AN: Guess who's back?
FEEDBACK:
EmperorCeph: Yes I know right? Zenkichi has his work cut out for him
Gamelover41592: Thx!
Kingkaper: Thx bud! The strikers are here baby!
The AnimatedGamer: Clayface is the vain arc man! But otherwise yeah, I'd love Gordan And Zenkichi having coffee together.
Faightan Gaims: Thanks man I'm hype too!
A cold wendigo: Cool theories bro! Have a good day as well!
Constantine: Lmao yeah! Thanks for the words!
Zack: I like WW's relationship with Joker too! Thanks for the comment!
Guest: Thx! Calling Bruce Ganimard would be funny! But Idk about Batgirl falling in love with Joker.
Guest: Mr. Mxyzptlk will have a long talk with Bat-mite soon I assure you.
Guest: no worries mate, they haven't lost their way. But they fight wars now so…
Guest: Bruce will be distorted a good portion more yeah.
Guest: I can't tell who wins, that's lame!
Bathrithariq: Nah you ain't cursed just unlucky
Guest: No thanks, react fics never appealed to me personally.
Schattensold08: THX for reading man! Enjoy!
Guest: Yeah they are really one upping JLA huh? Well I'll try to balance things out.
Guest: Thx!
Guest: Roger, making more chapters.
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June 1st, Early Morning
Park Row, On the Mark Pawn Shop
Sunny
"THIS SUMMER!" The television boomed dramatically. The red words dripped blood down the screen, only to reveal Basil Karlos staring in a threatening manner into the camera.
"From the people who brought you, Defiant Until Hell, Fish in the Mirror, and Owls of the Mountain…" All of these movies quickly forgotten within six months.
"Comes a return to form of the Horror genre. THE TERROR!"
"Shh...he'll find us." A generic woman in her thirties trying to play a teenager whispered.
"Don't worry babe. I'll protect you." The generic man in his forties trying to play a teenager reassured.
They were about to make out in their brand sponsored car, before a hand smashed into the driver window.
"EEEEEKKKKK!" The girl screamed dramatically.
A hand slammed through the car.
Floyd rolled his eyes as he turned the annoying commercial down. It was like that shitty remake was the only thing coming out in theaters right now. He couldn't care less, frankly all the chaos the Phantom Thieves were stirring gave him more than enough of a headache.
Not to mention the serial killer on the loose mimicking the movie's villain. He barely felt comfortable with his kid walking alone anymore. Gotham was rough, but this was ridiculous.
The bell chimed and a man in an army jacket and cowboy hat came in.
"Get the fuck out." Floyd clutched the gun in his hand even tighter. He knew they'd come.
"Now, now be civil Lawton. Wouldn't want the rest of the boys charging in and taking you by force, would you?" Rick Flag offered a neutral frown. He frankly didn't want to do this. But orders are orders.
"I'm out. I didn't do anything illegal for a-"
"We both know that doesn't matter to her. She wants you, and she's prepared to do what's necessary to convince you." He raised the damned trigger up.
"They said they removed the bomb." Floyd felt despair overflow his body.
"They lied, Floyd. We just want you to answer some questions and-"
"BULLSHIT!" Floyd pounded his fist on the counter. Flag simply stood there, his commando facade cracking at the seams.
"So this is how it is huh? This is how the government you love so much treats people?! You're all disgusting, pathetic worms. I went legit, clean, haven't put the suit on in years. And this is the thanks I get?!" Floyd roared.
"Just do it, Lawton. We need you alive, but we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Starting with the girl." Flag sighed.
Floyd was quick to grab Flag over the counter by the collar. Floyd stared at the man with such venom and hatred. Flag remained neutral, numbed by the multitude of worse things he's done over the years.
"You keep your fucking hands off Zoe. I'm done. I'm out I-"
"Daddy?" Zoe called as she walked down into the store to see the two men arguing. The tension of the room made her scared.
Rick remained silent as he spared a glance to the child and went back to staring at Floyd. The father released his hold on his former associate.
"Hey, baby girl. Daddy's just catching up with a…friend." Floyd practically had to force the last word out.
"Is everything ok? You're not in trouble are you?" The girl clutched her backpack in fear.
"Nothing to worry about. You better get off to school though, I can't drive you today. Hurry up or you'll miss the bus." Floyd clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.
"O-ok." Zoe skittishly walked by the man in the cowboy hat and opened the door. She spared one last glance to her father. Floyd could barely meet those scared wide eyes.
"Love you." Zoe offered shyly.
"Love you too, honey. Text me when you get there okay?" Floyd asked nicely. On the inside he practically begged for her to do so.
With that Zoe nodded with a small smile and walked out the store.
"Nice kid. Sure she's yours?" Rick brushed off his jacket.
"Flag. Please…If something happens to me I-"
"We have agents watching her every move. Ready for the off chance you do something stupid. That happens, she'll be sent off to some foster care. You'll never be allowed to see her again." Flag offered coldly.
"You bastards. I did my time. I've been good…Why?" Floyd grit his teeth and fought back tears.
"In or out? Final warning." Rick scowled.
"As if theres a fucking choice." Floyd closed his eyes and faced downward towards the floor.
Rick put a burner phone on the counter, on it were coordinates. Somewhere in Ryker Heights if Floyd remembered right.
"Show up to these coordinates by 20:00. Bring the suit." Flag turned, looked back at the phone and turned to the door. Floyd just stood there, all the bad memories that kept him up at night were coming back. All the death and dark dealings he went through under Task Force X.
"Welcome back Deadshot. Waller sends her regards." Flag left the building to leave the broken man inside alone.
Floyd walked to his shooting range and crouched on one knee. He opened a secret compartment on the floor and pulled out a briefcase. He walked back to the glass counter and sighed.
With two clicks, the briefcase opened and there it was.
His white mask with the most high tech scope money could buy at the time. He picked the mask up, held it so tightly as to rip it at any moment.
A single tear fell on the white fabric.
"Zoe…I'm sorry. Guess you can never escape the past." Floyd sobbed.
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June 1st, Early Morning
Batcave
Sunny
The bats flew erratically as the sounds of the Batmobile echoed throughout the cave.
Alfred stood with his hands behind his back as the door hissed open, and Batman stepped out of the car.
"Breakfast sir?" Alfred raised a brow.
"Move." Batman stormed past Alfred as he went to his enormous computer. He typed furiously and multiple windows of footage appeared. The Phantom Stars were in full effect even to this hour. The little criticism met with the chaos the past few days were swept under the rug, for the Phantoms only, of course. The riots were dying down due to Diana and her army of now thousands. Which was only met with more scrutiny on his end.
And to top it all off, the little website the children made was now streaming live.
"We're here now with a special interview with Wonder Woman from a discreet location." Ryder smirked as the camera glitched on.
"Glad to be here. Though I wish it was with more convenient means." Diana smiled gracefully.
"Nonsense, all the kids nowadays watch stuff like this. Streaming is the future they say." Ryder pointed out.
"I was mentioning the fact we must hide from the world's government, Mr. Ryder."
"Ah, speaking of which, anything to say to them or the League now you're free from imprisonment?" Ryder urged.
"No, I believe they've made their choice about me and the people I support. My message goes out to the people rallying for my release. I am safe, I am here, and I'm never going away. Please stop rioting in my name when there is no need to. Peaceful protest is perfectly acceptable, but if you start looting be warned, my Phantom Stars will be patrolling the streets of the world from here on out. And just because you protest in our name does not mean we won't hand you to the proper authorities." Wonder Woman stated firmly.
Batman slammed his fist on his desk. So now they just announce this on top of it all?
Of course, why wouldn't they? It seems each Amazon he took out last night, two took her place. They are everywhere, keeping the streets clean of the ongoing chaos their teenage leader caused.
And now that they're done with that, Diana's dream finally came true. He has multiple reports from all around the world. The Amazons in full are running in the streets of every major city.
All of them now fully embracing Joker's message, all now wearing that outfit Donna wore in hell with slight variations.
Joker completely changed an extremely misanthropic culture, into one that worships the ground he steps on. The few Batman managed to capture would rather spit in his face than say a word of where The Phantom Thieves could be. It happened multiple times already.
And with Talia, Selina, and now Dick…Bruce wasn't finding anything substantial anytime soon.
"Sir, while I'm sure you're in no mood for more bad news, I'm afraid I must tell you something." Alfred walked up behind him.
"What is it Alfred?" Batman rubbed his eyes.
"I'm afraid Cyborg has gone rogue. Master Tim and the rest of his associates are currently looking for his whereabouts." Alfred explained.
"What?" Batman narrowed his eyes at the older man.
"He seemed of the belief that you would arrest the defectors. I wonder what could bring him to such a conclusion?" Alfred sarcastically asked.
"Where are they?" Batman got up and walked up to the man. Alfred didn't even flinch.
"Sir, I know you're set in opinion after what happened up in the Watchtower, but you must understand-"
"Where. Are. They?"
"The Titans can handle this, please just let this one thing be done by someone else." Alfred sighed.
Batman narrowed his eyes and turned away from his elder, marching back to the computer.
"Sir, you haven't slept or eaten for three days."
"I've gone longer." Batman hissed.
"That's not the issue, sir. I understand your anger towards the Thieves, but do you not have multiple other priorities? Wouldn't it be smart to offer some of the responsibility to Master Tim and his team? Instead of simply sitting in this cave idle?"
"I'm not having this discussion again. Meta heroes will not walk Gotham's streets, not now, not ever. And Tim, Cassandra, and Damian have been massive disappointments as of late. I will not let failure go unpunished Alfred. They won't learn otherwise."
Alfred sighed as Bruce started to undress and change into another batsuit. The immense amount of scarring showed on his face and body as the man made it to the changing rooms. His ward would have to spend extra effort on concealing his wounds today. Alfred waited as Bruce changed. The younger man stepped out with the deep scowl he usually wore at nights. He was in no state to go back out there.
Bruce was calibrating all of the costume's inner computing. Alfred was obviously going to spend the entire day lecturing. Bruce didn't have the time for this. He was about to jump back into the Batmobile when Alfred put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
"Master Bruce, please. I must insist. One hour, that's all I want. One hour of you in your bed. And thirty minutes for you to have a proper meal. Your body will thank you, as will I." Alfred pleaded, worry plastered on his face.
Bruce looked at him for a long moment. Every fiber of his being told him to rest. He was tired, frustrated, and starving. But a voice deep inside, roared in defiance.
"A single second lost is a second our enemies can gain a foothold. We must fight, we must not hesitate, WE MUST NOT SURRENDER!" The general roared.
"I have to go back out there. And since you won't tell me where the Titans are, I'll find them myself." Bruce glared.
"You have to sleep. You're in no state to go back out on patrol. You're barely thinking straight.. Not to mention, your body is a breath away from collapse. Please Master Bruce, you can't keep going on like this. It's not smart of you, nor productive." Alfred scowled right back.
Bruce took a deep breath, the rage the past two days brought subsiding for basic survival. Logic crept back, turning the general's roars into spiteful mutters. Bruce closed his eyes and pinched his brow.
"Thirty minutes sleep. Not a second longer." Bruce groaned.
"You'll allow yourself to be human for a full hour and thirty minutes. You'll sleep and eat like the damn rest of us. And you'll bloody like it." Alfred scoffed.
"Fine. But the second I wake up-"
"Yes, yes. I'll allow you to track down the Titans, the Thieves. Whatever you desire to focus on. Just for the love of god sir, sleep. For my sake." Alfred sighed.
Bruce nodded as darkness overtook the corners of his eyes. Alfred put an arm around his ward's shoulder and led towards the cave's elevator.
It was at times like these Alfred felt he's failed his adopted son. When the broken orphan was close to death due to the stubbornness the man had to his cause.
Alfred wanted more for Bruce. A life outside of misery and corruption. A life outside of beating thugs on the streets in his parents name.
But as the butler became older, Bruce became worse and worse, and Alfred didn't know what he could do to make it better. Everyday, his son marches ever closer to his own cell in the asylum.
Alfred can only watch and pray his boy finds the help he needs before the Batman finally snaps.
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June 1st, Morning
The Cauldron, GCPD Lockup
Sunny
(Disquiet P5 OST)
The feds continued setting up for their continued stay in Gotham. They were quiet to take over everything that had to do with the Phantom Thieves investigation. At least it toned down the yelling of the higher ups for Gordon. But the man didn't like not being able to even look at the kid's files anymore. As of now everything after the files the JLA released is to be classified information to the public. That included him as well apparently.
But the Commissioner had more than that to worry about today.
"BREAKING NEWS REPORTING! Vicki Vale here reporting. Roland Daggett, highly esteemed business entrepreneur and CEO of ACE Chemicals was found dead in his mansion last night. Reports show it another strike of a string of murders carried out by a new serial killer popping out of the wood work. The method of dead seems to have been a carbon copy of an old classic movie 'The Terror'. Though this reporter questions the validity when every square inch of his bedroom was covered in what seems to be clay. Are these rumors simply because of the mass marketing of the remake flooding the streets of Gotham? We shall see, all though of course the production crew and movie producers have denied any connection." The reporter explained.
Jim sighed, if it wasn't one thing it was another. With Waller and her goons on his next another murder case is causing fear at night. A very theatrical one at that.
With the Phantom Thieves already causing mayhem, the public outcry for the police to get their act together on this was deafening. He had his best people on it.
"Tell me some good news." Jim told Officier Mack.
"The boys in analysis have at least confirmed something. It isn't clay, but rather a sort of makeup. Face creamer they said." Mack revealed.
"Huh?! That makes no sense! How did the killer get that much of it?" Gordon asked.
"No idea. We're running through brands, it's the one Daggett made. Renuyu." Mack answered.
In the vents a man in a Phantom Star mask smiled.
"You get all that?" He asked.
"Yep! This is big Nightwing! The first lead we had in forever! Karlos is the face of that makeup brand! Ann always talks about the commercials and how ridiculous they are." Futaba chirped.
Dick planted a bug in the room and exited the lockup. He knew it would pay off to give Barb's old man a visit. Karlos was obviously the suspect in the case. Vale just didn't know the whole picture. Now the team had multiple leads and a connection point to why Karlos would have a palace.
Dick smirked at his ability. At least without his suit he could still do this. White Rabbit was still making a replacement. At least he can trust it'll be better than the jacket and jeans.
The word was spread around. The plan in motion to follow every lead on Karlos. Starting with connecting the dots to what his key words would be. They would have to check the plant at night when there were no workers.
Dick would also check Karlos' house then just to check if there's anything useful.
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June 1st, Morning
Kingston Library
Sunny
Diana was quick to pull together a neutral area with the help of Sophie. Apparently the Thieves had plenty of funds to buy out a district library without making a dent in the funds. It shouldn't surprise her really, Akira has done much more in much less time.
The dusty abandoned library was a sad site, but it would work for now. Phantom Stars were on every floor of the building, waiting for anything to happen. Diana and Joker sat side by side at a makeshift meeting desk made of smaller study tables. The rest of the Thieves were all with Dick tracking down the next target.
Donna was standing on Diana's left and Zauriel on Akira's right. As much as Diana didn't want a fight, nothing was off the table as of now. She barely convinced the boy to do this. He was so used to getting the raw deal and another fight with the League was the last thing he needed right now.
"Thank you for doing this, Akira. I know you have more important tasks at hand." Diana crossed her right leg and sighed in worry.
"It's no problem. At least with this, Flash and Manhunter can have somewhere to meet us. Though they have to make their case as well." Joker flipped through Basil Karlo's autobiography.
Diana could only nod, wanting to give each a stern talking to as well.
The library door opened, the Phantom Stars quick to draw their weapons from their hiding place. A blond haired, blue eyed white man came in with his hands up.
"Barry." Diana greeted.
"Hey Di. I'm here to…make things right." Barry sighed.
"Come, sit." Diana patted the table. Barry walked over, taking in the masked scowls of the Amazons that were all about the library. He sat across from the two.
"Now, you said you want to make things right. I assume this is due to Wally and all that stuff about Thawn?" Diana continued.
"Y-yeah. I messed up. I know you're probably doubtful but I wanna help however I can. So I can make it up to Wally and his mother." Barry rubbed his neck, eyes downcast.
"Oh? I suppose I'm just supposed to believe that after everything? You were dismissive before. What changed?" Diana pressed.
"I was willing to go along with Bats at first. I mean he brought up good points about how all this could be uprooted the minute the demon gets bored. The danger of that happening outweighed everything else at that moment. But then everything went south, and everyone I cared about hated what I did. Now I agree. Whatever risks there are, the Thieves are worth at least helping. Wally sees that, and I trust him enough to give you guys a chance." Barry explained.
"He's really mad at you Flash. I think it's about more than giving me a chance." Joker raised a brow.
"No kidding. But it's at least a start. Whatever you guys need, I'll help. Hopefully he'll see that as a way of me admitting I was wrong about all this." Barry offered.
"Joker, what do you think?" Donna asked the leader.
"I'm not saying no to another League member helping. That'd be stupid. But frankly, I don't trust you. Diana, are you willing to have him help with the Stars? I don't want him too close to the chest quite yet." Joker asked.
"Of course, does that sound reasonable, Barry?" Diana sternly looked at the man.
"Yeah, can you- just tell Wally I'm sorry. For everything." Barry sighed.
"Yes, of course. I'm sure you two can work things out soon. I'm proud of you for coming like this. Sisters? He'll be of help in my hideout as of now. Take him there would you?" Diana smiled as she gave Barry a quick hug and let her Amazons take him away.
"He's devastated." Joker said simply.
"He should be." Donna coldly offered.
"Barry always has a hard time facing his regrets. But he always comes out better from it. He'll be fine, Wally just needs to heal. When they're together they're a force to be reckoned with." Diana explained as she sat back down.
They waited for the next arrival, purposefully spacing the meetings out to prevent further disruption. Joker wanted to go at it one member at a time.
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June 1st, Midday
Iceberg Lounge
Sunny
Penguin took a long drag out of his long cigarette. The tuxedo wearing man had been put through the wringer as of late due to the chaos on the streets. The kids actually did it. Wonder Woman was now free, somewhere in Gotham, and worst of all she brought all of her sisters with her.
The riots were not new, not in the slightest. A small loss in money and shipment. That's it. But now, he's losing big time. He couldn't even go outside anymore, he lost hundreds of guys the last two nights alone. They'd be out in days. Amazons can't change the system overnight but still…
He didn't like this. Not at all. He offered forty million dollars for each head of the Phantom Thieves. But now, they had half of the Titans with them.
"This is all the help I could find." Prometheus said as he led four people in.
"Are you bloody joking. Only four fucking showed?!" Penguin hissed.
The first was Killer Moth who went MIA years ago. The self proclaimed anti-Batman reveled in the idea of killing the kids who took over his turf. The money would be good too. He could finally fix up his Mothmobile. Shouldn't be too hard, if there's anything he's learned from Gotham it's that rumors are often just that. There's no way all the shit the kids have done is true.
The second was Copperhead. The contortionist fell on hard times and needed the dough. He for one believed in the rumors, but was lacking in options. He would poison one of the kids while their backs were turned and run off with the money. Forty million for one head was more than enough to last for a while.
Cheetah on the other hand, was in this for more than money. She scoffed at all the others besides her. She could kill them in an instant. The Thieves didn't matter at all to her, but to kill them would get to Wonder Woman. The British woman purred at the thought of finally killing the hero and getting the lasso of truth. And the blood of the children would be proper payback for all the things Diana has done to her over the years. The ravenous woman would tear the Thieves limb from limb, and make Wonder Woman watch.
"Everyone else turned tail and ran for the hills. Nobody wants to step foot in Gotham. Let alone for the Thieves. They're all scared of fairy tales." KGBeast scoffed.
"Suckers. Those kids are nothing. Give me five seconds and I'll have them crying for their mommys." One of the four said. Electricutioner smirked in arrogance as he hyped himself up. The last mercenary saw this all as easy money. There was no way some kids attacked the Watchtower and took down big shots like Black Mask. It was all bull.
"Electricutioner, though your sorry ass died years ago." Penguin scoffed.
"Can't keep me down bossman. These chumps are no match for me, give me a day and I'll- UGH!" Blood was quick to splatter from the man's throat. His body thumped onto the ground.
"Now he's dead. You're welcome, love." Cheetah licked her hand as she savored the taste of blood.
"I needed him, bitch! I should kill you RIGHT NOW!" Penguin squaked.
"He was annoying and useless. Like the rest of these sorry assholes." Cheetah smirked as all of Penguin's men pointed guns at her. She didn't need this, she could just kill them all and steal the money.
"It's fine, it's fine! Just bloody bring me their heads. And learn some professionalism while you're at it!" Penguin yelled.
"Heh. Pay me more than. Catch you later." The furred woman flipped her hair and exited the building. Her tail swinging behind her.
The two mercs left stared at each other and at the dead body before them. Killer Moth was quick to shrug it off and take leave. Copperhead sighed and was not far behind him.
Penguin rubbed his head as his boys removed the body from his lounge. Now he had to get the cleaners, dispose of the body, and now a headache was starting to form. There was no way these people would catch these kids. Cheetah was his only hope, and he didn't like his odds with that. Everyone was scared shirtless of a group of kids, goons were dropping like flies, and he was bleeding cash.
"Get me the strongest brandy we got. And the emergency burner." Penguin grumbled. His secretary was quick to obey. The woman gave him a glass of fine liquor that he downed in one gulp.
"Arrange for more initiates to join. Any cocksucker on the street who isn't dead or arrested is allowed in. Up the bounty to eight mil a head. No, ten." Penguin ordered.
"Yes, Mr. Cobblepot." The secretary nodded and left the round mob boss.
Penguin sighed. "These kids were more trouble than they're worth. Like hell I'll pay any street rat that much. But I'm getting desperate. The clown is expanding. Things were about to get even worse. Crazies will flock to the fucker in mass, and I'll only get the scraps of what's left."
Cobblepot was not prepared for another gang war. Not anymore, with the Phantom Stars arresting his men in mass. The four, now three mercs he managed to nab were in no way good enough. Cheetah may get lucky, but he needed more than luck right now. He needed a guarantee.
And only one person right now seemed up to the task.
He picked up the burner and dialed the number addressed to One Eye. The man prepared to wait a long time to actually be put through to the assassin.
Seems like the only way to save money, was to pay for the best.
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June 1st, Midday
Kingston Library
Sunny
The library door opened again to show a tall, bulky, bald, black man. His face was neutral as he sensed the Amazon soldiers from miles away. He stood still after he closed the door behind him.
"J'onn. Welcome please come sit." Diana offered.
The man nodded and came to sit with Diana and the Trickster. Joker was quick to get to the point.
"Lavenza told me you let her free. You, Aquaman, and his wife I believe, had her cornered. But more importantly, she says you did something to her. Care to explain?" Joker pressed..
"Yes Trickster. It is a common effect of a powerful attack of mine. In trying to render the victim unconscious, the memories of said victim are unintentionally revealed to me. Do tell her I apologize for such an invasion of privacy." J'onn explained.
"How much do you know, J'onn?" Diana asked.
"I know of the Velvet Room. The poor attendant who was spit in two." J'onn answered.
"If you went that far back you must have seen everything that happened back then." Joker sighed.
"Yes. I was wary of following Batman before. Now I couldn't live with myself doing anything other than helping her. And in extension you. To endure such pain, it is inexcusable on our part to not ease it. You have my deepest apologies, Joker. I wanted to stay long enough to make sure you and your friends are released after you served your time. I now realize how foolish and immoral taking you in would be." J'onn confessed.
"J'onn, I didn't know you were-" Diana couldn't finish her sentence.
"I was fully committed to quitting with you Diana. But the demon's threats got the better of me. I never wanted to throw these children into a cell. But it seemed necessary for a time. I would never let another rot like others have done to me." J'onn continued.
"Just be glad you didn't hear anything too important. The boss already did something to Booster Gold. You got off easy with digging in my attendant's memory." Joker sighed.
"I hope he's alright. But we can't do anything about it at the moment. Regarding you J'onn, I see no reason you can't join when we let Barry in. I don't completely agree with the way you handled the situation at first, but at least your heart was in the right place." Diana added.
"For now you'll join Flash, but I might be in contact for something more if the situation calls for it. Welcome aboard." Joker nodded.
The Phantom Stars led the alien away. Now there was only Superman's met up.
Joker sweated a bit at that. The only reason he even stood a chance against the man was Messiah Picaro's ability to drain physical attacks. He really got lucky to fight the magical cuffs enough to summon the god. Joker rubbed his wrists at the thought .
Superman made it clear he wasn't joining but offering a hand at figuring out what to do about Bat-mite. The little bastard didn't kill the hero yet, so there must be something holding him back. And the slightest glimpse of a weakness was all that was needed for Joker to start digging.
He just hopes it all isn't a big trick.
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June 2nd, Early Morning
Tokyo, Japan
Clear Skies
Inside an elevator of a tall skyscraper stood an old assassin waiting for his floor. Underneath was a small underground bunker that held his target. Some shady business maker who went against the wrong people, but was heavily protected. He humored it for a fee.
In one hand he held a shuriken in the other, one of his trusty handguns. All along his armor was strapped weaponry. His other handgun strapped to his hip, throwing knives and shurikens on his thigh. On his back was a katana and his famous promethium sword. The very metal used to create Cyborg, and the very metal that coated his own armor.
The masked assassin wore a black and orange mask that covered one side's eye. The elevator dinged as it reached the desired floor of the underground bunker. His headset rang again,a potential job most likely, desperate as well. An added challenge for what was to come.
The elevator doors opened revealing a dozen ninjas in front of him. Four blue belt novices in the front, four brown belts behind them, and four black belt masters blocking the door to his target. Easy.
He put his hand on his earpiece to answer the call, as the group rushed him he simply said, "Deathstroke speaking."
He threw a shuriken in the nearest blue ninja's throat as he dodged another's katana.
"Cobblepot here. Got a group of wankers that won't leave me alone. How cheap are you willing to go?" the British man asked.
BANG! Deathstroke shot the second blue in the head with one hand while countering a blow with the another.
"Cobblepot, been awhile. Heard Gotham's a shit show right now. Four hundred million is the starting point for me even thinking about it" Slade Wilson greeted coldly.
"FOUR HUNDRED FUCKING MILLION!" Cobblepot screamed in rage. That microsecond of waiting led to another blue ninja's slit throat.
"For a passing thought." Slade growled back.
"*groans* Fine, fine. How quick can you get here?" Cobblepot sighed.
Slade sliced an arm off the last blue ninja as he flipped over him. The ninja screamed loudly, still midair Slade shot him in the head to shut him up.
"So unprofessional," Slade thought of both the last blue belt and his potential client. He drew his katana as he prepared for his landing.
"You want priority, that's five hundred mil, the price of my next target's head, I'm a busy man." Slade rolled to the ground as he talked, he slashed the nearest brown belt's legs off the blood splattering the walls.
"FIVE HUNDRED!?" the man screamed.
The rest of the ninjas backed up as Slade stood up he stared them dead in the eyes as he shot the brown belt he just mutilated right in the head.
"One billion. For me to drop everything and go now. And that's me bored and generous." Slade continued staring menacingly at the group. Seven left to go, what a waste of time.
"You bloody don't have to be here tonight!" The man barked.
"What will ya do?" Slade shrugged uncaringly. The ninjas argued in Japanese and began to all charge at him.
"This week?" Cobblepot softly asked.
Slade stabbed one brown belt in the eye while kicking another. He shot the last with his pistol as he thought it over. The second brown belted ninja dropped to the ground dead.
"Without intel, eight hundred. That's also me being generous." Slade offered.
"Month?" Cobblepot was trying to haggle.
"Six. Stop wasting my time." Slade hissed as he fought off the two last brown belts with his katana, the only reason they weren't dead yet was the argument Slade was currently having.
"Bloody fucking… fine. Deal." Cobblepot relented.
"That's without knowing who it is. Intel you buffoon." Slade growled as he grabbed one brown belt by the neck, choking him. He kicked the other he was fighting to his knees, Slade then proceeded to decapitate him.
"Grr, The Phantom Thieves. I'm sure you've heard of them" Cobblepot revealed.
Slade snapped the last brown belt's neck with one hand. That intel stopped in his tracks and Slade glared at the last four guards taking out gun's as they began to panic.
"One billion dollars. Cash." Slash was about out of patience, he sheathed his katana and drew his promethium sword. Time to finish this.
"WHAT!? YOU'RE KIDDING!?" Cobblepot yelled.
"Unless you want me to kill Batman while I'm at it. That's four hundred billion." Slade blocked the bullets with his sword, as he did he shot a black belt in the shoulder. Slade was quick to dodge the rest of the heavy fire with his katana in one hand. He pulled out a throwing knife and finished off the one he shot.
"FOUR HUNDRED BILL- *ahem* That is not necessary, thank you." Cobblepot corrected himself.
"So we're in agreement? One billion dollars, for each head." Slade smirked as he heard clicks of the triggers. The remaining fools were out of ammo, desperate for survival and charged him blindly. Idiots.
Slade expected this call from some idiot in Gotham. Some billionaire shitting their pants over the past two months of activity the kids made. Kid. That's all they were. And here the assignment finally came. The very notion of fighting kids insulted him and his work. Only the Titans were the exception.
"EACH?! NOW YOU LISTEN HERE-" Cobblepot squaked.
"No you listen!" Slade interrupted, slamming a black belt's head into a wall, leaving a crater. The man dropped dead, his brain leaking out from the impact.
"Kids. You dare insult me by tasking me with kids?!" Slade roared and he sliced one of the last two ninja's multiple times, the internal organs dropping first, then the body. The last man backed away in shear terror. Slade smelled the familiar scent of urine. The assassin was too furious to be disgusted by this inferior fighter.
"What's it matter? I heard you fought the Titans a couple of times, what's the difference?" Cobblepot .
"The difference is that their contract was handed down from my dead son. A matter of pride in an unfulfilled contract. You want me? ME?! TO FIGHT FUCKING KIDS?! IN GOTHAM?!" Deathstroke rushed the last ninja and snapped his neck, turning it all the way around in his rage.
"Y-yes?" Cobblepot stuttered.
Slade slammed open the door in front of him revealing his current target.
"PLEASE NO! I CAN PAY YOU DOUBLE-" The target screamed in terror.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
As he shot the man dead multiple times, Deathstroke felt the boredom set in again. Another easy target, what a joke. When was the last time anyone paid for a notable meta to be killed? Months at least. Slade sighed as he wiped the blood off his sword.
He left the Penguin in nervous silence as he stepped through the bloodbath he created. The Phantom Thieves did have Titans on his side. Even Nightwing. Perhaps he could let it slide just this once for some damn excitement at least. Maybe kill two birds with one stone.
He supposed he could also humor this...for a fee.
"One billion dollars each. Take it or leave it." Slade relented.
"ARE YOU-" Cobblepot began.
"Take it or leave it." Slade interrupted.
"...in a month…" Penguin sighed.
"Whenever I damn well please." Slade walked back through the bloodied hallway, stepping over the multiple dead bodies.
"O-of course. A billion...dollars" At this point Cobblepot was glad he was doing it at all. Slade huffed at that.
"Each." Slade said simply. The elevator doors opened and he stepped in, he pressed the button to go up, and crossed his arms.
"...Each…." Penguin gulped.
"Wire the cash through, in full. Now. And maybe I won't track you down and kill you with my bare hands." Slade threatened darkly.
"Right of cour-" Slade hung up.
As the elevator doors slowly closed, Slade's one furious eye scowled.
He checked his account on his phone as he walked out through the multiple other piles of dead security guards, not paying any attention to them, nor the blood that was splattered everywhere.
Nine billion dollars for a group of kids. The fucker better hope Slade didn't find more members, because he was stopping at nine and only nine. Whatever scraps were left weren't his problem.
He just wanted the Titans really, what was left of them anyway.
The Phantom Thieves better be worth all this trouble. If they died like amateurs after invading the Watchtower, Deathstroke would be very disappointed.
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June 1st, Evening
Kingston Library
Sunny
Clark adjusted his glasses as he took in the library. His X-ray vision warned him about the hundreds of Amazon warriors inside guardian Joker and Diana. Not that he expected any less. In fact he expected more.
He stepped inside and nodded to the two people in front of him.
"Diana, Joker." Clark greeted politely.
"Hello Kal. How are things going with the Planet?" Diana offered the seat across from her and Joker.
"Well my wife is mad as all hell she can't be here. Handed me a load of questions that she demanded I ask. But of course that's not the reason I'm here." Clark answered.
"So how will this work? How are you going to help me exactly?" Joker asked.
"First off, I get a handle on how you run things. Question the rulers of the realms you claimed, and all the while you tell me what you can about the demon. I'll see what I can do to help." Clark opened the file Donna wrote that started this whole thing.
"I can't give much. I honestly don't know what's holding him back from taking you down right now." Joker fidgets with his trusty knife.
" He might be scared of me, which is unlikely due to the extent of damage he's done to the League. Or more likely weighing his options about what would happen if he did take me out. I couldn't say." Clark guessed.
"I know why. It's because you aren't his turf." Diana offered. The library rumbled in anger, demanding Diana stop in her tracks.
"He didn't like that. We aren't going any further into detail. I'm not letting anyone die due to him." Joker scowled upwards.
"Understandable. I can work with that at least. For now, let's talk about you, Joker." Clark changed the subject.
"What do you want to know?"
"Well a complete picture is required for me to understand your motivations. I understand if it would be too personal to ask but, what exactly did your team accomplish before you came here?" Clark asked.
"Want the rest of my tragic backstory? Though enough of it was in the file there." Joker pointed to the papers.
"Bits and pieces to the puzzle. Frankly I barely know the team you're working with, why they joined, and if they can be trusted with such power in the first place." Clark explained.
"Who are you to judge that? I-"
"I'm sorry, that came off harsh. What I mean is, I had to go through years of obstacles and hardship to prove to this world that I wasn't a threat to it. I'm sure you can imagine the fear and despair it brings to know one man can destroy entire cities in a day. The military, the government, even the League feared me at first. They still do, but I proved to them my character as a guy from Kansas first, and a being of pure power second." Clark elaborated.
"I had to do the same. Extensive interviews with the US government, backtracking all I did back in World War II. It was exhausting. But we don't have time for that, nor have trust in such governments at this time." Diana glared at Clark.
"Oh Diana, you know what I mean. I'm not handing you in. I just want proof of character. Proof that all the power and fame the Thieves have gained won't corrupt them. Is that not what you wanted me to see?" Clark tried to be fair.
"O-of course. Apologies, it would be hypocritical to suddenly not do that for newer metas. After everything that's happened I just-" Diana shook her head.
"I know. We messed up. No one is perfect, not even me. Now Joker, do you understand why I'm asking you this, son?" Clark politely asked.
"Yeah, I guess. Makes sense you all had to do that, especially you, no offense." Joker shrugged.
"None taken. So will you help me help you? Perhaps within the League I can calm the fears they have of your power. Be warned though, just like I did, you must prove your strength against the temptation of corruption. I can't help you if you go around killing people, and I can't help you if you go around causing mass destruction of property. The people desire heroes that protect them, not put them in danger." Clark lectured.
"I-You cause destruction all the time. I've seen the footage." Joker tried to argue.
"Heh. Like I said, I'm not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, young man. When I say that, I mean we must work to constantly better ourselves. We all must put in the work to become better people, to work for a better tomorrow." Clark rubbed his neck.
"No one like you ever said I could get better. They all say I'm scum, that I don't deserve anything but a cell." Joker admitted.
"Yes, well not everyone is like me. So do we understand each other? I do hope I can help you in any way that I can, but I can't just go in blind. I think all you and your team lack is proper guidance, someone to show you what true strength and power is. Will you let me be that for you, son?" Clark asked softly.
Joker took a deep breath. He looked to Diana, who simply smiled in encouragement.
"Sure. But don't make me regret this. I'll run it by the others. I won't share what is so personal to them unless they're comfortable doing so. We'll meet here, for the next few days so you can offer…your advice, I guess." Joker stood up and offered a hand to shake.
"Excellent! Hopefully this will mend the gap between the League and your group. I truly hope after all this we can work together for a better world." Clark shook Joker's hand with vigor.
MIRROR STRENGTH RANK 2/10
SKILL: A Guiding Hand
The first step of mending bridges with the League is under way! Good for you, champ!
"Joker, you go on ahead with Donna and Zauriel. See how Nightwing is faring. I'll be the one who leads Mr. Kent out." Diana smiled.
"Alright. I'll let you and the rest of the girls do your thing." Joker shrugged. Zauriel opened a portal and Joker smirked as he walked in. Donna crossed her arms at Clark but followed her new leader. Zauriel then wordlessly stepped inside and closed the portal.
"Are you going to grade me now Diana?" Clark joked.
Diana crossed her arms.
"Just please…please, don't make the same mistake. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but Bruce will never go for any of this." Diana sternly said.
"Listen, I know with him I back down a lot. But it's just because I respect what he has done with so little in his favor. He has a lot of wins and accomplishments under his belt. But I'm afraid this just isn't one of them. That kid acts like he was chewed and spit back out by the world around him. The demon only made it worse. He needs someone to look up to who isn't strictly a rebel or a lawbreaker." Clark sighed.
"And that someone is you? Taking sidekicks now are we?" Diana scoffed.
"Not my style. Besides, we both know he could be much more than that." Clark smiled back at her.
"I don't foresee the League or the government ever allowing that." Diana looked away forlorn.
"I gotta try Diana. Like you said in the meeting, they offer a permanent solution to the insanity. They shouldn't be thrown aside just because they ruffled Bruce's feathers." Clark had a sparkle of determination in his eyes as he got up and left the library.
Diana was left with her Amazons, doubtful but cautiously optimistic about Clark's convictions. It would take a lot of work to convince the world the Phantom Thieves weren't terrorists. But Superman's trust is about as good as you can get with changing the public's mind.
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June 1st, Night
Clear Skies
Karlos' House
The full moon shone down on the home as Nightwing stared at Karlos' house a few blocks away. There was an eerie stillness tonight, almost warning him about the things he would have to witness. He was glad that he told the rest of the Titans and Thieves to search the chemical plant and Daggett's place.
The place was a simple house compared to the mansions close by, the area known for its sky high prices and wealthy residents. A small place the actor claimed kept him humble. Nightwing scoffed at the notion.
The ex sidekick snuck through a back window and into the kitchen. Immediately the smell of blood made him prepare himself for anything. The place looked like a tornado passed. Clay and blood was everywhere, all the rooms upended, destroyed. Nightwing stepped carefully around the apartment. In the living room the TV was one but cracked, playing the original "The Terror" movie.
Papers were scattered all across the house. Nightwing saw insane ramblings on each and every one.
"IT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! MUST BE PERFECT!
TOO UNPROFESSIONAL MUST SEEK ANOTHER TAKE!
MUST PERFECT MY CRAFT! MUST BECOME THE TERROR!
Nightwing sighed at the sight. He climbed the stairs to the upper levels. Bodies were everywhere, cut and mutilated. Nightwing was surprised the police hadn't found this place yet. Maybe the neighbors didn't smell the decomposition due to the amount of acres between the houses.
The bedroom smelled of blood. A woman bound to the bed was skinned to her muscular layer. Her skin wrapped along a mannequin. He recalled that scene from the movie from when he was a kid.
The introduction to the killer had him dance with the mannequin.
He moved to the bathroom, finding the mirror cracked to pieces. The bathtub filled with blood and a sponge stained red. The movie also had the killer bathe in the victim's blood.
"Nightwing. We found something. Daggett was hiding something big about his make up. If people don't apply the cream regularly the user experiences great pain!" Oracle revealed.
"I think that isn't the worst part about all of this." Nightwing whispered.
Nightwing exited the bathroom back into the master bedroom. He searched the drawers for anything of note. He found a journal. It was covered in blood, barely held together.
"What do you mean? What did you find there?" Oracle asked.
Nightwing didn't answer as he flipped through the pages.
The handwriting started so fancy, almost too tight in its cursive. As he continued, the writing slowly got more and more loose and illegible to the point of the feral scratchings of a lunatic.
Clear signs of mental degradation. Nightwing put the journal back for the police to find.
"Your guy definitely needs help. Call the cops to this location. The families deserve at least putting these people to rest." Nightwing left the house, he wasn't getting much sleep after this.
"People? What did you-"
"I found the key words. He's setting up a massive reveal of himself on the movie's premiere. He's going to kill them all. Show himself to the world as the true "Terror" and an untouchable god. Gotham is nothing but a stage for him to play his great role. All he needs is an audience for his work. Call Joker, if we change him quick enough we can avoid more of what I just saw. You guys aren't gonna sleep for a while, that's for sure." Nightwing revealed.
The stage was set, and all that was needed was the Phantom Thieves to come and take a killer's heart. Inside the palace a mad lunatic reigns of the blood soaked theater. He's ready for these thieves to try and take what was his. He couldn't wait to peel off their skin and bathe in their blood. Their gut wrenching screams will be sweeter than any treat he could hope for. The Terror will make his mark as the greatest actor ever. The original be damned!
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AN: Oh no! The greatest character, the Electrocutioner, is dead. What a travesty! He was so cool and stuff.