Author:
Years ago, I read Vengence: Men Among Gods by Reborn Dark Phoenix.
I thought it was one of the best fanfiction stories I ever read and recently discovered it again.
As of this, date and time, it has not been updated since chapter 7 back in July of 2016, and any attempts to reach the Author have failed.
After some time, I am taking this initiative and carrying on the Author's fantastic work and premise in my own vision – which will include some changes to the initial story. I feel this is now as good a time as ever, especially with the upcoming animated film adaption of Injustice: Gods Among Us.
All credit for this premise goes to Reborn Dark Pheonix and all characters are owned by DC comics and Warner Bros.
I have made a few changes to the story so far. But none that would require me to have to rewrite Vengence's first seven chapters. The changes go as follows:
Wonder Woman is not a Batman supporter and is as set against his growing tyranny just as Superman is.
Talia, who was pregnant with hers and Bruce's second child, as well as Alfred dying. Lex Luthor shot Alfred dead on the doorstep of Wayne Manor and took Talia hostage. Wired a nuke detonator to her heart and when Batman arrived, he was infected with Scarecrow gas and thinking Talia was Bane, attacked her and killed her and their second baby, leading to the nuke going off in the centre of Gotham. I'm sure you guys can put together the rest. You can read the original version to catch up to where this continues from.
I hope you all enjoy, follow and review. Without further ado, I can only hope to do the original story justice.
This is Huningstonson543's Vengeance: Men Among Gods
Huningtonson543
*Metropolis, New York state, USA*
09:34 PM, June 11, 2013
*McCay Residence*
The couple of Norman McCay, and his wife, Annie, sat around the table, as was traditional routine for them. Bacon and Eggs as usual on a Saturday morning. They were a quiet, faithful couple. No children, now forty and thirty-eight years old respectively.
He smiled as she gave him his plate, which she also gave in-turn and poured his own coffee.
He turned up the radio as the news rolled in.
"Recent efforts by the newly established, "Wayne Security Force", the newly created private military company wing of Wayne Industries, in Iraq have managed to supress the upsurge in violent extremism – with Mr Bruce Wayne, now known as the vigilante, "Batman", promising that this will be a new norm in global crisis management, nearly two months after the devastating and tragic attack on Gotham city orchestrated by Lex Luthor."
"We recently managed to speak briefly to J'onn J'onzz, known better as the Martin Manhunter, and a close ally and supporter of the new initiative of Batman.
"Order will finally be reached in that region and any other unstable region on earth. Batman has shown what happens when you put efficiency before being held back by corrupt bureaucrats – as shown in Iraq and soon elsewhere – the Wayne Security Force will be able to achieve what no countries have been able to for decades. The WSF is open to all those who wish to make a true difference. That is all I have to say for now."
The newscaster continued.
"Wayne Industries' continues its acquisition and expansion of private military companies, with recent buyouts of TYGER, as well as a buyout of Kord industries, as well as the remaining assets of the Stagg corporation. In other news, a crisis in the Balkans was resolved by Starfire and Nightwing..."
Norman sighed as the news continued. Since Gotham was destroyed, Batman and many of the superheroes across the world have been on a crusade to enforce peace on the world at any cost.
"Are you okay, honey?" his wife asks.
He gave a smile.
"Yeah, it's just… what happened Annie? Batman and the Justice League seem to be unstoppable."
She looked at him curiously.
"Don't you think it's a good thing? We have peace and stability for the first time in God knows how long. And its Batman, or Bruce Wayne, he only seems to want to do what's right."
Norman wasn't entirely convinced.
"But… ever since Gotham, where he killed Luthor, don't get me wrong, Luthor probably deserved what happened. But now… interfering in internal affairs of sovereign governments, private armies that only answer to him? What he did to Atlantis- "
"Atlantis marched on us and invaded our coasts!"
"Yes, but that was in retaliation for our constant pollution and hunting of their species – to Atlanteans, a whale is considered as sentient and worthy of protection as people are. And Batman had that city – millions of people, Annie – lifted and risked all their deaths!"
They both stayed silent for a second.
He looked to his wife.
"I want to think Bruce Wayne means the best for us. That he'll keep himself in check – if Superman or Wonder Woman can't or are unable to stop him... I hope he does only what he needs to… but Annie, all this… It's too much power for one person, and it's all in the hands of a man who seems to believe he has nothing left to lose… I'm just not sure anymore."
Annie grabbed hands from across the table. She gently stroked them in a comforting way.
She smiled again, this time, sadder than before.
"Sometimes neither am I."
They continued to eat their meal in peace. Praying, wishing and hoping for the best.
It was all they had.
Superman took to the sky, the body limp and unmoving in his arms. Tears continued down his face.
He remembers this. Remembers it too well. To be alone, to lose what he had loved. It was not just family. He was alone, to not be isolated anymore as one of the only members of his species left anywhere. To know there were others like him… it was gone.
Another one of his people. Another Kryptonian. Another one of his kin was dead.
Metropolis, New York state, USA.
16:30 PM, 11 June 2013
*Galaxy Broadcasting Network building*
"Hello, I'm Cat Grant and this is a special edition of The Cat Grant show. It has been eight weeks since the horrific attack on Gotham. And billionaire Bruce Wayne, AKA the Batman, continues to enforce his worldwide peace initiative – but more and more questions continue to be raised as to whom keeps Batman and his allies in check. Our nation is bitterly divided on the issue, a recent polling showed a near equal number across the country agree with and condone these recent actions, while another condemn and oppose them."
*The camara goes to an empty seat near edge of the table. Cat looks on as the camara returns to her, clearly not expecting this. *
Meanwhile at The Fortress of Solitude, Superman, Supergirl and Power Girl watch on at the massive TV monitor.
Cat gulps and keeps a brave face.
"My apologies. We are expecting Dr Boone to arrive shortly – "
A rough and deep voice spoke up.
"Sorry."
Emerging from the shadows of the studio stage, emerged Two Face, one of Gotham's most famous super-villains.
"A nation divided. The second show on GBN, and my friend Bruce's moral compass cut in two…" he gave a laugh.
"Couldn't help myself."
Before he could flip his coin and decide the fate of Cat. A shadow emerged from the ceiling.
Batman
As if a force of nature, Batman kicked Two Face into the nearby monitors, nonchalantly taking the coin in hand.
Two Face began to twitch.
"What was it… tell me, someone… tell me."
Batman simply glared. Placing it in one of his pockets.
Two Face picked up his second hidden gun.
"Tell me, Batman… please, I don't care who you are, or what you'll do next… just tell me, heads or tails?"
Batman just stood there, a stone statue of fury and judgement.
"No." he answered simply.
"Tell me!"
As he yelled, Batman threw a baterang, slicing into the former District Attorney's hand.
The security then tackled Two Face to the ground. Cuffing and taking him away.
Cat nervously approached the Batman.
"Thank you, Batman. I'm glad you were here just in time."
Batman looked down on the blonde reporter.
"I was tracking him for days. I figured out his next attack would be here."
"Oh… right."
As Batman was about to grapple away. Cat took the chance.
"Excuse me, Batman, or Mr Wayne, would you able to answer some questions?"
"I have work to do." He gruffly replied.
"No." she said defiantly. "I see what you're doing, I believe that what you're doing is right, but please. The people need to be assured with more than just a simple UN statement. Help us understand your motives. What you truly want"
Before the natural word of "no" could leave his lips, Batman thought on what her words actually meant. He was never one for the public eye as Batman. It was Clark or Diana who were always the respected faces who'd reassure the journalists and media.
But now, with so much power, he realised, he had a responsibility to assure them.
He'd shunned the light before, but now it was time to embrace it and use it to its full potential.
"Alright. Let's do it."
Both people sat down. The cameras adjusting and the word out that Batman himself would be elaborating on his actions.
Cat began her questioning.
"In the last month and a half, you and many members of your Bat Clan and the Justice League associates have taken a new hands-on approach of personally ending conflicts and government gridlock. But many feel you are beginning to overstep your – what many call – already shaky legitimacy to enforce the law."
Clear and precise, Batman responded.
"We only intend to see that violent and dangerous criminals of all kinds are stopped. The governments of the world have already failed to stop them. If the supposed representatives of the people refuse to do anything, then it leaves us no choice but to do so ourselves. You've seen that it works."
"It has taken…" he paused. A pained look on his features, evident even through the mask. "It took losing my city to a monster to see that It was foolish and arrogant to not use all means available. From my abilities as Batman, to my influence and reach with my company."
Cat responded.
"As seen, your new Wayne Aid Program has been massively effective. In Venezuela, Sudan and Burma, people are eating three meals a day and have free educational and work programs."
She hesitated before proceeding.
"We have heard that you lost people there whom you were close to… the late Commissioner James Gordan, Detective Renee Montya and Harvey Bullock… but also, your butler, Alfred Pennyworth, who was said to be a father figure to you… and your wife, Talia."
Batman didn't answer for some time.
"I lost them all… every night I see their faces. I see what happened. I see my failure. I think of them, every day and they remind me of why I do this."
"Lex Luthor… did you kill him?" Cat asked.
"Yes." Batman replied. As if it was the easiest thing in the world.
"Well… I don't think there is a person in this city who thinks you did the wrong thing, including me."
Batman's glare intensified at the camara screen at that.
"You'd find plenty who think I was wrong… some who prefer playing hero and defending these monsters."
Batman removed his helm. The bright and burning eyes of Bruce Wayne were present.
"That is why I'm in Metropolis. Your city is bleeding, and I'm here to staunch the wounds for good. Before they fester as they did in Gotham."
*The Fortress of Solitude, Northern Arctic*
16:46 PM, June 11, 2013
Superman spoke before anyone else could.
"Kara, Karen. We need to get to Metropolis as soon as we can. If they haven't already got there, we can discourage Bruce and his allies from trying to enter Stryker's.
In the background. Batman talked of his plan and motive. Stryker's island did not have the capabilities to contain its many criminals – and with the influx of inmates from the former Blackgate and Arkham Asylum facilities in Gotham. It was time that they be moved to a new prison, of an undisclosed location. Criminals no longer deserved protection or help. They needed punishment, and only Batman himself would be capable of providing it.
Superman feared the worst.
"Clark, just stop, what are you doing?" Karen asked.
"He's going to Stryker's, Karen. Who knows what he'll do with the inmates- "
"Good." She replied arms folded.
Superman floated in the air, as did Supergirl.
"Karen… we've already had this talk. We have to get there before Batman- "
"Oh, I'll come, just as long as we're going there to burn it to the ground. Inmates along with it. "
"Karen..." Supergirl spoke up, sounding appalled.
Power Girl rolled her eyes.
"Oh please, Kara. You know they have it coming as much as I do. Just like Luthor did. If Batman wants to move them away, or better yet just put them down and be done with it. I say we stay out of it or help."
"Karen… we don't do this for a reason- "
Power Girl snapped at that.
"Oh, shove it, Clark!" her eyes burning red.
"I'm older than Kara. Stop talking to me like a child. Have you considered maybe for just one single second that you're the one in the wrong and not him? God, you arrogant boy-scout- "
"We'll continue this another time." Superman replied. Knowing it would just waste time to get into another debate with Karen. Even as some of what she said was starting to concern him deeply.
Both Superman and Super Girl flew away at high-speed before the CEO of Starr industries could continue. Wanting to reach Metropolis and Stryker's Island. If they were lucky, they'd get there before Batman.
They flew fast over the Atlantic straight for the island.
"You get her point though, right?"
Superman turned to his cousin.
"This isn't our call. We don't get to decide who lives and who dies. And we have no authority to intern people with no trial, jury or judge. "
"I know… it's just. She's not totally wrong about them breaking out over and over."
She gave a smile.
"And you can be a goody two shoes, you know." She says with a chuckle.
He gave a sad smile and brief chuckle in return. Kara always brought the best out in him and he was always grateful for her.
"I know… trust me, I absolutely see Karen's point, and after what she went through, losing her world." He signed. "I can't say I wouldn't want to do the same."
His eyes were refocused.
"But we can't lose ourselves. We're servants of the people, not their jailers or decision makers – not with the power and influence we have - Batman cannot see that. He's grieving and not thinking straight… I just hope we can solve this peacefully."
*Stryker's Island Penitentiary, Metropolis, New York state, USA*
16:58 PM
Batman, Martin Manhunter, Hawkman, Cassandra Cain, Cyborg, Nightwing and Starfire led Two Face, now in a strait jacket down to the cells.
The doctor who met them at the gate led the way.
"That was fine work, Batman, I'm thankful we can continue Mr. Dent's progress here at Stryker's. His notes say he was coming along very well before- "
It was Hawkman who answered in Batman's place.
"We're done with that liberal nonsense and we're not here to return him to you, fool. We're taking him, and these other scum out and putting them somewhere where they won't get out from ever again."
The doctor, immediately got in their way.
"You don't have the right to- "
Hawkman shoved him roughly to the side.
"Pfft, says who?" the Thanagarian stated dismissively.
"We do, Katar." A new and familiar voice responded.
Superman and Supergirl were already at the holding cells. Criminals and rogues from all over inhabited them: Parasite, Gorilla Grodd, Nimrod the Hunter, Silver Banshee, Livewire. As well as the recently arrived Gotham villains. Killer Croc, Harley Quinn and Bane."
"Ah oh." Harley muttered from her cell. A sentiment no doubt shared with all the inmates at the sight of the Batman and his enforcers.
Thought it was not shared by everyone.
The Joker laughed uncontrollably from his own cell.
"Bats, is that you? What the hell have you been up to? Expanding your playground outside old Gotham, your own goons now, being driven off the deep end and sticking a baterang in old Lexie's throat… you beautiful bastard you! We have so much to catch up on, darling!
"Be quiet, Joker." Superman yelled.
"Don't be too scared, Joker, he'll just save your worthless life at the end anyway." A voice spoke up from where Batman and his followers stood.
Superman froze, and to his right, Supergirl sounded just as shocked.
Karen please no
Nightwing spoke up.
"Seems you were right, Power Girl. He's here, right where you told us he'd be. We appreciate the heads up."
Behind the team of heroes opposite to Superman, stood his other cousin, side by side as an ally of Batman.