Rise of the Phoenix

Apparently dieing before your time causes trouble for more than just you, as I discovered after burning to death. Now I'm in everyone's favorite shithole, Gotham, trying to make my way as a freelance hero on the Dark Knights turf.

And we're back. I made a slight adjustment to chapter one, but its mostly the same. Other than that, I got nothing so lets dive straight in.

Chapter 2

When I came to after passing through the doorway, it was to find myself in what felt like a moving vehicle of some kind, not that I really cared as it felt like my entire body was on fire, again. I tried to scream, only to find that I was completely unable to move, as if my body was covered in stone. I couldn't even open my eyes! I could already feel the stirrings of panic in my gut as I struggled desperately to move, along with something else. The second feeling felt warm as it spread through my veins, washing away the pain and stiffness, but also leaving me feeling drained and sluggish as it dissipated. I could feel my body pulling energy in from my surroundings in a thin trickle. Then, something touched my arm and it felt like a dam opened.

My eyes snapped open, revealing a world seen as if through an infrared camera, showing me the inside of a nearly empty van and a large blob of heat that was stood next to me. Instantly, my body and new powers surged out, latching onto the heat source and drawing it into me, almost faster than the eye could see, followed by the rest of the of the heat in the van, including the engine. After just a few seconds, the van appeared blue to my infrared vision and I felt fully charged. Re Energized and feeling better than ever before, I tried to move again, forcing my limbs to obey as I pushed my power through them. At first, whatever was covering me held. Then, with one final heave and a burst of power, I felt the bindings shatter in a huge explosion of energy. I felt my power revel at the new freedom, bursting out of me in a massive wave, shattering the frozen van and leaving me feeling drained...again.

"Christ, I hope this isn't going to be a regular thing," I muttered, my voice sounding rough to my ears as I collapsed onto the road.

I could already feel my new powers responding to my low energy levels as they began to take what heat they could from my surroundings. I sighed softly at the feeling of energy rushing back into me like a hot drink on a cold day. The roads surface beneath me felt oddly comfortable all things considered and at that moment, all I really wanted to do was drift off for a bit. Unfortunately, it seemed that my little fireworks display had attracted the fuzz as the sound of a car screeching to a stop reached my ears, followed by a shout to put my hands where they could seen them. Frankly though I honestly didn't care that much as it stood and just wanted to get some sleep, so I was content to just lay there and let them drag me off to the station. However, it seemed that my currently out of control powers had other ideas and, as soon as the two cops tried to cuff me and touched my skin, they reacted, draining both of them of their heat and leaving them little more than frozen sculptures in less time than it took to scream.

"Shit," I muttered as I felt the energy rush into me, "This is going to end badly."

I pushed myself to my feet, absently noting that the cops would be able to add indecent exposure to my file, and ran to the nearest alley to lose myself in the rabbit warren of alleyways, pausing only to swipe some clothes from a handy washing line.


Eventually I found myself in a rundown, abandoned building where I finally stopped to take stock. And figure out how to turn of this god damn inferred vision. As cool as it was, it was also really annoying to see everything in shades of red… my thoughts trailed of as the world abruptly changed back to normal. A thought brought the inferred vision back.

"Well, that was surprisingly easy," I muttered, "Now, lets see what else I can do."

I held out my hands and a small flame appeared between them. I flexed my will and watched as the flame leaped to obey like an eager puppy. I smiled as I manipulated the tiny flame, making it grow, shrink, change shape and even temperature with a mere thought. After about half an hour of just playing with my fire, my thoughts turned to my other ability, the power to steal heat from my surroundings. That could be rather dangerous if I couldn't gain control over it, as seen with those two cops I froze. I really hoped no one had been around to get a good look at me or my goose was cooked. But that worry was for later, right now I had to get my powers under control before I turned someone else into an icicle. I sank down into a lotus position and closed my eyes, focusing on the warmth I could feel in the center of my chest that seemed to be the source of my power.

Almost immediately, I felt the power leap to answer my call, eagerly uncoiling and spreading out through my body. I felt my mind open and I instinctively knew how to control my powers and prevent them from hurting anyone else. I could feel its grief and shame at having taken the lives of three men, but I also got the feeling that it would do it again if it meant saving my life. It was an extremely strange feeling, as if my power was alive and separate from me yet part of me at the same time. I knew I could control it perfectly and it would never resist or disobey me, but I also got the feeling that it could and would act on its own if needed. I could feel its desire to protect and nurture life and innocence, its disgust at the thought of killing and its determination to do whatever it took to protect the life it represented so well.

I opened my eyes and grabbed a chunk of what might have been a chair at some point, reaching out with my powers and draining what little heat was present in the block of wood, causing it to ice over.

Suddenly, something told me to duck and I did, just in time for something to shoot over my head and lodge in the floor in front of me. Said object was a vaguely bat shaped throwing knife with glowing blue edges. I slowly turned around and found myself looking at the caped and cowled form of Batman.

"Well fuck."


Earlier, Batman's POV

The Dark Knight frowned as he examined the two dead men and the large patch of ice in the middle of the road. It looked like they had been stricken by a severe frostbite, despite the fact it was summer and, even in the winter, it didnt get cold enough to cause frostbite. Besides, it would take a lot to kill a man from the affliction. He had no idea who could be capable of something like this and that meant that someone new was in town. He straightened and looked around, taking in the rest of the surrounding area, including the scorched patch of ground under the thin layer of ice that covered the road. Most men would have missed it, but he wasn't most men. He was the Batman and nothing escaped him.

He activated the infrared lenses in his cowl and immediately spotted a trail that lead away from the scene and into the maze of alleyways that made up this part of Gotham.

Batman narrowed his eyes as he followed the trail, noting the way it meandered through the alleys with little direction, occasionally doubling back on itself. It was blatantly obvious that the freezer, whoever it was, had no idea where he or she was going. It didn't take long to find him, what with the huge amount of heat he was apparently generating. Batman swung over to the building where this potential new threat was hiding and slipped inside, remaining in the shadows as he looked down on his target.

He was surprised at how young he looked, only 16 at the most, with shaggy, blond hair that covered his ears and framed his face, lightly tanned skin and blue eyes. Hardly the image of a murderous criminal, but Batman knew that looks could be deceiving. He watched as the boy played with a small flame for a few moments, before he snuffed it out and sank into a meditative pose. Batman frowned as he watched the teen meditate and saw that he was glowing slightly, the glow forming into a faint image of a fiery bird that wrapped its wings protectively around the teen.

Then, the bird sank back into his body and the teen opened his eyes and picked up a piece of rubbish of the floor, which froze at his touch. Batmans frown deepened at the sight of what was clearly the ability that killed the two officers. He reached into his belt and pulled out a batarang.


Back to Rich's POV

Welp, I was screwed. With Batman here my chance of escape with my still fledgling powers was nil. Plus, with Batman here, that meant that the world I now found myself in was Gotham which meant I was screwed anyway. Lets just hope that he didn't think I was a Rogue or I'd be in real trouble. Unfortunately, it seemed like he knew that I was responsible for icing the two cops and would probably jump to conclusions. Thats what usually happened in these situations, right? Hero meets new kid on block, misunderstanding occurs and the two have a punch up before something happens to reveal that the new guys a goody?

"Hey now, wait a minute," I said, backing up, "I didn't mean to hurt those two! I'm kinda new the the whole super power thing and I don't have control over them yet! Thats why I'm here!"

Batmans eyes narrowed and he hopped down from the rafters to land in front of me. I stumbled back a few steps as he did and tripped over a piece of rubbish on the floor.

"You seemed to be doing just fine earlier," he growled.

I winced. Not good.

"A-ah, well my fire powers are easy to control, but my head absorption is less so," I said, "Plus, I was drained, so I kinda reacted on instinct and drained their heat."

Batmans eyes narrowed further.

"So that's it, you drain heat to power your abilities," he muttered.

"I guess so," I said, rubbing the back of my head, "Like I said, I'm kinda new at this."

"That doesn't change the fact you've killed three people," growled Batman.

I felt my power flare angrily at that and felt no small amount of indignation myself. I knew that Bats had a strong sense of morals and justice and had a reputation for being a hard ass, but this seemed a little too far.

"You think I don't know that!?" I snapped, getting to my feet, "You think I don't know that my powers killed three people who did nothing but get too close to me?! I have no idea how my powers work! For all I know, I could kill someone by brushing past them in a hallway!"

I trialed off as what I said sank in.

"I-I killed them," I whispered as I felt the blood drain from my face, "Oh god…"

I swallowed down my rising bile, but that proved to be a fools errand as it quickly came back up and I vomited all over Batmans boots. Well, that wouldn't endear me to him I thought in the very distant part of my mind that wasn't busy panicking. My vision blurred as I waved, before blacking out.


Batmans POV

Batman looked down at the blond who had just passed out at his feet...after covering his boots in vomit. That wasn't a reaction he had expected from someone who had taken the lives of three men and it wasn't really one that could be faked. Plus, the way he had been playing with his powers earlier lend credence to the statement that his powers were still new to him. Batman sighed and bent down, lifting the young man into his arms. He needed more information, but he was willing to give the kid the benefit of the doubt for now.

"Pleasant evening sir?" asked Alfred as Batman pulled into the Batcave.

"You could say that," said Batman as he clambered out of the Batmobile and lifted the still unconscious teen out of the car.

"Oh my, whos this?" asked the Butler.

"Not sure, some new super," said Batman, "He killed three men by freezing them."

"Another new rogue?" asked Alfred.

"I don't think so. He seemed quite distressed when he found out he'd killed them. Apparently, he's quite new to his power."

"Is that so?" said Alfred, "If I may ask, why did you bring him back here?"

"A couple of reasons," said Batman as he removed his cowl to reveal a head of black hair and the face of Bruce Wayne, "But I can't help but feel that this kid is far from a crook. Besides, I'm interested to know where his powers came from."

He grabbed a syringe and took a sample of the kids blood. As soon as the first drop entered the syringe it was blatantly clear that the boy wasn't human since the life giving liquid was glowing orange, quickly melted through the glass and vanished in a small flash of flame.

"Interesting…" said Bruce, eyeing the melted glass with interest.

"So he uses fire then?" asked Alfred.

"Yes, he also seems to be some kind of heat vampire, taking power from sources of heat. Thats how he froze the men tonight."

"Interesting indeed."

A low groan drew the two mens attention back to the blond teen, prompting Alfred to retreat into the shadows and Batman to slip his mask back on.

"What happened?" groaned the teen, before grimacing at the aftertaste of vomit in his mouth, "Oh yeah, that."


Rich's POV

I looked around, before my gaze fell on Batman stood a short distance away, looking at me with his signature glare.

"Huh, I was expecting to wake up in a cell," I said, "Any particular reason as to why I didn't?"

"You don't really strike me as a killer," said Batman.

"I'm not," I said, "Like I said, it was an accident."

I swallowed, shoving down my vomit again.

"I believe you."

Batman narrowed his eyes.

"Even so, I do need to ask, where do your powers come from? I highly doubt they are natural."

I searched my mind for the answer. It felt like I should know it, like it was right there at the edge of my thoughts, but just out of reach. After a moment, I sighed.

"I have no idea," I said, "I feel like I do, deep down, but its...blocked? Thats the best way to describe it at least. Sorry."

"In that case, tell me your name," said Batman.

"Richard Fenix," I said with a grin, "But most people call me Rich."

Batman turned to his computer and started tapping away before, much to my surprise, a set of files baring my name and picture appeared. Then again, I suppose it wasn't that surprising. I mean, just dumping me into the world with no id or anything would cause no end of trouble.

"Richard Fenix, aged 16, an Emancipated orphan," said Batman.

"Thats me," I said, "So, can I go?"

Batman turned back to me and narrowed his eyes.

"Do you have your powers under control?"

I clenched my fist and called on my power, causing it to burst into flame, before putting the fire out and sighing.

"I think so," I said, "Enough that I won't...kill someone by accident."

I hesitated on the word kill as I felt my bile rise up again. That was not a pleasant feeling and I really hope I can get over it soon.

Batman eyed me for a moment, before nodding.

"Alright, but be careful," he said, "You seem like a good kid and I don't want to have to put you in prison."

"And I don't want to end up there," I said, getting to my feet, "Thanks for the help Bats."

I called on my power and fire surrounded me, forming into the shape of a bird, before vanishing.


I reappeared near the warehouse my arrival had burned down, staggering slightly as I did.

"Whoo boy, that felt weird," I muttered, before straightening up, "Right, lets have a look around."

Logic dictated that their would be something around here that would help me since this was my entry point and Dis had gone to the trouble of creating an identity for me in this world. It was highly unlikely that he'd do that and then leave me floundering. I took a step forwards, only for my foot to catch a rucksack I was sure hadn't been there a moment ago and sent me sprawling, my balance still a little shot from my teleportation.

"Bloody board angel things," I muttered as I sat up and grabbed the bag.

It was a regular black rucksack with a bright orange lining and zips and contained a wallet, a keyring and a note with an apartment number on it, as well as a smiling cat face with a thumbs up. I scowled, before zipping up the bag and slinging over my shoulder. I went to hop back to my feet, but instead found myself shooting up high enough to land on the roof.

"Whoa," I muttered, looking down at my hands, "That'll come in handy."

I glanced around, before running to the edge of the roof and jumping, sending my flying across the gap to land on the roof adjacent.

"Hehe, cool."

I took off over the rooftops of Gotham.


It took surprisingly little time for me to find the building and I dropped down into alleyway next to it.

"Nice place," I said as I stepped out of the alley and looked up at the building.

It was in the nicer part of town (Thank god), but was otherwise unremarkable. I entered the lobby and made my way upstairs to the fourth floor where my apartment was apparently located.

"Lets see, fourth floor, apartment 2," I said, stopping outside the door and letting myself in.

It was a fairly nice apartment, consisting of a small kitchenette, a living room with a tv and media center with a number of consoles and games stacked up next to it, a settee and coffee table with an empty teacup and a sealed enverlope. A door off the short corridor that lead to the living room lead into the bathroom and another door off the living room lead into the bedroom, which was an exact copy of my old bedroom back home, right down to the PC set up under the window and bookshelf stuffed with various Anime, Manga, books, figures and all sorts of other bits and bobs. All in all, it was a comfortable place I could easily get used to.

I dropped my rucksack on the settee and flopped down next to it, picking up the envelope, which was addressed to me.

Dear Rich,

I hope you like the place cus its the best you're getting. Now, before I leave you to make your own way in the world, their are a few things you should know. As you've probably guessed, I took the liberty of creating you an identity in this world so you're not just floundering. All the details are in the file on your bedside table, so make sure you read up on it.

There aren't really any limitations on what you can do with yourself now you're there, with only two exceptions. One, you cannot tell anyone you're from another world and two, you can't tell anyone what you know about the future. Both are sealed away behind barriers to keep you from accidentally telling or a telepath from pulling the information from your mind.

You have been enrolled at Gotham High, which you will be starting on Monday, so make sure you go. You are only 16 after all and you need to attend school and get a degree. The money we provided will not last forever and, after this, you're on your own.

Finally, since I have no doubt you'll end up using those powers of yours for something, I have provided a little something to help you. Its in your cupboard.

I think thats everything, have a good life!

From,

Dis.

"Well, thats interesting," I muttered, tossing the letter down on the coffee table, "Still, at least I don't need to worry about living or money. For a while at least."

I got to my feet and headed into my room, opening my cupboard to see what Dis had been talking about. Inside was all the clothes my cupboard had held back home in addition to a new outfit held in one of those laundrette bags. I pulled it out and lay it on the bed, before unzipping it to reveal my new gear.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me," I muttered as I stared down at the clothes.

The outfit consisted of a black shirt with a facemask attached, a black coat with a white lining and four tails, a pair of gloves with metal plates on the back, black trousers and black boots. The whole set was made of a material I didn't recognize, but it was likely some kind of super advanced fabric designed to withstand everything you can think of.

"Right, I know I'm basically a firebird, but did Dis have to give me Homura's outfit?" I groaned, "Aw well, so long as I don't turn into a girl later."

I smirked, before grabbing the outfit and changing into it, marveling at how comfortable and easy to move in it was.

"Well, since I'm here and have it, lets go spend the night checking out the town," I said, pulling up the mask and opening the window.

And thats the end of this chapter! I hope you liked it. Before I sign off, a few things.

First up, Batmans reaction to Rich. I know he was probably a little lenient, but you can blame Dis for that. It wouldn't be very good if Rich wound up in the slammer before he even has chance to live in this new world, so he tweaked Bat's reaction a little. Plus, The 2004 Batman is a little more reasonable than some of his incarnations.

Rich's flat number wasn't chosen at random. Kudos to anyone who gets why I chose those particular numbers.

Rich's super hero gear is basically Homuras outfit from Sekirei because it looks really cool and I can't be arsed to design one of my own.

The time line is shortly before the start of the Cartoon, so none of Batmans rogues have actually shown up yet. I don't intend for Rich to get involved in every single episode because I'm too lazy for that.

Anyway, time to sign off, leave a review!