Dark Knight/Man of Steel
Disclaimer: I own nothing (unfortunately). All rights and characters in this fic belong to Warner Brothers, DC Comics and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this. It's purely for fun. I only own my OC's.
Note: The following is a rough outline of what was to happen in this chapter. I apologise for not being able to write the full chapter as intended, however, life has proven hectic and along with my plans to start writing original stories, I don't have the time needed to finish all my stories. I didn't want to leave them abandoned, so I decided to give a rough outline of the story's events so that you could see how it would have progressed and ended. I hope that you understand. Maybe one day I might come back and fully finish them as intended, but as that's up in the air, I thought that I'd end things this way rather than leave unfinished. Thank you for your time.
Chapter 1 (Rough Outline)
Six months have passed since Zod's invasion, and the world was introduced to Superman.
The reconstruction of Metropolis was still an ongoing effort. Thanks to the efforts of LexCorp, the city was believed to be renewed and restored within the next few years. Though, fear still gripped the people of Earth, fearing that another alien attack could be right around the corner. There was hope that peace could be kept with Superman around. However, many were unsure if Superman was what the world needed. With his power unchecked, he was seen as just as much of a threat to the eyes of some.
Many called him a ticking timebomb.
For Clark Kent, he didn't care about trying to prove a point to anyone, at least…not at first. All that mattered to him was ensuring that the people were safe and that they could hope again. There was always Lois Lane, who attracted her own controversy by writing multiple stories in support of the Man of Steel. Her public part in the story of Zod's invasion didn't help her case. But she and Clark went day-by-day, working at the new Daily Planet building together, hoping that normal would return.
And, in their time working together, they found themselves growing closer to each other. They hadn't shared a proper moment together since their first kiss. But they figured that they'd take things slowly. They didn't need any more chaos in their lives.
If there was any hope that the discovery of alien life would shift the ideals of the criminals of Gotham City, those hopes were soon dashed.
Commissioner Gordan was at least thankful that there hasn't been an attack on the scale of Bane's tyranny. But, if anything like what happened in Metropolis happened to Gotham, he wasn't sure if the city's newest guardian was up to the task. As much as he hated to admit it, Nightwing was still new to all of this. Though he didn't outwardly express his concerns, it was apparent that John Blake was aware of it.
Pushing personal feelings aside, the two worked professionally, much in the same way Gordan worked with Batman.
One night, Nightwing is summoned to the roof where the Bat-Signal shone its beacon. He meets with the Commissioner, who is concerned that a new mob boss is working his way up through the ranks, and could be on course to tip the balance of the underworld in his favour. Determined to prove himself, Nightwing is more than eager to accept the mission and begin his search for this new mob boss.
''I wouldn't go rushing into this headfirst,'' Gordan warned. ''Though he has a reputation for being sophisticated, there's a darker mindset under that polished exterior.''
Nightwing arched his brow. ''So, sophisticated and theatrical? Gotham seems to find a way to attract people with those traits.''
''Honestly, I find that those kinds of people are the ones born and bred here,'' Gordan replied, tapping his hand against the Bat-Signal.
Staring up at the symbol in the sky, Nightwing sighs deeply before turning to the Commissioner. ''Does this man have a name?''
''Oswald Cobblepot.''
With his life as Batman behind him, Bruce enjoyed a quiet life with Selina Kyle travelling the world. His greatest concern these days was trying to tour cities while keeping a low profile. It was a difficult task considering he had the face of one of the most recognizable billionaires in the world. A billionaire that the world thought was dead.
Despite expressing happiness with Selina, she could see him always checking on Gotham in the papers and on the news. While he was trying to put that life to rest, he would never truly be able to escape with it, even with Blake protecting the city as Nightwing. And the sudden appearance of Superman was another matter that left Selina feeling uneasy. Bruce appears nonchalant about the situation, teasing his partner by refusing to give her his own opinion on Superman.
Strolling through a shopping mall in Paris, Bruce stares up at a makeshift tribute to the Man of Steel hanging from the windows. ''A long time ago, I worked to become a symbol and I accomplished that. I became something more than a man. But, he's already more than that. That can change people's outlook on what that symbol means.''
Selina smirks at Bruce. ''You used fear to challenge the wrongs of Gotham. He uses hope…''
''Are you saying he's my opposite?'' Bruce questioned, intrigued to hear what Selina had to say.
''With all the power he wields, he can do anything he wants. What happens if he wants to do something that only he views as right. Who can stop him?''
''If you're worried about Superman coming after us, I doubt he'd waste time searching the globe for a retired cat burglar.''
''I'm hurt, Bruce.'' Selina retorted playfully. Her smile slowly fades as she locks eyes with him. ''Are you afraid of him?''
Bruce doesn't say a word.
Suddenly, an explosion rips through the shopping mall. People are thrown off their feet, including Bruce and Selina. As panic erupts, an armoured truck barrels through the windows and dozens of gunmen take the place by storm. With no concern for acquiring wealth or hostages, they begin destroying everything in their path. Bruce and Selina rush to help as many people as they can, and Bruce even attempts to fight some of the gunmen to the best of his abilities. But he is soon outnumbered and overpowered.
Just before one of the gunmen puts a bullet between Bruce's eyes, he hesitates and turns to his group. ''No way, it's Bruce Wayne. He's alive! I think we just found the priceless hostage.''
''Money is not our priority! We are here to send a message! Put him down.''
Bruce struggles to break free, and Selina is unable to reach him in time as a gunman fires his gun. Bruce closes his eyes, waiting for the end.
BANG!
Bruce opens his eyes. The bullet aimed for his head is casually floating in front of him.
Before anyone can react, the gunmen are thrown into the air, scattered as they had just been hit by an invisible tornado. The armoured truck is dismantled and the terrorists are defeated with ease by four individuals with incredible and unique powers. Once the battle is over, one of the superhumans helps Bruce to his feet.
''Bloody hell, you're Bruce Wayne? I'm now not sure if we'll be the biggest story today.''
The world was entranced by what had happened in Paris.
In Metropolis, Clark and Lois watched the news, scarcely believing that they were witnessing. In the small corner of the screen, they could see a news flash marvelling at the apparent resurrection of Bruce Wayne, but the main talking point was the super-powered group who defeated the terrorists. The group called themselves the Elite.
Among their ranks was Hat, a magician whose magical abilities were centred upon his fedora. Menagerie, a woman that more resembled a reptilian beast than a human. Coldcast, a behemoth of a man with tremendous electrical energy surging throughout his body. Finally, the man who seemed to be in control of the group, wearing a shirt with the union jack and lifting the group into the air with telekinetic powers. His name is Manchester Black.
''We are the Elite,'' Black declared to the world. ''And we have a message we'd like to send to Superman…fancy coming to our place for a cup of tea and a chat?''
To Be Continued…