Final Chapter: Aftermath.

We're finally at the end. The mastermind behind this entire ordeal is no more.

Gordon is finally out of prison. Batman and his allies are still around. Avenger finally put an end to one man's dangerous legacy.

But what happened after the death of Winston Grace and the defeat of Dr Thomas Elliot?

-Avenger-

Alfred: "Master Rivers, you're lucky that the bullet didn't hit any organs. But, the bleeding is still nasty."

Avenger: "I'll be fine, Mr Pennyworth. This isn't the first time I've been shot."

After what just happened, i managed to release Mr Pennyworth from his confinement and he helped me get Mr Wayne down from the celling. Then we released Nightwing,
Red Robin, Red Hood, and Batgirl from their own confinement. He checked on Catwoman as well, also known as Selina Kyle, she's still out cold from the same Black Sky that my mother was injected with.

Mr Pennyworth tends to my wound and patches me up before checking on Jason Todd.

Red Hood: "So, Riley Rivers. I guess it makes sense."

Avenger: "If you think I'll forgive the time you killed Daniel Marco, get that thought out of your head."

Red Hood: "Don't need your forgiveness, Rivers."

Alfred: "Master Todd. Master Rivers. Don't start any of your quarrels. Not after what just happened."

Me and Jason didn't even look at each other. As far as I'm concerned, Jason Todd is a murderer. That's it.

Nightwing: "You've got some good moves. Who taught you?"

Nightwing comes up to me.

Avenger: "Michael Rivers was my teacher."

Nightwing: "Who taught him?"

Avenger: "Who knows."

I never really thought about who trained my dad. All the stuff he taught me about martial arts... It makes me wonder now, who did train my dad? But, that's a story for another time.

Batgirl: "Is that it for Thomas Elliot?"

Red Robin: "Who know? His body wasn't found. Only a blood soaked bandage."

As i looked around the Batcave, Batgirl was preparing to leave on one of the Batcycles.

Red Robin: "Where are you going, Barbara?"

Batgirl: "My father's out of prison. I want to see him as quickly as possible."

Red Robin: "Are you gonna be okay?"

Batgirl: "I'll be fine, Tim."

With that, Batgirl rides off. It's been a long fight and finally Gordon is out.
But, how? I don't know. I can at least try to find out later.

I decided it was time for me to leave too.

Batman: "Rivers."

As i walked away, Batman called me.

I turned to face him.

Batman: "Can i trust you?"

Avenger: "Can i trust you?"

We simply stared at each other for a moment, before i turned around and left the cave. I knew the way out anyway.

-Batman-

After Rivers left the cave, i turned back and looked towards Selina. She still hasn't woken up after what Winston Grace did to her. As for the body of Winston Grace,
i intend to turn it over to Jim as soon as i get the chance.

Also, Rivers has someone supporting him. A technical expert? Whoever it was, was able to shut down my entire network. I'll have to completely rewrite the codes in my network and ensure that it doesn't happen again.

I go over the events that i know in my head.

Winston Grace kidnapped Hush and forced him to not only transfer his money over to him, but reveal everything he knew about me and my allies. He then had Fish Mooney become District Attorney, paid off the Mayor, only to kill him and have the finger pointed at vigilantes. That was enough to have Jim arrested and have Harvey Bullock placed as Acting Police Commissioner. With Gordon out of the way,
the police turned their attention towards me and my allies, allowing Grace to run his criminal empire unopposed.

He created the illusion that Hush was behind this and faked his death by placing a clone of himself in Gotham's sewers. He manipulated Roman Sionis to serving his own agenda by starting this gang war with him, taking over Gotham's criminal underworld.

However, Rivers' involvement revealed his plans sooner than expected. The Russians wanted to betray Grace, but he betrayed them first by sending the police.

He targeted all of our weaknesses. Friends and family, including Jim Gordon and Kerry Rivers.

He pulled all these strings from behind the scenes and he almost won. If it weren't for Rivers.

One thing eluded me though.

The Leader of the Yukuza, Yami.

He hasn't been seen since Grace Enterprises.

-Third Person-

In the backstreets of Gotham, a man of Japanese descent was walking around, wearing a hoodie. Yami, the leader of Gotham's Yukuza, was waiting for someone.

When a man stepped out and stood in front of Yami, Yami bowed before the man and presented him with a vial of black liquid.

?: "You reached out to me and asked me to accept you into our fold. You said you have something of interest."

Yami: "Yes. This is the Black Sky formula that Winston Grace was using. With this,
I was almost victorious over the Batman."

?: "The Detective? If your tale is true, then i shall offer you membership among my league."

Yami: "You have my gratitude. Ra's Al Ghul."

*The next day, The House of James Gordon*

Meanwhile, after Gordon returned to GCPD, Black Mask was picked up by GCPD and all of Black Mask's gang's weapons somehow just 'shut down', enabling GCPD to arrest most of Roman Sionis's men.

With the nightmare behind them, James Gordon is preparing for the day's work while Barbara is cooking him breakfast.

Gordon: "You didn't have to get here early to cook me breakfast, Barbara."

Barbara: "Like hell i don't. You spent a long time behind bars. You've earned a little pampering."

Gordon: "The ordeal's still no over. There's still a job to do."

Barbara: "Dad, there's always a job to do."

Gordon: "That there is."

Barbara: "What about your partner? Detective Bullock? Isn't he a wanted man now?"

Gordon: "I don't know. Harvey left in the confusion. Helps us save the day and then leaves. May be drinking in a bar somewhere."

*Unknown Location*

-Bullock-

There's not a place left in Gotham for me now. After all i did, to the city, to the department, to Commish, and the others.

Batman and his costumed freak friends may not be all bad, but I've had enough of Gotham for one lifetime.

I drink to that.

*Gotham General*

-Lauren-

I've arrived at Gotham General. I got a call that Miss Vale is well enough to be discharged.

Riley never came back to his house last night, so me and my Mom stayed there for the night. Mom is busy trying to book a hotel room for the foreseeable future.

Personally, i couldn't get a wink of sleep.

The fact that Riley didn't come home was worrying. Is he hurt somewhere? Or worse...

After i saw the ski mask in his room, i put two and two together.

Riley Rivers is Avenger.

I mean... I know that he is Avenger and i could write this and publish this. It'll be a great story that could kick-start my career, maybe earn me enough money to rent a decent place.

But... For some reason, i can't do that.

Not just because he probably was the one who saved the city, but because i know the man beneath that costume.

I couldn't do that to him. But how can i face Riley knowing this?

As i walk into Gotham General, i find Riley. Sleeping on the chair outside his Mom's room. Has he been here all night? After the chaos subsided, he must have come here.

I walk up to him and i look at his sleeping face. He's in a real deep sleep, he must be exhausted.

I honestly don't know how i feel that Riley is the Avenger, but i know that he's helped people. Heck, he's saved me twice since this whole thing started.

I think i can accept this.

"Miss. Are you with him?"

A nurse comes out of Miss Rivers' room.

Lauren: "Um, yes. I'm here to see another person as well though."

"Well, i wanted to inform him that his mother is awake and he's welcome to see her."

Riley: "W-What?"

Riley starts to wake up and sees me and the nurse.

Riley: "Lauren? What's going on?"

Lauren: "Your mom's awake, Riley!"

Riley: "What?!"

Riley quickly sat up and fell of the chairs, but he quickly got up ran into the room.

I peeked in through the door to see Miss Rivers and Riley hugging each other,
both in tears.

I started to cry too. Riley just looked so happy to get his mom back. I felt guilty about even considering exposing him to the public.

I better leave and let these two have their reunion.

I left and went into Miss Vale's room, where she was already up.

Lauren: "Miss Vale?! Why are you up?"

Miss Vale, still dressed in her hospital gown, was standing up after watching the news.

Vicki: "You were busy while i was out, weren't you?"

Lauren: "Well..."

Vicki: "You wrote a fine piece, apparently."

Lauren: "Well..."

I didn't know what to say. I did kind of take over Miss Vale's work while she was in the hospital, but it was to take down Grace.

Lauren: "I'm sorry, Miss Vale. I wanted to take down Grace after what had happened."

Vicki: "Things got bad, Lauren. I don't blame you. But, we've now got to go hunting for a story. Could you fetch my clothes from the closet?"

Lauren: "O-Of course, Miss Vale. But, aren't you due to stay another few days?"

Vicki: "The life of a journalist means we have to take chances, Lauren."

Lauren: "Of course!"

I then got Miss Vale's clothes for her. It looks like the adventure isn't over yet. Not by a long shot.

As for Riley... I'm sure he'll trust me enough one day to tell me his secret.

*One Week Later*

-Kieran-

It's been a week since the horror ended. Fish is finally imprisoned and awaiting trial. When Fish came back to Gotham, i thought that i would never be rid of her,
but for her to kidnap my kids... I thought it was over. I would never see them alive again.

I just hope that Riley understands.

When Rick and Charlotte came to the police station, and i go to hold my son and daughter in my arms again, it was a moment of happiness that i could never describe to a judge or a jury.

Although i was released due to the fact that Fish had me under duress, meaning that she forced me to do what she wanted, I'm cleared of all charges. But my outburst at the law firm now has the state investigating me. They may disbar me and remove my licenses, but right now, i don't really care as much. We're not in danger of running out of money right now, and i have my children back.

Rick: "Hey, dad. I'm going to work. Should i take Charlotte to school?"

Kieran: "No, I'll do that."

Charlotte then ran up to me and jumped on my lap.

Charlotte: "Daddy. Will we see Avenger today?"

Kieran: "I'm sure he's watching somewhere, baby."

Avenger. Whoever you are, you're a damn hero.

-Harper-

It's been a week since crap hit the fan, but now The Narrows seems to be more quiet than ever.

Avenger hasn't really come round since what happened. I have been speaking to him over the week, and he says that he's had to deal with some unanswered questions.
Something like that and that he'll come see me when he gets a minute.

Cullen: "Are you still waiting for Avenger to call you back? You've been restless since what happened a week ago."

Harper: "Because i had to save the day from behind a desk! I want to know all the karate chops and eye poking stuff."

Cullen: "I think you should just give up being Bluebird. It's just not safe out there."

Harper: "Little brother, you have a lot to learn."

Cullen: "Huh?"

-Avenger-

My mom's okay now! I was happy and relieved to hear that she's miraculously made a full recovery thanks to some 'specialised' medicine.

Gordon is out of prison and Miss Vale has made a full recovery as well. It feels like the effects of what Grace has done over the past number of months is starting to wear off.

I haven't heard anything from Batman or the others. I think they all have their own things to deal with as well.

But, there are still some unanswered questions.

Whatever they injected my mom with to help her recover was brought in by an outside doctor named Luke Harrison.

There was also the release papers. Apparently, someone found a video tape of Fish entering the Mayor's office on the date of the explosion... But, i found something else. That same day, Emma Grace also visited the Mayor.

What was Emma Grace's role in all this? That was the final question that needed answering.

For this reason, i headed to Grace Manor. And... Emma was waiting for me on the veranda.
I landed on the roof above where Emma was. She was sitting at a dinner table on the veranda. There were candles lit and fine china on the table. There was a sliver platter plate, with a lid on top, in the middle of the table

Emma: "I was wondering when you would come."

Avenger: "You've been expecting me? So you knew i would figure out that you hired Dr Luke Harrison to give Kerry Rivers that medication of yours. And you're also the one who got Gordon released."

Emma: "I knew you would figure it all out. You somehow managed to beat my father after everything he did."

Avenger: "Are you aware of his death?"

Emma: "Of course. Batman, or should i say, Mr Wayne delivered the body to the GCPD. Father was killed because of bullet wounds and everyone knows that Batman doesn't use guns."

So she knows who Batman is. Since Emma knew what had happened to my mom, does she know who i am too?

Avenger: "Why did you do those things?"

Emma: "I know you work with Riley Rivers."

She doesn't know?

Avenger: "What makes you think that?"

Emma: "Don't act coy, darling. Who else could have given you the legal papers to expose Miss Mooney? I figured that it would help you if Gordon was out of prison."

Avenger: "Even if it ruined your father's plan?"

Emma: "I knew what he was up to. But, it's not like i had a choice."

Avenger: "So you played along. But, what now? With Winston dead, what happens to Grace's legal and illegal empire?"

Emma: "Simple. I own them now."

Avenger: "You what?"

Emma: "With father dead, his businesses would go to me. Although legally I'm underage, a slight change in paperwork could change that."

If Emma is taking over Grace's empires, then that would make her the new Kingpin of Gotham's criminal underworld.

Emma: "Please. Let's not talk about those issues. Let's talk about you."

Avenger: "Me? Is this a joke, Miss Grace?"

Emma: "Please call me Emma. You have a secret identity, so don't feel compelled to give me your name."

Right now, i felt like she was making a joke. But, she gets out of her seat and she opens the lid on the platter plate and there was steak on the plate.

Avenger: "What is this supposed to be? A date?"

Emma: "Honestly, i don't meet many people that interest me. Especially when it comes to men. I brought wine."

Emma lifted up a wine glass, filled with red wine.

Avenger: "You're underage."

Emma: "This is non-alcoholic. There are rules when having such a fine dinner. It goes better with a fine wine."

I came off the roof and landed in front of Emma. To think, in front of me is the current Kingpin of Gotham's underworld, and she's asking me to have a drink with her.

Emma: "I can tell that you're not too much older than me. Do you already have a committed partnership with someone?"

Avenger: "You mean do i have a girlfriend? Then no."

Emma: "Then are you... Do you like girls?"

Avenger: "I prefer girls, yes."

Emma: "Then what's the harm of having a small drink?"

Emma offered me a glass of the non-alcoholic wine. This isn't poison or has some kind of drug in it?

Emma: "In case you're wondering..."

Emma then took a small sip of the wine she offered me.

Emma: "It's not poisoned."

I accepted the wine from Emma, but i was still confused here.

Avenger: "So you genuinely invited me out here for a talk?"

Emma: "Exactly, darling."

Emma held her glass to mine and i held mine to hers.

Emma: "Cheers."

She told a sip of her glass while i took an mouthful from mine... I like the taste of this. I wonder if i can buy non-alcoholic wine?

I then heard slight static in my earpiece that Harper gave me a week ago.

Emma: "Hmm? Is something wrong?"

Avenger: "Thanks for the wine, but i need to go."

I place the glass down, but Emma gives me something. A package.

Avenger: "What's this?"

Emma: "Give this to Mr Wayne. I'm sure that he'll be able to use it to wake up a certain cat friend of his."

She's referring to Catwoman. If she hasn't woken up since last week, then i better get this to Batman.

I jump off the veranda.

Emma: "Do be sure to return when you can."

I hear Emma say that as i leave. I don't expect to be making any return trips back there anytime soon.

When i get back into the city, the static in my earpiece turns into a voice.

Red Robin: "Rivers? Can you hear me?"

Avenger: "I can hear you, Mr Drake. How did you get this frequency?"

Red Robin: "I've had a week to find this frequency. I know that you have some tech support, but I'm good at tech myself."

Avenger: "Okay, but why did you want to talk to me?"

Red Robin: "Catwoman is still unconscious and we haven't found a way to cure her of the Black Sky in her system. But, i got word that your Mother woke up a week ago. She was injected with Black Sky, wasn't she?"

Avenger: "I actually wanted to speak with Batman about that. I think i have something that can help."

*Underneath Wayne Manor, The Batcave*

I went to meet with Batman, Nightwing, and Red Robin at the Batcave.

I gave Batman the package which turned out to contain a vial of white liquid.
What is this called? White Sky?

Batman: "You said that Emma Grace just gave this to you?"

Avenger: "She did. I don't understand her motives, but i know that she can be dangerous.
She was able to pull strings which everyone involved in this after all."

Batman has been analysing the formula using the Batcomputer.

Nightwing: "How do you know that this isn't poisonous?"

Avenger: "She could have poisoned me earlier, but didn't. She said for you to use this on Miss Kyle, saying it will wake her up."

Red Robin: "Why help us wake up Catwoman? It doesn't make sense."

Avenger: "The fact that a seventeen year old woman is in charge of Gotham's criminal underworld doesn't make sense."

Nightwing: "So she takes over her father's empire. With Sionis, Penguin,
Fish, and her father out of the picture. There's no one left that can control the underworld in Gotham. But, how is she keeping others in life? Surely no one is taking orders from a kid?"

Avenger: "Over time, I've learned that any good crime lord has an enforcer."

Batman: "Killer Croc."

On the batcomputer, we saw images of Emma Grace with Killer Croc standing behind her. The room was filled with all of Gotham's worst, except the those currently being held at Arkham Asylum.

Nightwing: "That's one hell of an enforcer."

Red Robin: "There aren't many people that'll say no to that face with that man behind it."

Avenger: "True."

Batman: "Rivers."

Batman came over to me and looked at me with a glare.

Batman: "You did what you had to do. You had your vengeance against Grace. Now leave this place, go home, and destroy that costume."

To say that i was irritated and shocked was an understatement. I thought i earned respect here.

Nightwing: "Hold on, Bruce. Hasn't he already proved himself?"

Red Robin: "Yeah. We wouldn't have survived this one if not for him."

Batman: "Yet, his actions to get here went too far."

Batman showed an image on screen. Fish's right hand man, Butch. He had a massive cut in his forehead.

Batman: "That cut indicated that a blade was shoved into his Trigeminal nerve.
You had something to do with that."

Avenger: "I had to find where Fish was keeping hostages."

I felt that, although my actions were terrible, the ends justified the means.
If i didn't do what i did, Rick and Charlotte would be dead by now.

Batman: "You're a lawyer, Rivers. You're supposed to uphold the law and ensure people see a fair trial. Not torture them."

Avenger: "You, of all people, lecturing me? You, who break bones and leave criminals for dead every night, is telling me about rights? Let me tell you about rights,
Mr Wayne. Money does not give you the right to do what you do to people. That's what makes me sick of people like you. You think by throwing money around and fixing up buildings, that you're helping this city. Guess what? What you do is put a plaster over an already rotten scar. You know what happens when the plaster comes off? Nothing changes. It was because of your tech that Black Mask caused all the damage he did a week ago. You're scared of the truth."

Batman: "What is the truth, Rivers?"

Avenger: "That as Batman. You can protect this city. As Bruce Wayne... You're useless. You don't see the real problem. Criminals try to destroy this city all the time. Rebuilding buildings doesn't solve the problem, it only prolongs it. Criminal will simply blow up those buildings you rebuild and then when your money finally fails, what will Bruce Wayne, and by extension, Batman really be? Nothing. Not even a shadow."

At that moment, Batman threw a punch at my face, but i caught it with my hand.
The force of his punch was intense that i felt something snap in my hand, he tried to really hit me. I blocked out the pain and i continued.

Avenger: "As a lawyer, i intend to make sure Gotham's criminal element stay where they belong. And as Avenger, i can take them down. So keep doing what you're doing, but remember..."

I knocked away Batman's hand and delivered a straight kick to his stomach, which put some distance between us.

Avenger: "This is my city."

With that, i walked away from Batman and i got on my motorcycle and left the Batcave.

-Batman-

I watched as Avenger drove away. The way he caught my punch... He really is trained.
But, if Michael Rivers really trained him, then where did a GCPD officer get such training from?

As for Riley Rivers, I'll have to deal with him at a later date.

Nightwing: "Bruce... Don't you think that was a little harsh of you? It's not the first time you've went too far when interrogating suspects."

Batman: "Rivers is different. He has too much to lose if things go wrong."

Red Robin: "We all have a lot to lose, Bruce."

Nightwing: "You made mistakes as well. If it weren't for Rivers, we'd all be dead."

Batman: "He did good. But, now that he's avenged his father, it's time for him to quit."

Red Robin: "I doubt he will."

Nightwing: "Look. I don't have time for a debate anyway. I better get back to Bludhaven."

Red Robin: "Yeah. I need to track down where that Yukuza leader went."

Both Dick and Tim got on their motorbikes and left.

Everyone doesn't trust me. I kept secrets with the intention to protect them. We all had to make sacrifices.

But, they almost died. But, it was someone outside of our circle that saved our lives. The fact that i let it get to that point is something i can't forgive myself for.

Rivers may have lost his father, but he still has family remaining. He's gambling their lives every night he wears that mask.

It's true that Gotham may be a city of scars. Maybe Rivers is right. Maybe Bruce Wayne doesn't make as much of a difference. But, he can still try. Gotham needs someone to step into the light as much as it needs someone in the darkness.
That's what Riley Rivers wants.

That's what i want.

There is still one thing that hasn't yet be resolved.

Selina.

I decided that i would give her the injection. The Batcomputer can't seem to find out if it is toxin or not. But, Selina's life worsens the more that the Black Sky remains in her system.

I gave the injection of the white liquid... There didn't seem to be any improvement,
but i couldn't tell what was happening to her body.

Batman: "Selina?"

There wasn't a response. Not even her eyes opened. Did i give her a toxin? This came from Emma Grace, who is now in charge of the Gotham Underworld.
How could i trust this? Was i so desperate to wake up Selina that I...

Selina: "Bruce?"

When i looked, Selina was looking at me with a dazed expression.

Batman: "Selina?"

Selina: "You look so worried. What's wrong?"

Batman: "Do you remember what happened?"

Selina: "I may need a kiss to remember."

Batman: "Selina..."

Selina: "Only joking. I see your sense of humour hasn't changed in my absence."

Selina explained to me about when she was kidnapped by Winston Grace and she was drugged with a strange black liquid. He doesn't recall any of the events that happened since then.

Batman: "Winston Grace is dead. He was killed by Hush."

Selina: "As much as killing isn't my thing. I don't really mind if that guy kicked the bucket. I don't like being kidnapped then drugged."

Batman: "How are you feeling now?"

Selina: "Much better. I suppose that I'll need some kind of check, right doctor?"

Batman: "This isn't a game, Selina."

Selina: "Oh, I'm being serious."

... I suppose Alfred could use the night off.

-Avenger-

I stand on top of one of Gotham's skyscrapers and I removed my mask to get some air to my face.

The city was quiet and the sky was black and blue.

I haven't really relaxed like this since dad died.

As i looked out into the city, i thought about what was going on now.

Since Kieran was likely to be disbarred after what happened with him and the fire axe, i was now out of a job as Riley Rivers.

I'll have to try to find another Law Firm to work for, or create my own. I'm sure I'll think of something. Then I'll need clients.

I'll need to think of a symbol for my law firm.

But, i did make a symbol for my costume. Harper gave me the idea. Back when she signalled me during the riots when Hamilton Hill died.

A symbol of an 'A' which had the left side of the A going down longer than the right side. I attached it to the centre of my costume.

At that moment, i felt complete. I felt like i had something to fight for.

Dad... I hope that i made you proud. I know if you were here, you wouldn't agree with what I'm doing, but i know that this is the right thing to do.

I put on my mask and i dive off the skyscraper.

Gotham is now my city.

END.