Chapter 1: The man who lost everything.
During Chapter 13 of Blind Justice
The city of Gotham is known to many to be a dangerous place to live. It is home to many psychos and gangs that are hell bent on taking what they want and when they want it. Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that it was an affordable place to live and it was rather easy to get work, no one would want to come here.
A new designer drug named Black Sky swept through the streets of Gotham, specifically in Chinatown, being sold by the Yakuza gang. And there was pandemonium after the death of Mayor Hamilton Hill which both Batman and Police Commissioner James Gordon was blamed for. After which events, riots and gang wars plagued Gotham. Even though things seemed to look up since the arrest of Roman Sionis, Gotham was still a Hell hole.
But, even in a place like that, there can be happiness.
Norman Blake. A man in his mid-twenties with short black hair and eyes, was driving towards the colourful streets of Chinatown. It was his father's birthday and the whole family would be there. For Norman, life was good. He had a decent job and house, living with his girlfriend, Gwen, a blond woman who sat in the passenger seat.
After parking his red sedan in a local parking lot, Norman prepared to leave when Gwen, who was in the passenger seat, seemed to be reluctant to leave the car.
Norman: "Gwen? Come on, we're here."
Gwen: "Norman. I really don't want to go."
Gwen hugged herself for comfort. She looked out onto the streets and saw people in hoodies covering their faces with their hands in their pockets. She swore that she even saw an Asian man with tattoos, usually a stereotypical sign that he was a Yakuza member.
Norman: "Gwen, relax. You have me to keep you safe. And this is my father's birthday. The one time of the year that I see him. And you haven't had the chance to meet him yet."
Gwen sighed. The things that happen often in Gotham such as homicidal clowns and men dressed up in bat suits, had taken their toll on many people. Gwen being one of them.
Gwen: "Norman, honey. When are we gonna leave this city? It's just not safe. How anyone can live here is beyond me."
Norman made a complicated expression. He and Gwen have had this conversation so many times during their relationship that it had become a daily staple in their lives.
Norman: "Gwen. Please, let's not do this again. We have a life here. I've lived here for so long, I can't just leave my job, my mortgage."
Norman tried to hold back his temper. He cared a lot for Gwen and he understood why she was frightened of a city like this, but at the same time, he couldn't just move away. He had to have money to do that. While he lived comfortably, he was no Bruce Wayne.
Gwen: "What will those things matter if you're dead?!"
A loud angry tone came from Gwen. At this point, Norman didn't want to continue the conversation, but he really wanted her to meet his family. That may calm her down and at least give her a nice night to remember.
Norman placed his hand on Gwen's shoulder.
Norman: "I know that you don't like this city, but please. For me, let's have one good night out with the family. I won't let anything happen to you, Gwen. I promise."
Gwen looked into Norman's black eyes and saw that he was genuine in his promise. She didn't like how Gotham was, but she loved Norman, so for him, she reluctantly stepped out of the car.
Norman: "Relax, it's not like they're gonna mug us. Even if they tried, you remember that I have a gun, right?"
Gwen glared at Norman and slapped him in the arm.
Gwen: "I thought you left that at home! If anyone found out you had a gun, they'd call the police!"
Norman held his hands up and smiled.
Norman: "Relax, it's at home in the safe. I'm not gonna bring an illegal firearm with me to dinner. Besides I only need it when I'm working. Who knows when some psycho wants to steal my car."
Norman joked as the two made their way through Chinatown. Looking around, Gwen saw many of the same thing. The streets were crawling with Yakuza and people looking for a fix. Compared to the bright colours of this part of the city, it held such evils within it. She almost regretted even coming out of the car, but Norman was right next to her and had promised to keep her safe.
Norman: "Don't worry. We're gonna have a good time and then we'll go home. You're gonna love my family. My sister especially has been asking me about you."
Gwen: "Are you sure that they'll be okay with me, Norman?"
Norman put his arm around Gwen to comfort her.
Norman: "Of course."
With high spirits, the two entered the restaurant that they were eating dinner at. The Dim Sum. A unusually classy restaurant in the middle of gang territory.
A waiter greets them and takes them over to their table where over a dozen people were waiting.
"Hey! Norman!"
Two young children practically dive from the table into Norman's arms. He catches them and hugs them.
Norman: "Harrison! Henley! It's great to see you two. Are you doing great in school?"
Harrison: "Yes. I got a sticker during class yesterday, so mommy is quite happy. She gave me some extra pocket money for this week."
Henley: "Well, I lost a tooth. I got a pound from the tooth fairy!"
Norman laughed at the antics of his nephews as Gwen shook the hand of a woman with dark hair.
"So you're Gwen. You're quite beautiful just like my brother says."
The woman smiles gently at Gwen, making her feel overwhelmed by her presence.
Gwen: "T-Thanks, umm…"
Gwen didn't know her name, despite having dated Norman for four months. It made the conversation awkward between them.
"Has Norman not mentioned me to you? I guess that sounds like him. My name is Catherine Blake, nice to meet you, Gwen."
Despite the awkward atmosphere, Catherine still smiled at Gwen and introduced herself.
Gwen: "It's nice to meet you too, Catherine."
Catherine: "Hey, Harrison, Henley, could I borrow your uncle for a second?"
Catherine's children got off of Norman who went over to Catherine. She then slapped her brother playfully in the shoulder.
Catherine: "How could you not tell her about me? Your beautiful and charming sister?"
She speaks with mock hurt, teasing Norman who shrugs his shoulders.
Norman: "To be fair, I work really hard. Between my delivery work and Gwen's job as a nurse, we haven't spoken much about family. I have mentioned you, but maybe not by name."
Catherine: "Four months and not even time for mentioning names? To be honest, considering how Gotham is, I'm surprised nothing's happened to you two. This isn't a good place to live."
Gwen folds her arms and stares at Norman.
Gwen: "How many times have I said that?"
Norman gets close to his girlfriend and whispers in her ear.
Norman: "Not now."
Gwen sighed as Norman went over to hug an elderly man with grey hair and beard. His father.
Norman: "Hey, Dad! Happy 70th birthday!"
Norman's father returned the hug with a joyous demeanour. He was happy that he could see his son during the only time he was able to.
Norman's Father: "Ahaha! Norman, I'm so glad you could make it!"
Norman: "I wouldn't miss this day, old man."
The rest of the evening was a textbook family reunion. Ordering various Asian cuisines, the large family consisting of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, all enjoyed this wondrous occasion as they celebrated.
This was the life of Norman Blake. And, while not perfect, was good.
However… Good can have a funny way of turning bad when you're not looking.
Gunfire and explosions began to spread all over Chinatown. The Yakuza was battling an enemy with advanced weapons technology. A black tank-like car zoomed through the streets, blowing away portions of buildings and killing people innocent and not so innocent. An bat-shaped aircraft began raining bullets down towards the streets.
Those bullets rained down into the Dim Sum…
Norman: "Get down!"
This once joyous celebration of a man's 70th birthday turned into a nightmare where death was all too real.
After the hail of gunfire stopped, a chorus of screams and crying could be heard throughout the entire section of the city. Chinatown was burning. And they were trapped with it.
Catherine: "Harrison! Henley! No! Please God, no!"
In Catherine's arms, her sons lied dead. Both had been hit by the hailstorm of bullets that was fired from above. Many in the restaurant met the same fate as barely any had time to avoid the deadly rain of lead.
Norman stood up to see the carnage that had ensued. Many of his family were dead, having been hit by the bullets. Norman could only look on in horror as the flames began to spark all around him. Death and fire had encircled him. He had entered Hell.
He quickly looked around, trying to find survivors. Eventually coming across his father.
Norman: "No…"
Cradling his own father in his hands, Norman felt as the fresh blood flowed out onto his clothing and hands. It was the man's birthday, why should he just have to perish like this on a day like this?
Gwen had hidden herself under the table, praying that she would live through this. She opened her eyes to see death and destruction all around her. She cried as she tried to shut her eyes and pretend that this wasn't reality.
Norman went over to Catherine who was sobbing with her deceased children in her arms. Her makeup was running down her face in dark streams, her hair was dishevelled, and the look in her eyes was a vacant look.
Norman: "Cathy! We have to get out of here, this whole place is burning!"
Catherine never acknowledged her brother who shook her and when he tried to pull her, she slapped him hard in the face.
Catherine: "Get away from me! I'm not leaving my sons here!"
Norman didn't want to leave her, but with the restaurant burning, Norman had to leave with any survivors he could find. He lifted a section of the table and found Gwen, crying and cradling herself.
Norman: "Gwen!"
Happy that his girlfriend had survived, he knelt down next to her and shook her a little.
Norman: "Gwen! Snap out of it! We have to get out of here!"
Gwen opened her eyes and saw Norman there. Overcome with relief, she reached out and hugged her boyfriend.
Gwen: "Norman! Please, I'm so scared."
Norman: "I know. We better get out of here."
Gwen: "What about Catherine?!"
Norman: "We can't help her. We need to get out of here!"
Norman's heart broke as he ran with Gwen towards the exit, leaving his sister to burn was enough to drive him to tears, but his entire family had just been gunned down and he wanted to at least protect Gwen as he had promised.
Escaping the burning restaurant, the streets weren't any better. People running and screaming in terror and bloody bodies filled the roads. The whole of Chinatown became a war zone as Yakuza gang members were firing automatic weapons.
Gwen began to hyperventilate as the possibility of getting shot to death was all too real.
Norman: "Gwen, stay low and move!"
Crouching down, Norman led Gwen by her hand through the corpses that littered the streets and the automatic gunfire that rang over them. The two took cover behind a newspaper dispenser as something sped towards them. A car that had the firepower of a tank began to shoot missiles at the firing Yakuza members, killing them in a explosion. Gwen began screaming as explosions were happening just across the street from her. Norman peeked over the newspaper dispenser to see that there was no one inside the car. That was no ordinary car, that was belonged to Batman.
Norman: "Isn't that the Batmobile?"
Gwen: "Who cares!?"
Gwen was covering her ears and had trouble breathing. Knowing that they had to keep moving, Norman grabbed Gwen's hand and they kept moving…
Above them, an aircraft floated and strafed in mid-air, firing a torrent of bullets across the street. The bullets missed Norman by a hair, but… Looking back, Gwen was frozen. A red spot began to form on her shirt and it grew bigger and bigger until Gwen fell to the ground.
Norman: "GWEN!"
Norman knelt down to quickly check on the condition of his girlfriend. Her eyes remained wide open, blood came from her mouth, and her blood began to flow freely onto the sidewalk.
Norman: "Gwen, come on. We have to go. I-I'll take you wherever you want, we can leave Gotham tonight. We can go wherever you want… Just don't…"
It was too little, too late.
Gwen was gone.
Tears began to come out of Norman's eyes, after witnessing the deaths of his family and girlfriend. He covered his eyes with his hands that were coated with Gwen's blood. The blood seeped into his eyes, somehow changing the colour of his irises.
Taking a look back at the bat-shaped aircraft that killed Gwen, Norman saw someone in the cockpit. A man with a sports suit wearing a black skull mask…
That night, Chinatown burned to the ground.
In the span of a few minutes, Norman Blake lost everything.
After the events of Silent War
After the destruction of Chinatown, everything went downhill. The city was bleeding and there was no mayor at the time to stem the damage. As a result, the local economy of Gotham plummeted, forcing business to make cutbacks, such as laying off employees, like Norman. With no job to pay the bills, it wasn't long before Norman's house was reprocessed.
Now the world was being turned upside down. A former crime lord named Harvey Dent otherwise known as Two-Face was reinstated as District Attorney. After Theo Galavan was outed as a criminal and exposed as Azreal, Sebastian Hady won the mayoral election without resistance. Currently crime was rampant in Gotham, since following the short reign of Emma Grace, there was no one that could unite the gangs and keep crime focused and precise, not spreading in all directions. A massive crime wave was imminent.
Also recently, the world watched as the Watchtower, the base of the Justice League, exploded. Criminals across the world were becoming bolder and there was chaos which the League was struggling to quell. Such as an incident in Khandaq, where Vandal Savage resurfaced with an army and attacked the city, causing military action from Teth Adam otherwise known as Black Adam. The League is currently there to reduce casualties and prevent international war.
With Batman out of Gotham on League business and the Bat Family on business of their own, Avenger was the only active vigilante in the city right now. With Batman not being in Gotham, criminals were extra confident about conducting their business openly, but this only played to Avenger's advantage. It became easier to take them down.
Avenger otherwise known as 18 year old lawyer, Riley Rivers, had been at the centre of the previous two conflicts that Gotham had endured. He had faced so much in his short time as a hero. And now, he was dating Lauren Winters, a journalist who worked for the Gotham Gazette. She was already aware of his identity as Avenger and was instrumental in the previous two conflicts as well.
Right now, the two were in Robinson's Park, sitting on a bench looking up at the stars. Riley was a dark skinned male with short black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a blue coat and jeans. Lauren was a fair-skinned woman with strawberry blonde hair and green emerald eyes. She wore a coat as well and tight jeans with sneakers.
Riley: "Sorry that this isn't what could be called a date and more like a stargazing session, Lauren."
Riley made an awkward smile as he apologised to Lauren who shook her head.
Lauren: "No, this is fine. Neither of our parents know that we're dating, so if we go out to a restaurant, it looks suspicious, right?"
Riley and Lauren decided that for the time being that they kept their relationship a secret from their parents, especially for Riley's sake, since there had been some recent complications in his family. Lauren also didn't want to panic her own mother, going out with a man alone in a city like this, so both decided it would be best if they kept it secret, at least for now.
Riley: "I promise that I'll take you somewhere nice. Maybe a fancy place? I should do something like that right?"
Riley had no idea how dating worked in some ways. He knew he should treat women with respect, but there were things he felt like unclear. Lauren giggled a little, knowing how hard Riley was trying. She snuggled up to him, leaning against his shoulder.
Lauren: "You worry so much about me, but what about you? Ever since Batman left Gotham, you've been hard at work day and night trying to keep the city together."
Riley: "Yeah. It turns out that Batman's fear tactics may have worked more than I thought. Not often do I encounter robbers just walking into a jewellery store and smashing the displays without a care in the world. But, I think I may have it covered."
Lauren: "That's good. Just be careful out there. And don't worry about me, I can wait for that fancy date. I'm fine with this pace. It feels… Nice."
Lauren found Riley's shoulder quite warm in this otherwise chilly knight. She felt like she could fall asleep.
Riley: "As long as you're happy, Lauren."
Lauren: "But are you happy?"
Riley: "Of course I am. I love you, Lauren."
Lauren felt her heart skip a beat as Riley said this without hesitation. She couldn't help but look up at him and want to kiss him. Riley and her locked eyes and began to inch closer and closer to each other, slowly closing their eyes as they got closer and closer…
RING RING… RING RING…
Lauren's cell phone began to ring, interrupting the romantic moment between the two. Quickly checking her phone, she saw that the caller I.D belonged to Vicki Vale, Lauren's journalistic partner.
Lauren: "It's Miss Vale."
Riley nodded, telling Lauren that it was okay to take the call. She answered the phone.
Lauren: "Hello?"
Vicki: "Lauren! How close are you to a TV screen?!"
Vicki sounded rushed as if she was running.
Lauren: "Well, I'm in Robinson's Park, so the television store is across the street, but why?"
Vicki: "We got word that something big is going down at Blackgate Penitentiary. I'm going down to cover it, can you meet me at the Gazette?"
Lauren looked at Riley with a look that told him that something was happening. Riley stood up, walking towards the road, and Lauren followed him.
Lauren: "Yeah. I can get a lift there."
Vicki: "Hurry, we have to get the story before any competitors do."
Vicki hung up the phone. Riley led Lauren to the TV store across the street where a small crowd already gathered, watching the news. Jack Ryder, Gotham Gazette's news anchor, was telling the story.
Jack Ryder: "Good evening, everyone, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you a breaking news bulletin."
An image of Blackgate Penitentiary came up on screen. It was blurry, but it was clear that there was a fire at the prison.
Jack Ryder: "We have reason to believe that Blackgate Penitentiary once again is in a state of panic after a mysterious fire broke out and the prisoners are now rioting. These rumours haven't been confirmed, but Vicki Vale will be on the scene shortly and we will keep you updated as the story breaks. This is Jack Ryder with your Gotham evening news."
The TV stations then went back to their regularly scheduled programming. The crowd quickly left to return to their homes or find safe haven as another crisis seemed to be coming. Riley and Lauren looked at each other, knowing what the other had to do.
Riley: "Lauren. I'll drop you off at the Gazette. But, I've got to go."
Lauren made an understanding nod.
Lauren: "I know."
The two got onto Riley's motorbike and took off towards the Gotham Gazette building.
While on the bike, Lauren began to wonder about how a sudden fire at Blackgate could have sparked a riot. Surely after all this time, Blackgate must have precautions in place, but at the same time, this was Gotham.
Riley: "Are you thinking about what happened at Blackgate, Lauren?"
Lauren: "Yeah. Usually there's something else behind something like this. Do you think someone set that fire on purpose?"
Riley: "Absolutely."
It wasn't long before Riley got to the Gotham Gazette, it was time for both Riley and Lauren to do their jobs. Lauren got off the bike and kissed Riley on the cheek.
Lauren: "Be careful."
Riley: "I will."
Saying their goodbyes, Lauren ran into the building while Riley drove his bike into a nearby alleyway. Making sure that nobody or no cameras were nearby, Riley pressed a button that was on a watch on his wrist and the bike in front of him transformed. The wheels turned into engines and the bike became a high-tech sky cycle that was given to him by Cyborg of the Justice League after the Watchtower's destruction.
In the trunk of the Sky Cycle was a suitcase. Opening it up revealed a black costume with the letter A on it…
Narrows
In the Narrows which was known as the poorest and most crime-ridden part of Gotham, sitting in a condemned building, someone was sitting in a chair with the radio turned up next to him. The only visible light that was on in the building was the TV.
The room was filled with broken boards for flooring. A rotten ceiling and walls. Not what most people would call a home, but in Gotham, those that had nowhere to live fought for a place to call home.
And this was home for Norman Blake. The man who lost everything.
After losing his job and his home following the death of his family and girlfriend, Norman found shelter in the Narrows. His life and himself had changed. His eyes had somehow been dyed with the blood of his girlfriend, changing his irises blood red.
After some time to grieve, Norman began to think. Who was the person who did this to him? It wasn't Batman, someone used his stuff, but it wasn't him. Someone killed his family.
Black Mask otherwise known as Roman Sionis.
Before long, Norman's every thought began to be fuelled by vengeance. His every night was plagued with nightmares reliving that horrible night and his days filled with images of Roman Sionis dead at his feet.
However, Sionis was behind bars at Blackgate for his crimes against Gotham and the destruction of the Chinatown area. Although most people would have closure from the thought, Norman didn't. Someone like Sionis should have been killed a long time ago. The man was a sadistic monster that had no mercy within him that wouldn't care if he shot a toddler at point-blank range.
Norman had no outlet for his anger thus he took to drinking often and found himself passed out more than not. Listening to the news, hoping that an opportunity would come and sure enough…
Jack Ryder: "Good evening, everyone, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you a breaking news bulletin."
The opportunity came.
Norman sat up from his chair and looked at the screen closely as if he was trying to tell if this was a dream and he was passed out from drinking or reality.
Blackgate Penitentiary was on fire and a riot had broken out. For Norman, that meant one thing.
The one chance he was waiting had come.
Putting on a leather coat over his red long sleeved shirt, Norman walked with purpose over to a drawer in a cabinet on the wall. Inside was a Glock model semi-automatic handgun. Aiming it, trying to get a feel for the weight, Norman cocked it and concealed it before leaving the apartment.
Going down the stairs, Norman walked past a tanned man wearing a wife beater and torn jeans. Norman had issues with this guy, since he moved in.
"Hey!"
Norman didn't stop and that offended the guy as no one wanted to be ignored.
"Hey, don't just walk…"
Trying to stop a vengeful man is a bad mistake. Trying to stop Norman, the man had tried to forcibly pull his shoulder, but he was grabbed by the crimson eyed man and thrown through the door leading to the street. Walking out through the door, Norman violently kicked the downed man in the head.
Taking some keys out of his pocket, he got in a black car and drove off down the road.
Turning the radio on, Norman drove through the streets of Gotham aggressively.
Vicki: "This is Vicki Vale, live from Blackgate Penitentiary."
The radio was tuned into the news where the faint sounds of a helicopter could be heard in the background.
Vicki: "As you can see, behind me, Gotham's finest have barricaded the entry to the prison. Inside the prisoners have gotten out of hand and are rioting inside the prison. Sources indicate that leading the prisoners is the notorious criminal, Black Mask."
Norman's eyes became deadly fixed on the road ahead as he accelerated.
Nothing was gonna stand in his way.
Roman Sionis was a dead man.
Overhead, a flying sky cycle rode through the city's skyline. Riding this bike was a boy dressed in a black sleeveless uniform with a mask with an open mouth and white transparent material for eyes. He wore black long gloves that went halfway up his forearm that were laced with Kevlar. And he wore dark cargo pants and boots. On his chest was a red coloured "A".
Avenger was also on his way.
Inside Blackgate
The inside of Blackgate was a complete mess. Prisoners were setting the prisoners ablaze while trying to get their hands on any guards they could find. Any that were lucky enough to escape were trapped behind a checkpoint station.
Blackgate was lost.
The warden, Donald Griffin, was being dragged by his arms towards someone who was dressed in a white sports suit and wearing a black skull mask.
Turning around, Roman Sionis looked down at the warden of Blackgate.
Black Mask: "Well, Donald, excellent job you're doing here at the prison. My boys are very happy that you've been making their stay… Pleasant."
There was dark intentions in the voice of Sionis. He was known to enjoy the suffering of others. Donald was in a stated of fear, being surrounded by criminals and on his knees in front of a known killer.
Donald: "R-Roman… Please, you don't have to do this. I'll give you the codes so that you can leave through the sewer network. Just don't kill me."
Donald pleaded for his life. However, Roman knew what he was really doing. Getting face to face with the warden, he spoke silently but his words felt like the kiss of death.
Black Mask: "Do you really think I'm that stupid, Donald? You expect me to fall for that little trick?"
Donald: "W-What trick?"
Black Mask: "The one where there's a S.W.A.T team stationed in a checkpoint in the sewers in the event that hostages are taken. The second we go through the sewers, we'll be fired upon."
Donald felt his hopes of surviving slip away as Sionis knew what they were up to, but Donald had to try anyway.
Donald: "W-What are you talking about…"
That was a big mistake as Roman kicked Donald with the heel of his shoe. Donald's head was forcibly pulled back by Sionis' men as the warden began to bleed from the nose after the blow.
Black Mask: "Don't lie to me! You think that I'm that stupid?!"
Sionis began to punch Donald several times as blood spurted from the man and onto the crime lord's pure white suit that became almost a crimson red. Very soon, the warden fell to the ground, the life having been beaten out of him.
Wiping the blood from his mask, Sionis began to walk down the corridors of Blackgate followed by his men who were somewhat intimidated by the display.
Outside Blackgate, Commissioner James Gordon, an middle-aged man wearing his brown long coat, held a radio in his hands. The S.W.A.T team was ready to go in and get this situation under control.
Gordon: "Captain! I'm giving you the green light!"
The team was inside an armoured vehicle, ready with riot gear and automatic weapons.
Captain: "Acknowledged! We're going in!"
The S.W.A.T Van was allowed past the barricade made by Gotham City's Police Department and rode up towards the gate. But, since the gate was controlled by a control centre inside the prison, the gate can only be opened from the inside.
Captain: "Commissioner. The gate is still up, we can't get in unless someone on the inside helps us out."
Gordon: "Don't worry, we have someone."
Inside the prison, the escaped criminals that had controlled the control room were all taken down. Knocked out by someone who knew how to fight.
Avenger: "Gordon. I'm lowering the gate."
Avenger had managed to enter the prison and he worked his way to the control room so that S.W.A.T could come in and clear up this situation while he gave them a helping hand by taking out any prisoners that he came across.
As the S.W.A.T van entered the courtyard that led into the prison, Lauren, who was in the news helicopter recording footage for Vicki Vale to report on, smiled. She knew that Riley was safe for the moment and the situation was starting to resolve.
But, someone else had gotten inside the prison. Hiding underneath the van and entering the courtyard, Norman waited for the S.W.A.T team to leave the van and enter the prison before he entered as well.
A sense of rage fuelled the adrenaline in his body, knowing that the man who murdered his family was in the same building. The sadistic crime lord, who only cared for his own interests, gunning down whoever he pleased…
Now Norman was going to kill him.
Working his way through the prison, Norman wanted to avoid any confrontation with the S.W.A.T, his only target was Sionis, he didn't need to have a gunfight with the police unless they made it necessary.
The cell blocks were nearly deserted, save for a few criminals looting the bodies of a few dead prison guards. Norman walked past a few of them, but one of them was interested in this new arrival.
"Yo, nice clothes. Care to share them?"
The criminal who was dressed in an orange jumpsuit which was standard for any prisoner. That orange jumpsuit becomes terrible to wear overtime as it is one of the few pieces of clothing given to prisoners. And gaining new things to wear would help when they escape from prison. A shared thought between the criminals that were surrounding Norman.
"Man, check out this dude's eyes! Where did you have that done?! You look like the Devil!"
Everyone seemed impressed with Norman's crimson coloured eyes, but he was wasn't in a mood to be slowed down.
Norman: "Move out of my way."
Norman threatened the men in front of him. As a result one of them, who had a gun, aimed it at his head.
"You think you're the only guy here that has a gun? I will pop you! You think you can threaten me? You're nothin, but some punk ass…"
BLAM!
A single gunshot rang out and the prisoner went down. A bullet went right through his skull. Norman had the better draw.
The other prison guards held their hands up and started to back off, but Norman wasn't done.
BLAM! BLAM!
More gunshots were fired by Norman, killing everyone in the room except one. He walked over towards the man and pulled him up by his collar.
Norman: "Where is Roman Sionis?"
In response, the criminal slowly pointed his finger down the corridor.
"H-He went that way! But, he has some real firepower with him! You just asking to get shot!"
Norman: "Thanks for the tip."
BLAM!
Norman executed the man he questioned. He was moments away from seeing the man face to face and he wasn't gonna let some prisoner shoot him in the back or knife him. Before leaving, he picked up the second gun.
Walking through the corridors, he passed the corpse of a man that appeared to had been beaten to death as his face looked unrecognisable.
Just ahead, was the steps upwards towards the roof of the prison. At the top of the roof, Roman Sionis was waiting with a group of armed men wearing black masks.
Lauren was recording Sionis standing on the roof from her helicopter, slightly worried that they were close to murderers with machine guns. She wasn't about to take the risk of being shot down.
Lauren: "Pilot. Can we move away from the prison? It's not safe here anymore."
However the pilot didn't respond. In fact, the helicopter started going closer to the roof.
Lauren: "Pilot! What are you doing?!"
The co-pilot then turned his head at Lauren and smirked at her. He then pulled out a gun and aimed it towards Lauren.
Co-Pilot: "Yeah, I'm afraid plans have changed."
Lauren gasped as she backed herself against the back of the helicopter. She became frightened that once again, she found herself at gunpoint. The helicopter landed on the roof of the prison where Black Mask was waiting.
Causally walking to the helicopter, he took a look at Lauren who was repulsed by Sionis' appearance as his white suit was covered in blood.
Black Mask: "Oh, don't mind the blood, sweetheart. I just killed a man with my bare hands."
Sionis chuckled as he put a gun to Lauren's head, forcing her to strap in on one of the seats. She covertly reached into her pocket and called Riley's phone…
Black Mask: "Now, get us out of here."
Pilot: "Roger, boss."
The helicopter's rotator blades began to again propel the helicopter into the air, but Sionis had noticed Lauren's hand in her pocket.
Black Mask: "What's that in your pocket, young lady?!"
Pulling her hand out, he saw that she had called someone.
Black Mask: "Trying to call for help, are you? Well, don't count on anyone helping you in this situation…"
Avenger: "Wanna bet?"
Avenger, having received Lauren's call, kicked Sionis in his head. He had climbed up the side of the prison to avoid Sionis' armed men to get the drop on him. Lauren quickly unclipped herself from her seat, but if she jumped out of the helicopter now, she would be shot by the armed men below.
Sionis recovered and tried to shoot Avenger, but he kicked the gun out of his hand and then kicked Sionis in the chest, knocking him down.
Avenger: "You're going back to your cell, Sionis."
Black Mask: "Screw you, kid! I ain't going down again!"
Sionis quickly got up and landed a punch across Avenger's head, but he retaliated with a chop to the stomach. The co-pilot tried to help his boss by aiming his gun at the vigilante, but Avenger tossed his baton at the co-pilot's head. Sionis then managed to grab Avenger by the neck, trying to strangle the life out of him. Lauren whacked the news camera across the back of Sionis, forcing him to let go of Avenger. Angry, Sionis grabbed Lauren and held her neck tightly.
Black Mask: "What's next, kid? You want her death on your hands?!"
Avenger: "Don't be stupid, Roman! Just let her go and surrender."
Avenger tried to speak calmly and rationally, but Roman Sionis has never been known for his rationality.
Black Mask: "The Black Mask doesn't surrender. He wins. So what now? Can you save her, hero?"
Avenger didn't know what to do here. Lauren's neck could easily be broken by the stronger Sionis who knows how to murder people. He didn't want another person that he loved become a victim, but what could be done here?
Norman: "Sionis!"
The violent yell of Norman Blake followed by several gunshots then reached the ears of the people inside the chopper. The men that had been guarding the crime lord were gunned down and he fixed his crimson eyes on The Black Mask.
Black Mask: "Who the hell is this fool?!"
Avenger asked himself the same question, but the distraction was enough to punch Sionis in the head, freeing Lauren.
The pilot, noticing that things were getting out of hand, began to pull the helicopter away from the prison. But, Norman wasn't going to be denied his revenge. He ran faster than he'd ever ran before towards the edge of the roof. When he reached the edge, he jumped…
Reaching his hand out as far as it could go, he grabbed the chopper's landing skid and held on, but he dropped one of the guns he had. Inside, the fight between Avenger and Black Mask continued, as the former knocked the latter with a sweep of the legs. Getting back up, Sionis dived at Avenger, knocking him back with his shoulder. With him momentary stunned, Sionis grabbed Lauren again.
Black Mask: "Ready to go skydiving?"
Sionis spoke with sadistic glee as he held Lauren close to the edge.
Lauren looked at Sionis as if pleading to him, but he didn't care.
He dropped her from the chopper.
Lauren: "AAAAIIIEEEE!"
Avenger: "No!"
Avenger dived out off the chopper towards the rapidly falling Lauren. Catching up to her, Avenger pressed the button on his watch.
Avenger: "Lauren! Hold on to me!"
Lauren grabbed hold of Avenger as the ocean seemed to get closer and closer to them. The sky cycle then arrived, travelling downward along with the two. Mounting the bike, Avenger pulled the flight controls upwards and they just barely managed to avoid a fatal collision with the water's surface.
Avenger: "Lauren! Are you hurt?"
Lauren held on tightly to Riley. She had closed her eyes, expecting to meet her end, but opening them, she was on the sky cycle. Shaken, but still alive.
Lauren: "N-No. I'm okay."
Avenger took a sigh of relief.
Avenger: "Thank goodness. I'm getting you somewhere safe and then I'm going after Sionis… And whoever that other guy was. Who was he?"
Back on the helicopter, Sionis watched as Avenger and Lauren flew away on the former's sky cycle. Tutting in irritation that they didn't die, he sat down in his seat.
Black Mask: "Pilot. Get us back to the safe house."
The pilot nodded. As the helicopter began to head towards the city, Sionis relaxed as he believed he had won this day and his prize would be Gotham, now that he can lead the city's gangs unopposed. But, he hadn't escaped yet.
Norman: "Die."
Black Mask: "What?!"
BANG!
Sionis moved just in time to avoid a gunshot that ricocheted off his chair and hit the pilot in the head. He quickly ran up to Norman and twisted his arm, causing him to drop the gun, but got headbutted in the process.
Black Mask: "Who the hell are you?"
Norman: "Your executioner."
Norman began to furiously punch Sionis. He had finally gotten his hands on the man that destroyed Chinatown and his entire life. However, Sionis wasn't one to go down easy. He fought back with right hook to the head of Norman who retaliated with a punch to the stomach. Kicking Norman back, Sionis tried to go for his gun, but Norman dived onto him and started pounding on Sionis' Mask.
With the pilot dead and co-pilot out cold, no one was flying the helicopter. It soon spun out of control as both men held on for dear life. Norman managed to recover his gun and attempted to once again shoot Sionis, but the spinning of the helicopter made it difficult to get a good shot.
The helicopter descended at a dangerous speed towards the streets of Gotham. Their fall came to a sudden stop when the chopper crashed into the road, taking out street posts and carving a path through the concrete. The chopper was a complete wreck.
A hand reached out from the wreckage and slowly claws it's way across the ground. Roman Sionis was still alive and he climbed his way out of the wreckage. Norman had also survived, but was disoriented from the crash and he was bleeding from his arm as a piece of metal had penetrated his arm.
As Sionis limped away from the wreckage, Norman pulled his arm free from the metal that pierced his arm. With his gun in hand, Norman pulled his upper body from the wreckage and, with Sionis in his sights, he aimed his weapon.
This time he had the perfect shot…
CLICK…
But the gun was empty.
Norman was in disbelief. Of all times for the clip to be empty, why now?! He tightened his fist so tight that he almost broke the skin. He slowly pulled his entire body from the wreck, but by then, Sionis was too far away and Norman was in too bad shape to chase him.
Norman: "SIONIS!"
Norman shouted at the top of his lungs towards the heavens. As angry as he was, it was all for naught. Lying down on the ground defeated, he could only watch as a car pulled up on the road ahead, filled with men wearing black masks.
"Boss! Get in!"
Sionis got into the car and drove off with his gang.
Norman slammed his fist into the ground in frustration.
Arkham Asylum
As the incident at Blackgate Penitentiary was occurring, there was something else happening at Arkham Asylum, a prison for the criminally insane.
Rick Troy who had been admitted to Arkham for exhibiting signs of insanity and losing his grip on reality was being escorted through the halls of the Asylum. He had his eyes down towards ground as if he was contemplating what had happened.
The corridor was a massive white cell block that was full of cells that were made of strong grade polycarbonate glass. Maybe of the Gotham villains that had plagued Gotham for years were on display.
Criminals like…
Killer Croc: "Hey, fresh meat! It's been a while since someone new came through here."
Mr Freeze: "There are too many imbeciles here already."
Poison Ivy: "He looks a little cute with that look of hopelessness."
As the long walk down the white corridor continued, there was one inmate that recognised Rick. He was a white skinned male with green hair and a psychotic grin.
Joker: "Oh, Ricky! Dear boy, is that you?"
Joker spoke in gleeful surprise. Rick had come to a stop and he slowly turned his head to look at The Joker. These had met before and it was the main reason why Rick eventually ended up in Arkham.
"Keep moving!"
The guard with an assault rifle ordered, but Rick stared at The Joker, almost mesmerised by the Clown Prince of Crime.
Joker: "I can imagine the fun we'll get into. We'll have a sleepover like before, we'll even invite Rebecca! I can just picture it now."
Rick's mind began to twist and turn, he didn't know if he should be angry or laughing. Life was nothing but a joke to him at this point. Why cry and yell when you could just enjoy the moment and have fun?
"I said, move!"
The guard tried to jab the barrel of his gun into Rick's back, but he moved and, quickly turning around, wrapped the chain of his cuffs around the back of the guard's neck. With the life being choked out of the guard, two doctors came out. One of them held a needle containing psychiatric drugs, but Rick headbutted him before he could jab him with the needle. The other doctor tried to unlock the cuffs around on Rick's hands before he could choke the now passed out guard, but once they were unlocked, Rick delivered a solid knockout punch to the doctor.
"Rick Troy! Get your hands in your air and stand down!"
A few of the guards on the upper level of the cell block aimed their assault rifles at Rick, but he picked up the one that the guard he strangled and wildly fired at the guards, killing a few of them in the process, and the others took cover, afraid to shoot back. In that life of work, getting killed by insane criminals was too common. The guards that were alive retreated to get backup.
Rick picked up a keycard that was in the guard's pocket and, holding his gun in his hands, he smiled sinisterly as he laid eyes on The Joker who didn't even flinch at the fact that the man with the gun is focused on him.
Joker: "Why, Ricky, I didn't know you had it in you."
Rick: "Neither did I."
Rick's face erratically moves around as he speak. He giggles as little as he slides the keycard against a console next to Joker's cell, unlocking the door and causing the glass to slide open.
Rick: "Haven't the tables turned now eh, Joker? Now you're trapped in a room with nowhere to go. Ha… Hahaha!"
With a maniacal laugh, Rick aims the rifle at The Joker's head.
Rick: "Looks like you're going out on a bang, after all."
Joker smiled as he pulled a small shiv knife slowly from his sleeve, unbeknownst to Rick.
Joker: "Oh, I'm counting on the bang. Just not yet!"
With quick and preciseness, the shiv knife, thrown by Joker, ended up in the arm of Rick. Joker quickly ran out and wrestled with Rick over control of the gun. Eventually, Joker overpowered Rick and kicked him into the cell. Picking up the keycard, the Clown Prince closed the cell, trapping Rick inside.
Rick: "No! No!"
With his teeth bared in the form of an insane grin, Rick started banging against the cell glass with his face pressed against the surface. His eyes fixed on The Joker who was laughing.
Joker: "Hahahaha! Haha! Ricky, Rick, Rick. I have to thank you two times over! You must be one of the best friends I ever have!"
The Joker spoke as if he was either taunting Rick or genuinely thanking him.
Rick: "Haha! I'll kill ya! I swear, Joker. If I get outta here, I'll put you under!"
Rick's grin became more twisted and evil as The Joker began to walk down the white corridor.
Joker: "Well, it was good seeing you all again, but I have unfinished business back in Gotham. So I bid you all adieu! Saronara! Arrivederci!"
"Hey! Jerk-off!"
That familiar voice was all too clear to The Joker. A woman with fair skin and blond hair tied in twin-tails. Glaring at him with her blue eyes, Harley Quinn, wanted to tear the man in front of her apart.
Harley: "Forget someone the last time you escaped from Arkham, you scum-sucking pig!"
Joker practically danced over to Harley's cell and smiled innocently at her.
Joker: "Why, Harley, I'm hurt. Why would you insult daddy like that? What have I ever done to you?"
Harley: "How about everything bad imaginable?! My life has really gone downhill since I met you. You couldn't care less! Heck, you left me here so you could go sleep with someone else!"
Joker: "Ah, that? I was just having a nice little sleepover and one thing turned into another and…"
Harley covered her ears.
Harley: "Stop! Stop it!"
She fell down down to her knees, trying to block out any noise coming in. She acknowledged that the person in front of her was poison. She loved him, yet hated him. She knew that what she had wasn't love, it was obsession. They weren't the same thing.
What Joker did next was something she didn't expect. He unlocked her cell and knelt down next to her, hugging her.
Harley: "What are ya doing, Mistah J?"
Harley could only speak dumbfounded as Joker looked at with a caring expression.
Joker: "My little Harley, I would never abandon you. I've always came back for you, didn't I?"
Harley slowly nodded.
Joker: "I'm sorry I didn't break you out last time. Let me have the chance to make it up to you. Come with me and let's have fun like old times."
A little voice in Harley's head told her that Joker was lying, just like he always had, just to get her back on the wrong path again. But, several other voices in her head told her that her puddin was waiting for her to come home.
She took his hand and stood up with him.
Joker: "Let's go home, Harley."
As Joker and Harley left, Poison Ivy, who had been best friends with Harley for a long time, could only stare in disbelief as her friend once again fell to the manipulations of this psychopath yet again. She had tried in the past to dissuade her from returning to The Joker, but what could she say that would stop her now?
Even those Harley had a pleased smile on her face, like a kid who got the present she wanted at Christmas, The Joker's expression was one of evil and sinister intent.
The Next Night
Following both Black Mask's and The Joker's escape, Norman managed to return back to his apartment in the Narrows. He fixed up the wound on his arm and was busy watching the news again. He had been sitting in the same spot all day drinking whiskey and glared at the TV waiting for the follow-up news on the breakout.
Jack Ryder: "Ladies and Gentleman, it has nearly been 24 hours since a stunning breakout at both Blackgate Penitentiary and Arkham Asylum took place. Three dangerous criminals such as Roman Sionis AKA The Black Mask, The Clown Prince of Crime; The Joker, and his most well-known accomplice, Harley Quinn, all broke free from their containment at their respective confinements. This could potentially lead for some dark days for Gotham as both Black Mask and The Joker are both rivals in their various crime syndicates. With crime suddenly risen to an all-time high since the Watchtower explosion a few weeks ago, another gang war may be on the horizon. Mayor Sebastian Hady had this to say regarding the incident."
The screen turned to Mayor Hady standing at a podium in front of the press at City Hall.
Hady: "Now this is the reason why I became Mayor of Gotham. Too long have the filth had the run of this great city. I will promise you, the people, that we will catch these criminals without the help of costume vigilantes and restore law and order to this great city."
The screen went back to Jack Ryder.
Jack Ryder: "Whether the new Mayor can follow through with this promise, only time will tell. I'm Jack Ryder, evening news."
SMASH!
Norman threw the now empty bottle into the television set, breaking the screen into pieces. He sat back in his chair in the now dark apartment, covering his face with his hands.
He had him! He had Roman Sionis dead in his sights! If only there was an extra bullet in the chamber…
Norman could only curse himself. He had lost the only chance he had to kill the man that destroyed his life. Now it was impossible. Sionis had returned to his organisation, meaning it was now impossible to get to him without going through an army of criminals. Norman didn't have enough bullets for that.
But, there may be a way. But, it caused Norman to ask himself a question.
Norman: "How far am I willing to go for revenge?"