Final Chapter 13: Aftermath.

-Harper Row-

It's morning here in Gotham. Early in the morning. Got to go to school today and afterwards, go and see the city electrician about some work.

I wake up and the first person I see is Cass. She's up and looking out the window.

Harper: "Mornin' Cass. How long have you been up?"

Cassandra: "Few hours..."

Harper: "Don't you sleep?"

Cassandra: "A bit."

Something's been bothering Cass since she got back here the other night. After her battle with her dad and that Ra's al Ghul guy, she seems to be more nervous.

Harper: "Cass, what's wrong? You've been more quiet than usual and not to mention,
you've been having nightmares even before that as well."

When Cass goes to sleep, she always seems to have bad dreams. She always fidgets and shakes violently.

Cass looks at me and looks down.

Cassandra: "Confess... Did something... Wrong."

Harper: "What? You can trust me, Cass. We're best friends, aren't we?"

Cassandra: "May not be... Afterwards."

I didn't know what Cass was going to tell me, but it must be bad if she thinks i may not be friends with her afterwards...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Before she could speak, a massive explosion went off in the sky!

-Superman-

From the now lit streets of Gotham, we look as the Watchtower explodes in the sky.

I still couldn't hear any Boom-Tubes close anywhere on Earth... What if Avenger didn't make it.

Lauren: "Superman. Has he..."

I didn't know what to tell Miss Winters. She's been the most concerned out of everyone here.

Green Lantern: "Have to admit, he stayed to try and save the bad guy. Kid was a true hero."

Wonder Woman: "A true hero."

Lauren: "You're talking about him in the past tense! You think..."

Everyone was silent. I didn't know what to say at all to calm her down. I knew I should have stayed and saved him.

Miss Winters then walked up to Batman...

CRACK!

She slaps him across the face.

Lauren: "This is all your fault. You encouraged him, didn't you? If he's dead, I'll never forgive you, Batman!"

Batman: "It was his choice, Miss Winters."

Lauren: "He did it to save you and the League! He shouldn't have to put his life on the line to save people who fight aliens every day of the week to save the planet!"

Robin: "Hey, don't you dare lay a hand on..."

Damian tried to defend his father, but Nightwing stopped him. Miss Winters needed a vent for her rage. But, all of us knew she was right. We were the ones who were captured by Assassin and he still came to the Watchtower to save us. His sacrifice won't ever be forgotten...

BOOOOOM!

The closing of a Boom-Tube!

Superman: "Batman! A Boom-Tube!"

-Avenger-

I managed to carry dad through the Boom-Tube just before the explosion engulfed us.

The Boom-Tube took us to Robinson Park in Gotham. It was early in the morning, the sun was just about to come up. I was holding the Motherbox in my hand, it had crumbled to tiny pieces. Batman was right, it only had one more Boom-Tube left in it.

I looked up and saw the aftermath of the explosion... Imagine how much it's gonna cost to replace the Watchtower of all things.

But, I have my dad out cold and secured. I'm gonna take him to GCPD. I wonder how much of a shock that my dad's fellow officers are going to have when they see that my dad is not just alive, but a killer.

Dad threaten to reveal mine and the Justice League's identities. I would take him to the League, but I remember Thomas Elliot. Will Batman just do the same thing to my dad? Simply fake a name and an illness and watch him disappear?

No. My dad needs to see that the system works. That justice can be served...

?: "Avenger."

A female voice came out of the nearby bushes.

Avenger: "Who is that?!"

The woman came out of the bushes. It was Talia al Ghul. She was aiming a gun at me and i heard several footsteps around me. It was the same men I faced during my final trial for Ra's al Ghul.

The Seven Men of Death and Talia al Ghul.

Talia: "Hand over Assassin."

Avenger: "He failed, Talia. The Justice League are still alive. You don't have your 'new world' making clones. I'm taking Michael Rivers to stand trial."

Talia: "No, you won't."

The man with a skull mask different from Assassin's came up to my dad and picked him up. I wasn't gonna win here, i didn't have a choice but to let Talia take him.

The Archer then aimed an arrow at me.

Merlyn: "I still owe you for the beating you gave me. I, Merlyn, will go down in history as the one who killed Avenger!"

WFFT!

Merlyn shoots an arrow at my head, but I catch it with one of my hands. As Merlyn looks at me dumbfounded, i throw the arrow back at him towards his leg. It goes right through.

Merlyn: "Ahhhh!"

Merlyn falls down as he grabs his leg in pain. The six remaining members of the Seven Men of Death aim their weapons at me.

Avenger: "Go ahead. I'll give the seven of you yet another beating."

Talia, however, stops the Men of Death from attacking.

Talia: "Ignore him! We must return home. Now!"

Talia and the Seven Men of Death depart from the area along with dad. At least this time, I know he's alive. And maybe this isn't the last time I'll see him. But,
next time just like now, he'll be my enemy.

I sat down on the ground and watched the sun rise up. For now, it was finally over. The Order of St. Dumas. The League of Assassins. My dad. It's been a long month.

By the time the sun rose, The Justice League all arrived at the park.

Batman: "Avenger. Where is Assassin?"

Avenger: "Gone. Talia came by and took him. She had too many people with her, i couldn't stop them."

The Justice League all looked at me as if they were impressed... Did I just impress the Justice League? These people defeat aliens and other threats that threaten the world.

Superman walked up to me and offered me his hand. I accepted and shook his hand.

Superman: "Avenger. The Justice League thanks you for what you did today."

Avenger: "I'm sorry about the Watchtower. It'll take a lot to replace that."

Superman: "Don't worry about that. Your friend is happy to see you alive."

Superman then stepped aside and I saw Lauren standing there. She had tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face.

She ran towards me and hugged me... I didn't know what to do in response to this. I just had my hands up as she buried her face in my chest.

Lauren: "You knocked me out."

Avenger: "Sorry."

Lauren: "You stole the Motherbox."

Avenger: "Sorry."

Lauren: "Do you love me?"

Avenger: "... What?"

She asked me if I love her?! Needless to say, I was caught off guard with that one.

Lauren then let go of me and walked away...

What was that?

Superman: "It looks like you've got a lot on your plate."

Avenger: "Tell me about it."

I better get home quickly. I've got something I need to take care of.

-Kerry Rivers-

Riley hasn't come back all night. I knew he was gonna be upset once he found out I cheated on Michael.

I just wished I knew why I did such a thing. Michael was the best thing that ever happened to me aside from Riley... How could I do this to them?

I tried calling Riley all night, but no answer, and then there's at explosion earlier... I just want to know where my son is!

KNOCK KNOCK.

Someone knocked on the door to the house. I quickly ran to the door and opened it.

Riley: "Hey, mom."

Riley was standing there in front of me with a smile on his face. He had a bruise on his eye and a busted lip.

initially I didn't care about that, and I just held him in my arms. My son came back!
And I was happy that he was safe.

Riley: "Mom, you okay?"

Kerry: "No, I'm not okay! Where were you?! I've been calling you all night and what the hell happened to you?!"

Riley: "I got into a fight last night."

Kerry: "Why would you do that?! I hope you at least got a couple of good shots in."

Riley laughed for a bit at that.

Riley: "Yeah, I did."

Riley and I went into the living room and we sat down. Riley isn't really the fighting type. I know Michael trained him in martial arts for a bit, but he doesn't really like to fight people.

Kerry: "Why were you fighting last night?"

Riley: "Someone tried to mug me and he had a few friends."

Kerry: "Seriously?! What's wrong with this city that everyone keeps getting mugged?
Your dad's bike is still missing by the way..."

I mentioned Michael and I remembered that there was still the elephant in the room.

Kerry: "Ummm, Riley? There's something I need to say..."

Riley: "Can I say something first?"

Kerry: "S-Sure."

I was a bit worried. He never came home because he was probably mad at me and who could blame him? I was ready to accept my son's anger.

Riley: "I'm sorry, mom. I'm sorry for being angry."

That I was not ready for.

Kerry: "Riley? You don't have to be sorry, you silly boy. I'm the one who..."

Riley: "I know. But..."

I felt like Riley wanted to say something, but he stopped for a moment before speaking again.

Riley: "I don't have the right to be angry. You may have done something bad, but I know you well enough to realise that whatever happened between you and Kieran happened for a reason. You loved dad and you wouldn't betray him without a reason. Whatever reason it is, I'll respect it."

I didn't know what to think. Riley just accepted it without much fight... I don't know why he would come to that conclusion all of a sudden.

Kerry: "But, I don't know why I cheated on him! I don't know why I did it!"

I couldn't help but cry. The tears just wouldn't stop! Riley walked over to me and hugged me.

Riley: "It's okay. It's in the past. Dad is gone, and even then, I'm sure he still loves you."

I hugged Riley back. Does he really believe that Michael would forgive me for what I've done? I really want to believe that.

But, for now, I have my son back.

-Rick Troy-

For a few days, I've been in prison for crimes I was forced to commit. I was also forced to sit and watch as the love of my life was violated by a sick freak.

I've done so many bad things. I've ignored my family, I've only be concerned about myself and getting drugs and women that I forgot the important things.

Lucky I have a second chance to make things right. Becca was coming to visit me in prison today and I wanted to apologise for my actions.

I was at the visiting window and Becca sat down with Hunter in her arms and took the phone.

Becca: "Hello, Rick."

Rick: "Becca. How are you and Hunter?"

Becca: "We're fine. Hunter's okay and other than the obvious, so I am I."

Rick: "That's good. I was worried about you, you know?"

Come on. I have to make things right with her...

Rick: "Listen, Becca..."

Becca: "Rick. I'm gonna come right out with it. Me and Hunter are leaving Gotham in a few days."

Rick: "L-Leaving?! Why?!"

Becca: "Rick. I love you. More than you know, but I need to leave this city.
So much madness happens in this city and I can't raise Hunter here with his father in prison."

I wanted to say something! Anything to keep her from leaving! She was all I had left!

Rick: "Becca, I can change! After what happened... I was afraid to lose you. I've done so much terrible stuff even before Hunter was born. Please. Give me a chance."

Becca shook her head.

Becca: "You'll never change, Rick. Your father can't bail you out of this one. You and I were never meant to be together in the first place, we both knew that.
But, we were kids then. But, now I have a kid to look after. You just didn't care before."

Rick: "But, I do care! I know I shouldn't have waited till now to show it, but I love you and Hunter! Please don't leave."

Becca: "It's too late. Goodbye, Rick."

Becca put down the phone. No! I won't let her go!

I tried to bang on the window, but it wouldn't break! These windows are too thick!

Becca just stared at me as if I was pathetic... NO!

Rick: "BECCA!"

Police officers tried to restrain me, but I tried my best to stay at the window,
but Becca just walked away with Hunter in hand!

Rick: "NOOOO!"

I started to see now. How funny this all was. It was all a damned joke!

Rick: "Ha..."

I started to fight back against the police officers. I knocked one down and started kicking him in the ribs!

Rick: "Hahahaha!"

My father is a womanizing piece of S$*!. My girlfriend only cares about her own happiness. I'm the dark horse of the family just because I wanted to have fun!

How funny is that?!

Rick: "Hee! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

-Harvey Dent-

I was discharged from the hospital after The Joker attacked the DA's office.
My hand however, all the skin has been burned off and looked disfigured.

I was working at the office as usual. Kieran's still at the hospital after being shot with an arrow, but I should be able to hold down the fort by myself...

'Really? Back to being the good guy, Harvey?'

That voice... No. No! He's dead!

'Not dead, Harvey. I'm very much alive.'

I looked at my hand. It was disfigured, similar to how my face was for all those years.

'Get it now, Harvey? You won't be rid of me. No matter how much plastic surgery you get, I'll always be here. Right with you.'

Harvey: "No... No! NOOO!"

-Michael Rivers-

A world of light. That's all I could see around me. Could this be Heaven? Have I finally passed on?

In front of me is a small child. With my brown eyes and black hair. I remember him, it was Riley when i first started training him.

Riley: "Dad!"

He ran towards me and I got down onto my knees and hugged him.

Michael: "Riley. My son."

For a moment, everything felt different. All I wanted in this world was a fair justice system. One that wouldn't condemn the innocent and punish the guilty.

In my arms, Riley began to grow. His clothing soon changed to his Avenger costume.

Avenger: "Murderer."

Michael: "No. I'm trying to save this world."

Avenger: "You killed to get there. You're just another criminal."

Michael: "No!"

I tried to punch Riley, but he blocked my punch.

Avenger: "I am an Avenger."

Riley hit me with an uppercut...

I landed on the ground and then the world of light around me vanished.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying in a bed. My coat and armour had been removed and a cold, damp cloth was being wiped over my head.

Talia: "Michael. Relax."

Sitting next to my bed was Talia. I slowly sit up.

Michael: "Talia? What... What happened?"

Talia: "We found you and Riley Rivers in Robinson's park. You've been unconscious for a few days now."

I remembered. Riley defeated me and my plans foiled.

Michael: "I failed the League of Assassins, Talia. I promised you a new world and I failed."

Talia: "I have you back though. For now, that is victory enough."

Michael: "I lost to my son. He has truly become a man now. If only he was standing with me now... As we built the new world together."

Talia: "We may have been delayed this day, Michael. But, rest assured that this is not over."

The next time I meet my son, I will have to kill him. But, he proved that he will be a worthy opponent...

Michael: "No, it is not. But, knowing that I must one day kill my own flesh and blood...
I may be an assassin, but I'm still a father, Talia. I fear that it will one day consume my soul. As much as I wish to cut that tie and live my life for you and the League... Can you truly love a man that conflicted?"

Talia: "I have already given you my blessing, Michael. You have sworn to remain by my side as the future of this world. We are both kindred spirits that have both been betrayed by those we once loved and we have found each other."

Talia then picked a briefcase and opened it, revealing a sword. I recognised instantly!

Michael: "Talia. This is your father's sword. It has been in your family for generations."

Talia: "And it now falls to you as my Beloved."

Talia has only called one other man by that name... The Demon's Head no longer drives her decision-making. Has she really chosen me?

Talia: "Take this sword and become my true Assassin. Leave behind any past demons that have plagued you for so long."

I stood out of bed and Talia offered me the sword. I took it from the case and I turned to face a vision. A vision of Avenger.

I slashed the sword downwards, slicing the vision in half...

Michael: "It's over. My past life plagues me no longer."

Talia embraced me from behind. We walked over to the window in the room. The sun is just beginning to rise.

Talia: "Good, Beloved. Together, we shall lead the League of Assassins into a golden era. Just as you once envisioned."

I turned around and faced Talia.

Michael: "Yes. Together."

The two of us kissed. I could feel the sweetness of true happiness that I have been long denied for so long.

My past life is now behind me and my new life, as Assassin, can truly begin.

-Riley Rivers-

It's been a few days since the incident at the Watchtower. I'm at my law firm inside the gym area along with Cassandra, punching the heavy bag.

Having a dad that was an assassin... I guess this is how Cassandra feels. When I asked her to help me save her dad, I now understand why she was so conflicted.

Riley: "I guess that something else you and I have in common."

Cassandra nodded.

Cassandra: "Told... Harper and Stephanie."

I understood what she meant. She must have told Harper and Stephanie about what she did all those years ago. Cassandra killed someone under Cain's influence,
I didn't tell Harper or Stephanie because it wasn't my place to do so.

Riley: "Are they okay with it?"

Harper: "We're fine with it."

Stephanie: "Well, not fine, but fine."

Both Harper and Stephanie walked into the gym area... I need to start locking that door when I don't want anyone in here.

Both Harper and Stephanie went over to Cassandra.

Harper: "You're our friend, Cass. What you did in the past... That wasn't you."

Stephanie: "Yeah, you're one of us now. Besides, you still have to give me some training."

Riley & Cassandra: "You won't last."

Stephanie seemed look dejected when we said that.

KNOCK KNOCK.

I heard a knock on the door to the building. So I went to answer, but no one was there. Just a letter.

I opened it and it was marked with a JL symbol. Justice League?

'Dear recipient, we sent a courier we trust to deliver this to you. Don't worry, we didn't tell anyone your identity. We wanted to thank you again for your efforts in the recent crisis. Batman told us about you losing your bike to stop a bomb in Gotham, so Cyborg built you a new one, I'm sure that you'll like it.- Justice League. P.S. Look in the alley.'

A new bike?

I went around the side into the alley and I saw it...

Riley: "Oh... My... God."

-Lauren Winters-

I haven't had the chance to see Riley in the past few days. It's just felt so awkward. Why did I have to ask him if he loves me? Now, I've scared him off.

I just look at myself in the mirror and compare myself to Riley. He's a superhero who saved the Justice League, Gotham, and pretty much the entire world... I'm just a journalist.

Miss Winters: "Lauren. Someone's here to see you."

Someone's here for me? It can't be Miss Vale, she usually calls me. I still haven't told her about my trip to the now blown up Watchtower. I doubt she'll believe me since I didn't take any photos... That could have been the best story ever.

I leave my room and go downstairs. Riley was standing in the hallway.

Lauren: "R-Riley?!"

Riley: "Hi, Lauren."

Before I even knew it, Riley was inside my room... He was standing while I was sitting down on the bed.

As I thought, this was awkward. I mean, what do I even say to him? Then again,
since I last kissed Riley, it's always felt a bit awkward.

Lauren: "W-Well, why did you come over, Riley?"

Riley: "I thought that we should talk, Lauren. We haven't spoken since that business with the Watchtower."

Lauren: "I guess we haven't."

Riley: Is it okay if I sit down?"

Lauren: "Uhh, sure."

Riley took a seat next to me.

Riley: "Lauren... What you did, back at the Watchtower. It was amazing, you know that?"

Lauren: "I only done it to help you."

Riley: "I don't deserve you then. But, I don't want you to do things like that.
Especially stuff that could get you hurt."

I may like... Like-like Riley, but that's just not fair what he's saying.

Lauren: "Riley. I could say the same to you! You almost were killed back on the Watchtower."

Riley: "But, I wasn't. Thanks to you. It's just that... You worry about me, but I worry about you as well. Getting captured by the Russians a couple of months ago, taken captive by the Order of St. Dumas and Emma Grace. If you were ever killed, i don't think..."

Riley didn't finish his sentence. He looked like he was having a hard time.
I really didn't know if i wanted to kiss him or hit him. I don't like hitting people,
but then again, when it comes to Riley, I don't know what to do.

Lauren: "But, Riley... That's part of my job. To find the truth. I never want to come between you and your job... Jobs. I'm just scared for you. You're putting yourself at risk, when you shouldn't have to."

Riley: "Growing up, I always thought my dad was a good man. It turns out that he wasn't... But, even though I know the truth, I still want to do my best to keep Gotham safe."

I couldn't help myself, I just wanted to comfort him. He told me that Assassin was really Michael Rivers back on the Watchtower. Riley always spoke greatly about his father. To discover that your role model is not the man you thought he was...
It must be painful to bear.

I grabbed his hand and held it.

Lauren: "Riley. I want to help you as much as I can. I may not be good in a fight,
but if I can help..."

Riley: "I want you to be safe, Lauren. Nothing else."

Lauren: "I'm taking the decision out of your hands. I'm a part of this now."

Riley smiled at me.

Riley: "You're an amazing woman, Lauren. You're the true hero here."

I let go of Riley's hand and turned away.

Lauren: "I-I-I'm no hero. I mean, I'm just a journalist..."

It's true. I'm just a mere human... Well, so is Riley, but he's different. To go out and save the city every night. I'm just someone who hunts around for news...

Riley: "Who saved the Justice League. I may have taken down the bad guy, but you saved the day, Lauren. You went to the Watchtower and overcame so much to save both me and the Justice League. That makes you a hero."

I felt my heart melt from Riley's words. I turned towards him and looked into his eyes.
Both our faces were inches from each other...

Lauren: "You really mean that?"

Riley: "I do."

Lauren: "Riley, do you... Like me?"

Riley: "Yes. You?"

Lauren: "Of course..."

Riley: "I didn't realise your eyes were green."

The moment our lips touched, time seemed to stop... My eyes seemed to naturally close. My first kiss with Riley was sudden, so i didn't get a feeling of what it was like. I do know that it was sweet... Like this one. Riley's lip feels cracked a bit,
he was in a really vicious fight a few days ago. I can tell that he has been working out, he smells a bit sweaty... But, I don't mind it.

I couldn't help but tremble. I haven't felt like this before, but by the feel of it, neither has Riley. He's nervous... His arms wrapped around my body as if to keep my still. One of his hands on the back of my neck.

We separated and I took a deep breath. How long were we doing that?

Riley: "Does this mean that we're going out?"

Lauren: "Going out?!"

Riley: "You don't want to?"

Lauren: "I do! I do! I've just... Never had a boyfriend before."

Riley: "I haven't had a girlfriend before."

I just feel like my head is about to explode! All these feeling I've had have come rushing out!

-Avenger-

I think my head is just about to explode. I think I've loved Lauren Winters all this time and haven't admitted it to myself.

I just hope that this life of mine doesn't come between us...

I've been on patrol for an hour now. I thought that with the destruction of the Watchtower, someone might get brave.

Even though Lauren's become my girlfriend, there isn't much cause for celebration. Rick was convicted today in supreme court. The first charge was aiding the Joker.
That charge has been dropped since Rick was under duress. But, he assaulted a police officer so he's been convicted to five years in prison. I also heard that Becca and Hunter have left the city to go God only knows where. Mom and Kieran are discussing split custody of Charlotte.

A lot has changed in a few months. I lose my dad, fight a few crime lords and supervillians, fight an immortal with an international terrorist organisation,
find out that my little sister is ACTUALLY my blood relative, then I get my dad back who became a supervillian, I get to meet the Justice League, then I get a girlfriend...

A lot has happened.

I gripped onto my dad's baton. This used to be his weapon of choice when I knew him... A weapon of justice. I always refered to it as my dad's as I never thought it never truly belonged to me. That I was only carrying it because dad could no longer do so.

I think now I can finally call it MY baton.

Batman: "Avenger."

Batman appears behind me. I put my baton back into it's holder.

Avenger: "Batman."

The one thing that hasn't been settled yet... Where do I stand with Batman?
Honestly, after what he did to Thomas Elliot and his role in the destruction of Chinatown. I just can't trust him.

Batman: "I wanted to tell you that you did a good job with Assassin. Not many people can do what you did, saving his life after what he's done."

Avenger: "I know. But, he's still out there. Talia too."

Batman: "We'll stop them."

I get the feeling that Batman didn't come here for simple talk.

Avenger: "Why are you really here, Batman?"

Batman: "I know how you feel about me. And the decisions I've made. But, if we keep fighting amongst ourselves, we may miss a danger like this in the future."

Avenger: "Are you suggesting that we form some kind of alliance?"

Batman: "You're not gonna become one of my 'agents' if that's what you're thinking,
but if I give you our communication frequencies, then it'd allow us to become more coordinated."

Avenger: "What about Bluebird, Spoiler, and Crow?"

Batman: "If you trust them enough, then by all means continue training them.
But, I'm going to keep an eye on Cassandra Cain. I'm aware of her actions with David Cain."

He's talking about when Cassandra killed someone when she was eight.

Avenger: "Batman. Cassandra was eight years old. She never meant to harm anyone!"

Batman: "I know. I understand the circumstances. I just want to be sure."

Avenger: "You can trust her, Batman. I've seen first-hand that she's trustworthy."

Batman: "I'll take your word for it."

The sound of sirens then started to race on the streets below us. They were chasing a brown car filled with men in masks.

Me and Batman stare at each other for a moment.

Avenger: "I'll take this one."

I need to take the new bike for a spin.

I press a button on my wrist. I got a small wrist device with the bike. You can't really tell it's there since it's the same colour black as my gloves.

My bike then 'appears' in front of us. Floating in mid-air. It was a high-tech sky-cycle that Cyborg built for me as thanks for my efforts on the Watchtower.
It has flight capabilities as well as an onboard GPS.

I jump on and start the engines. This is gonna be brilliant!

I zoom off on the Sky Cycle after the criminals' car.

I think my story has just got started...

Silent War END