Avenging Justice 2:

Caught Between an Ultron and a Doomsday

Part XLV

Earth, Missouri, Central City, S.T.A.R. Labs

Barry Allen removed his headpiece and fell into the seat boneless. Fatigue, more fatigue than he had ever felt flowed through him. He had no energy, no will to get back up. There was just nothing there. He had been there, and there wasn't a thing he did that would have changed anything. That hurt the most.

He could run across the globe, took on crazy gorillas with mind powers, but he felt powerless against an engine of destruction. He was no healer, so all he could do was get Wonder Woman to the medics. Both Green Lanterns looked pretty bad, and he found there were no words of comfort to be had. In short, he was left feeling impotent and like an extra burden.

Strangely his mind was drawn to a race. It was a footrace set up for charity, he and Superman would race around the world. Of course, Superman had agreed, once he was assured most of the money would be going towards a series of charities. The whole thing was to see who was the fastest, and because Supes could fly, they limited him to just running.

Barry seemed to remember one was for war orphans, another for childhood cancer. They even popped into a couple children's hospitals beforehand, meeting the kids and their parents. The staff had the kids choose who they thought would win. Quite a few went for Superman, but Barry didn't feel slighted the least bit. He was the "Big Guy" for a reason, but the Flash had his own supporters.

"It's not good for you to be brooding," the calming voice of Iris broke through his malaise. "You don't want to start dressing darkly and hanging out with bats."

Barry nodded, "I believe that niche has already been taken." As he looked up at his wife, "Iris…I…I failed, we lost him."

She grabbed him up and he didn't fight her, as she embraced him tightly. Her warmth felt good, her presence one of the things that kept him grounded. He was so lucky to find her, and that she accepted him, weirdness and all. He let her strength and love wash over him, because he was seriously at the end of his.

"This isn't your fault," she whispered into his ear. "I sat there watching the man I love, put himself in danger over and over again. You stood against something that took Superman to defeat, and you never ran away. I couldn't be prouder or more terrified."

Two living beings comforted each other, both being there for the other. One needing a safe haven, another needing the other. Neither turning on the television, to the near constant streaming of the damage. He needed rest, she could be his shield for one night. Tomorrow would bring more, challenges, successes, and failures, but it would come. All because of those willing to fight and sacrifice, thanks to heroes.

Earth, Washington D.C., U.S. Capitol

A group of politicians grilled a weary Captain Marvel and a newly arrived Nick Fury. With the immediate threat over with, there were questions and things that needed to be answered for. Fury was handling them better than Carol Danvers was. She was sore, tired and their questions kept revolving around the same thing. In truth, she wanted to be out looking for more survivors, than be here.

"Director Fury," one obnoxious politician snidely asked. "Your Avengers Initiative was supposed to keep things like this from happening. Yet, it looks like they were powerless against this thing. How do you plan on protecting the Earth, when they can't even fight a threat like this?"

"By recruiting and organizing them," Fury answered. "My team arrived on site as quickly as possible, and after dealing with another world ending threat."

Another politician interjected, "One of their own making, isn't that right, Director Fury?"

"While we are investigating, there is nothing to say this was indicative of my team," Fury explained. "Many of these people are brilliant, intelligent and the brightest minds of our lifetime. As for Ultron, it looks like another growing pain in humankind's steadfast technological advance. This literally could have happened to anybody researching artificial intelligence."

The first politician noticed Captain Marvel's tired expression, "Are we boring you, Captain Danvers? How is that you were so impotent against both threats?"

"With all due respect," Carol tried to keep her voice calm, and failed. "I was attacked and nearly drained to my death, so I'm not at one hundred percent, yet."

"The security of this nation, and all the nations on Earth are not in doubt," Fury quickly interjected. "The Avengers are still operating and ready to take on threats. Meanwhile S.H.I.E.L.D. is interfacing with the Justice League. Captain Marvel's should be up to one hundred percent in the next few days."

The politician waved them both away, dismissing them, "We shall see. In the meantime, it is the job of this body to make the nation safer. To do this, we are looking over the Mutant Registration Act again, but also expanding it to all superhumans, metahumans, or anything else they are called."

"With respect, I don't think that is wise," Nick Fury said. "I've seen the act, and it smacks of everything this country is not. These people aren't your enemies, they are powerful allies."

The politician angrily shot back, "Director Fury, you are dismissed. Captain Danvers, you are still part of the Air Force, so you will abide by any lawful order given by the Commander in Chief. Once this act is passed, and signed, I expect you to do your duty!"

Nick Fury frowned, and left, his trench coat flowing behind him. Carol was behind him, looking meeker than he had ever seen her. He could see there was something going on behind those eyes, and knew there was a question that was to be asked. He didn't want her to ask that question, because he would answer. She may not like that answer, but it wouldn't change it.

"That could have gone better," she finally said.

He nodded, "Yes, and if they aren't careful, they're going to cause a Civil War amongst those they intend to regulate."

"You don't think people like Tony or Steve would fight the government, do you?" she asked.

He turned to her, his good eye making contact with hers, "They are talking about regulating people on things beyond their control. Some like Captain America volunteered for a right against a great enemy. Others, like Bruce were made by accidents or twists of fate. That school up in New England, and that cell in the Southern states, they were born that way.

Yes, if you make people your enemy, they will eventually fight you. People may be scared, but this is the wrong way to do things. The people need to be reminded about everything positive these people bring to the table. We just need to prepare."

"For what?" Carol didn't like his tone. "I'm not going to fight against my country or my world!"

Nick Fury looked past her, to the sky outside, "Then we better do this right, and prepare for if this Act gets pushed through. Go home, Danvers, get some rest. Tomorrow is another day, and another battle."

Earth, New Jersey, Gotham City

Batman's returned to the cave, his work done. Thanks to the Teen Titans and Catwoman, all the escaped Arkham inmates had been rounded up. He had to admit, taking in Poison Ivy had been a lot easier. He was too tired to get into the details of how that was, just that Catwoman had been able to get through to Isley. She rested in the seat beside him, and he tried not to wake her.

Truth be told, he needed sleep now too. With the city "safe" again for a few minutes, he had returned home. No matter the cost to this reputation, there was no way Alfred was going to wake him for a few days. He still had to go over who had released all the inmates, but that would have to wait. He didn't like it, because it left a loose end. However, he needed rest, before he got sloppy.

First thing was to make Alfred aware of his return, and Selina's staying with them for a while. Despite the level of tiredness, he found himself almost smiling. Just as quickly the moment vanished. He turned and everything went wrong all at once, if he'd been anymore exhausted, never would have seen it coming.

It might have been the quiet, or the subtle sound of boot on ground. It might have been his trained heightened senses, but something clued Batman in. He turned and got his arms up in defensive position, to be of no use. Something big and strong plowed into him, and sent him flying. He landed hard, rolled and came up, with two smoke bombs.

Throwing them, he attempted to move as the dark shape coming at him barreled onward. Much to his surprise, a massive hand grabbed his leg and proceeded to slam him into the cave floor. Next came a large foot, and he rolled out of the way. His vision was going dark, he needed to breath, but it hurt. So, he forced himself to, and felt stabbing pains along his sides.

Busted ribs, nothing he hadn't fought through before. Taking two batarangs out, he tossed them at the huge shape coming at him. One hit, the other was grabbed out of the air and crushed. Batman had just a second to see that and move, still taking a huge punch, that sent him rolling towards his lab equipment.

He rose, only to find crushing force being applied to his head, and he screamed out in pain. The huge man, he could see it was a man now, tossed him away. He landed hard against the giant penny, one he'd taken after Two-Face used it in a caper. It fell over onto him, and he felt something else snap. He was sure it was another rib, as he was able to still kick his legs, trying to find purchase. He needed to get out from underneath the giant penny, and then stop whomever this was.

"The big, bad, Batman," the highly accented voice said beneath the luchador like mask. "Even down in my country, they share your nightmares."

The big man with cables coming out form his back to the back of his head pulled Batman out and slammed him onto the ground. Then kicked Batman across the cave floor, leaping up and bringing his knee down on the Dark Knight. Batman attempted a back elbow, only for it to be caught and his head slammed into the cave floor hard. Picked up again, he was fiercely hit with massive blows, over and over again, till he hung there limp.

The hugely muscled man growled, "The prison there, we heard of the Bat of Gotham, but I knew no fear. When the doctors came, they made me like this. Then I destroyed that prison. Now, I come to take you out." The man threw Batman down, stomped on him and continued, "Not because you caught me, but to make a name. I am the man who broke the Bat. Soon, the world will tremble, and pay Bane tribute. First though, I will break you."

Bane lifted Batman's limp form up, preparing to bring him down onto his knee, breaking the Batman's back. His plan had worked flawlessly. Through studying the city, its protector and how he operated, he had found out the Batman's biggest secret. Then once the myth of him being a supernatural being or a superhuman, it wasn't too hard to formulate a plan. Wear him to his limits, then take him out. There was always taking him head on, but the Bat had a tendency to get out of those fine. No, this was the way.

"Listen, this really isn't a good time," Catwoman said as she sent her whip out. "We've had a long night, and a visit from the WWE is just not in the works."

Bane turned, this wasn't according to the plan. Because of this, he also wasn't ready as she yanked back on the newly wrapped whip around his foot. He had brought it up, readying to crash Batman's back into it, leaving only one foot on the cave floor. Even with all his strength, physics ruled, and he found his bulk falling forward. It wouldn't hurt him, well not much, but old habits were hard to break.

He let go of Batman, caught himself and then turned to face Catwoman. Behind him, he could hear the Dark Knight, wheezing, having to take in breaths in ragged fashion. He wasn't going to be getting up anytime soon. There was still time to break him, but first, he needed to take care of this one. Despite his reconnaissance, something had changed. Based on everything he learned, Batman should be alone, exhausted and easy pickings. Not exactly to plan, but a good planner must be willing to improvise from time to time.

"Leave now, and tell the world about the one who broke the Bat," Bane said. "Not that I don't find you appealing, you owe this man nothing."

Catwoman sent her whip forward, "You'd be surprised at how good he is at inspiring people around here."

Bane felt the whip hit, he grabbed it and yanked hard. She came at him, but let go, rolling away from him. He threw the whip away, and rushed at her. She dodged his first punch, but got hit with his knee strike. Still, she managed to catch herself and cartwheel away. Beneath his mask, Bane smiled. She was spirited. That wouldn't change anything, but he could admire her for that.

He charged her, and could see she wasn't at one hundred percent either. She must have been out helping his target out, that was her fault then. As such, she started to slow as the fight drug itself out. Meanwhile, he hit another dose of VENOM into his system. With this, he could continue a fight for as long as the concoction lasted. Which would be more than enough to take out a nearly dead Batman, and an equally exhausted Catwoman.

Her first mistake was a dodge to the right, when she should have somersaulted to the left. He caught her with a leg strike that sent her stumbling, followed up with a double handed blow that crumpled Catwoman to the ground. To add insult to injury, he kicked her hard, sending her a few feet rolling. She got back up as he neared and did a text book perfect slamming heel kick. He caught it, and sent and elbow into her upper leg, relishing as a loud snap echoed off the cave interior.

Bane let her fall, clutching her leg, "You should really rethink who inspires you. Now, I can end you quickly, or you can be maimed the rest of your life. Your choice."

"Get away from her, you bastard!" Bane turned to see a very angry, Batman slamming a fist into him.

He shouldn't be able to do that. He was beaten, broken, he should nearly be dead. Instead Batman hit him hard, went around his guard and took several more hits. He knew he was doing damage, because the Batman was bleeding from anywhere blood could leak out, but he still came.

It took one more hit, but Bane got the Batman back into the raised prone position. This time he didn't waste time, just started to bring him down quickly, and felt his strength leave. Wetness flooded his backside, and instantly Bane knew it was time to leave. Standing back up, the cowl of the bat was in his hand, including most of the cape, but the Bat lay unbroken.

As if by some miracle, when Bane raised him up, Batman's hand had gotten ahold of the cables coming out of his neck. Yanking with what strength he had left, he was rewarded with ripping sounds, and a howl from Bane. Batman still landed hard, and was unable to move, but the attacker didn't continue. Instead, he ran off, greenish liquid leaking from the broken cable, hoses really.

He was in no condition to go after him, though he wanted to. Instead, he crawled over to Selina, where she lay curled up in not quite a ball. She was in pain, immense amounts. He pulled out a little mechanism and put it on her neck. Instantly she relaxed a little bit, and he put another on her broken leg.

"A sonic device that stimulates healing," he explained. "It also helps with pain management."

Between her gritted teeth, "Here I was worried."

"Thank you," he softly said, it was getting harder to stay awake.

The last thing he heard was Alfred calling out, "Master Bruce!"

An hour later Bane stood on top of a well-lit building, the massive screen below showing the news of the day. He put down the little device, overriding the screen, and projecting his image onto it. In his hand, the cape and cowl of Batman, and what he wasn't showing, the hastily repaired hoses that infused him with VENOM.

"Gotham, your protector, your Bat is broken. I, Bane, have done this. I have destroyed a legend, and you are without your otherworldly protector," Bane said.

Below the crowd began to murmur, and panic started to form in the crowd. Batman had given them the idea that out there was an avenging force, one that used the criminals own fear against them. He had given them the idea that they didn't have to fear the night, that those preying on the innocent should. If someone like that could be killed, or destroyed, what would happen to normal people like them.

The moon that night was full, and for once, the sky was nearly cloudless. The moon still hung at the height of the tallest building tops, as if they were touching the silvery orb. It was perfect for a dark form to bring itself into existence, and even better for the shape it gave off. For those looking up, and for Bane, the shape of a bat formed in the moonlight. Against the moon, it was as if someone had transported the Bat Signal from police headquarters and shined it down upon everyone.

"Titans, go!" Robin's voice came as he glided off a nearby ledge, and catching Bane off guard.

Bane, still focused on the bat shape in the moon, didn't see Robin slam into him. It didn't hurt, but the shock was still there. He swatted the young man away, but wasn't ready for the bolt of energy that came at him. Quick as a snake, he struck out, feeling his fist hit metal. What he wasn't ready for, was an orange elbow knocking his head to the side, nor the young woman chanting nearby.

Grabbing Cyborg, Bane sent him into Starfire. Then leaping off, he found a nearby water tower, and destroyed its base. Then he ran off as the tower began to fall towards the street below. As expected, the heroes saved those lives, leaving Bane the ability to escape. He stole one last look at the moon, the figure of the Bat still there. He watched just long enough for the figure to move, and he began to fear.

There should be no way that Batman could have recovered from his wounds so quickly. That meant either there was more than one, or maybe he had miscalculated. Either way, he'd finish the job. He had destroyed the Bat once, he could do it again, and again, and again, if needed. It was just a matter of how, and he'd figure that out.

"I'm sorry, Robin," Starfire said. "He got away."

Robin shook his head, "You did what you could. Remember this guy prepared to take on Batman. We will get him, I promise you that."

"I've got this guy on the comms asking for you again, Robin," Cyborg said.

Robin smiled, and hit his comm, "I'm on my way back."

"Very well, everything is still set up with them at the safehouse," Alfred's voice didn't belie the panic being held back.

Robin said, "They know where to go, how is he?"

"I believe it's more than I can treat here," Alfred said.

Robin felt a cold wave of weakness shoot through him, "I'm on my way." Then looking at Raven, "Thank you for catching that water tower. Take the team back the safe house, I'll be in touch soon."

Raven looked like she wanted to smile, but pushed it back down, "You're welcome. Are they okay?"

"We'll see," Robin replied even without meaning to. He was worried too. Off in the distance, he saw Batgirl leaping away.

He was glad she had been able to come on such quick notice, and was able to modify her costume just enough to be taken as Batman. Without it, they wouldn't have been able to get the drop on Bane. Now, they just needed to find him again. First though, he needed to check on Bruce, family first.