Rain thudded heavily against the wall-length windows, the occasional bolt of lightning illuminating the dark room with twisted shadows. An armchair sat in the centre of the room, in front of it stood a television, it's dim light faintly revealing the room's sole occupant. The sound of ice clinking against glass rang out loudly as the man took a large gulp of his whiskey, placing the antique glass back down on the mahogany table soon after. Tapping a button on the remote sound began to bubble from the TV, the image of a young woman displayed.

"Ralph Dibny, perhaps better known as 'Elongated Man' is the latest hero to fall in the Justice League's ongoing war with..."

The television fizzles and the channel changes over, another news reporter, this time a middle-aged man.

"This conflict has entered it's 5th month, with over 20 of Earth's mightiest having been confirmed either dead or missing in action..."

Another change. An average citizen. Terrified. He should be.

"This has gone on long enough, the League has never taken this long to..."

Change again.

"...and what about him, he should be here..."

Change.

"No one cares if he retired..."

Again.

"He never let this happen before..."

The voices start merging into one, so many lives.

"...would always fight..."

"Never the first to stop..."

"The question on everyone's lips..."

"He needs to be back in the fight..."

"Where is BATMAN?"

The lights flickered in the old cave, he walked silently, feeling more at home here than he'd ever felt in the stately manor above him. A swarm of bats flew straight into him, the swift creatures flying all around his body. Inhaling deeply he embraced their presence as old friends, continuing through the cave.

The glass cabinet before him stretched out for a short distance, containing the old outfits from days long since past. Standing in front of the largest of them he stared at his reflection, seeing how even now it would fit him perfectly.

"You tried to hide me, but you're weak. Without me you're nothing, a pathetic shell of a man." His reflection seemed to speak to him.

Suddenly the light from my the stairwell clicked on, casting an unnatural, dull glow across some of the large cavernous room. A figure appeared in the stairwell, silhouetted by the light.

"Master Bruce? You set of the alarm sir, is...is everything alright?"

The younger man grinned, a look of pride and twisted joy on his face.

"It's time."

A/N: I did intend this chapter to be a lot longer but I thought I'd just give you guys the idea of the story and get into the plot next time