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.

6. Chapter 6: Fall from Grace

Chapter 6: Fall from Grace.

The story so far:

Dawn was approaching fast in Gotham. The night was filled with chaos and mayhem.
Mayor Hill was killed in an explosion allegedly caused by Batman. This caused riots to spark all over Gotham.

The Russians having sold weapons cheaply to various lower-tier to higher-tier gangs including Firefly, the city of Gotham soon became an inferno warzone.

The GCPD being led by Harvey Bullock, after James Gordon was arrested for his known association with Batman, managed to retake the city and retrieve the weapons.
But, also declared war on Gotham's vigilantes.

Batman and his allies, Red Robin and Batgirl were forced into hiding, however Avenger and Harper Row, unaware of the GCPD's activities, worked to save the Narrows.
Avenger prevented Professor Pyg and Firefly from causing further damage while Harper Row prevented Electrocutioner from draining the Narrow's eletronical grid.

Avenger later catches up with the Russians and interrogates Daniel Marco, the leader of Gotham's Russian mob, and he confesses that Winston Grace usurped Roman Sionis and took control of Gotham's organised crime syndicate.

Before Avenger can take Marco into custody, the latter is killed by the Red Hood.

During the ensuring battle, GCPD stormed the building, forcing both Avenger and Red Hood to flee. Continuing their battle at the nearby construction site, Avenger unmasks Red Hood who later escapes.

After narrowly escaping the GCPD thanks to an inadvertent distraction by Batman and Red Robin, Avenger flees the Narrows.

However, with Marco dead, Avenger can not provide reliable and substantial evidence to either taking down Grace or clearing Jim Gordon.

The situation has now escalated and after being in the dark for so long, Batman wants answers.

-Avenger-

After getting off the streets, Batman, Red Robin, Batgirl, and I gather inside an abandoned building as to avoid the GCPD choppers and blimps searching for us.

Batman: "Start talking. What going on in Gotham?"

Avenger: "I think you have some explaining to do first."

Batman started at me in response while Batgirl spoke.

Batgirl: "What do you mean by that?"

Red Robin: "You don't actually believe that we had anything to do with Mayor Hill's death?"

Avenger: "You tell me."

Batman: "..."

Batman was silent as I glared at him. His mask covers most of his expression,
but I don't need to see his expression in order to see for myself that he isn't looking innocent right now.

Avenger: "Answer my question! Did you kill Hamilton Hill!?"

I raised my voice. Both Batgirl and Red Robin stared at Batman.

Batman: "The device used to kill Hamilton Hill was mine."

Red Robin: "Yours?.. But, how? You didn't put the device in Hamilton's office,
did you?"

Batman: "No, Red Robin. One of my caches was raided and the supplies that I had inside were stolen."

Batgirl: "Why didn't you say anything?! You should have told us about this sooner."

Batman: "I've been busy locking down the remaining caches. I am still investigating into could have broken in and how they found it."

Avenger: "So the explosive WAS yours. But, there isn't any evidence to suggest it wasn't you? An innocent man is in a prison cell because of that."

I stared Batman down, but Red Robin got in-between us. Batman remained silent,
but his expression remained unchanged. Batgirl looked as if she didn't know what to think. Just by hinting about Gordon seemed to make her slightly more worried...

Red Robin: "Who could have broke into one of your caches? Whoever did it, would need to not only bypass the security, but know how to bypass it in a way that we wouldn't know who it was."

Avenger: "Whoever did it is likely working for Winston Grace."

Batman, Red Robin, and Batgirl looked at me.

Batgirl: "The CEO of Grace Enterprises? He's behind this"

Batman: "Impossible. Grace Enterprises may possibly have served as a front for the weapons trade, but Grace is medically unfit to run his company. He has been put on life support at this time despite his chemotherapy."

Batgirl: "Chemo? Does he have cancer?"

Batman: "Terminal. The details haven't been released to the public."

Avenger: "Then how do you know that Grace isn't our man if he hasn't released details like that to the public?"

Batman: "Because I've seen him before. He's medically unwell. It can't be him."

How can Batman be so sure? He's met Grace? Grace hasn't released the fact that he has terminal cancer to the public? Why?

Avenger: "Every lead I've had has led to Grace in one form or another. There's no way that he isn't involved."

Batman: "Are you sure?"

Avenger: "Maria Mercedes and Harvey Bullock mentioned him when they met at My Alibi. And last night, Daniel Marco even admitted that Grace had a hand in Hamilton Hill's murder."

Batman: "Where is Marco now?"

Avenger: "Your friend, the Red Hood, killed him."

Batgirl and Red Robin all looked stunned when I mentioned Red Hood. Batman's eyes narrowed.

Red Robin: "Red Hood?! Back?! In Gotham?!"

Avenger: "Yeah. He killed Viktor. And then, killed Marco. Because of that, there's no way that any courts will convict Marco. Considering that Grace owns the DA and now all the police force, Marco was the missing link we needed. Because of him, more people are now in danger. That's why I'm gonna take down Red Hood for what he's done."

Batman: "No, you're not."

Avenger: "Are you defending him?"

Batman: "I'm defending you. Red Hood is a dangerous person. He'll kill you. Therefore, you will leave this to us."

Avenger: "It's because he's one of you. He's wearing your symbol and killing people. I didn't know that's what you stood for, Batman."

Batman and I couldn't stand one another. He was aiding and abetting a murdering in Red Hood, but why?!

Red Robin: "Look, everyone calm down. We need to find what's connecting all of this.
Batman's missing equipment, Grace's involvement, and this gang war."

Batgirl: "What about James Gordon?! He's still in prison and he's going to be sent to prison if whoever owns the district attorney has their way. He'll have no chance!"

Red Robin: "Avenger, how do you know that the DA is corrupt?"

Avenger: "Because, I stole the papers from the law firm confirming the tampered evidence that Mercedes didn't take to Martini's court hearing."

Batgirl is right. If Gordon is put away in prison, then Grace can pretty much install any commissioner he wants. Until Gordon is sentenced, Harvey Bullock will retain the authority of the Police Commissioner. If we're going to get out of this mess, we have to get Gordon back as Police Commissioner.

Avenger: "We need to find evidence that clears Batman of guilt, then Jim Gordon will be cleared as well."

Red Robin: "The GCPD will be hunting for vigilantes. Meanwhile, the gangs will be disorganised."

Avenger: "That means if someone reunites the crime families, we could end up dealing with another issue."

In that moment, Batman understands what I'm talking about.

Batman: "The riots and Mayor Hill's murder. All of it was to create chaos among Gotham's organised crime. Someone wants to unite the gangs."

Red Robin: "Of course! After what happened last night, the gangs will be looking for direction. Someone to lead them."

Batgirl: "But who could possibly be able to unite all of Gotham's gangs?
Only a handful of people can pull that off: Two Face. The Joker, maybe?
Black Mask?"

Black Mask. I've seen that name before. His real name is Roman Sionis and that name was mentioned by Marco last night.

Avenger: "If that's the case, then it may not be Grace after all. Marco took me that Grace took control of Gotham's organised crime from Roman Sionis.
The riots would be counter-productive for Grace."

But, I don't understand. Why would Marco tell me that Grace had something to do with Hill's murder? Was he missing something or am I missing something?

Batman: "If Black Mask is involved, Gotham could be facing a far more dangerous gang war if he isn't stopped now. Sionis will stop at nothing to control Gotham's organised crime."

Red Robin: "Since GCPD are swarming the streets looking for vigilantes, then we should remain in contact at all times."

Avenger: "Do what you want. I have my own leads to follow."

I turn to walk away, but Batman blocks me. He gets close to my face and he stares me down.

Batman: "You're done. Whoever you are, you're done in my city. Go home and stay there."

Batman then used a hook gun to rappel into the rafters. Red Robin and Batgirl soon followed suit.

Honestly, I considered Batman a force of justice once. I just thought that he wasn't enough to save Gotham. But, after having this conversation with him... I'm not sure what he is.

But, he's wrong. I'm not done yet.

I better get home though. Mom's properly making her way back home.

-Elsewhere-

Meanwhile, dawn came over Gotham. Burned down buildings, shell casings, and damaged or blown up cars could be seen all over Gotham.

The destruction of the city however was seen as a opportunity to some.

One man was standing in front of his window in an office at the top of a high-rise building. He wore a white sports suit. His face was like a black skull.

?: "Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes, sir. Your plan worked perfectly."

A man wearing a suit came in and started applauding.

?: "Are you clapping?"

"Yes, sir. A job well done."

Black Mask walked up to the clapping man.

?: "You're new, aren't you?"

"Y-Yes."

The man was nervous as he stood face to face with Black Mask who punched him in the face, knocking him down.

?: "Welcome to the life of crime, kid."

The man was on the ground, watching as blood dripped from his nose, but he fearfully stopped the drops of blood from dripping onto Black Mask's rug.

"T-Thanks, sir."

With that, a woman wearing glasses and a smart business suit with a skirt, entered.
she didn't appear to care about the man with a broken nose on the floor.

"Mr Sionis, your limo is ready."

Sionis: "Clean yourself, kid. If I find blood in here when I get back..."

"There won't, sir!"

Black Mask pulled out a gun and fired it into the man's head.

Sionis: "Never cut me off."

Despite witnessing a murder, the woman didn't seem to care about it.

"Clean and cover up as usual, Mr Sionis?"

Sionis: "Yeah. And get a new rug. I am gonna retake Gotham by the end of the week. I'm gonna have an office worthy of it."

Black Mask left his office with his attendant.

-Batman-

After the very long and terrible night in Gotham, me and Barbara came back to the Batcave. Jim was still being detained at GCPD, and whoever is behind all this is still out there.

Red Robin returned to Robin's nest, but Batgirl... Barbara has gotten increasingly worried about her father's safety.

Batgirl: "Bruce, what are we going to do about this?!"

Batman: "We'll get Gordon out, Barbara."

Batgirl: "How?! You should have told us about your supplies being stolen. The evidence all points to Batman, Bruce."

Batman: "I didn't do it, Barbara."

Batgirl: "But, how did?! Who could have broken into your caches without you knowing who did it? How did they even find the cache?"

Batman: "There aren't many people that could break into my cache like that. I will find out who."

Batgirl: "No. I don't trust you with my father's freedom. I'll find out for myself and I will clear my dad's name."

Barbara began to walk away. I didn't move from where I stood. I didn't have the right to stop her.

When she left, I began to revisit the notes on the Batcomputer. I tried to inspect the camera feed for the cache that was broken into. All I got from it was clear feed. Even though the alarm sounded, there wasn't any feed. My camera may have been hacked, but who could hack into my black boxes unless... They haven't been hack at all.

I brought back a black box from Gotham sewers when I first investigated the cache.
It's circuitry was fried from the inside. Whoever is behind this knew where the black boxes were and what they do. They are designed to hook into the city's power grid and siphon power from the grid unnoticed.

Either the thief has a hacker working for him or he destroyed one of the black boxes.

It's the only way I can clear Jim, by catching the real murderer.

Alfred: "Master Bruce. Your breakfast is ready."

Batman: "Leave it, Alfred."

Alfred placed the food on a small table next to me.

Alfred: "After the night we had, Master Bruce, you need your rest, Furthermore,
your presence is required at today's conference. What is Wayne Enterprises going to do about the damages?"

There was a lot of property damage after Firefly burned many of the buildings in Gotham. They'll need to be repaired.

Alfred: "Master Bruce, may I ask you something?"

Batman: "Go ahead, Alfred."

Alfred: "Avenger. Shouldn't you also consider his point of view as well? He has been very effective so far in the Narrows."

Avenger. He's been at the centre of all this since the start. The murder of Michael Rivers, the arrest of Sally Martini, and the Russians.

Batman: "Avenger is an unknown, Alfred. The fact that this whole thing starts to unravel as soon as he appears makes it suspicious. The way he speaks and acts... He's clearly emotionally attached to what's happening in Gotham, and when you act on emotion, you make mistakes. He'll be killed if this continues.
He was injured during his fights last night, I could tell he was wounded."

Alfred: "Just like Miss Gordon and Master Drake, they also had trouble starting out."

Batman: "This life isn't a game, Alfred."

Alfred: "Do you know who he is?"

Batman: "I have a feeling. But, I can't focus on Avenger right now..."

Alfred: "Master Todd. He's back in Gotham."

Batman: "Yes. Jason has been targeting the Russians for the past few weeks now.
I never expected him to return to Gotham."

Alfred: "It appears Gotham may be in for more chaotic events."

That was certain. The question is: Who is behind this?

-Riley-

The area around my neighbourhood was somewhat rough. Since I live close to the Narrows,
it's lucky that it wasn't worse. My house was fairly unscathed.

I climbed in through the window in case mom was home. If she was, and she saw me like this, I have a lot of explaining to do.

Lucky for me, mom wasn't home yet. I decided to go into the bathroom, since the first aid kit was there.

I had cuts and gashes all over my arms, but worst of all, I had a bullet lodged in my leg thanks to The Red Hood.

I could feel it at the back of my leg. It hurt so much, it had to come out.

Using a sharp razor blade, I cut through the skin at the back of my leg. The pain was so intense that I bit down on the shower handle just to bear the pain.

When the skin was opened, the bullet started to peak through. Carefully, I pulled it out with tweezers and bandaged my leg.

I used anti-septic on the wounds on my arms to prevent infection before dressing them with bandages.

OPEN!

I then heard the door to the house open!

Kerry: "Riley! You're here, are you?!"

Mom was shouting and screaming like she was crying. I quickly checked my phone and I had over 15 missed calls and 4 messages.

"Riley, where are you?"
"Riley! Please phone me back!"
"Please call me or text me! Let me know you're safe."
"Riley... Seriously, I've phoned you so many times! Let me know you're safe,
please!"

Kerry: "Riley!"

I heard mom rush past the bathroom. Had she came in here, she would have seen my wounds and my wounds and costume!

I quickly disposed of the bloody tissue by flushing it down the toilet and putting away the first aid kit. I also locked the door. Since I flushed the toilet, mom heard it and knocked frantically on the door.

Kerry: "Riley!? Riley! Are you in there?!"

Riley: "Yes, mom. I'm having a bath."

Kerry: "Why didn't you pick up the damn phone?! I was very worried! The entire city was on fire, for God's sake!"

Riley: "I'm sorry. I lost my phone while I was locking down the house."

Kerry: "You have no idea how scared I was."

Mom began to cry outside the door. I hid my costume in the washing basket and put on a tracksuit that I left before.

I came out of the bathroom and found mom on her knees, crying into her hands.

Riley: "Mom... I'm sorry for scaring you. I really am."

The last thing I wanted to was to make mom worried or upset. I didn't know what to say or do, so I hugged her. Mom then quickly wrapped her arms around me.

Kerry: "After what happened to Michael... After I saw what happened and the riots started. I just wanted to know you're safe."

Riley: "I'm safe, mom. It's okay."

Mom and I sat there for a while before she became tired and went to bed.

It made me think; I could have been killed a dozen times tonight. If I was dead, mom,
Kieran, Charlotte, Rick. All of them could become distraught. At least Lauren Winters would know I was Avenger.

But, I couldn't stop now.

After I took the opportunity to hide my costume, I turned on the TV and watch the news. It's Vicki Vale reporting on last night's chaos. It seemed like she was reporting from the GCPD building.

Vicki: "This is Vicki Vale, reporting live. It's been more than 12 hours since we witnessed one of the most horrifying moments in Gotham history. An explosion claimed the lives of 60 people, including the Mayor Hamilton Hill.
I'm here with Detective and Acting Police Commissioner Harvey Bullock."

Bullock: "You forgot to mention one thing, Vicki, it was Batman that murdered those people and he's gonna go down for it! Him and all of his vigilante friends are all going down!"

Vicki: "But, Detective..."

Bullock: "It's Commissioner, Vicki."

Vicki: "ACTING Commissioner. It can be argued that Batman wasn't responsible for the explosion. There isn't any evidence other than the device used."

Bullock: "Yeah, and who else other than Batman uses explosives that look like Bats? That's all the evidence I need to say this for a fact: The GCPD don't work with Batman or any vigilante, To that end, I would like to announce that we have commissioned a anti-vigilante task force that will work with the Major Crimes Unit to take down any costumed freak."

Bullock is really putting on the heat. Likely under orders from Grace. He's got the city in his hands now, I need to find a way to stop him.

First things first... The Red Hood.

I may know someone who can find him.

*Elsewhere*

Meanwhile, on a sandy beach somewhere.

A woman with short black hair and green eyes and wearing a bikini was relaxing in front of a beach house. Sitting next to her were two cats.

As she pet them, the news came onto the screen.

"The underground..."

She picks up one of her cats.

"We're going back home."

*Bludhaven*

Meanwhile, in the city of Bludhaven, Nightwing was beating on a thug in an alleyway.

Nightwing: "You seriously need to learn that mugging isn't allowed in my city."

However, the news of what's going on in Gotham then showed on the TVs at a TV store across the street from where Nightwing was standing.

Nightwing: "Can't that place stay in one piece without me?"

Nightwing ran over to his motorcycle and then sped off after leaving the knocked out thug.

*A few days later*

-Lauren-

It's been a few days since the massive city riots. Just walking on the streets is scary now and I keep seeing police cars, now more than ever before. But, that doesn't make me feel safer.

I don't know if we can trust the GCPD anymore.

I walk into work at the Gotham Gazette and I see Miss Vale arguing with Warren,
our editor. Everyone in the office is watching.

Warren: "Look, Vicki! It doesn't matter if Gordon is guilty or not! Our job is to present the news and the news is that Gordon did work with Batman illegally.
You have your sources and their confirmed that it was a bat shaped explosive in front of city hall."

Vicki: "But, Batman may not have killed those people! If I write that story,
then we may end up condemning a good man."

Warren: "At the end of the day, there will be hundreds of blogs on the internet and newspapers being sold from the Daily Planet about this story that you are refusing to write! In Gotham, we will break this story first. I don't care about your personal feelings, just do your job!"

Warren walked away and into his offices. Miss Vale walked back to her desk and sat down.

Lauren: "Miss Vale?"

Vicki: "Oh, good morning, Lauren. Did you see all that?"

Lauren: "Yeah, I did. What's going on?"

Vicki: "Warren wants me to write me a smear story on James Gordon. Even though, it isn't clear if Batman did cause the explosion or if Gordon helped him.
The city doesn't seem to care."

Lauren: "Is there anything we can do?"

Vicki: "... There isn't any evidence to prove otherwise. There may be nothing we could Gordon's trial is coming up soon."

Lauren: "Surely there must be some good people on the police force that are doing something."

Vicki: "Tell that to Renee Montoya."

Detective Montoya? I heard she disobeyed orders and helped The Batman escape from GCPD.

Vicki: "She's been suspended. The rest of the police force have just as much respect for Bullock as they do for Gordon. They'll follow him no matter what happens to Gordon. Now that they think that Batman murdered the mayor, they'll kill every vigilante without asking."

If the police are focused on the vigilantes that what about the criminals in Gotham? They'll simply just take over without a fight!

But, who's behind the murder of Mayor Hill?..

Lauren: "I have an idea."

Vicki: "An idea?"

Lauren: "How much do we know about Winston Grace?"

-Montoya-

Well... This whole thing is a load of crap.

How did I even get to this point... Oh right, I got suspended because Harvey is too drunk with power. Speaking of drunk, I think I'm hammered right now.

Right now, I was drinking all my troubles away in a glass and honestly, I'd have it no other way.

Harvey and his anti-vigilante group are hitting the streets looking for any mask they can shoot despite there being a clear and obvious problem with this city.

But, what do I care? Even though, I've been Harvey's partner for a long time,
he's now listening to an attorney of all people, he never liked attorneys that much. Heck, that District Attorney is still suspected of corruption...

I stopped drinking my glass after that thought entered my head.

Just who is Maria Mercedes anyway?

-Harper-

It's been a few days since my little adventure and running away from some guy in an electric suit and a giant crocodile.

I'm at my computer right now, trying to research about giant crocodiles and I've been checking around for any more leads on Avenger. Since that night in the Narrows, I've found some CCTV of him saving people in the fires.

Ever since then, there has been a couple of Avenger graffiti around the neighbourhood.
People are grateful to have been helped. Batman may help the city, but the people haven't really been able to thank the guy or that they're scared of him, but Avenger made his intentions known.

I get up from my computer and I start to kick the heavy bag that we got. Ever since my little meeting with Electrocutioner, I have been working harder than before to at least try to help out Avenger.

The Narrows could use more heroes. This place is always the target of attacks since the police don't come here often.

Cullen: "Training? Again, Harper?"

Cullen walks into the room and he stares at my computer.

Cullen: "Avenger watching. Again."

Harper: "Well, the guy managed to save the Narrows and drive out the Russians.
I haven't seen any of them since the riots."

Cullen: "Yeah, but didn't he say to you to stay safe. Going out on the streets isn't really safe, Harper."

Harper: "I don't want to hear it, Cullen. I'm sure that I can help somehow."

?: "You can, actually."

We were shocked for a moment, before we saw who was there... And we were shocked again! Avenger was leaning through the window.

Avenger: "Can I come in? I need to ask something."

Cullen was still surprised that a vigilante was standing on the fire escape outside our window.

Harper: "Umm, yeah!"

I was excited however. Avenger came to our place, looking for our help?!

Avenger came in and I fully took notice of his features. His costume revealed his dark skinned arms, and he was carrying a pouch on his leg and the taser I gave him on his other leg. He was carrying a rope and hook as well.

Avenger: "Harper, could you find out about someone for me?"

Harper: "Someone? Well... I could, but couldn't you ask..."

Avenger: "If you're gonna say Batman, then don't. He and I don't work together."

Cullen: "So, you're a good guy, but not working with the good guys?"

Avenger: "We don't know if Batman is a good guy."

Harper: "Please tell me you don't believe that Batman killed the mayor, do you?"

Avenger: "No. I don't believe it."

Then what does he mean by he doesn't think Batman is a good guy? Is there something going on between them?

I went on to my computer. If Batman is out and the GCPD is out, that means that Avenger would need someone he trusts to find whoever he's looking for and that's me... Come on, keep it together, Harper.

Harper: "Do you know who you're looking for?"

Avenger: "I don't have a name, only a description. Can you find relevant matches?"

Harper: "I can try."

Avenger explained the person he was looking for to me. A male with blue eyes and black hair and some other feature of his face as well. When I searched for that,
there were dozens of matches. Avenger also mentioned someone who may have disappeared for a extended periods, I didn't know what he meant by that, but there was only one match: Jason Todd.

But, the article read that he died. Killed by The Joker. His body was brought back and buried.

Avenger: "He was killed? But, I saw him..."

Harper: "There's another part: Apparently, the grave was robbed some time after he was buried."

Avenger: "I see. So, I need to find Todd. Thanks for the help, Harper."

Avenger turned to leave, but I quickly called him. There was another way I could help.

Harper: "Wait! I can check for CCTV to see if we can see him."

Avenger: "... You can do that?"

He quickly walked up to me and looked at my computer.

Cullen: "Harper is good with anything electronic, and she's been tracking..."

Harper: "And... Found him."

On screen, was Jason Todd. He was walking around Cape Carmine.

Avenger: "Thanks again, Harper. I think I owe you one."

Harper: "You helped me and Cullen with the Russians, so we're even."

Avenger then went out the window and took out his rope and hook. Wait! I have something for this!

Harper: "Wait a sec!"

I quickly ran into my closet. I keep some stuff in there that I think can help.

I quickly took out a yellow utility belt and a grapple gun and I gave them to Avenger.

Avenger: "What are these?"

Harper: "This is a grapple gun, perfect for getting you from A to B without that rope and hook. You can use this utility belt to hold the taser as well."

Avenger looked closely at the grapple gun and the utility belt.

Avenger: "You made these?"

Harper: "Yeah, there isn't much I can whip up."

Avenger: "Harper, you aren't thinking of doing this yourself, are you?"

Harper: "Well, I've been training... Maybe, I could help you out."

Avenger: "Harper, this isn't just something you can do... Look, maybe we can talk about this later."

Avenger tested out the grapple gun at a nearby building and it hooked correctly.

Avenger: "Thanks for the gear. It'll help a lot."

Avenger then grappled away.

Harper: "Well, crap."

Cullen: "What? Aren't you pleased that he's coming back?"

Harper: "You look like you are."

Cullen: "Well, kind of. But, he only wants to protect you."

Maybe... But, he didn't say no.

-Batgirl-

The thoughts spun through my head as blood came off my knuckles.

My dad is in Blackgate Prison right now, serving crimes that he didn't commit.

Batman... Bruce didn't tell me about his cache being broken into. Why didn't he tell me and maybe we could have stopped the explosion.

"Please, I don't know..."

I wanted to find out who broke into the cache. Someone must know, and I'll find them.

Dad's trial is soon and I need to provide evidence to clear his name.

I need to find out who was able to break into Batman's cache. Someone must know something.

Batgirl: "Tell me what I want to know!"

More and more thugs came out of their pits and attacked as I knocked their teeth out one by one.

As they were all taken down, I held one against the wall.

Batgirl: "Batman's weapons. Where did they go?!"

Thug: "(Cough) E-Ethan Sawyer. H-He was boasting about owning new tech that the Russians couldn't come close to."

Batgirl: "Where is here?!"

Thug: "I don't know. He moves place to place."

I didn't want to hear that...

I tried to hit the man again, but my hand was held back by something. Someone.
When I looked...

Nightwing: "Hey."

It was Dick Grayson, also known as Nightwing.

Batgirl: "Why are you back in Gotham?"

Nightwing: "No hello? No, how are you?"

Batgirl: "Nightwing. Get off of me."

Nightwing quickly picked me up and using his grapple gun, took the two of us to a rooftop.

I was a little happy to see him, but even more angry with him. I tried to pull my hand away and strike at him, but he blocks and holds both my hands.

Nightwing: "Babs. We're gonna help your dad."

I couldn't do anything but cry. I wanted to save my dad so much. I didn't want a good man like him, whose given so much for this city, end up like this.

After a moment, Dick picked my head up and he looked into my eyes.

Nightwing: "Shall we track down Ethan Sawyer together?"

-Avenger-

I reached Cape Carmine. This grapple gun proved to be very useful. The GCPD are all over the city, looking for masks to come out of hiding. Lucky there were back alleys and rooftop to move quickly and quietly.

I followed the path that Jason Todd was on when I saw the CCTV footage at Harper's apartment.

... I didn't really didn't know what to do about Harper. She seems to want to be a vigilante, but right now is very dangerous. I should at least try to dissuade her, but I'll end back sometime and talk to her... Actually, she may figure out who I am at this rate.

I had to find the CCTV cameras and black them out. Harper or the GCPD could be watching me and I didn't need either to be watching me.

I need to find Jason Todd. I need to find out why exactly he killed Daniel Marco.

After the CCTV was blacked out, I quickly went under a manhole which looked slightly open. Todd went this way.

I moved quietly a small flashlight that I brought with me.

As I moved through the tunnel, I ran into a dead end... Todd could only go this way, where did he go?!

It made no sense... Unless, there's something I'm missing. I felt around the walls a bit until I found a loose brick. I pulled it out a bit and a passage opened up.

It led into this storage area. There were weapons stockpiled everywhere... More than the Russians!

Red Hood: "So you found my humble abode?"

I looked above me and I saw Red Hood. He was wearing his coat and body armour along with his helmet.

Avenger: "Red Hood... Do you want me to call you that or should I call you Jason Todd?"

Red Hood: "Oh, you think you're really smart, don't you? Why are you even here,
Avenger?"

Avenger: "You killed Daniel Marco. Why?"

Red Hood: "He was a weapons selling murderer who sold guns to kids, adults, all so he can turn the city into a warzone."

Avenger: "And he was going to pay for that. There's more happening in Gotham than you think, Todd. I needed Marco to stop anymore death."

Red Hood: "Well, I can't bring back the dead, and I'm not gonna say sorry. There are some people you or Batman can't scare. I came back to Gotham because I have some unfinished business."

Avenger: "And what's that?"

Red Hood fires his gun once at me. It was a warning shot.

Red Hood: "None of yours."

Red Hood started to fire on me while I took cover. He jumped off the platform he was on and continued shooting.

Red Hood: "You really like that justice system. You know, I try not to kill people anymore, but sometimes they are people I make exceptions for."

I quickly circled around the cover I was in and I managed to leap at Red Hood.
He tried to fire as we traded blows, and he was trying to get a shot, when I kicked a gun out of his hand and then I used my baton and hit his legs.

I quickly got back into cover as Red Hood went to grab another gun, but I used my grapple gun to hook onto Hood and I zipped towards him quickly and kicked him hard in his head.

The force was strong enough to break his hood open.

Red Hood: "Okay, now I'm gonna hurt you."

Red Hood dove at me and punched me in the ribcage and winded him. I hit him in the shoulder with my baton, but in response, he drew a knife and started slashing at me. He got me across the neck... Luckily, the Kevlar held, but it still hurt a lot.

Red Hood ran at me again, but I quickly flipped over and he landed on top of a table.

Jason looked to be down and out, so I went to check on him.

He then shot up and held my neck in a chokehold and held the knife to my neck.

Red Hood: "Not bad for a rookie."

He's strong! He's pushing the knife towards my neck! T-The taser! I reached for the taser and quickly shocked him briefly in the head.

Red Hood: "ARRGH!"

Hood fell down and covered his face in pain for a moment. I quickly delivered a kick to his chest and I held him against a wall.

Avenger: "Why did you kill Daniel Marco?!"

Red Hood: "Oh, is this the part where you try to scare me into talking? Is that what you're doing?"

Avenger: "The racket you and I just made was bound to be heard by someone and likely the anti-vigilante task force is gonna close in. Batman won't be able to help you get out of this one, Jason. So tell me what I need to know."

Red Hood: "Don't you know anything? This is all part of a gang war."

Avenger: "I know more than you think. Roman Sionis was the head of crime in Gotham until a new Kingpin took charge."

Red Hood: "So you know about Black Mask? Then you know he won't just hand over the keys to his kingdom to some new guy."

Avenger: "What's Sionis' play? What is he gonna do next?"

Red Hood: "First, he'll force the crime families to swear loyalty to him and kill the ones that don't. That's the way scum works."

Avenger: "Where I can I find Sionis?"

Red Hood: "Attacking him now would get you killed. You need to draw him out first."

Avenger: "How?!"

Red Hood: "Say please."

Red Hood smirked as I released him from the wall.

Avenger: "Please, Jason. If you know something, you need to tell me."

Red Hood: "You are just too easy..."

Red Hood then knocked me down and jumped onto the platform he was on before!

Red Hood: "Just to let you know, I've set this place to blow since you found it, so... You might wanna run."

Jason ran off as the area around started to explode! I can't let him get away,
but if I don't leave now, I'll be no good to anyone.

-Bullock-

We heard distress calls from Cape Carmine. Shots fired. Could be just some hood having target practise, but we confiscated most of the weapons that the Russians handed out. I can just tell that the masks are in on this.

We've surrounded Cape Carmine with a 5 block perimeter. No one is getting in or out without our knowing.

All the members on this task force are expertly trained, some of the best in the world is what I'm told.

"Commissioner Bullock. We have the area around Cape Carmine surrounded. Do you think it's Batman?"

Bullock: "Not taking any chances. If it's the Bat, shoot him first and ask question never."

"Understood."

He isn't getting away this time.

What happened next was not was I expected.

Explosions could be heard from underneath, and the area began to shake!

They're in the sewers!

-Avenger-

I quickly made my way through the sewers. The earth itself began to shake and I barely kept my balance.

"They're down in the sewers! Find them!"

Damn. They're heading into the sewers. In this situation, my dad normally said they would put a 5 block perimeter to prevent anyone escaping, and I don't know the sewers.

?: "T-This way!"

I heard a voice coming from a darkened tunnel. Going into a dark tunnel in Gotham sewers... I don't trust it. But, as I saw flashlights closing in, I didn't have much of a choice, so I ran down the tunnel and followed the voice.

It was a deep voice and there was a kind of growl behind it. Like an alligator.

I managed to get into the clearing and I stopped running.

?: "We're clear of the 5 block perimeter."

Avenger: "Who are you?"

Heavy footsteps then approached me as I saw who it was that the voice belonged to.

?: "People down here call me, Killer Croc!"

The man... Or animal stood towering over me. A massive crocodile. My breathing started to get heavy. I'm used to dealing with gun-toting criminals, not this!

Killer Croc: "Get out of my sewers. I don't want anything to do with this right now."

Avenger: "Why did you help me?"

Killer Croc: "Thanks for driving Red Hood out of here. He's been making life difficult for me and the Underground."

Avenger: "Underground?"

Killer Croc: "Where people go to avoid the madness in Gotham. The Riots only increased the amount of people here."

Homeless and jobless people reside in the underground by the looks of it. And thanks to the riots, more people are gonna suffer.

I did what Croc said to start and I left the sewers. My business here has finished.

But, I'm back at square one. Winston Grace and Roman Sionis. Two crime lords about to battle it out for Gotham's organised crime and I haven't got a clue who to go after next.

-Catwoman-

The East end of Gotham city. This place doesn't seem to have changed one bit... Well, except from the fires and the deserted streets.

Every time a psycho arrives in Gotham, it's the underground that has to pay for it. And now, more and more people are arriving on the streets.

Businesses and homes were destroyed and therefore lives were destroyed as well.

The so-called crooks in Gotham just don't care if people of the underground suffer. Honestly, I don't care about the gang war, but these people don't need it right now. There are some good people here.

But, since I'm back in Gotham, I need to make some impact.

Right now, I was entering one of the private homes in the financial district. What was so good about this house, is that it belongs to a man named Winston Grace.

One of my contacts told me that Grace's name has been coming up in the Underworld of Gotham as of late. The rumors that Roman wasn't in charge no more were starting to make sense.

But, still someone who would start a city wide riot and frame Batman deserves what's coming to them. I'll get something good and hand some of it to those that need it... I may keep any of the shiner things for myself.

Ever since, tall, dark, and brooding was framed for murder, he hasn't been seen much. And now there's a anti-vigilante task force out there hunting for him.
I don't believe that Batman could pull off something like murder, it isn't his style. Guy would rather take a bullet than fire one himself, and I know that from personal experience.

Breaking in was oddly easy. No silent alarms and no guards. I heard this Grace guy was old, but I wasn't expecting him to slip up like this, maybe I have the wrong house.

I started to search through the office. Maybe find something of worth, maybe he collects art or keeps a safe somewhere. But, there was something good in here...

?: "Hello, kitty."

A woman was standing in a doorway. She had blond hair and light blue eyes.
She was standing there, smiling...

Catwoman: "Why hello there. Shouldn't you be in bed at this time of night?"

?: "Cute, but not amusing, dear. You're breaking into my home, you know?"

Catwoman: "Look, I'm here just to borrow some things from ol' Grace. He does live here, right?"

?: "I'm his daughter so yes. And by burrow, you mean steal?"

Catwoman: "Well, kind of."

The woman then pulls a gun out and aims it at me.

Catwoman: "Now where did a young girl like you get a gun?"

?: "Don't worry, it's not for you."

The girl aimed upwards and shot out the glass above. A man then fell through and landed on his feet.

A extra party crasher arrived late. Uninvited, of course.

Batman: "You were expecting us, Emma Grace."

Catwoman: "You followed me?"

Batman: "No. I was checking up on a lead."

Emma: "Let me guess. The Avenger lead you here."

Catwoman: "Avenger? Is that another one of yours?"

Batman: "Not now, Catwoman."

He's slightly touchy about that subject. I can tell.

Emma: "Enough of your little chat. I was hoping I could talk to the Batman. The Cat may take what she wants from my father's safe."

She pointed to a painting of herself and a older man... Her father, maybe?

I walked over to it and I removed the painting. Inside was an empty safe stuffed with money and jewels!

Catwoman: "And you're just giving this to me?"

Emma: "You did your part and brought Batman here. So take what you can carry and leave."

As much as I didn't like being used to bring the brooding one to people, I did take what I could carry. No point of it being wasted.

Batman: "Where is Winston Grace?"

Emma: "Not here. He's got plans soon for Gotham's rebirth."

Batman: "Your father is intending to start a gang war. If he does, more and more people will die."

Emma: "So far, Batman, you're the criminal. You killed Mayor Hill and therefore are public enemy number one and yet accuse my father of such crimes?"

Batman: "Someone stole my explosions and used them to kill Mayor Hill. I need to find out who. And you know about it, don't you?"

Someone managed to break Batman's systems and still his stuff? Even I haven't done that... Much. But, to frame Batman with his own gear. I think even the Dark Knight didn't see that one coming.

Emma: "I think that our business is concluded. You have been trespassing on my property."

Sirens could be heard nearby. The girl called the police from the start! It was a trap.

Batman then wrapped an arm around my waist and he used his grapple gun to get out of the office.

Catwoman: "Hey, watch those hands!"

-Emma-

I watched as Batman and Catwoman made their escape. It doesn't matter anyway.
We got what we needed.

?: "You did well."

Out of the shadows, a man walked out. I knew who he was. Our best chance of taking back Gotham City.

Emma: "We have all the pieces in play. Catwoman took the bait and she's back in Gotham. So is Nightwing. And now, Gordon's trial is coming up soon."

?: "Good. Are you ready for phase 2?"

Emma: "Yes. Simply leave Riley Rivers to me, father. I'm sure that he can be convinced to see our side of things."

Winston Grace, my father. The Kingpin of Gotham.

Winston: "Pleasure to hear that, Emma."

Chapter 6 end.