Avenger: Blind Justice

by Buck Ink

Gotham City. A place where Justice is indeed blind. A shadowy organisation arises against Batman, Commissioner James Gordon, and the entire city. When Michael Rivers is killed by this organisation; his son, Riley Rivers, plunges into Gotham's dark underworld in a battle that threatens to tear the city of Gotham apart. Disclaimer: I don't own DC/Marvel Comics.

5. Chapter 5: Deadly Force

Chapter 5: Deadly Force.

In the Narrows, it can only be described as a slum at best. Trash was everywhere.
Homelessness was common. The worst of the worst often used the Narrows as a place to do what they wanted without the GCPD becoming an issue.

Only the vigilantes were brave enough to enter the Narrows with the intention of keeping law and order. But now...

After the explosion in front of city hall, all hell breaks loose. Hamilton Hill is dead and so are many others that attended his speech.

Gotham City is now leaderless.

And Gotham will panic, since the explosion was supposedly caused by a device created by Batman. This reality has caused riots all over Gotham. Gangs are now rising up to take advantage.

At this moment, there seems to be too much chaos and not enough men to fight back.

-Lauren-

Lauren: "I can't believe that... Batman killing Mayor Hill?"

Miss Vale turns to me.

Vicki: "That can't be right. Batman has never killed before. At least, not to my knowledge."

The editor comes up to us.

"Vicki. Lauren. We can rule out your big story about Mayor Hill's corruption about now. It's yesterday's news."

That kind of ticked me off. I risked my life to get that evidence and he tells me that no-one cares?!

Vicki: "With all due respect, sir, Hamilton Hill was aligning himself with various criminal organisations..."

"That doesn't matter if the guy's dead. What matters now is that Batman killed the Mayor and that's what will sell papers. So write that story."

Vicki: "If Batman's innocent, then we risk condemning him to the public."

That looked like a Batman-like device though... Who else other than Batman would use bat-like objects in his work?

Miss Vale reluctantly started writing the story.

Lauren: "But, what about the riots? Won't they spread here?! My mom's gotta be worried about me now!"

Vicki: "Don't worry, Lauren. This isn't the first time we've had a riot. This building has been reinforced with Wayne Enterprises security. We're safe for now."

Lauren: "Why would Bruce Wayne spend money to keep this place protected?"

Vicki: "I used to date him. And he used to date several others here as well."

Miss Vale smirked as she said that.

-Gordon-

Gordon: "Riot shields, body armour, CCTV, armoured cars. Gather everything."

We saw the broadcast of what happened at city hall. The explosion which killed Mayor Hill. It sent panic all over Gotham and now the worst are coming out of the woodwork.

Bullock: "We're really gonna take down Batman, Gordon?"

Harvey has never liked Batman, not one bit. He's been looking for any reason to take him down and now that Batman has been implicated to have murdered Mayor Hill...

Montoya: "Harvey, we don't know if that explosion was caused by Batman."

Bullock: "Didn't you watch the news?! That was a bat-shaped device that Mayor Hill was holding! That sure enough says 'Batman tried to kill me' than anything."

Gordon: "Right now, Gotham is under attack. We need to focus on that first.
We'll decide what to do about Batman later."

With the riots escalating, we don't have time to fight each other. We need to find a way to fix this...

?: "HAHAHA!"

I hear laughter outside of the window, when we look outside, a man wearing a jetpack and flamethrower is outside...

Montoya draws her gun.

Montoya: "Firefly!"

Before Montoya can fire however, Firefly blasts a massive fireball from his flamethrower into the side of the GCPD building! The impact shook the building and glass sprayed all over the room and it knocked everyone down.

-Maria-

I looked out into Gotham from the DA's office and I couldn't help but chuckle as I held a drink in one hand.

Maria: "I had to hand it to you, princess. The plan worked."

Right now, the daughter of Winston Grace, Emma Grace was sitting in front of my table.

Emma: "Needless destruction doesn't frill me. But, necessary. Gotham can be rebuilt and after tonight all of our troubles will be done with."

Maria: "How is dear old dad anyway? Shouldn't he be here to celebrate?"

Emma: "My father is on his way out of Gotham. He wants to have an alibi by the time this is over."

Maria: "And he doesn't take his own flesh and blood with him? Kind of a heartless bastard."

Emma: "Don't worry about me. Have the arrangements been made?"

Maria: "I'll keep my end of the deal. As long as I get my piece of Gotham,
i would do anything."

Emma: "Be careful what you wish for."

I didn't know what she meant by that. But, I couldn't care less. Gotham belonged to the right people.

Not the masks and not the police.

Let those two fight each other and we'll pick up the pieces.

-Avenger-

Kerry: "Riley, stay in the house! Don't move, just stay safe!"

Avenger: "I will, mom. But, what about you?"

Kerry: "I'm with a few friends in the basement. We've got some men upstairs locking everything so don't worry. I'll see you tomorrow, I'm sure of it."

Avenger: "I just hope Kieran, Charlotte, and Rick are fine."

Kerry: "They'll be fine. Kieran has a panic room, I think, so it'll be fine."

Avenger: "I'm gonna lock the house down, so I'll see you tomorrow."

Kerry: "I love you, Riley Rivers. So much... Please stay safe."

Avenger: "I will. Love you too, mom."

I hung up my mobile phone. Mom's safe at least.

From a rooftop in the Narrows, I could tell that it was bad. Really bad.

Most of the gangs were gathered in the Narrows and most of them had apparently been given weapons by the Russians.

The Russians seemed so small now since the death of Mayor Hamilton Hill. I watched it from the rooftop opposite a television store.

The sounds of gunfire and screaming could be heard all over the Narrows. People are dying! The city is erupting into a full-scale riot and I don't know how I can even help to stop it.

Dad... What should I do? What would you do?

... I need to find the person who did this. I don't want to think that Batman would betray this city. If he has, then he will face justice. But, there has to be a connection between the Russians and this outbreak.

I decide to check the streets. The Russians are here in the Narrows, so if I search around, I will find them. I'll save as many people as I can along the way.

I then heard screaming in an alleyway just a few blocks away from where I am.
I wasn't simply going to ignore it, so I ran across the rooftops. Running and jumping across the rooftops as fast as I can. I wanted to save that person,I wanted them to be safe.

When I reached the alleyway, I found a man wielding a knife and he held it up to a woman's throat.

"Please! Don't!"

The women begged as the man who looked like some kind of doll... This appeared to me as very disturbing to say the least.

He started to drag the woman away at knifepoint. I climbed down to the alleyway and chased them into the streets. But what I saw sent chills down my spine.

Men who looked like dolls... I couldn't even really tell what gender they were.
They just looked like dolls. And even though screaming could be heard all over this streets, the sound of opera music?

I could hear someone singing, it was faint, but there. It was leading into the sewers, which was where all the people were being dragged to.

I didn't know where those people were being taken, but I couldn't let them get taken away that easily!

I quickly went after the woman I saw being taken and I kicked the doll in the head,
which knocked him down before she was dragged into the sewers.

Avenger: "Run! Get away from here!"

She looked at me for a second in shock, but she started running. She was safe, but when I looked, the doll that I just kicked down was back up! That kick should have knocked him out.

The doll started throwing punches at me, but I was easily able to dodge and deliver my own punches, but that's when the other doll-like people noticed me.

Avenger: "Unbelievable."

I said that in disbelief. They started to rush me and I tried to fight back, but there was just too many...

I was grabbed by the dolls and dragged into the sewers.

-Montoya-

It was hazy to begin with... I started to open my eyes and I couldn't even tell where the hell I was. There was an explosion...

I slowly managed to get up and discovered that Commissioner Gordon was down!

Montoya: "Commissioner!"

I quickly tried to shake him in order to wake him up, but he was unresponsive.

I noticed that Harvey wasn't here and I went outside the office to find him,
but as I went outside the office, I found two armed SWAT officers keeping watch.

"Detective Montoya. The Commissioner wanted to see you."

Montoya: "The Commissioner?! What's wrong with you?! The Commissioner is out cold in that room!"

?: "They mean me, Montoya."

I turned to see... Harvey standing there with the DA, Maria Mercedes.

Montoya: "Harvey? What is this? What are you talking about?"

Mercedes came up to me and handed me a piece of paper... It was an arrest warrant for Jim Gordon.

Maria: "By the order of Mayor Hamilton Hill before his death, he signed this warrant for the arrest of James Gordon for aligning with the vigilante known as Batman. Since James Gordon is the police Commissioner, Harvey Bullock is now acting Police Commissioner until a suitable replacement can be selected."

Montoya: "Are you kidding me?! There's no proof that Batman killed Mayor Hill!"

Bullock: "Montoya, we saw it on live TV. A device in the shape of a bat kills over 60 people including Mayor Hill. Batman needs to pay for this, and as much as I hate to say it... So does Jim for siding with him."

Montoya: "Are you listening to yourself!? Arresting Gordon as this crisis happens and focusing on Batman! The city is a bleeding wreck right now!"

Maria: "So do your jobs. Save this city... From Batman."

With that, the DA went into a separate office.

I can't believe this! Firefly is going around setting fire to Gotham, gang members all over are taking this place apart, and we're busy fighting ourselves!

Montoya: "Harvey, you can't do this. After everything Gordon has done..."

Bullock: "That's why I have to do it. We're cops. We play by the rules."

Harvey went into the Commissioner's office with the two SWAT officers and they drag out Gordon.

W-What the hell is happening to this city?

-Batman-

I don't know how things got this bad. The city is burning. Riots are everywhere.

Now, the city may have been turned against me.

I'm driving the Batmoblie through Gotham. I have to deliver the Penguin to the GCPD.

Red Robin and Batgirl are working to quell the violence, but there's too much ground to cover. Not to mention, every low-level street thug is carrying a military grade weapon.

Somehow, the Russians are connected to all of this, but the only person who knows that for sure may be Avenger.

But, he's gone off the radar. I can't see him on any of the CCTV camera. It seems people are vanishing from the Narrows somehow. I have to head over there once I've taken Penguin to the GCPD building.

That's when I hear Batgirl, Red Robin, and Alfred over the comms.

Batgirl: "Bruce. It's really bad down here. Fires are everywhere and rioters are acting violent to say the least."

Red Robin: "It can't be helped. The Mayor was killed on live TV. People are too scared to wait for what happens next."

Batgirl: "How's things going on your end?"

Red Robin: "The Yukuza in Chinatown is simply cutting up their enemies in the streets!
Everyone is out for blood."

Alfred: "Sir, have you found any sign of Avenger?"

Batman: "No. He's likely in the Narrows. All CCTV went off for some reason. The devices I left there are detecting some abnormal power drainage."

Batgirl: "Should I go and check the Narrows?"

Batman: "No. It's too dangerous to go in alone. I'll be on route as soon as I deliver Penguin to GCPD."

As I said that, gunfire was detected on all sides of the Batmobile. Armoured vehicles that were GCPD issue were blocking my route forward.

In an instant, I was surrounded by GCPD.

What's happened? Jim would never do something like this under these conditions...

That's when I see Detective Harvey Bullock and Detective Renee Montoya walk in front of the vehicles.

Bullock: "Costumed freak! This is the Acting Police Commissioner, Harvey Bullock!
Get out of the tank before we blow you off the road! This is your first and last warning!"

Bullock? Acting Police Commissioner? What happened to Jim?

I use the Batmoblie's loudspeakers to speak with Bullock.

Batman: "Detective Bullock, what happened to Gordon?"

Bullock: "It's Acting Commissioner, Batman! And I don't have to explain anything to you! You killed Hamilton Hill and you're under arrest for it.
Now, come out or we will use deadly force!""

They must have arrested Jim for helping me. Whoever framed me for Hill's death,
has the power to replace Gordon and use Mayor Hill as bait.

I quickly toss Penguin from the car and I use smoke from the car's vents to cover my exit.

I quickly start to drive through an alleyway, but it was blocked.

Bullock: "Nice try, freak. But, you've been pulling that stunt on us for years.
We've gotten wise to it. There's no way out of here. A-Unit, fire!"

Bullock had me cornered. All exits were sealed. And now, the GCPD were shooting at the car. If I leave the Batmobile, I'll be shot. If I stay, their weapons will destroy the car. They were using military grade jammers so I can't call in any support.

However, Montoya looked to be disgusted with Bullock and she ran into one of the armoured SWAT vehicles.

Bullock: "Montoya?! What the hell are you doing?!"

Montoya pushed back the SWAT officers and she drove the van into one of the blockades. It made a hole in the blockades that I could drive through.

I managed to drive through the gunfire and out the hole. I could see Montoya being restrained by SWAT as I drove away.

Batgirl: "B... Bruce! What happened?! I lost contact for a moment!"

Batman: "Barbara. The GCPD have arrested your father."

Batgirl: "D-Dad? Why?! What's happened?!"

Batman: "It's because of me. They think he had a part to play in Mayor Hill's assassination."

Batgirl: "... Do we even know who's behind this?"

I don't answer. Because there's isn't an answer to that question.

Red Robin: "I don't get it. How did everything get so bad without us knowing about it?"

Batgirl: "We need to start finding out. Beat it out of thugs until they tell us what's happening."

Barbara is now speaking with her personal emotions. With her father at stake,
she'll become dangerous to others and herself.

Red Robin: "We need to find Avenger. He's the only one who's gotten close enough to the Russians to know what the plan is."

Batman: "First, we quell the riots. Then we find Avenger."

Batgirl: "Nothing is getting in my way."

So far, Avenger is the key to this mystery. But, something tells me he has his hands full...

-Montoya-

As Batman sped away, I'm being handcuffed and restrained by SWAT.

That's when Harvey comes over.

Bullock: "Montoya! Do you know what you just did?!"

Montoya: "The right thing?"

Bullock: "That man killed Mayor Hill! On live TV! And you think you did the right thing?!"

Harvey looks at SWAT.

Bullock: "Take her back to the station. Lock her in one of the cells."

"Yes, sir. But what about the riots?"

Bullock: "Disperse units throughout Gotham. Secure all areas and rescue the civilians."

"What about the Narrows? Reports of heavy gang violence in that area."

Bullock: "We secure the surrounding area first or we risk too many casualties."

Montoya: "You son of a bitch! You're gonna abandon the Narrows?! People will die before too long!"

Bullock: "Get her out of here!"

I was then dragged into the squad car as Harvey got on the radio.

Bullock: "This is Acting Commissioner Harvey Bullock. We're taking this city back from the freaks... Tonight! I want Batman and his costumed weirdos in Arkham by the end of the night!"

-Avenger-

I found it difficult to struggle against these doll like people. They were alarmingly strong. They took me through the sewers towards the opera signing that I heard earlier.

I noticed other people being dragged along as well. They were taking people off the streets of the Narrows, but why?

When I was dragged into a blinding light, I saw it... A man wearing a pig mask and a butcher's suit was operating on a man.

It was crude and disgusting! A back door surgery. Around us, were people in cages.

The man noticed me and started to oink like a pig.

Pyg: "Ahhhhhh, a fresh one! A little package wrapped up for daddy to open up and make it perfect!"

He spoke in a loud voice as if he was doing opera and enjoying what he was doing.

This man is sick... Very sick.

Avenger: "What are you doing to that man!?"

Pyg: "Pyg makes him better! Pyg is a artist and my child here is a work of art!"

This man who calls himself Pyg lifts up the face of the man... He looks like a doll! That means these people who are holding me now... They were people!

Avenger: "Those people are dead! You took their humanity!"

Pyg: "No! Pyg is like god. Pyg gave them perfection."

Avenger: "At great cost."

Pyg who was holding a scalpel came towards me and aimed it at me. Honestly, I was scared... Terrified even. This man was one of the maniacs that the likes of Batman would fight against. But, Batman isn't here now...

Pyg: "Pyg can fix you too! Make you perfect!"

Avenger: "No thanks."

I took the taser that Harper Row gave me earlier and I manage to use it on Pyg.
He falls to the ground and crawls away. However, I manage to head-butt one of the dolls and free one of my hands. I then grab my Baton and I whack it into the other doll's leg, knocking it down. I can't call these people 'people' anymore. Pyg took something precious from them.

Pyg crawls away from me and he grabs a machete and throws it at me. I dodge, but it grazes my arm!

Pyg: "Pyg will play with your flesh. Mould you into the perfect dollatron!"

Avenger: "Is that what your calling them?"

With a name to call them by, the dollatrons attack me. I use the baton to knock a few of them down. And I use my legs to kick at the ones standing. I can't afford to get surrounded again. What don't get is how Pyg can be in control of all of this dollatrons after the traumatic experience he's put them through.

Right now, they were people. And now, they must be avenged.

When Pyg attacks me again, I dodge out of the way and deliver an elbow to his jaw.
He stumbles back and hits the radio which is producing the opera music.

At that moment, all of the dollatrons go down... The music. He was using the music to control them.

"P-Please... Get us out of here."

People who were still in the hands of the dollatrons but there were so still that they didn't let go. I went over to each one, one by one, and pried open the hands of the dolls to free the civilians.

Pyg was done for the count.

I tied Pyg up in his surgery room and I left the sewers, but when I got up there,
i saw a man flying through the air. A jetpack and a flamethrower.

I noticed that he was setting fire to some of the buildings! The people that are trapped in there will be burned alive!

That man was setting fire to Gotham. He was setting fire to my city.

The heat of the surrounding fires was enough to make me sweat, but I didn't care.

I quickly ran into the burning building and almost instantly, the heat started to fill my throat and burn my exposed skin on my arms.

But, there were people screaming inside the building. I was in a large apartment building by the sounds of it, that meant there was a lot of people...

I need to at least try to save them!

-Harper-

After the attack from the Russian mobster, Cullen's face was bleeding after being struck in the face by his gun. It could have been worse if Avenger didn't show up.

Cullen: "Ow... Ow! Careful, Harper."

Harper: "I'm trying, just hold still."

I did like Avenger's new outfit though. Seems like being shot by the Russians made him consider a change. It's missing something though.

From our apartment, we could see fires in the distance. They didn't seem like explosions, though... In the distance, we could see fire coming from a figure in the distance. Someone was setting those fires!

Harper: "Those people in those buildings. They're gonna burn alive."

Cullen: "Don't even think about it. You want to help, but Avenger told us to stay put."

Harper: "But, I can't just stay here and do nothing."

The lights in our apartment started to flicker rapidly.

Cullen: "What's going to the lights?"

Harper: "The substation below the Narrows must be damaged. If that goes out, then all electricity in Gotham is gonna go out!"

I quickly went and put on my coat. If that substation stops working, then all power will cut out! Hospitals and police efforts could suffer as a result!

Cullen: "Wait, Harper!"

Harper: "I have to go and fix that substation, Cullen! It will be bad news if it stops working!"

I ran out of my door and downstairs out of my building. But, I could hear gunfire and explosions!

I quickly took cover and hid. The Narrows had become a warzone! Honestly, I didn't want to get shot, but I had to get into the sewers.

Luckily I found a manhole nearby and managed to get down there without attracting attention from the local gangs.

Climbing down into the underground tunnels, I went through the sewers. Since I work down here fixing the electrical grid with the city electrician, I honestly have gotten used to the smell down here.

In the tunnels ahead, I could see electricity flowing through the air? I was confused for a moment, and thought a wire must have been damaged, but when I looked carefully,
the electricity was going into a man.

This man was wearing some kind of suit. He must be draining the power from the substation. I have to stop him before he completely drains the substation, but how? If he sees me, I'll be fried.

So I pick up a nearby wrench and I sneak behind him... Come on, Harper. You can do this,
just one hit across the head.

I swing for the man's head and he goes down.

Phew, that was easy. I quickly go to the substation to get it back online.
It should be simple enough, I've done it enough times before.

But, there isn't enough power to fire it back up.

When I think that, a hand grabs my wrist.

?: "Did you think that was enough to put me down, girl?"

The man stood back up! He had my hand and pulled me up into the air!

?: "I'm the Electrocutioner. Do you think a brat like you can knock me out?
Maybe, I should 'shock' that into your brain?"

... I didn't know what was worse at the time. The fact that I was able to die,
or that pun would be the last thing I hear.

Electrocutioner: "Say goodnight."

He was able to fry me when something jumps at him. A large... Something. A giant walking crocodile.

?: "I'm tired of this light show! Do you know you're in MY sewer?!"

Okay... A walking, talking crocodile. I took the opportunity to slip away, I didn't want to be a part of this... But, I couldn't let that man get eaten.

I took out one of my spare tasers and I placed it into the murky water of the sewers. Turning it on, the electricity travelled towards the crocodile and it electrocuted him.

Croc: "Arggggghh!"

It caused him to let go of Electrocutioner and he ran off and so did I!

I wasn't about to become a meat stick for a crocodile today!

-Batgirl-

My name is Barbara Gordon. Right now, I'm fighting rioters as Batgirl in the middle of Gotham's financial district.

Earlier tonight, my dad, was arrested on a crime he didn't commit. Mayor Hill was killed in a explosion which killed 60 people including the mayor himself which sparked these riots.

As I crack another rioter in the head, it gives me some relief, but not enough.

My dad who is one of the best policeman alive is in jail for a crime that neither Bruce or dad committed and this is what happens?!

Batman says that Avenger may be the key to what's going on. But, we have to focus on saving people first... Even while my dad is being held under lock and key.

More and more rioters come at me as I knock out a few more with solid kicks.

Batgirl: "Is that all you've got?"

As they come, sirens from GCPD squad cars arrive.

Police officers get out of the car and start quelling the rioters with riot gear such as: riot shields and non-lethal rounds.

However, just as I think the situation is handled, a gun is aimed at my head by the officers.

"Batgirl! Put your hands behind your head!"

Batgirl: "What's going on, officer?! We don't have time for this!"

"Batgirl. You are under arrest. Do not resist or we will shoot you."

SWAT then started to surround me and aimed even heavy weapons at my head. Those weren't standard-police issue!

I quickly threw a smoke pellet on the ground and I tried to escape in the smoke,
but... A sudden pain went through my chest. A pain I felt before. Back when The Joker shot and paralysed me.

The Kevlar in my suit held up, but I had been shot!

"Thermal goggles, Batgirl! I'm afraid there's no more hiding for you freaks anymore. You'll gonna pay for killing the Mayor."

I couldn't move. Even if the Kevlar held, I still feel like the bullet penetrated my body.

What's gonna happen if they unmask me? It won't be a good way to confess to dad.
Not only that, at this moment, it will be used against him!

I tried to crawl away, but they are using thermals. The smoke won't mask me.

As I thought that, a car stops between me and SWAT. It was the Batmoblie.

"It's Batman! Open fire!"

The SWAT open fire on the Batmoblie, but a cannon come out of the car and fires non-lethal rounds at the SWAT, who take cover.

I managed to crawl into the Batmoblie and Batman opened the door and allowed me inside.

Batman: "Batgirl, are you alright?"

Batgirl: "I feel like I can't feel my legs, but other than that, okay."

Batman: "Commissioner Bullock is calling for all vigilantes to be arrested.
They are retaking control of the city. But, are attacking anyone in a mask."

Batgirl: "What about Tim? Canary? Huntress?"

Batman: "Sent out a call. They're getting off the streets. Red Robin is finishing things with the Yukuza. The Narrows is still a warzone."

Avenger is in the Narrows. That means he's in danger and if we lose him, I could lose the only lead to clearing my dad's name.

Batgirl: "Where's Avenger now?"

Batman: "My access into CCTV has been restored. The electrical interference is gone... Avenger seems to be busy recusing civilians."

-Avenger-

The building was ablaze and falling apart. I was able to escort a few people out,
but there was still a few people inside. The heat was making me sweat and I was having trouble breathing.

I managed to reach a door where the screaming was coming from and I kicked the door down. I found a man buried under some rubble and a child. The child wasn't moving and the man was struggling.

"P-Please, get him out."

Avenger: "I'm getting you both out of here."

I start shifting the rubble, but the way behind us collapsed. There wasn't a back out the way I came.

"Idiot! I don't matter! Just get my brother out!"

I finish clearing the rubble. But, the man can't walk. I pick up the child and I drag the man over to the window.

"We can't jump! We'll kill ourselves!"

Avenger: "No. We're gonna swing down."

I grabbed my rope and hook and I managed to throw it to the fire escape on the nearby building.

Avenger: "Hold on!"

The man and i, while holding the child, grab the rope and we swing out of the burning building back down to the street.

The people that I saved from the building all gathered around the boy and the man.

"W-Who are you?"

Avenger: "Just someone willing to help."

The people smile and nod as they help the man back to his feet.

"Thank you. You saved me and my brother's life."

I didn't know how to respond. I didn't expect this to happen when I first became a vigilante. I just wanted to avenge my dad... I felt like I really did good just now.

However, this moment didn't last. A car suddenly exploded behind us! When I looked, I saw the man in the flame suit with the jet pack and flame thrower.

?: "That's all Gotham needs... Another moth to the flame!"

The people started to run as this man started to get closer. I think I've seen this guy before. He was in the papers a few times when he's been arrested due to arson.

Avenger: "You're Firefly."

Firefly: "You've heard of me? Then you know what I do, right?"

Avenger: "I do. And I'm gonna put an end to it."

Firefly: "You'll have to catch me first."

Firefly tried to fly away, but I managed to use my hook and rope to grab onto Firefly.
I was lifted into air as he flew!

Firefly: "You really think you're in my league, new guy? Tell that to the pavement!"

Firefly sets fire to my rope. It's not fireproof, it's just ordinary rope. It snaps and I fall towards the ground!

I don't have anything to break my fall! I was gonna hit the pavement... Unless!

I managed to reach out and grabbed the side of a building, but I ended up going through a window!

When I hit the floor, I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my arm! It was a shard of glass!
I quickly pulled it from my arm and the pain shot through my bones!

As I got up, Firefly appeared at the window.

Firefly: "How would you like to die? The quick... Incinerating flash of an explosion?
Or... A nice slow burn?!"

Firefly aimed his flamethrower into the building and I ran for it! He fired a burst of fire into the building. I managed to reach another window and I jumped through it! I landed on next door's fire escape. I climbed up to the roof where Firefly was waiting.

Firefly: "Gotham burns! It's time to stop, drop and rock and roll!"

Firefly starts firing flames all over the rooftop until the entire roof was ablaze!
I managed to jump to the next building over! I was simply running away! I didn't know how to beat this guy! I don't have a way to bring him down...

I hid behind a wall on the roof as Firefly flew past.

Firefly: "Little moth~. Come to the flame~!"

I looked around for anything I could use... I spotted a hose. That could help!

I ran over to it and I grabbed the nozzle of it... But, I still need someone to pump the water from below!

I looked over the edge of the building and there was that man I rescued from the fire was standing at the pump and started pumping!

Firefly: "There you are!"

Firefly found me, but there was enough water pumped up for me to use the hose.

I aimed it at him and fired water at him. The jets which kept him in the air went out and he fell to the rooftop.

I then dived on him and started punching him until the helmet on his suit cracked.

The man down below gave his thumbs up to me before running off... They helped me even though I'm not as famous as Batman. Maybe, there is hope for this city after all.

But, now I had Firefly. I checked his gear and the jet pack he had... Some of the writing was in Russian.

Firefly started to wake up as I removed his jet pack and flamethrower. I whacked my baton into his leg as he stood up.

Firefly: "Arghh!"

He yelled as he fell to the ground. I grabbed the hose and sprayed Firefly with it.

Avenger: "Where's Daniel Marco? You got that gear from the Russians!"

Firefly: "Who cares? What makes you think, I'll tell you anything?"

He isn't gonna tell me anything if I treat this as a normal interrogation. I need to deal with this carefully.

Avenger: "There are no more fires now, Firefly. You're not gonna make any more fire."

I grabbed Firefly's flamethrower and broke the trigger.

Firefly: "Nooooo! My sweet flames!"

Avenger: "Tell me where Marco is."

-Daniel-

Me and my comrades are stationed in a safehouse in the Narrows. That way, we can watch as the city burns. Giving Lynns that gear was a huge success.

The plan is going perfectly. Gotham is ablaze and the gangs are killing each other. Winston Grace is out of Gotham right now.

Grace's criminal influence will completely die before the night is over. Especially when all the gangs are armed with my weapons. I can unite what's left of the gangs.

My brother, Jack. I hope you rest in peace when I take over this god forsaken city and turn it into a city of glory.

However, there were quite a few things that happened that I am confused about...

"Argh!"

I started to hear pained voices and fighting outside my room.

I looked out into the corridor and I saw a masked man in black fighting my comrades! My men were knocked down and got back up only to be put down again!

That's Avenger! New look, but same person nonetheless!

No matter, I'll just shoot him and this time, finish him. He started to get tired as he was fighting my men. It doesn't matter if you have to stamina of an Olympic athlete, one person can only do so much at once...

However, he spotted me while he was fighting and tossed one of my comrades'' shotguns at my head!

When I looked again, he jumped at me and knocked me into the window!

I stared into his eyes as he took my gun and threw it out the window.

Avenger: "Daniel Marco. Leader of Gotham's Russian mob, yet isn't a Russian himself.
How does that happen?"

Daniel: "I earned respect from my comrades. What does that have to do with anything?!"

Avenger: "You handed out guns to every street thug in Gotham. You wanted this to happen. Is that why you killed Mayor Hill?"

Daniel: "I never killed Hamilton Hill. That was to do with Grace."

Avenger: "Winston Grace."

He knows already?!

Daniel: "How do you know his name?!"

Avenger: "I followed the trail. Now... How did Grace end up becoming a kingpin of organised crime in Gotham?"

Daniel: "Kiss my ass."

Avenger: "Wrong answer."

Avenger then slammed my head into the glass window! The sharp glass cuts my forehead!

Avenger: "How?!"

He shouts into my ear as I recover from being slammed into glass.

Daniel: "He just showed up. He took control from Roman Sionis and then put together this plan."

Avenger: "Let me guess. The plan to return Gotham to the good old days before Batman showed up?"

Daniel: "Yes. He was able to put in his own DA. Maria 'Fish' Mercedes and managed to get half the police force into his pocket. I agreed to manage the weapons trade while Fish and my brother would keep the police force occupied. But, Grace is old and near death. Gotham belongs to those able to run it's foundation."

Avenger: "What happened to Jack Marco?"

Daniel: "Grace had him killed. That old scum murdered my brother to cover his tracks. That man needs to pay for what he's done."

Avenger: "I agree with you on that one. I'm taking you in. You will testify in a court of law against Grace."

Daniel: "That won't take him down. Besides, he still owns half the police force.
If I go into custody, I'm as good as dead. Besides, one of his men runs the place."

Avenger: "What do you mean? Commissioner Gordon?"

Daniel: "You haven't heard? It's now Commissioner Bullock."

Avenger: "Detective Bullock?"

He was confused. I took advantage of that and I kicked him away from me. I ran down the corridor and I managed to grab a gun. I shot at him, but he took cover.

I managed to run through the building and up towards the roof. There's only one way up here and I plan to put a bullet through...

BANG!

... What?

I fell to the ground and saw my own blood pour out. My vision turns... Black.

-Avenger-

I saw Daniel on the ground with a hole in his head, blood pouring from his head onto the ground.

Avenger: "No!"

Marco knew everything about the conspiracy going on in Gotham. With him dead...

His killer wasn't far though.

?: "So you're the up and comer, Avenger, huh?"

This man is wearing a red helmet with a brown jacket. He looks to be wearing armour and it has a bat symbol?! One of Batman's allies?

Avenger: "You just killed a man. And let be guess, you're that sniper I saw before."

?: "Guilty as charged. And besides, I didn't kill a 'man'. I killed someone who just put guns in the hands of every piece of scum in Gotham, including kids. I think I done everyone a favour."

Avenger: "What you did was prevent me from tracking and putting away the man responsible for this entire situation. Without Marco's testimony, The Kingpin will be untouchable now."

?: "Do you really think that these son of a bitches will simply be put away in a court of law? Are you really that stupid? The only way to stop a disease is to kill it."

Avenger: "Who are you anyway?"

?: "People call me the Red Hood."

Avenger: "I call you a murderer. You are gonna pay for this."

Red Hood: "Look, enough with the crap. Just walk away and let the professionals work."

Avenger: "So Batman's in on this too? Then I'll take him down too. You're gonna tell me where he is."

Red Hood then aims a gun at my head and walks up to me. He places the gun against my head.

Red Hood: "What? Are you gonna make me talk? Like you did with Marco? I think you're out of your league."

Quietly, I took out the taser that Harper Row gave me earlier.

Avenger: "You might wanna rethink that."

I stuck the taser into Red Hood's armour and he started to yell in pain. I knocked his gun away and head-butted him. I quickly got back into cover.

Red Hood: "A supercharged taser? Not too bad. But, for that... I'm gonna shoot you."

Red Hood then threw a grenade at my cover spot! He's armed to the teeth!
I quickly moved away, but Red Hood shot me!

I hit the ground in pain... I wasn't bleeding, so the Kevlar stopped the bullet.

Red Hood: "You're wearing Kevlar, huh? Surprising. You weren't wearing some earlier.
I really thought you were a kind of do-it-yourself hero, but you have some surprises."

I quickly got up and threw my baton at Hood. It hit him in the arm and I was able to land a punch on him.

Red Hood: "That's how you want to do this? Okay..."

Red Hood puts his guns away and he runs at me. We start to fight and Hood starts to hit me in the ribs and the head. But, I block a strike and kick him in the stomach.

Red Hood: "Is that all you have?"

Red Hood then knees me in the face! I end up hitting the ground.

Red Hood: "Get up."

-Harvey-

We had the Russian building in the Narrows surrounded. CCTV detected one of the vigilantes enter the building. Fish doesn't care if we arrest the Russians. They aren't needed anymore.

... Am I doing the right thing here? Mayor Hill was killed by Batman? Arresting Montoya and Gordon? But, the city is under control now. We don't need vigilantes doing the police's jobs for them.

I'm doing Gotham a favour by getting rid of them tonight.

On the radio, our eye in the sky, has it's eye on our vigilantes.

"Commissioner Bullock. We sighted two men on the rooftop. Both appear to be fighting each other. There's a dead body on the roof as well."

Bullock: "Everyone, we will enter the building on my mark."

"Sir, who do we engage?"

Bullock: "Both of them!"

-Avenger-

I had trouble getting back to my feet. Red Hood clearly knows how to fight...

When I got back to my feet, Red Hood charged at me again and delivered a solid punch to my ribs and a fist to the head.

I managed to recover as I returned a kick to his head and another to his chest.

Red Hood: "Okay. You're starting to piss me off."

Avenger: "Are you gonna fight or not?"

Hood then took out a knife and slashed me across the ribs with it! I started bleeding and I felt intense pain go through my ribcage. That knife went right through my Kevlar!

Red Hood: "So what cha got?"

I stood up and took out my baton.

Red Hood: "You're really taking this anti-killing thing too seriously."

Red Hood and I started to clash again. I whacked him in the ribs with the baton and he tried to slash me with his knife. I was forced to block with my arm since he went for my head. The blade went right through my forearm and the pain was crippling. There was a deep gash in my arm.

I kicked Red Hood away. This guy is out for blood. I-I don't know if I can beat him...

But, as we were about to resume the fight, a chopper comes from overhead. It shines a light on us.

"This is the GCPD! Put your hands in the air! Failure to comply will result in you being fired apon!"

Red Hood: "Well, crap."

Red Hood takes out his guns and he fires at the searchlight, destroying it. However, this causes the GCPD to fire from the chopper.

Red Hood runs for it and leaps to the next building into a construction site.

I can hear GCPD closing and I run for it also. I can't allow Red Hood to get away or I lose the only lead to finding Mayor Hill's killer. I chase Red Hood into the construction site.

We enter the site and I leap at Red Hood and he lands on a bucket filled with water. He gets up quickly and aims a gun at my head.

Red Hood: "I've killed people for less than what you just did. You do realise that we're being chased by the police, do you? We don't have time for this."

Avenger: "Batman. Did he kill Mayor Hill or not?"

Red Hood: "No! Batman doesn't kill. You really ask some stupid questions."

Avenger: "If Batman didn't kill Mayor Hill, then who did?"

Red Hood: "Who knows?"

Avenger: "That's not what I wanted to hear!"

Red Hood: "Who cares? I'm just gonna make my way out of here. Okay?"

I looked at the water. Red Hood was drenched in it and there was a puddle right in front of me.

Avenger: "Okay."

I quickly placed the taser to the water puddle and Red Hood was electrocuted as the electricity travelled through the water and onto Hood.

I quickly ran at Red Hood and uppercutted him in the head. I hit him so hard that his helmet came off, revealing his face. Blue eyes and black hair.

Red Hood quickly retrieves his helmet and he shoots me again! He got me in the leg and the Kevlar didn't hold up! The bullet was lodged in my leg... I-I could feel it.

Red Hood: "You better hope I don't see you again. I've got places to be."

Hood then walked out of the room. I couldn't let him get away... Then I started hearing voices.

"They're in here. Weapons ready!"

GCPD caught up with us! I struggled to get to my feet and I quickly left the room,
but they saw me and started shooting.

"It's one of the vigilantes! Open fire!"

SWAT teams began to swarm on my position. I quickly ran towards the railing and I jumped...
I don't think I thought this through!

I landed on the rooftop of a building in disrepair and I fell through! I landed with a large thud on the ground.

I struggled to breath and I had trouble getting up. I had to move before GCPD enter the building. But, I don't think I can move...

Downstairs, I hear SWAT break into the building. I have to hide. But, how do I get out of this?!

-Red Robin-

The riots in Chinatown dealt with, Bruce gave the order to go into hiding when the GCPD started attacking people in masks. They all believe that Batman killed Mayor Hill and now they're taking it out on all of us.

The Acting Police Commissioner Harvey Bullock did a good job at quelling the ensuring chaos, but now, he's doing a good job at attacking us now.

For someone to kill Mayor Hill on live TV, frame Batman, manipulate both the police force and city... Whoever we're dealing with, they are doing a good job of keeping us in the dark.

I headed over to the Narrows where Avenger was said to be. Everyone is accounted for now. So that means, Avenger is the only one left.

However, I arrived on a building overseeing another where the GCPD are storming the building. Based on the hole in the roof, I can guess that Avenger is in that building.

Red Robin: "Batman? We have a problem."

Batman: "What is it, Tim?"

Red Robin: "The GCPD have Avenger cornered here. They're looking for him, but I doubt he can hide too long."

Batman: "Can you get to him?"

I looked around the area. Snipers, SWAT teams, and a chopper... There's no way I can get in without being spotted unless I take out those snipers, but if Harvey tries to radio them, he'll know what's going on.

Red Robin: "I may need backup."

Batman: "I'm on my way with Batgirl, Red Robin."

I better take out those snipers.

-Avenger-

I was hiding beneath the stairs of the building as a SWAT team passes by. This isn't gonna work for long. If this was my dad, he'd check every dark corner. Luckily, these guys aren't as smart as my dad, but lethal with automatic weapons. Two armed SWAT members walk past the staircase, away from the others.

I quietly sneak behind a SWAT member and choke him with a move that dad used to surprise me with... He didn't choke me seriously, but with enough pressure...
The SWAT member goes down quickly.

Using my baton, I whack the leg of the other and knock him down. I deliver two three punches to his face. He was knocked out, but I was slowly getting tired.
I've been going all night and fatigue is setting in...

I put up a radio that the SWAT were using to communicate. I was at least gonna send Commissioner Bullock a message.

Avenger: "Bullock."

Bullock: "Who is this?"

Avenger: "The man who is taking you down. Along with your employer, Winston Grace."

Bullock: "What are you talking about?"

Avenger: "You and Maria Mercedes mentioned him back at My Alibi. Or do you call her 'Fish'?"

There was a silence from Bullock.

Bullock: "Listen you son of a bitch! You're going down, tonight. You and Batman!
You guys killed the Mayor and you've been acting like you're Gods above us!"

Avenger: "Do you really think that Batman killed the Mayor or is that a convenient excuse?"

Bullock: "Excuse me?"

Avenger: "You know what I'm talking about, Bullock."

Bullock: "SWAT teams! Find squad 3! He's in there somewhere!"

Bullock called for the rest of SWAT to converge on my position. I riled him up and now I need to get out of here in one piece. But, I still found it hard to move with a bullet in my leg.

I then quickly investigated the SWAT team that I took down and raided their inventory. Smoke grenades and a lighter.

-Red Robin-

I managed to take down the snipers. According to my calculations, Bullock should contact everyone to radio in, in precisely 27 seconds. The plan needs to go smoothly and quickly.

Red Robin: "Batman, are you in position?"

Batgirl: "We're in position, Tim."

I was about to give the signal when smoke started to pour out of the building.

Bullock: "I didn't give the order to use smoke! You're doing what he wants you to do! SWAT Team, use thermals!"

However, someone jumps out of the second floor window. It was Avenger! What was he doing?! He was gonna get himself killed.

He landed on top of a police cruiser and right in front of Bullock. He draws his gun on Avenger, but he whacks the gun out of Bullock's hands and then kicks him away. The police don't open fire on Avenger or they risk hitting the Acting Commissioner. But, Avenger quickly gets on a police motorcycle that was there and he rides away.

Red Robin: "Batman! Avenger is on the move!"

Batman: "I saw, Red Robin. I'm moving in."

Batman drives the Batmobile towards the street, but the helicopter flies overhead.

"Batman! We have you in our sights! Get out of the vehicle with your hands above your head!"

Bullock: "Squad cars, 5 & 6. Continue chasing Avenger. We have Batman in our sights!"

Batman: "We need to go."

Batgirl: "What about Avenger?! He's still in trouble."

Red Robin: "I'll help him out! Just go!"

Batman quickly drives away from the chopper as half of the GCPD are in pursuit.

I catch up to Avenger and the pursuing police cars. Avenger drops a... Grenade?!
But, it turns out to be smoke. And then... He lights his gas tank on fire and jumps of the cycle into a nearby alleyway. The bike explodes and the GCPD are none the wiser.

Have to admit... He's good.

Red Robin: "Avenger got away from the GCPD. What about you?"

Batgirl: "It was close, but we're fine, Tim."

Red Robin: "Are we calling it a night now?!

Batman: "Where's Avenger?"

-Avenger-

My plan worked and now the GCPD have stopped chasing me. But, I really hit the ground hard. My arms are all cut up and have grazes all over. I really need to attend to these when I get home.

I managed to find my motorcycle and I managed to escape the Narrows. Bullock made a call for GCPD to focus on Batman. But, why was he in the Narrows? That guy, Red Hood. He works for Batman by the looks of it, but I don't see Batman wanting to kill the Mayor. There's no motive. Marco wanted to rip control from Grace and so started this gang war by selling weapons cheap, but now that he's dead, I can't prove anything.

The Russians are done in Gotham. But, now that all the gangs have had a night of full out warfare. What will Grace's next move be?

As I ride into Gotham's empty streets, I saw something ahead. A black tank?!

I stopped in my tracks and got of the bike.

Two people stepped out of the tank.

Batman and Batgirl. Red Robin landed next to him. I was in front of Gotham's trio of the night.

Batman: "Avenger. We need to talk."

Chapter 5 end.