in surprise at her



Barbra: When Lex and dad broke into the watch tower Lex downloaded data of Superman's DNA he wa building a cloning machine using it to make another Superman on our side. The cloning took days but if it's ready we bring it here and we have it finish this fight.




Bruce: No Barbra. One Superman in this world is bad enough.


Zatanna: Bruce I doubt Lex made this clone like the real Superman. Don't let emotion loud your judgement.



As they talked Jason remain silent until he heard a familiar voice coming from the exit say his name: Jason?


He turned to that direction and hi expression dropped eeing a surprised and shocked Raven



That indistinguishable voice drew Jason behind him as he looked over, seeing Raven at the bridge of the stairs. Five years had passed and in his mind, she looked just as beautiful as ever. While neither stopped thinking about one another, the painful truth was things have exponentially changed since then.


And Raven had all but seemed to move on from him.


Having read his mind, she knows the man he’s become since then.



Jason: Rachel....


Rachel: Zatanna…..take over my post for me.



Confused, Zatanna is left pondering the thought all while Rachel backs up slowly from the foot of the stairs as far as she could from Jason and then just runs away.


Jason: Oh my—Rach!


He follows up the stairs out the basement and immediately follows her trail through the hallways and up the stairs.


Somehow keeping a meaningful distance between her and him, Raven just phases through the first door she sees and locks it from the inside immediately to prevent Jason from getting in.


Unfortunately, Jason gets there too late, banging on the door.


Jason: Rachel?


No response.


Jason: Rachel? RAVEN?



Go away.....



Jason: You know I can’t do that.



Oh, now you wanna play the double agent? What stopped you from doing that five years ago? What stopped you from putting your foot down and standing up for the rest of us instead of defending a tyrant? It was already difficult enough dealing with Cyborg and Terra. But you—



Jason: You can’t fight crime without cracking a few skulls, ok? I thought Superman understood that.



The Regime cracked more than a few and you have no pardon from me over it. To think Dick had to die like that.



Jason: For the love of—I didn’t kill him!



You still let it happen.



Getting agitated, he bangs harder on the door.


Jason: Rach, can you not shut me out? You know you can’t stay locked behind there forever.



I can if it’s my choice.



Jason: Who said it had to be yo—



JASON! If you want me to feel any better than I should, then leave me alone. Please?!



He looks down ashamed and turned his head away, slamming it back against the door. Jason never even bothered to call Rachel up, tell her about the situation, or even just reply back with a simple hello. He let his hatred and his anger get the better of him.


And he knows exactly what it cost him.


Sliding down to the floor, slinking his forehead into his arms in defeat, Jason couldn’t help feeling childish, looking down at the wooden dusty floor and frowns.


Jason: I missed you.....



Some part of Raven heard that from the inside. Perhaps five years wasn’t enough to make her forget everything between her and Jason. She turned her head slightly back to the closed door but refused to look up.


But in her head, she was thinking something similar.



I missed you too....



But back down below, the meeting wasn’t getting any better either. Bruce was STILL insisting for the kids to go home for their protection and as much as they tried, there was no talking him out of it.


Stubborn, just like the Commissioner.


Barry: You got a better idea than this, Bruce?


Bruce: I’ll take whatever comes my way…..as long as it means I don’t put this planet in more jeopardy than it already is. One Superman in it is enough.


Harley: Bats has a point. Do we really need more than one?



The attention is now suddenly shifted to her with every person situated in that room either looking across from her or even potentially looking down at her. Even her own Suicide Squad members glanced over at her with hasty hesitation.


She was one half of the reason why they were all in this predicament in the first place, why they had literal years' worth of their lives whittled away for nothing, why some innocent, hard-working people slaving their hearts and souls away for freedom won’t live to tell the tail.


Bruce knew it.


Waller knew it.


Even Floyd and Cleo, to a lesser extent, were aware of what she did to Clark that day in Metropolis and how badly it was going to haunt her for as long as she drew a breath. Had Jason gotten his way and pulled his gun out on her, she probably wouldn’t have even been breathing these next few seconds.


She wasn’t going to get peace without some effort, there was work to be done in that marginal area…..and all the gazes on her reflected that ogling of critical judgment.


But even then, Floyd and Cleo comforted Harley, wrapping their arms around her and she uncomfortably slinked down into their arms so fully it's like they are one organism, melted together. She has a shriveled look of malice and iniquity on her face, the kind everyone else was now wearing.


The look of a caged animal.



As a Birds of Prey member, however, Zatanna was the only one willing to reach out to her, stepping away from the table and wearily approaching the former doctor and psychiatrist.


Zatanna: I’ll take her to Montoya and Dinah. And I’ll check on your…..Shark friend.


Cleo: Please….take care of him for me. And could you…..find Sebastian for me?


She nods.


Zatanna: tropelet su yawa (teleport us away).



With a swift flick of her wand, Zatanna and Harley disappear from the basement in a tiny whirlwind of pixie dust.


It left the important matters at hand back towards Bruce.


Alfred: Sir…..


There was that incessant silence to his soul again; the fall leaves under frost. The chill in his blood, coldness bringing the synapses of his brain to a stand-still.


All of it is pain.


Bruce: My judgment was clouded when I didn't stop the Joker in time. The real Superman died with Lois and all of Metropolis. Another copy like him would be just a living reminder of that outlasting beacon we lost all those years ago.


Selina: Bruce.


Bruce: All of you. Go.

Bruce walked out not looking back Selina was about to go after him but felt a grip on her arm making her turn to see Barbra holding her back

Barbra: Let him go. You get everyone ready for the attack. I'll get the clone. We're ending this now.

Selina: Honey how are you gonna do that? And even if you do how you gonna get through with Bruce.

Barbra: The way he handles everything. Trut me. All of you get ready. Starfire I'll need you to lead the charge. Dick made you leader of the Titans so we'll need you on the first front

Kori: Noted.

Barbra: Tim. I need you on stand by cause later I'll need your help with the clone.

Tim: Anything for you.

Barbra stared at the SS for a moment as the tension seemed tense given their pat difference but knowing they were out numbered againt Superman's forces.....they were desperate

Barbra: We'll need you guys on the front line too. Guess now every reliable ally count at this moment.

Everyone walked out of theroom as Barbra trolled after Bruce

But back with Jaon and Raven with a door still between them they both faced it after confesing they missed each other Jason placed hi right hand on it with Rachel sensing it she placed er left palm on her side palm was behind

Rachel was jut about to open the door.....till her gem burnt her again Trigon must be trying to crawl out of her again this time her whole skin turned burning red as she screamed from the burn on her skin

Her screams made Jaon pull the door open just for Rachel to land on him and he caught her and opened her FIERY eyes

Jason: RACHEL!

Raven: JASON!

A portal opened behind her and they both get sucked in.....

.....where they end up.....was a ship sailing across the ocean.......Wonder Woman setting course to Theymiscira intending to lead her amazon sisters to support Superman's attack

She looked behind her noticing Jason knocked out ad Raven rising up fully under red burning skin and looked dead eyed at the rougue Amazon

Wonder Woman assumed she captured Jason and forced him to lead her to her to stop her for Batman and drew her sword approached her

Raven: An amazon aiding the Regime. As a strategist you're no athena.

Wonder Woman: Your looks betray you Raven. Adam told us you were lossing control of yourself. Now yu've become Trigon's servant. Not Batman's.

Raven: I serve both. Batman's victory over Superman's rein will hasten my father's return. And all shall bow before him! EVEN YOU!


Gripping ahold of yet another forged sword at her disposal, Diana is quick to dash forward at the deprecating aura of Raven’s demonic form. Superman’s re-enforced ideology had long since rewritten her usual stances on combat and situational approaches to anything


Those who obstruct her path would be enemies, through and through. Raven would be no exception.


Except Raven wasn’t your average sorceress.


Amidst going in blind, Diana misses the first strike against her, the former vanishing without leaving so much as a speck behind.


Diana wouldn’t take this lying down, however…..and she’d end up paying for it. Taking the initiative, Diana quickly swings her sword back behind her, hoping to land a solid hit when Raven would re-appear again. Luckily, she does land a solid hit.


Unluckily, her eyes and ears, all of her five senses would be horrifically assaulted in that radiating instant.



AGH! Argh, argh, argh......Ahh!



That was the sound of the metal tip of the sword extending down and sinking through the brown armor and loincloth of an Amazon battle armor and through Antiope’s (Robin Wright) stomach. Pulling the blade loose was impossible now. The more effort applied, the more blood squirted out of Antiope’s abdomen and left her more wide open. All she could do was keep breathing for as long as she could while her fingertips massaged the metal of the now blood-soaked blade embedded into her.


The coldness of the blade, however, broke Diana’s unfortunate resolve. It pulled away the heat from her clasping fingers and they blanched in response.


She just inches away from this image of her deceased aunt with unease with an eery twitch in her mouth and eyes, briefly distracting Antiope from the pain she was experiencing.


Wonder Woman: Antiope…..


Having fully emerged herself into the illusion, the distinction between the illusion of "masks" for the self or others segmented her brain into dysfunction; the only exit was self-honesty.


Something Superman had all but stripped away from her.


Antiope: You…..disappoint me, niece.


Wonder Woman: No…..no, please. I did what I thought was right.


Antiope:….while violating our code of honor. That—that tiara was supposed to mean something and you just spat on it.


Eyeing up at the tiara still bestowed on the temple of Diana’s head, the vision was breaking through to her. Testing her morals, devaluing Superman’s boot-camp regimen, crippling the inner dexterity of Diana’s true intentions: exploiting her fear of becoming a villain and more importantly….


….Superman's rejection.


Antiope: You are but an empty hollow shell of the Diana I once trained to defeat Ares. If only I had caught notice of the resentment buried away in your heart…..


Her aunt sounded deeply hurt and anguished, and Wonder Woman was simply taken aback. She didn't know what to do, not helped by Antiope actually charging at her and slamming her up towards the bow of the ship, waves crashing all around.


Gritting her teeth as she seemed ready to finish Wonder Woman off, Diana briefly grunted as she tried to break free.


In desperation, she headbutts her aunt square on the dome…..and the illusion got worse from there.


In Antiope’s place…..came a re-emerged Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), now embedded with her sword as well.


Steve: Did you ever really love me?


There she was again, back to square one.


And to think, she still believed in the power of love and compassion to change humanity for the better despite their flaws because of Steve’s declaration of love to her that showed her that…..but it didn’t stop Diana from being left sobered and emotionally broken over certain events from World War I.


And as much as she had accepted Steve’s death, that selfish need of fulfillment was still burrows underneath there.


But then, suddenly, Wonder Woman grips ahold of her sword…..and impales Steve in the chest even further. Only…this wasn't really her Steve Trevor.


Finally, she was fighting the illusion.


Wonder Woman: How dare you, Raven….


She woke up from Superman to see Scarecrow standing there, observing Wonder Woman with interest. The Azerathian couldn't help but chuckle sinisterly.


Raven: Antiope. Hippolyta. Trevor. Minerva. All of this death and misery, betrayal lying in your wake, you mourn constantly and you claim to not be afraid of Superman. That you corrupted him. That you’re becoming the villain of the story.


Having dropped the sword following the illusion, Wonder Woman just picks it back up.


Wonder Woman: To Hades with your mind games.


Raven was undeterred. She simply formulates a dark-purple hook from her hand.


And then she dashes forward, immediately knocking Diana off balance. But she recovers in time, regaining her strength and colliding with the hook yet again before she began slashing at Raven’s hook with her sword.


The sword and the hook kept on crossing, with Raven chuckling a horribly demonic chuckle as she began to overwhelm her. But then Diana knocked the hook out of her hand and began slashing at Raven repeatedly…..only to no avail as she kept phasing through the sword. Raven continued to fight on, but Wonder Woman kept slashing at her nonstop until suddenly….


….telekinesis comes into play. A purple aura surrounds the sword, immobilizing it into place.



Raven then summons a Dark Claw to grasp Diana’s face, leaving her momentarily vulnerable to her telekinesis, drawing her towards her before shoving her back with a palm thrust empowered by magic.


No sooner should Diana roll back up to a vertical basis, Raven fires more beams of dark magic at Diana. The latter quickly blocks the attack with her bracelets and prevents the blast from reaching her but despite the nigh-indestructible gauntlets doing it's job, it was another distraction played to perfection.


Raven opens up another portal in order to teleport her opponent away to a dark dimension where she summons three demons to attack her enemy. One from the left….


One from the far right….


….and another from behind her.


It hurdles Diana back in Raven’s direction amongst the void of black and purple nothingness, only for the latter to take a page out of Starfire’s playbook and unleashes all of her energy into a shadow starburst, mirroring that of a supernova.


It blinds her and engulfs this dark dimension in a giant omnipresent cloud of light.



Following the aftermath of the blast in the dark dimension, Diana’s mind, body and figment of reality was shattered all in the span of only a minute. But the wear and tear it sustained, being effortlessly frisked off to another dimension and being manhandled, essentially babied against her will?


One could not imagine the humiliation Raven just put her through.


And even moreso, in the midst of almost being within arms length of a distance to her during that explosion, the dark magic, having allowed Raven to manifest the power of her Soul Self for only a few seconds longer, sucked Raven in before it does the same to a still unconscious Jason within its little bubble and takes both of them away.


With both of them gone from her ship, the mirages are all but eradicated. But the reality in which this entailed only meant more trouble for Diana once she reached the shores of her former home.


Within the timespan of a few seconds, the surge of black magic fades and shrinks itself away as Raven and Jason fall through onto a terrain of grass surrounded by statues, a paved-in road and some monuments.


None of it looked familiar in any sense of the word, prior to Rachel awakening from suffering her latest episode.


Her eyes clear out the black in her pupils, the darkness of her demonic entity slowly crawling back into it’s dormancy until called upon. Gripping ahold of herself on the edge of it, Raven recovering from the semi-blackout proved quite challenging, having been so long since she had been on the receiving end of her own magic for longer than three minutes.


Jason’s reaction was more morbidly quiet after his long nap. It bared the baring view of a specimen who hadn’t been subjected to vegetation as lush as this in a extended duration of time. His thoughts quickly scurried to where they ended up this time.


Rachel had already beat him to it though.


By the time she glazes around at the environmental structure poised around her and takes another glance at the statues, two of which had Diana and Asteria.....it clicks.



Rachel: Wait.....are we—No, no, no, no, no. We’re in Theymscria.


Jason: Diana’s home? How’d we get here?


He just stares over at Raven.


Rachel: Don’t look at me. I had no control.


Jason: That’s no excuse; you’re a sorceress.


Rachel: No.


Jason: Witch.


Rachel: NO.


Jason: Hybrid.


Rachel: A demon. My minds been splintered and damaged for as long as I can remember. My life’s been in pain since the day I was born. There’s no getting rid of Trigon. So many times I tried and he always finds a way back. I—I told—I told you you don’t know what I’ve been through.


Jason: And I told you I had.



Except times were different.



Rachel: Oh you wish you knew, didn’t you? You wish you could just walk into my shoes and simply......scour through the depths and domains of my hellish life like its no big deal.


Jason: It’s not about what I wish or what I want. It’s always been about being fair.


Rachel: Where was the fairness then when you chose sides?


Here we go again: the heartbreak trickling on out through her voice, catching Jason off-guard once again. He remains defensive despite his defense having depleted significantly.


Jason: I’ve told you: you have absolutely NO DAMN IDEA what that psychotic, pathetic no good living scrap of death worshipping garbage of a clown had inflicted onto me.


Rachel: And you let your hate consume you. Gave into your anger and lost the love and whatever respect you had left from anyone who ever gave a damn about you.


Jason: I got resurrected through a rolling soup of butternut squash!


Rachel: And I was the portal to Earths destruction from my demonic father!



Halt!



Immediately, the voice startled the two back as they realized they were not alone at all. Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) of Theymscria, mother of Diana and queen of the Amazons armed with her sword bridged between her bow and arrow, aimed directly up towards them both.


For added security, two lieutenants of her Amazonian military were flanked alongside her: former senator Acantha (Florence Kasumba) and Hippolyta’s sister-in-law, Menalippe (Lisa Loven Kongsli).



Acantha: In the name of Athena, you’re both under the Queen’s jurisdiction.


Menalippe: State your presence.

Jason: Uhh.....lady? You can't be the good guys. We're the good guys.

Ancantha: And WE are amazonian warriors of our queen. Your queen now that you have violated our mot secred law. Men are forbidden from ever entering Theymiscira.

Raven: Well hate to burt your bubble Xena but Diana is about to brake a bigger law than that. She tends to lead your people to carry out destruction on Metropolis and Gotham. That's why we're here to stop her.

Hippolyta: That is a very serious accuation for you to accuse my daughter of something that would defy the Gods laws. Your evidence?

Raven: When I wa in her head and made her see all those she lost I had time to see all her memories. I'll show you.

Raven approached the Queen which the other two Amazons to st stand ready but she raissed her hand to order them to stand down and Raven held out her hand in front of her face

Raven: Azerath. Neitrion. ZINTHOS.

A flash came into Hippolyta's eyes and she saw everything Rachel saw in Diana's head everything her daughter ha done since Joker nuked Metropolis

Her support to Superman' rein and her part she played in the death of his victims murdering Huntress and her tempts to lead the Amazons to murder innocent people

After the visio broke Hippolyta wa beyond shock and sadden of what her daughter has become

Hippolyta: By Aphrodite.

Acantha: Your highness what's wrong?

Hippolyta: It felt like a dream but I somehow know this is real. I know about Superman's Regime and heard rumors Diana was in league with it. I didn't want to believe it for my heart wa too heavy my only child.....would destroy everything I taught her to protect.

Jason: Shocking isn't it? The great Amazon army preparing to subjugate an entire continent. Flash said Superman only told her what happened to Dick. I wouldn't be surprised if your daughter had anything to do with it too.

Hippolyta: Mind your tongue outsider.

Raven: He means well. Superman murdered his brother. It's hard for him to ee pass it especially those who serve him.

Hippolyta: I ympathize your loss. I just can't she......How could she.....I.....

Raven: And if only some were able to stop her.

Hippolyta: And why would you outsiders help us? This conflict cannot oppose your magic witch.

Raven: If Superman wins the conflict which fuels his rule will cease when Trigon returns. I don't know what will stop him but stopping Superman is the best I can do.

Hippolyta paused in thought as she turned to the other two Amazons

Hippolyta: Where's Dona?

Menalippe: In her chambers. Her meditation is almost over my queen.

Hippolyta: Have her ready. We'll need her soon. It's time.....complete her training.

Jason: Who's Dona?

Raven: New Amazon I guess.

Acantha: What about them?

Hippolyta: We'll need their help to stop Diana. They go with you. Under close vision.

Hippolyta approached her hore and set off to find Diana where the dock of the island Diana rounded up all the Amazon warriors preparing to cat off and make waste to Gotham and Metropolis

Wonder Woman: Haste my sisters! We cast off within the hour! Take that to the Athena sloop fifty-one. After drop off meet at the south pier. Mora's team needs help with an inter-ship weapons transfer. MOVE!

The Amazons carried out her orders but all topped and turned and heard Hippolyta's voice shout: DIANA!

Wonder Woman herself turned and to her shock her own mother rode in with seriousness in her eyes and as se came off her orse and drew her own sword approaching her

Hippolyta: You MUST tand down. Our sisters will NOT abet Superman's madness

Wonder Woman: You hold no sway in this mother. I am in command!

Hippolyta: NOT anymore. You have violated secrete law to Amazonian Diana. I am still queen and as your queen I here by place you UNDER ARREST!



Wonder Woman: That was eons ago, Mother. Times have changed and now we will change along with it.



Hippolyta looks on, rather appalled by how far her own daughter has fallen. This may as well be part of the reason why she was reluctant to train her in the first place against Ares except that was centuries ago. This was Superman they were dealing with and all of bitterness, pain, anger, and hatred he had poisoned her with, running through her.



Her greatest love was truly now her greatest sorrow. All the sleepless nights, all the tactical ploying, every shredded mold of clay went into making Diana…..all went to waste. Yet in teary shame and persistence, Hippolyta kept on.




Hippolyta: Have you forgotten everything I've taught you? We are to temper Man's aggression, not enable it.


Wonder Woman: After Metropolis, Superman showed me the truth. Man's aggression cannot be tempered, only quelled. You told me the world of men didn't deserve our help but it's not about that. It's about what we believe in. I believe that this right now is what is necessary for both our worlds and theirs. Compassion isn’t enough anymore. Love isn’t enough anymore. It needs Steel.


Hippolyta: So you choose to go against your Amazonian code? Oppress the homeless? Slaughter the innocent? All of this for him?! You are as beguiled as I was on your father.




Offended but more or less defensive over her mother, Wonder Woman is quick to unsheathe her sword yet again; unsheathing Athena’s own sword at her home turf in front of her mother, much to the shock and disappointment to her own Amazon sisters.



With just one subtle twitch in her eyes and mouth, Hippolyta voiced her disappointment from afar. She was the most ashamed of what had come out of Diana’s training and her five years of being emotionally held captive in a brutal unforgiving war.


A few seconds pass and Diana falls under the same shock as the others and quickly feeling ashamed, drops her sword beneath her.




Wonder Woman: Mother....I did not come here to fight you.


Hippolyta: I know you haven't. But this cannot be ignored any matter the cost.


Wonder Woman: I'd really hope you'd stand with me.


Hippolyta: I cannot. Man's World may not be perfect but you thought me that neither are we. So please, my daughter, as your mother I ask you to stand down. And as your queen....I ORDER you to.




No luck. Her true core values had been snuffed out and away......and her mother was now just another obstacle for the goddess of war.




Wonder Woman: I am sorry, mother. But it seems the fates are against both of us.



Hesitating to make the first move, surprisingly, Diana nonetheless went through with it.


Rolling on through, she picks her sword back up and kicks her mother back, only for Hippolyta to block it with her shield. Diana swung her left sword beneath the Queen, so Hippolyta jumped above the metal to dodge it and the Queen no longer saw a choice.


Her daughter would no longer come to reason. She had to fight back.



So they clashed their swords together and struggled constantly, at one point pushing back up against one another while their strengths cancel each other out. Their Amazonian sisters, warriors, and daughters watch on in aligned confusion and skepticism, seeing both their leaders fight each other.


A day like this, where the Princess of the Queen would try to revolt against her, never once crossed their mind, making it all the harder to suspend their disbelief with the truth unveiling right before their very eyes. The sound of their swords clashing was enough to break their hearts, for no matter the overtures of peace they make, someone, something comes in for the kill, never as play.



Just never thought it’d be the queen's daughter.




Let alone her having been one of many to carry out such a well-meaning but poorly implemented executions to multiple families and countries alike, many of which didn’t get the chance to see their daughters or mothers again. Huntress might’ve just been one of the lucky ones.


As unhonorably pointless as her demise was, she at least died in the comfort of friends and comrades and gave her life for the cause: a cause that now left the Birds of Prey severely crippled from the inside out.



Helena was gone, Montoya almost overdosed and Dinah is still on life-support, meaning Zatanna, Babs and Harley were the only ones of the group left: a statistic the former Clown Princess of Crime would like to admit she’s far from proud of.



Harley is left looking down, perching over Helena’s body glumly; thinking back to her first interaction with her. The hard-on-edgy assassin-to-be with a chip on her shoulder that desperately needed a chill pill. She wanted her to laugh, to giggle, to say that this was all a big joke.



No such luck.



She had passed on, this was not her but a corpse, the vehicle he drove around all her life, her material home upon this plane of existence.


The temptation to touch her skin was too great; so cold.


So hard.



If this was the fate that awaited the others, then it was a good thing Zatanna brought her down to the medic wing: on the off chance her magic couldn’t work on Dinah and Montoya, she’d at least reunite with her former teammates before saying goodbye.


Feeling the softness of Z’s white coffin gloved hand over her shoulder, Harley contemplated grabbing ahold of it.



Harley: Take me to the rest.


Zatanna: You sure?


Harley nods and Zatanna leads her to Montoya and Dinah in the worst shape



Harley: This is all my fault.



Harley: You really have to ask? I'm just as responsible for Metropolis. I ad no idea S-Man would go this far. Mr. J broke up with me before and I was a sucker to give him another chance and since then he almost got me killed countless times. I can't believe I fell for him again! If I hadn't maybe I could have helped stop him and save Lois and that poor baby. But instead I......




Zatanna: He knew exactly which button to push. It wasn't your fault Harley. It's what he did. You've finally outgrown him.



Harley: Harleen Quinzell. Bats offered me a chance......and I've put that on hold for too long.



Zatanna: Proud of you Harleen.




Harley: Don't be proud yet. Still got buckets of blood to empty. But first......there's somewhere I need to be.



Zatanna: Where you going now?



Harley: To help the others but first help the real person who really tried to save me from the Joker.



Zatanna: It's dangerous Harleen to go out there alone. You won't make it ten feet with SSuperman wreaking havoc out there.



Harley: I won't be alone. My clan will be with me and if the worst should happen.....I'll give Mr. J the beating he deserves on the other side.


Harley flips back her way out of the room with Zatanna worried a she turned to the injured



Back on Themyscira the two Amazons with Jason and Raven all rode on horses to a tower where they called the Meditation Chambers where their newest Amazon wa commencing her final stage



They walked up the stairs with Acantha holding a torch leading them up stairs


Raven: Why do you keep her locked up in here?



Menalippe: We lock her up her. New Amazons come here to meditate to complete their rebirth.



Jason: Rebirth?



Acantha: Donna wasn't born an Amazon. She comes from man's world. We don't know much of her early times but the Queen and Princess actually found her washed up on shore of Themyscira.



Menalippe: We raised and trained her among all our sisters treated her as our own. Hippolyta knows more of her time than us she or Dona herself can explain the rest




They came across a door at the end of the tairs and soon opened the bolts and openning the door revealing.......Donna herself (Alycia Debnam-Carey) in deep meditation state



Before they could even get four steps close to her she bolt open her eyes and grabbed Menalippe by the arm



Menalippe: Donna it's only us.



Donna: Menalippe? I thought I wasn't due for another hour.



Menalippe: There's been a change in plans the Queen needs your help.



Donna was about to ask till she noticed Jason and Rachel next to Acantha



Donna: Intruders!



Menalippe: No! They're friends of the queen.



Donna: WHAT??



Raven: Look kid. We were friends of Diana once but.....things......took a turn for the worst. And that's why we need your help.



Acantha: Diana has gone rougue. She tend to lead our sisters to Man's world.



Donna: To do what?



That was yet to be anwered while with Hippolyta and Diana continued clahing swords the flipped around each other and faced one another and circled each other



Hippolyta: We are to give ervice Diana.



She kicked to be countered by Diana' hield and classhed their swords again



Hippolyta: PROTECT the innocent!




She threw her sword forcing her corrupted daughter back




Hippolyta: Save the live of friend and foe!



Wonder Woman puhed her back only to be countered



Hippolyta: THAT is our way.



Wonder Woman: I'm no longer the little girl you raised and trained and you STILL lecture me on the meaning of being Amazon?!



Hippolyta: I don't seek to lecture my daughter.



She forced her back



Hippolyta: I seek to depose.



She forces her back before shrugging her coat off of her and readies herself once more. As for Diana, she felt a little too comfortable at home, for this was right up her alley. Dropping her shield by her side, she again readies her sword.


Hippolyta: Antiope would be ashamed.


Wonder Woman: My aunt would be proud!


She leaps forward and again, Hippolyta blocks and has to defend herself. With only her own bracelets of submission preventing the cold, blood-soaked steel of Diana’s sword from contact with her skin, it spoke volumes how after centuries, THIS would be the first time she’d have to face her daughter in one-on-one combat.



The last thing she expected was for it’d to be evenly matched.



It didn’t matter that Diana was still holding her own with her mother: she was holding back.


Taking advantage of the reluctance, Hippolyta repositions herself so Diana’s sword slides down onto her mother’s shoulder. Gripping the sword, she twists Diana’s arm around before flooring her with a dropkick to the chest.


She lands firmly on her hands and knees with Diana following suit, mirroring her posture and pose exactly.



Hippolyta: Never let your guard down.



Still a little of the Diana of old in there, as the Queen could deduce. The use of the old ways wasn’t immune to Diana as she thought, perking a mild smirk upon reminiscing of a simpler, tense free time: child-like.


Happy.


Respectful.


But there was still duty calling.


Now in possession of her sword, it was time for the Queen to go in the offensive. A few more sword swings and clashes later and there wasn’t much luck going to Hippolyta’s aid. Given how unbelievably strong she made her daughter from clay, it was no surprise that she wouldn’t necessarily be much of a match for her.


Of course, that didn’t stop her from trying. And yet Diana was still holding back a good deal of her power.


Going in for a shield bash, Diana simply holds it back with her brackets of submission and simply shoved Hippolyta away. Finally, something gives way and Diana punches straight through her mother’s shield, shattering the metal to pieces.


Left without a defensive option, Hippolyta has to slide her way across the terrain just as Diana went for a shove.


Hippolyta: You used to fight honorably.


Wonder Woman: There’s only honor in victory.


She tries to slam her brackets together but her mother stops her, gripping the metal yet in time before motioning her arms out to the side.


Hippolyta: The old you would disagree. Aren’t we supposed to enforce and protect all that’s fair?


Wonder Woman: Who are you to talk about fairness in a world so cold?!


Diana breaks her guard, headbutting her square in the face. Dashing forward again, Hippolyta swings forward aiming for the legs but Diana flips directly over the weapon before flipping over the back, ‘round the head and down upon her mother’s arms.


Kneeing her in the face and kicking her sword out of her hands.....


Wonder Woman: You expect a battle to be fair?!


......Hippolyta is quick to break free of her grasp before twisting Diana’s arm around. But being the Goddess Of War, she easily escaped the hold by rolling over with a kip-up and tosses her mother aside with an arm drag.


Reacting quickly, Diana’s foot clanks alongside one of her mother's swords. With an option now available, she kips the sword up to her grasp before throwing it.


The Queen is unlucky, unable to prevent her own sword from lodging into her left shoulder and binding her to the outside of the wooden ship.



The pain stings for the Queen of the Amazons just a little bit, stopping her in her tracks momentarily as she stops to assess the damage done. But at that moment, making the same mistake as Diana would cost her.


Just not as much as what happens next.


Counting her breathing, she slowly yanks the sword out of her shoulder, merged into the ship, and exclaims loudly, bringing every Amazon warrior up to arms over the Queen’s injury.


Hippolyta gets no time to recover after pulling out the sword with caution. She gets another kick for her troubles and with her on her knees, Diana, without hesitation, slams her elbow down into her mother’s arm......


......fracturing and breaking it into pieces.



Hippolyta: AGHHHH!



This time around, the pain was real.



Wonder Woman: This contest ends now.


Hippolyta: Nghhh.....my arm.....


Wonder Woman: Don’t. It’s broken.


At this point, nothing but the absolute worse was going to occur right here right now. Despite trying to shuffle her arm back into place, Hippolyta didn’t have the means to get it back where it once was.


Feeling weakened but resilient, she hopelessly charges forward with one arm only for her daughter to push her away slightly with enough force that it sends her crashing to the ground.



Talk about humiliation.



Wonder Woman: Is this your queen? Is this OUR Queen, the one who’s supposed to lead us into the future?


~Silence~


Wonder Woman: No.



From princess to goddess to straight-up tyrant, the transition from her righteous path as a warrior to THIS.....was just something sickening to watch and even more so to witness first hand, like Hippolyta was.


Kicking her off to the side, Diana is left adding insult to injury picking up her mother’s own sword, barely sharpening the edge of the blade.


Wonder Woman: Believe me, this is not the outcome I wanted.


Hippolyta: Diana?


Wonder Woman: Forgive me.


Gripping the handle, the sweat from her hands slithering down onto the metal, Diana viciously swings forward with every other Amazon warrior nearby rushing in, no longer waiting to see this fight end in a massacre of one of their own. The Queen was their concern now.


All Hippolyta could do was guard, her bracelets of submission being the only defense at her disposal with one good arm and all.



BOOM!



The sword strikes slabs of metal, culminating in yet another massive wave of energy outwards, propelling back every other approaching Amazon and knocking Diana off her feet.


Including Diana herself.


As the dirt and debris swirl around the Port, momentarily blinding everyone in view of the attack, only Diana can clearly see through the dirt.....


....and out of the whirlwind, with her bracelets of submission glowing with a gradient orange aura, steps Donna Troy.



Wonder Woman: Donna?


Donna: Forgive me, Diana...

She forced her away a the two Amazons with Jason and Raven all aided her

Raven: Hold still.

Hippolyta: Ugh.....err.....

Raven: Azeraith Netrion Zintho.

Raven casted a spell to heal Hippolyta's broken arm as Donna and Wonder Woman circled one another for a show down of their own

Wonder Woman: What'd you think you're doing Donna?

Donna: What'd you think?! I'm topping you and insuring you face trial for your crime.

Wonder Woman: Crime?! Te real crime that's committed wa by man's world. They refuse to summit to Superman and they will face Hade for it.

Donna: You would lead your sisters to create never ending destruction? You would even MURER your own mother to do it?! What if Antiope wa still alive would you kill her if she stood up to you too?!

Wonder Woman: HOW DARE YOU?! WE TOOK YOU IN AND YOU WOULD DIHONER MY AUNT'S WILL WITH YOUR ARRAGONCE?!

Donna: You're dishonoring her Diana. By killing your mother leading our sisters to cause the death of many you've done more than ashame her. You disgraced the gods. And you're more like the monster that took her from us!

(I'm sorry Diana but she's right)

Triggered worse than ever Wonder Woman attacked her newly sister but thank to her training and gifted amazon strength she manage to counter Wonder Woman off she wasn't a strong as Diana but high quipped a Hippolyta

And then they clashed swords to one another as they raised Hippolytaback on her feet with her arm on around Raven's shoulder and and Jason pulled out hi gun to top her but a sword forced him to lower it

Jason: The fuck?

Amazon: This is an Amazon matter. Donna will tend to this.

Jason: You better be right about this.

They clashed their swords a they soon struggled on one another

Wonder Woman: Donna I offer you ONE chance to stand with us to carry out order.

Donna: Man's world may not be perfect Diana but destroying it for one man isn't the answer!

Wonder Woman: You would tand against your own eiter who helped train you?!

Donna: You're not my sister anymore. You're unworthy of being our sister. Unworthy of your own title! You're unworthy......to your mother.....who you betrayed and tend to murder.

Diana yells again forcing her off and continued to fight

She lunged Diana at the face only to be countered by her shield Diana kick her only to be countered too causing her to fall back

Donna attacked by Wonder Woman rolled to dodge her sword and kicked her away Donna fell back herself as Wonder Woman kicked her sword away but Donna tossed her shield knocking Diana's sword out of her OWN hands

Now Diana and Donna fought with their bare hands

Hippolyta: I can't believe she let this Regime corrupt her.

Raven: I don't think she meant to at first, Superman just knew how to pulll her strings.

Diana punches Donna down only for to bounce back grabbing her and holding her to the ground Diana headbutts her but only to get punched back by Donna

And again.....and....again....and AGAIN

Donna was about to throw another punch only to be countered and Diana forced her off her by punching her back

Wonder Woman then held her to the ground to strange her as Donna breathed out under her grip she could tell Diana means to kill her by looking in her eyes

Jason almot acted again until Donna punched Diana in her to let go of her and then kicked her near the docking bay

Donna: Surrender now Diana! For your own good.

Wonder Woman: Never!

Diana took a dagger from her belt and threw at her Donna easily dodged it but it gave Diana enough time to lean back to fall off the pier and fall into the water and SPLASH

Donna ran to see the splash fade and Wonder Woman did not emerged no doubt she was retreating back to the mainland

Donna: Now to rebuild.......what you destroyed Diana.

Donna turned back as all the Amazons who fallowed Diana in her conquest all stood in combat till Donna held out her hands to them

Donna: Hold my sisters. Hold! While I am born of you I am Amazon. And I tell you now: This path is folly. I was taught by all of you we are to unite the world's people! Lessen man's rages....Overcome them....with compassion and love. Diana has been enabled by one man inflicted his rage on the entire planet. Let herself be consumed by his darkest passions created by a senseless tragedy rather than extricate him from despair! Sister let us return to the right side of history. Let us enter battle but as humankind's protectors. NOT their destroyers. We are Amazons. We are here to SAVE mankind.


All Amazons stood in unison with their weapons firmly in grasp, eyes gazed at the Earth-born Amazon-in-training.



Most of them were left surveying the scene amidst a sea of either confusion or intrepid murmuring. Raven and Jason, the only two outsiders on the island, were just about at odds with the young girls performance than anything else…..not that they were actually impressed with her or anything.


But it didn’t stop Raven from thinking maybe…..just maybe, this girl had a place back home, where she could exploit her talents elsewhere.




Luckily, that might not be entirely necessary. Eventually, the crowd of Amazon sisters and warriors began to pipe in in agreement. While being made well aware of Diana’s treachery, it was still a hard pill to swallow for everyone there who grew up with her and helped train her.



But Donna’s words were the truth.



It wasn’t her. It was the man she was working with. And the government he held an iron grip over needed to be disbanded effective immediately, if not for the sake of the world she grew up in, then for hers.




In collective agreement, the Amazons raised their swords and shields and fists up to the air for a harty battle cry. Donna was left soaking in all the admiration from where she now stood; the first speech she had successfully pulled off without making an embarrassment of herself and she had received quite the ovation.


More than she normally did back at home.




Once again, surveying the scene left the Queen at odds. Hippolyta would’ve liked to think she could wipe the decor of this putrid odorous scene out of her brain and yet there it laid, implanted forever like a turbulent tumor. Try as she might, this betrayal, dealt with an emasculate blow by her own daughter, might as well as have been a life sentence.


She now has to live with the burden of being the mother to the woman who threw all that compassion and love away for nothing.





Jason: Well, your highness……I believe they await your judgment.





But there was one assurance from this: What Diana once stood for…..it would not be in vain; that was her promise. However, no risks would be taken in case the battle would ever spill back to their homelands.




Hippolyta: We cast off by the end of the day. Our assistance is needed on Man’s World.


Menalippe: What of Donna?



Hippolyta: She is ready. Evacuate everyone, engage all defenses……and get her this woman her armor. We have given birth to a new daughter of Themyscira.



The birth of one sews the death of another, for their assistance might very well come too late.



Metropolis, having suffered five-plus years of hellacious rehabilitation after the infamous Nuke explosion rocked the world, stood tall for the first time in half of a decade despite losing most of its glossy metropolitan shine especially with the Daily Planet and LexCorp buildings no longer holding any positive weight following the deaths of those who once inhabited said companies.


Now stained and blemished with the blight indirectly given by who once was their shining beacon, their symbol of hope, betrayal never felt so daunting to those who once believed in the Man Of Steel.


And understandably so. But yet, no less than thirty minutes ago, everybody was back to square one.



As promised, One Earth Regime militiamen and infantry grunts, stomping in unison amongst the once-mostly peaceful streets, immediately infected their poison back into the fair city…..


….by shooting whoever so much as looked at them funny dead in their tracks.


Tanks were rolled out firing blindly into the distance with smoke scorching the sky, fires breaking out, riots, and blood soaking the sidewalks and avenues.


As for Kal-El, he wouldn’t miss this for the world. His orders being carried out by the best that he knew, he wanted to make damn certain that he’d be there to bask in his own megalomaniac glory:


But not before getting his hands dirty himself.


His attention turns to the bridge leading to and out of Metropolis. Those lucky enough to have already been leaving the city didn’t want to take the risk on looking back, for those who just decided to forgo taking a vehicle and run on foot got off just as unfortunate as them.


Eyes glaring red and heat blistering like an eternal flame, Superman’s heat vision slices across the metal and tarmac holding the bridge together, his lasers eventually cutting the cables and support beams effortlessly. Several cars and multiple frail civilians fall straight through the broken bridge, pleading for Superman to either help them or stop this madness before splashing into the waters.



At this point, the bridge had only been halfway destroyed. But nobody was going to get in or out of the city, so help them Rao.


The fallen Man of Steel half-grins darkly at this depressing sight before it fades, watching the cars dip into the drink before flying off to resume the destruction. Doesn’t matter that this was his plan and he was carrying it out; he wasn’t happy he was brought to this decision.


As if he hadn’t already cemented his place as the worst person on the planet, this entire attack, under the guise of proving to his former friends and allies just how bittersweet and terrible their lives would be without him, had morphed into a bizarre kaleidoscope of pettiness and vengeance.


Those who still held out hope for the former Man Of Steel were left disappointed for the last time, seeing the Kryptonian stoically and glumly give way to a lumbering Solomon Grundy to waltz his way in and lead the charge.


Leaping up to the tallest building he could find, he only needed to headbutt the base of the said building before he instinctively grips the side, each building tumbling down on top of the other like a stack of dominos. With Sinestro and his ground forces armed, Adam supplying in for backup, and Grundy making a complete and utter wasteland out of the area and beyond, Superman’s message to Metropolis was a big fat giant middle finger.



Madness.



This was all Bruce had to sit back and watch for the next hour and a half down at the Batcave's main computer. As predicted, Superman was unlikely to let the matter go willingly with two of his trusted allies being revealed as moles and three more defections following that (unbeknownst to him). Kal planned to make this as slow and agonizing as possible.


It was all about sending a message to the man in the chair right now. And to think, Gotham would be next.


It was already a painful blow seeing the Man Of Steel carry out the exact kind of evil scheme he had spent so many years fighting against but what came off even more surreal was the former hero’s complete lack of awareness that that was what he was doing.


Not only unnerving at this point, having completely lost the plot, but it was the final exclamation point to what had been years of build-up animosity and resentment: launching an all-out war was the point of no return for Clark Kent.


All the more reason Barbara kept her eyes away from the screen and glued to her phone. Guess this phone call was too important then.



Barbara: Does it look like I’m the tactical genius behind the cameras? I’m not telling you this from a piece of paper, it’s all I know so far. I know, I know. We won’t let him get away with it. Hey, I—I’ll keep you posted, ok? Alright, alright. Thank you. You too.


Soon as she hangs up, she just tosses her phone across the floor as she turns back to the news feed. Seeing Superman and his Regime forces tear down Metropolis, the place that HE used to call HIS home, was more than just repulsive.


It was disgusting.


Barbara: It‘s only gonna get worse the longer we stay situated here. We have to get to—


Bruce: Once this is finished, you're all going home.


Nothing but silence echoes through the cave as Bruce shuts off the news feed on the Batcomputer and switches it to more….rudimentary needs. Going through the loops, he checks on the Batcomputer’s security metrics, not keen on taking any chances in case another betrayal takes place.


Sucks he couldn’t get the scoop on Jason; he hadn’t been fond of him since Dick.


So he was left switching to Vault H-7: they were on a shortage of Kryptonite pills.


There wasn’t much Barbara could do to physically comfort Bruce in his times of need but he made it a little easy when he needed support by trying too hard to suppress it. Thus, the leeway was given for Barbara to roll over to him and place a hand on his shoulder.


Barbara: You know, I get it. I understand why you’ve planned for the day Superman might lose control. But you should know what happened at Metropolis wasn't your fault either, Bruce.


Bruce: Maybe if I had stopped Joker earlier, Barbara.....if I could’ve saved Lois save you....save Jason if I done that—maybe my friend.....would still be here.


Barbara: Believe me, it’s difficult to overlook something that’s your responsibility but you’re only human. if you don’t have to power to forgive yourself, then.....why bother?


He just turns over to her, looking sleep-deprived and agitated.


Bruce: Because......it’s my job. It’s all I’ve ever been for the past two decades.....which is why I need to finish this alone. If I don’t, who will?


Barbara: Every living and breathing soul who’s ever supported you will because, without help, you'll die. And the Insurgency along with you.


Bruce: Then maybe that's my fate.


Barbara: Bullshit. We don’t believe in fate.


Bruce: You still should.



Ignoring her, Bruce shuts off the computer momentarily and just bolts out of his chair only for Barbara to grab him by the arm to stop him. He was about to spit back with a smart remark but as he looks down, that’s when he realizes something.


Barbara wasn’t in her wheelchair.


There she was, in front of him, firmly on her two feet. No struggling, no pressure, no signs of resistance, nothing.


She was there and she was standing.



Bruce: Your legs.


She simply smirks.


Bruce: Barbara?


Barbara: Nope.


She headbutts him back a foot.


Barbara: It’s Batgirl.



Sensing where this was going, he barely had time to react to Barbara unloading an onslaught of kicks aiming for the chest and lower abdomen.


The time he started going on the offense was the exact moment where it went wrong. Following up with a kick to the abdomen, she moves in with two straight jabs across Bruce’s face. Luckily, he blocks the front kick and the spinning back kick......but not the side kicks.


Given his age, he’s finding himself putting more effort into these basic kicks and punches than anything else now.


Finally, once another punch comes his way, Bruce smacks it away and just clobbers Barbara down to a knee.



Needless to say, having feeling pain again wasn’t much of a welcome experience but to her, it was more than a warm welcome. Again, she smiles.



Barbara: Always wondered when we’d go back to hitting each other.



She flings herself forward with a flying knee only for Bruce to catch her and toss her behind him. But she lands on her feet and flips herself backward, knocking Bruce woozy with a pele bicycle kick to the head. Missing a backhand, Bruce uppercuts her down only for Barbara to kick back up.



Barbara: Still a pain in the ass, am I?



No answer back was given.


Going in for an elbow, Bruce blocks it and kicks her face in before simultaneously aiming for the abdomen and back to the head again.



Stunning the two momentarily, Bruce tries to sweep underneath while Barbara tries to kick high.



Both miss.



Both intertwine their kicks with each other before Barbara steps in closer and elbows Bruce across the jaw. Following up with a body shot, Bruce catches her fist this time, spins her around a full 180, and knees her in the face before locking her in a chokehold, crossing both her arms over her neck.



Bruce: Did you—


Barbara: No.


Bruce: Then when did you---


Barbara: Lex helped prep me for surgery after my Dad. I was just waiting for when you really needed me.



She gets her arms free of the hold before flipping directly over Bruce and locking HIM in a chokehold of her own.



Bruce: Well......you picked the wrong fight.


Stuck and cornered, Bruce has to vertically spin himself around to alleviate the pressure as he moves his arms vertically upwards and just pushes Babs down to the floor. It doesn’t stay that way for long.


She headbutts him to give him some space. By the time she gets back up, Babs has to flip directly over Bruce as he just slides underneath.



However, Bruce gets a palm strike and a back elbow to the nose for his troubles. Not giving Bruce any breathing room, Barbara just flips over with another forward front kick to the back of Bruce’s head, bringing him down to a knee.



Barbara: Now if we’re finished here.....we’re running out of time.



Bruce: This is MY—MY fight, Barbara.


Barbara: You made it ours when you dragged us into this.


Exhausted and worn out from getting his ass whooped, it drove Bruce back to the edge of the stairs as he just sat there, contemplating everything.


But could you blame him?



She sits beside him while he breathes in and out irregularly.



Bruce: Listen, I don’t know how or what it cost but I’m NOT ok with this. I promised your father—


Barbara: It was never his choice.


He gives off a look of confusion.


Barbara: Look.....you know as well as I do that the Insurgency is on life support. Your team is so mentally depleted that you need all the help you can get.


Bruce: You’ve been a great help as Oracle.


Barbara: And I can do more, even better as Batgirl again. Trust me.



He appreciated Barbara’s courage and determination to do as if as him. Made him feel even more like a father now since Gordon died. But the last thing he wanted was for another member of the Bat-family to die on his watch.


Not again.


Bruce: I’m sorry......but no.


Barbara: It’s not your choice either.


Bruce: This is a mistake.


Barbara: You brought us into this because you had faith. The faith we'd uphold the values you've given everything to defend. So trust us.....like you used to trust yourself......and let's end this.

After a moment of silence Bruce felt he might regret the next move and looks over at the bat computer and looked back up at Barbra a he stood back up

Bruce: You don't have Luthor's codes do you?

Barbra: I was hoping you wouldn't figure that out.

Bruce and Barbra went back to the bat computer beginning to download Luthor' personal profile to get the clone machines unlock codes

As minutes pass they had everything downloaded

Bruce: That's it. These codes hould gain you access to Lex's lab and all of his projects.

Barbra: Excellent. Tim and I will head there at once.

Bruce: Before you do.....why keep me in the dark about your legs? You could have told me at least.

Barbra: Superman had his eyes more on you than any of us. I was afraid if you knew he could possibly find out.

Bruce: Understood. But....it's good to have you back......Batgirl.

Barbra: It's good to be fighting with you again.....Batman.

Barbra leaned down to Bruce on his chair and hugged him Bruce was tunned at first and soon nodded hugging her back

Well this is touching.

Started the two bats looked back to where that voice came from and to their surprise it was a man under shinning pure green light

It was another Green Lantern John Stewart (Billy Brown) former colleague partner and friend of Hal Jordan from the corps who also helped the Justice League from time to time

After four years before the fifth when the Corps tried to stop Superman themselves John wass fatally injured by Sinestro and almot killed but pulled through Hal thought John was killed by Guy Gardner another Lantern who Hal killed out of grief that turned him inot a Yellow Lantern

John was even the same Lantern Sinestro mentioned who was coming making him who saved Terra from him too

Bruce: John??

John: Alive as I can be. I'm just lucky Sinestro has bad aim.

Bruce: What'd you doing here? It's gotten worse since you were last here.

John: Couldn't ignore it if I wanted to. When I recovered the Guardians told me Hal joined te Sinestro Corps. I thought they were out of their minds I didn't think Hal would pull it off.....they even told me what he did to Guy cause he thought he killed me. I don't get why he'd believe that. Plus I don't even understand even the las time I was here I don't know why Superman would loose it this bad. Given Hal is supporting him under yellow.

Barbra: You really don't know?

John: I know he lost Lois and his kid.....but the Guardians didn't tell me the full story. Either way I still can't believe it. Even after what Joker did

Bruce: Joker murdered everyone at the Daily Planet earlier that day and kidnapped Lois he performed a surgery on her linking her heart beat to a nuke trigger given to him by Luthor. In Superman's mind he killed Lois and destroyed Metropolis.

John: I'm not fallowing.

Bruce: Joker broke into carecrow's lair and killed him there. He stole his fear toxin and mixed it with Kryptonite and used it to alter Superman's mind so he believed he was fighting Zod.....but it was Lois.

John: No...

Bruce: And cause Joker linked the nuke's trigger to Lois's heart beat when she and her baby died.....Metropolis died with them.

John: My god......

Barbra: Superman was vulnerable. Probably for the first time in his life. After Lois's death Superman killed the Joker and he wanted to ban all war and crime but at a terrible cost......he's been governing and killing ever since. Even innocent people died in the crossfire.

John: So his fear DID won out.

Bruce: Martion Manhunter and Green Arrow both died trying to explain that to him. Dick thought he could stop him. But he ran out of super pill effects when Superman killed him. I thought it was Jason at first till Barry told us the real story.

John: Bruce I'm so sorry. If I was here maybe I could have helped you stop him. Maybe save Dick and the others. If I hadn't gotten injured-----If I had been here before Metropolis.......

Bruce: We'll never know now. What matters is now we stop him.

John: Then we need to get started. Innocent people are dying out there.

Bruce: You and I will take the others. We need the clone to focus on Superman.

Barbra: We'll do it together. If we draw the Regime away from the city we'll deal with them to prevent more casualties. Then we lure Superman to the clone and we'll let it take it from there.

Bruce: Fortress of Solitude is the best option. Take it there with the Batwing and meet us later.

Barbra: But where though?

Bruce: I'm working on it.

John: What about Grundy? He's gonna be tricky.

Barbra: Collateral damage. Either way we have to force the fight else where. Somewhere with no public polusion.

Bruce: Let me worry about that.

John: Just leave Hal and Sinestro to me. Anything else?

Bruce: I realize this isn't entirely accurate. But it's good to have you back too John.

He nods with a smirk

Bruce: It's time to end this.


Barbara: I take it we’ll need more reinforcements. You met mine. How about yours?



Bruce only needed to slide away from the computer desktop and keyboards and inch up to his feet, turning back towards Barbara with a crooked grin.


He had something in the works after all.




Enter Dakoda City, Chicago, Illinois.




Southeast of Chicago -- almost squarely on top of Indianapolis or perhaps Louisville, it remained a diversified city for nearly two and a half decades. Try as the Regime might, they hardly dented the surface behind what made Dakota City so persistently intriguing.



Before the High Councilor’s rise to totalitarian rule became public knowledge, Dakota City had been under its own double-edged sword for the better half of a couple of years, thanks to the Quantum Vapor.




Back in late 2019, a chemical explosion erupted near the docks of Dakota following an ensuing gang war, sparking an uprise of its metahuman population in the city, and dubbing its victims "Bang Babies".


Following the explosion, the hospitals were flooded with victims. Without a known cure or effective painkillers, many of the victims lay in agony as their bodies underwent a dramatic transformation. Others escaped with no physical damage only to mutate later. On some occasions, affected people managed to hold off the mutation under heavy pressure, but transformed once weakened, enraged or distracted.



Politically, the mayor stalled the investigation.



The biohazardous material at the docks was owned by Edwin Alva, a good friend of hers. Its permits were not in order, and the mutagenic substance was illegal. Only after repeated requests by concerned citizens was an investigation called but the Grand Jury couldn't find enough evidence to incriminate anyone.



Which also meant no cure. But it wouldn’t stop the state governor from trying.



Multiple bang babies were manifested and remained at large since that day but known so prominent as Virgil Hawkins (Aubrey Joesph), one of the few unlucky recipients to have been involved in the Big Bang and decided to make a change for the better.




Having graduated high school with flying colors, applying for a college was surprisingly a hasty ordeal especially with his best friend Richie Foley (Jace Norman) by his side. Not so much because of how quickly he was able to find one and take an inspection to imply….



….but because of what ended up happening to Virgil and Richie there on their first day.



Richie and Virgil finished one of their class's as they talked while walking

Richie: You never said for sure if he was a bang baby or not.

Virgil: I just have a hunch. I mean those weird intelligent quotes could come from anywhere. I mean he could give the Ridller a run for his money.



Richie: Not more than Emiel Hamilton. That guy had brain beyond mortal man. How else would he know more of alien activity?

Virgil: Fair point.

Richie: Besides best we know much as Dr. Alva if we want to get ahead of the bang babies on campus.

Virgil: They don't call you the brains for nothing.

Soon they heard chatting down the hall and got odd and decided to check it out and at the end of the hall the crowd poke at once and as people stood aside who emerged from the crowd to Virgil and Richie's shock was the playboy billionaire himself but now unmasked Batman......

.....Bruce Wayne

Richie: I---I---I must be seeing things. I that----

Virgil: It's gotta be. Other wise we're both seeing things.

Students took pictures of Bruce on their phones given his identity was now out in the open which did not bother Bruce one bit like it never happened then again he's always been like that long before the unmasking given he's famous enough as it is but now the public knows the full story

It didn't take long for Bruce to notice Virgil and Richie who he turned his direct approach to which was a bigger shock for them

Bruce: Hi there. You mut be Virgil Swan.



Virgil and Richie looked at each other more shock on how he knows him and cause the secret's out they had a feeling he knows theirs

Virgil: Uhh.....yes sir. I am.

Virgil's hand shook his in excitement like a fan meeting his favorite celeberity



Virgil: It's an honor really. I read a lot of your comic and articles and....well you've alway been an idol of mine.

Bruce: I appreciate it. And wow your hand hand is burning like wild fire.


Virgil: Oh!

He quickly let go of his hand in a hurry

Virgil: Sorry....body temperature increae after every work out.

Bruce: Uh huh....and you are are?

Richie: Richard Foley sir. But call me Richie.

His name reminded him of Dick given that was his real first name it almost had an effect on him as it did when Clark mentioned "Martha" due to their mothers having the ame name took him a moment to realize that Richie hadn't let go of his hand

Richie: I must ay it's an honor myself. Virgil and I read all of your Wayne-Tech updates on the vast research to date. Very brilliant.

Bruce: Much as I appreciate that I'm gonna need that hand back Rich.

Richie: Oh yes of course. My bad. But uh.....what brings you here Mr. Wayne?

Bruce: That's what I like to your friend about.....if you don't mind I burrow im for 15 minutes.

Richie and Virgil were both nervous now a they looked at each other

Cutting outside to Bruce's limbo he walks the boy to it with people taking pictures and trying to it with people taking pictures and trying to talk to him and both climbed in back

Bruce: Alfred take us around the corner.

Alfred: Yes sir.

As Alfred drove Virgil just had a million thought in his head and millions of questions

Virgil: Mr. Wayne if you don't mind me asking why did you need to see me? Cause much as I admire your.....well what you do as yourself and.....well....

Bruce: I'm well aware the world knows who I am and it's one of the reaons why I'm here. I came here cause......I need your help son.

Virgil: With what?

Bruce: Before I anwer that I have to know your reaons of what to do.

Virgil: What I do? Well jut same as any college kid on campus. I read play basket ball. Even Rich and me......

Bruce: No. I mean this.....

Bruce pressed buttons on the car door activating a holographic image videos of Virgil a the famous Dakota city's hero Static Shock saving people from fire an criminals all in for a SHOCK

Virgil was just beyond shock now knowing Bruce likely knows who he is he tried to think of way of convincing his way out of it

Virgil: Well Mr. Wayne I know a much as anyone does I know the dude has style. He's really.....

Bruce: Cut the bullshit kid. I know who you are. I been watching you ever since the big bang.

Virgil: Oh......then you are the world's greatest detective.


Bruce: Actually ince Edwin Alva worked in Wayne Induetries his activities here were funded by my company so in a way......the Big Bang was on me which is why I had my eyes on this place while I funded the Jutice League then you came along. Your intentions are. Reckless. But noble. Which is why I been fallowing your activities if the worst ever came but turns out......I need your help.



Virgil: I be happy to.



Bruce: But....I need to know your motivations. What really makes you put on your mask.



Virgil: Well....I had these powers since Freshman Year. Plus Dakota use to be bad as Gotham when I was a kid. You ever heard of 1993's Dakota riot?




He nods



Virgil: My mom was paramedic she always putted others before herself. She......died saving many lives. And it happened when I was younger so I barely remember her much as my sister and pops. The most problem in this city was cause nobody lifted a finger for others before themselves. And my boy Rich.....has it rough with his pops......but that' not worth talking about. Things are just o whacked. And I......



Bruce: Wanted to make a difference. Like your mother.



Virgil nods himself



Bruce: Like I said noble. Listen to me Virgil my allies and I prepairing for our final hit against Superman. And we need more reinforcements but it's dangerous job especially in your age. But given most of them are around yours you might be suited with your abilities. But the only condition I have.......you fallow every order I give you. You understand?


Virgil really got excited




Virgil: YOU GOT IT! You won't regret this Mr. Wayne! When do you need me?


Bruce: Right now.



Virgil: NOW???? Whoa hey Bats I'd love to help I mean it's been a dream of mine to team up with the Great Batman and all but.....I got a quiz coming up this semester




Bruce: Already passed.




Virgil: You're kidding. My science examine.



Bruce: Full filled.



Virgil: My English Test.



Bruce: Written up.



Virgil: My god.



One step ahead of the game; it’s why Bruce lasted longer than most.



Desperate times call for such desperate measures…..but he wouldn’t call it such. This was just another day at the office when it comes to Bruce’s standard, bizarre practices but nowadays, the standard wouldn’t cut it. It was nearing to be the end of the world as they know it if Superman’s carnivorous rampage wasn’t halted any time soon.



Bruce: We’re the only chance we have left of giving back the freedom he stole from the world.


Virgil: And to think I used to look up to him.


Bruce: He was the best of us. So this is for his own good.




It is safe to assume that recruitment for the final voluntary member of the Insurgency was all but complete.




Matters for the Regime were less likely to share that same ratio of success but their public image had been dragged through quicksand and is no longer under the guise of providing any civilian with safe havens because said civilians had seen through their facade and aren’t willing to forgive them anytime soon.



With desperation sinking in quicker than the Titanic and Superman already on a mass-genocidal run in one last stretch to force a surrender, he had sent Peacemaker out to pick up another potential recruit….


….one that proved to be an old rival of his.




Robert DuBois aka Bloodsport (Idris Elba).




Life was far from peaches and creams for the assassin after forcing Amanda Waller to release them from their bonds as her attack dogs and keep his daughter Tyla (Storm Reid) out of prison for theft but sometimes, one has to make due with what is available.



And what came after all that was a rollercoaster of crazy and stupid.




Months after being let off the hook, Robert realized that he had been contacted from a Deathstroke, still in his prime, asking him about another contract that Lex Luthor would like him to have fulfilled. When asking for further details, Slade refused to go deeper.


Already red flags were raised. Given it was Lex that placed him behind bars in the first place, it also was a plausible hint at DuBois possibly going right back to where he started.




Away from his daughter.




With his conscience now growing clear, he declined the obligation. And seeing the destruction that wrecked Metropolis, Robert could say he made the right call.


Or did he?




Superman was left at the epicenter for the disaster happening and while DuBois wasn’t scared of Clark’s degrading descent into madness, the matters of his daughter’s safety ran heavily in his mind. So similar to Deadshot, he was offered amnesty….



….had it granted…..



….and then he fled with his daughter.






All the way to Uniacke Square.





A public housing residential area in the north-central area of Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of thirteen provinces and territories in Canada, the neighborhood around the Square is home to a number of front-line service agencies surrounded by a disenfranchised community and setting.



Nothing that Robert couldn’t handle, if he really wanted to.





It was now in the wee hours of the afternoon and only now, was Robert in the mood for breakfast.




Decaffeinated coffee, so naturally he had three cups.





Tyla flashes a half-hearted smile faintly as she sits, but not cruelly, she knows before she goes any further that, despite his best efforts, her and her dad had lots in common.



The coffee table was made from reclaimed wood, she can see the old nail holes in the deeply stained pine. Once that wood was a barn, a warehouse maybe, perhaps as far away as Vietnam. But wherever it's from, it meant the man sitting across from her was still fifty shades greener than he'd like to let on.


Or perhaps he never bought it. She purses her lips and speaks as if the information is of no importance.




Tyla: Soooooooo…..Dad, this—umm, this coffee table, was it a gift from someone?



DuBois: Hmm?



Tyla: The table.



DuBois: Oh, what, this thing? No, I bought it in a sale, it matches the dining table, see?




The two glancing eyes over at the wooden table peeking out amongst the cloudy skies outside, the latter’s lack of subtlety with style and preferences spoke volumes to how his brain was still tangled up into so many knots that needed rewiring.



Efforts were made, sure but Tyla knew this man she had as a father was still a work in progress.




Under her great rough hand, the wood felt soft, though in truth it was the other way around. The wood that had once been a barn door lay smooth under her palm, streaks of cherry red still infused in the ancient grain. Tyla set her mug down, its red glaze echoing the color of the coffee table beneath.



The awkward silence was agonizing at this point; neither one of them could uphold the agony much longer.





Tyla: Still haven’t told me why we’re cooped up here in Canada.




DuBois: Because Superman—




Tyla:—Boy scout turned totalitarian; I get that. But let’s pretend that didn’t happen. WHY HERE?






All Robert does is slouch back in his chair, defeated before placing down his mug as well.





Tyla, perking her ears at the sight of her morbidly defenseless father, only inches a foot closer to him; getting comfortable by sitting down on the couch to the right of him.



It wasn’t the first instance of her dad pulling back those layers and letting ‘er rip but something felt different here.




DuBois: Never wanted to be an assassin. I had my sights set on more…..rudimentary advances.



He says, eying over at the nearest newspaper nearby, crumpled up and edging the circular trash can by the edge of the couch. Journalism wasn’t exactly a high-valued rank in his Eagle eyes either; journalists are part of societal health, another sort of doctor capable of igniting healing pathways with the right words.



That wasn’t him. But he would’ve liked to have tried.




DuBois: After some time passed, my old man met his end…..but not before blundering me over a useless trinket. He lost it one day and….I just wanted to return it. But then he…..




Inches out from uttering ‘Dole out the punishment’, he freezes.


His brain fried up in that very instant; all he could reflect back on was the near 15 years of recreational boot camp that left him bitter, hardened, aggressive, and easily frustrated. Facing down into the bridge if his left arm, it was taken by his daughter as a sign of gullible regret.




She needed not to guess the rest of that story. She knew he killed his own father; all that did puzzle her was….




Tyla: What took you so long?




He was left nodding to that question in defeat. No answer followed.




DuBois: All I was wondering after that….was why didn’t I do it sooner?




That answered that, then.





DuBois: So I ran……all the way to this very spot.


Tyla: So you did move here.


DuBois: Stashed away, maybe the better term. Came here cause I found out my dad popped out another one; a kid from another marriage. My brother.




As expected, the revelation sparked a facepalm and a hefty sigh from his daughter. Not so much because of the story, but the context of what Robert was describing only meant one thing.



There was potentially more to her dad’s f’d up side of the family than she would’ve liked.



Not that she was gonna stop him, though.





DuBois: Once I got older, I signed up for Armed Forces. But I chickened out. Michael reported for induction in my place, passing off as me. Weeks later, I get a call back saying he lost his arms and legs.




~Silence~




DuBois: He died in my place. Clear as day, I can remember barely clutching the phone and all I felt from then on was…..fear gripping me.



Tyla: No wonder you came back here.


DuBois: It's just been tougher out there since then. Don't know if it'll ever get better.

Tyla: You did the best you could. That means something.

All of a sudden a warning shot was fired and they ducked holding each other to see Peacemaker making a sudden entrance as clicked his gun

Peacemaker: Howdy old timer.

DuBois: Smith? What's the meaning of this?

Peacemaker: The united nations all sided with Wayne and dared to defied the Regime. Now we're gonna make examples. And you and your daughter are gonna help us.

Tyla: Like hell!

DuBois: What does Superman want with us. And why both my daughter and me.

Peacemaker: Every armed force is needed. And if you don't.

He points his gun at them

Peacemaker: You'll be flatten with Gotham and Metropolis and the Insurgency.

DuBois: Please Smith. We'll do whatever you want.

Tyla: Dad??

DuBois: Honey we don't got a choice. It's either that or....he'll kill us both.

Tyla: Batman can still stop him. Can he?

DuBois: No.....not even Batman.

Peacemaker: Batman's lost princess. He's unmasked and has no where to hide now. Now you come along or I'll make your dad watch his daughter get her brains out.

DuBois had his hands up walking slowly to Smith but Tyla's answer was still the same: "No"

He aimed at her

DUBois: NO!

Tyla ducked and ran out the back as Peacemaker fired and chased after her with DuBois behind him

Tyla came out seeing Regime Soldiers all over the place her only option was sneaking around them from truck to truck and manage to slip away with Peacemaker cursing out to the soldiers

~Lexcorp~

Everything was still under shut down since Lex died but the skylight didn't remain locked for long as it was that egg soon cracked and open and who came down into the dark lab.....

.....was the returned Batgirl many years later after the Joker crippled her

Batgirl: On.

The sound of her voice was an authorization for everything to turn back on given her and Lex worked in secret from both sides of the war he gave her access just Bruce the codes

Batgirl: Ok honey all clear.

Red Robin came sliding down behind her

Red Robin: You and Lex thought of everything didn't ya?

Batgirl: Almost everything. Least we got most of the important things done.

Red Robin: Bruce I understand but why not keep in the dark.

Batgirl: You're just as knowledgeable as him. I couldn't risk it especially after Dick.

Red Robin: Fair enough.

Batgirl: Come on. It's this way.

They proceeded through the lab into a hall from where Lex kept this cloning project

Red Robin: I wonder how Luthor manage to keep this hidden from Superman?

Batgirl: He didn't. With his aiding in the Regime the only way to keep his cover he had to tell him he was using it to make an army of Supermen. Luckily he bought it thinking it could tight the Regime's grip.

Red Robin: Evil Supermen flying all over the world? That's never gonna end well. Especially knowing one Superman is bad enough.

Batgirl: You still sound just like Bruce.

Tim chuckled as they reached the end of the hall finding the back lab entrance

Batgirl: Open.

The sound of her voice deactivated the security and the entrance unlocked and open and they walk in with lights automatically turned on the star crossed bat lovers came in and Batgirl walked towards something as Tim was amazed of everything in here

Red Robin: Wow. Lex has been holding out on us. Some of this stuff could have been useful for the last five years.

Batgirl: Here it is.

Tim looked over and saw Batgirl at some machine that had more locks and security protocol than anything and in the capsule casted a human shadow revealing.....someone in it

Tim soon caught the label above it which caught more of his attention than any part of it

Red Robin: "Project: Bizzarro"?


Batgirl: Weird name for a Superman clone. My scanner's picking up traces of Kryptonian analysis.


Red Robin: Powers, weaknesses, durability, and skill? The whole kit’ n’ caboodle. At least that’s my guess.


Batgirl: Great. Well, let's see who's inside, shall we?


Red Robin: I concur, my lady.


Flashing a sly smirk at her lover, as it was the first time in years they were actually on the front lines together, the former quickly maneuvers over to the computer in order to begin the thawing process on the clone stuck in the capsule.


First came fingerprints and credentials, afterward came yet another vocal recognition authorization but finally…..


…..all that remained was a six-digit code.



Code: 10-1958.



The sign-in complete, the capsule beeps loudly drawing both of their attention away from the computer.


Locks detaching, the large conveyor door that requires the Cryo capsule to be linked with a powered oxygen circuit eventually let out a powerful hisssssssssss, with air being de-pressurized and finally giving way for the door to open.



Time stalls for a few seconds, a precious collection of time neither teammate or significant other would get back because they’re fresh on a time limit….


…..but finally, the hefty, heavy clone (Matt Bomer) falls out, emerging from the smoke and finally having been defrosted. This pale-looking zombie figure, upon rising up to a vertical basis, bore a chalky and sometimes rock-like skin, a pale complexion, and a misshapen face.



But discrepancies aside, it looked too familiar to Clark for it to not be a copy.



Batgirl: Easy, big guy....we're not gonna hurt you.




Clone: Me….want Lex. Where—where Lex?



So not just his face was misshapen, but the way he spoke too was also of concern. Lack of nominative case when using pronouns, proper verb conjugation, negating verbs, and replacing adjectives and certain nouns with their opposite, his odd put predictable form of English meant his linguistics were mostly still in order.


But as Barbara and Tim looked across from each other, they suddenly felt down in the dumps, aware that it doesn’t know the demise of its creator.


And for now, they’d really like for it to stay that way.



Red Robin: He’s why we’re here. Mr. Luther said to look out for you if anything happened to him.


Clone: Then.....costume kids take care of Bizzaro too?



Guess that’s your name after all, Babs thought out loud to herself.



Red Robin: Yes, we will. But that also means we’ll need your help.



Bizzaro: Superman hurt Lex?



Guess they didn’t need to fill him in on the scoop after all. But it also fills in the blank of another key factor required to make what very well might be their last stand.


The sudden thought of Solomon Grundy basically being Supe’s pet already got Babs thinking ahead. Considering how Grundy was basically the last-minute equalizer for the opposing team, the fact that didn’t have one was rather depleting.



As depressing as it seemed to just toss what might as well be a newborn child in the middle of a war zone because it most certainly was wrong, options were waining.


The fate of the world depended on this one last trump card. If this didn’t work, there’d be no tomorrow.



Batgirl: Hey, Bizarro.


He cautiously looks back at her.


Batgirl: Now that I think about it......how’d like to be part of the team?


Bizzarro: Team? Bizzarro part of team?

Batgirl: Yes. You're mankind's last hope. And we only have one shot at this.

Bizzarro: Help. Bizzarro stop....Superman.

Red Robin: Yeah sounds like he's in.

Bagirl: Perfect.

She taps on her ear

Batgirl: Bruce. The clone's ready. It's not very.....bright as Superman but it knows what it has to do.

Good work Barb. Batwing's on it's way. Get it to the Fortress of Solitude and meet us at the location I'm sending it to you now. Batman out.

Batgirl: It's time to go. Come on big guy.

Batgirl took hold of Bizzarro's hand and lead him out with Robin behind them

Back at Uniacke Square Regime Soldiers were now all over the place looking for Tyla but with no luck and Peacemaker was was loosing every of mt patience with DuBois in his custody.

Peacemaker: WHERE IS SHE?!

Soldier: No sign of her sir. But her trail can't be cold yet. We're still hot on the trail.

Peacemaker: Then why the hell are you not fallowing it and just talking to me?!

Soldier: Forgive me sir.

The soldier left as DuBois assumed the worst of what Smith was gonna do

DuBois: She's only a kid Smith. She doesn't understand.

Peacemaker: Tell that the High Councilor. Another kid defied him and he payed with his life.

DuBois: WHAT?? Superman murdered a kid?!

Peacemaker: And if your daughter will not summit we won't hesitate to shoot to kill.

DuBois knowing his daughter's life was on the line now he had to find a way to stop them and save her

Soon as Smith's back was turned and they were the only ones in the room DuBois made his move and GRABBED his gun but Peacemaker had full hold on it and both pulled on it

Peacemaker: WHAT'D YOU DOING?!

DuBois: You're NOT laying a hand on her!

They struggled on the gun and Peacemaker elbowed him three times knocking him off and was about to shoot him on the flour but DuBois kicked him on the leg knocking him down then grabbed Smith's gun and ran

Soldiers came in aiding Smith back on his feet

Peacemaker: GET HIM! KILL HIM!

The soldiers ran after him as he made his way to a Regime van and soldiers came out shooting at him

DuBois ducked behind the van and shot back at them only getting two or three of them and hopped in the van through the shot gun seat

They kept firing as he fired back ducking and hot wiring the van and got it running

More soldiers kept firing just soon as he drove off

On the other side Tyla kept hidden as more Regime forces walked by not noticing her

She kept moving stealthily and out of no where.....

Soldier: HEY YOU! HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!

Tyla gasped but then....the stolen van came out of no where and ran them down Tyla to her surprise see's her dad kick open the shot gun door

DuBois: GET IN!

Tyla: Dad.....

DuBois: HURRY!

She ran got in and they backed out and drove away with Peacemaker coming out seeing them go and was displeased


He had hoped DuBois would come to reason, that he’d put his pride on the shelves in the midst of this desperate time for everyone. Good to know that since the Squad, Robert hadn’t changed a damn bit.


But already, Smith already picked out a fatal flaw in his plan. Why didn’t he just kill Tyla right then and there when he had the chance? It would’ve forced Robert’s hand eventually. And yet…..there he stood, contemplating the attack the whole time.


Turned him more man than machine.


Turns out Cleo’s sweet, empathetic, and endearing demeanor was still rubbing off on him after all these years.


It was making him soft. So sentimental.



A minor divulgence that Robert had only just come to realize the further he drove away from Uniacke Square. Looking on back from the rearview mirror and seeing no other vans and trucks in sight, it was confirmed that for now, he and Tyla were in the clear.


But with that assurance came a gargantuan fist-sized mountain of the resemblance of comprehension towards his next move. Glancing over at his daughter, barely holding back how visibly shaken that had stirred her, Robert now realized she was at the deep end of the pool and that no amount of bargaining would absolve her, let alone him of any further involvement.


And to think, he once wanted nothing to do with her under the fears of him messing her up even more than before. Guess there was no more turning away from the fight.



DuBois: Fuck.



He couldn’t ignore the call to action anymore.



With the car on autopilot and the motor in splendid electric silence, there normally was plenty of time to take it easy upon the journey. But not this time.


Gripping the wheel, he floors it down in the gas pressing forward, startling Tyla and she turns back towards him.



Tyla: Wait, what are you doing?


DuBois: What I should’ve done last time.




As noble as the intention was, they were a long stretch away from Metropolis and judging from how many acres had been reduced to ruble and the fires that broke out, by the time they arrive, they’d be too little too late to prevent any further decimation.



Just like how Harley appeared to face the same measure of disappointment upon looking around Metropolis for a collective piece of flora and fauna.



With no such luck, moving over to the last available Metropolis sanctuary she could muster, it doesn’t don’t take long for Harley to catch sight of it…..and even more so for disappointment to build up. Taking her sweet time to observe the area, nothing but more flora and fauna bombarded by a reserve of nature came into her eyesight as she kneeled beside down.


This wasn’t just one of Poison Ivy’s sanctuaries: it was a greenhouse.



One of her places of refuge.


Her safety.


Her safe haven.



And it was all but abandoned. Totaled. Which meant Ivy wasn’t here. Not in Metropolis.



Suddenly, following a major attitude adjustment, Harley just grips her baseball bat from the side and turns back around, intending whoever came up to bum-rush her from behind.


Unfortunately, the loud crack on the side of an approaching Superman’s neck doesn’t cause him any pain. If anything, it only mildly irritates him.



The sight of seeing Harley standing above her now broken baseball bat was both annoying and satisfying at the same time. On one hand, Clark was relatively annoyed by the fact that she’s still alive after all this time.


But then again, he’d make sure it wouldn’t stay that way for long.



Harley: The hell is wrong with you?!



He paid her no attention, not even bothering to turn around to face the Clown Queen.


Harley: Eh-HMMM!



Finally, he speaks.



Superman: Pain is no joking matter.


Harley: And I AIN’T NO JOKER.


Superman: Yet there’s still blood on your hands. Whenever I look at you, I see nothing but HIM. You SHOULD be reunited with the man who stole my life away.


Harley: That cheap suited Clown ain’t my lover no more.



WHACK!



One backhand later and Harley’s flat on her back, with the back of Clark’s handprint plastered on the left side of her face through the face paint.


Already, she’s struggling to maintain her balance.



Superman: Wanna hear a joke?


Harley: Ahh, jeez. This oughta be something?



He picks up what’s left of the bat and simply crushes the wood into lumber.



Superman: Harley Quinn Vs. Superman.


Harley: I’m not follo—



She feels pressure around her throat before she could finish. Clark already had her lifted up above the ground



Superman: I know you wouldn’t. No matter: I think I might enjoy killing you as much as killing him.


Harley: D-do your—do your w-worst, son of a—



You snap her neck and it’ll be the last thing you do.



He recognized the voice instantly.



Superman: Batman.




Bruce: I told you if you ever lost it, I was going to stop you.




Why don’t you get in line then? Better yet, why don’t you take a hint for once?




Superman: You CAN’T stop me, Bruce. No one can.




Bruce: I beg to differ, Clark.




Superman: You think I care about the militia? About Gotham? Metropolis? Any of these vermins who’ve you’ve turned against their one true leader? That’s the thing, Bruce. I’m no longer the Man Of Steel. I’m the High Councilor. I am the one who has endured waves after waves of injustice to restore the peace this world deserves.



~Silence~



Superman: I’ve said it before.....and I won’t hesitate to say it again: I took away all the madmen in Gotham but I left the ORIGINAL. So I returned to set things right. I came back to do ONE THING.



Then do it.



Bruce: Arkham City. I’ll send you the coordinates to let you know where to find me.



Superman: You give me your best shot and I’ll give you mine. Either way, come tomorrow morning......I’m putting an end to all this.



I’m counting on it.




Having said his piece and making his intentions clear, Bruce cuts off the transmission leaving Clark on his own over the line, hearing nothing but static.


Seeing no need to rush things and feeling obligated to just let the minor flies squirm away to take ahold of the larger situation at hand, Superman just drops Harley right where she was off the terrain and just takes off.



She got lucky it’s Bruce saving her life.



But Bruce himself wasn’t.


This was, by far, the hardest he’s had to work to put any conflict to bed and by the far, probably the ten-thousandth he’s brought the birth of yet ANOTHER enemy.


Literally, EVERYTHING was on the line here.



Tomorrow morning is the only shot they’re gonna get: regardless of who wins, ONE side is going to fall.



The Regime or The Insurgency.



Bruce: God.



Directly above him in the confines of the disbanded Wayne Manor, the incoming evening, at least for Selina Kyle, was mind-numbingly redundant and uneventful. But then again, it’s been that way since the night spent in prison, so what else is new?


Glimpsing from out the window, she holds her pet cat Isis firmly within her hands, she practically doesn’t need the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up and feel that familiar presence lurking from behind.



We’re all set.



She tries to not smile but she can’t help it.



Selina: Where have I heard that manly growl before?



She doesn’t even need to turn around to face him just as Bruce comes up from behind in full Batsuit, hugging her.



Selina: How are the others holding up?


Bruce: Already ready.


Selina: How long ‘till then?


Bruce: An hour.



Silence becomes deafening for a few seconds until Bruce breaks it again.



Bruce: One of the hardest things that I had to think about late last night looked.....too real.....yet I felt so pissed about it. Because......instead of two cats......there might not be any.


Needless to say, she’s heard this kind of talk before.


This should’ve been no surprise.



Selina: They still want me incarcerated?


Bruce: Same with anyone and everyone who’s supported the Regime. Based on how the reputation doesn’t perceive the opposing side, it’s more than likely that by the time everything goes through, they’ll all get the death penalty.


Selina: And where does that leave little ‘ol me?



Good question.


With Selina now being the mother of their soon-to-be child, the last thing on his mind would be worrying about his love locked behind bars for the rest of her life.....OR WORSE.



Bruce: I’ll work something out with Waller.


Selina: There’s no need.



Nothing about the way she said that came out as remotely cheery in the slightest to Bruce. Even after she lefts Isis loose from her grasps, letting the cat roam around the household, the expression Bruce sees on her face tells the entire story.


She’s depressed, she’s tired and worse of all......



Selina: I—I CAN’T do this anymore.



......it’s safe to say she’s lost hope.



Selina: I’m not a hero, Bruce.....ok? Once a thief, always a thief. I don’t do causes.....


Bruce: That's not true. You’ve been with us since the beginning—


Selina: I did it for YOU. it’s never been more clear. But we can’t win this fight. As much I want to avenge Helena, Clark is too much for our own good.....and his allies will be backing his every move and action with no considerate tale of the consequences.


Bruce: You don’t really believe that, do you?



Nothing else was said from that point. The thing is he was probably right. Selina probably doesn’t really think that this is the end, especially since she’s yet to get her payback on Diana for Helena’s death, accident or not. But then again, five years has definitely taken its toll on absolutely everyone from both sides.


Government’s have been laying low ever since the Regime ever came into power.



So morale understandably had hit an all-time low with her. As Selina presses herself forward trapping Bruce in a tight hug, she doesn’t wait to spit out that familiar statement.


One Bruce hears from her all too much.



Selina: Run away with me.


Bruce: What?


Selina: Come with me......and leave all of this behind. Save yourself.


Bruce: You know I can’t do that. I got to see this through ‘till the end. And so do you.


Selina: Why? You don’t owe these people anymore. You gave them everything.


Bruce: Not everything........NOT YET.




As the afternoon sky eventually begins to shade some light away from the terrain, darkness engulfs the air. Cool, humid, windy, and surprisingly windy, the last few hours of this September day were buckling in for one wild night.



The moment when the upper limb of the Sun vanishing appeared on the horizon in the late afternoon reflected its shadow off of the land.



At that moment, a triangle-shaped shadow in the shape of a wooden ship swallows in the radiating beams of sunlight, barely rolling up onto the surface. More than one wooden boat landed near the very tip of the surface.


For the first time in millenniums since the very dawn of time, Man’s World would not come to Themyscria.



Themyscria would come to Man’s World.



The Amazons had arrived, with special agendas in mind.



From the very tip of the boat, Donna Troy was the first to step off the boat and back onto the hard surface of the world that used to be hers. Sporting a carbon fiber spider knee suit with her own Bracelets Of Submission, strap-on shoulder pads, and sliver lining boots, it was a far cry stretch from the normal Amazonian armor they were known for.


But in Donna's mind, she came prepared. Her reawakening was complete.



Donna: Who says you can’t come home again?

Is this too much for you?

Donna turned around with Hippolyta behind her and stands by her

Donna: Not at all your highness. Just....I don't remember much of my time in man's world till you and Diana told me. When you two found me I never fully understood it till seeing Diana fight for it as well as she did for us. But now....it's just so hard to see what she's become. Especially what she almost did to you.

Hippolyta: I won't lie Donna. I think Diana gets this from me. Because I was blind by bitterness when I was a young princess like her. Blind under Zeus's influence I seeked out war and obedience till one day my eyes opened to see the error of my ways. And set them right.

Donna: You think Diana will ever see the error in hers?

Hippolyta: I hope to Hera she does. But what matters now is we stop her Superman and the rest of these fallen heroes and the only way we do is aid Batman in their final rebel against them.

Donna: I know this is hard for you your highness. Given Diana is your daughter.

Hippolyta: And because she is my daughter I must bring her to stand trial. I cannot ignore the Amazonian laws she has broken. We'll take her alive. Whatever happens with Superman falls on the Batman's hands.

Donna: Then we'll do it together.

They sailed on to the mainland approaching ten meters to it

~Arkham City~

At the old Green House there Harley entered with three of her clan there beside her as they were intimated by the moving vines there

Harley: Relax boys. Just wait here. I think she'll only open up to me.

They wait there as she ordered and Harley walked further into the green house when soon she saw Ivy sitting on fountain petting another vine

Ivy: There there my babies. More poor babies. I'm here now. I know it's just Harley. She won't hurt you. I wouldn't let her.

Harley: Hey red. See you got your plants working in order.

Ivy: I have you to thank for that. But why are you here?

Harley: I wanted to make sure you were ok. Plus.....you may hate for this but I'm gonna help B-Man take down S-Man. I hoped you would help.

Ivy: You think I would lift a finger to help Batman when he's just as responsible for destroying the green as well as Superman? Neither one of them will win the war....but nature....always wins.

Harley: Well until it does....it's best Superman don't win and not cause he killed Joker.

She looks at her odd

Harley: You never told me Mr. J was never good for me well now I see it. What he done to S-Man's wife and unborn baby was my wake up call if I had known she was pregnant I would have stopped him.

Ivy: Would you? You sided with him on everything Harley. Even when he left you that one time and you fell for his charm. Even when I warned you he was not good for you you didn't even listen to me. So why should I give a living hell about this?

Harley: Because believe it or not B-Man offered me a chance of redemption and I want to offer you that chance too Red. But it won't happen if Superman still runs governments in his red and blue spandex. Look I won't ask you to trust B-Man. But trust me. He maybe the world's last hope. More importantly....for the incitement.

Ivy faced down from that just before she stood up walking closely to Harley

Ivy: You don't have to fight in this war Harley. Can we just run away from all this? Find a Botanical Garden and wait for the dust to settle?

Harley: You know I can't Red. You know I want to but I can't yet. I gotta see this through. I haven an army now they need me. I'm responsible for them for this dumb war I ought to be there when it ends. And it ends tonight.

Ivy: Heh. You wouldn't be Harley if you didn't do something crackers.

Harley: Well I promise you this Red. When this is over weather Bats or Supes win this war we're taking a looooong vacation. Okay?

A moment of silence accrued and soon locked eyes to one another and then.....Ivy pulled her in for a deep kiss

Ivy was not under her poison pheromones so it was safe for Harley to kiss her back as it grew and fire and passion both moaning in it from mouth to tongue and as it slowly broke they they grinned at one another

Ivy: Give them hell....for me Harley.

Harley: Always do Ivy.



The former Old Gotham, district by district, during Gotham's industrial boom. Over time, any and all coming attractions fell or were torn down into ruin due to bankruptcy and flood damage. Eventually, Park Row, Amusement Mile, the Industrial District, The Bowery, the Subway area, and even the infamous Wonder City became part of Arkham City, the mega-sprawling prison, as disputed territory between the prison's gangs.


But even they all left……eventually.



While most of the areas were flooded due to land subsidence weeks before the opening of Arkham City, the buildings still stood tall. With hardly a soul in sight, it was the perfect battleground to end a conflict as monumental as this.


And Batman’s first stop…..was the old GCPD building in Amusement Mile.



His Batwing gliding above the frozen rooftops, Batman dive-bombed out from the cockpit, diving down into the terrain as his personal flying hovercraft made a full U-turn back around.


The memories of this building; they’re overwhelming.



This station’s Forensics Laboratory was used by Mr. Freeze to manufacture the cure for his wife Nora….and it’s here where the Birds of Prey intervened. But it’s also here where he confronted two familiar faces for the very first time.


His first hassle with James Gordon.


And a rather open-ended discussion with his young daughter, Barbara.



Many years ago, Batman met Barbara in the GCPD Server Room while trying to access the National Criminal Database. Then after he left, Barbara hacked into Batman's communications and asked him for help. He could t keep her out of trouble even if she tried….


…and now she was back on the sidelines with him.



Batman: Thank you, Jim.



His hand massaging the eroding metal surrounding the distress signal searchlight, he tears the cloth off, revealing the familiar stylized emblem of a bat affixed to the light, allowing it to project a large bat symbol onto cloudy night skies over Arkham City.


Shining it into the thundery sky now prepared for the showdown ahead, Batman stands beside the light, armed and fully prepared for the High Councilors arrival. No need for the Armored Batsuit this time.


But not before making one more call, taping into his communications.



Batman: Batgirl.



We’re on the way….and so are they. The interface is being locked and the proxies are being hacked as we speak.



Batman: Good. Activate weapons diagnostics on all devices and vehicles. It’s time for war.



The time would come way too soon, however.



No less than a minute after cutting off communications, a shadow lunges over him, almost drowning him in his presence. Staring up at the sky above him, the thundery sky crackles, shakes and stirs before Superman’s dark silhouette breaks through the sky.


Bruce had gotten used to this: Kal with those familiar burning eyes of 5 years annoyance, anger, and hatred for the opposing man. The expression as he hovered down to confront Batman wasn’t much better either.



Superman: Well……here I am.

Batman: Clark.

He lands down and as Bruce approached him he got a warning shot from again Cyborg making him stop at his tracks and both approached him

Superman: Arkham City. Same old crap. Yet strange place for a reunion don't you think that's weird Vic?

Cyborg: Definitely weird.

Batman: I see you haven't lost your sense of humor.

Superman: Or what's left of it.

Batman: Last chance. End this now and there won't be any further bloodshed.

Suddenly a yellow beam caught him and he looked up seeing Hal hover down holding him in the beam

Yellow Lantern: Bruce.

Batman: Hal.

Superman: Anyway: I hoped we can do this painless and quick. This war will end faster if you surrender. Care to help an old friend out.

Batman: I can't let you win Clark. This madness has gone too far.

Superman: Your judgment is clouded. You win then you'll let crime start over again.

Batman: And your crimes don't justify them. I can't allow this Regime to go on. I can't.

Bruce.

He turned around seeing Diana who returned from Themyscira not long ago picked up Hal with the Amazon's aiding them was backfired by Hippolyta and Donna

She had her sword drawn as she looked seriously at Bruce

Wonder Woman: You know as we do you're out matched now. You really want to punch your way out of this one?

Batman: Actually....more like...SHOCK my way out.

Everyone raised their eyes as both Diana and Hal were hit by electricity from behind causing the yellow beam to disappear letting Bruce go

Superman looked up seeing Bruce's new Insurgency recruit over down on an electric plate......it was Virgil.....

.....but as Dakota's STATIC SHOCK

giving a smirk with his arms crossed as he hovered beside Bats

Batman: Good work kid.

Superman: Who's this Bruce? Another Robin?

Static: It's Static my main Super-Man. Static Shock. Dakota's best in the best of fighting in justice.

Superman: Definitely another Robin.

Batman: This can go one way or the next Clark. Crime and corruption can never end no matter how much we want it to. That's why we can only stand for it.

Superman: That's all on you Bruce. It CAN end you just don't want it to!

Batman: And you think Billy wanted it too?

Superman froze hearing the name of the boy he murdered

Batman: What was your excuse with him Clark? He was just a kid. And most of my allies are kids too. Even what Flash told me what you tend to do I know you don't want to hurt them Clark.

Superman: This isn't about what I want Bruce! IT'S ABOUT WHAT'S FAIR! YOU THOUGHT WE COULD BE DECENT MEN! IN AN INDECENT TIME! But you were wrong. The world is cruel. And the only morality in this cruel world.....is chance. Unbuyest.....predigest.....fair. Billy had the same chance SHE had.....50-50.

Batman: What happened to Lois wasn't chance. We decided to act. You. Me. All of us.

Superman: Then why was it me?! Why was I the only one who lost everything?!

Batman:.....you know it wasn't.

Superman: OF COURSE IT WAS! FOR CHRIST SAKE BRUCE! THE JOKER CHOSE ME!

Batman: BECAUSE YOU WERE THE BEST OF US! He wanted to prove that even someone....as good.....as you.....could fall.

Superman:.....and he was right. I took ONE life to save MILLIONS!

Batman: You're the one pointing the gun Clark. That one life didn't justify than seven more (Jonn Ollie Dick Gordon Kaliback Helena and Shazam) you and your accomplices have killed. So point it....at the people.....TRUELY responsible.

Superman: Fair enough.


He simply just points forward at Bruce.


Superman: Either you have HIM accept defeat....or we’ll be forced to disable with extreme prejudice.


He got no answer back.


Cyborg: C’mon, man. I don’t wanna do this. Please.



Impatience is not a virtue, Bruce. Give us the signal.



He briefly smirks when he hears that and both Vic and Diana see it.


Batman: Zatanna.



Evawkcohs tsrubrats (Starburst shockwave)!



While the others move slightly forward, a starburst shockwave of light erupted from within the confines of the old GCPD building, knocking all members of the Regime and Batman and Static off balance. The explosion of magic effectively leveled the abandoned police building, rupturing the support beams and bringing the 28 plus year building down to the ground.


While Diana safely rolled to safety, Superman and Cyborg were quick to catch themselves and remove themselves from the blast's trajectory ever so slightly.


Bruce was lucky to use his cape to break the fall while Static’s mylar static saucer carried him down safely to the grounds below. Now the five of them stood steadily apart from each at Amusement Mile.



The explosion proved, once again, that Bruce would always be on top of things, no matter how prepared they would be. It showed that there wouldn’t be any more chances.


It was going to end one way or another.....and based on Kal’s reaction, that couldn’t have been made anymore clearer.


Superman: Done lecturing me?


Batman: Yeah. You’ve picked your side.


Superman: Wouldn’t have it any other way.


Once more levitating above him, intent on showcasing his dominance, the attempt was failing through no fault of his own.


Now resorting to duking it out the old-fashioned way, Clark had a special order in store for Victor and Diana; one not too all surprising.



Superman: Find the others.


Vic and Diana glance at each other mildly before nodding. This was unfinished business between two Titans and they wanted nothing more than to have this end between them and only them.


So they gradually took off, flying off to different sections of Arkham City.


Batman was one step ahead of him, much to Clark’s annoyed clairvoyance, following in his footsteps.



Batman: Static. Watch the skies; bottleneck any opposing forces.



Finally given the A-ok to let loose but also check on the other teammates, Static doesn’t hesitate to jump at the chance of following through with the Batman’s orders.


Leapfrogging into the air, he gradually levitates above the nearest apartment complexes before his static saucer magnetically attaches beneath him beside the Sea Front Lobster restaurant. Not opposed to getting his hands dirty, Static wouldn’t have minded if he had stayed behind to help Batman with the former hero who used to be his hero.



But he understood the collective yet dangerous influence grudges have on the mind and soul. Sometimes there’s no saving people, other times….


…..they have to let the anger out. So off he flew to guard the skies and keep a watchful eye from above.




Superman: We both knew it would come to this.


Batman: It was only a matter of time.


Superman: I’m not going to enjoy this….



Says the mentally broken man, cracking his knuckles prepared to dent Bruce’s face in.



Superman:….so I’ll try to make it painless.

Bruce. The clone's at the fortress we're at your location.

Batman: Good work Barb.

Superman raised an eyebrow and and out of no where a batterangs were thrown at them causing shock waves giving Batman and Static to run Red Robin and Batgirl appeared out of no where as Tim went at Victor with Barbra at Diana

As for Superman and Lantern they saw Batman and Static running towards the courthouse and Superman happen to spot a portal opening by the science museum

And who came out was Red Hood and Raven returning from Theymiscira.

Superman: It's Jason and Raven. He's back in his Red Hood Gear. And what is he doing with her?

Yellow Lantern: Go after them. I got Bruce.

Superman flew off and Hal was about to go after Bruce and Virgil till.....a green blast hit him from behind knocking him off his feet and to Hal's shock John hovered down with a serious look on his face

Yellow Lantern: John? My god you're alive?!

Green Lantern: No thanks to you kid.

Yellow Lantern: What'd you doing here? And please tell me you're not aiding Batman in the Insurgency.

Green Lantern: I think YOU need to tell me you're not really aiding Superman....and NOT really in the Sinestro Corps.

Yellow Lantern: Sorry John but....Sinestro's right. Fear's more effective than willpower.

Green Lantern: So the guardians were right. You ditched green and went yellow. The color of cowardice. Is it even true you killed Guy.

Yellow Lantern: I thought he killed you.

Green Lantern: Cause Sinestro told you. I thought you were better than that Hal.

Yellow Lantern: I'm still about Order. Like the Guardians.

Green Lantern: And they told me to tell you they're very proud.

Yellow Lantern: We don't have to fight John. Stand with us. Sanctimony is easy when you don't know what---

Green Lantern: Save it Hal. I didn't want to believe what the Guardians said I stood up for you.....but seeing what you become.....I'm not forsaking my oath like you. I protected you in the academy.....now I'm gonna kick your little ass.

Both John and Hal shot their rings at one another for a moment till John created green imaged blades shooting them at Hal only for him to make a yellow image shield beam to deflect them and the two former friends fought off

Jason and Raven made their way away from the museum till they were caught off guard but Superman's heat vision warning shooting them and he hovered down to them as Jason.....

.....looked up at the man he admired NOW the NEW man he despises

Superman: Jason. I don't understand why you Terra and Flash would dissert us.

Red Hood: Save it Kent! YOU killed Dick Grayson. And you LIED to my face!

Superman flinched now knowing another truth was out why else would he go back to Batman?

Superman: Jason....I hate what I done....but Dick couldn't understand our cause he should have known he wasn't invisible.

Red Hood: You think that excuses everything what you done?! Dick Grayson was cocky and obnoxious. But he was my brother. My best friend....and you took him....from me. From Bruce. From Kori.....AND ALL OF US!

Raven: Azererath Netrion ZINTHOS!

Raven caused the near by monorail behind Superman to strike him from behind and landed through the roof of the museum

Red Hood: If only I had Kryptonite bullets.

Raven: We got pills. But Bruce has them. Come on.

Raven took hold of Jason and they flew as Superman came out of the ice water in the Alaskan exabit

Superman: Thank God we took care of that shark after Penguin was captured.

At the Amusement Park near the old steel mill Flash met up with Harley after she checked on Ivy

Flash: Harley?

Harley: Hey Speedy. Funny we would meet up here again. After you and bird brain were gentlemen.

Flash: Yeah but this is the first time you got ahead of me.

HEY!

Harley and Flash looked to that deep and ruffled voice to see Grundy running towards

Grundy: Why you double cross boss man! Grundy smash little man and and clown lady!

Flash: Don't try it Grundy!


He readied to fight as Grundy was about to throw a punch but Barry literally spun around him in a circle of his own electrified energy which left him frozen in place momentarily. It allowed him to take the initiative, running out and away from the Steel Mill and all through the deserted old Gotham.....


......and LITERALLY around the world.



By the time he made it back to the exact position and place again, Flash unleashed fury as he came back to the outside of the mill, uppercutting Grundy to the jaw. With so much ferocity placed behind that punch, the force behind it launched Grundy into the inside of the Steel Mill where he tumbled into the Loading Bay.


His fingers stubbing the metal grated floors while his back met the ash-ridden tarmac floor. His chest on the other hand was glowing with electricity.



As Flash came to realize upon speeding inside of the Steel Mill to check on the prone Grundy, Grundy could absorb electricity instantly and store it up within himself. He could use up the electricity in order to accelerate his tremendous regenerative capabilities, enhance his stamina, adrenaline, & strength as well as grant him electrically-infused attacks & strikes.


And unfortunately, since Barry has to generate enough electricity to run fast enough to literally break the fabric of reality, it became a pretty fast cognizance or awareness that not only could Grundy regenerate…..


….this undead zombie really was immortal.


Flash: Never was a big zombie fan…..


Trudging back to his feet, Grundy immediately goes for a tackle but Flash slides up from underneath him. It wasn’t enough however as he jumps on the dead zombies back only to mildly inconvenience the former Cyrus Gold. Roaring loudly, Flash only further infuriated the giant by kneeing him in the abdomen.


Even keeping in mind not to charge up any energy, no bouncing in any of Grundys steps just weren’t happening.


Grundy: Can’t……stop……GRUNDY!


Yelling aloud, he finally does something, leaping upwards out of the loading bay and crashing into what used to be the Joker’s old office. Upon entry, Flash’s head bounces off the top frame of the entranceway.


It knocks him off of the giant.


Before long, he finds himself towering underneath this monstrous gaze before he drags him away from the doorway, by his leg. Lifting him up, he slams him downwards into the wooden floor, splintering his suit again and again and again…..


….and again.


Pressure mounting up around his leg, Flash was wary on what needed to be done to escape this monsters grasp. But it couldn’t be done without the risk of giving him anymore energy. Unfortunately, that option didn’t seem to be available.


So left to his own devices, Barry is left thrusting his entire body forward while surrounded by electricity upside down, headbutting his foe in the abdomen. While doing nothing to disorientate the foe, Flash is left having to twist his leg outwards to get Grundy to release his grasp….


….and that finally works.



Hey Solomon!


On top of that, a well timed distraction from behind insured Grundy that he’d be distracted long enough to turn away from his opponent….


….only for Harley to bludgeon him across the face with her trusty mallet.


As the giant undead zombie crashed through the windows of the upper level of the Steel Mill, he’s left crashing onto the ground below, his sheer weight and size blowing out the rest of the windows.


It momentarily knocks him out as he groans loudly in pain.


As for Flash, he wasn’t expecting to see that sight for a while: an old enemy helping him in his time of need?


Where was Captain Cold when he needed him?


Harley: C’monn, redpan. Get up, get up.


Despite taking Harley’s hand when she helped him up, Barry REALLY couldn’t help but to be confused over the whole thing. To him, she was still technically an enemy to the public who was guaranteed to go back to jail once all of this concluded…..


…..so why keep up this change of heart?


Unless it was very genuine.


Flash: Di-did you just—knock out Grundy?


Harley: AND save your life? Yeah, I did. No biggie.


Flash: I—ok, I’m confused. I thought you were—


Harley: Not anymore.


Brief silence overtook them.


Harley: You were right.....about the baby, about Joker, about what I’ve done in his name. We had mad love once upon a time but.....looking back on it now, it WASN’T love. Just abuse. Until finally, I saw past my blue and dark eyes and freakin’......


She sighs before smiling again.


Harley: Wanna know how to become a superhero?


Flash: Got that down pat but—


Harley: It’s easy: just tell yourself you are one. And eventually, you start to believe it. THAT’S the magic moment when you can do anything. Like stomach lightning in a bottle or punch the apocalypse. And then you REALLY find yourself. Like eat, pray, LOVE......but with more punching.


Flash: Sl-slow down, slow down, slow down.


Taking a step back, he asks the obvious question.


Flash: Y-you took one of the pills early?


She shrugs. Guilty as charged, she was.


Harley: Bona fide Superhero, that’s me. Me AND Bats, that’s a different story. But.....why so serious?


Flash: No, it’s no biggie, I—thank you. Thanks for proving how standing up for what you believe in is never a worthless cause.


Harley: Uh-huh. Maybe we can get coffee and chat later but…..you might wanna turn around.


Considering how she’s pointing behind him, it wasn’t a surprise what she was referring to. And for that, Barry chuckles.


Flash: Not yet now. See, I don’t wanna ruin the surprise.


Vibrating his suit and spinning a full 360 degrees in the opposite direction, he lopsides an incoming Black Adam with a lightning kick that practically knocks the former champion back out the Steel Mill also.


But the sheer weight he had to put in to blow back Adam nearly knocked Barry off balance in terms of the tension with the suit.


Harley: BOOM Shakalaka!



As if the former doctor wasn’t having enough fun already, her jubilant quips and phrases were helping light the mood ever so slightly. The high possibility of death was still ever lingering but as someone who’s looked death in the face before and walked out of it to tell the tale….


…..Barry knew better than to question Harley’s grandiose outlook on the situation around her. While broken, her childlike mentality contrasting her fractured psyche still meant something well for the Insurgency.



And it damn sure meant something to the rest of the Suicide Squad as well, with Nanaue carrying up Deadshot and Ratcatcher 2 in his bulk, fin shaped hands. They obviously had pauses for concern regarding Harleys safety, being such as respected member of their team and all.


Immediately bolting back with her mallet in hand, the sight of them armed doesn’t phase her. It only calms her down.



The few people outside of Ivy she could honestly consider her true friends.



Flash: Well…..couldn’t think of a better time. I’ll show myself the door.




There he goes, immediately rushing on out leaving Harley by her lonesome. But she couldn’t be any more stuffed to the brim with company.


Deadshot and King Shark were sights for sore eyes. And yet the only genuine standout from the three was Cleo donning her Ratcatcher 2 outfit: simple black skinny jeans, combat boots, a faux leather pouch with harness, brown fingerless gloves and that black hooded trench coat…..only this time with Polka-dot straps laced in.



A memento to one of their fallen member Abner Krill, the Polka-Dot Man.


Deadshot: Hey, loonybin.


No words had to be spoken upon seeing most the gang back together. But as her smile was too bright, she couldn’t help but to speak.


Harley: Nice to see you guys.



Inching forward, she just hugs them all.


Nanaue, barely healed from his fight with Croc, had to struggle not to lean too close while inching into that group hug. His neck and hips may not have had any stitches or bandages done but he was less mobile than the previous day.


At least this was confirmation that neither of them had to go through this alone. But that did remind Harley of something.



Harley: Oh wait….rat-lady. This magician left a gift for me to give you.



As a tiny favor to follow up on before Harley went out to find Ivy, she asked Zatanna to find Cleo’s little pet.


Following a brief period, she did exactly that and Harley had kept him strictly on her the whole time, with a tiny red-ish, brown harness covering the rat’s skin. No mistaking who this rat was to Cleo.



Ratcatcher 2: Sebastian!



Recognizing its owner, Sebastian squeaks in delight, crawling up her arm before rubbing against her face in warmth in delight after many, many years apart.



Before things could get touching for this reunion a man hole opened and a giant scaled arm reached out and grabbed Harley by the ankle

She screamed and fell getting everyone's attention and what they saw was Harley being pulled into the sewer and Deadshot grabbed hold of her hands and Ratcatcher 2 lunged and bit the scaled arm forcing it to let go of her and Deadshot pulled her back on her feet and Ratchet 2 went after the thing that grabbed her into the sewers and it was Killer Croc and he snarled

Croc: I guess this time I'll see to it you STAY dead.

Ratcatcher 2: You really want to kill all your friends Croc? And for what? A tyrant who's run our lives to the ground?!

Croc: I'm in it for the meat he gives me. And I gotta taste for rats!

Croc charged at her and Ratcatcher held him back and both bashed each other on the wet walls sinking in the water and struggled on one another under it and burst out and both fall off a water fall under........

.....Wonder Tower

Batgirl on super pill thwart off Wonder Woman who swung her sword only to be countered by her gauntlets

Wonder Woman: I don't know how you're moving again Barbra but this time I'll chop off your legs.

Batgirl: You sunk lower than Superman Diana. Making you just as a psycho as Steppenwolf.

She yelled forcing her back with Robin and Cyborg it was one counter after another with Robin's Baton and Cyborg's armored arms he tended to blast his cannon with Tim dodging every shot till he tripped and fell over

And Cyborg pointed his cannon down to him

Red Robin: So this is it? After all we been through?

Cyborg: You should have stood with us Tim but you and Batman made yourselves fugitives. And now it ends.

The concrete cracked as the ground shook catching Victor off guard giving Tim the chance to strike at him with the baton

Terra hovered down on a flying rock as Tim gave her an approving smirk and she returned the nod and turned to Batgirl and Wonder Woman

She caused another earth quake aiming for Wonder Woman but accidently caused Barbra to fall over

Terra: NO!

Wonder Woman would have stabbed her there when raising her sword but Terra launched more rocks at her forcing Diana away from her and threw a big one knocking her down

Terra hopped down on the rock she was riding and aided Barbra

Terra: You alright?

Batgirl: I'll live.

Diana stood up displeased of Terra switching sides

Wonder Woman: How could you betray us too Terra?! For Slade?!

Terra: No. For Billy. How could you let Superman do it Diana?! You're merely as powerful as him and you could have stopped him but you just stood there like it was NOTHING!

Wonder Woman: Shazam should not have questioned Superman's authority. Now he has paid for his betrayal like you Jason and Flash will.

Terra: BETRAYEL?! HE WAS JUST A CHILD DIANA! AND FOR YOU TO NOT TO FEEL ANY REMORSE MAKES YOU MORE EVIL THAN SUPERMAN!!

Wonder Woman: Evil?! No Terra. Evil stands with Bruce's endless code to allow evil to run wild like animals. WE stand for the better tomorrow.

Terra: I don't know if you're insane or deluded. Either way you let vengeance consume you. It's consuming us all. I'm done letting it consume me. You and Superman will face Justice everyone you did your bidding.

Terra launched debree at the rogue amazon where from above both Lanterns still blasted at one another even punching each other

Green Lantern: You were the best in the Corps....and you let your fear win you out?!

Yellow Lantern: Superman can't be defeated John! His powers are limitless not even the Guardians could have stopped him.

Green Lantern: They could have....if you hadn't sunk in with Superman!

They kept on their battle with Sinestro coming out of no where and striking John from behind and he fell to the ground

Sinestro: Stewart lives. I should have aimed for his head.

Yellow Lantern: What you say?

Sinestro: Never mind. Let's just get to Batman and end this.

Yellow Lantern: Right.

They were about to catch up to Bruce only to both get caught in the green beam of John's ring and he pulled them further away from the court house

Green Lantern: You two ain't going no where.

Any Insurgency and Regime members that just stepped in all faced off with one another

Starfire faced off Adam at the diamond district Aquaman against Bane and Killer Frost at the amusement mile not far from the SS members and Zatanna fought off Talia at the Church

As for Batman and Static at the court house they planned out a strategy

Static: What'd we doing out here when the action's out there.

Batman: I need you to take one of these Virgil.

Bruce handed out a container of the small remaining super pills it was their last ones

Batman: These pills will make us temporarily strong as Superman. Just take one. More than that will be fatal.

He opens it and gives one to Virgil as Bruce takes one himself


However, a massive gust of wind blows past the both of them, alerting them to the presence of yet another enemy.



Not even bothering to turn around all the way, Batman flips backwards right as Black Adam bursts through the upper floor of the courthouse and dives towards Bruce, only to miss his opponent. To further complicate matters, Static relays his static saucer to the back of Adam’s neck, further pushing him forward above the glass office and into the giant statue.



Only the saucer hits the statue, with Adam maneuvering around the metal to stop the attack from going any further.



Black Adam landed near Batman, frustrated at his opponent's constant tricks.




Batman: Go back to Kahndaq, Adam! Stay here and you'll be prosecuted!



Unfazed, Adam continued to walk towards Batman.



Black Adam: You'd have to capture me, Batman! And I've underestimated you for the last time!




Irritated, he shoots lightning towards Batman, but Batman dodged and launched explosive batarangs towards Black Adam. Black Adam, barely phased by the theatrics but still shooting lighting out, remembered what he did with Philippus all that time ago, and he decided he would just use that move to finish Batman off…..


…..but as he let his guard down, charging towards Batman, the Dark Knight headbutted him again. For Adam, he began to shoot more lightning towards Batman repeatedly, but the latter had an idea. He activated a button on his gauntlet right as Black Adam shot at him with more lightning.



Black Adam punched Batman in the face twice before slamming him into a brick wall. He began to electrocute Batman, glaring menacingly at him in the process.



But then he heard the humming of a car, and he turned to see the Batmobile charging right towards him, and he was too late to dodge it. The Batmobile rammed into Black Adam back first before crashing him through the actual courtroom of the courthouse….


…..and out through the back, placing him squarely on Park Row.




Not keen on just letting Adam lie, the Batmobile, seconds after landing flat on Adam, just runs him over before taking off…..indirectly bumping over Killer Frost (Famke Janssen).




As expected, the Egyptian god did not take kindly to being made a stepping stone.




Pressing his fist onto the concrete beneath him, Batman seized the opportunity to glide in from behind while throwing more explosive batarangs towards Black Adam, all of which barely dented the man, not even penetrating his suit.


The instant Adam turned around, he came back with a ferocious punch to Bruce’s face immediately knocking him clean out of the air. But Bruce, in the midst of that attempted glide attack, barely managed to kicking Adam him square in the chest twice and push him back before falling down.



While nowhere near unconscious, Adam was now the one firmly in control of the fight.




Clasping his hands together, cracking his knuckles, this was a sight he had longed to see: the Batman kneeling before him, powerless, mortal. The Egyptian god smirked menacingly, taking great pleasure in being the one to end the Batman.




Slamming the ground with both hands, he formulated a small cage of lightning circling around himself all while his hands spark and crackle with tendrils of electricity. No sooner should he approach the probe Batman slowly rising to his feet…..



…..a plasma burst ball of lightning thrusts him back a piddly 6 feet, giving Static the element of surprise and insuring he’d check in on Bruce’s condition.




Black Adam refused to let himself lose to Static – for all his power, he was still just a rookie.





Flying straight forward, Static thrusts himself away from Adam’s trajectory only to find himself, still being pulled directly towards him as the former unleashed as much lightning as he could from his hands and struck Static with them…..to no avail.




Virgil smirks mildly. This was what he wanted.




Adam is left staring dumbfounded at the kid, pulling him along in an invisible tug of war with his powers. In a world where people can hurl energy blasts and where laser guns shoot more than just bullets, the ability to absorb energy is quite handy. Unbeknownst to Khandaq's king, Static could absorb and even redirect most energy across the electromagnetic spectrum…..



….which meant not even he was safe. The more power he sent out towards Static, the more Virgil simply just absorbed.





Black Adam: What—who do you think you are?!



Static: The names Static. I put a shock to the system!


Gaining the power from Adam he was at his weakest as Static took off with Batman approaching him


Batman: I told you to go back Adam. You should have taken it.


He pulls out his bat cuffs like when he captured Deadshot years before


As all the fights ragged on through out Arkham City as Superman burst out of the museum and he was furious he flew on


Static then came on seeing John battling the two Yellow Lanterns and flew at them when both Sinestro and Hal had John out numbered in yellow beams they would have had them till.....Static stunned them both with Adam's and his own powers

Hal fell but Sinestro had stayed up and attacked Static only to get shocked in full blast from Static which forced him to fall and Static road hi saucer


Static: You ok?


Green Lantern: I been worse. Who are you?


Static: New recruit by Mr. Wayne. Uhh....I mean Batman.


Green Lantern: Relax kid. We all saw the news.


Static: Oh. Well call me Static.


John smirked as both yellow Lanterns recovered and flew back up to them


Green Lantern: I got this. Go!


Static: You sure?

John didn't had time to reply as he charged down holding off Hal and Sinestro Static wasn't sure what to do

Lantern countered Hal's attacks easily when blasting him and kicked Hal off then Sinestro formed a beamed blade to pierce him like he tried to do before but John deflect it by a green beam shield and then Sinestro lunged him bashing him to a wall


Sinestro: You got lucky last time Stewart but this time luck will not save you.


John turned around as Sinestro was about to strike but Sinestro was shocked from behind and forced off John and land back on the ground with Hal


Lantern looked up with Static hovered down to him with a smirk


Green Lantern: I'll be damned. You got heart kid. Where you from?


Static: Dakota.


John smirks himself


Green Lantern: Detroit.

Soon enough John was blasted away and Static saw the Yellow Lanterns coming he blasted a near by fence and wrapped it around Sinestro binding him to another wall

Hal kept blasting at him but Virgil dodged every blast then blasted him himself with both Hal and Virgil beam battling themselves


Until Virgil pulled up deflecting the beam hitting Yellow Lantern forcing him to the same wall to Sinestro


Static: Gotta say Mr. Jordan you looked much better in yellow I mean I'm not saying yellow isn't good I mean makes you look like C3-PO but that can't be your favorite.


Yellow Lantern: Jesus....how the hell old are you kid?!


Static: Almost 18. But like to talk more but got one job to do and I really need to impress Mr. Wayne so....sorry.


Static was about to strike till Sinestro used his ring to snip the fence off him like a pair of scissors and blasted Virgil off his saucer and fell into the the theater below them


Yellow Lantern: Why the hell didn't you do that earlier?


Sinestro: I fucking hate you.



Maybe not as much as Static right now, who was actually thrusted far harder into the Monarch Theater than he had anticipated.


His static saucer arrived too late to break his fall so when it came time for him to meet wood to brick to face to bone, Virgil tried his damnedest to redirect his electricity to any nearby electromagnetics. But alas…..no avail.



Virgil crashes through the roof and despite his best efforts, found no effort in catching his balance before crashing through the floor of the interior of the theater. The floor ends up collapsing and Virgil is left falling well over 10 stories down to the ground.



Eventually, freefall takes affect…..


…..and Static finally catches himself at the last minute, almost spiking and spraining his feet upon making contacted with the concrete brick floor. His saucer finally catches up with him, the lightweight, portable, Mylar metal shrinking and folding down into microscopic levels so it could fit in his jacket.


But that sight was nothing compared to basking in the glory of a rolling soup of butternut squash surrounded by electric coils and a royal interior withholding the sight of a natural phenomenon of mythical vats of arcane chemicals which had blended together to create a revolutionary regenerative serum.



Static had found himself in Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pit, directly underneath the theatre in Wonder City.



No bets were placed on what the coils placed there weren’t for but that didn’t mean Virgil wasn’t aware of the risk of all this. And through all of this……an idea began to form.


He would need help with this. And help was miles out from him.



Croc still withheld the advantage over poor Cleo, the latter of whom had no prior fighting for experience up to this moment and was hardly given any breathing space by a vicious wrestler amateur who was taught to never hold back. So within all of this came nine straight minutes of Croc slamming her up against walls…..


…..grinding her face against grated floors…..


…..even burying her underwater with him. The pill was the only reason why the unfortunate Ratcatcher 2 was able to last this long and Croc took notice of such a misfortune as he had dragged her up into his hidden cell in the sewers.



Waylon definitely got around a lot.



Croc: Disorganized. Sentimental. Empathetic. To think you would break down Smith.


Ratcatcher 2: I thought—I thought that I could reach him.


Croc: Heh. Compassion does no one good.


Proclaiming with confidence, his presence towers over the young human, the former finally getting an in-depth first person view of the former human turned crocodile, the same brute who almost killed Nanaue mere hours earlier.


She’d get back at him for that if it’s the last thing she’d do. But that meant letting Croc getting a little handsy with her, to her misfortune.


Regardless, Croc does exactly that, lifting Cleo up off of the ground with his fully regenerated tail and wrapping itself tightly around the second Ratcatcher’s neck in an attempt to block her air supply and choke her out. But Waylon simply wasn’t intent on just having this moment and let it pass.


He needed to rub extra salt in the wound.



Croc: After you, Nanaue’s next.


Ratcatcher 2: So ladies—ladies first? H-how—polite…..


Croc: He’ll die easily……mourning your loss.


And at that exact moment, he messed up.


Ratcatcher 2: If I die…..because I gambled on love…..it’ll be a worthy death.



Waylon just looks down at Cleo, confused. Not so much pondering why she’d choose to die but how she could be this calm….while ushering out a eulogy that beautiful.


And then it hit him.



Cleo, barely pulling out a gas gun from her jacket and edging the metal with her fingertips, shoots Croc in the face with the gun and point blank range. Blinding him, it forces Croc outwards towards the eroded cell doors, dropping Cleo.


The opportunity arising, it was up to Cleo’s only means of attack: her rat communicator.



Twisting the valve on the device, the interface in the flashlight bulb began to glow, eradicating with a bright white light. She holds it up barely a over her head….


…..and here come the rats.



Multiple rats scurry out from beneath the grates and walkways and water and corridors of the sewer halls, all of whom were honed in by the device’s beacon and were under the Ratcatcher’s control. And they all completely rain hell over Croc.


Crawling and burrowing through Croc’s skin, he was, in fact, feeling pain from each bite and every desperate scurry. Cleo was left cowering away with some certainty that the rats would do the job for her.



Turns out they would. But only in set-up.



Through the depths of the murky waters, bubbles burst and pop and broil underneath. Croc could barely hear the bubbling, for the rats were still chomping away at him even at the ears and tail. Though Waylon was making more of an effort to fight back against the lonely and despised creatures….


….his downfall came once he decided it was best to dive back into the water.



Nearly 30 seconds of silence pass.



And then Nanaue, from out of nowhere, bursts out through the waters, rippling through the sewer drainage with Croc high above his shoulders. As a form of payback, Nanaue bit back at the mutant crocodile, digging his sharp teeth onto the side of his neck….


…..while, again, ripping off his tail.



He finally tossed the Croc aside, only intent on Cleo’s safety, one he could see clearly with Sebastian on her shoulder squeaking with joy.



Cleo: You came for me.


He rises out from the water, nearly drenching her as he approaches her, slowly. She doesn’t flinch at the sight of him.


To think of how long it’d took for Nanaue to be in a position like this: a lifetime of being treated like an idiot and a monster leading him to not have any friends, and being filled with overwhelming joy at the prospect proposed by Cleo at Corto Maltese?


Having someone care for him that much? One who didn’t immediately judge him from his look and animalistic tendencies? He’d never forget that. His home and loyalties might align with Atlantis…..but his heart always remained with the Squad.


His heart would remain with Cleo.


King Shark: You’re my friend……and I missed you.


Cleo: You too, Nanaue.


Once more, Cleo rushes him with a tight hug. Unlike last time, he does wrap his arms around her, hugging her back.




If only it was that simple for friends to remain that way, on the surface. Arthur was learning that the hard way.

Out in the heart of Arkham City Aquaman stood out ready for any action and what caught his attention was Diana being thrown by debree caused by Terra and landed hard in front of him


Once she spotted him she turned serious and stood up with sword and shield and tapping


Aquaman: Princess of the Amazons.


Wonder Woman: We can drop the honorifics Arthur.


Aquaman: Oh that's right you lost YOUR crown.


Wonder Woman: You would be wise to surrender.


Aquaman: Not as log as I breath.


Wonder Woman: A shame you will die so young. And if your army comes assure?


Aquaman: Every soldier of Atlantis fights to their last breath.


Wonder Woman: So will I.

Then the King Atlantis and NOW former Princess of the Amazons clashed their weapons at one another and bashed bang as their fight got intense

Tim Barbra and Terra came about and saw the fight


Red Robin: Think Artie's got this.


Batgirl: Any sign of Superman?


Red Robin: Last seen at the museum but he's not there anymore.


Terra: Where is he now?


Batgirl: I don't know but we have to draw him out. This isn't the real fight Terra. This was to only draw the Regime to us. We need Superman at the fortress of solitude. Batgirl to Batman. We're holding off as best we can but we still need to get Superman to the fortress.

Where is he now?

Batgirl: Not sure. But we need to draw him out and fast.

Everyone regroup.


Batman: Clark's intentions is to finish us off as possible if we're together he'll likely show himself.


Understood. Batgirl out.


Batman: All Insurgences meet up at the amusement mile. We need Superman out in the open. Static you're with me. Harley you and the Squad be on stand by.

Sure thing Batsy. But we got one more problem.

Batman: What is it?

Harley: Cleo's stuck in the sewers with Croc old boy.


We'll make do. Just get everyone ready.


Harley: Whatever you say B-Man.

Deadshot: The Bat better know what he's doing. I feel like this plan is suicide.

Harley: Everything we do is suicide remember? That's why they call us the Suicide Squad.


Arthur and Diana kept clashing on with their weapons and she even soon bashed Arthur in the face with her shield which barely slowed him down and lunged at her with the hilt of his triton

Aquaman: We should had this fight long ago.

Wonder Woman: What purpose does it serve?

Aquaman: Atlantis doesn't forgive traitors.


They bashed and clashed more and more the fight seemed endless till suddenly........



Azeraith Netrion ZINTHOS!


Wonder Woman was suddenly pulled away by a spell and she hit a near by wall knocking her down just for Aquaman to see Red Hood Raven Batgirl Robin and Terra run in


Aquaman: I had it under control.


Raven: You'll get another shot. We all need to meet up together.


Aquaman: For what?


Batgirl: To draw Superman out in the open. We need to get him to the fortress while the rest of us distract the Regime.


Aquaman: Whatever you say. But let's not waste time.


As all the fights raged on every Insurgency member in including King Shark and Cleo received the signal to all gather round at the Amusement mile some nodded in agreement and some weren't sure so they had to withdraw their current fights and retreat to it with some of their opponents chasing after them including Diana chasing Arthur and the remaining titans with him

Batman glided down and stood out looking up to the sky....as it began to rain this made him flash back to the first fight with Superman given this final battle would mark the end of the war


It was a matter of time before everyone met up with him one.....by.....one

Harley and SS members the titans and the rest of the Insurgency here


Batman: Everyone here?


Red Robin: All accounted for Bruce.

Batman: Good.


Bruce then gave the last super pills to all those who needed them more and it was all that's left they were all gone no more super pills so they had to make this count

Batman looked up again but heard an impact to see Diana land on the ground who had her eyes mostly on him and Arthur


Wonder Woman: Last chance Bruce. Summit to your high councilor.


Batman: Never gonna happen.


Soon enough Cyborg Killer Frost Black Adam Talia the two Yellow Lanterns and the rest of the Regime all appeared and stood in front of them and all stared dead at each other.......

....all who was missing......

.....until Bruce looks up again.........

.....see's Superman hovering above them and looking down at them with burning fiery eyes for he too was remembering the first fight with Bruce

He launched down landed on his feet as both leaders of the teams locked eye contact with one another


Batman: We were friends once Clark.


Superman: That's the only reason you're still alive.


Batman: Thought it was cause I beat you before.


Superman: You never quit do you?


Batman: Never.


Superman: Neither do I.


The Regime begin to approach as many of the Insurgency mostly the SS members


Harley: What'd we do now?


Batman:......FINISH this.



SIX. Agonizing. Years.


No more.



Bruce is the first to ease his way forward, slowly brushing his feet up against the tarmac, the weight of his battle scars gradually easing him up for the trouble ahead. Had he damn well please, he’d greatly jump at the chance to them all down at once.


Rejection: the dismissing or refusing of a proposal, idea or the spurning of someone’s affections. If only Mr. Wayne could trace his mind back to the decades before where he denied help, denied comfort, denied society for his own personal crusade of escapades; being rejected himself never came with so much as a warning siren to things to come. And he always had an answer to it.


But now, his son was dead. Some of his closest allies gone.


With nothing but the clothes on his back holding him firmly in place, there would be no clipping his wings. Bruce keeps a steady rhythm, walking robotically melodic amongst the ground before breaking pattern and power walking.



Clark saw this as a sign to thrust forward to, taking the first few steps as well. But flanked by Cyborg and Diana from behind.


One by one, the rest of the Regime fell in pursuit, forcing the Insurgency to do the same with its members catching up to Batman…..power-walking before it crawls up to a jog.


A direct mirror towards the other side.



Ratcatcher 2: They’re not stopping.


Red Robin: Neither are we.



From there onwards, both sides dash forward, sprinting towards the other adversary like it’s the final track of 1000 meter dash. Some sprint.


Others float.


The rest flew directly at their enemies.



CLASH!



Both sides finally come to blow.



Batman vs. Superman.


Cyborg and Wonder Woman vs. Aquaman and Flash.


Red Robin and Batgirl vs. Bane and Croc.


Black Adam in his rematch against Static.



Starfire, Raven and Terra vs. Sinestro.


Yellow Lantern vs. Green Lantern and Zatanna.



The Suicide Squad…..and RED HOOD left against Talia Al Ghul.

Talia: We revived you!

Red Hood: And you betray your own father......for HIM!

He forces her off and counter one another and Harley lifts her bat

Harley: Batter up bitch!

And she SWATS her up the chin

Cyborg and Flash struggled grips on one another till he speed punches him all around and then Victor grabs Barry by the head and holds him up to him

Cyborg: Traitor!

Flash: Was Billy a traitor too Vic?

He kicks him off to get loose and Barry speeded behind him and punched him away

Aquaman and Wonder Woman continued off their face off from earlier clashing and countering their weapons to each other

Wonder Woman: You WILL sign that treaty.

Aquaman: I rather die than summit Atlantis to service dwellers.

John and Hal blasted at each other with Zatanna casting her spells to knock Hal's guard off but the Yellow Lantern blasted her off the ground and John pound on him pinning him down

Green Lantern: You me and Sinestro got a date with the Guardians.

Yellow Lantern: I'm not going anywhere.

Green Lantern: Guy didn't attacked me Hal!

Yellow Lantern: Then why was he the last who saw you?!

He blasted him off and then Zatanna recovering casted at him only for Hal to blast back at her and they had their own beam duel

Adam and Static flew around blasting at each other as Adam tried shooting him off his saucer as Virgil dodged his blasts and was just.....having fun with him

Static: So what'd they call you? The wizard of fish hooks?

Black Adam: You dare mock me?!

Adam blasts again but Virgil counters the beam with his saucer and knocks him out of the sky

Static: I could definitely get into super hero team gig.

Starfire Raven and Terra all standing side by side like the old times in the Teen Titans as Sinestro launched at them like a torpedo and Starfire gave the call remembering Dick's old lines

Starfire: TITANS GO!

They charged back and Raven countered him with Terra launching debree at him but Sinestro blasted them to bits with Starfire throwing her star bolts at him only to be countered and Sinestro blasted her off

Raven then pounced on him and Terra aided Kori

Terra: You alright?

Starfire: You're not fooling me again are you?

Terra: That's not going away anytime soon.

They got back in the fight and were evenly matched with Sinestro given he's known of defeating multible Green Lanterns in one fight

As for Batman and Superman....the former friends now enemies again clashed out and Superman launched him into the Steel Mill and forced Bruce on the wall of the office of the Joker

Superman: Look where we are now Bruce. He stood in here. Killed countless hostages here. Sat on that desk over there! EVERYTIME you spared his life more lives perished!

Batman: There was nothing more than for him to suffer. But death would have been too kind. YOU actually spared him when you killed him.

Superman: I spared him?! YOU just can't let it go can you Bruce?!

He pushed him out of the office and landed hard out the main hall as Clark hovered down

Superman: You and I had our differences in the past yes but over HIM?! Why of all people would you allow him to keep killing over and over and OVER?! WHAT IF HE KILLED SELINA?! AND YOUR OWN UNBORN CHILD?!

Batman: I WANTED TO!!

Superman stopped and froze looking at him odd

Batman: I told Jason this when he lost his way for the first time. He never understood. I don't think he still does. And neither do you. Joker never counted off my moral code. He never counted off of any of the other criminals I brought on or killed myself. Joker was something else he was something I marked off before any of the others but never that simple.

Superman: What are you saying?

Batman: I'm saying I wanted to kill him too.

Silence again

Batman: Every time I looked at him in the eyes all I saw was Joe Chill. I looked in his eyes too when he pointed that gun at my parents and there was nothing more I wanted than to chase after him and shoot him with his own gun after he shot them. But I was a kid. Joker was no different all he was to me.....was the exact image of my parents killer and there was nothing I wanted....than to kill him....like Chill killed my parents.

Superman: Then why? Why?! WHY IN GOD'S NAME DID YOU LET HIM LIVE?!

Batman: Because it would be too Goddamn easy! I told you he'd never cared if he was ever put down long as what he created in his wake would continue the chaos that set them off. And he did.....when he took Lois from you. I would know.....because when he took Jason from me.....I was NOT what Gotham needed me to be.

Superman: Bruce I get it! You're not proud of what you became! I'M NOT EITHER! Yes I regret taking Dick from you and lied to Jason about it and took Ollie from Dinah and Jonn from all of us but....you shouldn't have brought them into your rebellion! There shouldn't have been a war in the first place! I WANTED TO KEEP----I wanted to keep you from taring the Justice League apart.

Batman: You already did. You did when you killed the Joker.


Superman: I did it for Lois!



Batman: It’s now what she would’ve wanted!



Superman: JOKER DESERVED TO DIE!




Veins popping out of his skin and his eyes bloodshot red, Clark’s patience had been tested yet again and his anger was boiling over, exploding at the forefront. Screeching out his sermon only to crack his voice at the last bit, he does all this while throwing a blind punch at the nocturnal flying mammal man.



The punch actually does connect…..


…..but only as much as Kal was able to get.




No less than a second later, Bruce kicks him square in the chest. As Bruce was a dangerous hand-to-hand combatant, Kal effectively took the brunt of the kick as he slid towards the opening of the door.



Normally, a kick to the chest is bad news: your rib cage protects your heart and lungs and if there is damage or severe bruising to your rib cage, all those structures underneath can be bruised too. But it didn’t mean Kal was immune, especially since Bruce was high on that pill, branding him an equal match for the High Councilor.


No longer contempt with talking, Kal bum rushes the Dark Knight just as he had did the first time they went face to face. The time for talking was finished.




And unlike their first encounter, Kal was quick to tackle Bruce off of his feet before rolling over with him in his arms and slamming his face down through the wooden desk of Joker’s front office. Snapping his head back, he’s quick to slap Bruce down to the floor with an overhand fist to the chest.



As quickly as he was taken down, Bruce would keep the spirit to get back up. Only for Superman to half-heartedly trudge forward and punt kick him square across the face, almost breaking his jaw. It sent the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist back first towards the whiteboard on the far right corner of the room….


….but once again, Bruce immediately recovers from the assault, landing feet first.




Extending out the fingertips of his hands, he eventually shoots out four separate Batarangs, all of which were smoke-activated upon contact. So while the projectiles did nothing upon contacting with Superman’s flat muscular chest, it does blind him momentarily when they explode.



Unfortunately, Kal’s next best solution was for super breath. His extended ability to blow massive gusts of air from his mouth did eventually clear out the particulates and gases emitted into the office.


And yet, once the smoke clears, Batman is nowhere to be found.



Normally, this schtick occurs when they’re talking and he disappears the moment the other person turns their back. Regardless, this charade had gotten old quick.





His ears perked up, bringing to light some semblance of sound coming through. Superman twisted himself back around and immediately tried to punch a diving Batman. Bruce, ever the technician, instead rolls on through the punch and slices Kal in the chest with his gauntlet spikes.



Disoriented but still durable, Kal just proceeded to clap his hands together, pushing Batman up towards the wall again. But Bruce is able to leap off and knock him aside with a shadow kick.




Batman slashed Superman with his gauntlet spikes again, the latter only just maneuvering out of the way. The two then charged towards each other, and blocked each other's arms, giving each other the death glare. Superman just headbutts Batman firmly, leading to the other following suit. And this happened again.



And again.



And again.




AND AGAIN.




Finally, Kal perseveres, the final headbutt shattering Batman’s cowl into pieces long enough to sweep him up by the legs and slap him down to the wooden floor, barely caving him into it.



Almost satisfied, his eyes glow up with radiation and he fires down on Bruce. Heat vision leading the way, the High Councilor is only able to get so far with Bruce blocking the heat vision with his gauntlets. Alfred’s invention still worked….



….to a fault.




Despite the massive amount of heat they could take, it was further cramming Bruce further and further into the ground, leaving him physically unable to maneuver out and away. Heading back on the offense, Bruce kicks Kal’s leg out from underneath him.



Slowly rolling on up out the crater, Bruce simply knees Clark in the face and then knocks him back with a roundhouse.




But as causally as that happened, Kal lunges forward with a knee, shattering Bruce's right gauntlet and almost snapping his wrist. As further insult to injury, Superman just slammed his fist into the ground, creating a damaging shockwave resulting in a Ground Tremor. The Doppler effect from the sound wave ringed all throughout the Steel Mill, knocking Bruce back 6 feet away from the Man of Steel….




….blowing him through another set of doors, landing in the actual Madhouse of Joker’s Madhouse.


Outside was just as chaotic Wonder Woman was still preoccupied wit Aquaman with Jason clashing with Talia still with her knocking him down drawing her sword only to get knocked away by Red Robin's baton

Red Hood looked up to see his younger brother offering him a hand and took it a moment later helping him up

Red Robin: For once I save YOUR ass.

Red Hood: Don't push it Timmy. Just watch your own.

Suddenly they were startled by Sinestro who dropped Starfire after taking some beating with Raven and Terra down for the count and Jason looked back seeing Talia recovered

Red Robin: I may need some help here!

Red Hood: I'm a little busy right now.

They approached and Jason's eye lens widen

Red Hood: BACK TO BACK!

They switched sides as Jason fired as guns at Sinestro which only catch him off guard but created a beam shield and Tim lifts over with his baton and drops kicks Talia away

Jason keeps shooting at Sinestro only to keep the the yellow beamed shield up only to get STRUCK from behind......

.......by Raven's beam giving the Red Hood an open shot to elbow him in the jaw knocking him down

Jason and Raven soon locked eyes to one another in silent position for a moment

Raven gave him.....a small mild smirk with his eye lens lowering which opened wide again pointing his gun Raven gasps and ducks to hear him fire......

....only to see he actually shot Cyborg from behind.....which forced him back then Rachel casted at him and forced him away then turned to Jason....with a wider smirk

Adam however chased Static away from the Amusement Mile and back at the other side of Arkham City Adam casted at him which he hit Virgil from behind knocking him off his saucer and lands in the theater and falling through flour to flour ending up.......

.....to his surprise......

......the Lazarus Pit.....AGAIN

Static: Holy SHIT! this place again?

He heard a burst and Adam came crashing in launching at him but Static dodged him in time just to crash hard on the flour

Adam coughed out and soon enough recovered to discover......the pit itself and was amazed to finally see it himself

Black Adam: The Lazures Pit.......at last.....the source of Ra's Al Ghul's immortality is finally.....

All of a suddenly electric metal fence was wrapped around him Static tied him into it like he did Sinestro and Hal earlier and he forced him up two flours above ending up in the autiotorium

Virgil manage to find his saucer on the edge of the pit and was about to fall into the pit

Static: OH SHIT!

He ran and just when it just was about to fall in he CAUGHT it in the nick of time

Static: Gotcha. Man that better not be acid.

Back at the Amusement Mile we join the SS members handling their former comrades now on the Regime

Floyd held off Smith as he taunted him

Peacemaker: You should have been there Floyd. Maybe Flagg would still be here.

Deadshot: Shut the hell up traitor.

He forced him off but Peacekeeper gave a warning shot

Peacemaker: Don't you think he'd still be here....if you were there.

Floyd almost made a move until.....Smith heard a gun click behind him

I think he would.....if not for YOU Smith

He slowly turned around revealing to be.........

.....Bloodsport



Impossible, Peacemaker almost usurped loudly. It made sense how he would’ve been able to get here in time to watch all this play out but Bloodsport?


Not a chance.


And yet by some coin and coincidence, the assassin was placed firmly 7 feet apart from him and Deadshot, his high-powered modular collapsable shotgun centering Peacemaker down the barrel, just like how he had him when he last ‘killed’ him.


Needless to say, the unannounced arrival of the the Squads leader did little to deter the rest of the teams attitude. Everyone outside a perplexed Deadshot were elated with the arrival of their ‘former’ leader.


But none more than Ratcatcher 2.



Ratcatcher 2: Robert!



How could she forget the first person she instilled her trust in upon just starting that dreadful mission in 2021? Better question is: how could Cleo forget Robert even if she wanted to? She knew he never wanted any of this.


She knew a part of him hoped the other members were safe. And as his eyes lied across from the field and directly at her…..his obvious excitement in getting back in the action couldn’t be denied.



Robert flashes a wink at her to which she nods back. Harley and Nanaue just wave at him while Deadshot…..stares.



It was as if he was staring at an exact copy of himself: the men who do literally the exact same thing just in different formats and presentations.


Bloodsport: Lawton.


Deadshot: DuBois.



Peacemaker: You shouldn’t even be here.


Bloodsport: I could say the same, Smith. Venture out on your own for a little only to land right back where you started; I almost felt bad.



Powering up his high powered shotgun garnered no sudden movements from Smith. He stood still, frozen, with his life almost sucked down the Birdseye view of a rotating barrel.



Bloodsport: At least here, now……we get to finish what he started. And the only downside to that is we only get to do it once.


Peacemaker: What part of ‘I had no fucking choice’ is not ringing through to you?!


Bloodsport: He was my friend! My BEST FRIEND! The only one that mattered before I had this—this—this family…..and he didn’t deserve to die by your hands.


Peacemaker: He would’ve exposed us!



The whole world just goes blank in Floyd’s mind, blank space partaking up every single fragment of second nature theatrics and encrypted governmental detail he once thought he knew. If Lawton couldn’t muster to put two and two together than, then there was no fooling himself now.


Peacemaker murdered Rick Flag, in cold blood no less.



Even looking back towards Harley, hoping for some gratification in being told he’s wrong did little to ease his pain. All Harley could do was nod ‘Yes’.


Followed by Cleo.


Followed by Nanaue.



Waller was far from the sharpest tool in shed (to some degree) and there was no way he was willing to trust her long term after last time but after hearing about the Squad’s previous mission and hearing the loss of arguably their most important member, emotion finally came in to cloud the judgment of the worlds deadliest assassin.


Smith might’ve pulled the trigger but Waller was just as responsible for even forcing Peacemaker to carry it out. Would he had done what Chris did if it came to it….back then?



Probably.



But now? Not a snowballs chance in hell in the dead of summer. And the venom that radiated Lawton’s pupils as he glared back at Smith with monstrous intent showed hand-on-heart…..


…..how fucked Smith was.



Peacemaker: Floyd….


Deadshot: You deader than dead now, fuckface!



Rifle in hand, he immediately heaves it down upon Chris’s head, almost breaking the rifle into pieces.


Not finished yet, he punches Peacemaker square in the face with a haymaker, followed by a knife stab to his left shoulder. He then does a spin and bashes him in the head with his elbow, takes the knife out again and shoots Chris in the back with his wrist-mounted cannon….


….stabs him again near the spine….


….and then shoots them again.



Thank god Smith had protective armor. But that just made it easier for the rest of the Squad to gang up on him.



They all pumbled on him all at once barely giving him ANY time to breath and when King Shark grabbed him he SLAMMED him around like the Hulk did to Loki


Smith was broken down.....not physically but by his pride and Harley pins him down with her boot


Harley: Time you made your REAL peace Smithey.


Peacemaker: Then kill me and get over with.


Harley: No way. I'm on Team Bat now. And now I have a code. You'll stand trial.


Deadshot: You sure changed a lot.


Harley: A lot can happen in five years.


Back in the steel mill Superman and Batman crashed into the smelting chamber and kept pumbling at each other Batman launched a punch at Superman's logo which this time forced him back from the Super pill


Bruce and Clark then gripped each other's grips fingers between one another squeezing and gripping hard and both grunted in frustration both of their teeth crinched and neither one of them giving up till the other falls but the force got too much they both were forced back flying across both sides of the chamber destroying the flours they landed on


Batman knew he didn't had much time left and without any kryptonite weapons he needed a way to lure Superman out in the open to lure him back to the fortress


So Bruce pressed the center of his belt and made his way upstairs but BAM


Superman bursts up grabbing him by the neck with his firey eyes Bruce threw more punches at his face only for Clark to grab his fist and punch him towards the back entrance leading to the cellars and Bruce fell into the boiler room


Clark hovered in and Bruce threw smoke pellets to blind him but would harldy work for long


Superman: Really Bruce? Smoke? You know I got X-Ray vision. You can't blind me.


Who said I had to blind you?


He turned to see Batman behind him throwing a punch and end up on the bridge over the hot currants in the cellar


Superman: Dammit!


Batman: Settle down Clark.


Superman: DON'T CALL ME THAT! HE'S DEAD!


Batman: I don't believe that.


Superman: I wish I was dead. I LOST everything......because of him. And cause you let him live.


Batman: That wasn't my fault. Nor yours.


Superman: Then who's fault was it when he ran wild?! You said....we would save this world TOGETHER!


Batman: I'm sorry Clark.


Superman: Oh....you're gonna be!


Superman speeded to him pushing him back to fall hard on the flour and cause of that and the flour didn't cracked......


.....the pill effects wore off and Superman hardly broke a sweat


Batman: Awe shit.....


Superman: Your pill wore off Bruce. Looks like I win.


Batman: You haven't won yet.


Superman: Get your head out of the cave Bruce. Your secret is out. You no more Kryptonite. Your pills are gone.....the odds are against you now. It's over.


For you it is.


Clark turns and he was suddenly punched himself.....


......to Bruce's shock.........


......Martion Manhunter........ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Talk about a complete 180 on the emotional spectrum.



It had been half a decade since Martian Manhunter had even been seen or heard from, let alone peeped at from any living specimen. To think, some members of both sides believed that J’onn went out too easily. And…..they’d be fools for not thinking that because it was fairly simple ‘getting rid of him’.


But they didn’t know that side of the story.


After exploiting J’onn’s weakness from the Contingency, him slinking down into a pulsating pile of glob, sinking through the Artic terrain was the last he was seen. But like Bruce once said in his Contingencies, J’onn’s vulnerability to fire was extremely difficult to exploit in a defense position and offense wouldn’t work any better because as monumental of an issue fire was to the Martian….


….it was more of a psychological bracket as opposed to something that could physically harm him.


So even burning him did little to deter the telepathic.


Having sunken deep beneath the Arctic floor and flushed into the ocean terrain, it took a while before he ended up washed up on Atlantis. As it was late when he arrived, it couldn’t have been a better time for him to regain control of his mentality and shapeshift back to his regular self.


But that just left the rest of the war.


As the One Earth Regime had begun to slowly cripple all forms of resistance and outlets of communication, J'onn, ever the outsider, had chosen to watch from a distance to bide his time. He assumed the form of an Atlantean, and served as royal archivist.


Aquaman little suspected that his trusted subject's uncanny ability to gather news of the surface world was the result of telepathic powers.


Eventually, five years had passed on and J'onn learned that Aquaman was no longer laying prone to wait ‘till the situation cooled down. He was forced to get in on the action as well. Now that he knew that Atlantis would be aiding Batman's Insurgency, that was his cue to assist as well, leading rescue operations in Metropolis and Gotham shortly before Superman's rampage.


And now….here he stood.



Superman: J—J’onn?


Manhunter: You disappoint me, Kent. You disappoint us all.


He was doing it again: prying on his fears, getting into his head and Kal wouldn’t allow it.


Kal immediately throws a punch but J’onn gobsmacks him immediately, disorienting him with a psyche orb. It left the High Councilor with a massive headache.


The opportunity arisen, Manhunter summons a powerful full-screen beam of telekinetic energy that erupts from the ground, blasting Superman upwards and launching him out of the boiler room….


….through the loading bay….


….out of the smelting chamber….


….before sending him flying out of the Steel Mill himself.



By the time he ends up crashing near the old Ace Chemicals building down in Park Row, Bloodsport was already trying his luck with Wonder Woman to no avail.


His collapsible shotgun only ricocheted off her bracelets of submission. Luckily for him, Deadshot was right beside him and he switched over to incendiary rounds from his wrist gun.


Still no such luck, Diana grew tired of their prattle and slammed her bracelets together, launching the two men back.


Starfire came launching down at her with a Starbolt, only for Cyborg to immediately tackle her out of the air. Regardless of the distraction, it left a wide open Batgirl to reap the rewards…..if there was any.


She attempts a flipping 2-hit cartwheel attack followed by a spinning backfist for a total of 3 brutal strikes. All landed, none phased her.


The former Oracle was lucky to deck with a double dropkick to the face and flips around er going over the back and around the head before grabbing the arm and finally taking her down to her feet. Yanking back while grabbing ahold of the wrist of her arm and pulling upwards, it causes hyper extension of Diana’s shoulder and elbow.


Unfortunately, a hulking right foot from Bane knocks Batgirl out of it, breaking the hold almost immediately. He had effectively left her to his mercy.


Bane: What do we have here?


Red Robin: LET HER GO!


Leaping forward, Red Robin soars in with a trapeze kick using Bane’s left arm but no sooner should he connect, does Bane grab him and slam him into Barbara.



But Diana wasn’t done yet.



Wonder Woman angrily grabbed a charging Harley by her head from the left hand corner of her peripheral vision before holding her up in the air, all while the former doctor flashed a condescending glare at her….


….and a sickening grin.



Harley: Heh. How’s it f—Argh! How’s it feel being the villain?


Wonder Woman: You’re the villain, Quinn.


Harley found that statement hilarious….to a lesser extent. She had her ledger filled to the brim with terrible act after terrible act….


….and yet Diana was doing just as bad if not WORSE than her. So who was she to criticize?



Harley: Lady….you’re—you’re crazier than I am…..



Blistering with fury, Wonder Woman immediately unsheathed her sword and prepared to take another life.



BOOM!



Crashing down near Park Row, Superman leveled the area while barely recovering from his previous attack, pushing back everyone rom Diana to Cyborg to Bloodsport to Bane. Everyone close to him got leveled and taken off-balance.


To think, even he almost lost himself there. But that was nothing compared to everyone aside him looking up to the sky above…..



….all while the Martian Manhunter floated, towering above them all.



Red Robin: J’onn?



Manhunter: Stand down. Final warning.



He knew the Regime wouldn’t. But it wouldn’t stop them from trying.


Remembering his mistake last time on getting too close to Diana, the Manhunter focuses his telekinetic energy into a focused, short range blast that sends Diana flying. Cyborg is lucky to land two punches and a kick against J’onn….


….but he simply phases through the ground and reappears with a devastating uppercut from under Cyborg, quickly phasing again above him with a downward overhead attack.


Now it was Hal’s turn for offense.


Armed with a giant chainsaw, he hurls the metallic teeth of the saw down on J’onn’s head; the only thing preventing the attack from penetrating any further was his own arms.


Pushing down harder, Hal couldn’t help that J’onn was every bit as stronger than him.


Manhunter: Sinestro is no saint, Jordan.


Yellow Lantern: No shit, dipdick. Think I don’t know that?


Manhunter: Then why would you let him kill your friend?



Yellow Lantern: Guy tried to kill him!


Manhunter: No. You know I can read minds Hal. I'm reading his now.


Everyone stared at Sinetro as did Hal in shock and knowing Jonn would never bluff like that Sinestro then.....took off and the only ones who chased after him was John.....AND Hal


Wonder Woman drew her sword and attacks Jonn who turned invisual and her sword went through him and he lunged her away knocking her away forcing any Regime members to back up


Red Robin: Jonn.....you're alive but.....how??


Batgirl: And where have you been all this time?


Manhunter: After my near demise many of my remains hibernated within the ice and took years to process but manage to regenerate my entire body. And by the time I emerged I saw the Batwing leaving the fortress almost assumed I wasn't that gone that long.....till I saw that.....creature that looks like Kal.


Batgirl: Yeah Bizzarro he's our last bullet for Superman. And we got to get him there. We're running out of time.


Red Robin: Uh babe? I think we already half.


Everyone turned around to see hundreds of Regime Soldiers marching into Arkham City and heading for The Amusement Mile all armed and too many for the brave rebels to handle without an army


Red Hood: Ok.....we're fucked.


Starfire: Or are we? LOOK!


Everyone including the Regime members looked up where Kori pointed and who emerged from the rooftops and the prison wall.......


.....were the Amazons


Swords drawn and bows pointed at the soldiers to everyone's shock Diana mostly shined hope for the Insurgency seeing Donna in a resembling armor as Diana assuming her new title replacing Wonder Woman's: Wonder Girl and lead the force


Wonder Woman: NO!


Wonder Girl: HIYA!


They opened fire with firery arrows at the soldiers who all took cover some got hit but many opened fire at them but their live rounds hardy harmed any of the amazons with their hard skin and trained warrior skills


They kept firing and Hippolyta appeared from the other side catching Diana more to her surprise


Wonder Woman: Mother


Hippolyta: HAAAAAA!!!!!!!!


More Amazons ran from behind her with drawn swords and charging at the soldiers who charged back beginning viscous battle


Diana turned more furiously seeing her sisters fight against her than with her she was about to strike only to be countered by Arthur again and clashed for one more round


She kept swinging her sword but only to hit his triton she manage to kick him back


Wonder Woman: YOU'RE NOT WANTED HERE!


Diana would have striked till Jonn appeared behind her and grabbed her by the head and stunning her into a state that caused her to scream in pain and knocks her out


Manhunter: We may not be wanted.....but we're clearly needed.


Superman soon recovered and witnessed what was happening he grew furious himself he flew up tending to launch down to the Amazons till......


.....he got electrocuted.....


.....by Static


Static: Not really another Robin but gotta say I'm another fan of yours.


Superman: Out of my way punk!


He launched at him but Static blasted him again catching him off guard and slung his saucer knocking him out of the sky and end up at the OLD GCPD building before Arkham City was built


Static hovers down to him with his arms crossed and....he gave.....a disappointing expression


Static: I really didn't think you'd go this bad. A lot of people in Dakota looked up to you.


Superman: Listen kid. There are some things you don't understand. Some things have to be done any means nessercary. Or the ones we love pay the price.


Static: I get it. Mr. Wayne told me about your wife and kid. I'm really sorry. I understand how you feel cause I lost my mom a long time ago.


Superman: Then think of her. Think if you could change all the suffering and stopped everything that could repeat her-----


Static: Sorry! Sorry to cut you off there Supes. Bats said you might try to talk me into this by using that. Which is wacked up. And I can't do that.


Superman: That sounds like what he would do. Bruce tell you anything else.


Static:.....That y.ou have to be stopped.



Outside, the militiamen were drastically reduced to that of only a few hundred. Still, quite a few, but not enough compared to how many that arrived.


With their aim being good, Bruce and Tim were lucky that nobody hit them or severely wounded them. With the exception of one unlucky Regime soldier, Tim sucker punches him across the face before snapping a smoke pellet, taking him and Bruce out of Diana’s line of sight.



Wonder Woman: No!



By the time the Amazons had already charged in for battle, those two were already long gone. Yet as soon as Diana unsheathed her sword, Donna rushes over and slams her down, forcing Diana to release her mother and come to the realization.....


......that her half sister gave her a bloody mouth.



Wonder Woman: You bring our army to my home in attempts to oppose me?


Wonder Girl: I can see right through the disdain and the hatred in your eyes. You’re in pain......pain that has rolled above this Earth for half a decade too long.


Wonder Woman: This world is already safe.


Hippolyta: Safe? From you?



Again, her mother questions her. Either Diana was completely blindsided with her love for Superman or she really couldn’t tell the difference.


At least in that way, there’d be no accidental causalities.



Hippolyta: Superman has led you down a dark road, daughter.


Wonder Woman: More like he showed me the light.


Wonder Girl: You’re blind if you can’t tell the difference!



With all three ladies having their minds set, the three generations of Amazon heritage clash together once again.



On the other side of things, Floyd was left placing his bets against Black Adam, the latter blasting him off from afar as Floyd skids amongst the concrete.



Deadshot: Aww, piss.



He then attempts to shoot Adam with a few leftover Kryptonite bullets, courtesy of Bloodsport except there’s one problem.


Even though they hit him, Kryptonite bullets don’t work on Adam.



Black Adam: Kryptonite bullets don’t hurt me.


Deadshot: Skip the damn monologue, Adam.



He throws the knife at him but Adam barely skims the material away…..unaware that the knife ended up piercing through Peacemaker's abdomen, making him lean over in pain. Using him as leverage, Floyd jumps off his back and leaps up to Adam, only to get grabbed and slammed back down.



Black Adam: My words are only for the worthy.


Deadshot: If you’re lucky, they’re also deaf.



He again takes a pop-shot at Adam but he tries to squash him, Floyd rolls out the way.



By the time Bruce and Tim recovered, they don’t get much time to breathe.


They immediately had to duck for cover as Sinestro goes firing his ring at them with the blast approaching closer and closer to the very TIP of Robins boots. But they both leap off the hanging signs off from the side, tying tightropes around Sinestro's neck and slamming him down.


But not before he starts blasting his ring like a manic.



Quickly recovering, they slide behind the nearest alleyway they saw which is also where Barbara was.



Red Robin: How’d you get—


Batgirl: Extra help arrived. Better late than never, I suppose.


Batman: We’re wasting enough time here already. We got to go now to unleash the final phase.



Tim has to take a glimpse at the far right corner of his eyes, glimpsing far behind the reaches of the Steel Mill, knowing the Bat-wing was still airborne, waiting.



Red Robin: He’s right.


Batgirl: If that’s the case, we gotta draw out the flyers. Bruce gets to the jet.



Starfire: NO. You get to the jet. All three of you!



She once again swoops right through Cyborgs Sonic Cannon and with a starburst in her hand, she launches him across the field with the dust settling down as Vic quickly pulls himself up from getting kicked in by Jason.



Starfire: The rest of us probably aren’t getting out of this.


Red Hood: As much as I hate to admit it......



He flips over Bane slicing the last tube of his venom from his systems with his katanas.



Red Hood: If we’re gonna win this war.....



.....some of us are gonna have to lose it.




Batman: No one is being left behind today.



You have your priorities and so do we. This isn’t the real fight, remember?



Zatanna pipes in, as she unleashed a Gninthgil Dor (lightning rod), a powerful incantation that encases Zatanna in a field of pure electricity, blasting back her opponent, which just so happened to be an unlucky Grundy.


While it staggers the monster back, Terra is happy to assist, hurling a chunk of boulders at his legs to further distract the monster and stir him.


Z just takes her hat up again and just tosses it into the air.



Zatanna: Magic is simple as one.....



Binding her hands together, a ring of invisible energy binds Grundy together and she sends him through it and through the ground.



Zatanna:....two......



The ring just raises out from thin air with Grundy still trapped within it just as Z’s hat comes by like Oddjobs hat and hits the undead zombie hard across the face.



Zatanna:.....three. Avrah KaDabra!



She creates a glowing ankh, (using magical hand movements), casts magical energy from the glowing ankh, then the magic energy traps Grundy in a golden glowing, diamond-shaped prison. She says an enchantment, flips the prison upside down, and sends it hurtling toward the ground with him in it.



Once he crashes, he barely gets a chance to recover before Zatanna’s hat comes back to her.



Amongst all that commotion, Bruce knew she had a point. They ALL had a point.


This wasn’t the real fight at all. Despite being at the very end of the stretch here, the problem is the solution laid back at the Fortress of Solitude. If they could get there in time without being swatted, then they were home free.



Batman: Fine.




Alright then, Batman. What’s the plan?




Batman: We need a diversion, J’onn. Something big.



Nothing but silence overtakes the transmission.



As for Raven, the next thought that came through her head possibly had to have been, in her mind, the most damning task she had to endure as of the last few years.


Having to look down at the marks on her body and back at the gem, the less likely she realized she was going to get out of this in one piece either way. But she was going down with what she believed in, one way or another.


Even if it killed her.



Either way, she sighs heavily.



Raven: I’ve got something big.



Raven?



Rachel?



Raven: But I doubt I can hold it very long.




Red Hood: What the hell you mean—



My powers are driven by emotion. The more I feel, the more energy I unleash. It’s one of the main reasons why I couldn’t stand to lose control under Trigon.




Red Hood: But now—




You’ll be lucky if YOU see this. Bruce, Tim, Barbara, when I give you all the signal, you run like hell. And if I tear myself apart—



You’re gonna tear yourself apart?



Batman: Any diversion necessary is what’s needed to get past them. Raven, do it.


WAIT!



Raven: Azerath Metrion Zinthos…..NECRONOM HEZBEREK MORTIX!!!!




Unleashing her cry, Raven unleashes dark magic throughout the entire city/prison complex, making Lantern lose his grip on Flash and retreat only to have John chase after him. It soon became apparent that Raven had lost control of her magic as her hands began to twitch, her skin flipped colors almost permanently and the marks all over her skin began to radiate with PURPLE.



Ravens dark magic spreads like wildfire all over the entire parking space of the airport, where purple rings of fire burst and pop from every corner, drawing the attention of both crowds and mildly intriguing very few.


Namely Harley.



The veins of red and the rings of fire upturn and pull itself back towards its point of origin, creating this 20 ft tall shadow Raven.



Harley: HOLY SHIT!



Cyborg: Damn it, Raven......



AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!


The entire ground shook and merely half of Arkham City went in flames by Raven's power in Trigon


It was more than likely than he was taken over some Soldiers perished in the flames some Amazons got caught but hardly got killed due to their strengths


Raven's eyes glows red and she levitated up


Red Hood: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!


She set foot on the upper flour of the steel mill and began to raise the fires


Aquaman: EVERYONE GET OUT OF HERE!!!


Everyone made a retreat except Wonder Woman who was about too till she looked up seeing Donna point her sword down to her


Wonder Girl: You're not going anywhere traitor.


Diana grew more angry


Static and Superman even saw what was happening from their end and were horrified not even acknowledging each other


The Batwing even soon arrived as Batman Robin and Batgirl turned to Red Hood


Red Hood: I'm the only one who can stop her. Go find Superman and end this now! GO!


Bruce nods and he and the other two grappled up to the Batwing as everyone else retreated except the Regime members who were just captured and Black Adam..........


.....mysteriously disappeared


Jason turned to Raven who stared emotionless in her red eyes continuing to ignite the flames


Red Hood: RACHEL!!!!!


She looked down to him hearing him and casted at him crack opening his red helmet


Bruce Tim and Barbra boarded the Batwing and readied everything Batgirl was more worried about Jason


Batgirl: We can't just leave him down there.


Batman: He can handle himself Barb. He's right we have to end this now.


Batgirl: But----


Red Robin: Babs he's right. It's now or never.


She hesitantly nodded and Bruce tracked Superman's location and his signal pointed towards the GCPD and he flew over there catching both Virgil and Clark's attention and Batman spoke on the intercom


Superman. Fallow me....if you want to end this now.


Superman: Oh it would be MY pleasure.


The Batwing took off and Superman launched after it and of course Static jumped on his saucer and chased after him


Jason's helmet crumbled completely the beam he was caught in would have obliterated him completely but the reason why it didn't was cause of a side effect from his own dip in the Lazarus Pit after he was killed by the Joker


So you could say it not only boosted Jason's rage but made him....practically immortal


Raven kept casting at him as he got closer and closer to him and obliterated half of his cloths he was merely shirtless and the front of his hair........


.....whiten out


And finally he made it to her under cuts and scratches


Raven: You would give your life.....FOR THEM?!


Jason: No....no not for them. For you.


Her expression lowered


Jason: Only you.


Her expression dropped emotional while her red eyes teared up


Raven: Don't let him take me.


Jason's angry eyes teared up fearing the worst will happen when he does what he's about to do


Jason:.....I love you.



Jason was in between angry and bawling his eyes out at the sight of this. Panting heavily with the sheer notice of what he had to do next, he threw down his katanas aside and gripped another handgun, one that he kept hidden from Bruce.



With tears finally rolling down his cheek, having ushered out the words he always had been meaning to say, he immediately aims at the chakra gem and...…


…..BAM!!!



Titanium composite hollow point bullet with a C-4 kicker. Fastest most explosive ammo in the world.



And that bullet blew straight through Rachel’s forehead, shattering the gem. With the stronghold of Trigons grip held on his only daughter finally broken, so did the demonic entity that once promised to escape through her. In what might as well have been a beam of purifying light, Trigon was wiped out of existence.


He was finally and officially gone.



But at a terrible price, for the former Robin.


In the sorrow of death is the proof of love, of the bonds that exist beyond our reality, beyond the spacetime, matter and energy that makes our world real. And as he held the now limp Raven in his arms, Jason could now well and truly dip into that well of regret and pain that stung Kori for the past few years after losing Dick; he understood what it meant to have loved and lost someone special to him.


But not like this.



Raven’s red-purple ashy skin cascades away, dropping like a thermometer, leaving her skin paler than pale and diminishing the mountain of flames piled up on the roads. Her head dropping back at an angle and her hands going limp, the Azerathian was well on her way out the door.


Jason couldn’t bare the sight of this; not to her. Not his first love.


Holding her up towards his chest, the best he could muster was a tight squeeze, clenching his eyes tightly with tears trickling down his cheeks.



Only one tear falls onto her forehead where the gem used to store itself. Seconds pass before the tear dries up and sinks into Raven’s skin before glowing brightly. From head, shoulder, knees, and toes…..


….Raven was now suddenly illuminated in a golden, white-ash aura, glowing pure white and pure light.



The mere light on its own was blinding to both Jason as well as the giant mutant zombie on the other side. Apparently, Grundy didn’t catch the memo on the Regime being effectively held down and handicapped against their will…..meaning the fight was already over. But with him being distracted, both Bloodsport and Deadshot shot bullets at Grundy's leg which only MILDLY IRRITATED him at best.


Luckily, Harley was quick to react, sliding underneath him and clocking him in the area where the sun doesn’t shine.


To add further insult to injury, Harley gets back up and hits Grundy in the same area AGAIN with her mallet.



Seeing a major chance at a takedown, Static flew out of nowhere, directly behind Deadshot, and launched his Static Saucer directly at Grundy which clocks him hard in the head and barely sliced him across the neck.


But for the coup de grace, Aquaman jumps in from behind and stabs his trident straight through the dead zombies' chest as well as unbeknownst to them, his golden glowing heart.



The dead zombie doesn’t groan or moan. He just lies there, almost frozen.



Grundy: Grew ill on Thursday.....got worse on Friday......di—



He just grows immobilized, mildly growling as he lies back and quietly passes all while the others just looked down on him.



Static: I think he was gonna say “Died on Saturday”.


Aquaman: So would he be buried on Sunday?


Bloodsport: Either way, that’s the end of Solomon Grundy.



This time, they were drawn to the bright light from afar and eventually, it died down after another 10 seconds. All that could see was Raven still carrying herself 20 to 30 feet in the air with her eyes closed.....


…..sporting a new white cloak around her and longer hair.



Jason: Oh my god.



This time with having control of her body, she manages to descend down with relative ease. The first thing she sees is Jason staring at her.


Confused and a little dizzy following that, she just had to ask him.



Raven: Why?


Jason: I’m not letting you go again.



Raven.



She sees Starfire coming by, seeing how miraculously she was saved and how much in her appearance she’s changed.



Starfire: Blue is still your color?


Raven: I think I’ll stick with this for now.


Starfire nodded and flew off to regroup as Raven and Jason looked at each other and she wrapped around his head both sealing their true love kiss


Meanwhile as everything died down with half of Arkham City still of fire Wonder Woman in shackles from her wrists and legs was escorted to the ship the Amazons arrived on with Hippolyta awaiting to pass judgement


Wonder Woman: Mother. Have you made proud?


Hippolyta: Don't make this worse than it already is Diana.


Wonder Woman: Devine worse. Remove her crown and weapons


Donna moved in front of her forcefully pulling Diana's crown off her head giving her a disapproving look Diana stared back angrily at her and the other Amazons took away all her weapons her lasso sword and shield leaving Diana to sigh softly


Diana: After everything I provided you would stand with Bruce and his rebels instead of your own daughter?!


Hippolyta: Do you NOT truly feel the gravity of your crimes?! For the last five years everywhere you went there's been nothing but war ruin.....and death.


Diana: Kal and I preserved order for this world to prevent the real war and crime. Just like you and Zeus.


Hippolyta: So all you done.....the chaos you created.....the innocent lives you took.....all of it was cause you desire control of the world.....for that tyrant.


Diana: It is birthright!


Hippolyta: HIS BIRTHRIGHT......WAS TO DIE!


~Silence~


Hippolyta: As a child.....born on a dying planet. If his parents had not sent him here he would not be here to make you hate me.


Diana: I don't hate you mother. Metropolis changed all of us. Lois's death changed all of us. Bruce let that madman run free countless times and he forced all of our hands......


Hippolyta: Metropolis did not change ANYTHING Diana. You did. You and everyone who fallowed under Superman's rule. You have violated Amazonian Law and you will pay your dept for life.


Diana: So does that mean....execution? You tend to swing the axe at your own daughter?!


Hippolyta: No. Because you are my daughter that is the only reason you are still alive but you will never set foot on Man's world ever again. You will spend the rest of your life......in the DUNGEON.


Diana's heart raced hearing that sentence come from her own mother


Diana: And what of Donna? You'll make her Queen given she's not a real Amazon while I rot in chains?


Hippolyta: Donna strive to undo the damage you have done. She will bring order back to Themyscira and....YES. She will be Queen.


Diana was not believing she was hearing given the girl they took from Man's world was going to take HER place as future queen of Themyscira she had no time to protest as the Amazons behind her FORCEFULLY pushed her to move to the ship and they lock her in the cellar

Meanwhile in the middle of Gotham Hal chased Sinestro through Bleak Island and caught him in a beam above the Panasso Studios and pinned him to the wall


Yellow Lantern: You lied Sinestro. You made me kill Guy for NOTHING!

Sinestro: Please I didn't tell you to kill him. You believed me so easily....all cause of your fear of Superman won you out. Guy Gardner's fate was YOUR choice!


Hal yelled and was about to do something drastic until......

.....he felt a grab on his arm he looked to see John holding him back


Green Lantern: He's beaten. Let it go.


Yellow Lantern: But after everything he's made me do....he deserves to die!


Green Lantern: He does indeed. But that's for the Guardians to decide.


Yellow Lantern: But---


Green Lantern: Hal.


He looks in his eyes


Green Lantern: In brightest day in blackest night......


Yellow Lantern:......no......no evil....shall escape my sight......


Green Lantern:......let those who worship evil's might........


Yellow Lantern:.......beware my power.......


Green and Yellow Lantern's (Both): GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!


They both turned to Sinestro and held him to the ground wrapping him in chains by the beam of their rings and turned to each other


Green Lantern: This is your chance to do what's right.


Hal soft and after four years wearing yellow he finally removes the yellow ring shifting him back to social attire and slowly....handed him the ring


John took it.....and CRUSHED it with his bare hands he took Sinestro's true turning him back to his original image and crushed that too and the two Lantern friends turned to each other


Green Lantern: It's time to go.


Hal:.....I know.

Meanwhile the Batwing was over the ocean with Superman hot on their tail launching after them like a heat seeking missile

Tim picked him up on the radar with Batgirl arming the weaponry and Batman piloting the Batwing

Red Robin: Batman. Superman's on our tail.

Batman: We're almost there. Just hang on.

Red Robin: Something else is fallowing us behind him. But I can't make it out.

Batman: No time to worry about that. We need to get to the fortress.

Superman picked up speed and zoomed in front of them

Batgirl: Awe shit!

Superman grabbed hold of the wing and would have tared it apart until.....

.....Barbra launched a smoke missile at him which barely blinded him but didn't let go of the Batwing

Red Robin: Shit we're screwed.

Batman: Not yet.

The two looked at him odd and just when Clark was about to blast his heat ray he was shocked from behind.....

.....by Virgil

He pulled him away from the wing and Batman gave Static a thumbs up through the window as he flew on and Static fallowed after them

Superman nearly fell in the water but broke his fall by hovering above it and he was more PISSED

And launched after them

Minutes after they finally made it to the North Pole and Tim pointed out the fortress

Red Robin: There!

Batgirl: Let's finish this.

Batman: Robin Status.

Tim viewed the radar and took a moment but it located Superman's signal

Red Robin: He's coming. And he's really catching up. He'll be here less than a minute.

Batman: Can you confirm visually or just radar?

Red Robin: Redar. He's still a mile away but HE IS COMING!

Batman: ALRIGHT! HANG ON!

Batman turned the batwing around slowly with Static hovering above it

Static: So cool. Speaking of cold it is damn cold out here!

Virgil heard the sky cracking and Superman was speeding towards him and didn't take long for the dynamic trio to notice him too

Batgirl: Here he comes.

Red Robin: BRACE YOURSELF!

Batman: BATGIRL NOW!

Barbra launched another missile and soon as Superman was in route he speeded so fast he didn't notice the missile coming at him and when he did he gasped and.....

.....BOOM!

Clark fell fast crashing through the roof of the fortress and landed hard in the main hall

Clark coughed out and looked up to see Bizzarro floating down to him '

Bizzarro: Bizzarro been waiting for Superman.

Clark was both confused and angry to see the zombie image of him and remembering Lex's cloning machine and knowing this was his real plan all along

Superman: So.....you must be Luthor's pet clone. I knew they'd pull you out of your little shell eventually. You don't belong here!

Bizzarro: Superman hurt Luthor. Now Bizzarro stop Superman.

Superman: I am this world's savior. I protect it!

Bizzarro: Superman no protect world. Superman hurt people.

Superman: Only those who do not summit to their superior. Disobedient children will be punished.

Bizzarro: No children. Superman no God. Superman no decide who live and who die.

Superman: The decision IS mine! It became mine when Joker turned me into a weapon of mass destruction!

Bizzarro: Bizzarro know what Superman lost. Bizzarro Sorry for Lois.

Superman: "And Bizzarro judge me"?

Mocking his quotes Clark wouldn't take fond of being judge by a clone looking like a zombie image of him

Superman: After I kill you I'll use Lex's machine to clone another Lois. And when she see's how I've perfected tis world---

Bizzarro: No no Lois be afraid of Superman. Lois be disgusted of world.

Superman: But she'll be alive!

Bizzarro: Lois death no justify---

Superman: HE STOLE HER FROM ME!

Bizzarro: And Superman stole freedom from planet! Bizzarro give it back!


Quickly getting irritated by someone else defying him, let alone Bizarro's lack of proper pronunciation, Clark was literally seconds away from throwing a sucker punch and ending this while conflict right here and now.


Besides, the war had gone on far enough already.



Given how heavy Clark was breathing, nothing would be enough to soothe his boiling rage.




Superman: You want this world?



He slams Bizarro down to his knees with a double axe handle, barely even phasing the cloned copy of the Man Of Steel



Superman: You’ll have to take it from me.


Bizarro: Me no takey.




Unfazed by the axe handle, Bizarro blocks and grabs Clark by the foot before uppercutting him into the ceiling, crashing amongst the very top of the fortress.




Bizarro: Me return rightful owners! People Like Bizarro after me beat you!





Not willing to give in so easily, Superman tears off a large ice chunk off the Fortress and just chucks it at Bizarro, only for him to destroy it with his own heat vision, only blue in color.


It’s at that moment Clark counters with his own heat vision, shattering the entire ceiling directly above Bizarro, trying to bury him within the Fortress Of Solitude.




The ceiling eventually collapses down into Bizarro in the most nonchalant manner of ways imaginable, considering how he didn’t even flinch once everything just collapsed on top of him.




The sight did little to actually amuse Superman. He had looked down at the carnage thinking that he won......



.......only for Bizarro to rise again OUT OF NOWHERE and punch him before grabbing his cape, wrapping it around his neck, and throwing him back out of the hallways.





Ever the persistent bulge, Clark is left yelling out in frustration, zipping back towards Bizarro and clashing with him, forearm first.



Bizarro, ever the mirror match and quick study, countered him, pushing Kal back with a rapid-fire right hook, disorienting him. Undeterred, Kal immediately fires back with a flying ground slam, flying into the sky and lunging down on his opponent from above. Bizarro hardly had to cover up for that…..



….and it couldn’t be any more infuriating to Clark. Was he enjoying this?




Bizzaro: Me am sorry about Lois.


Superman: Oh I bet you are.



Bizarro: Bizarro miss her too.



Superman: You weren't even born when she was alive!



Bizarro: Bizzarro have Superman memories.




This lasted for well over 5 to 10 minutes.






However, the fatigue that he had suffered from a mere hour ago was beginning to catch up to him as his offense became more stuff and more sloppy. As soon as he goes in for a punch, Bizarro just swats it down and blows him far away with his super breath as Clark again bounces his head off another chunk of ice before blowing through the giant ass safe.



For what appears to be an eternity, nothing happens.


Not one move was taken.




At least until the rest of the broken safe splits off into pieces and Superman just zooms off, tackling Bizarro all over the fortress, slamming his head into more pieces of ice until Bizarro just bites his fingers and NAILS Clark in the stomach, knocking the air out of him.


Quenching over and holding his stomach in agonizing pain, the last thing he wanted to hear was Bizarro flunking his pronunciation again. It felt as if he was mocking the High Councilor.




Bizarro: Planet not need you, Superman.


Superman: You’re leaving Earth. NOW!




As soon as he charges forward, Bizarro AGAIN blocks and mollywops him across the face and sends him up out of the fortress, launching him into the stratosphere with that powerhouse punch. Streaking after him, Bizarro sends them flying with two more punches before flying ahead and catching him by the throat.


By the time he descends down with him, he’s picking up tremendous speed up until he crashes back down into the Fortress, breaking off more ice fragments from the top and inside the structure before finally crashing down into the debriefing room.




The force of the crash down renders the real Man Of Steel to that of a bumbling child with absolutely no idea where he was. But in reality, he was absolutely absolved of his energy from the wear and tears of battle.




Clearly from a physical standpoint, there was only ONE clear winner.




Bizarro: It’s over.





But Clark wasn't going to go down so easily as he launched his heat ray again but Bizarro was able to CATCH it with his own pale hand without even trying.



After grasping his other hand over it, he collapses down on the beam before immediately shooting his own at Supes, temporarily blinding him in the face. That gives Bizarro the chance to tackle Superman again, before pounding him to the wall sucker punching him again....



.....and again.....



.....and again......



.....AND AGAIN.





By the time Clark finally grabs the fist, he only gets tossed across the briefing room.



Bizarro held Superman down on the floor by the throat and he kept pounding on his face more and more and more until he finally cracked the orbital bones in his face.


And just when he stopped, Superman FINALLY had nothing left.


Bizarro: You no terrorize good people no more. Me am hero. Me beat Superman.


Superman: Ugh.....you just don't get it, do you? Fear.....is the ONLY thing these people will EVER understand. One day.....if you're smart enough, you walking popsicle.....you'll learn that yourself.


Another punch was coming then but…..



At ease, Bizarro!



His attention now shifted away from the mad tyrant, the crated holes above the Fortress laid the perfect entrance for the Insurgency to enter. Batgirl’s voice was the only one of any concern to him; her being one half of the two that freed him from his confinement.


Batman, Robin, Red Hood, Manhunter, Flash, Aquaman, and the rest of the Insurgency, Teen Titans and Suicide Squad now surrounded the High Councilor; the leader having called them all to bask in this victory.


The victory that mattered the most.


Batgirl: Stand down, big guy. You did well today.


The clone of the Man Of Steel only guffaws briefly, having made his promise to take care of his alternate self a reality.


After five years of ruling the earth with fear and high order...…..Superman had now lost the war.



The war was over.



Superman: So this is it, huh? I don't understand how you all could put up a fight this long. I'll admit....that took guts. But some of you I don't understand. Barry....how could you---


Flash: How could you ask me that?! Killing children is NEVER OK! You should’ve talked it out with him!


Superman: I did! But he---


Flash: The fight doesn't justify it, Clark.



Silenced over the truth, he looked over at Jason.



Superman: I killed the Joker for you.


Jason: It gave you no right to kill Dick.



Starfire: Indeed not. You are worse than any gordamient.



That segways over to Terra.



Superman: Garfield died with Lois. And you still choose to be a criminal?


Terra: If he were alive......which side do you think he would have chosen?



That just left Kal facing downwards in defeat and anguish before glancing back up towards Bruce.....standing over the defeated Kal-El. No use rubbing it in.



Superman: You know I will never stop. You’ll have to kill me.


Batman: I know that. But it’s not happening. Not even you.



Immediately, another sucker punch later and Clark is knocked out flat on his back.




Hours pass and back in the depths of Gotham, which unfortunately couldn’t be saved from the same depths of destruction Metropolis suffered, almost all the Regime forces are currently being taken into custody with most of the generals having been arrested.


Flash and Terra and Jason, however, reluctantly agreed to turn themselves in after the battle was said and done.



They still had to pay their dept to them.



Soon as they were cuffed, Jason looked towards his the closest thing to a father he could’ve asked for and walked right to him. Apart from the conflict that he and Bruce had over the years, it felt necessary to speak to him about this.



Bruce: Look, Jason---


Jason: Before you say anything......I only played by your rules just this once so I could see Superman fall for what he did. But understand this: that was the last time I do that shit. I tried it your way and, to be honest.....it sucks.


Bruce: My way?


Jason: Yeah. YOUR way. Your moral code. Blind Justice. All the law and order crap. I'm just not cut out for it.



After a minute.....Bruce, for some reason, smirked which Jason frowned in confusion. And then, he starts laughing.



Jason: Are you laughing at me? That's really unsettling.


Bruce: No. I'm sorry now. Long when we were together when you were Robin and you thought that I'm all in order? Jason.....I break into private priority without a warrant and beat people up.....almost every night. What about that sounds like law and order to you?


And then, Jason smirked himself.


Jason: Then why are you always giving me a hard time? Don't you remember what you said to me when I first put on that Robin suit? You make the rules.


Bruce: Because they were the only things that kept us alive. You.....were the first to live and not follow them.


He just smirks wider.


Jason: It's good you haven't changed, Bruce. And it’s nice to know you still care.


Bruce: Likewise.



He looked over to see Rachel behind him and he could not go without talking to her first.


Jason: Give me one minute.



Giving himself a few seconds to actually approach her was just as difficult as it was to her, seeing how they both had an awkward eye contact with one another.



Jason: Didn't want to go without talking.


Rachel: Part of me hoped you would.



The sudden shift to poking fun at Jason now was a….welcome if not sudden change. She looked up at his hair where she whiteoutted it while.....she was in that trance.



Rachel: Sorry about your hair.



Jason: Don't be.....I think I'll keep it.



She scoffed and smirked very briefly as it turned into yet another silent moment for the two.



Rachel: So....how's this gonna play out?



Jason: I guess I stand trial.....in and out the Regime. Bruce said he'd give me a patented cell in another Batcave he's building. But will I see you again?



Rachel: Never say never.



Come on, Jason! Time to go.



Looking back at Arthur, Flag and Tim near the SWAT fan, he was aware that he didn’t have much longer. He just nodded and looked at Raven again with intimate sadness in his eyes. He didn’t want to leave but he knew he had to pay for his sins one way of the other.


Jason: Well.....see ya around.



He was just about to turn away but thinking rashly, Raven grabbed his shoulder making Jason turn his head and she pulled him to her face, sealing yet another actual kiss….



….this time, quickly catching Tim and Barbara’s attention but not as much as Terra and Kori. Since when was the last time Jason had ever mentioned wanting to get hooked up with a girl?


Almost never.


So this came in as a pleasant surprise.



Raven: Sorry. I had to do it now.


Jason: Why?


Raven: Just in case.



No need to contemplate over why she would think that, for he understood. Not before leaving l, he plants a kiss on her cheek before giving her one last cheesy smile and turning away, stepping into the SWAT van along with Cyborg.



As for Terra.....there was some catching up to do with Raven.



Terra: Rach? Look, everything I said about you and Jason. All the comments about demeaning and never liking you and Garfield, fuck all of that ok? I was out of line, I was angry that I couldn’t save him.


Raven: Neither could I.


~Silence~


Raven: Garfield’s death was on my watch. I did my best to protect him and my best wasn’t good enough. We might’ve not gotten along on certain terms but.....this is gonna sound awkward.....but I actually liked him.



This surprises Terra, somewhat.



Terra: You did?


Raven: I’m sorry I—Sorry I couldn’t—


Terra: Oh no....I mean.....you were around him more before Jason and I showed up so.....I appreciate you fessing up....besides, he'd wouldn't want us to fight over him?


Raven: Like a couple of high school girls over a gymnastic student.



A mild chuckle overtakes Terra before she nods heavily, turning back towards the SWAT van. With some assist from Arthur, she gets inside.



Barry was the last one who was willingly turning himself in due to his previous allegiance with Superman's Regime to answer for his crimes and atone for his sins. He doesn’t say anything before he enters.


He just looks back at Arthur with a brief smirk from both men and a head nod before Barry steps inside and the van gets taken away.



As the days went by and transitioned into seven weeks, the war had well and truly ended. Five years of pointless scuffling had finally come to a definite conclusion.




As a sign of a job well done, Bruce issued Waller to set up appointments for Floyd, Harley, DuBois, and Cleo at the Gotham General Hospital to remove the nanite bombs from deep within their brains. It was an extremely painful process but at the end, it was worth it.


Nanaue had the special treatment done back at Atlantis to do the same for him.



With Harley still being her crazy self, at least she had some new profound sense of decency like her friend Floyd did. Heck, the same day he got the nanite out, his daughter paid him a visit from where he was in the hospital bed.



Another courtesy of Bruce Wayne.



Despite the two missing one another, they didn’t say anything. They just grasped their hands and smiled. The last time Floyd saw her, she had 14 candles on her birthday cake. Now she’s about to get 19.


And still, the similarities between him and DuBois left the two sharpshooters at a moderate standstill.



In the Batcave in the following weeks, Dinah Lance was getting well patched and was already on the way to a successful recovery. The heat vision burns through her stomach left really nasty scars at the end of it but she was able to get stitches where the pain hurt.


In that instance, she was healed.


She had also set arrangements for her babysitter to bring Conner over to visit her every two days of the week.



This however was not one of those days as the door swung open and in steps Barbara and Selina. As soon as Dinah sees her walking, without her wheelchair, she doesn’t even have to say anything.


All she does ask is.....



Dinah: Is it over?



She just takes the remote and turns on the T.V, showing news channels and broadcasts all over Gotham reporting on the top story right now: the fall of the Regime. With Superman’s forces rounded up, civil order can be restored.


Selina: Does that answer your question?



Filled with joy and relief, Dinah just laid back down on the bed, relieved that this war had finally been put to an end.


But something else had come over her.


Dinah: I’ve heard.


Barbara: Heard about what?



She just points over at Selina, specifically down to her belly. By the time Barbara comes through to what she’s saying, Selina only smirks.



On the planet of Oa, John Stewart had made sure Hal Jordan kept his promise. Delivering both him and Sinestro to the Guardians, he made sure that the two of them would stand trial for their actions.



It wouldn’t have been as bad as how the Amazons handled Diana Prince.



Hippolyta had taken back Antiope's tiara off of Diana, for she had been deemed unworthy to wear it after five years of following the wrong man and supporting the wrong cause.


As she placed the tiara back on a statue of Antiope, she just looks back at her daughter being bound up by her Amazon sisters with a look of confusion and disdain. If they couldn’t get through to her about which side was which, then it’s likely nobody will.



As much as it pained her, Hippolyta sent her only daughter off to be incarcerated in the dungeon for the rest of her days. It was now Donna’s job to protect Man’s World.




And then there’s Strykers Island.



Bruce had taken extreme measures necessary to make sure Superman doesn’t even TRY to escape. So he had funded the most secure spot in the entire prison center to prep a cell for Kal-El.



And there he was, sitting in his maximum-security cell, surrounded by red solar sun ray lamps, dulling out and ripping away his powers. The entire time, Bruce was just standing there with his arms crossed over one another as he was expecting the unexpected to occur.


By this point, anything could very well happen.



What DID happen though was footsteps approaching beside him as Amanda Waller just stood there, taking a glance at the Dark Knight. No word was needed to let him know that she was there. He practically had eyes in the back of his head.



Waller: How’d you pull it off?


He didn’t need to think over to give her an answer


Bruce: I’m full of surprises.


She scoffs.


Waller: From a man like you, I should’ve expected nothing less. But still, I must admit: you did set out to do what you said you would.


Bruce: So you’ll keep your promise?


Waller: I guess I owe you a debt anyways. Once I have the president sign off on it, Selina Kyle won’t be displayed on any more criminal records. If she really hadn’t been the mole, I would’ve been putting her clean on death row.


Bruce: That wasn’t going to happen either way. Superman and his associates have been rounded up or turned themselves in. I don’t want her to be on my conscience when the next step is restoring civil order.


Waller: The transitional government will have its hands full. We’re both gonna need help eventually.



Hey, is this where we come in?



That was the sound of Harley practically being nosy…..and dragging Virgil with him. Peeking her head literally in-between the conversation wasn’t a bad move at all cause they actually were talking about her. Maybe even more.


Waller: PhD, Unpredictability, AND badassery can be a dangerous combination, Mr. Wayne. She might very well be the wild card you need.


Harley: Puh-lease.



It’s one thing having Harley join the Insurgency already. But by this point, it’s not about being the dominant side. It’s about informing the people that things are going to return to normal.


It was well appreciated but not necessary.



Bruce: Thanks......but no. The people need to know that they’re the ones in control, not us. We fought our fight. Now we need to let them fight theirs.



Virgil: Does that mean you don’t have a future here?



A damn good question for such a complicated man. And for a complicated man to give out a simple answer was......uncommon. Not waiting to beat around the bush, he just reaches into the pockets of his pants.....


......and he pulls out a ring.



An engagement ring.



Waller: Lucky man, you.


Bruce: Crime and corruption will return. If anything, Ollie would’ve called me a pessimist. I’m just being realistic......because I feel like it’s about time I take a break. The baby needs Bruce Wayne just as much as this world needs the Batman.


Waller: You know, others will argue that the world needs Superman. That THEY need Superman.



Similar to how Clark told him off about the world needing HIM and not Batman around the time he was brought back to life, it gave Bruce some manner of doubt as to whether or not Clark had a point deep down inside about the world changing.


But as of right now, that was a sight for another day.



Bruce: After all of what he did, he’s no hero. He’s just another thug.....and he’s not getting out. He’ll stand trial just like the others will.


Waller: I’ll be packed in the courtroom to testify against him. Hope you have a damn good lawyer.


He scoffs.


Bruce: Amanda, really?



She just gives him a brief glimmer of a smirk before she walks off and away, leaving the former the Clown Princess of Crime with the Dark Knight. Funny how the tables have turned nowadays and what a difference a few years make.



Bitter enemies turned into better allies.


But that didn’t come without some self-reflection.



Harley: He was right, you know.


Bruce: About what?


Harley: I spent the last five years hunting down a counterfeit god and trying to knock him off his cheap throne to defend a clown who deserved to die. Put in the same position as him, I could’ve done the same thing.


Virgil: If it was my sister, my Pops….I don’t think I’d want to know what’d happen. We’re the most dangerous species on the planet. We never truly know what we’re capable of.



She just looks down in shame all while Bruce just comforts her, knowing that Clark said a similar thing six years prior.



Bruce: I hope for your sake and mine that we don’t have to find out.



Whether or not Harley had to agree to that wasn’t much of a tough decision. After spending years trying to impress the wrong guy, the last thing Harley wants is to go down the same path only to make the same mistakes again…..AGAIN. Especially since she had already confessed her feelings to a lifelong friend of hers.


And considering how her phone was blowing up, Harley didn’t want to keep her girl waiting.



The text said: “Are you finally done yet? I’m starving.”



Harley: B-man. Ivy’s waiting.


Bruce: Ivy?


Virgil: Ivy?



She nods before showing him the text. If he wasn’t aware of how intimate they’ve become over the years before, at least he got a minor glimpse of it now.


Bruce: I’ll take you to her.



He has to lead the way with Harls not so far behind, but not before coming off with a warning. Virgil is quick to catch up.



Bruce: Just keep this in mind: if something ever does happen.....and you do lose it, just know that I’m coming for you.



She chuckles.



Harley: Better get in line then, B-man. If HE ever does get out, you know where to find me.



The three oddly walk with one's arm around the others' shoulder as that leaves Kal-El crouching all alone in his cell, his expression twisted with rage as he balls up his fists, cracking his knuckles as his eyes begin to glow red with heat vision.



Frustration.


Anger.


Annoyance.



It was all there and from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like he’d lose it anytime soon.



Cutting across the hall Cyborg Talia and Jason's cells were next to one another Victor was brooding not believing they lost Talia was stumped not knowing what to do


Jason............


......was lying in his bed looking at a picture of him and Dick Grayson they were standing next to each other in front of the water fountain in front of Wayne Manor looking goofy laughing like kids and Dick rubbing his hair


Jason softly sighed and when he put the picture away he would have taken a nap till.....he stared out to the screen of his cell


He frowned and sat up all confused and slowly......

.....grew a smile when standing up


What.....or who appeared outside his cell.......


.....Deadman smiling back at him

~END CREDITS~


Mid-Credit Scene[]

Quick feet scurried from the cold marble floor to the long sprawl of burned cement ahead of the Parademon. He ran past sentries and other Apokolyptian warriors on guard duty, the flames barely scathing his armor. Reaching the door, he quickly pushed it open to reveal a heavily furnished room of black concrete lit up by flames in the walls held on torches. Other Parademons were standing at attention in rows, and within their stances, a few glared at the new arrival.


Somewhat out of breath, he looked up and stopped breathing.


A heavy-set, large, and imposing figure of grey skin and darker blue armor sat on a black throne. Evil purely resonated from within him, and his immense fingers cracking the grips on his ornate chair proved this. His eyes were colored red, but it was the crackling crimson energy emanating from them that sent fear into the scout.


His lip curled as DARKSEID (Ray Porter) began his questioning.



"What do you have, scout?" Darkseid breathed in a voice that was both ancient and malicious.


Scout: My lord Darkseid. I have been watching the Earth for the past five years, as you have requested.


Darkseid: And?


Scout: Superman has been deposed.


Darkseid cupped his chin with his right hand, smirking slowly but evilly.



Darkseid: Fascinating.



Suddenly standing up, Darkseid stepped down from his throne and started walking around the room, placing his hands behind his back. It was commonplace for him to do this, as the Parademons were all too aware when he was thinking.


Darkseid: Superman will feel my wrath. He had the gall to take my son from me. Now he is going to die, broken and without the aid he once had.



No. NOOOOAARGHHH!



The constant screams of pain and agony finally get to Kalibak as it had ticked him off to an extent. Once he looks up to where the screaming was coming from, his expression quickly changes.


It surprised him to say the least, cause he never expected it. But still playing the tough guy, he pretended to, you know, be the tough guy and play along.



Scout: Is that.....?


Darkseid: Yes.



Attached to the ceiling and being systematically torn apart bit by bit was the warrior dubbed as Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). The ruthless warrior had been decimated and slowly ripped apart by his master for the past eight years for failing to ONCE AGAIN deliver in on his promise to conquest Earth, courtesy of what USED to be the Justice League.



Let’s say that retribution had never felt so good.



Darkseid: I sent him after the Mother Boxes......only for him to be bested by the same wretched Kryptonian six years ago. He’s been isolated in my grasps ever since that day. He made a mistake: underestimating the opponent.



Slightly nervous, the Parademon piped up.



Scout: There is one more thing, my lord.



Darkseid stopped and turned around. A tint of annoyance was visible on his grey, crinkled face. "What?"


Scout: I…I have heard chatter from New Genesis: they have confirmed the Anti-Life Equation is, in fact, on Earth.



Darkseid: I see. And do you know where this is?



The scout looked nervous. He gets no answer.



Darkseid: I didn't think so.



He finished as he quickly grasped the scout by the neck and lifted him up in a surprising amount of speed. The other Parademons showed either quick shock or little concern for their compatriot.



Darkseid: That is nothing. If you do not bring your lord information AT ALL, don't make an effort in the first place.



Feeling bored with the Parademon, Darkseid applied pressure to his fingers and rubbed them against the scout's jugular. A few seconds later, the bug soldier fell to the floor, dead and with a snapped neck ingrained with heavy finger marks.


The others looked on, not giving a care for what had happened.


Darkseid lamented, continuing his strut around the room with his enfolded arms behind his back.



Darkseid: A waste he was. However, the bug made a point. Earth took my son, and I have not given it my due revenge.



A sinister smile drew to form on his face, leading to a deep chuckle from the mad despot. He turned to the nearest Parademon sentry.



Darkseid: Bug, prepare for transport to Earth. I have business I need to attend to.


Sentry: Of course, Lord Darkseid.



The sentry rushed out the door in a hurry, making the twin slabs close in a slow but loud motion. Satisfied with what was going to happen, Darkseid walked back to his throne and sat down.



His eyes begin to sparkle and glow red with the effect of his Omega Beams as he balls his fist, cracking his knuckles. Upon staring up at the sight of the barely functional Steppenwolf from up above, his patience had since then grown weary of his presence.



Not like he was one to care. Besides, he had NONE for the one who failed to get him his conquest for Earth the first time around.


But Steppenwolf persisted.



Steppenwolf: Destiny.....awaits all of them, nephew. No protectors there. No Lanterns. No Amazons. No Kryptonian. THAT world will fall like all the others: THAT......that is the wi-will......Of DARKSEID.



Darkseid: I'm coming for you, son of Krypton. And YOU. WILL. BURN.



Right on cue, his beating red eyes lit up with devastating energy.


Willing to give his nephew some closure but still disgusted with his betrayal, the Lord Of Apokolips quickly put him out of his misery, shooting his Omega Beams from his eye sockets in a zig-zag motion before burning straight through the eyes of Steppenwolf as he screeches in agony long before his body just radiates with heat......


.....and explodes.




The entire time, Darkseid didn’t even bother to look back as the ashes of his disintegrated nephew lay scattered amongst the floor. Only one priority mattered to him now: the death of Superman and the avenging of his late son.


Post Credit Scene[]

~Kahndaq~

The lost civilization where Billy Batson first got his powers and where be became Shazam home of Black Adam

Where he retreated to after the Regime fell knowing now the Regime members are fugitives now it was the safest place for him but a day after returning Adam went into deep meditation

As his trance pulled him into deep DEEP limbo Adam begin to twitch in his vision saw an image of the speed of limit and suddenly entered...........

......a space

No ordinary space but the space where Krypton use to be the remains was an asteroid field his point of view went deep into the deserted space of flying rocks but something shinned at a distance

Adam flinched again in his P.O.V. he viewed close where the shinney spot was and as it zoomed closer and closer and closer.........

.....and CLOSE enough

It turned out to be.....a space ship similar to Kal's ship from before and it was frozen

Adam woke from his meditation and was curious what he saw

Out in the same space that lied Krypton's floating graveyard near the frozen ship a portal opened and entered out was Adam protected by his magic to breath in space and found the ship

He levitated it to him and took hold of it and brought it back with him to Kahndaq

Adam placed it down in the courtyard pulled it open by his magic where cold steam burst out and as soon as it cleared.......

....Adam saw a girl (Chloe Grace Moterz) asleep in it

Adam: Shazam.

His spell forced the girl to open her eyes and slowly sat up and moaned in exhaustion and stretched out

Girl: What....where....where am I? Kal?

Adam: How do you know the name?

The girl looked up and startled to see Adam

Girl: Who are you?

Adam: Black Adam. Protector of Kahndag. I am a friend of Kal El.

Girl: You know my baby cousin?? WHERE IS HE?! I WAS SUPPOSE TO PROTECT HIM!

Adam: Before I answer that. Tell me who you are. It's important I know as well as it's important of the power you will gain here and I will you teach you everything you need to know.

The girl was nervous but given her cousin which is revealed to be Superman just now she had to put her trust in him when knowing he's a friend of his

Girl: My name.....is Kara Zor-El.

~Cuts out~


Survivors[]

(Coming soon)


Deaths[]

  • Lois Lane and her unborn son - Carried to space by Superman
  • All of Metropolis - Nuked by the Joker
  • The Joker - Punched through the chest by Superman
  • Handful of Harley's goon's - Burned to bones Neck twisted and Decapitated by Superman
  • Victor Zsasz - Slit in the Neck by the Red Hood
  • Green Arrow - Beaten to death
  • Nightwing ~ neck snapped by Superman, 'accidentally' (Or was it.....)
  • President Kane Boon ~ blown up by the impact crater
  • Kalibak ~ head split open
  • Commissioner James Gordon ~ Lost his battle with cancer
  • The Huntress ~ Neck broken by Wonder Woman
  • Lex Luthor ~ Lungs crushed by Superman
  • Shazam ~ burned through the brain with heat vision
  • Guy Gardner ~ killed by Hal Jordan year before the fifth year (Off screen)
  • Johnathan Crane AKA The Scarecrow ~ killed by the Joker before Metropolis was nuked (Off Screen)
  • Jean Swan ~ Killed in a riot on 1995 (Off Screen)
  • Solomon Grundy ~ Ganged up on and stabbed through the heart
  • Steppenwolf ~ Vaporized



Featured Songs[]

  • The Squad Fight Back
  • Sick Puppies ~ You're Going Down (Unplugged)
  • Starset ~ Manifest
  • Injustice: Gods Among Us
  • 3 Doors Down ~ Kryptonite
  • Daughtry ~ Drown In You
  • Halsey ~ Control
  • Avril Lavigne ~ Rock 'n' Roll
  • From Ashes To New ~ An Ocean On Its Own
  • Citizen Soldier ~ Weight Of The World

Main Cast Gallery[]


Sequels[]

  • Suicide Squad 3 (Title unknown)
  • Static Shock?
  • Untitled Batman film
  • Girl Of Steel
  • Teen Titans III
  • INJUSTICE: Gods Will Fall
  • INJUSTICE: Fallout


(Coming soon)


Prequels[]

(More coming soon)

MMPA Rating[]

The following film is rated "R", for excessive violence, imagery and strong language throughout....

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