A.N. The following is a nonprofit fan fiction. All of these characters belong to with DC or Marvel comics. Please support the official release.

Summary: While Steve and Diana are going on their first date, Simon Williams is plotting his revenge towards Tony Stark. And at the same time in Gotham, a new vigilante has emerged, catching the attention of Batman. Someone who bares the bat symbol and wears a mask where the mouth is sewed together …


The Godfrey Show

"Well, this just keep getting and better folks." Godfrey said ironically. "Now we have people living on the moon. People who actually call themselves the Inhumans." He said while using air quotes. "That doesn't raise any suspicions at all. And they also want to open a diplomatic relation with us normal people. When will it end?" He asked his viewers. "I guess it'll only end when the so called liaison of the Just-Us League, Senator Carter, whom by the way still hasn't answered for weakening our planet's defenses from the invaders from mars, will stop trying to fill our heads with this romantic fantasy where we all sit down and start singing Kumbaya with fish people and talking monkeys. My dear viewers, our politicians are telling you fantasies and fairy tales of a better tomorrow. But good ole Godfrey is here to tell you the truth. And the truth is life as we know it is about to change."

SMASH

A gorilla hand crushes the TV screen.


AIM HQ, New York

Grim Reaper leads his younger brother through AIM's HQ, walking past several busy scientists working on computers, machines and weapons.

"How do you get funding for all of this?" Simon wondered.

Grim Reaper chuckled. "Not the honest way, I'll tell ya that." He replied. They approached a shadowy figure. "Simon, allow me to introduce to you the Scientist Supreme of AIM." Grim Reaper said and then, out of the shadow … a blond woman, wearing a Nazi like uniform, stepped forward. "Paula von Gunther."

The middle aged woman looked Simon over, scorned and then looked to Grim Reaper. "You told me you had brought a suitable test subject." She said in deep German accent. "This vone looks as if he couldn't even handle himself against a back alley cat."

Grim Reaper was about to speak in his defense, but Simon beat him to it. "I can handle anything, whatever it is you need me for." He said.

"It's a very risky thing ve're asking of you. You may very vell die." Paula told him.

Simon paused and looked down. "I've lost everything. All that I worked for and dedicated my life to … It's been taken from me." He said, clenching his fists. "I have nothing left to live for … except for revenge. And if I can't even obtain that, then I can might as well die."

Paula was smiling now. "A man who has nothing to lose is the most dangerous vone of all." She said. "Very vell. You've convinced me. Ve shall follow through with this experiment. And if you die … Sorry." She said with a shrug.


Brooklyn

Steve and Diana were at a beautiful restaurant with lit candles and soothing music.

"You used to work here?" Diana asked.

"Yeah," Steven said with a look of reminiscence. "Before the war, I worked here as a waiter. Which you can probably tell." He said, pointing at a large framed picture of Steve before the super soldier serum. "This place has changed a lot since I last saw it though."

"I can't believe that's you," Diana said in bafflement at the picture.

"I can't believe no one recognizes us because we're wearing glasses," Steve replied, gesturing to the glasses Superman had provided him and Diana. "Although, in your case, it's harder to see it's you when you got that wig to cover your tiara." He added.

"Yeah," Diana replied.

"Are you two ready to take your order?" A waiter asked.

"Ah yes," Steven said and looked back at the menu. "I'll have a honey glace steak with BBQ sauce."

"I'll have the salmon. Dressing on the side please." Diana said.

"And what'll you be having for drink?" The waiter asked.

"I'll have Greek Mercouri Estate Chortais Dessert Red, Peloponnese." Diana replied.

"Ah, you have good taste in wine, miss." The waiter said and turned to Steve. "And you, good sir?"

"I'll have the same," Steve replied. "Never tried that one before."

"Then you're in for a treat," Diana said. After the waiter left, she went on. "Tell me about yourself, Steve. I've read all about you from the history books and seen the documentaries. But it's not the same as talking the real person they're based around. They don't even scratch the surface of the real historical figure." She said.

Steve chuckled a little. "I'm still not used to being regarded as a historical figure." He said. "Well, I guess I could start with my upbringing. My father died when I was very young. My mother passed away when I was a teenager. I then got taken in by the Barns family. Old friends to my own. Their oldest son, Bucky, was already my best friend. Unlike me, he was strong, athletic and he actually knew how to use his fists. He would often protect me from bullies. And sometimes he would set me up on dates," He said with a chuckle.

"Really?" Diana asked, curious. "How did that go?"

"Horrible," Steve admitted with an embarrassed expression, yet he grin.

"I find that hard to believe. After all, I'm having a good time." Diana said.

"Yeah. Well most of them would just take one look at me and turn and run for the hills." Steve told her.

"Oh," Diana said in sympathy. "That's horrible. I'm sorry to hear that, Steve."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not hurting over it anymore." Steve assured her. "Bucky would keep on trying to find the right girl for me though. He just was that kind of guy. He knew I was hopeless with the ladies and would keep setting me up."

"You're not hopeless, Steve." Diana told him. "You don't have a problem talking with me, Shayera and Janet."

"Yeah. But that's probably because we're colleagues. As time went on I felt more comfortable around you three. You most of all." Steve admitted.

"Me?" Diana asked, curiously. "Do elaborate."

"Well, I guess you're the one I can relate to the most." Steve replied. "We're both from a different time period. Well, I am at least. But what I mean is … we're both from societies of different cultures and civilizations." He explained when suddenly the waiter returned and poured them their wines in their glass.

"Yes," Diana said in agreement. "Plus, we're both warriors who would never yield to evil." She added.

"Yeah. I guess that's a bonus." Steve replied. "So … how was your first day in man's world?" He asked, using her term for the world outside of Themyscira.

Diana had an embarrassed smile on her face, as she replied, "It was a disaster. When I first got to man's world, I entered a bar and everyone mistook me for a stripper." She said and Steve eyes went wide. "I mean … do I really look like a stripper when in uniform?" She asked.

Steve was usually an honest man. But in this case, he replied, "No. Of course not."

"Thank you," Diana replied. "Anyways, one of the costumers then smacked my butt." She went on, and Steve was glad he hadn't taken a zip from his wine yet. "I broke his arm for that, which got me arrested. Normally, I could easily fight my way out of it. But those were lawmen, I realized. And I didn't want to make more of a bad impression than I already had. I had brought gold with me from Themyscira. But gold coins ain't part of this world's currency. So I was stuck in jail for the time being. But then some criminal that was arrested got his hand on a gun and held a police officer at gun point in an attempt to escape. I took him down and saved the officer at the same time. They decided to drop any charges on me for that. And they even advised me to take my gold to a museum and trade it for money. That's where I met this woman named Julia Kapatelis. She's the dean of the department of history and geology at that museum. A real scholar in Greek mythology and history. So when she found out I was an actually genuine Amazon, she invited me to live in her home with her daughter, Vanessa. Julia ended up teaching me all about how man's world works. A year later, I met Shayera and did the same for her." She finished.

"So you had a normal family to show you the ropes of this new world?" Steve commented. "I had Tony," He said with an amused grin.

"I dare not ask what he put you through," Diana said, jokingly.

"Your dinner is served," The raspy voice of an old man said with a stash and shades.

"Thank you-wow," Steve said and was suddenly surprised at the sight of the old man.

"So you recognize me?" The old man asked. "I didn't think you would. Time has changed me something awful. But you haven't changed one bit. That's how I recognized you, even with those glasses." He said.

"Stan, it's so good to see you again." Steve said as he stood up and shakes his hand. He turns to Diana and says, "Diana, this is my old boss, Stan."

"Oh. A pleasure to meet you, sir." Diana said, as she stood up and shakes his hand.

"Pleasure's all mine," Stan replied.


Gotham

"Taxi!" A man called for a cab. But the rude driver just ran past him. "Dang it! What kind of cab driver just snuffs a pair of costumers?" He wondered.

"A dickhead," A youngster replied.

"Mind your languish," A woman told her son.

A family of three had made a poor decision and went to Gotham on vacation. And they had gotten lost in a neighborhood known as the narrows.

"Well … maybe we can find our way back to the hotel through that ally." The father nervously suggested.

The ignorant family went into the dark ally, where a hand wielding a gun spun out from behind a dumpster, hitting the father in the nose, knocking him to the ground. Two armed muggers revealed themselves.

"Oh my god!" The mother cried out, but shut up when one of the muggers aimed his gun at her.

"Keep your mouth shut, bitch." He growled through shut teeth. "Or it'll be the last thing you ever say." He warned. The mother held her son protectively, who was looking as terrified as she was.

The other mugger searched the father's pockets. "Got his wallet." He said after finding what he was looking for.

"Then we're out of here," The other mugger said and the two ran down the alley.

After they were gone, the mother screamed. "Help! Police!" She shouted as she held her groaning husband, who's nose was bleeding.

The son then noticed a bat like symbol, spray painted on the alleyway's wall.


The two muggers, Nick and Eddie, retreated to a roof top to look through their victim's wallet.

"Alright. We made a big score," The one named Nick said in triumph when he saw the large amount of cash Eddie was picking out of the wallet.

"Let's count our catch then get the hell out of here. I don't like being up here in the open." Eddie said and started counting the money. "You shouldn't have pulled your gun on that kid, Nick. What if the Bat comes for us like he did Johnny Gobs?"

"It was the cops that got Johnny Gobs. They just want punks like us to think it was the Bat just to scare us of the street. Well it ain't gonna work on us." Nick said, stoically. "We had a reason to be afraid of the Bat once. But these days he's busy frying bigger fish. Super villains and aliens. The world is changing and Batman's troubles ain't limited to Gotham no more." He said with a cocky grin. "So how much did we make of this gig."

"2000 bucks," Eddie replied, holding up half the cash in one hand, while the other half was in his other hand.

"Alright," Nick said and yanked his half from Eddie's hand. "A thousand bucks. Not bad for one night gig. Do you see now? Things are looking up for us. The Bat's history as far as we're concerned."

"I'm not entirely convinced," Eddie replied. He then heard something. "What was that?" He asked in alarm.

"That's just your imagination playing tricks with ya," Nick told him. "Relax, Ed. We got nothing to worry about, except for some rumors meant to scare the cowardly and superstitious. I'm neither. So let's go grab some beers. That'll put ya to ease." He suggested. Eddie however didn't say anything. He was just standing there with his mouth hanging open. "What?" Nick asked. Eddie slowly raises his hand, pointing in the direction behind Nick. The latter turns around, and his eyes widen in shock and terror.

At the edge of the rooftop stood a hooded figure, dressed in black and with a short cape hanging over their shoulder. Like the woman whose husband he had just assaulter earlier, Eddie screamed. Nick pulls his gun, but the figure is fast. Very fast. Dodging the bullets from each shot. The figure knocks the gun of off Nick's and goes after Eddie. They quickly knock him out with a jump followed by a double kick. Now, only Nick remains standing. He looks around for the figure, fearing for his life.

"W-who are you?" He asked, stuttering.

Suddenly, he is tackled to the ground. The figure stands on his chest, and he sees what's underneath the hood … nothing. You could at least see Batman's chin and eyes, but the figure's face is completely black. And so Nick screams, his cries echoing through the night…


New York

Back at the Big Apple, Steve and Diana continued their date, walking down the streets of Brooklyn. Diana had her arm wrapped around Steven, when the latter spoke.

"I remember this neighborhood looking so much different," He said. "But I still recognize the streets." He said and pointed at a certain area. "I got beat up in that alley." He said, and then turned to another location. "And in that parking lot." He said and then pointed in another direction. "And at that diner," He said.

"Why didn't you ever run?" Diana asked.

"You start running they'll never let you stop. You stand up, you push back. Can't say no forever, right?" Steve replied.

"I know a thing or two about saying no. But not much about being told no." Diana replied. Steve knew what she was gesturing to. Luckily, she didn't push it any further. Instead she just changed the subject. "Does it feel abnormal to you to be around a warrior woman?" She asked, confusing Steve. "I know you're from a time when women could hardly do anything at all. Does it feel strange to be around me?"

Steve chuckled and replied, "It wasn't that unusual. The first Black Canary was no slouch. I've never felt weird around women who could beat me in a fight, because, well, back then, before the Super Soldier Serum, they could very easily do so." He pointed out.

"Point taken," Diana replied.

"So no. I'm not at all uncomfortable around a beautiful dame like you," Steve said, and quickly realized what he had just said, as Diana looked at him with a curious expression. "I mean … you're not a dame. Well, you are beautiful-no. I mean, yes … I guess what I'm trying to say is … I have no idea what I'm trying to say."

Diana chuckled, amused at his stuttering. "I've never seen this side of you before, Steve. I think it's cute." She commented, and Steve blushed at being called cute. "How could any woman ever say no to you?" She wondered.

"Well, no woman ever wanted to dance with a guy to could step on." Steve replied.

"Do you dance?" Diana asked.

"I took a few lessons." Steve admitted. "You never know. But over the years, it didn't matter anymore. All I could really do was just wait."

"For what?" Diana asked.

Steve smiled at her and replied, "The right partner."


Gotham

Back in the Narrows, Commissioner Gordon had arrived at the scene of the crime where he met Harvey Bullock.

"Bullock. What's the situation?" Gordon asked.

The private eye jabs his thumb at Nick and Eddie, who are being loaded into a police van by the GCPD. The muggers now have the bat symbol spray-painted onto their chests.

"The two lowlifes says it was a black bat that gave them those markings," Bullock said. "You think our old pal in the bat costume did this?" He asked.

"Not his style," Gordon replied.

"Yeah. He ain't exactly Rembrandt," Bullock replied. "Could be one of Batman's friends, like Batgirl or Robin. Or someone new. Whoever did this, it's not the first time."

"And I doubt it'll be the last time either," Gordon replied.

"Amen to that," Bullock replied. "You should probably talk with our vigilante friend if you haven't already."

"Yeah," Gordon said when he spotted something in a nearby alleyway. "That would be a good idea. In the meantime, you should talk to the press," He says and jabs his thumb to the crowed behind them.

"Son of a…" Bullock growled in annoyance while Gordon went into the alley.

"Detective Bullock!" One man cried out, rushing forward.

"Oh great. The pain in the ass Knox." Bullock hissed.


As Gordon enters the alleyway, he unwraps some chewing gum and puts it in his mouth. a voice than asks him.

"Since when did you start chewing bubble gum?"

"My daughter has been on my case to get me to quit smoking, so I'm chewing gum instead." Gordon replied as he turned around and out of the shadows, Batman revealed himself. "Have you been following this case?" Gordon asked.

"No," Batman simply replies. "I've been occupied."

"I know you have." Gordon replied. "These days the rest of the world seems to have gotten as crazy as Gotham is. I assume this new vigilante isn't one of yours?"

"No," Batman replied.

"I figured," Gordon said and pulls some files out from his coat. "These are reports of incidents just like tonight." He said, handing them over to Batman. "What happened here was only the latest in a serried of assaults on street punks, muggers and carjackers, all by a hooded crime fighter. And in every case, the figure leaves a spray painted bat symbol onto the chest of those they captured." The commissioner then points at the spray painted bat symbol on the wall. "You've clearly inspired this new local hero. Graffiti like this has been popping up a lot more. I believe this vigilante is marking their territory as a warning to criminals. And to give the innocent residents some hope. Personally, I think this new crime fighter would be good for Gotham's neighborhoods. But I'd feel better if you look into it first and make sure that whoever is doing this is on the side of the angels since we only tolerate vigilantes if they follow your rules," Gordon finished.

"I will look into this," Batman replied. "Thank you, commissioner." He said, then lifted his arm into the air, fired his bat-cable and hoisted himself into the sky.

Gordon takes one last glance at the symbol on the wall, before leaving as well.


AIM HQ, New York

Back at AIM HQ, Simon has stripped down to his birthday suit and gotten into a pod. Paula and Grim Reaper watches from the safety of the control room. "I varn you one last time," Paula said. "This vill be extremely painful." She said.

"Just get it over with," Simon retorted.

Paula turned to the scientist on the control panel and nodded. The experiment starts with the push of a lever, and high voltage of electricity surges into the pod. The lights starts to flicker, Simon screams in agonizing pain, but his brother doesn't seem the least bit concerned.

"Vat are his vitals?" Paula asked.

"His heart rate is already going critical." The AIM member replied.

"I only care about the results," Paula retorted. "Is he starting to transform?" She asked.

Before he can answer, sparks of electricity flies through the room, nearly hitting everyone.

"Jesus Christ!" One of the AIM scientist cried out.

Things starts going out of control, as several more sparks emerges from the pod, and then there's a power outage. A backup generator is activated, lighting the room.

"Vat happened?" Paula asked.

"All hell went lose, obviously." Grim Reaper replied.

"Vat about the test subject?" Paula asked, and the nervous scientist replied.

"… No vital signs … We lost him."

Paula was looking mighty discouraged. And by that, it means she was pist.

"Well," Grim Reaper said. "Looks like I lost another family member. How tragic." He said, nonchalantly.

Paula spun around, glaring at the villain. "You!" She said, pointing accusingly at him. "This is your fault. You brought a weakling as a test subject, when you promised me a strong test subject. I should've picked one of our janitors instead. I got a feeling we'd at least get some results from them."

"Hold on!" The nameless AIM scientist cried out, and the sound of beeping could be heard. "We got a heartbeat." He said.

Paula rushed over to the pod and Reaper was close behind. They stood before the pod, but were unable to see anything through the tiny glass window, as steam was filling the inside of the pod.

"Open it," The Scientist Supreme told Grim Reaper.

"No wait! That could be very…!" One of the scientists objected, but Grim Reaper did as he was told, cutting the hatch to the pod open. "… dangerous." The scientist finished.

As the steam cleared, a larger figure came out of the pod than the figure that went in. Simon was sweating and panting.

"Simon?" Grim Reaper said as he looked over his brother, who was now a foot taller than him. "My little brother ain't so little anymore." He commented. Indeed, Simon was no longer as small as he used to be. He was now a 6 ft 6 tall muscular man with an eight pack, massive biceps and a chest that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger teary eyed.

"I like vat I see," Paula said, biting her lower lip as she touched Simon's newly formed peck. "How do you feel?" She asked.

"Strong," Simon replied. "In fact, I feel stronger than I have ever felt. Like I could move entire mountains."

"Let's put that to the test," Paula said with a wicked grin.


Gotham

Back in the Narrows, in the apartment of a building, a teenage girl with hair dyed blue and purple, was sleeping. Her name is Harper Row. She is awoken by the tapping on her bedroom window. She sighs and rolls her eyes when she sees who it is. "At least she remembered to not sneak in unannounced this time." She commented. She gets out of bed, showing she was sleeping in a tank top and pajama pants.

She opens the window, allowing the visitor inside. It's the same person who took out the two mugger duo earlier that night. "Hello, Cass," Harper greeted, dryly. Cass, as the person was referred to, removed her hood and then the completely sewn shut mask, revealing the face of a teenage girl with Asian features.

"How was the patrol?" Harper asked, and Cass's smile confirms it all. "Pretty good I take it." Harper commented. "Look, I don't mind you wanting to crash here with me. But I don't know how much longer I'm gonna be able to keep your nightly visits a secret from my pops. If he ever finds out, he's not going to be happy. And that's putting it mildly." She said with a slightly concerned look on her face.

Though Cass doesn't say anything, she doesn't need to. After a few seconds of silence, Harper relents with a smile. "Just be sure you're out of here by the time my old man wakes up." Her smile turns to a frown and she adds. "But for the love of god, don't do anything to him. I know you want to. But I assure you, I can take care of myself and my brother, just fine." She assured her.

Cass gives her a look and Harper corrects herself. "Okay, except for that one time with the bullies. I still owe you for that." Cass gets into Harper's bed, not even changing out of the rest of her outfit. Harper returns to bed as well, lying down next to Cass. "Nighty night, Cass," She says and soon both girls are asleep.


AIM HQ

Back in New York, Simon is given clothes. Green pants, black boots and a black T-shirt with a large red W on it.

"What's does the large W stand for?" He asked.

"I'll tell you later," Paula replied. They enter a garage where they have some tanks. "See that?" She asks, pointing at one of the tanks. "Lift it." She told him. Simon looked amused, as if she was joking. "It's not a joke," She said.

Simon looked at the tank, and replied, "That thing must weigh like 30 tons."

"You said you felt stronger than you have ever felt before." Paula told him. "Here's the chance to put that ne w found strength to the test."

Simon still looks reluctant. But goes over to the tank none the less. He races himself as he squats down and places his hands underneath the tank. And then in one swift move, he lefts it over his head and he is just completely flabbergasted at this accomplishment. Paula smiles delightfully. "Holly crap," Simon says. "It almost weighs nothing." He commented.

Next, Simon was brought before a machine.

"This machine has been built to measure the punching power of someone with super strength," Paula explained. "Give it a try."

Simon raised his fists and threw a light punch at the machine. Light for him at least.

"Over 50 tons per square inch," One nameless scientist said, overlooking the measurements.

"I hardly even tried," Simon commented.

"Then punch it with all your might!" Paula instructed. Simon acted on impulse and hit the machine with all his strength. It was completely destroyed, and went straight through the wall, nearly crushing people on the other side. Simon was horrified that he almost killed someone. "Good, Simon. Good," Paula said, delightfully.

"Good?" Simon said. "I could've killed someone!" He spat.

"I thought you wanted to become a killer," Paula said. "To kill Tony Stark."

"Yes. Tony Stark. But these people have nothing to do with any of that." Simon retorted.

"No one could've predicted this outcome." Paula said as she went over to a table, where a bunch of weapons had been neatly spread out. "You just gotta be more careful in the future." She said, before picking up a pistol and fired at Simon, who raised his arms up to shield himself. However, the bullets just bounced off of him, much to his surprise, and to the delight of Paula. The latter then picked up AK-47 and emptied the entire barrel on him. She then grabbed an anti-tank riffle, aimed at the head and fired. The bullet, which had been designed to pierce really tough armor, bounced right of Simon's forehead. And the Paula picked up an RPG-missile launcher and shot at Simon. A massive explosion resulted upon impact, and when the smoke cleared, Simon was still standing without a scratch. "This is much more than I could've ever hoped for." Paula said in excitement.

"Um … is this suppose to be happening?" Simon asked, as he was now levitating from the ground. Paula said something in German, looking surprised.

"How are you doing that?" She asked.

"You tell me," Simon said, as he was losing balance, trying to gain control of himself.

"Super strength, invulnerability and flight?" Paula listed the number of powers Simon had. "You have exceeded my wildest expectations, Simon Williams." She commented. "Now ve must begin your training."

"Training?" Simon asked, as he finally managed to land. "No need. I'm ready."

"Are you now?" Paula asked and gestured to the hole in the wall. "Your lack of control begs to differ."

"I don't need control in order to take Iron-Man down," Simon insisted.

"That's vat a lot of foolish men and vomen has said," Paula told him. "As you are now, you stand no chance against Iron-Man. Yes, you have raw power. But power means nothing vitout control. You vould've fought bravely and you vould've lost in mere minutes to Iron-Man. And if not to him, then to his fellow Justice Leaguers ven they come to his rescue. If you vant your revenge, it must be swift and brutal. Patience, mine friend. Absolution vill be yours. Vonce you have mastered your new gift."

Simon looked at his hands, and then at Paula. "What if someone kills him before I do?"

"Then you better hurry and learn to master your new powers as quickly as possible," Paula told him.

Simon sighed in defeat. "Alright then," He said. "I will train. But if I lose my chance for revenge, I'm holding you accountable." He warned her.

"Ve vill see," Paula replied with a sinister grin.


Gotham, Batcave

An unmasked Batman sits in front of the Batcomputer, which is displaying a map of Gotham City.

"Coffee, Master Bruce?" Alfred offers.

"Thank you Alfred," Bruce said, taking the cup.

"How are things coming along?" The buttler asks.

"I've marked where all the sightings of this new unnamed vigilante according to the files Gordon gave me," Bruce replied.

"I see they're mostly in the Narrows," Alfred replied.

"I notice that to, meaning that the Narrows is where this new vigilante is operating from," Bruce replied.

"That's one of the roughest neighborhoods in Gotham City," A third voice said, belonging to Tim Drake. "It's a high level of poverty and crime." He added. He then asks Alfred. "Can I get some coffee to?"

"You should be in bed right now, Master Tim. So caffeine is not something I would recommend." Alfred replied.

"So should Bruce," Tim retorted.

"Master Bruce is an adult. So there's nothing much I can do about that, really." Alfred replied.

"I admit, I haven't done as much for the Narrows as I should've." Bruce lamented. "My mission has changed since I started. My original intention was to just protect and help Gotham. But the world is changing and so has my mission. I'm dealing with threats much larger than myself and Gotham."

"Then maybe this new vigilante is a good thing," Tim suggested.

"I've considered this to. Though I need to meet this vigilante in person and make my own judgment before I can approve of their activity in my city." Bruce replied.

"Good idea. But how're you going to find this person?" Tim asked, arms folded.

Bruce thinks in silence for a moment until an idea pops into his head. "By luring the vigilante in with the perfect bait," He said. "Myself."

"What do you mean?" Alfred asks.

"If billionaire Bruce Wayne were to host a charity event gala in the Narrows, it could attract the wrong type of people." Bruce explained.

"I see where you're going with this," Tim replied, smirking.

"And it's risky," Alfred said. "But at least it's a start," He added.

"We'll need to set things up first," Tim said. "Anything I can do to help?" He asked.

"Yes," Bruce replied. "Find yourself a good suit.


New York

Their date was nearing an end, and Steve and Diana returned to Steve's apartment.

"Would you like to come in for some tea?" Steve offered.

"Sure," Diana said. "That sounds lovely."

Steve digs through his pocket, and he picks out something that isn't his keys. It was the condoms Tony had snuck into his pocket. Steve is petrified, because he thinks Diana is going to have the wrong idea now.

"What're those?" She asked.

Steve feels a wave of relief wash over him. She didn't know what condoms were yet. Good. Then this evening can still be salvaged. "Well, they're not mine," He said, visibly embarrassed. "Tony must've snuck them into my pocket. I'll tell you someday what they are." He says as he finds his keys and quickly opens the door. "Tony's a dead man," He growled.

"What was that?" Diana asked.

"I said do you like Earl Grey or ginger and lemon?" Steve quickly said.

"Earl Grey, please." Diana replied.

While having their tea, Diana looks around Steve's apartment. "I notice your apartment matches a 1940s interior." She said.

"Yeah. Tony made sure I would feel more at home by having my apartment custom made to resemble a 1945 apartment." Steve replied. "Even so, it still doesn't feel like home." He lamented. "It's not this modern new world that makes me feel out of place. Its most of the people I knew are now gone. Some are still breathing. But they're grandparents now. They're old, and who knows how much time they've got left." He said. "Me, I'm still in my prime. I will live on for several more decades. Assuming I don't die in combat first." He added.

Diana placed a comforting hand on his and said, "Steve, we cannot replace your old friend. But we're happy and proud to be your new friend."

Steve smiles at her and says, "Feeling's mutual." He paused for a moment, before asking, "So … how did you like your first date ever?"

"Honestly," Diana started, "this was the best evening I've had since coming to man's world." She said.

"Diana," Steve said, thinking she was joking.

"No, I'm serious, Steve." Diana told him. "I've done nothing but fighting ever since I left Themyscira. I've tried to have relaxing days and I've spent time with friends. But spending time with you has been the most relaxing moment I've had in a long time. I've talked with them about my issues. But you're the first one that I for some reason can just be completely open with. Someone I can just be open and honest with." Diana said.

Steve smiled and said, "I feel the same way. I feel like I don't ever want this evening to end. But it's going to have to eventually."

"And I have an idea on how to end it," Diana told him. "Do you have a stereo or a music player of some kind?" She asked. Steve pointed at an old gramophone. Next to it was a collection of old music disks. Diana went over and looked through the collection.

"What're you on about?" Steve asks, but Diana raises her hand, signaling him to be quiet.

She finds one vinyl that catches her interest. "Doris Day," She said. "I read about her at the Midway City library. And I've listened to all her songs," She said and pulls the vinyl out of the folder. She places it on the gramophone and starts the music. The first song is 'A Sentimental Journey.' Diana walks over to Steve and surprises him when she holds out her hand. "May I have this dance?" She asked. Steve smiled and accepted her offer. And so the two began dancing in the center of the living room. "Good Hera. Those girls who rejected you have no idea what they missed out on."

"I'm actually glad now that they did that." Steve said, confusing Diana. "I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be my first dance partner than you." He said, and Diana smiled at him. The two continued dancing, lost in each other's arms, as the lyrics began.

Gonna take a sentimental journey
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories
Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
I long to hear that all aboard
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me back
I never thought my heart could be so yearny
Now why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home
Doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo doo, doo
Doo doo doo, doo doo, ree, ree
I gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home
Sentimental journey


Gotham City

By the next day, at an unknown location in Gotham, in an abandoned building, a bunch of criminals has gathered. The biggest of them is Tusk, a mostly humanoid figure that is larger than the average person and has tusks protruding from his mouth. Just as strange as Tusk is Mister Toad, an anthropomorphic toad with a cockney accent. Another criminal is Electrocutioner, who wears a costume that can generate electricity. The one woman of the group is Magpie, a jewel thief with pale skin and white hair. There's also Polka-Dot Man, who wears a costume covered in dots. Then there's Killer Moth, who wears a garish costume of purple and green striped fabric with an orange cape and a moth-like mask. He is treated as a coffee boy by the other criminals. They were all brought here by "the boss", a man sitting in the shadows of the building. He tosses Electrocutioner a copy of today's Gotham Gazette.

"You all read the news about Bruce Wayne's announcement of a charity gala?" The boss asked.

"Now I have," Electrocutioner replied, looking over the bulletin. "But what does that have to do with any of us?" He asked.

"This is an opportunity we cannot afford to pass up on," The boss began. "Have you all forgotten the reason we teamed up in the first place? It was because we were all tired of being treated like nobodies. Like jokes. We were worth nothing while working alone. But by banding together we can show Gotham City that we are not to be underestimated."

"And you believe robbing this charity gala is going to deliver that message?" Magpie asked.

"Stealing from the poor and needy?" Mister Toad asked with a sorrowful expression. "Oh how despicable. I love it!" He cried out with a sinister grin.

"Then we all agree," The boss said. "This big break of ours will just be the beginning. The beginning of many wonderful days." He said, as the silhouette of his shadow showed his pearly whites, smirking in the shadows.


Obvious reference is obvious.

Peter Griffin: Ah! He said it.

Now I would like to give credit to BuckJohnson for the B-Plot. The stuff that went down in Gotham in this episode. He wrote the bio for that part, and I panned it out. And I do hope I'll meet his expectations. I really hope you'll like this Bucky.

Now to answer the reviews. And it's a whopper, like last time.

Fortitude501

Once again Black Bolt prove to everyone who is king.

Even Doom himself finds the Inhumans so damn useful. He knew that they were responsible for repelling many alien invasions throughout the years in Marvel. Helps him more focused on his other projects.

Wonder who would win in a contest of who's the best king in all of comics?

Love Tony's reaction about another secret civilization.

And it looks like Atroticus have just learned the lesson of humility. Which means that he'll be more careful with his future plans rather than letting his ego take control. This will make him a much more competent and dangerous villain in the future.

Glad you like it. I was very unsure on how to write Black Bolt at the beginning. But seeing these reactions to this version of Black Bolt really helps put me at ease. And I thought I'd use Tony to speak for everyone's reaction about to many hidden civilizations. And I figured a cautious and humble Atrocitus would be far more dangerous than the mad man we're used to.

BuckJohnson

This is definitely better than part one. Not completely perfect, since I have some issues like that clumsily inserted flashback to explain how the others got to Ysmault which interrupted what should have been a tense scene and was honestly mostly unnecessary. And Black Bolt... is a dick. I hate his decision to banish Crystal, which took away any good will that I had toward the character. Thanks for reminding me why I hate the Inhumans in the first place. However, the rest of the chapter is pretty good and I like how you established Thanagarians having resistance to Martian mind reading a lot earlier. Though that does contribute to another issue that I have. There's honestly no point to keep that resistance if Diana already knows about the Lasso's abilities, which in the DCAU she didn't learn until JLU. So the Thanagarians being resistant won't really be relevant during their invasion storyline and you could have honestly just had J'onn read Bleez's mind, which would have been better for his character and you could have even used it as a chance to show Bleez's backstory so that she's more than just a goon. J'onn would have seen what drove Bleez to become a Red Lantern and it would shown how J'onn wasn't so different from the Red Lantern Corps, adding more weight to what Atrocitus says later. I just see it as a huge missed opportunity. But I will say that this chapter doesn't feel rushed and I did enjoy it for the most part. There is once again some more exciting set-up for what's to come and I do like a lot of the interactions between characters, which are solid.

All changes have been made. Thank you for all the help.

JP-Ryder

Now that's pretty much better than the last chapter. Atrocitus is great and knows that he isn't invincible, but I would say that there are some grammar errors. Might I recommend Grammarly?

You could say with all the secret civilizations coming out of the woodworks, you can call this the "Lost Civilizations" arc. Now we can all go down to basics. Now I'm looking forward for the next chapter.

I love how J'ohn resists Atrocitus's and Black Bolt showing how OP his voice is. My favorite is Steve asking Diana out, and his reaction to her dress(which I imagine is the same from Maiden's Honor episode). Also Hal adopts a kitty named Dexter...nothing can go wrong with cats...

Also got that Spectacular Spider-Man reference with John telling Steve about his days in high school.

Can't wait for the next chapter of this saga.

Calling this the Lost Civilizations Arc is a great idea. Thanks man. And yes. The dress Diana is wearing is indeed the one from Maid of Honor. And Hal owning a cat named Dexter … nothing can go wrong indeed …

ExiledLegacy

Are we going to see the "mutants saga"? (X-men) it'll be cool to see Wolverines join the heroes soon. Also Steve and Diana FTW!

It would be crime if I never use Wolverine or the X-Men. Glad to see Steve/Diana is already gaining shippers.

Guest

Will your Teen Titans fanfic cross over into the storylines of this fan fiction story or reference events that happen in it?

There will crossovers where the two teams team up to battle a common enemy. But first, I gotta post the Teen Titans tie in.

So if Edrigan and Doctor Strange are set to show then does that mean we will see other mystic heroes appear like Ghost Rider, John Constantine, Blue Devil, Doctor Voodoo, Dead Man, etc.?

Many of these characters are set to appear. But I won't say which ones. (Snickers like the Cheshire cat)

Oh dear and I promised myself to never use swear words. In any case how do you think this shared universe would alter the Batman Beyond era?

How would it alter the Batman Beyond ere? … That's a whole documentary in itself.

Speaking of which will we see our heroes visit Oa in the future?

Well, there are two major enemies of the Guardians now present and set up as future threats …

Thanks, that's the feel I was going for with the to be continued bit. I even threw in some alliteration in there to honor Stan. We know he loved some aliteration.

Stan was the best.

Darkness Rissing

you know at thsi point think a club is needed...a "we hate humans cause they are assholes even when we act like them" club...members: atlanteans, gorillas, inhumans.

one thing you notice in crossovers like this is certainly how so many "non-humans" societies tend to act like normal humans (or worse) even when they hate them.

ok enough ragging about that:

so the red lanterns wanted Black bolt so he could use that scream to break apart Atrocitus prison? extrem yet smart. and now the red leader is free and ready to (re)create his corp.

speaking of, so Hal found Dexter? ummm is that just a nod towards the cat or somehow we will see him get a red ring?

hahaha so Steve and Diana on a date? lol two "old time" warriors toguether..something about that is just funny to me

and menwhile...Tony really didnt try anything to talk to simmon right? (ok sure red lantern moon invasion...and talking gorillas before) yet he could try to ask JARVIS to contact him and explain thing..now we have Reaper on the door and probably another super villain on the making

Yeah. People from hidden civilizations tend to dismiss humans as lesser life forms since they're "technologically inferior." But in truth, they have more in common with humanity than they let on. And this kind of stuff adds to the drama. And the cat Dexter … is not just a nod towards the cat from the comics … And Tony did try making contact with Simon. He just ignored his calls, hanging up on him and all. Not to mention being the CEO of a multibillion dollar company AND being a superhero takes up a lot of time.

Guest

Golden Glider won't be the only DC Villain turned mutant to side with Magneto will she?

Assuming I will figure out other DC characters that could fit the bill as mutants, then no. She won't be the only one from DC that is a mutant.

I'm guessing you'll be putting Deadpool on Task Force X aka the Suicide Squad. Please tell us you intend to keep his sense of humor intact.

Of course I'm keeping his sense of humor intact. I'm not in any way PC.

If Scott Lang ends up stealing the Ant-Man suit will we see a scene of Wonder Woman using her lasso on Luis? I really wanna hear the bongos in my head when he tells a story.

I'm afraid Scott Lang won't appear in this fic. After all, Hope is still just a baby.

Come to think of it would it be within the realm of possibility for a few DC characters to also be translated into Inhumans?

Haven't thought of it. Probably won't happen though.

Umbrella6661

I don't know what arc we will read next time, maybe War world with mongul, I wonder if we will see planet Sakaar, we'll see. I bet we will see the red lantern again, mostly Razer who will probably quit them like in the animated serie

And Diana and Cap are going out, interesting, mostly when they are married in VenomSpider33's fanfic "Legacy"

And Simon williams begins his transformation in wonder man. Also, there's a thing about Godfrey I said myself since Young justice season 2, it's a worse version of J Jonah Jameson, at least Jameson respects some heroes and he'll never betray mankind for Darkseid

Next big arc will be Etrigan focused. And the stuff with Mongul is a long way yet. And yes. Jameson is tame when compared to the dickless G. Gordon Godfrey.

Guest

Okay since AIM exists will we get to see MODOK?

Hehe. Hope you're not disappointed I changed the Scientist Supreme to a Wonder Woman villain. Thought it was fitting, considering what is to come.

Will we bear witness to a saga featuring the Infinity Stones much like what happened with the MCU?

Oh, Thanos and the Infinity Stones will become a major plot later on. That much I assure you. I will exclude a lot from the MCU though. Most importantly (Groans in annoyance) that cringy "I stand with her" moment from Endgame will never see the light of day in any story of mine.

HyenaMan

Will Red Hood be introduced in the story in the future? Cause it was sorta weird how he was the second robin but was basically retconed in the DCAU

TBF, the DCAU is its own thing with its own universe. Whether or not I decide to use Red Hood, only time will tell.