*Prologue: Haunted*
He had been looking at these photos for over a year now. He felt rage. Why didn't Batman look for him? The man clinched his weapon and threw a knife at the photo of Batman. Jason Todd hated Batman for this. But most of all, he hates Mia Harlow. Or as most people call her Mrs. Wayne. Jason will not call her that. He hates her. Of all the women Bruce had dated, he had to choose her. Most women he dated before were rich and beautiful. But Mia is just a nurse with a son she is raising. What makes Mia so different? Bruce had fallen in love with her and married to her months ago after Joker was cremated. And Mia just gave birth to a baby girl they named Violet Martha Wayne. She was born on Oct. 14th. That was only a week ago. A new member of the Bat Family.
Jason pulled the knife out of the wall and glare at the photos before turning to the photo of Bruce and Mia. It was their wedding day. Jason rips the photo off and tear it to pieces.
"Fuck them..." He hissed. "Mia Harlow Wayne. She's the one who made Bruce forget about me. She bewitched him. Bruce never falls in love."
"Jason?" A female voice asked. A woman walked in the hideout to find her boyfriend standing in front of the photos. The woman has short red hair, blue eyes, and wearing a white and black jumpsuit with a hood.
"What?" The man growled. He turned to see her there. "Oh...it's you." The woman gave him a smirk. "Not in a right mind at the moment. The day will come in two weeks. After so much training, Batman...will die. And Gotham...will be ours."
"Sounds cliche when you say it." The woman said, rolling her eyes. Jason stared at her. "It was always 'Gotham will be ours', 'Batman will not stop us', all that crap." Jason grabbed her shoulder to make her face him. "You certain this plan will work by then?" She asked him.
"It will work. Scarecrow told me it is flawless. No way the Batman will stop him." Jason said with a look in his eyes. "Deathstroke gathered an army. And I...will be the night."
"What about Harlow? She has two children." The woman asked.
"They are no concern of mine." Jason said, picking up his helmet. "And that...newborn...is no sister of mine. As for Mia...she will face wrath. She will watch Bruce die by my own hands. And she will be next..."
"What about Wayne Manor?" The woman asked.
"Paige...don't worry about what Bruce has. The manor, the rest of the family, are no concern of mine. Only him and Mia are my concern. And Batman will fail the night we attack." Jason told her. "All I want...is revenge!" Paige stared at him. Jason puts on the helmet. He walk pass her to have a chat with Deathstroke. Paige let out a sigh before following him.
The Batmobile arrived in the Batcave. Batman got out and see his wife sitting on the chair by his computer. But, she isn't alone. She is holding Violet in her arms. The Dark Knight couldn't help but to smile. Mia looked up at him.
"Welcome home, honey." Mia said softly.
"She keeping you up?" Batman asked, walking over to his wife. He held his arms out. Mia hands him over the baby girl who cooed a bit. Mia hides her yawn. Batman removes his cowl as he looks down at his daughter who looks back up at him. She has blue eyes and black hair. Just like Bruce. "How could I be so lucky?" Bruce asked as Violet's eye lids grow heavy. Mia smiled at him. Bruce hands the baby back to her. "I'll be up shortly." He said.
"Don't take too long." Mia said, carrying Violet. She walked up the cave steps, humming a bit. Bruce took a minute to think back of what happened half a year ago.
He remembered like it was yesterday. Back in Arkham City, he felt guilty. The deaths of Joker and Talia. Since their deaths, Bruce/Batman was never the same. Even after Harley almost attended her revenge against him, but Robin got him out. Then again, Batman still felt the guilt. He got out of the deep depression after Mia gave him a talk and revealed she is pregnant with his child. Bruce had been shutting everyone out for weeks that month until he came to his senses. He is married and have a family now. They mean more.
XX
Bruce walked in the bedroom and see Mia on the bed. She finally put Violet to sleep. The man smiled a bit and got in bed with his wife. His hand runs up and down to her bare arm. Mia opened her eyes and turn to face him. They didn't say a word to each other. Bruce leaned down and kiss her. Mia kissed him back as she brought her hand up to the back of his head, caressing his black hair. Bruce moaned a bit.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you too." Mia whispered back, cupping his face. Bruce kisses her again with passion. Mia brought her hands down to his strong shoulders. She moaned a bit as she felt his lips on her neck. "A little late for this, don't you think?" Mia asked with a tired smile. Bruce smirked at her. He runs his hand down her thigh, gently stroking it. Mia moaned while Bruce is kissing her soft skin.
After their activity, Bruce held Mia close in his strong arms. He plants a kiss on her head, watching her sleeping form. He closed his eyes and drift off to sleep. He and Mia are hosting a party at Wayne Enterprises tomorrow evening. Besides, Mia could use a little break from the baby.
"You sure Alfred could handle Violet?" Mia asked as Bruce is driving them to the building. Mia is wearing a wine-red dress with straps of fake flower petals. Her blonde hair is down with some curls at the end. She is wearing a pearl necklace Bruce had given her before the event of Arkham City and on their wedding day. Bruce is wearing a black suit with a red tie. "I mean, Axel and Damian are going to help, but-"
"Mia, you worry too much. You need a break." Bruce told her. "Violet will be fine. I made sure the boys will help Alfred out with anything." Mia could count on Axel on helping Alfred, but she doesn't know about Damian since he hardly helps around. He is Bruce's first-born son after all. Mia did get Damian to warm up to her and Axel since she and Bruce return from the honeymoon. Damian is a hard-headed child, but he does have a heart.
Bruce and Mia walked in the Wayne Enterprises building and got to the floor where the party is held. There are familiar faces around. Jim and his daughter, Cash and a couple of cops in their suits. Mia smiled a bit. But then she hears a familiar voice coming from the corner of the room. A man in his suit, holding a glass of champagne. Emmet. Her brother.
"What the hell?" Mia gasped.
"Is that who I think it is?" Bruce asked, squinting his eyes.
"Afraid so." Mia said. She released Bruce's arm and walk over to her brother who grinned at her. Emmet has his dark blond hair slick back. Mia never saw him dress so nice. He does look great. Still, what is he doing here? Who invited him?
"Surprised to see me, Mia?" Emmet asked.
"What are you doing here in Gotham?" Mia asked. "Are mom and dad with you?"
"Nope. I'm here to tell you the good news." Emmet said. "I am now a cop of GCPD!" Mia stared at him in disbelief. Is he serious? She specifically told him not to transfer his career in this city. As usual, Emmet never listens. "Look, before you say anything-"
"You idiot." Mia said with a look in her eyes. "Why did you take the opportunity?"
"Okay, you're mad." Emmet said, setting his drink down. "Listen, I offered to come here because of dad. He and mom are worried about you. So, I move here, and Aaron Cash gave me the badge and everything. I have so much experience, Mia. And you need extra protection."
"You have no idea what this city is like at night. I've been through a lot." Mia said.
"That's the reason why I should stay in Gotham. After what we heard in Arkham City, I-"
"Emmet, you don't have to live in Gotham because of me. I'm doing just fine." Mia said. "I love you, but...you can't be a cop in this city. Turn in the badge-"
"Mrs. Wayne?" A male voice spoke. Mia turned around and see a tall man. She recognized him right away. There is no mistaken. The man is wearing his blue suit, and has the same glasses behind those blue eyes. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?" The man asked.
"No. It's alright." Mia said. "How nice to see you, Mr. Kent." Emmet excused himself to get some food. "What brings you here?"
"Actually, I came here to see you. For an interview." Clark said.
"An interview? Let me guess. You want a story of the Arkham events or my life with my husband?" Mia asked. Clark chuckled a bit.
They are both sitting across from each other as Mia is giving him what he needs for the Daily Planet. Clark was amazed by her story. The events of both the asylum and city. She survived them both. Clark could see the sad look in her eyes when she brought up the Joker, and Batman was guilty about it for some time.
"Do you feel sorry for Joker?" Clark asked.
"A little." Mia admitted. "He doesn't deserve death, but...what happens, happens."
"I've heard his body was cremated nine months ago. And Gotham had less crime without him. Is that true?" Clark asked.
"Well, yes. But there is crime. We have Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler. But without Joker, things are less chaotic." Mia said. "Sometimes I forget that Joker was gone. Isn't it strange to expect him in the streets causing trouble?"
"I don't think it is." Clark said. "And there is another thing I want to know. How are the kids? Your new baby?" Mia smiled at him.
"They are doing good. Violet is a healthy little thing, yet she can be fussy." She told him. "She does love her daddy." They both chuckled. Bruce noticed them talking. He had a feeling Clark will come around and speak to her. He will let this one slide for now. He knew Clark is here for a reason. To talk.
As the party goes on, Bruce and Clark did have a talk while Mia is talking with Jim. Emmet stood outside on the balcony. He can't turn down this job now. He just moved in the apartment with his things and become a new cop in the GCPD. He did it because Phil wanted him to protect Mia. Emmet will do whatever it takes to keep his sister safe.
Across from the Wayne Enterprises, there is a figure watching the man with binoculars. He made a glare when Bruce appeared on the balcony to talk to Emmet. The figure lowered his binoculars and revealed his mask. He and the militia will attack Gotham soon. Batman will die.