Monitor Womb, Watchtower
16:33 EST
6th September 2013
The individual who appeared to be Hawkman only crossed their arms, a seeming look of irritation their face at Batman and the suspicious faces of many of those aboard.
"Miss Martian? what are you talking about? Of course, its me."
Batman did not look at all convinced, he marched up to Hawkman, glare on his face, and he himself crossed his arms.
"You and J'onzz leave together to answer an illogical move by the Myanmar military, then you supposedly get attacked, with Diana and Superman's team conveniently in the area…"
He went closer into the tall Thanagarian's space.
"Do you really think I'm that gullible? The logical thing to do is place a shapeshifter close by. Influence the League against me."
Tim Drake was the one who spoke up to defuse the tension. He put a hand on Bruce's shoulder.
"Hey, let's all calm down, okay? there's no proof of that, and perhaps we should consider what Superman and Wonder Woman are saying." He looked back to the small crowd, an almost look of pleading on his cowled face.
"We cannot let this break down into a war." Hawkman again voiced.
There was silence at first, but then it all came.
It was simple muttering at first, but then the open questioning came.
Tim took note of who did and who did raise objections, and from what he could gather, these fears and doubts had been there for some time… those who were the most vocal: Cyborg, Spoiler, Kid Flash and the Flash himself, Shazam and even Red Hood himself begrudgingly admitted to having some conflicting feelings of how they had been proceeding as of late.
"I'm on board with not handling the worst of these problems with kiddie gloves anymore. Never have been" Jason spoke, voice moulded by the Red Mask he wore, "But Bruce, if it leads us to fighting the whole world, then we need to consider all possibilities before going down that path."
"He's right." Spoke Cyborg, "We're going too fast, and whether they agree with us or not, those are fellow heroes down there. My friends and your friends." his gaze lingered on Starfire and Nightwing as he said that. Nightwing seemed to briefly have a look of shame, while Starfire only glared back.
Stephanie picked up, "Tim's not wrong… okay, I know I've been as silent as a mouse and been going along with this shit. But I think we have been overstepping boundaries."
She looked around. People surprised at the admittance from one of the Bat Clan.
"We all lost someone in Gotham… I lost my Dad, selfish scumbag that he was, and that served as fuel enough… but I'm afraid we could be on the path to be something worse."
Tim also took note of those who did not have any objections and still supported Batman, and who gave some disappointed looks towards those who had spoken up as unsure, those who appeared as the true believers. Those were all four of the Birds of Prey, Power girl, Nightwing, Starfire, Raven, Damian, Captain Atom and Oracle.
The only two who had yet to express an opinion either way had been Guy Gardener and Ra's Al Ghul.
Power Girl made her stance very clear, looking at Stephanie "You lost your dad, but I lost my world and everyone I knew on it, and I won't lose this one too. I'd rather we go overboard for bit than keep down the path we did in the past." She looked around, some nodded others stayed silent, "Who and what will we lose next if we let things slide back to how they were if we do things Superman's way any longer, is Metropolis next?" she looked at Flash, "Central City?" she turned to Cyborg, "Detroit?"
She carried on, "What is the worst that can happen, we're still the Justice League, we know our limits and can stop ourselves."
Tim barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes at the pure irony of that statement.
Starfire also spoke up in concurrence with the Kryptonian.
"My friends, we've had this discussion. We are simply taking a more efficient hand in preventing crime and loss of life. Nothing more."
"Wasn't crippling that kid in Australia a crime too?" Flash shot at her.
They looked to the voice; Flash had a look of silent fury on his face. He looked to Hawkman, an expression of disgust.
"You and Martian Manhunter destroyed his spine, he won't ever be the same mentally, much less physically."
Hawkman looked on in shame.
"We were wrong, and nothing can change that now."
Since when did Hawkman ever regret anything?
"And its why I took the offer to speak with Batman. Wonder Woman showed me that footage of what I and J'onzz did. My wife was there too. The actions we've taken…" he grimaced, "Even I have a conscience. As strange as that sounds."
Starfire frowned. She stepped forward towards Hawkman, a pale green emitting from her eyes. Nightwing placed a hand on her shoulder.
"And what is that meant to imply? If you have cold feet, then why don't you leave."
Before either could escalate the issue further, Batman's voice drew everyone's attention.
"What we have done… has sometimes seemed cruel. But more lives have been saved thanks to our actions and methods than ever before. On that, I will not relent."
He walked up again to Katar. Despite the Thanagarian towering over the mere human. All knew who the true power of this situation was.
"My answer to this offer is no."
For a moment, the look of calm prideful arrogance that was the normal state of mind for Hawkman was shattered, his eyes shooting up in what looked like fear.
It was only a moment, but that was all Batman needed.
Bruce walked away, eyes staring down at the planet earth below at the shield glass.
"Inform Superman and Wonder Woman that they have 24 hours to release J'onzz… otherwise we will locate and rescue him by force."
After Hawkman left, the tension that had come as a result of the offer was still present.
To ease the ill feelings, most of the group had split up to go on worldwide patrol. Sticking with what had been said earlier, all left in groups of four or above.
By the time everyone had left, it was just Batman, Ra's and Oracle left in the Watchtower. While Barbara worked to aid the teams from afar, Batman stared out at the stars. Contemplation all over his face, and a tenseness in his body language.
Ra's went up to his friend and son-in -law, the silence was something the Demon had little interest in breaking up unless Bruce chose otherwise which he soon did.
"You understand, I can't allow them to prevent me from keeping the world safe."
He spoke without turning his head, eyes still glued to the slowly routeing planet below.
"Of course, my son." Ra's replied, "But there are other means, better means, of solving this issue without resorting to violence against fellow heroes."
"You can see their true plan, just as I do." Batman spoke. A knowingness in his tone.
"Yes," Ra's answered. "Dissension in your ranks, the sowing of doubts and bringing them up to the surface. And now the fear of individual capture forces us to work in groups, spreading us thin across the world even further, making it even harder to maintain order. An efficient plan I must say."
Bruce turned his head, "Even still, you think I should speak to Clark and Diana?"
Ra's looked into his eyes, he gave an expression of assured confidence and honesty.
"I think you must be more transparent. If Superman and Wonder Woman and the rest of your fellow Justice League members are feeling such unease, then you must imagine how the rest of the populace feels."
Bruce frowned slightly, "I've made it clear countless times on what our goal is. "
"But not to the extent that the people feel safe. You lack transparency."
Ra's placed a comforting hand on the armoured shoulder of the Bat.
"This is my advice: arrange a public address. Let them see the man and not the mask. Hear them, listen to them. Show them Bruce Wayne, the man who would trade everything for a safer world where people are protected, the man who cares above all else. Include everyone. They are as much a part of this as you are."
Bruce took a moment, he did not respond for some time, but eventually he nodded.
"You're right, Ra's."
APOKOLPIS, SOMWHERE OUTSIDE THE MULTIVERSE – TIME UNKNOWN
The smell of ash and eternal hell flame would have driven even the most masochistic to insanity, not factoring in the tormented screams of millions who toiled, suffered and died to maintain the Empire that his father had built.
The fires burst out from the pits constantly, you learned to drown out the sound and not even notice it anymore. Though he only found the sounds of terror soothing to his soul.
For Kalibak, first son and rightful successor to the great Darkseid, lord of Apokolips and the universe itself, it meant nothing for what he had to report to father.
It was destiny that he was in the position he was now, he shoved past the worthless Lowlies who cowered like the worms they were before him – natives and the slaves brought in from all corners of the universe to Apokolips.
This is it
Kalibak's position as his father's least favourite son was… well-known, and something father was never afraid to proclaim publicly.
Even now, he gripped his fists tight at the thought. He was the loyal one, from his first battle on some backwater excuse of a planet where he had slain his first opponent, when he was barely a child, to this present moment in time. He had served with absolute devotion, eager to see all life subservient to his father, his God.
But it made no difference, for all his loyalty and victories, he had never been able to make father see his value over that traitor and coward, Orion, who had made clear a million times over that he was more loyal to those fools who masqueraded as the Gods of New Genesis.
Father favoured the son who was said to be his destined killer over himself.
It tormented him to his very bones. But it was no matter anymore, with this news, he would finally gain his father's approval.
The Parademon had come to him as he oversaw the regular executions; rebels and just those who had happened to have made the list. Men, women and children all.
He had almost crushed the pathetic creature for disrupting the entertainment before it had given the news:
The Earth was disarming, the militaries of the long-desired planet no longer fought as they had once done, and it was all being led by the Batman.
He had been taken aback, for how could one mere human take control over a whole planet? but as he read the report, it had all checked out, this was certainly no ploy to lure them out. It seemed the mortal in the mask had chosen the pathetic path of peace for certainty.
As soon as the Parademon was done, he had made sure to kill the creature and throw its remains into a nearby firepit.
None of the others would be able to get this information to Darkseid before him, not Dasaad or Steppenwolf.
He went through to the throne room at last, the massive chamber doors opened to reveal his God and progenitor.
Darkseid sat tall and broad upon his throne, looking every inch the lord, he was. To his left and right sides, the Furies; female personal guards who would sacrifice all to protect their master.
"Father."
Prostrating himself, he waited for permission to rise.
"Kalibak." The deep voice of his father spoke, "What news do you bring, let it be worth my time or be prepared to suffer." He threatened. Not even looking down at his son.
Almost fidgeting in excitement, he let it all be known.
"Our scouts have brought news regarding Earth; the Justice League leads efforts to disarm the planet in the aim of total peace."
Darkseid sniggered.
"Weak and soft, no doubt the Kryptonian is behind this. His pathetic softness will be his and the Earth's undoing."
"No father… it is Batman who has guided them down this path. Not Superman."
Though none would dare acknowledge it, including himself, Kalibak thought he saw for the first time, that father was taken off guard. Of course, it was soon hidden behind his usual expression of domineering neutrality, along with a noticeable snigger.
"Impossible, a mere mortal commands those with the powers of Gods. Then the Earth truly is weak."
He saw the chance he had waited for his whole life in front of him.
"Yes father, and that is why I request leave to lead a war party. I would test this "peace", if the likes of Kryptonians and Thanagarians now take orders from humans. They will prove no match for the might of Apokolips."
"Yes… you have my leave. Kill the Batman and take the Earth in my name."
Kalibak gave a sadistic smile.
"Yes father."
Hampton Court Palace, London, United Kingdom
09:25 EST 9th September 2013
"Quit it, Kori." Dick Grayson said playfully, he couldn't help but let her mess up his hair.
"Why not, Dick? We're not doing anything… too serious" she said, her own smirk was as inviting as it was exciting. Her bright purple dress that was fantastically short provided easy access for his wondering hands.
Even still, the guilt in his gut was as painful as any nagging injury.
Donna didn't deserve this… but they had broken up in all but name, he internally argued. After the breakup of the Titans, he and her had not spoken for months. Only the occasional text message to make sure the other was safe, but neither willing to make the first call.
It had been only a month before he had given into Kori's advances, he remembered, still ashamed. In all truth, it had been out of spite for her branding of Batman as a killer, a murderer.
She had no right to judge him. Batman had done what needed to be done, given Lex what he had coming.
The lines had become less hazy, on one hand, Kori and he had always had their feelings for each other since the day they had met all those years ago. And now, she had been one of the first to support Batman and himself, she was understanding and never passed judgement. She supported him in every way since. Donna had taken up against them, with Wonder Woman and Superman. She had refused to see and understand that the world had changed since Gotham, and their methods and tactics had changed by necessity. Not out of desire.
Would it be that things went back to how they were, but he knew that was impossible. This was their reality now.
Not about a moment ago, he was speaking with both Tim and Damian, all were dressed in their best suits, as was all Bat Clan and League members.
As a billionaire on a mass crusade to save lives, it was no issue to set up the press conference that the whole world was now anticipating.
Dick thought it was great. They needed to assure people, reach out and become more accessible. And when Bruce and Ra's had pitched it, he was all on-board from the start.
Kori thought it was unnecessary, and that their actions spoke for themselves. Though it was not a serious disagreement, Dick took note of it.
Kori was not a shy person by any measure. But this… fooling around in the backstage of one of the most important press conferences, perhaps ever? Not exactly in his checklist, but he'd take it.
"Slow down, Kori." He said with a chuckle, though she paid little head.
"Oh, come on, Dick, these things are boring. Let me have some excitement." She almost pleaded, her lips catching on his once more.
Knowing they had some minutes before the speech, he decided he might as well indulge.
"Well, who am I to deny a princess." Before he kissed her back harder, pushing her against a wall.
Bruce looked into the mirror; carefully fixing his perfectly cut dark tailored suit with a red tie, he was never a smiler. Not truly. He could not recall a genuine smile since his parents' murder, and after that, only a handful of times, and they had almost always involved Talia or Alfred, or his children…
He did not want one of his practiced ones that he had perfected a thousand times over whenever he attended a board meeting or to a social event. Everyone would see right through it.
No, Ra's was correct. No more hiding, no more secrets.
All the money he had in the world to set this conference up, and it would mean nothing if he could not communicate his message.
The real Bruce Wayne, the real Batman needed to appear before the world, open and vulnerable. They needed the man who had usurped control for their own good. He needed them to know that there was nothing more he would trade for the safety of the people and any future generations.
"Nerves, my son?" the amused voice of Ra's came from the side, whom was also dressed in his own suit. A pitch black cane at his side with some noticeably expensive decoration at the handle.
He returned a small one in return, "I don't get nervous. But doing this… do you truly think I'm making the right choice?"
Ra's raised an eyebrow, "This conference or overall?"
"Both."
Ra's looked at him with sympathy, "I do believe that not all answers lie with the Batman, Bruce. Do not let the cowl take away your humanity. Show them the man who has dedicated his whole life for others." He put a hand on his shoulder, "The most selfless man I know."
A production assistant came up behind them past the tall curtain, "Mr Wayne, Mr Al Ghul. We are ready to go on in one minute."
With a hmm, Ra's went on his way to deliver the opening introduction.
Looking on the monitor, the other Clan and Leaguers quickly forming up behind him, they all watched as Ra's spoke to the massive crowd.
"People of the world. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ra's Al Ghul. Some of you may know me, others will understandably be less familiar. Know only that Batman has been one of the greatest allies I have ever encountered in our war against evil. And I have no hesitation to call him a member of my family."
He gave a pause as mummers and photos were taken. The whole world anxious on the man's next words.
"Six months ago, the world was rocked by a terrible event. A city of millions torn away in the blink of an eye. Including my own daughter and unborn grandchild."
His next pause was for himself. slightly gripping the podium. He could hear the audible gasps of shock and sadness of the revelation that the mysterious Ra's was the father of the Batman's late wife.
"Since that day, the heroes of this world have led a tireless effort to ensure such an atrocity cannot happen again."
At that, Bruce Wayne, and not Batman came through the curtain, to a loud applause. Behind him, Dick Grayson, Koriand'r, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Karen Starr and Cassandra Cain.
Jason had chosen not to come, having business elsewhere.
Shaking and hugging his father-in-law, who stood aside from the podium, Bruce allowed the crowd to carry on their cheers.
After the crowd was through, he then spoke.
"I'm sorry if we have scared you. We should have spoken sooner."
Clearing his throat, he went on, "We have been acting against some of the greatest evils on earth – men and women, governments and regimes that have murdered and terrorised for too long without consequence. I can say without any doubt today, that those days have come to an end."
Across the world, billions watched, as the speech was translated into hundreds of different languages.
(As one of the thousands of Journalists in London to cover the event, Lois Lane sat at a press seat. A glare aimed straight at the figure on the podium. Flashes of Kara's lifeless body still in her head.)
At their headquarters in Metropolis, where it was night-time for them, Superman, Wonder Woman and the other heroes who had taken a stand against Batman watched and listened. Both reserving judgement until their former friend had spoken his piece.
(Within a small, rented apartment, Mercy Graves also watched with great interest.)
"Some of those here today see me as a vigilante, a criminal who is no better than those he has brought in. But I am what I am today thanks to two of the most influential and compassionate people I knew. My parent's death drove me to create the ideal that is Batman. That nobody had to stand for injustice. That I could give the people of Gotham city and the world, a symbol of hope against the dark."
"I know there are some out there who disagree with mine and my allies' actions. But I won't let people suffer, no matter who they are. It matters not what ideology you flaunt. If you prey on the innocent. We will stop you."
"Our actions have seemed excessive. But the result is that fewer grieving families, grieving children, will ever have to mourn their loved ones."
He gestured over to Ra's who stood to the right side along with the Clan.
"It was this man, Ra's, who has kept me grounded, been a remainder that my loss should not define me."
He gave a smile. One which he now had no issue drawing.
"My message to you all is clear: your lives matter, and we will always keep you safe."
The boom hit like an explosion.
The scene of calm and collect silence was destroyed as a massive boom tube the size of a mid-sized building came out of nowhere. Hundreds of Parademons stormed through, they immediately begun killing all life they saw. The screams and yells of pain and agony erupted like a chorus from the depths of hell itself.
In no time, the former vision of Bruce Wayne was gone, now this was for Batman.
"Protect the people!" he yelled to the Clan, as he threw a handful of explosive baterangs at a bunch of Parademons.
Quick the Flash himself, Power Girl's former pencil skirt and buned up hair, along with her reading glasses were gone, replaced with her white and red outfit. Likewise, Starfire's dress was gone in flames, with her purple outfit.
As the two most powerful beings present, they led the fight against the endless hordes of Parademons while Bruce, Dick, Damian and Tim either aided the civilians or took on the more powerful minions individually as they could.
Ra's himself battled the attackers, as he drew his encrusted sword from his cane that was actually a hidden scabbard and sliced away with such grace that he resembled a choreographed dancer.
Assisting an injured man and women away behind cover, Bruce went to his comm watch.
"Oracle! We're under attack, Parademons are everywhere. We need a drop and backup immediately!"
She responded amidst a barrage of explosions and yelling. Both on his own side and hers.
"As soon as we can, Bruce! They've hit all over the world simultaneously. It's a full-on invasion. Our people are spread too thin!"
Gritting his teeth, he responded, "Copy that, we need our gear soon though. We won't last long otherwise."
As the comm went out, he turned to the woman who cried over the man who he assumed as a loved one. He had second degree burns all over and seemed to be drifting in and out of consciousness.
Taking her forcefully by the shoulder, he ordered her to stay down with him and not make a run for it. He would not let either of them die he swore.
A deep and sadistic voice came from behind.
"Don't make a promise you can't keep, pathetic creature."
Before Bruce could turn around. He was swatted almost fifty feet off the ground, at least thirty feet, and landed on the ground as he coughed blood. His tailored suit in ruins and rips.
As he tried to get back to his feet, in unbearable pain, he was hoisted roughly by the throat.
"Kalibak." He spat out.
The wide and evil creature from Apokolips only smiled in triumph as he held Bruce like a rag doll.
"I'm happy you remember me, Batman. Or Bruce Wayne as it goes out. I'm used to dealing with Superman, an opponent worthy of my time, despite his weakness and unwillingness to use his power as he should. Nor the Amazon, who fights like a warrior should fight."
He pulled the Dark Knight in closer with a dark chuckle, "You, on the other hand, are a pathetic rodent beneath my notice."
Kalibak threw Bruce again, his body smacking the ground, leaving a dent in the dirt where he was thrown.
The scion of Darkseid pulled his Beta-Club from his back, its energy capable of injuring Superman. It would obliterate a human.
He loaded it; its barrel aimed squarely at the injured body of Bruce Wayne.
"After I kill you, human, I'll enslave this world, and kill anyone not fit to work the slave mines on Apokolips: their lives dedicated to fulfilling the wills of Darkseid."
Instead of anger or fear… there was nothing, no expression on the man's face. Kalibak was confused at first… then there was a smile; one that, despite coming from a mere human, who had no power to match him, it made Kalibak loose his resolve just a bit.
"What are you smiling at?" he sneered.
The smile on Wayne's face then turned into a deep laugh:
"I'm expecting a package any second now." He replied, before resuming his laughter.
"Wha-"the answer was answered before it could even be asked.
A flash of silver and metal burned and crashed to the earth, knocking the Apokolptian on his back, dazed for some moments before looking up.
The huge case had a Bat symbol on it, and out stepped Bruce Wayne.
No Longer the broken and bloodied billionaire, but as the Batman, and he was encased what looked like some sort of power armour.
He was the Batman, and now he looked fucking angry.
"Now Kalibak. Say all that again. Threaten my home and my people." Spoke the Batman, now in a deep demonic baritone, partially scrambled.
"Oh fuck." Was Kalibak's reply.
MEANWHILE AROUND THE WORLD…
10:01 EST
All around the world, from Moscow to Mumbai, heroes, small and big, fought off the invading swarm of Parademons as their lives and the lives of their loved ones depended on it.
"… Beijing, Tokyo, Paris, London. They're hitting multiple cities simultaneously. We can't keep them back for long!" Wonder Woman exclaimed on the comm channel as she was contending with the invaders in the middle of New Delhi.
Green Arrow fired a single arrow as he ran up the street of downtown Star City, the Parademons rushed at him, likely expecting an easy kill, but they were all stopped in their tracks as the arrow exploded into a rush of cold that froze them into place.
"I'm a city slicker. Not so well suited for alien invasions… and I'm running out of arrows."
the voice of Hal cried out on the other side, he put up a green shield to stop a group of Parademons from killing civilians in the city of Moscow, "What's the situation on Batman's end?" he called out.
Diana led the fleeing and injured innocents away to cover, "Superman is heading to London now to assist. Lois is there too."
The Atlantic Ocean - 120 miles from the British Isles
10:03 GMT
Superman went to as fast as he could. He had listened to the conversation. But was too focused on saving Lois and the others in London.
He flew across the sea, and in no time, crashed into a large group of Parademons as they converged.
Throwing them away, he went to where the action looked to be the thickest, right outside Hampton Court Palace.
In the middle of the action, he spotted his cousin from another Earth, Karen, this was the first time he had seen her since Stryker's Island. She was fearless no doubt, but her anger was causing her to lose her focus as she was increasingly surrounded.
For a moment, he could remember his cousin born of this world, Kara, who lay dead by her counterpart's hand… but he charged in just as the Parademons went for the kill. They were all taken out within moments. Their unconscious bodies littering the floor.
She looked up at him with a frown, she did not meet him in the eyes, and he did not have time to talk. Both choosing to say nothing to the other. He listened out for Lois and immediately sped away.
"Clark!" she called out, he took down the Parademon that was about to remove her head from her shoulders and took her in his arms, he flew over to a nearby building, the screams and sounds of battle still present.
Putting her to the solid ground of the rooftop, he checked over her for anything wrong.
"You're okay." he exclaimed gratefully.
She gave a small smile. "Glad you came just in time as always, Smallville."
He returned it, before quickly making his way to the edge of the roof.
"I have to help them. No matter what Bruce has done, I have to save him."
Lois did not look to be agreeable with that.
"There are others out there who need you too, Clark. Don't become blinded by your friendship at the expense of everyone else."
Downtown Central City, Missouri, USA.
12:08 AM. EST 9TH September 2013
Wonder Woman hacked and kicked away at the enemies of this world.
"Keep behind me!" she ordered the cluster of civilians.
Putting away her sword, she switched between using the Lasso to rope and throw away the Parademons, and her shield to guard the oncoming blasts.
As they were defeated, The Flash came and took them all away. Keeping them in a contained location until this invasion could be halted.
Breathing heavily, she looked to the Scarlet Speedster,
"Do you think we're through here?"
"I cant say. Who knows when the next-"
He spoke too soon as three more Boom Tubes opened.
"Ugh," he exclaimed, "Forget I said anything."
Hampton Court Palace, London, UK
12:37 AM EST. 9th September 2013
"You-"
Kalibak had no time to even say another word as the massive metallic, super-powered fist of Batman's exo-suit smashed him in the face, sending the deranged sadist into a row of cars, which became flattened.
Spitting out blood, he tried to hastily crawl back up.
"I… I didn't mean-"
He was silenced again as the next shot came, knocking him to the top of the sky, who then smashed into the wing of a retreating plane, sending it spiralling to the ground below.
"No!" called Batman. He had no flying capabilities with the exo-suit, and he could see there were hundreds of people in there.
"I've got it!" called a familiar voice.
He spotted the red, white and blue. Superman quickly took hold of the out-of-control plane.
The Kryptonian held the nose of the plane, taking it easily in hand, and gently began to make his way to ground level.
"What are you doing here, Clark." Batman snarled. Watching the sight above.
"Helping you, Bruce. And don't be you and deny you need it."
He glared towards Superman's direction.
"I have Kalibak under control."
"Let me handle him. The others will need help."
You don't get to-"
Before Bruce could continue any further. He took the full brunt of a car into his body, throwing him back into a concrete wall.
Kalibak walked toward him. A grin on his ugly face.
"So, it seems our scouts overestimated you. The Earth's defenders aren't as united as we thought. You and the Kryptonian are no longer the allies you once were. This will be easy."
"After I kill you and Superman both, your planet will fall as easily as any other."
"We won't let that happen!" came a determined voice.
As fast as a speeding bullet, Superman crashed into Kalibak sending him far away. He offered his hand to Batman, who reluctantly took it.
ACROSS THE WORLD
In Lagos, Vixen destroyed another pair of parademons, while in New York, Kid Flash, Arrowette, Superboy and Beastboy worked to evacuate as many people off Manhattan towards the safer areas of Brooklyn as they could.
In Rio De Janeiro, Shazam and Vixen held off swarms and swarms of the monsters.
On the streets of Paris, Spoiler, Zatannah and Catwoman fought hard.
Everywhere, anywhere, all fought for their lives.
"I need backup here, now. I can't hold out forever!" cried Captain Atom, trying to hold off the enemy advance in Moscow, he shot energy blasts, punched Parademon after Parademon away.
"I can't help, Atom!" yelled Guy Gardener, he was in Berlin. The city wrecked, the German military alongside him. But for every Parademon they took down, it seemed ten, or twenty more appeared.
Tim Drake spoke up, bloodied and bruised, even though he and his brothers had received their suits at an earlier point, "Its not looking good here either."
He looked towards Nightwing, Red Hood, Robin, Starfire and Powergirl, all fighting for life itself, but at what use?
A new comm came in, not from one of their own frequencies.
"Red Robin, this is Wonder Woman. I'm sending you help as we speak. Hang on, all of you!."
Before anyone on their side could react, Damian spoke up, "How did you get onto this frequency, Amazon?"
"I let her in." Came the voice of Victor Stone. "This in-fighting means nothing. We have to work together if we're going to have a chance of surviving this."
Central City, Missouri, USA
13:23 EST 9th September 2013
She was at the near point of exhaustion, there was no use anymore, was what she was slowly starting to conclude.
Under any normal circumstances, such thinking would disgust Black Canary. Be it from other people, but especially for herself.
Her mother would never have wanted her to give up, but this…
She, Raven and Huntress had been transported down to Central City with the Flash.
They had been fighting for hours. She had unleashed her Canary Cry more times in one battle than she could remember, but those portals were endless.
It was a challenge to just keep standing, let alone fight the hordes of monsters from another dimension.
She had gotten separated from the others, now she was alone.
Ollie… she thought with pain in her heart.
He was an idiot, he never knew when to shut up… but he was her idiot, and his words could charm like no other.
And her last memory of him would be him banishing her from Star City, and effectively ending their once unbreakable relationship.
"Unless you change your new mentality, you're not welcome here anymore."
If only he could have seen their true desire. Batman's true desire. To bring a peaceful and just society around the world. No more atrocities. No more deaths.
No more Gothams.
She let out one more cry, knocking a couple back, but it would not hold for long, and just like that, the horde resumed its charge at her.
Her only regret was not having more time to convince him of that this was the right choice. That she had made the right choice.
She gave a small sad smile, "I'll just have to knock some sense into you in the next world. Goodbye my love."
As she stood ready and willing to accept her fate, a barrage of arrows were imbedded in the Parademons, causing them to be blown back, caught in nets and freeze in place.
She looked back onto a nearby roof.
Ollie, Green Arrow.
He gave her a smile.
"Hey Pretty Bird. Where's the Canary I knew who kicked ass and took names?"
She had a grin. A happy one. She likely even looked slightly goofy, but in that moment, she did not care. She smashed her boot right into the face of a remaining Parademon, knocking it out.
"Oh, you're on."
For that moment, past disagreements and conflicts were forgotten about.
For that moment, it was just like before. As it should have been.
Ferris Aircraft facility, Coast City, California, USA.
14:11 AM EST 9TH September 2013
"Carol!" Hal Jordan shouted. He narrowly dodged energy blasts; he then used his ring to send green versions of the now destroyed air facility planes at them.
His girlfriend was inside the hanger, she was armed only with a handgun, and held off the few Parademons who had gotten through Hal's guard.
She had only one mag left, it was only luck they had managed to get as many people as they had out. Though the airfield was destroyed. Fleets of prototype and future commercial airlines were strewn and wrecked, and the whole place burned in the daylight.
As she reloaded, a massive shadow was cast over her, "Shit." She thought, missed one. As its claw was about to rip her in half, a shot rang out, with the thing's head blowing up.
As it fell dead, she looked behind.
Mercy Graves, Lex Luthor's assistant, and she had a massive shotgun.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked, not as pissed as she would have been as more Parademons came at them.
"Long story involves your boyfriend… ummm not that way. Look, we can talk about this after if we're still alive."
Carol gave her a look. But nodded.
"Fine, lets kick some alien ass."
Hampton Court Palace, London, UK
14:39 AM GMT
9TH September 2013
Superman and Batman fought Kalibak. The son of Darkseid was a lot tougher than they ever thought he was.
He kicked the Kryptonian away, his attention now on Batman.
"Try as you will, you can't stop me, human!"
Batman let out a growl, he threw two baterangs that exploded upon impact. Knocking Kalibak to a state of daze, which Batman used to take hold of him from behind.
"Call of this invasion. Now," he ordered through gritted teeth.
"Or you'll what?" he shot back.
The Dark Knight said nothing at that. But Kalibak was ready, as Superman flew at him as she was held in place, he got his Beta-Club back, and shot a power beam that knocked the Man of Steel back again.
Using the time, he then reversed Batman's grip, and held the Human down in place.
"Typical human weakness. Despite your squabble with the Kryptonian, you haven't changed at all. You're still the same coward as you've always been. Afraid to kill."
At that, he got out the Boom Tube remote.
Pressing a centre button, the few Boom Tubes multiplied, allowing more Parademons to come through. They swarmed across the world like locusts.
Batman tried to get up, but he was pushed back down. A horde of Pardemons came down and grabbed him.
He was encircled by the monsters.
They all began laughing like heyenas. And that bastard, Kalibak just smiled.
Like the Joker.
"You've always hated the idea of taking a life, haven't you? Now your pathetic code will see this world burn. Your friends and family will die or be enslaved. And it's all your fault."
Kalibak noticed his wrist comm, his Cheshire like grin expanding even more.
"Can you hear them, Dark Knight? They're all dying."
The chatter was a thing of horror, hundreds of voices from across the world; in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and half a hundred more, they all cried out in pain and agony.
"I know that your city was destroyed." Kalibak sneered.
The laughter of the crowd increased.
"You let your city down, you let your family down. Now you've let this world down."
"Je Vous En Prie!"
"Please stop. Someone!"
"Aide Mo!"
"No…" a voice said in his head.
No, it would not be like Mom and Dad, not like Jason, not like Barbara, not like Gotham.
Not again.
More caught up in his sadistic moment of triumph, Kalibak did not notice Bruce's change in demeaner… and his free hand going for his wrist pad.
"Die now, Human, die knowing that-"
"No!"
A beam of light came from the sky, it burned and blinded like the sun. eviscerating the Parademons and knocking the son of Darkseid back.
Superman groggily recovered. Kalibak having gotten a good shot with the Beta-Club. As he viewed his surroundings. He now saw that even more Parademons had entered the fray.
He saw and heard Kalibak and Bruce, now with a crowd of Parademons surrounding them. The demented warrior of Apokolips taunting and humiliating his friend. He flew as fast as he could, wanting to rescue Batman and stop the invasion.
He heard Bruce's heartbeat faster, he could see and feel fear… but much stronger, was the feeling of rage. Kalibak distracted, so happy to reveal in his moment.
He saw Bruce tap a button on his wrist, he did not realise for a moment, but then he remembered: three years ago:
"Impressive, I must say. Give my regards to Mr Lucious Fox." Superman had smiled.
Of course, Batman only grunted, with a half-nod thrown in.
"A satellite-based heat emitter. Capable of taking the power of the sun and transforming it into clean energy. Its still not ready for full-time activity. Its potential to be weaponised is too much of a risk. It could be configured to target biological beings. That's why I'm putting it back into Research and Development."
Bruce had used the satellite to burn beings alive.
He could only yell out a futile, "no", as it happened.
Kalibak had completely switched.
He crawled away, half burned and bruised himself by the power of the sun. Bruce looked better. His suit seeming to have a shield built in.
"Get up…" Bruce growled.
"I… I never thought you would… "
"Fight me." Bruce demanded.
"No, no you win."
Kalibak quickly looked over to the approaching Superman. His life seemingly saved.
"Kryptonian. Tell him, I yield. I will order my troops to disperse and-"
"You don't get to yield!"
"Bruce! That's enough. He's beaten."
"Stay out of this, Clark." There was a warning in that voice. Calm, straight and direct
Kalibak whimpered as he was taken up by the throat.
"You don't get to just give up!"
The sight and situation reminded him of six months ago… the Metropolis PD station, himself, Luthor, and Bruce…
He grabbed Bruce's other shoulder. Applying a bit of pressure that broke the Dark Knight's steely concentration on the invader.
"Bruce. Don't do this."
"He won't hurt anyone else, Clark."
Before Superman could respond, he felt a sharp pain in his midsection.
His normal strength, energy and ability suddenly zapped from him.
He looked down to see a shard of Kryptonite partially imbedded in his abdomen by Batman's free hand. It was done as quick as anything he had seen. Not enough to be fatal, but he went to his knees in anguish.
"I'm dealing with this Clark. You stay down." Was all he heard, before the first punch sent Kalibak crash to the floor.
Superman was left on his knees, unable to prevent the scene in front of him.
Batman gave a hard right, "I said…" a left, "Fight me!"
Kalibak gave a cry of desperation and rage, throwing a punch of his own, but it missed by a mile, and Bruce took him down, crashing him head first into the concrete with a sickening crack.
Bruce straddled him.
"Darkseid will hear of this!" he screeched. Now desperate to live. Thinking, futilely, that attempting to invoke his father would get the enraged Caped Crusader to stop.
It did not.
"All the people you've murdered. The innocent lives you've taken just on this day alone. It ends now. I've let monsters like you live for too long. I thought a code and symbol meant something. No more."
A punch.
"No more letting cancers live."
Two punches.
"I'm… I'm a God…"
Batman only raised an eyebrow at that.
"Not much of one."
He held a hand down on Kalibak's throat and beat him.
"Pl - please, please stop. I- I su-"
The pitiful pleading did nothing to stop Batman.
He punched him over and over in the face. Perhaps over a hundred times.
Blood and brain, the squelching noise, and a sick crack left the son of Darkseid's face a bloody half-caved in mask.
5 MINUTES LATER…
Superman could still not feel his powers, despite having to have – painfully – removed the emerald shard.
He felt half-pained from the stab wound, and even more so that his friend had done this.
"I'm sorry, Clark. But you left me no choice."
He saw Batman approach. His exo-suit gone. Now he was in his normal armour and gear.
"Kalibak… you- "
"He's dead." Bruce answered.
"You executed him." Superman replied in a voice of shock and disgust.
Batman gave a partial glare, but it largely stayed the same neutral expression.
"It had to be done. Just as this is, also."
"What has to be done?" Superman asked.
Batman did not give an answer, only looking towards the sky above. Plagued with Parademons.
Then the flying soldiers all seemingly blew up for no reason.
Not one was left alive.
Superman gasped in horror as the small pieces of ash and burned remains of what had been Parademons landed to the surface.
As if on mark to answer his unspoken question. Batman elaborated.
"Kalibak said something to me. That I would rather let innocents suffer than save them. Before Gotham, I would never put stock into anything he would say, that there must be lines that we don't cross. That it separates us from them. But things are different now. I think Kalibak was right in his own way. Things must change going forward, which they will. Every second we waste trying to restrain or incapacitate only lets one more innocent person die."
By now Superman had gotten to his feet, now holding in the stab food, feeling as weak as he had in the many other times Kryptonite had been used against him… but hearing this from Batman was crushing him than any of those occasions had.
"That's why I ordered the League to not hold back anymore. Power Girl, Starfire and Captain Atom are flying across the world. Eliminating this threat once and for all."
"Times have changed now, Clark. Either change with it or stay out of the way."
