Chapter 1: Death In The Family
"Bruce, this is idiotic," a voice called out. An armored man lay in a pile of rubble. His body freshly thrown through the wall of a first level apartment complex. The bricks, drywall and cement lay around him almost hurrying his body. His left arm flexed repeatedly to regain feeling. As he began to sit up, he could hear the slow and methodical footsteps of his attacker. Looking through the crystal white optical lenses of his steel cowl, Bruce Wayne better known as Batman struggled to his feet. The bat emblem on his armor was now pressed in with a hand shaped print. "I came here with the intention of talking to you. Bruce, don't make me do this."
"The large man stood proud. His chest seemingly always pushed forward as his broad shoulders rolled back. His stand wide, arms crossed over the crimson "S" on his chest. His iconic and unforgettable blue and red suit stood under the moonlight. His hair swept back except for one curl hanging over his forehead. His kind eyes almost pleading while still looking serious. His cape gently rustled in the wind. Heroic, but how else would one expect the infamous Superman to look?
"Bruce ole-" He was cut off my the feeling of a steel fist slamming into his jaw. As the initial hit landed, a gear in the forearm caused a rob that least from the back of the elbow into the forearm to shift backwards then slam forwards adding pressure to the weight of the blow. The force sent a small shockwave into the air. Superman's face was thrown into the wall to his left before his jaw was violently attacked by a left uppercut. Batman sent his best friend, alley and fellow Justice Leaguer flying with a thrust kick. His body slid through the snow on his back. Superman day up to see batman jump into the air, his cape expanding as he came down, both feet slamming into his chest. Superman winced before leaning his head forward, only for the steel toe of Batman's boot to slam into his jaw, throwing it back to the ground.
"You've always been their puppet. Keeping them safe by their rules, Clark." Batman's voice was gruff. His old age seemingly nonexistent. He kneeled down to wrap the cable of his grappling hook around Superman's ankles. "This has been a long time coming old friend." Batman began to spin the cable. His muscles working on overdrive along with force of motion to get Superman's massive frame to begin to raise from the ground and swing in the air. As his body picked up speed, he could feel it slam into the walls and corners of buildings before Batman let go. Superman's body juggled between the buildings in the alley before slamming back to the ground. With a groan, the man of steel began to stand.
"You know you're only making things worse, Bruce, please. The more you fight, the more you look like the villain." Superman continued trying to get through to his friend as he came to a knee. When he turned, Batman was nowhere in sight. "I can hear you Bruce," he said before extending his hand through the wall of the building and ripping Batman's body through the wall by the chest plate of his armor. "Batman I was sent here to kill you! Don't you get it!? They are tired of your war, tired of the fear you spread and tired of you!" Superman yelled trying a final attempt to reach his best friend.
"Their opinion of me never mattered," Batman choked out, feeling Superman add pressure to his throat. He could tell the man of steel was holding back. He counted on it.
"Then I see no other way," Superman said as his eyes began to glow with the crimson color of his heat vision. Batman presses a button on his forearm and the lead plates over his fist broke apart revealing the emerald glow Superman dreaded the most. His body instantly began to grow weak, so weak he couldn't hold the weight of Batman and his armor with on arm. He let go of Batman and fell to a knee.
"This is five pounds of kryptonite Superman." Batman said before standing over the kneeling alien. It's frightening isn't it? Finally being faced with your humanity?" Batman said before slamming the kryptonite covered fist into Superman's face. Superman fell to the ground, feeling something on his upper lip, he rubbed it with his hand. He was shocked at the sight of his own blood. Superman's face grew serious as he used what strength he could draw to fly into Batman, tackling him through another wall. Batman gripped the back of Superman's neck causing him to stop his forward motion. Batman pulled Superman to his feet. Superman could see the wide grin on Batman's face under the steel cowl. Batman slightly leaned backwards before slamming his forehead into Superman's temple. The man of steel was thrown backwards from the force. Into a wall. Before he could regain his sight, he felt the force of Batman's boot slam into his sternum. The wall broke under the force, sending Superman back into the snow with the debris from the wall. Superman struggles to breathe as he looked up to the Gotham night sky. It always seemed so grey, so depressing. Making his way to his knees again, he could see the Batman standing before him looking down. Blood covered half of Superman's face as the now broken cowl cut a deep gash into his brow.
"I never wanted it to be like this, to end this way," Batman said as he removed the cowl. "I just wanted you to leave me alone and let me fight my way." Superman noticed Bruce's heartbeat stop for a moment before restarting.
"Bruce, your heart," Superman force out.
"I want you to know your humility. After today, you will always remember what happened. That in the deepest crevasses of your mind in your most private thoughts, I am the one who beat you." Batman slammed his fist into Superman's jaw again, causing his body to slide down the street. Batman's breath was heavy and slow. Wincing in pain, he gripped at his chest before falling over motionless. Superman slowly recovered and looked upon the body of his friend.
"No," he said softly. "This is not the way I wished it to end." Superman removed the glove and tossed it aside, feeling himself grow even weaker with the action. He sat on his knees, looking at his now passed friend. Images of their past battles rushed through his mind. Batman saving the Justice League from the White Martians. Batman coming to Apocalypse and facing down Darkseid. His strength began to come back to him. Standing with Batman in his arms he flew into the sky. It seemed almost ironic that Batman's life ends as the sun begins to rise.
The sun began to the horizon bringing about the shadows of the night but on this day, there was not a bat to be seen. Wayne Manor's graveyard was alive with man dressed in black to mourn the billionaire. His adoptive son stood before his body, his face blank with tears welling in his eyes. "Bruce, you idiot," he whispered. "You should've called me, you shouldn't have died alone." Dick Grayson, in his mid thirties now buries the man that raised him. He felt gentle hands wrap around his arm. Looking to his left he could see the green eyes hidden behind the black veil.
"Let's go Dick, I know this is hard." Korri said. She was almost his height and wore a form fitting black dress that covered most of her body. She knew Dick wouldn't want the reporters to see Starfire attending the funeral of Bruce Wayne.
"I'm just glad he could have a funeral," he said as he knew Batman would have none. Not like the one Superman died. No one gathered to honor the memory of the Dark Knight. Dick and Korri continued along and made their way to Tim Drake. He was now a young man in his late twenties. His body larger and hair faded at the sides with the top swept backwards. Standing besides him was the brunette with attitude. Jason Todd leaned against a tree, arms folded over his chest looking off into the distance. The white streak running through his hair fell over his face. Dick could only remember the story of Red Hood, the return of the Robin that replaces him. How much stress it out Bruce through physically and mentally. He was welcomed by men he considered brothers.
"Any of you seen Damien?" Dick asked. Jason and Tim simply looked to the top of Wayne Manor. To the untrained eye, it's roofs seemed empty but Dick could see the black cloaked figure sitting perched on the banister of Bruce's deck. He watched from afar, not getting close to any of the others.
"Just like his father huh?" Tim joked. Jason and Dick smiled before they could feel his presence. Clark Kent made his way to Bruce's casket.
"The nerve," Dick said under his breath. Korri could feel his muscles stiffen and tense and his fist clenched.
"Dick, now isn't the time," Korri said softly. "Let's go home." He reluctantly listened, saying his goodbyes to his brothers. In the night, long after Korri fell prey to her slumber, Dick Grayson found himself under the mask. He was perched beside a gargoyle. The same one his father would jump from in Gotham before every patrol. He listened to the silence of the city, the shock of Batman's death must not have set all the way in. He could hear no criminals, smell no blood and yet, all he found himself wishing was for someone to need to be beaten. His suit was now more armor plating and tactical than a body skin cover. His chest is where the most Kevlar was placed. His baby blue emblem now stretched from shoulder to shoulder and spiked where the pointed met. His shoulder platings weren't bulky allowing him full range of motion. He adopted the same style of forearm gauntlets as Batman with the three distinct blades perturbing from it. His legs were covered by steel plates that sat above Kevlar. A sigh escaped his lips.
"I see I'm not the only one unable to leave this place." Dick could hear exactly where Jason was. He hadn't needed to look up nor did he need to do more than listen when he heard Jason exiting the roof door.
"Well if it isn't the rebellious little brother." Dick said as his gaze stayed fixed on the Gotham skyline. His crimson helmet with the crystal eyes was tucked under his left arm. His body armor was much like Dick's but the lower half covered by cargo pants. His leather jacket was black on this day with a red bat like emblem on the back. The exact same as the one on his chest. On his waist say the holsters for his twin custom Beretta pistols.
"All units we have a 10-65 in progress. All units to Crime Alley, I repeat all available units to Crime Alley." Blared over the radio waves.
"Looks like it's time to have some fun, ready to ride?" Red Hood asked. He watched as Nightwing just stood to his feet and looked over his shoulder.
"I'd rather fly," Nightwing said before smirking and jumping from the ledge. His legs were pressed together, toes extended as his arms stretched out on either side. His adrenaline began to pump and he felt the nothingness of the Gotham night sky. As he began to fall, his arms were held tight to his sides. Eyes closed, he held out his grappling hook and fired. On the ground, Red Hood took to his motorcycle. The same one Dick had in his time as Robin but repainted. He raced through the streets, sliding between cars as the location blinked repeatedly on his radar. Within minutes he slid to a stop at the beginning of Crime Alley.
"Alright dip shit, hands off the lady," Red Hood said as he drew one of his pistols. The light from the street lamps causing it to shine. He walked closer to a man in an overcoat kneeled down with two legs visibly spread out to his sides. Red Hood shot a bullet into the air. "I said knock it off happy grab ass!" The man turned, his face had white paint with red lips.
"How'sit goin Hoodie?" Her thick New York accent and red and black attire said it all. Harley Quinn the joker's lover and insane follower.
"Oh shit!" Red Hood said drawing his second gun as he found himself surrounded. A metal canister rolled across the ground slowly before two more rolled in from the opposite direction. Each canister pumped out smoke, covering the entire area. A silhouette dropped between Red Hood and the many goons surrounding him.
"What's going on?" A goon said before the sound of metal clashing with bone was head repeatedly. By the time the smoke cleared, Red Hood could see he was surrounded by bodies and behind a confused looking Harley stood a now darker looking Nightwing. The stand he took over her, the glare felt from his crystal eyes.
"Well whatdaya know, the bat ain't dead afta-" she was cut short of her words when she turned to see Nightwing standing over her. "Boy wonda? You did all this? So does that mean Batsy really kicked the bucket?" Her words were met with silence. Harley looked away from Nightwing. "Ya know, this sucks. After I found out Bats killed Mr. J I wanted revenge but all I'm stuck with are you bird bozos." Harley scuffed at the last word. Before she could continue, Nightwing drove his fist into her gut. Harley leaned over in pain before slowly sinking to the ground. She passed out upon impact as Nightwing turned and aimed his grappling hook.
"Taking to a new style?" Red Hood asked him. In silence, Nightwing fires and repelled into Gotham's night sky. The snow gently landed onto his armor as he continued to run and jump from rooftop to rooftop. It's where he felt free, his mind at ease and thinking became more clear.
What will Gotham do now? Without a Batman this city will crumble. Nightwing thought to himself. He promised he wouldn't become like Batman. He swore he wouldn't be Bruce the day he abandoned the Robin title. His mind was plagued with thoughts as he found himself standing atop Titan's Tower.
"I knew you would come here," a voice called from behind the rooftop entrance. Dick hadn't needed the night vision to know it was his little brother.
"I came to check on you Damien." Dick said removing the mask. "I figured if any of us were hurt the most it would be you."
"Me? You were the prodigal son. He loved you like no other, I'm just his blood." Damien replied. Dick could tell under the hood the teenager was tearing up. Dick quickly closed the distance before Damien could continue, engulfing him in a tight embrace. Damien hesitated, his mind overflowing with emotions, memories and guilt. He could feel Dick's sincerity.
"He loves us both… us all equally. We were his children and his soldiers. Which is why what I'm about to ask you is the hardest thing I've ever asked of anyone or myself." Dick paused for a moment before letting go. "Gotham needs a Batman and it needs a Robin. Damien… come back to the cave, with me."
"What?" Damien asked in shock. "You're joking? You wanted nothing to do with Father's legacy. You preached on and on about how you feared turning into him." Damien began, "now, of all people you want the cowl? I expected this from Jason of all of us."
"Bruce is gone, Selina is gone. Who knows what's happened to Azrael. Do you really think leaving Jason to be Gotham's savior would be a great idea?" Dick's tone grew more serious. "Harley seems to be trying to take over Joker's mantel."
"Harley? Are you serious? She's a fucking joke!" Damien said almost in historics. "To honor my father, I will always wear the red and green, but I will not follow you on his crusade. I have my own path, my own team."
"A team I gave you," Dick cut in. "I made the Titans and without me, you wouldn't be leading them."
"Father once told me I,"" lead the Justice League. We all know he's always intended Gotham to be your problem." Damien turned his back to dick and disappeared into the doorway, "goodbye brother," were they last words Dick would hear as the sun continued to rise. He sighed heavily and looked out over Jump City. His mind wandered to the memory of when he told his adoptive father he belonged with the Titans. Dick slowly stepped to the edge of the tower before leaping over.
Weeks passed before Dick found himself entering the Wayne Enterprise headquarters. He entered a room occupied by Damien, arms folded over his chest covered in a black European style suit clad with a black and silver tie. Sitting to his left was Jason, wearing a wine red shirt covered by a black sports jacket. Dick say across from Damien, only wearing a black button up shirt and black slacks.
"We are just waiting on Tim and then I can tell you the news." Damien said as he uncolded his arms and leaned forward on the glass desk.
"As usual, he's the late one," Jason joked.
"It's called fashionably late thank you," Tim said as he entered the conference room. His Korean style dress shirt had high collars and thick cuffs that he had rolled up to the elbows. His slacks were grey to match the tribal design of the black shirt.
"Now that you are all here, I would love to inform you that father had a will prepared. He left, to all of us, the manor, the company and to Dick, the cape and cowl." Damien's eyes widened as he read the final portion.
"Wait what?" Jason said. Tim simply shrugged.
"He was the first," Tim said, "it makes sense."
"I am the rightful heir to the name, this should be me!" Damien shouted. "You, you left father, left him years ago because you couldn't see things from his side!"
"He made his decision, if any of you need me, you'll know where to find me." Dick stood to his feet and turned his back to the three. "We should set up a meeting to see how we divide the company. Best idea would be for Tim to take over technology. Jason, you'd do perfect overseeing security and Damien, you're perfect for management. Just ideas to think on." He left after his words, he left the three to their silent thoughts, exchanges of glares and sighs.
"He's taken this hard hasn't he?" Tim asked.
"He hasn't seemed like himself for a while now." Damien said. "He actually said he wanted the cowl, and wanted me to help as Robin. Now this, Father sure knows how to create turmoil."