AN: Hi friends~. I have good news and bad news. First the bad...unfortunately I must take another chapter to properly set everything up for the battle to come. If you are part of the discord you were already told this. So next chapter will be the official start of the Watchtower Siege. Now the good news. I have come up with a complete list and plan for said infiltration, characters decided, goals determined. Also like the last chapter, this one will be introspective but instead of the Titans it will be the League. Which with all the set up in this chapter will make for a long but entertaining time.
With that said, apologies for the more bloodthirsty. The war will take place properly and dramatically. I just need to make sure there are no loopholes.
Thank you for understanding.
FEEDBACK:
Calderoneric758: yes it did
Gamerlover41592: nuh uh
Vein Bloodline: Well you're right in a way about the Nekopara girls. But it's not like they were spared from the darkness of Gotham. Three out of six started as strippers, they were genetically made for and only sex for billionares. Not to mention the oldest one is only three years old. And so is Superboy now that I think about it… oh yeah and a month in with the Phantom Thieves led to a shootout with them almost dying and covered in blood. All that on top of they never truly got away from Cadmus, White Rabbit was the only one in the way for them to be captured again. So yeah...it is a miracle… I forgot the point I was trying to make *shrugs*.
I guess what I'm saying is...thanks for the compliment of this being the darkest stories involving the Justice League. Maybe I have a slight problem when even the side characters put in for levity have such dark pasts. But hey that's Gotham for ya…
Oh and welcome to the fic~!
Kinaki747: Oh boy indeed. Welcome to the fic!
I don't own Batman/JLA, Persona, or Nekopara
WARNING: yadda yadda yadda
Enjoy~
EDIT: Lmao when the only error brought to your attention in discord can be fixed in a single line. This is for you SlashDash12.
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May 30th, Midday
Kingdom of Heaven
Metatron's sudden appearance has had the courts of Heaven reeling. If Messiah Picaro was the emotional tether for claiming the Phantom Thieves were just...Metatron was the tether to cold, hard facts and logic.
"This is blasphemy. Certainly these mortals could not have done so much in so little time. The new Demon Lord must be the one truly in control." Micheal huffed.
"And yet it is the truth. Our ward has conquered the Amazons, yielded the terror that is Trigon, and has done so in the span of but two months." Metatron said.
"That is quite a feat. Though with that I wonder… if you have such numbers at your disposal, what use do you have of our armies? Surly trillions of demons are quite enough for whatever your aim is." Gabriel said.
Metatron looked at Messiah Picaro.
"Did you not tell them the situation at hand?" The angel asked.
"I have. Perhaps I failed to properly explain it." Picaro said.
"I will do it justice. I have seen the demon proper." Uriel flew into the court.
"Uriel. You were quite hard to get a hold of. Despite the promise of proper judgement of our wards." Messiah Picaro said.
"Proper judgement requires the viewing of actions. I would never allow that to be tarnished by whatever bias you may have." Uriel explained.
"Understandable. Please continue." Metatron said.
"I have seen the demon proper. I have seen him possess the ward. Back in the underground battle. This was before I confirmed without a reasonable doubt that Satanael was under their rule. This being is unstable and cannot be allowed to do what he sees fit." Uriel explained.
"We are not here to discuss that. We are here to discuss whether or not these imposters deserve our aid. Which for me, is a firm no." Michael huffed.
"You lack clarity, Michael. Think. As Gabriel stated what would they need us for? The demon… The demon holds them all captive and plays with them like toys. With the wards, with these imposters here...with even the new Demon Lord. In any moment he could suddenly find his entertainment dull and wipe them all out. What does that make you want to do brother?" Uriel asked his bull headed brother.
"Do not see me as a man who would lie down to allow such corruption to take place. My forces would wipe the speck that is this demon from the face of the universe. The forces that join together and fight admit they are weak and feeble. " Micheal growled.
"My friend such pride is a sin. You allow anger and vanity of your command blind you." Messiah said, taking Micheal's shoulder.
Micheal was quick to hear those words, bowing deeply on one knee.
"My lord, a million apologies. I would rather die a thousand deaths than go against your law. But surely you can see that these imposters have something beneath all their grandstanding." Micheal said head facing the ground.
"That I do child. I can feel something off. The universe has tilted slightly in its balance. A great being of evil has fallen. One that couldn't have been slain so easily." Messiah said.
A great light appeared in the court. The fate symbol formed and out stepped the doctor.
"The balance has been tilted indeed. For I have found the one slain." Dr. Fate all but growled. He raised the head of Beelzebub. The blood is still fresh and dripping from the giant fly's head.
"These 'imposters' as you called them, slain this demon and replaced him with one of their own. They purposefully planned for such to occur. What say you to that? What say you to counter allegations that you wouldn't do the very same to every member of this court?" Dr. Fate spat.
Metatron and Messiah Picaro didn't react to such claims. Metatron accounted for this, he bowed deeply on one knee for Messiah.
"I apologize, my Lord. For I have neglected to bring forth the sin of that act. We will take full punishment for the slain general."
"You have brought forth a great void in the Order of Chaos with this act. No fortune will properly foresee the wars fought to take this demon's spot as general. Your imposter will fall, as will the rest of you. This court is a judgment place ruled by the Order of Control. I should have seen it sooner. The sudden quiet from all other deities in your cult. The huge rise of power brought by the wards you claim control you. The red and black that the Trickster wears, showing his true self right in front of our noses. With every action you take you bring chaos and uncertainty to the order that protects us all from annihilation! I ask this court to throw these imposters out. Do not fall for what the Amazons have fallen for." Doctor Fate spat.
"That is quite a claim sorcerer. So you accuse us of being evil manipulators, seeking alliance only to backstab the moment your back is turned? I see...I see and the great demon we claim to want to aid fighting?" Metatron asked politely.
"Behind every word you say. I agree in the statement that he must be stopped. But, no with you and your kin. What proof do you have that he won't at any moment strike us all down with the forces he has. With the Kingdom of Heaven on his side he'll be next to impossible to defeat. You wish us to allow ourselves to become puppets to a demon that won't hesitate to cut the strings. In fact, what proof do you have that every word you utter is not an absolute lie? What claim do you have that you all aren't playing the art of the victim, while secretly worshipping this all powerful being?" Dr. Fate asked, coldly.
Metatron and Messiah Picaro looked at each other at the question. The whole court was silent at the accusation. With Beelzebub's head laying on the floor being evidence of their rather questionable morality.
A loud silence entered the room, as all eyes were on the two imposters. Waiting for their answer.
The two personas stood in silence. Doctor Fate's claim seemingly silences them and their lies. At least that's what he thought.
The two starting...laughing...it started off as a light chuckle between the two, before turning to hysterics.
Metatron let out a deep guttural laugh.
"My child. You truly are blinded by your hatred for chaos and the effects it causes." Messiah Picaro said as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"What is the meaning of this? SPEAK!" Fate yelled, frustration at their weird answer showing.
"Please explain yourselves to the court imposters. And explain why we should believe a single word you say." Micheal growled.
"You call us worshippers, AIDERS to a being that has caused us so much pain! The notion is laughable, INSULTING!" Metatron said.
"Why would I aid a being who took everything from my wards? Why would I come to bow, begging, praying for you all to see the truth in our cause? The demon will strike that is for certain. But it will not be because he grows tired of us...no...no. It will be because we will slay him!" Messiah Picaro said.
Gasps filled the room from the clear spite coming from Messiah's imposter. What made the very being that lived for forgiveness and sacrifice utter such words.
"My mirror, you speak of murder. Even the great Sataneal is not deserving of such a fate. You are truly an imposter if you aid in such means. I am never one to not offer reform rather than vanquish" Messiah said.
"Such actions are necessary, I'm afraid. And I will forever repent and pray over the sins I must commit. But listen here, we are not fallen, I am one who sees reality. All of our children on this beautiful world of ours will die unless we stop this force. That is a promise. We all must band together against this force. Call us the Lords of Chaos all you wish. We will do what is necessary to save the world you have created. Even if we lose all titles of the angels we once were." Metatron said.
Murmurs filled the room at that.
"I called upon the mirror, not you my son." Messiah said.
Messiah Picaro was shaking from the words he declared to the court. Tears of sympathy and anguish for the loss of his first ward all came back to him. All the struggles his ward had to go through to save the world and seal the great evil that was Nyx. He...he couldn't let that happen again.
Minato...I promise...on my life...on my soul...it will not be for nothing.
"Messiah Picaro. Explain yourself." Messiah said.
Messiah Picaro looked at a shaking breath. The words all form into proper thoughts.
"Millenia ago...I made a decision...a decision to sacrifice myself so that my children would not die for my sins. To let them live out their life as they see fit, and let their actions speak for their character...I...come from a world filled with gods that seek to destroy that. One wished to see my children be consumed by despair… A past ward chose to fight that, and fight he did...but at a cost...he sealed the great evil...but he died as a result." Messiah Picaro said.
Messiah listened to every word, choosing to listen instead of ignore...like all others before him.
"He was my other self...an extension of all I had ever believed. Losing him was...I was never the same. I've helped multiple other wards after him. Watching as his friends all mourned, I chose to draw back to a distance and go shelter myself from the anguish…" Messiah Picaro said, tears streaming down his face.
"Then...I heard a call..a desperate pleading voice cry out to me. Praying for relief from his strife...begging and sobbing internally as his life crumbled before him." he continued.
Doctor Fate clenched his fists as he listened to this drevel. Emotion was a cheap tactic. But the rules of the court maintained all voices were given time to speak. He would not allow personal bias to outweigh the necessity of order in a court of law.
"This boy...was the Trickster. He was thrown into a game he wanted no part of. Imprisoned by claims unfounded and fabricated. At first I ignored it...like I began to do for all prayers...I watched as the boy was outcast, belittled, beaten...and betrayed multiple times. Every voice outside what little friendship he had, screaming in his ear how he was useless...a disgrace. But he kept going...despite it all he wouldn't allow the god that treated him as such get to him." he said.
"This is utter blasphemy. I-"
Messiah looked at Micheal, and he immediately quieted. Messiah knew what this was...he had done so himself...Messiah saw his counterpart get on his knees and clasp his hands together...like he himself did the night he made the same decision...to sacrifice himself for his children...praying to the father that made him...the creator of the multiverse…
"Even in his pain...I ignored him...like a fool I judged it as too little an issue. I watched as a god of control ravaged the world in a sick game. He turned all of my children into blind sheep ready for a slaughter...until all that was left was the Trickster and his party."
Messiah listened to every word...feeling the sympathy his father bestowed upon him to feel for others.
"Finally...I...I snapped...I tried to reach the boy as he was about to be slain...I couldn't let it happen again...I couldn't let another soul sacrifice himself, when I could do it instead…"
Messiah Picaro put his hands to the ground, his head met the floor in the deepest bow he could make. Tears dropped onto the floor.
"In my tardiness...I failed to reach him in time...the people were calling out for a savior...and I was too late to respond...too weak...In my stead...something I never thought would ever happen occur...All his prayers were not answered by me...but by my very opposer…"
Messiah's eyebrows raised at that.
"The Demon Lord. Satanael heard his call. He screamed in rage and forcity I could never hope to imitate. He deemed the Trickster's judgement as unfair and unjust. So in his rage, he shot the god dead. Forever vanquished as punishment for the great sins he committed. The people had their savior… and I...I was humbled greatly by the very being I deemed immoral."
Messiah Picaro weeped.
"In my judgement I realized I had been too kind. Too weak to protect the children I swore to protect. But my Tricksteer still summoned me...he sacrificed his own happiness so others can properly gain it. Another sought to put the whole world in a haze of fake happiness...and after everything...I couldn't say no to my Trickster's call."
"Brother…" Metatron whispered as he watched the display.
"So I pray to you. Pray to the entire court. Fight this demon. Fight this god of destruction before he wipes out all under our watch. Let your light guide us to proper ways. Let our actions be forgiven as they were truly the only option. All of Hell would never fight in this war without proper guidance. Beelzebub and Satanael will see to that. I beg you to do the same for the beings up in the heavens. Do not wander, do not still...Fight...FIGHT WITH US SO OUR CHILDREN MAY LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!" Messiah Picaro screamed.
"Are you quite finished? Such prayers are to be answered, fool. Just not in the way you wish. Your wards plant the seeds of armageddon. With their acts all the constructs of order will crumble. Leaving nothing but chaos and destruction. They must be stopped. Only then will the world be saved." Doctor Fate huffed.
Murmurs within the court went about in the whole room. The angels in the building arguing about which path is correct. Which path would bring about the most peace.
Messiah looked at the imposter still on his hands and knees. Metatron took a knee and tried to comfort the being. But he knew with Fate's words, and actions Picaro's prayers won't be answered.
Messiah took a look around himself and reflected on all of his past decisions for ruling. The quest for peace was forever stopped by war. Those at the helm in the Order of Chaos saw to that. And now the greatest faction in that order was...here...begging for assistance. The faction that was always fighting for total freedom at all costs...were now being run by a being begging for order…
"Silence in the court. I have come to a decision." Messiah stood from his chair.
"Good to see you see the reason my lord. I-" Doctor Fate was interrupted.
"Silence Nabu. I have reached the conclusion...that we will aid in these endeavors." Messiah said, firmly.
"WHAT?!" Doctor Fate roared.
"Yes my Lord." Uriel said. He was neutral about the whole thing, his judgement was already given.
"Of course, my Lord." Gabriel said. She was one of the few who sympathized with the prayer.
"As...you wish." Micheal grounded out. He agreed with Fate but his Lord's rule was law.
"Surely you jest! Have my points fallen on deaf ears!" Fate hissed.
"They surely have not. But I see this as an opportunity, to finally stop this endless war between order and chaos. One cannot exist without the other Nabu. We must strive to find balance." Messiah said.
"BALANCE?! How many times have they almost destroyed us all?! Peace is not an option when the opponent refuses to follow basic negotiations! Trigon would never back down unless on his final breath!" Fate raged on.
"And Trigon is no longer in power. Perhaps with new leadership such things can be enforced. I will at least try to attempt such." Messiah said.
"You...you fool. You will bring death to us all. I have seen futures, all the possibilities. None of them end well with this decision." Fate growled.
"This war can't go on forever Nabu. Too many have died, died for inches of land...only for it to be fought over again. I will not allow such to continue if the enemy is willing to discuss our issues. This war. Must. End." Messiah said sternly.
Fate turned dramatically and began to walk out of the court of law. The court of "Order".
"And I'll end it. With or without you." Fate growled, not looking back as he teleported out to his Tower.
"Thank you...thank you…" Messiah Picaro said.
"Do not make me regret this. Order must come, and come soon. Am I understood?" Messiah said.
"Of course. Such will be done. Any help will be appreciated." Metatron said.
"Micheal, your armies are no longer for fighting the demons of Hell. But, aiding them. Unless in an act of self defence your men and women will not strike them or enrage them. You are to follow their command to the letter. Uriel and Raphel will be there to properly aid on that front. This is the most important command I have given in a long time. Do you both understand?" Messiah asked.
"I do." Uriel bowed.
"As you wish, my Lord." The more stoic Rapheal said.
"I...understand my Lord." Micheal said reluctantly.
"I already know of their plans, brother. Gather your troops. This is the day we fight with our fallen brothers and sisters again." Uriel said.
Micheal followed his instruction, muttering curses about demons along the way.
"Gabriel, you will aid them in Hell. Diplomacy must be met with the Demon Lord. I entrust that to you." Messiah said.
"I am honored, my Lord." Gabriel spread her wings and opened the portal to Hell. She flew in and disappeared.
"Now... It is clear to me that these wards of our mirrors are of great importance. Should they fall, I fear all this would be for not." Messiah said.
"That will not be an issue. Our ward shall not flatter. Nor shall he fall if we have any say in the matter." Metatron said.
"Even so. I would rather be safe than sorry. I shall assign a guardian to protect this Trickster for as long as necessary. Would that be an issue?" Messiah asked.
Messiah Picaro and Metatron looked at eachother and quietly discussed the pros and cons of such a thing. Finally Metatron looked to the lord of the kingdom.
"We see no issue with this...as long as they keep themselves hidden and do not give away our Trickster's plans in any way." Metatron said.
"Of course, of course. Let's see…." Messiah looked at the massive forces of Heaven's armies.
His eyes landed on one angel in particular.
"Ah yes, you my boy. Come forward." Messiah said to the angel.
The tall angel stepped out of the file, kneeling deeply to his lord. His angelic white and gold armor plates shined brightest amongst the massive army. His helmet hid short white hair. But his piercing red eyes shined in determination. His skin is as bright and pale as his white armor.
"State your name son. And your rank." Messiah said.
"I am Zauriel of the Eagle Host of angels. Past guardian angel of countless souls. Cleopatra, Mona Lisa, and Joan of Arc were under my watchful care." Zauriel said, holding a hand over his heart.
"Ah, such notability~. Are you up to such a daunting task then?" Messiah asked.
"Anything for my Lord." Zauriel said.
Messiah then casted a mighty spell between his hands. He clasped him together and closed his eyes. He slowly separated his hands, and from them a mighty and ablaze sword was formed, fueled by an endless holy fire.
Messiah walked to the kneeling angel and tipped both of his shoulders as if to knight him.
"Let this blade be a symbol of your will to fight. Let it cut down all obstacles in your path. No matter how strong. Let your heart's fire forever fuel the blades. Never to be corrupted, never to extinguish." Messiah got on his knees and handed Zauriel the blade.
"I am forever blessed to receive such a blade my Lord. I am forever humbled." Zauriel said
"While our forces fight, your duty is to protect the ward from danger. Or assist him in any needs he may have. The Trickster must not fall. Be his guardian angel. Guide him to victory." Messiah looked at the bowing angel.
"Go forth and bring peace to the world." Messiah said to the two personas, followed by Zauriel They bowed and left to tell their ward the news. Their forces now expanded greatly, one hundred thousand angels at their call.
"You were quite silent during the proceedings. Metatron." Messiah looked at his right hand man.
"It was rather...strange to see how my counterpart interacted with yours. The similarities had me at a loss I suppose." Metatron said.
"And your thoughts on the matter?" Messiah asked.
"This will either become the best feat man has seen, or end in their destruction." Metatron said coldly.
Messiah sighed at that. Such claims were true to say the least. But there had to be another way to go about this endless war. He laughed at the notion a bit. Mostly do to the fact…
The endless war could only end due to another that was bloodier than anything the humans have ever seen.
And he just agreed to support it.
He prays he made the right choice. The right sacrifice…
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May 30th, Midday
Salem, Massachusetts, Tower of Fate
Cloudy
Doctor Fate transported into his tower in a righteous fury. He couldn't believe the stupidity of the court.
"These fools will all fall with their blasphemy!" Nabu growled inside the helmet.
"Calm yourself Nabu this was an outcome foreseen." Inza said calmly.
Doctor Fate swept a table clear of it's decor and plating, it all crashed against the wall.
"THE LORDS OF ORDER HAVE ALLOWED THEMSELVES TO BE TEMPTED IN A LITERAL DEAL WITH THE DEVIL! DO NOT TRY AND CALM ME GIRL!" Nabu roared.
"My lord, such actions are irreversible aside from time meddling. We can only properly prepare the League for the worse. I told you to try and stay to learn their next actions. But like a child having a tantrum you stormed out of the court." Kent said.
"SILENCE MORTAL! You best watch your tongue with me! These children must be stopped. NOW! Before they get us all killed." Nabu hissed.
Doctor Fate walked through his massive trophy rooms and libraries hoping to find something to track down a target with the most powerful cloaking spells he knew Constantine casted on them.
Thousands of books floated for a single chapter, paragraph...any word that would help in finding these children.
"Batman to Doctor Fate...come in." Fate's comm rang on a desk within the tower.
Doctor Fate ignored it, much too busy for that obsessive mortal. He would end this now.
"My Lord. We must report. What if they attack?!" Kent asked.
"SILENCE BOY! Do not question your master! Those mere mortals are powerless against this. Only I can save this world." Nabu barked.
"Report in. Don't make me go over there." Batman growled.
"The lord has lost it, my love. We must give him time to stew." Inza said.
"YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING! WE MUST STOP THESE NEW LORDS OF CHAOS! THAT'S WHAT THIS ALL MUST BE! THE TRICKSTER IS MERELY PROVING HIS NAMESAKE!" Nabu fumed.
"You have already earned a time for yourself with this my lord. You must calm to a state of logic. Your pride has made you emotional. Help me dearest." Kent said.
Doctor Fate had a mental struggle. One side trying to find a spell, one side struggling to get his hands on his helmet. Magic coursed through the tower as the argument occurred. Nabu's rage destroys the very foundation of the Tower.
"RELEASE ME FOOLS! I MUST MAKE ORDER! I MUST TAKE CONTROL!" Nabu roared.
The helmet was glowing a bright white underneath its metal, as it was slowly removed its eyes flashing a pure bright light.
BOOM!
A pulse of magic swept through the Tower of Fate. All of the many books, tables, and other objects that were flying through the Tower at top speeds due to the inner battle suddenly fell to the floor. Where Doctor Fate stood there were now two people. Izna and Kent stood panting, Kent taking the helmet in his hands and putting it on the cushion it belonged.
Inza found the comm Batman was calling through.
"This is Inza Nelson reporting in. Heaven is now compromised." Inza said, tired.
"I see. I take it Nabu didn't respond positively to that news?" Batman asked.
"He certainly did not. I'm sorry Dark Knight...before we could properly take control of the Doctor Nabu already teleported us out in a blind rage. His anger makes him unstable. My husband is with him trying to calm him with spells." Inza said, crossing her arms.
"You two promised me that you would control the helmet better. Those weren't lies were they?" Batman grounded out.
"Of course not! But with the lord gets like that he becomes hard to control. Apologies Dark Knight but it has been a while since we three joined together like this. It's been even longer since we disagreed on the actions the Doctor should take." Inza huffed.
"Take control of these two. Or I'll be forced to put the Doctor into retirement." Batman growled.
"Such will be done. No need for idle threats Dark Knight." Inza scoffed.
"Who said anything about idleness?" Batman said, coldly. With that he hung up, clearly furious with not knowing anything new other than it got worse with the Phantom Thieves.
Inza sighed at that, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her husband came back looking just as tired as her.
"Nabu is in a meditative state. His sleep should allow for a more rational mind." Kent said.
"Good. He thinks those children are the new Lords of Chaos? Ha! Not a single fortune telling gave us such an outcome." Inza scoffed.
"He'll never admit it love, but I think he feels betrayed by Heaven. One of the most powerful factions of the Lords of Order has turned their backs on him." Kent said.
"Well that's no reason to hunt this group like dogs! Could you believe the outcome of that so-called "debate"? What he feels Diana must feel tenfold!" Inza scowled at her husband.
"They are terrorists Inza. They must be stopped." Kent said.
"Don't hide behind Batman Kent! I know you, and I know you would never believe such claims! This is nothing short of blackmail from their captor. I agree they must be captured. But to paint them as demons to make ourselves feel better is off the table!" Inza ground out.
"You're...You're right... I...I'm just afraid is all." Kent said.
"Afraid of what dear?"
"Afraid to empathize...I suppose. Doing so would only present the proper course of action. When I read the file, when I see their faces...when I hear their screams. I wonder...if we are right in our thinking." Kent said.
Inza walked up to her husband and put a hand to his chest, she looked up into her lover's eyes.
"That reluctance is why I fell in love with you Kent. Nabu has always been a cold seeker of order. It is only you who can lead him to the right path." Inza whispered.
"I'm powerless against him, Inza. The only time I have control is when you are there with me." Kent closed his fingers around Inza's other hand.
"Well then, I'm not going anywhere. I love you too much to just pack up and leave." Inza smirked.
"I love you too." Kent said simply.
They shared a tired but passionate kiss. Seeking a short rest in bed. A thing they haven't done in a long time.
Inside the helmet on the left, Nabu was still raging. Despite the slumber, throughout it he felt restless. An urge to make things how they should be. But as the spell did its work, the calm washed over him. Leaving his fiery anger to a simmer.
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MIRROR FORTUNE RANK 2/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: The Closed Heavens Gate
The Kingdom of Heaven has joined your forces!
Raphael, Micheal, Uriel, Gabriel, and Zauriel have joined your party!
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May 30th, Midday
Park Row, Church
Rain
Joker was finalizing the infiltration. There were a few bits and pieces that needed to be accounted for.
"Talia?" Joker asked.
"Yes, Master?" Taila answered.
"Did you do that side job I asked you to do yet?" he asked.
"Of course Master. Alibaba will have a proper place to work momentarily. In fact I can take her there now if you wish." Talia said.
"Good. Make sure it is well guarded if worse comes to worse. She cannot be captured. Understood?" Joker asked.
"It will be done. I cannot spare any of my women as that would interfere with the plan. If Antiope could spare some Amazons to guard her that would be the most convenient." Talia said.
"You'll get 4 and no more. We need all to be at the tower for the battle." Antiope said.
"It will have to do. Alice?" Joker summoned his free persona.
"Yes, Senpai?" Alice asked.
"Go with Futaba and help the Amazons protect her. No killing, only enough to distract long enough for them to get away." Joker ordered.
"Aw~. I wanted to destroy the satellite, Senpai…" Alice pouted.
"I know. But please can you do this? For me?" Joker put a hand on her head.
"Hmmm...fine. But you better let me go all out in your next battle." Alice humphed.
"Promise." Joker smirked.
"Futaba…" Joker called.
"I heard. I can't wait to get my new toys~" Futaba chirped.
"Come then darling. Let us get you settled with your upgrades." Talia ushered Futaba out with Alice and a group of Amazons.
Joker watched them as Constantine walked up to him, cigarette in mouth.
"Bastard isn't answerin' my calls. Imma go and find the shitter." Constantine growled as he stuffed a phone in his pocket.
"You sure this guy would help John? I mean I haven't seen anything like him roaming around Hell. I never heard of another Prince of Hell outside of the ones I already fused in the past." Joker said.
"Etrigan ain't a standard Prince. Bastard rarely goes down under anymore. He was bound to a Jason Blood millennia ago. He must be the one running the show." Constantine puffed out a cloud of smoke to the side.
"Then why would this guy help? I also don't want you away for too long. I need your skills if things go south too fast." Joker said.
"Relax. Blood always has some fancy place in Gotham. Won't even need to leave town. With or without the bloke I'll be back before ya get things going." Constantine said as he walked out the church.
"Dude is still not taking his shit well. No wonder Lavenza worries so much about him." Skull walked up to Joker.
"Everyone deals with grief their own way." Joker said.
"I guess...that reminds me I gotta show Waylon his new digs. Talia finally found a place for him to sleep that's not in Hell." Skull said.
"Can't it wait? We are about to do the biggest heist we've ever pulled. Would hate for you to miss it." Joker said.
"Nah, I made him a promise to get out of there as soon as I could. We owe him for the sewers and all. Ya know?" Skull said.
"Alright. Just be back in time." Joker said.
With that Joker snapped his fingers and a portal to hell opened. Skull stepped in and it closed.
With that a portal opened, but not one of Joker's. Amazons drew their swords to defend their position. Out of the portal stepped Messiah Picaro and Metatron, with Zauriel.
"At ease." Joker told the army. Some Amazons complied, others huffed at the man giving them the orders...but followed instructions.
"Trickster, we bring good tidings to you today." Messiah Picaro said.
"Heaven is finally helping?" Joker asked.
"Indeed. Their forces are one hundred and forty thousand strong. They need but a call to attack." Metatron sad.
"Who's this?" Joker motioned to Zauriel.
"My lord has assigned me to protect you should need be. The peace agreements between Hell and Heaven would fall apart if you should fall. I am Zauriel, your guardian angel. AS long as I'm required to do so." Zauriel bowed.
"I see...well welcome aboard. Good job guys. But now we'll need to rethink the attack a bit with such massive numbers joining in. But the more the merrier." Joker smirked.
Zauriel silently assessed the Trickster in front of him. He watched his every move from afar to see if the man deserved such protection. He has seen the world enter a chaotic state ever sense his Lord sacrificed himself. A state which no longer could be ignored. He has made multiple pleas that went unheard by the court to correct humanities direction. But until now, the call went unheard.
Zauriel was nearing his breaking point of patience. Almost deciding to voluntarily become a fallen if that is what it took to aid humanity in its endless struggle for peace. But now...the court went into action.
All because of this...child…
Countless millennia spent in quiet judgement...now with the negotiations, the heavens have now awoken….Zauriel didn't know if anything the Trickster claimed was true. But he already respected him for at least starting such things where he failed.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower Hangar B
Hall of Justice
Green Arrow stood at the long desk that they held their debates at. He was reeling at what happened to Diana.
Black Canary entered the room, bringing two coffees. One for her, one for Green Arrow.
"Ollie." Black Canary called.
No response, just him looking into the distaste.
"Ollie!" Black Canary said louder.
"HM?! Oh...Dinah...you scared me." Oliver said.
"It's eating me too. But you need to focus up before we go back." Dinah said as she held out one of the cups.
"Yeah...you're right. Sorry babe." Oliver said as he brought the cup to his mouth.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Dinah nudged his shoulder.
"I...it just happened so fast. I mean I don't regret my decision or anything. But with Diana quitting I don't know. I just don't think she gets how scared everyone on the orb would be of all this." Oliver said.
"Mmm. I get you. Diana's like a sister to me. Feels like a divorce or something. All I know is Batman better be right about all that shit. Guy deserves a hard kick to the face but...we can't just let the demon run free." Dinah shook her head.
"To me...it would have been worth it to at least try it their way. At least to see if it works out long term. Without all the other crap on top the Phantom Thieves' whole operation sounded sound to me." Oliver admitted.
"I feel the same Ollie. But with all they've done to Gotham, Bruce won't let them just let them do what they want. Even without the demon. He has a hard enough time letting me fight there sometimes.." Dinah sighed.
"Me too. And I don't even have your powers. Or any powers really." Green Arrow said.
"But it's like you said. With all the crap on top...they need to be brought in. If any of this intel gets out the public will have a mass riot. I suppose a new Demon Lord never sounds...good." Dinah said.
"Yeah...neither does us not even knowing the guy at the top's name. Not for lack of Batman's trying. I could tell by his stance that it was killing him coming to us all without at least that." Oliver said.
"I'm sure he'll get it. If not from the Thieves then...some other way. I just…" Dinah's eyes started to gather tears again.
Oliver was quick to wrap her in her arms.
"Hey, hey...what's the matter? I thought you came here to comfort me." Oliver joked hoping to make her feel better.
"I...I don't want to lose Diana to all this. I know once she does something like that it's final. I...What should we do. How do we convince her that this is the only way?" Dinah whispered.
"I...I don't know Dinah...I don't know." Oliver said as he tightened the hug.
He held his fiance until the tears turned to whimpers. Then they simply stood like that in silence. Getting comfort for each other.
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May 30th, Midday
Bristol
Rain
Skull showed Croc the new place he would be standing. Joker told Taila to find somewhere nice for him to sleep. So she did as much as she could to please her master.
"That's the biggest toilet I've ever seen in my life." Waylon said as he looked into the bathroom and shower combo.
The place seemed tailor made for the man. All doors didn't need to be crouched under, all seats were able for him to sit on. It was like something out of a dream for him. He thought he was dreaming. He was slapping himself to try and wake up.
"Pretty cool right? Man, Talia went overboard with making this place fancy huh? She really follows orders to the letter." Skull said, looking at the more flashy decor.
"Is that my bed?" Waylon asked, pointing to the enormous California King sized mattress, fall set up with numerous pillows.
"Uh, yeah! Course man!" Skull chirped.
"I...I thought…" Croc was hesitant for the first time in his life.
"Mm?" Skull asked.
"I thought you would just set me up in another hole in the wall." Waylon said, confused.
"Why would we do that?" Skull asked blankly.
"Fucking...I don't know! That's more than I ever got before!" Waylon hissed.
"Huh? We had a deal man. We wrecked your sewers, so we would find ya a proper place to sleep. Ya thought we didn't keep our promises or somethin'? '' Skull huffed.
"WHAT DO YA MEAN?! OF COURSE NOT! HUMANS NEVER HOLD THEIR END!" Waylon roared.
"Hey man chill. We ain't like all humans. I mean we literally brought you to Hell. That didn't raise any red flags?" Skull asked.
Waylon snorted at that.
"Alright spill. Waddya want huh? There has to be a catch to all this shit! No one just drops a fancy ass condo on anybody!" Waylon huffed.
"Dude! I already said we're square. Shit man, the hell is your problem?" Skull stomped.
"MY PROBLEM?! WHAT'S YOURS?! GIVING ME ALL THIS SHIT WITHOUT ASKING FOR NOTHING THE FUCK BACK! FUCK YOU!" Croc roared
"SCREW YOU TOO YA UNGRATEFUL BASTARD!" Skull yelled back.
"THE FUCK?! I AIN'T UNGRATEFUL! THIS IS THE NICEST SHIT ANYONE HAS EVER DONE TO ME! THERE HAS TO A CATCH!" Croc yelled.
"HOW MANY TIMES I GOTTA TELL YA?! THERE AIN'T!" Skull raised a clenched fist.
Waylon didn't know what else to say. He started pacing, in a fumed state. Nostril's flaring in anger. He was angered because ultimately...he was confused.
Skull took a deep breath. Letting his anger get to him wasn't never the right option when it came to this sort of thing. He just didn't understand this dude's problem. What was so hard to understand about this?!
He fought off the stubbornness and tried to do it how Akira would. Try and get some common ground.
"Look man, what's the problem? I gave ya want I promised. I get it you're used to being screwed over. I am too. But one thing ya gotta know about me is...I ain't like those bastards we're fightin'. I ain't gonna kick a guy while he's down. Get me?" Skull said.
"Screwed over? That's putting it lightly. Really FUCKING lightly!" Croc growled.
"Look I get it. Ya don't have to say anything ya don't wanna." Skull said.
"No you don't get it! You didn't grow up with scales on ya! You didn't have everyone back away cause your eyes were so "scary". You didn't get forced into experimentation cause they all said I deserved it for being scum." Croc grounded out.
"Woah...I uh...That's really heavy man. I...I didn't know." Skull said.
"Course you didn't. I don't want your pity that's just as bad as those bastards who spit on me calling me inhuman. It's there fault I don't have a fucking nose anymore. So what if I bit off their hands, fair is fair." Croc huffed.
"I don't think it works that way, but...I can see why you'd get mad. I would be too. After all that...jeez I really wanna punch something." Skull said angrily
"Speaking to the choir kid. But I can't rough up this place. It's way too nice. I wanna go at least a week without breaking something in here. Feels...ungrateful like ya said." Croc said.
"Nah... come on let's break some shit." Skull went over to a very expensive looking painting. He pulled it down.
"Here smash this." Skull tossed it to him.
"Ya sure? I-"
"Just do it."
With that Croc slammed the painting against his knee, smashing it to splinters.
"Hell yeah! You feel better?" Skull asked.
"A little I guess." Croc mumbled.
"Then we're gonna keep smashing up the place until ya do!" Skull proclaimed.
With that the two laid waste to the place. They smashed everything that Waylon deemed not his style. The expensive curtains, the glass tables, Waylon threw his new stove out the window claiming only wimps eat anything cooked. Skull only cheered him on.
Both started to laugh and challenge each other. Until Waylon ran out of things to smash. He actually wanted to keep the mattress and toilet. Those were too valuable to him compared to the cold floors and piles of crap he was used to.
"Ha ha. You sure know how to wreak shit kid!" Waylon laughed.
"Damn right man! So pumped for wreckin' more at the Watchtower!" Skull chimed. Then he immediately realized his error.
"You guys are wrecking the Watchtower?" Waylon asked to see if he heard right.
"Uhhhhhh….no?" Skull tried.
"THE WATCHTOWER!" Croc roared in shock.
"P-please don't tell anyone dude. Everyone will kill me if they find out I slipped like this again." Skull groaned.
"I ain't no narc! Why didn't ya tell me!? I always wanted to wreak that stupid satellight!" Croc said, excited.
"Ya did?" Skull asked.
"HELL YEAH! The stupid League looking down at us all like they're gods. FUCK THEM!" Croc yelled.
"Yeah...YEAH! SCREW THEM ALL TO HELL! So ya wanna come with us?" Skull asked.
"Kid...I'm offended ya even have to ask." Croc smirked.
With that Skull said what his group was doing in Hangar A. Only the basics that he could remember though. Morgana and Selina were the ones running that show. But with Croc, Skull knew that he would only want to know what he would be smashing. He was the same in that regard. Plus the Armory would be heavily protected, Skull knew his friends would appreciate the extra muscle.
"Oh man. They're gonna be so pissed at you guys. I'm in." Croc smiled evilly.
"Cool. Let's go...I'm sure Talia can see someone to...clean this place up." Skull sweated at the wreck they left. The chandelier that was hanging by a lone wire crashed down to the floor.
"Yeah. Feels like home already." Croc said, looking over his shoulder.
With that the two started their walk to the church, using the sewers as a means to keep Croc hidden.
"Hey uh...you mind not mentioning how this arrangement happened? They'd never let it go if they found out ya joined cause I spilled again." Skull scratched his neck.
"I told ya already I ain't no narc kid. Just think of it as payback for the nice place." Croc said.
"Cool...cool." Skull said.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower Hangar B
Galley
The air between Green Lantern and Hawkgirl was tense. Both were trying to eat their lunch in the cafeteria but the weight of what happened made them lose their appetites. Multiple crew members of the satellite gave them a space, a lot of space. When the two got into an argument it got heated. Hawkgirl especially had a hot temper.
"*sigh* Just say what's on your mind John. You know I can't stand it when you give me that look." Hawkgirl huffed.
"Twenty four hours." John said simply.
"What are you babbling about?" Hawkgirl asked.
"You gave the Titans twenty four hours Shay. That's not even enough time for me to wrap my head around all of this." John said.
"What is there to wrap your head around. They sided wrong. They were just lulled into a nonsensical delusion. That must be corrected. The only thing they would get would be tough love." Shayera said, coldly.
"That's real tough love Shay. You didn't at least consider that the Phantom Thieves may have been on to something?" John asked.
"I would consider anything John. I've read the file, I seen the tapes, I saw Satanael himself with you! And from all of that I've gathered enough. They may be hostages, but they must be arrested anyway. Too much damage has been done. They are just as guilty as the ones they change." Shayera said.
"How do you figure?" John asked, firmly.
"It's simple. In the file it's said that they could change anyone as long as they had a name. That being if they don't have a "palace". They also have this "Mementos" place. A mass of everyone's collective unconscious. As scary as the thought of mere children fooling around in that place sounds, why haven't they taken a more active role into finding names of minor criminals from police files and changing them?" Shayera asked.
"Don't have time I suppose. Not like we can save every call for help either." John says.
"Perhaps. But if we are held to a high standard so should they. They answer to no one. They also align themselves with known thieves and murderers. Not to mention the whole thing with Hell. I won't put my faith in a bunch of children to hold the barriers stopping trillions of demons to come and kill us all." Shayera said.
"But that doesn't make them as bad as the people they fight. What if they rehabilitated them all and simply didn't tell us?" John asked.
"Fine. But by that logic did they change the trillions of demons? I do not think so. That would take God knows how long." Shayera said.
"Fair. But I think we all could have gone about this better. Better than locking up one of our friends and lumping the kids in with the villains just because the public named them so." John said.
"We didn't do it just because of that John! We did it so that the demon wouldn't kill us all!" Hawkgirl retorted.
"The demon could kill us all at any time. Could be right this second, could be a thousand years. Only the clown in Gotham disregards basic military tactics and the philosophy of warfare. He has us by the balls, why not finish it now?! I think it's because we gave him exactly what he wanted." John said.
"I've been in wars too John. And I know when to observe the field. The Phantom Thieves like or not are the foot soldiers risking their lives for a power they don't even like. How many wars tell the same story? I empathize with that, but ultimately to take down the demon we must take down them. IT is as simple as that. Such is war, we must take out the gunners to get to the tyrant." Hawkgirl said.
"At what cost? I can see the will they have, Shay. The will to fight until the bitter end. They know they are fucked no matter what they do. Every action only leads to people loving them or hating them more. Like us they are being put on a pedestal and are being hunted down for the good they did. Unlike us they didn't put themselves on that pedestal. But they have the will to go on. There has to be a way to help them without leaving us in the same position." John said.
"There isn't or Batman would have thought of it." Shayera said.
"No, what did Diana say? We could work with him without his involvement and then the demon could let it slide. Worse comes to worse we beat it when it goes rogue." John said.
"No John, I don't think we could. It has never once shown its face to us. It only possesses the children. And even in theory if we could defeat it through their possessed bodies...I really don't want to kill kids." Hawkgirl said, as she scooted out of her seat.
"I'm…*sigh* I gotta think of something. I refuse to just let those kids sit in cells until the demon choses to show up. We don't even know if that's what would happen. It just doesn't feel right." John said.
Shayera walked over and squeezed his shoulder.
"But for now it's our only option. We'll lose a lot for it. That I know...but...I won't let this world die when I could have done something about it. And neither can you." Shayera said, softly.
"I don't think I can handle the public outcry on this Shay. Not when I am now given any other circumstance I would be right there with them." John said.
"We do what we have to do. If the people hate us for it...it won't be anything new." Shayera said.
John was quiet at that.
"I'm going up to A to punch some of Steel's bots. I need to vent. But I'll be there if you need me." Shayera said.
"Ok. I'm going to...sit here I guess." John said, not knowing what else to do in the moment.
Shayera leaned down and kissed her lover's cheek before walking away. The two need to process the current situation in their own ways.
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May 30th, Midday
Port Adams
Rain
Futaba was kinda nervous as women who could overpower her in a second without her powers surrounded her. Even with them, she was much more a supportive role than anything. She never had to worry about stamina or losing health. She was just there to make sure her friends stayed on track and guided them.
But she shrugged it off. That job was extremely important too. Why else would a literal assassin trainor, four women trained into expert combat, and a literal persona come to life be protecting her. She smiled a bit at that, realizing Akira really did view her as a key item.
"We're here." Talia said, looking at a stack in between thousands of storage containers.
"Uh...you gave me a shipping yard. Not really what we needed Talia." Futaba said timidly. She never met a woman more intense.
"Shhh...Amazons follow me down to the footsteps. Make sure the two small ones aren't seen." Talia ordered. The four Amazons nodded.
"I...I'm not that small..you guys are all just freaking huge." Futaba pouted.
Talia held a finger to Futaba's lip.
"Alibaba, the key to not getting spotted is silence dear. Please don't compromise the mission over such trivialities." Talia said as softly as she could to the girl. Which came off as terse.
Futaba's eyes widened and she nodded. She wouldn't be the one to compromise the whole mission. That fell on Ryuji's shoulder dammit!
"Good," Talia said, she nodded to the four Amazons. Two picked up each of the girls. Alice and Futaba not making a sound as instructed.
Talia then instructed them to follow her through the multiple alleyways of containers. Futaba quickly lost all sense of where she was. The intricate path going overboard to make sure no followers would see or find them.
Talia held up a hand and the group halted. Futaba kept silent so as not to mess things up.
Talia felt around a random red storage container. Futaba raised an eyebrow at that. What was she doing?
Suddenly a hidden panel slides open with a soft hiss. A number pad, hand scanner, and eye scanner was revealed.
"AM I IN A SPY MOVIE OR SOMETHING?!" Futaba shrieked in her mind.
As the complex and long code was entered, and the fingerprint scanned, Talia blinked her eyes once the eye scanner showed a light in her pupil.
A much larger hidden door clicked and rolled to the side, revealing an elevator.
Talia and the Amazons entered. Talia pressed one of the multiple buttons. The hidden door slidded close and the elevator started its descent.
"At ease." Talia said.
With that the Amazons put Alice and Futaba down.
"Uh...am I dreaming or something? That wasn't real right?" Futaba was reeling.
"I take it you are not familiar with such hideouts. I was correct to think your main one was the cafe, correct?" Talia asked.
"Uh, yeah that's right." Futaba answered.
Talia shook her head.
"I can't believe my new Master's stupidity at times. He has the entirety of Hell at his fingertips, yet operates at the same place as his alter ego. How my beloved hasn't found him yet is truly a mystery." Talia said harshly.
"H-hey. We're working on it. That's what you're here for isn't it?" Futaba pouted at the insult.
"At the current moment. I am open to do anything for him. Any order will be followed to the absolute best of my ability. Anything less I would respect him for giving harsh punishment." Talia said.
"Jeez lady you're intense. You act like you would die for him. You've only known him for like a week." Futaba scoffed.
"Oh child, the last fifteen days have shown me plenty enough to die for him. Loyalty comes with no less than that." Talia said.
Futaba left it at that, she didn't know why she tried with Talia. Chick was insane, another of Gotham's corrupted. How she and Bruce had a kid together she'll never know. Futaba shook her head. She didn't want to know either.
The only thing stopping her from a cognition change is the fact that Akira feels guilty for how it went down in hell. Like he could have predicted Trigon suddenly giving a shit about whatever his overlord is planning.
"Whatever...she's proved useful so far. Anything less than that I'm going to Akira and forcing his hand on the change." Futaba thought to herself.
The elevator came to a stop. The metal doors sliding open to reveal a dark and narrow hallway. The only lighting was the dim blue lights on both sides of the hall. Futaba knew what they were from the multiple lines and separation every three feet or so. Servers.
Talia led the group down the massive hallway. The amount of servers were ridiculous. Then again with the Watchtower they needed a massive amount of power in data transfer. This would do nicely in that regard. If they were going to squeeze the main Watchtower computer dry of all their little secrets they needed something this...big….
"I was told to provide you seating. A "gaming chair" I heard my Master call it. I hope the one I found will suffice. I am no expert in such things." Talia said, pointing to the very expensive chair.
Futaba nearly tackled the thing.
"THE GREEN PT-400 RX GAMING CHAIR?! THESE THINGS COST A FORTUNE! MY BACK PAIN WILL BE BUT A MEMORY WITH THIS BEAUTY~!" Futaba drooled at the chair. She immediately plopped down and spun in it.
"WEEEEEEE!" Futaba cried as she kicked the chair back as she spun.
The whole room looked like she grew a second head.
"Um...Alibaba please try to stay...professional." Talia tried.
Futaba fixed her glasses as the chair came to a stop. She looked as green as the chair from the spinning.
Talia sighed as she walked over to the massive fuse box and flicked on multiple switches. Multiple monitors and towers clicked on causing the room to be cast alight.
"Talia...I take it all back. I love you~!" Futaba tackled Talia into a hug as she gushed about all the things Talia got her. All techno babble to Talia, she was an expert hacker when the job called for it...but this girl was making her head spin.
"Yes, yes. You are very welcome. Now let go." Talia pushed the slim girl away.
Futaba blushed and quickly backed away. The only people she hugged were Sojiro and Akira. Morgana when he needed a good petting too.
"Ah...s-s-sorry...I...This is all kinda my fantasy come to life." Futaba said motioning shyly to the entire room.
"Well you couldn't hack a 200 billion dollar satellite with your little laptop. Could you now?" Talia asked.
"Meh. I can hack into all of Gotham and Tokyo's broadcasting with it. What's a little more?" Futaba shrugged.
"Well in that case I can simply turn all this off so we don't get tracked." Talia said sadistically.
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Futaba shrieked.
"That's what I thought. Now get comfortable with it all. We need you at your best for what's to come." Talia motioned to the desk with an expensive gamer keyboard and mouse. They all shined rainbow colors that got Futaba drooling again.
"Alice, you are to keep an eye on her at all times. Make sure no one gets a hold on her." Taila said.
"Of course." Alice said, she then walked over to a simple wooden chair beside the desk and sat on it.
"The rest of you. Monitor the outside of this place. Set a perimeter of no less than a 30 feet around this spot. No one is to come within that under any circumstances until you get the all clear from me, your commanders, Master, or Alibaba there. You all are to keep in contact with the comms you have been trained to use. Should Alibaba call for you, you are to respond immediately. Am I understood?" Talia asked.
The Amazons all bowed to her. Though mortal, she had already proven herself as a strong woman worthy of respect and obedience.
"Good. That is all for now. Do not fail us." Talia practically growled at them. She walked softly to the elevator and left the room. The Amazons asked Futaba if she needed anything else, but she was already too immersed in her new toys to hear them.
"Go on warriors. My Senpai has told me that once she works she is unshakable from the spell of her machinery. She will be fine under my care." Alice said.
The Amazon's, not knowledgeable enough to understand this "machinery" nodded and went to their posts.
The monitors reflected on Futaba's glasses as she smiled mischievously.
"Mwehehehehe…the League is so screwed." She chuckled.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower, Hangar B
Pool
Aquaman did another lap of hundreds to get off some steam. He wished for a more open pool, but the one here was already enormous in the perception of people who lived on land. He wished to swim the great expanses of oceans he ruled. The fresh seawater entering his lungs and refreshing his body. But with going back to what he ruled came with the duties required of him. His oceans were vast and required constant upkeep to keep everyone happy. The politics and diplomacy already was forming the start of another headache.
Arthur didn't need that right now. Not with the weight of the decision they came to already bring him down so. He slicked back his long wet hair, he sat at the pool's edge taking in the quiet. He needed just a minute of quiet. He and Diana weren't the closest of friends, but they still fought together and bleed together. Seeing her quit over such a complex issue as the Phantom Thieves made him reconsider whether he made the right choice.
Arthur ran a hand through his massive beard. That was the most taxing part of being a king. Sleeping awake at night wondering whether or not he is making the right decisions for his people. Whether the glory, fame, and masses of gold got to his head and he can no longer relate to the common Atlantian.
His thoughts were interrupted by his comm. It was muffled under his things. He pulled it out.
"...Arthur are you there?" a voice called.
"Yes, my queen I am here." Arthur said.
"Is your meeting quite done my love? You are needed back to the throne for multiple things."
"I'll be back soon Mera. How is little Junior doing?" Arthur asked.
"He misses his father. I just managed to somehow put him down for his nap. He was quite insistent on seeing you. Despite the fact he sees you nearly everyday." Mera huffed.
Arthur only chuckled at that. His boy always did have more of an affinity for him.
"Dear, Is something the matter? You are awfully quiet." Mera said.
"The meeting didn't exactly go...well my love. I'm afraid one of the founders has quit as a result of a decision we came to. We...Batman has arrested her." Aquaman said.
"Her?"
"Diana...she is..no longer part of the League." Aquaman said gravely.
"Oh dear Neptune...what caused it? Diana would never do such a thing without fully believing in her points." Mera asked.
"I'll explain it all to you when I get home my Queen. I just need a moment to reflect on the actions we took. I'll be home shortly." Arthur said.
"Yes. I understand. That is a rather big development. Whatever this is about must be mended my love. If Diana is so set on it, it must have some merit." Mera said.
"I'm afraid such can not be done. Not without Batman standing his ground. Both made good points on the issue...Batman just won the debate by casting the true risks of it all." Arthur said.
"Hmm...You'll have to fully talk about the complexities when you get home. But for now take time to reflect, love. I know you need it." Mera said.
"Thank you Mera. Love you."
"And I love you. Please come home soon." Mera said softly.
With that the comms turned off. Leaving Arthur back to his silence. To try and think every option through. Every action he could take to get Diana back in the League.
But nothing was coming to mind.
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May 30th, Midday
Park Row, Church
Rain
Panther was practicing the thing Constantine instructed her to. She lowered her flames to a simmer, until it was nothing but smoke. She nervously extended the smoke throughout her form. Her form turned into nothing but smoke. She allowed herself to float to the top of the high ceiling. She noticed how despite being nothing but smoke, she could still feel her body. Even as she was nothing but a cloud that rose to blanket the top of the building, she could still call the smoke back into her form easily.
"Ann?" Selina called.
With the call she lowered herself to Selina, returning to her natural form. The sudden change shocked Selina, not used to her doing that quite yet.
"You're getting a little too good at that. Makes me wonder why I even train you to grapple with a whip." Selina said.
"Oh! I still wanna learn Selina! The way you swing around so graciously around...I really wanna learn how to do that so bad." Ann said.
Selina ruffed Ann's hair.
"I know kitten, I was merely teasing." Selina smiled.
"It's crazy how fast everything has happened. We barely had time to really get to work together." Ann said.
"Did you even listen to Joker's plan? We're working together on Hangar A." Selina said.
"Oh! That's right! I was listening...the plan is so complex that I kinda... toned out." Ann admitted.
"You really need to dye your hair sweetie. The blonde is getting into your brain." Selina teased.
"SHUDDUP!" Ann pouted.
While the two argued with each other lightly. Nightwing walked over to Queen.
"Hey. I hope we're cool after I...ya know tried to blow your bike up." Nightwing said.
Queen raised an eyebrow at that.
"It was more Skull who was offended. You should apologize to him." Queen said sternly.
"That's not...I already did. I was just trying to ease into what I was going to say." Nightwing said.
"Just get to the point Richard. We don't have much time before we must go." Queen said.
"I know Kid Flash will be with you to watch you. But, I know you're running point on Hangar B. I want to make sure we're clear on something." Nightwing said.
"Yes?" Queen asked.
"I want you to promise not to let anyone die up there. Not a single civilian. Some of the League might get lost in their emotions because of what happened to Diana. Any lapse in control could lead to a crew member or visitor getting caught in the crossfire. Promise me you'll lead to protect those people. They didn't ask to be in the middle of this." Nightwing said.
"Mmm. Understood. Such promises were already made when I joined Joker." Queen said.
"I gotta know. What happened to make a girl as strict in justice as you join him?" Nightwing asked.
"I definity didn't seek them out to join if that's what you mean. I was actually tasked to gain evidence that Akira and his friends were all the Phantom Thieves and turn them into the police by our Principle. As head of the school council he threw all responsibility to me to rid the school of suspicion and bad reputation." Queen said.
"That sounds more like you. But I also see that didn't pan out. The principal was more dirty than them wasn't he?"
"He knowingly allowed students to be assaulted and sexually harassed by our gym teacher. I'm sure Bruce had you read everything in that regard. All that happened with Ann's friend." Queen said.
"So you just choose to trust them?"
"No. I allowed them to prove themselves to me. Like what Donna did but to a lesser extent. I tasked them with taking down a big Yakuza crime lord. I was stupid and managed to get my late sister invovvlled. I was being blackmailed by everyone around me into just obeying orders and being used as a puppet. I snapped. Joker and his team were the only ones left in my life that weren't trying to fix the influence of the mafia slowly spreading in our school. So I decided to help them. The rest is history." Queen said.
"I see. I always wondered why you were running with them. Akira doesn't strike me as a guy who gets along with authority figures like you. I'm surprised after all this he doesn't outright hate the cops." Nightwing said.
"We do hate cops. The ones who are corrupt Richard. The ones who make the work of my sister and father all for nothing. The ones with no honor or sympathy for the people they are supposed to protect. You lived in Gotham most of your life. Does not the same apply to you?" Queen asked.
"I guess so. I could never do much about it other than lock up who I could. But with all this...no wonder the crooked ones are gunning for you so hard. I don't think even Bruce ever scared them so much." Nightwing said.
"That is the point. That is why even with the demon forcing us, we would fight him in this issue. One man cannot rule this city. Bruce is so lost in guilt he doesn't see the cycle he creates." Queen said.
"I've told him the same for years. How his way just isn't working. He never listened to me though. It's part of the reason I stopped being Robin. I wanted to try things my own way. He just...never seems to listen to any point I make." Nightwing sighed.
"My sister was the same too. I believe like her, Batman's stubbornness and obsessing of control and winning his war blinds him. I would suggest going into his palace but...sadly we are unable to do that as of right now." Queen sighed.
"Wait. You said Bruce himself has a palace?! That can't be true! On no level is he as crazy or demented as the others you've targeted." Nightwing said.
"You don't need to be either to have a palace Richard. Simply a distorted desire left uncheck for too long can form one. How many years has your father figure been dressing up as a bat, obsessing over stopping crime, slowly becoming more and more paranoid due to it? It would be unrealistic to say he didn't have one." Queen said.
"I...I can't believe it. Everything else I can grasp. But not that. Not him…" Nightwing sighed, knowing he was in denial.
"I can show you it. But, I know that wouldn't help you. Just know when the time comes, we must fight him. Not just because we were forced to, but because otherwise he might become the very thing he swore to fight against." Queen said as she put a hand on Nigtwing's shoulder. She then walked away to leave him to process the intel he wanted.
Makoto knew that Dick was looking for any reason to see them as suspicious. Despite his allegiance it is hard to leave everything you used to believe in.
She went through the same thing.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower Hangar C
Monitor Womb
Martian Manhunter walked to the main chair of the main surveillance wing of the Watchtower. While cameras were placed all around the satellite, this room's main focus was not to watch the security of the tower. Rather, for any broadcasts, signals, or any other warnings of danger the world might have. The League each took shifts for looking over this room. The shift was to analyze and observe whether or not certain threats warranted a League member or not. Members across the globe were to keep constant reports to this chamber.
J'onn J'onzz to an outsider calmly took his seat and watched and listened for any danger the world might have. But on the inside, his mind was a battlefield.
The League all had second thoughts about the decisions they made regarding the debate of the Phantom Thieves. On the surface it was fine, but even without digging into the psyche too much J'onn knew it wasn't for the right reasons.
Rather than reflecting on the sentence they gave to mere children, most were more worried about the arrest of Wonder Woman. The point she was making all for not and being directed towards fixing the burnt bridge that will never be mended.
J'onn looked upon the massive amounts of screens around him. The multiple people begging and pleading for help from someone. He sighed, not all can be saved. It was an inevitability.
But that didn't mean they shouldn't try. That was the very notion the League was founded upon. To protect those when others can't. To be shining beacons of hope in a world filled with despair.
And yet...They didn't answer the Phantom Thieves call. J'onn didn't answer their call. They are to be risked to bring out an even bigger threat. Sacrificial lambs to a demon with power they cannot comprehend.
Such is the ultimate despair. Such is the hopelessness he felt as he saw his whole race slaughtered. He failed to be a beacon of hope for these mere children. The League has failed them as well.
J'onn truly and deeply understood why Diana left the League that day. Their failure to uphold their mission was too much for her to stomach. Her principles are unwavering, and her will indomitable.
But in their failure to be beacons to them, they remain the beacons to the rest of Earth. The population could never hope to fight back at whatever this demon held beneath its sleeve. With that notion, J'onn agreed to be a failure.
But if he fails in one way, he will succeed in another. He too was held in captivity by humans too afraid of his kind. He knew too the despair that came with thinking you would never see the beautiful sun and stars again. He would not let these children go through the same.
It was true that they must be held until the demon is defeated. But any longer will not be tolerated. The children should be able to live their lives as free as any other in this beautiful world. J'onn will not let Batman's paranoia guide the League in that matter.
It could be months, it could be years. But J'onn will free them of they're bondage. If no one else will answer their call when the time is right. He will.
And afterwards he would follow right behind in Diana's footsteps.
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May 30th, Midday
Park Row, Church
Rain
Crow led White Rabbit outside of the church for a private talk. The rain fell on them as the two stood.
"There a particular reason we talk in the rain, instead of in the old church?" White asked.
"I'm getting tired of your bullshit White." Crow said simply.
"Oh what now? Did ya find out something you didn't like again?" White teased.
"Slade Wilson could have shown up at any moment and killed us all. But you were too busy being coy to warn any of us!" Crow yelled.
"Deathstroke would never get off his ass for anything less than 400 grand. And that's just to get up and look in our general direction and sit back down. He would also be pissed being hired to kill a bunch of kids that weren't the Titans. I didn't see the need to tell you things you didn't have to worry about." White said.
"That's the thing White. You just keep secrets for no reason. Just how many people are out there that could slit all of our throats because you thought we didn't need to know?" Croc growled.
"Oh, like you're any better Goro. I got one question in before ya cleared the whole pool table. Hypocrite much? You don't think I would love to perhaps have a teensy bit more insight into this fucking war you've all managed to start?" White hissed.
"You have no business knowing mine. I know you too well by now. Your questions would have just been about me. To tease and hang over my head. I won't let you play me for a fool." Crow growled.
"Oh ho, right back at ya pretty boy. I won't be played as a sacrificial pawn should the going gets tough. I run an entire underground drug ring for your ass. Which you never help with by the way. I think I deserve a bit more respect and gratitude for my work. You're lucky I don't double my fee birdy." White scoffed.
"You're lucky I don't have those catgirls of yours thrown into a pound." Crow hissed.
"You don't have the balls! For all your talk of killing people you sure don't ever follow through. Are you sure you were a hit man?" White asked coldly.
"I'd kill you right here right now! If it wouldn't immediately be followed by my own fucking death!" Crow roared.
"Coward. Do it. Do it right now. Fuck everyone in that church. Kill me right now Goro. Let all this bullshit neither of us really believe in burn to the ground." White challenged.
"I can't be a wretched whore." Crow's eye twitched.
White pulled out a gun and put it in Crow's hand.
"To busy hate fucking Akira in there? Pull the trigger! Kill all of them! THAT'S WHAT YOU REALLY WANT ISN'T IT?!" White Rabbit yelled.
Crow aimed the gun right in the middle of White's eyes.
"You don't know me Rabbit. I only want to kill the demon who brought me here. The rest doesn't matter." Crow growled.
"Why? Why even bother with all this bullshit then? I know ya don't like anyone but yourself." White asked.
"BECAUSE I KNOW I CAN'T BEAT HIM BY MYSELF YOU ABSOLUTE BITCH!" Crow roared.
"You tried to have you. I bet he really beat you to a pulp to crumble that little ego of yours." White smirked.
"*Chuckles darkly* He will die. He will die for killing me. That I promise you." Crow laughed crazily.
White smirked then flipped over him and took the gun back. Crow was quick to pull out his laser and aim it at her.
She emptied the ammo out and threw the gun into the puddled alleway.
"My, thank you for filling me in my cold Crow`" White smiled mischievously.
"What?" Crow asked confused.
"How's it feel to be beaten at your own game?" White asked.
"WHAT?!" Crow asked.
"*Giggles*" White Rabbit teleported away.
Crow looked all around to find her but as he was distracted White put him in a hold and grabbed his gun.
"Do you respect my abilities a bit more now Goro?" White asked as she aimed the gun at him.
"You never told me you could-"
"You never asked. Bio-Fission the lab boys called it. Tell me, do you think I just bumped into Azuki and the others? Or do you have your head so far up your ass that you didn't even question it?" White asked.
"Fine. What happened?" Crow asked.
"Tsk, tsk,tsk. Now you have to earn my respect Crow. But now that I have something to actually work with., maybe we can trust each other." White said.
"Cadmus. It was them, wasn't it?" Crow pressed.
"No. And you don't get to know. Not yet. Earn my respect and I might tell you." White Rabbit said.
"And how am I supposed to trust you? We are just right back where we started White." Crow said.
"Then chase me down for the answers Goro. But you'll never catch me." White threw his gun back to him.
Crow watched White saunter back to the back entrance of the church.
"The whole world is filled with sick people Crow. I don't really buy into the whole 'change the world' thing Joker is preaching in that church. But what I can buy into is your vengence. Your anger. And the want to take down the bastards that wronged you." White said as she opened the door and closed it.
Crow was left with nothing but guesses into what exactly is beneath the mask White Rabbit wears.
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MIRROR TEMPERANCE RANK 5/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: Novice Escape Artist
The Phantom Thieves can now escape minor traps, cuffs, cells, ect.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower Hangar A
Flight Bridge
Cyborg checked the multiple terminals to make sure everything was in working order. The former Titan performed a massive system check that was unneeded for the bridge. But needed for himself.
Massive footsteps were heard approaching him. He looked to his side.
"How ya holding up kid?" Steel asked. The metal man with the flowing red cape and massive Superman crest was always a role model for Cyborg back in his Titan days. It wasn't everyday an engineer replaced Superman while the first one was thought dead.
"I'm holdin' up." Cyborg said.
"Naw don't lie. I know antsy hands when I see 'em'. I would be too with all that's happened." Steel said.
"Diana...she asked me if I was satisfied. If I got what I wanted, I would become a founder. I...I didn't think it would come to this." Cyborg said softly.
"I didn't either. But it happened." Steel said.
"I'm such a coward." Cyborg gritted out.
"No you aren't." Steel said firmly.
"That night...I was the deciding vote. I could have stopped it all I-"
"Don't do that to yourself kid. You didn't want to tear your friends apart. The fact is it was going to happen anyway with something like this." Steel said.
"I should have done something more than just...stand there." Cyborg said.
"Like what? Force them to stay there and not do what they thought was right? No. You did the best you could in that situation." Steel said.
"It wasn't enough." Cyborg said.
"It rarely is, kid. At the end of the day we're all people...well mostly people in the case of you and me…" Steel said.
"Beast Boy...My best friend sided with them...maybe I should have too...I don't know…" Cyborg said.
"Look I'm going to be real with you. Your friends are going to be in big trouble if they don't come back by the deadline. Hell, even if they come back. Bats won't let this kind of thing just fly. He's too strict in discipline." Steel said.
"I know...is it bad that I didn't even think of the Thieves in there. The big Hall of Justice debate, I was only worried about what would happen to my friends. I...didn't really decide one way or the other. I mean at the end of the day, we still have to fight them. All that talk of diplomacy...they don't strike me ass the type." Cyborg said.
"What type do they strike you as?" Steel asked.
"The type who somehow convinced Donna that they were her new gods I guess. I don't really know how their culture works. But they played her, plain and simple. I don't think they ever wanted peace. They wanted to win." Cyborg growled.
"Easy kid. Of course they want to win. I saw the file, they pretty fucked if they don't win." Steel said.
"I...my family was torn apart because of them. Because Batman couldn't just let his city actually be fixed. I hate them. Both of them." Cyborg said. '
"I understand that hatred kid. But the problem with hate is if ya let it stew it will blind you. What are you going to do to let it out?" Steel asked.
"Find the Titans and...talk to em'. That's all I can do. Try and make peace in some way. But the bottom line is...the Thieves are gonna have to be held. As much as I hate what Bats did to all of us, he has a point on that front. But everything else with Diana and my friends. I'm going to fight tooth and nail to repair. I won't let his paranoia or the Phantom Thieves drama get in the way of my family. The rest can be figured out later." Cyborg said.
"Mmm. That'll be tough to pull off. But I'm sure a kid smart as you can figure it out." Steel said not knowing how else to comfort the boy.
Cyborg was silent at that, the multiple thoughts and calculations on what to do to fix this...it was all coming up empty.
"I'll be in the old workshop. Best get back before Hawkgirl wrecks all my robots." Steel said.
Cyborg didn't answer him. Steel sighed and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Listen if you need to talk more about this, I'll be there. One metal man to another." Steel said.
Cyborg looked behind him slowly.
"Thank you…" He said softly.
With a nod Steel left Cyborg to stew and think to himself. Cyborg felt a little better knowing a role model had his back.
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May 30th, Midday
Park Row, Church
Rain
Joker took the time to be properly introduced to Zauriel. The guy was never in any myths he read so he was very curious in the angel's role in Heaven.
"So you really protected Joan of Arc huh? Must be weird seeing a version of something related to her story in Queen's persona." Joker said.
"It is no issue, Trickster. My sole duty is to protect you and your kin. The past has no bearing on the matter." Zauriel said.
"How does that work exactly? I mean do I call upon you like I do personas or…" Joker asked.
"I am to be by your side at all times. Night or day. The humans outside of your supporters will not see me at all. I will be but a ghost to pass through unless provoked. A gust of wind to any who might be too suspicious. If the worse is to come however...may I ask for permission to establish a mental link?" Zauriel asked.
"A mental link?" Joker asked.
"Yes. On the off chance I am distracted. Perhaps fighting off another foe. You but think to call my name, and I will be there. Anywhere in the universe you might be, I will fly as fast as I can to serve you." Zauriel said.
"Sounds too good to be true. Permission granted." Joker smirked.
Zauriel performed a complex spell, white, holy symbols combined on his head. He put a hand to it and placed it on Joker.
"Wherever you may be. I am but a call away. However far, I will be a guide. A protector. Call upon me and Thou will surely be saved." Zauriel chanted.
The spell fully sent into effect.
"I shall be by your side Trickster." Zauriel called in Joker's mind.
"Whoa...neat. That'll come in handy when things are sure to get dicey. Thank you Zauriel." Joker said.
"Any gratitude is unneeded." Zauriel bowed deeply.
With that discussed Joker went back to the planning of the siege. Zauriel kept the chatter to a blanket silence in his mind. The spell allows for more than just a call. Simple wants or desires can also be completed through this link.
Zauriel stood at attention as the Trickster's thoughts ran through him. The hyperfocus on planning did nothing to block the anxiety Zauriel felt through the boy. Zauriel understood the anxiety, welcomed it in fact. Once the Trickster's mind was opened to him, he expected dark intentions behind the facade of morality. He found no such thing.
Just a boy put into a position he never wanted to be in. The inner wants and needs coming to Zauriel through Akira's subconscious. The need to save his friends, the need to save the friends he left behind in his past life. But most of all...the need to defeat the evil demon behind it all.
The name seemingly blocked out from this strong spell. A loud ringing in Zauriel's mind as Joker's deep emotional subconscious threw endless curses and swears to the demon. The pure hatred was past anything Zauriel had ever experienced. One of the most dangerous parts of becoming a guardian is that angels become fallen when they get too connected to their assignments.
Zauriel had no issue with becoming such. For he was close to becoming one already. He could not stand how the world was. Could not stand idle as chaos rained down on all sides of the globe. He was on his breaking point when the mirrors showed their heads. He will be forever grateful for their sway on the court.
The world must be saved from itself. And he will aid in that however he can.
The Trickster appearing was a miracle that he was not about to squander.
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May 30th, Midday
Metropolis, New York
Daily Planet HQ
Sunny
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Lois Lane-Kent screeched in the closet Clark pulled her aside into.
From the moment she saw him sit down in his desk she knew something was wrong. The reporter in her had to pry into what. Her husband was the leader of the Justice League after all.
"Shhhh!" Clark shushed.
"Clark you can't be serious! You arrested Diana! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Lois yelled.
"I didn't make the call, Bruce did! It will only be until she reveals where the Thieves are!" Clark promised.
"And then what Smallville? You think Bruce will just let her free? Yeah right! She quit the League Clark, she didn't misspell something on her report. Speaking of which, give it." Lois commanded Clark.
Clark held out the Phantom Thieves file and Lois snatched it out of his hand. She took a moment to flip through it.
"Jesus H. Christ. This is bad Kent. No matter how you spin this the people will fucking revolt. As they should too! Trigon has been overthrown, the entire system has been threatened by these kids. Tell me Fate convinced the guys upstairs to side with you." Lois signed as she pinched her brow.
"Uh...about that…" Clark tried.
"Fucking perfect. I need a smoke." Lois pulled out her emergency pack of cigarettes.
"Hey, you promised me you'd quit." Clark said.
"That was before the fucking rapture was days, hell hours from happening!" Lois lit the cigarette and let the nicotine calm her.
"It won't happen Lois. Diana just has to talk to us. Surely she'll see reason." Clark said.
"No she won't. Her entire culture, everything she was taught and believes in has sided with this. Not to mention the whole situation with the Phantom Thieves themselves. I can't believe this! To think I thought they were talking out of their ass. It's all true...no wonder she sided with em' I'm this close to it too." Lois admitted.
"What?! You can't be serious! With all out the risks in front of you!" Clark was shocked.
"With all the facts. They single handedly took down Hell and Heaven, the more religious folk among us would see them as the new messiahs. But without that, they didn't ask for any of this. Yet, they have already changed so much in such a short time. When did you say they popped up first? April? Mid April too? You can't put down those results. The people will see that. And when Diana speaks out about this and she WILL! The whole League will lose faith from the people. It's only a matter of time." Lois said.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
"Hey ya two love birds! Your seven minutes of heaven is up! Perry wants to see you!" A familiar voice called.
"Shit it's Jimmy! Help me put this thing out." Lois said to Clark.
Clark used his ice breath to put out the cigarette.
"Come on you guys! He's really been busting my ass for a new article. Tell me you have something!" Jimmy cried.
Lois looked at Clark.
"No." Clark said simply to her.
"The people have a right to know about this Clark. The longer ya wait the more likely the kids are going to use it against you." Lois said.
"Give me some time. After I talk to Perry I'll head back up and make Diana talk. I don't want to...but I have to...too much is at stake. The people will know once we have them in custody." Clark said.
"It's never that easy and you know it." Lois scowled.
Clark simply looked at his wife with his lost puppy look that she fell in love with.
"God dammit! Fine! Don't say I didn't warn you." Lois opened the door.
"Finally, tell me you have something to hold Perry off." Jimmy said.
"We'll take the heat, Olsen. Got a couple of things to be enough for the hounds to lay off." Lois said.
"Thank God…" Jimmy sighed.
"Come on Smallville. Time to stall the ol chief." Lois took Clark's arm.
"Joy." Clark said sarcastically.
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May 30th, Midday
Burnley
Rain
John knocked on the door. Jason was good at hiding himself with magic. But Constantine was better at finding it.
"Open up ya bloody bastard. Ya know ya still owe me!" Constantine spat.
With that multiple locks were heard being unlocked. Jason Blood peaked through the crack.
"What do you want John? I thought I made it clear to never try and find me again." Blood said.
"Shit changes. And I'm not here to fuck around. I'm calling it in. The favor. A deal is a deal." John hissed.
Blood swung open the door and pulled Constantine in, magic forced the door to close and lock itself back.
"You tricked me with that deal and you know it." Jason hissed.
"All's fair with deal making Blood. Your other half knows all about that doesn't he?" John asked.
Blood's eyes glowed red as he growled. The demon inside wanted to tear John to pieces.
"What is this? You never call in favors unless it's for something stupid or downright insane." Jason hissed.
"Zatanna's dead." John said darkly.
With that Jason immediately regretted asking, the guilt overtaking him.
"I...I see...A-apologies are in order then. So you wish to call the favor in for her vengeance...not the worst thing you ever called upon me for." Jason said.
"Fuck you mate. I know I ain't exactly a saint but I loved her to hell and back. And now she's gone." John hissed.
"Who did it? Tell me it wasn't Lucifer or I-"
"Ain't him. Someone else. Someone worse." Constantine said.
"Are you to remain cryptic? Are you just going to burst in and demand Etrigan to fight with no explanation?" Jason scowled.
"Ain't like that. Can't say the fucker's name or more people die. I ain't got nothing left to lose. But the kids do." Constantine said.
"Did you just say 'kids'?" Jason asked.
Constantine sighed as he pulled out his flask and took a deep swing. He was never drunk enough nowadays. The booze never let the despair and sorrow ease up enough.
"John. What is happening?" Jason demanded.
Constantine laughed.
"You stupid fuck. Ya haven't even set foot in Hell since the last time we did huh?" John asked coldly.
"I like avoiding that place...for obvious reasons. Trigon always did have a tendency to try and draw Etrigan in to do his bidding." Jason said.
"Sit down. We have a ton of shite to get through." John demanded.
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"The Phantom Thieves eh?" Jason asked.
"Saw some of the broadcasts while watchin' the telly?" John asked.
"Yes...I suppose I did see those messages once or twice." Jason said.
"Now ya know what's happening. So come on." John said.
"You really seek to take down the Watchtower...all for her?" Jason asked.
"...he made me kill her…" John growled.
Jason was silent at that.
"I saw her life drain out of her eyes...watched her burn to a crisp as I was forced to do nothing but watch. And Batman...he fucking dared walk up to me and tell me what he though she would want me to do...no..Fuck him. And fuck the League who just let her die for nothing with the desicion they came to."
"So you're not going to run? Try and think of some other why out of this?" Blood asked.
John punched Blood in the face and held him against the wall by the collar.
"Getting really tired of people thinking I'll run from this. Like she met FUCKING NOTHING TO ME!" John roared, tears streaming down his face.
"I know you John, we all do. If it was anyone else who died you would have-"
"Shut up. And help me." John said head turned down.
"I won't be responsible for whatever Etrigan does John I-"
"TURN! Or I'll do it myself." John hissed.
Blood glared at Constantine. He was unstable and emotional, and that meant whatever he'll do next was going to lead to even more chaos. But there was nothing Blood could do about it.
All he could do was the favor and hope John left him the hell alone after. Which was unlikely.
But the debt had to be paid, it was a blood oath that he made. And if not repaid would lead to an eternity of torment.
"Fine. But after tonight, we're even." Blood hissed.
"I'll be the judge of that mate. I bent over backwards for you. Now it's time to act in kind." John spat.
Blood's eyes were then consumed in a red glow. His skin turned to a dark green as scales grew. His body grew into a monster like form as muscles grew and overtook his entire body. Fangs replaced teeth, fins replaced hair, small horns grew out of his scalp.
The prince of Hell, Etrigan stood before Constantine. His regal clothes replaced the torn suit Blood wore.
"Thy blood you give must be sweet. Thy fights you stew must be an absolute treat." Etrigan rhymes showing his nobility.
"Oh shove that rhyming up your arse. Come on. We're gonna be late if we don't hurry." Constantine opened a portal and made Etrigan step through it.
Constantine took out a cigarette and lit it with his thumb from a simple fire spell. Batman will pay for shoving his head too far up his ass. The League will pay for what they did to these kids.
Bat-mite will pay for starting all this shit in the first fucking place.
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MIRROR TOWER RANK 2/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: A Noble Summon
Etrigan has joined the party.
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May 30th, Midday
Watchtower, Hangar C
Meta Containment
Batman stared down Wonder Woman in challenge. The two playing a waiting game on who would break down first. The news of Heaven's siding with the Phantom Thieves only strengthened her resolve.
It only strengthened his paranoia in kind. Something big was about to happen, he could see the writing on the wall. But he would be prepared. All contingencies were up and operational for anything the Thieves might throw.
Most League members were still aboard the mighty satellite.
But...with that all said. Batman felt nothing but unease.
As he glared down Diana's resolve with his own he calculated everything the Phantom Thieves could do in response to this decision. They won't just sit back and wait. The Amazons will surely want blood for this action taken with Diana.
And the forces of Heaven and Hell together would make for an immense threat.
He raised a finger to his comm in his cowl.
"Raise security to a full preemptive Priority A. All eyes peeled. I will not excuse a single error in our system." Batman growled.
"Understood." The security commander said.
"You are afraid aren't you?" Diana taunted.
"No. Simply laying my traps should the ones you sided with do something stupid. Like try to free you." Batman narrowed his eyes.
"Should they free me or not, you'll have a lot to answer for when the public finds out about this." Diana growled.
"It will be handled. It can all be avoided actually. If you just see reason." Batman said.
"And I am. Just not the reason you would like. I can't wait for the public to see just how disgusting you have all become." Diana spat.
"They will see the war that could have been avoided. If you just stepped up and did something to prevent it." Batman growled.
"Have fun spitting your lies then. Anyone with a brain could see right through them." Diana said.
With that they returned to silence. A deafening silence of cold tension.
As they did, the guards of the Watchtower went on high alert. The heroes on board are notified to keep an eye out for anything abnormal. Random checks on staff and security were now the norm. A single speck of dust out of place would be accounted for.
The Phantom Thieves for all their power, were just children going against adults more powerful than them. Delusioned into thinking their justice was the moral right.
But any action taken on this tower would prove to Batman…
That they are indeed worth every action he has taken against them.
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May 30th, Midday
Park Row, Church
Rain
(Life Will Change OST)
Joker stood at the head of the church in front of the giant organ piano. In front of him were multiple forces and teams ready to begin the infiltration.
All that was needed was the final call.
"Is everyone ready?"
"Team Power is a go." Mona said.
"Team Justice is ready." Queen said.
"Team Cage is ready for your command." Donna said.
"Good. Oracle?" Joker asked.
"All systems are good. All comms operational. My chair...a cloud~" Oracle chimed.
"Good. You all know your tasks, should anything go wrong, and we will use the contingency necessary. Do you all understand?" Joker asked.
The Phantom Thieves all cheered, starting a rallying cry.
The more energetic Titans all joined in.
The Amazons cheered as they raised their swords and shields.
The Assassins bowed to their Master.
The Angels in Heaven got into formation, and the ones in the church readied for their part.
Micheal stood in front of his troops and raised his blazing sword to the sky.
The demons roared as Beelzebub cackled. Trigon crossed his arms as he scowled.
Satanael stood in front of his armies of billions of damned souls.
Joker smirked then said the words to start the great battle that was sure to come
"IT'S SHOWTIME!"
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AN: Sorry everyone for the delay. As you can see from all the foreshadowing, I was hard at work planning just how in the hell this would go down. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter~!
I would also apologize for not showing the actual fight in this chapter...it would make an extremely long chapter even longer…
To atone for my sins I offer another tease. Enjoy~
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BONUS:
May 30th, Evening
Keystone City, Missouri
Sunny
Flash had changed into his human clothes, he would be better off telling his sister about this face to face.
Barry sighed as he stood in front of the door. He knocked.
Mary opened it.
"Barry? What brings you here?" Mary asked.
"Hey Mary, I uh...have to tell ya something?" Barry sweated.
"That face you're wearing...it's bad news isn't it?" Mary asked.
"I...I...yeah...about...Wally" Barry said.
"Don't. Don't you dare tell me he's dead. Don't even try." MAry hissed.
"What? Nononono! God no! It's not that!" Barry stuttered.
Mary relaxed a bit at that.
"Then what is it? If he can't come home soon I already figured that. He really likes the friends he made on the west coast." Mary said.
"It's...ya see…*sigh* He quit." Barry finally decided to rip the band-aid off.
"Say what now?" Mary asked.
"The Titans...he quit." Barry said again.
"Barry, he loves the Titans, why on Earth would he quit?" Mary asked, sternly.
"It's complicated." Barry said.
Mary gave him a cold look.
"Then explain it." Mary demanded.
Mary left the door open, Barry was about to walk in when his comm started ringing. Mary simply scowled at him and he turned it off and followed her.
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"You're a fucking idoit. All of you." Mary hissed.
"Look we have to make sure that they know siding with them isn't ok." Barry said.
"A load of good that did you Barry. I would have quit too. I'm disappointed that you aren't in that cell with Wonder Woman. Not even with the issue of this group...but with how they treated my son like a mindless child with no thoughts in his head. Just because the League came to that agreement doesn't give that psychopath Batman the right to beat my child. If he touches a single hair on his head I'll-"
"Mary. This group is on the border of a world class threat. We can't just let them rule over both sides of Christainity. The intel came in an hour ago. Both Hell and Heaven have joined their side. What would happen if they suddenly decided to hate each other again? It would be a bloodbath with civilians having no hope to protect themselves." Barry said.
"I don't care about any of that. All I cared about is that you clearly hurt my son. He feels betrayed and like all his work was just humored because he met the right person. That he was only let in on your little club because he knew you. Tell me how that isn't the case with the decision you all came to. That all who dared decided to go against the grain should get on their knees and beg for forgiveness. I bet with that they think they were only trained out of pity, or only to be used by people and thrown out once they prove unuseful." Mary said.
"That's not true! I tried to talk to him and he wouldn't listen I-" Barry was interrupted by a high pitched sound coming into his ears.
What was that?
"You will find him, and you will listen to him. You will bring him home, you will have him become a part of the League proper. And you will fight tooth and nail with Batman over such. That is if he even wants to be part of your so-called 'Justice League' anymore." Mary hissed.
Barry shook his head. In his stressed mind he put the sound off as a headache. He looked back to his sister.
"That's not how it works Mary. You know the League will want to punish him for this. The kid only joined them over a fricken coin flip. He didn't even try and think it all through!" Barry yelled.
"I don't care. Even if by chance, his decision was still his to make. He and Dick are months away from being twenty and you treat them no better than toddlers. Apologize and make this right. Or don't bother showing your face here anymore." Mary spat.
"Mary. I-"
"Get out of my house Barry." Mary demanded.
"But I-"
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" Mary screamed.
Barry sighed and did so. The door was slammed behind him by Mary.
Barry ran a hand through his hair. How did everything get so messed up so fast? How did all go so wrong? His only family he had left now both hated him. Over a simple flip of a coin.
"I...I could fix this...fix it all if I just…"
"NO! Don't go back to yesterday Barry. Don't! Not after last time it got so messed up. Stop running." Barry chastised himself.
Going back in time would only make him selfish. Like Thawne...he would never become like that...not again.
He'd face this timeline until the bitter end. But then again...what if he was back? What if by some miracle Thawne reappeared…
No...it couldn't be...at least not with him at the head. Despite all the things that had happened to Barry the last 24 hours...it was too focused on Batman…
"No...Thomas...he shot him in the head...what if…?"
During the Flashpoint Thomas Wayne, the Batman of that timeline killed Reverse Flash with a shot in the head...he went back in time to fix it but...he couldn't find Thawn no matter how hard he tried.
If Thawne survived...his vengeance could have extended to the Bat Family...Eobard did murder a girl's whole family due to her refusal to date him...at least that's what he has claimed. But Barry knew the man too well. This could definitely be his doing.
Going so fast to change the outcome of a simple coin flip. Because his hatred for the Flash ultimately won out.
He had to get to Batman fast. He had to warn of this possibility...the demon...the Phantom Thieves...everything…. Batman was right…
This was a set up from the start…
As he raced to put on his costume, he heard a gigantic boom echo across the sky. He dared to look up. He saw nothing...his super hearing must have picked up the vibrations of something big happening up above.
His comm started to talk…
"This is Batman. The Watchtower is under attack. Priority S. I repeat Priority S. Any and all heroes available please respond. I repeat- *static* heroes *static* respond *SIGNAL LOST*"
"No…" Barry said. He made a mad dash for the closest transporter he could find.
The news on every television started blaring in his ears in slow motion...The slowed down speech hardly being able to be comprehended. But as every television started to static as well he heard the words he prayed not to hear…
It was happening again...it was all happening again...he wasn't fast enough to stop it…
He gritted his teeth and pushed himself to full speed, the electricity crackling around him as time slowed to a stop.
He would fix this...this ended now…
As a red and yellow blur blinked out of normal sight comprehension. The world's eyes were fixed on the tv, phones, anything with a screen as the message was started.
"We interrupt your daily lives to bring you a Phantom Thieves broadcast…" the red and black logo splayed on the static on all electronics….
The words blurred together for most people...the sentences spoken next sending shockwaves around the world.
"People of the World. The Justice League has failed you, the Justice League has failed their promise. The promise to protect and uphold the essential call for justice! A decision was made by their so-called "Hall of Justice". A decision to let you all rot in the abyss of corruption that overtakes the world more and more every single day...And these hypocrites have locked away the only person who dared stand up for you in that hall. Wonder Woman has been imprisoned for quitting the League and choosing to stand by the people!"
The static cleared to show a camera. A surveillance tape of Wonder Woman sitting in a cell. The disappointment of her past colleagues is clear on her face.
"We will not stand by such corruption. We will not stand for such hypocrisy. We call upon you to reject these false idols! Reject your faith in the system that failed you! And believe in us to finally change it. To bring down the 'heros' who look down upon us like they are gods! To bring down the tower that watches your every move! Believe in that! Believe in the Phantom Thieves of Hearts!"
Chaos took over in all the government offices around the world. All calling each other demanding something to be done about this broadcast.
"All those corrupt souls with distorted desires...We will take you down without fail...And to those who are innocent...you have nothing to fear. This has been a Phantom Thieves broadcast."
Static took over all screens until it changed back into what it was before.
News stations roared questions about what was happening at the Watchtower. But it was as described.
The Watchtower...has been taken over. The Watchtower has been besieged.
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AN: See ya sooner than a month I hope!
For anyone wanting more updates, the discord link is in my profile.
Love you all~!
Peace.
