'Tonight on at eight o'clock news. Crime common in every city and state, but a wave of corruption and violence has washed over New York...
As criminals and gangs migrate from cities across the country, now here's Jessica with our latest development into this story'
'Jessica here! And right now I am in front of a massive crime scene where a deadly shoot out between two notorious gangs has erupted.
One side were members of local city gangs while the other were members of the Black Mask gang only seen in the city of Gotham, but this isn't the only scene just one of many, now lower city of New York has become a war zone!
Police advise that anyone residents should keep doors locked! And anyone passing proceed with caution'
'That is it for tonights new, I hope and pray you all be safe'
New York Docks
As a vacant dock sat by the river, in the quiet night. The end of summer coming as cold air was present.
Boom!!
A massive tower blaze of red shot up illuminating the waters. A shower of shrapnel fell, as a cloud of smoke began to rise. A survivor of the explosion parading a skull shaped mask attempted to escape. Limping out of the inferno, he covered in ash and blood. Acting frantic after seeing a horrific scene.
"Fuck! This can't be happening!!" He huffed out
As he was about to reach the street, a dart shot into the back of his neck. Falling to the pavement, blood began to leak from his neck. Cold footsteps had echoed soon a hand tugged the cresent shaped dart out.
A man dawned in all white looked at the bloody dart. Returning his attention to the body, he pulled of the mask. The man's face matched that of a criminal that lived in Gotham. Then turning his attention towards the gun.
"Assault rifle, high-grade, armor piercing ammo..." he spoke
Examining the weapon, he could see the numbers were scratch off. No one was going to track this weapon. More seemed to be reaching the streets. The suspect wore body armor, but was more of a city thug than a trained soldier.
"Must be hiring locally, or brought here" looking back at the dock house. More were inside, but didn't show up in any NYPD system. He would have to take a look into other states records.
They weren't the only ones either, a small stream of criminals didn't seemed be coming locally. Some traced back throughout west, from the other major cities.
Staring at the man for a moment. More would end up like him if his city was going to be safe. Leaving a another pile of bodies for the police to pick up.
They arrived on the scene, many of the victims were burned badly. Some covered in bullet and laceration wounds. They didn't have to think hard on who had done it. Police started filling body bags hurriedly, as the smell of burnt flesh filled the air. A few officers even vomited as the scent was unpleasant.
"Hey Detective, we got fifteen dead" a police officer informed him. Her body was tense, and seemed at a lost of what was happening. Another pile just like the others they had before.
"Shit, no survivors and whole lot of property damaged" he said tossing a burnt out cigarette. Frustrated over the last few weeks of this was beginning to back up the morgue. Scratching his head sighing writing down his notes. "Well let's get the bodies outta here and call it in"
Nodding the officer went to inform the others. The Detective went to finish up his report, when another officer approached him. Passing a few men in white suits passed by as they made it to a patrol car.
"It was him wasn't it? The Moonknight?" Asking as he seemed to be agitated by the whole situation.
"Shut it!...Yes it was" he answered in a hush whisper, entering the door in a hurry to 'fill' out his report.
"So, what do we do? Do we go after him or-?"
"No, the way I see it Moonknight keeps them from spreading and makes sure they don't get any ideas" he answered quietly and coldly. The Detective would never admit openly, but Moonknight was the only thing that stood between the gangs and all out take over of New York. "For now we just clean up the mess, and hope he can keep them away for awhile" he ordered harshly.
As the siren flared and car pulled away.
Black Mask's Building
"What the fuck!! Again!? He destroyed my shipment again!!?" Black Mask shouted in anger as he tossed his cell.
Upon entering New York weeks Black Mask had sent most of his investments to the city. This had been the second week Moonknight had disrupted his up and coming operation. Costing him money and men, along with what he had in Gotham.
"All my money is sinking into the goddamn ocean! And nobody seems to give a fuck besides me!" He roared again. Having a building in uptown New York had him at a disadvantage. Black Mask couldn't deal with his problems in person, or even know the full details.
Sionis had high expectations for those he hired. Unfortunately they were the same as those in Gotham. Batman was a pain in the as, but this guy was worse. It wouldn't stop Sionis as it was all he had.
"So what we going to do?" His assistant asked waiting for an order. Black Mask sunk into his seat rubbing his forehead.
'I need to keep tabs on my shit, or else might as well go bankrupt' He thought irritated. As if by a miracle an idea struck him. Using his office phone he made a call to downstairs.
"Tell my men to gather what shipments we received" he ordered quickly hanging up.
"Sir?"
"Listen take some cash and hire any thug on the street to protect my shit, and if that insane bastard shows up blast him" he ordered
His assistant rushed to do so if Black Mask was going to stay he needed what he had.
"No one pisses in my yard"
Gotham
'Now on Gotham news, the city has seen a decrease in crime. Though not much it sure put a reasonable dent, by at least ten percent since the passed few weeks. Police say though many minor crimes are being committed the more larger ones have decreased as well
families in crime infested neighborhoods can stay rested knowing that gunahots won't be a constant fear'
Commissioner Gordon stood by the Bat signal. The giant insignia shining brightly in the night sky. Smoking a cigarette patiently something he hadn't the time for. The streets were moderately quiet, crime still present though not as it used to. As the breather the police gained, to perform proper investigations into the corrupt. Looking down at the slowly burning end then gave a harsh cough.
"You should stop, or you could die early" a familiar voice called out
Turning calmly he saw the symbol of the city. His stoic demeanor unfazed, and feared nothing. The presence he had was one that could make any man tremble. Stepping out of from the shadows. As the man made his way towards him.
"When I joined the force that's what I feared most, but now I can actually take my time with a cigarette" he retorted tossing the end away. His hand going within his worn out coat. Pulling out a few folded papers, handing them to the Dark Knight. "Tracked down those that left, still a few unaccounted for" he answered with a lighter note than usual
Batman had sent word to those he trusted to give him information on those that left. Luckily Jim Gordon was able to get something on them. The papers were thick, but may have details he missed.
"Black Mask moved to New York, as did others" he explained with groan. Picking up a steaming cup of coffee taking a cautious sip.
Batman looked over the papers, and it was true not only him. Two-Face, Penguin, and others maybe flocked to New York. Each had taken what they had, police found storages empty. Addicts were wondering the streets without a supplier to go to. Many of the thugs had no boss to go to, so decided to turn into smaller gangs. They weren't much of a threat, so much so
"If you ask me they signed themselves a death wish" Gordon commented staring at his coffee. He had heard rumors of New Yorks own guardian, but he didn't show the same mercy Batman did.
"What do you mean?" Batman asked still focused on the list
"I have an old friend in NYPD and from what he told me is that Moonknight doesn't take prisoners" he answered roughly. He had seen on the news and social media that he had dug up a heavy body count.
The dark knight had no response as he stood still. Gordon stood waiting for it, but in a surprise Batman began to leave.
"What you plan on doing?" Gordon asked as he saw the man's back. The elder of the two was worried, over the years he knew what he was capable of. "Listen Batman I know you want to save everyone, but New York needs him" he answered
The Dark Knight turned his features unchanged.
"Moonknight is one of few who can stop that city from being torn apart, and if you go to New York you won't see me helping you" he explained sternly.
Batman looked deep into his eyes and saw no hesitation in them. Not saying a word as jumping off the police station gliding away.
New York
Moonknight had been keeping tabs on Black Mask's buidling. He had been cooped up in it since he entered New York. Seeing his assistant leave just an hour ago, sitting quietly for his return. Just as foretold a black limousine rode back on the property. Accessing another camera inside the buidling he waited for the man to reach his boss's office.
Black Mask sat waiting as the familiar ding of the elevator was heard.
"Okay it's settled, I even got a little fire power for the psychopath" he announced as he entered immediately
"Good, who ya get?"
"A few punks lookin for an extra buck, and Firefly" he answered hesitantly
"What? You got a pyro-maniac to kill a psychopath? That bastard will burn up everything" Black Mask retorted. Knowing of his track record there was no doubt in his mind he might lose more than expected.
"That's the thing, if Moonknight can kill him, we get out of paying"
"Hmm...I see use him to waste time for Moon so we can get our shit, good thinkin"
Black Mask stood looking out the window of the Big Apple.
"I'm taking this city, and I'm not just takin a bite, but the whole damn thing"