Author's note: update as of the 13/08/23, I've switched out John Stewart for Simon Baz.

Notice: All characters are owned by DC Comics. This is an original story based off those characters and storylines.

Chapter 1: A Brave New World

*Oa, Sector 0. Centre of the Universe*

*Headquarters to the Guardians of the Galaxy*

Emotion was a weakness.

That was a hard lesson that had been learned over a million years through tumultuous trial and error.

Love, anger, and fear; these were the death of one's duty, and for the Guardians of the Galaxy, convening at the Citadel, they were a bane to be purged and cut out.

With the sheer power that they wielded, falling prey to such selfish emotions that had the capacity to override the greater good was not a luxury they had.

Not now.

Ganthet took his place at the meeting of the Guardians, floating above as he read the report alongside his fellow council members that had been recorded and transmitted from the Rings on Earth to Oa. A live hologram of the Earth at the centre.

It was information they all took with heavy hearts, despite not showing it by any facial or bodily expression. No sound was made, but the gentle humming of the Planet beneath them, running completely upon the energy of the Main Battery Power, a source of energy they had discovered how to create, control and manipulate via the use of one's own willpower before most beings had learned to walk, swim or float.

It was the source of every Green Lantern's power, that was limited only by the imagination and courage of the user, often channelled through the use of rings.

Ganthet sighed as he finished looking at the report.

Hal Jordan was dead. That was the main point of it, dead at the hands of the Batman no less, who seemed to have embarked upon a dangerous path of authoritarian control across the planet with the aid of members of the Justice League.

Jordan was first human to have graced the ranks of the Green Lantern Corps, to have earned the privilege to wear the Green Ring, and to act as an official Justiciar for the entire universe.

The first, and also one of their best field agents, one whom had fought back threats such as the Sinestro Corps, Krona, the Manhunters and Darkseid countless times in the past.

Despite his many millions of years of existance, Ganthet internally took the loss of Jordan hard, he could remember every second of when the young man was brought before them, confused, but headstrong, following the death of, Abin Sur, an Ungaran, and the previous Lantern of Sector 2814.

The other Guardians had gawked at the idea of Hal as being worthy: humans they believed, were too stubborn, too uncivilised and too immature to grasp the responsibility that they would be required to carry out as members of the Corps.

And it was Hal Jordan alone who had proven them wrong, time and time again, from revealing the true twisted nature of Thaal Sinestro, to his many, many feats in service to the safety of the Galaxy.

And now he was dead, his human funeral being prepared as they spoke by his lover, Carol Ferris.

At least, his ring had found a new user… he remembered. That was good.

One of the Guardians finally spoke after much time had passed.

"This report is disturbing."

"Agreed." Added Sayd, one of the two females who sat as a member, "For now, we must not be too quick to reveal this information to the other Lanterns. Hal Jordan was a valued friend to many, an idol to others. When they learn of the circumstances, I fear they may act irrationally in the vein of revenge. We should choose our next move carefully."

"Even so." Spoke up Koyos, "We must also take note of the other human within our ranks who seems to have sided with Hal Jordan's killer: Guy Gardener must answer for why he has chosen to align with the killer of a fellow Lantern."

"We should not pass judgement in haste upon our own." Defended Ganthet, careful to keep a non-confrontational demeanour.

"Ah yes, Gardener." A bald Guardian spoke, an edge to his voice, "Should we be so surprised that he would turn rogue?"

"It was only a matter of time with his nature." added another.

Although bias was not supposed to factor in, Ganthet could not help but feel a certain protectiveness over the human Lantern; he had always been more open minded to their species more… emotional and stubborn tendencies, even as Lanterns. And he could not believe that Guy would become a traitor until he saw it himself. "We do not yet know the full context for what we have read here. For all we know, Guy Gardener may have an agenda that is on the side of justice, or he may yet be waiting for an opportunity to confront this threat…" he paused, "Either way, it would seem clear that Batman is no longer to be considered an ally at the very least."

Ganthet continued, "If even half of what this report says is found to be truthful, then we ought to set our agenda to this ongoing crisis on Earth."

Sayd looked at him with a questioning look, "The Earth is one planet, 600 light years from us. Surely, we should set ourselves to the task of the much larger threats at hand: Sinestro and his Yellow Lantern Corps remain free and in-hiding, our best agents still unable to locate them across this galaxy, and we have yet to deal with the undead plague on Ryut."

"I concede that we have many problems elsewhere, but I remind you all that Earth is not an insignificant planet among the others we watch over: how many wars, heroes and events have originated from it? I believe if we neglect to seriously tackle this problem now, it will come to haunt us in the future."

He paused.

"As for Guy Gardener, I ask only that we get his side of this story before making a final decision. Despite his history of insubordination, he has always done what was right when it mattered and been willing to lay down his life for others without hesitation. The only reason Gardener was not the first human Lantern was because he happened to be further away from the ring when it needed a new user. The ring would not have chosen him if he were not worthy." He emphasized.

"As it once found Sinestro worthy?" chided Ranakar, "Willpower, is not a prerequisite to a good character, as we have been painfully taught. A new rogue Lantern is the last thing we need in these troubled times. Trusting in Gardener was clearly a mistake from the inception."

"And what of this Batman?" spoke Ganthet, deciding to bring focus back to the bigger picture "If what our report says is true, then he cannot be allowed to remain free to threaten the Earth's freedom."

One of the Guardians scoffed.

"He is a mere mortal human without any abnormal abilities." He spoke, "If required, we would only need to send one or two Lanterns at most to deal with him."

"That would be most unwise." Ganthet argued, "Hal Jordan spoke often and with high regard of his dark clad team member. His abilities are not to be underestimated. He was a founding member of the Justice League for a reason, and much more than that, he has inspired a schism within the group. Powerful beings now follow his will and are key enforcers in his control of the planet. I believe Batman is more of a danger than you give him credit for."

Ranakar shock his head, looking to the still rotating image of the artificial Earth, "The killer of a member of the Corps must not escape punishment at the very least. If the protectors of Earth will not do it, then we can try him here on Oa. Beyond that, I see no reason to get involved in the affairs of the Earth."

"What happens on Earth will have implications for the entre Galaxy." Argued Ganthet, a glint in his eye, "We must be ready to act. Batman is dismantling the current world order itself. Already, one of our best agents has died at his hands, the intent of what he hopes to achieve in this is irrelevant. On that point alone, he must face justice."

"I am inclined to agree with Ganthet." Sayd spoke gently. She sighed, "But I am concerned about Gardener's own involvement as well. In a situation of this nature, I am inclined to bring to attention that our boldest Lanterns have pointed out that our distance and reclusiveness can colour our judgement. For all our wisdom and power, we have been guilty of standing by as outrages have occurred across the galaxy. Allowing problems to grow and fester until they are unmanageable… Perhaps now, we can rectify that mistake."

"These are valid points." Spoke Koyos, having remained silent up until this point. One of their most traditional and most cautious members, but always open to reason when a good case was made.

Ganthet nodded, "Although I took am concerned by this report. I believe for the sake of the good they have done in the years past; we should allow both Guy and even Batman a chance to defend themselves. Even if punishment for Jordan's death is required, I feel it is prudent to hear his side."

There seemed to be consensus on that.

"What do you propose, Ganthet?" asked Sayd.

"Another earth-born green Lantern has recently returned to us from a mission on the fringes of space – Simon Baz, one of our newest members. I propose a fact-finding mission, to establish the full picture before acting further. He will not be alone; I will go with him."

That earned him some strange looks.

"Rarely do we ourselves go on such missions." Sayd pointed out.

"It is as you say." Responded Ganthet, "We have hidden ourselves away from the galaxy, often to our own detriment. On this occasion, I believe one of us being present will enlighten us."

There was some mummering of agreement before Ranakar spoke up.

"Do we have a consensus on this?"

One by one, the eyes of all Guardians present glowed a bright light.

All had agreed with the proposed plan.

"Very well." Spoke Koyos, "Bring Baz before us."

*The Daily Planet, Metropolis, Delaware. USA*

2.00 PM EST 2nd October 2013

A never-ending bustle of reporters and editors went back and forth across the 28th floor of the Daily Planet newspaper building, at the centre of Metropolis.

24/7, correspondents from the city, the wider US and corners of the world were either working on their stories or working equally hard to find one.

Of course, for many, they no longer needed to look far.

When Batman had announced that the newly formed Arkham Private Military Company would take over the policing from the governments of the world, Metropolis was chosen as the very first city to receive this "gracious gift".

Police cruisers and helicopters had been replaced with armed paramilitary troopers, ground and air drones, tanks and enforced curfews that made the job of journalists that much more difficult.

Of course, for many, the true reason it had been occupied first was because it was Superman's own city, and it's citizens were being punished out of spite by Batman.

With the now outlawed and wanted Man of Steel in-hiding, along with his fellow rebel heroes who refused to go along with Batman's new order, it was likely an effort to get him to show himself again, with the expectation that Big Blue would not allow his beloved home to be occupied.

Despite what Batman had likely hoped for however, neither Superman, nor the other outlawed heroes had shown their faces in Metropolis, nor anywhere ever since the battle at the Fortress of Solitude.

The Editor-in-Chief, Perry White, in his late-fifties, white haired, immediately marched to the reception, past the work desks and recording rooms, phone in hand, concern on his experienced features. Jimmy Olsen, Steve Lombard, and Lana Lang also making their way behind him.

"Jenny!" he hurried over as the shaken younger woman came through the door.

He immediately took her into a fatherly embrace, in truth, he was more panicked than she was.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

She forced a smile, "Yeah… yeah boss, at least I got the video for the package." She tried to joke.

"It's not right." Perry spoke, brow furrowed, "Look, if you want to take the rest of the day-"

"I'm fine, Perry. Seriously." She insisted, in a manner that told him she would not take a day off even if he ordered her too.

Seeing that the young reporter was not going to take any rest, he decided to concede and let her work: Ok, go edit it together. We can fold it into our next programme."

That programme of course, would focus on the conduct of the Arkham PMC group, with their abuse of human rights and threats to free speech in Metropolis.

Just two years ago, Jenny Jurwich had been an intern and later a top reporter for the Planet, with her latest assignment being to gather just what Arkham was doing. It was cruel that just as she was set to become a full-time reporter, it was during all this.

From day one, she had been finding evidence of politically motivated harassment, surveillance, violence against protest groups and evidence of kidnappings of figures who had publicly spoken against Bruce Wayne.

In just two weeks, their city had become a police state, and the staff of the Planet were beginning to feel the pressure.

Already, six of his beat reporters had quit, citing mysterious people outside their homes, and threats to their families for reporting on Batman, the Justice League, or Arkham PMC.

Now, Jenny had been arrested and held for 48 hours whilst she had been covering a meeting with a human rights group, "Citizens for a Free Metropolis."

According to the "Wayne Conglomerate Information service", now headed by their former staff member, Cat Grant, the people were detained on charges of criminality and disorder, when all accounts showed the opposite.

The reason Perry was so concerned, both for Jenny and every other reporter was how they had threatened her.

"We'll let you go, for now, but we'll come for you eventually." The Arkham mercenary had threatened Jenny, a smile on his face as he did according to her. That made him especially angry.

Perry went back to his office, the one in which he had been in for over twenty years now. On the walls, numerous awards and accolades he had been awarded, for his own reporting as a younger man, and later for his leadership of the paper.

He allowed himself a smile at his wall of accomplishments, a rest bite from this hellish present, to a better and safer past, but in truth, he valued the work of the younger men and women of the planet far more. Past glories were a luxury to relish, but it was the new generation, people like Jenny, Jimmy and Chloe who would be the voices of their generation, and in such desperate times, young reporters who were willing to stand against this tide of authority and demagoguery were more important than ever.

The basic and binding mission of the Daily Planet had been and always would be to tell the truth, to inform the public and to be a voice for those without one.

But now, In the world of Superheroes, governing unchecked with private militias at their beck and call, that mission statement was in deep jeopardy, and harder to uphold by the day.

Almost as if a higher power felt like playing some prank, an airborne Arkham drone swept by his office window at a high-speed patrol, making his slightly jump back in response.

"Damn it, Clark, Lois." He thought, "I hope you two know what you're doing out there."

Clark Kent was Superman.

It had been such a revelation to many. One of the main points of Batman's second press conference. Many questions inside and outside had haunted the Planet since then.

Did anyone else know besides Lois Lane? how deeply did such deception harm the credibility of the paper? Would Batman seek retribution?

On the last point at least, it seemed that the answer was apparently turning out to be a yes.

The Email that had appeared that mourning caused a sinking feeling his chest, but it was not a surprise.

Bruce Wayne, Batman, had apparently began looking to undergo a review of the various subsidiaries that fell under the control of his Conglomerate.

The Daily Planet was one of them.

In a different time, the old reporter had once thought of that as a good thing, in a time when Bruce Wayne seemed just an aloof, but well-meaning billionaire, who had generously helped to keep the paper alive during troubled times, whilst allowing showing no interest in interfering with it's editorial mandate.

As much as he hated to admit it, even preferred it back when Lex Luthor had been a co-owner. A simpler time.

Before Jenny's encounter, it had been on the thoughts of everyone who worked there.

Every man and woman here were amazing and dedicated journalists. Everyone deserved to be there without a doubt.

Almost nobody would risk their integrity if Bruce Wayne indeed moved to replace Perry himself, and turn the Daily Planet into a propaganda outlet, devoid of independence. Which everyone feared would be the case, especially with the criticism they displayed in their work.

The unease had led to a meeting with every reporter, editor, producer and social media handler. All who could voice their thoughts on the current situation, and where they could go from there.

Chloe Sullivan folded her arms.

"He can't do that." She spoke, "Nobody here would stand for it, Perry." Voices murmured in agreement. From all around, save a handful who kept silent.

Steve Lombard spoke up next. The big sports editor unabashed.

"If this Bat asshole thinks he can just replace you, P. We'll all quit."

That drew a rousing applause from all. Once more, a handful remained silent, for they had a better idea of how that idealism would end.

"Maybe that's what he wants." Lana Lang responded, the Business Editor, and Smallville girl who had known Superman, and as Perry had put together, his first love.

Still she had stayed, and he credited her with it in such circumstances.

"Why go through the trouble of firing us all when we do it ourselves?" she continued, looking into the eyes of everyone who had cheered the idea. "What happens if we leave in protest? I'll tell you what. Batman replaces us with people who'll report and say exactly what he wants said. My guess: only reason he hasn't done it yet is he's afraid of coming on too strong. But… if there's nobody left to stop him, then what should he fear from a bunch of reporters?"

The implication was clear. Everyone here desired Superman and Wonder Woman to stop Batman, but saying such a thing openly and to get out was to invite Arkham Mercs to break into your home in the middle of the night and take you to a detention facility for an indefinite amount of time.

Sometimes, the obvious truth was best left unsaid.

Steve shock his head. Lombard was the editor of Sports but had taken an interest and concern with the actions of Batman's actions, which had become unavoidable even to him as public gatherings – including sports games – had been forbidden in the name of security.

"But even if they disbanded us. We'd still be Daily Planet reporters, right?" he argued, " I don't mean working in this building or taking a salary, I mean upholding the values that this newspaper holds. People would know that. We were around long before Bruce Wayne decided he could own the world. We can survive him".

Where has this Steve been all those years of wisecracks and bragging? Perry thought, proud of the man for probably the first time.

"I for one, won't take it laying down. I don't know about you." He declared.

Perry sighed, speaking for the first time, "Just be careful, all of you. They're going to want any excuse to shut us down. And I for one, don't wanna allow these thugs to tell us how to do our job."

Perry jumped out of his seat as he heard a door slam open, and people reacting in panic.

He immediately ran out to see the commotion, as had everyone else in a hurry. It did not take long to see the problem.

Two of Batman's enforcers were here: Nightwing and Starfire, inviting themselves into the workplace.

The first son of Batman, in his dark suit, blue symbol and mask, spoke up, "We're here to speak to Mr Perry White. Concerning two fugitives. We don't mean to disrupt your work and we won't be here long."

Around Perry, people looked to him, but made no effort to single him out or reveal he was here. Then he realised, they would not give him up if it came down to it.

No, Perry thought, he could not risk the safety of anybody else, especially with these two on the hunt for Superman.

"I'm here." He came forward. Arms folded, glaring at the two former heroes, now mere thugs to a despot.

Nightwing, the former Boy Wonder, once an icon and beloved hero, was taken aback by the hostility, clearly not expecting it, but put on a smile regardless. Attempting to come off as friendly.

"Mr White, if we could talk in private-"

"I have nothing to hide from my reporters." He interrupted, "If it concerns this paper, it concerns everyone. Anything you need to tell me you can tell them as well.". He had known many false folks in his forty years.

Seemingly realising that a soft approach was not going to work, the Alien Princess' face turned to a glare.

"Fine." Starfire spat, taking over from her college, who looked on with a slight hint of concern.

For himself and the staff, or for her, he could not figure out.

"Two dangerous fugitives from the law are on the run. Both worked here, the terrorist, Superman and his accomplice, Lois Lane. If any member of staff here knows where they or these other criminals are, by law, you must come forward to us."

Perry Stood his ground, eyes meeting the emerald gem-like eyes of the Alien Princess.

"I can happily say neither myself, nor anybody here knows where Superman or Lois Lane are." He chuckled, "So is this Batman's new "justice"? showing up at workplaces in the middle of the day and threatening people for this new world you're trying to create?"

Nightwing put a hand up, taking a much more diplomatic approach, "It's not our intent to scare you or your staff, Mr White. We just need any information possible that will help us to the arrest of these misguided fugitives. We all want the same thing here: no more violence or crime."

"Is that how it went for the people you've killed!?"

It was Lombard. Too brave or too stupid for his own good.

"Steve." He warned, turning back to the sports editor, "I'm handling this."

Perry was ignored as the man came forward in full defiance of the two.

Steve was certainly no pushover, having been a former college football player who remained in very good shape; his biceps straining against the blue polo shirt.

"You two don't just get to come here and make demands. You think you can come here to our town and think we'll just roll over?"

Nightwing's face hardened, "Take it easy, pal." He warned.

Steve's features contorted and he spat at the floor at the two, "There's my answer right there, and to think my nephews used to think the world of you, Grayson. Only downside for when Superman kicks all your asses is that I won't get to see it."

Cheers began from the gathered crowd at Steve's words, who's example had inspired the repressed true feelings that almost all felt towards the Batman and his rule.

That seemed to be enough for Starfire.

Steve was suddenly hoisted in the air one handed by Starfire by the throat.

"Steve!" Perry shouted in concern for his employee.

"Star!" Nightwing similarly shouted, but held out a hand, keeping anyone from interfering, not that it would do any good against a super-powered Alien Princess who could burn this entire building to the ground if she so desired. Worry set in as to what Starfire was going to do next.

Without taking her eyes off Steve, the Tamarenan princess grabbed a nearby desk chair in the other hand and threw it against the glass window, shattering it completely open.

She glided over and held a struggling Lombard over the edge, loose papers and the man's ginger hair and moustache blew in the wind as fear set into his eyes.

"Such rhetoric." She spoke in a chilling calm, indifferent manner, "could be mistaken for support for terrorism. Perhaps your boss does not know, but maybe you do, Mr Lombard." Her eyes began to glow dangerously, "tell us now where the rebels are."

Steve could only choke as the super-powered lady threatened his life.

"Wouldn't… tell ya… even if I knew!"

"Kori!" Nightwing yelled, placing a firm hand on her shoulder that seemed to snap her out of her violent mood, "That's enough!"

After some moments, Starfire finally released Steve, sending him back to the floor with a thud, landing on his ass. Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan ran and went to help him up, checking on him and sending death glares at the alien princess.

Starfire and Nightwing then walked away, back to the exit.

"We will leave for now, but if we find out that anyone here is harbouring these criminals, we'll be back." Starfire once more proclaimed as the two made their way out.

Having all gone, the staff of the Daily Planet began to chatter as to what had happened. Panic soon steeped in and before long, he saw fear in the eyes of many.

"Perry…" it was Jimmy Olsen, his trademark camera in hand, looking down at it, voice devoid of any joy, "What can we do? we're just reporters, but It doesn't matter what we say, they don't care. What the hell can I do with just a damn camera?"

Perry laid a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder and sighed.

"I… I don't know the actual answer to that, Jimmy… I've always been a reporter. Were these normal times, I would always say to keep fighting the good fight, and truth will prevail, but now…"

He then saw the deep marks that had been left on Steve's neck from the tight grip; injuries left only because he had dared speak out.

His face darkened.

"But now, maybe the time for just talking is over."

Nightwing and Starfire arrived from the elevator to the bottom floor, taking to the streets. Patrolling Arkham soldiers saluted as they went by.

A hew of silence had clouded them as they had left the Daily Planet without a single lead to Superman, which would not please Bruce, who had rarely left the Watchtower in the past two weeks, constantly at the sides of Damian, Helena and Selina: the trio in a coma from their injuries sustained from the Prometheus blast.

They had lost Red Robin and Spoiler, Martian Manhunter had gone back to Mars to bury M'gann and grieve with her family, and with three others now inactive. Their current patrols were stretched thin.

The three would pull through, that was the good news, but nobody was able to over a prognosis beyond that. They may wake up tomorrow or in five months.

Jason and Hawkman were having to cover Europe, Captain Atom most of Asia, Guy Gardner South America, Power Girl kept an eye on the Middle East, and Zatanna and Kid Flash watched over the African continent.

The remaining League members were on rotation to back-up or replace whoever had been on a long shift when needed.

All sectors had been mostly contained, aside from a few rebellions that never lasted more than a day.

His emotional state was already not good from such a large amount of loss in such a short time, it did not improve following Hal Jordan's funeral either. Carol Ferris having been disgusted at the appearance of any of had still followed Batman, and later, a messy shouting match had erupted (one-sided) with Guy.

As bothered as Dick Grayson was for his younger brother and the two Birds of Prey… he could not help but think back to what had occurred back there. Something his girlfriend was quick to pick up on.

"Is something wrong, Nightwing?" asked the silky voice of Kori. Concern emitting from her beautiful big green eyes.

"I'm fine, Star… it's just… you didn't need to do that back there."

Koriand'r looked at him with sympathy.

"Dick, we were there to get information. I know it may have appeared harsh, but we must find Superman and his followers to end this conflict as soon as possible. I was not going to actually let him fall, you must know that."

"Yeah but…You looked ready to drop him from that edge." He complained, Dick sighed, "I get that you want to help end this, Kori. Believe me, I want it just as much as you. But Lombard was not a criminal, he didn't deserve that."

By now, they had stopped, conversing in the middle of the near empty street. Periodic curfews were in effect throughout the day, and as a result, streets and roads were shut for all unauthorised personnel for up to two hours at a time, which made it far easier to keep track of people.

Starfire was taller than Dick, and she caressed his face in her hand, before kissing him "Oh Dick. You're so pure of heart. But these are abnormal times. We must not be shackled in our efforts to keep the world safe. If Superman is still out there to cause chaos, it will never be at peace."

She paused and glared at the Daily Planet building, "Such vitriolic dissent like that cannot be allowed to go unpunished. If we allow people to believe that support for anarchy and disorder is acceptable, we will lose control. We must let them know that that it will be allowed to happen whilst we're around."

"They were afraid of us." He stated simply.

Starfire sighed and shock her head, "Maybe its better to be alive to fear us, than dead, like the people of Gotham."

That stung, and Nightwing closed his eyes as he remembered that day: Alfred, Talia, even his own extended family at the Circus, who had been in the city that day for a show. All gone now.

"Dick." Kori spoke, "I- I'm sorry. That was wrong to bring up-"
"No" he interrupted. "No… you're right. It's been a hard journey since that day, we lost our city, and now, I lost a brother and a sister, and three people I care about are now in comas."

Starfire turned her head away, not able to look him in the eye.

"Dick… I'm still so sorry about Tim and Stephanie…"

"I know, Kori. I know you tried your best to save them. I wish they were still here though…"

He paused, before his face hardened.

"But We can't allow our emotions to prevent us from doing what our minds know to be the right thing." This time, he caressed the wonderful golden skin of her face, "As Batman said, never again."

Clark dreamt that it was a bright sunny day inside the Hall of Justice.

Dozens of members of the team filled out the great hall, including Diana, Arthur, J'onn, Barry, Hal, Shayera, Oliver and his dear cousins, Kara and Karen.

But it was his best friend whom he came up to and embraced: Bruce Wayne, who looked as though he would be more comfortable in the deepest and hellish training and combat pit in the world than the jovial atmosphere.

Superman would not wish for him to be any different though.

It was an anniversary of the Justice League: All gathered for the occasion to reflect on what such a momentous founding had meant for the world, and what they had accomplished over the years.

They laughed, told stories, spoke about the friendships and deep connections that had been made between these extraordinary beings who all held this ideal of what a safe and just world could be; that there was hope, their dream.

Then it all went to hell.

The light dimmed, as though a darkness was consuming everything. He turned to his friends and family: They began to be taken out one by one by some unseen creature.

It started with Kara, then Hal, the young boy, Billy Batson was not spared, Diana, Ollie.

Some were spared, and instead consumed within the dark shadows, he tried to take the hand of Karen, trying in vain to stop her from being taken from the light:

He failed, he failed every one of them, he failed his friend.

Superman turned quickly back to Bruce, now nowhere to be seen. The lights dimmed until there was but a single red lamp under himself.

Panic, confusion and fear rambled inside his mind like a dysfunctional orchestra.

"Clark…" a calm but pained voice spoke.

He could not see where it was from.

"Clark." Again, he saw nothing.

"Clark." Then, he saw a shadow emerge slowly, shambolic and rummaged within the dark cloak they shielded themselves in.

Batman, with red bright eyes, blood in the mouth and a slashed throat, like the fatal wound he had inflicted on Lex Luthor, that started this whole thing.

"Why Clark?" the words echoed, "Why did you let him do this to me?"

"Bruce… I- I-"

He spat blood, "ITS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOURS!"

"Clark!" this was a different voice, kinder, a woman's voice, and the darkness and Bruce's visage was replaced by a blinding light as he opened his eyes, free from the nightmare.

"Clark, are you ok?"

"Lois?" he asked breathless from the unsettling nightmare.

His beloved wife smiled at him from her armchair, and gently caressed the side of his face, before kissing him.

"It's okay. You're ok. You've been out for two weeks; it was something resembling a coma. You're lucky we got you here when we did."

He paused, regaining himself from his groggy state.

"And… just where is "here" exactly, Lo?"

"Home." Another woman's voice called from the doorway.

Wonder Woman, she leaned against the door entrance with a smile towards her college and friend whom she had been as worried about as Lois when she and his parents had managed to get him here.

Superman returned the smile "Diana, I'm glad you're okay." he got up and walked over to the window and stared out.

The island of Themyscira.

The sight below was breathtaking, the blue Mediterranean Sea, white sandy beaches, caverns, and the village and main keep itself from where he had been placed.

Clark's eyes suddenly went wide as he quickly turned to Diana.

"I was under the impression that men were forbidden here?" he asked.

Diana sighed.

"They are … But we had no more options. I could not leave you or the others to be found and captured by Batman. This is a safe haven, where he cannot find us."

Clark looked down once more, the architecture of ancient Greece sprawled, thousands of years old. Amazons worked, trained and mingled in the streets, and behind, the massive mountain hung over the town, with the rest of the sprawling island's wilderness behind it.

"Diana, where are-"

Clark doubled over in pain as he walked away from the view, Lois and Diana both soon by his side to help him. His body felt weak, as though he had no control over certain functions, some outright numb.

"I don't understand." He said as both women laid him to sit down on the bed, "I should have healed by now."

"You were exposed to an unusually large dose of Red Solar and Kryptonite." A new voice from the door explained.

Queen Hippolyta stood at the doorway, tall, fair and proud, two elite bodyguards to her left and right. "You are fortunate, Kal-El of Krypton. The red solar was augmented by Batman, making it far more potent than it would be normally. It is why your body will take longer to return to its prime form. Our magic has helped nullify the worst effects, thank Hera."

"Mother." Diana nodded.

Both Lois and Clark bowed their heads in respect, "Your Highness. Thank you for your aid."

She smiled sadly, "These are… unfortunate times. We cannot stand by as we have done before as this tyrant arises." She looked warmly towards her beloved daughter, "We have learned that. You and your people can remain here under our protection. We ask only that you keep this your greatest secret."

Superman nodded.

"You have my word on that, Queen Hippolyta."

*Deep Space, the Solar System *

There was a near perfect nothingness that made every fibre of his being relax.

He went by many times: Kon El, the Superboy, but he preferred the name that made him feel as close to being human as was possible for a cloned alien. An actual living being, and not just a clone.

Connor Kent.

The roaring fire in his front view would bake and obliterate most other beings – let alone humans if they mediated this close to it, but as a Kryptonian, it felt like a warm bath whilst absorbed the energy that fuelled him, albeit one that did not leave a burn mark.

Quiet and peaceful.

It was a contrast to the Earth as he had last left it.

After Kara died at Power Girl's hands, his grief and pain had left him just as inconsolable as Clark. But whilst Clark felt better to contain it in quiet, his own anguish had been far more… violent.

Before he would do something, he regretted when it came to either Batman or Power Girl, he told Superman and his girlfriend, M'gann that it was best for him to leave the Earth for a while, there were other planets he could help. Better he contain it for out here, where there were other beings who needed help.

He kissed M'gann atop Titan tower as if it would be their last one ever. She was the girl of his dreams, the one he had loved.

To him, everything about M'gann M'orzz was the most perfect girl he had ever met. At first, his own attitude had been disgraceful and cruel – a symptom of discovering himself having just been freed, being angry, fearful and confused, she had consoled him when he had apologised later on.

But it never felt enough. He never felt like he was enough.

She was kind, warm, caring and thoughtful in every way.

He did not know who he truly was then, and even to an extent even now.

"Take care." She said to him, looking into his eyes. Running her hand through his dark hair, the same as his template, Superman's.

"I will, Meg… I'll be back. And If Batman refuses to stop, we'll do it ourselves."

At that, an almost guilty expression crossed Miss Martian's face, as though she wanted to tell him something, but stopped herself.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Its… nothing, Connor."

Although he had not bought it. A nagging feeling within the pit of his stomach told him he should have pressed on it, then and there.

Instead, he only kissed her once more, slightly more desperate, for this was their last kiss for some time.

"I love you."

She smiled back. In a way that could melt the coldest planet in space.

"I love you."

In the time that he had gone from planet to planet across the galaxy, he had stopped naturel disasters in Galymayne and Fluvian, prevented an Almeracian invasion of Gilrell and helped stop slaver raids on Havania, among dozens of other examples.

It felt good to help. To be a hero again with a clear mission, and distinction between good and bad, like it was before Gotham.

"Connor!"

A voice screamed in his head, M'gann's.

"Connor help me!"

His eyes opened, heart beating, fists clenched, and faster than he had ever flew before, he bayed like a bullet back to Earth. Nothing else on his mind besides the status of his girlfriend.

If she had been hurt… no, he couldn't think about that.

"Connor… it… it hurts."

Then there was nothing, her connection was broken.

"NO NO NO!" He screamed. Breaking barriers as he sped his way home.

The Earth gradually came into view from a small blue dot until he could make out each continent again, billions of voices also came into his hearing.

Temporarily overwhelming at first, and then he began to filter out the useless from the useful, and what was happening.

"… Batman, he's-"

"Terrible-"

"Tyrant."

"Murdering thug"

"Finally he's doing what he and the League should have done years-"

"He's right about criminals."

-"Let them suffer-"

What the fuck has happened he thought.

A news report, from Washington.

"It has been weeks since the tragic news of the deaths of a number of heroes-"

No.

"Batman has stated that such unfortunate events happened as a result of Superman's actions-"

Don't say it, please. He begged in his mind, teeth and fists clenched as he continued to race against time.

"Among those accounted for, Red Robin, Spoiler, Shazam, Miss Martian and Green Lantern-"

He felt as though his world had been ripped apart into nothingness.

M'gann's telepathic message… it had been her final thoughts as she had died.

Between his distance and the time in space, it had been weeks by now.

He… could not think or feel. He was there, allowing himself to briefly stop and float aimlessly overlooking the planet.

"-Batman's mercenary force, Arkham, continue to operate unimpeded- "

"- Witnesses state that Starfire threatened employees of the Daily Planet- "

"Superman and his group have gone underground- "

"-Batman has assured the public that the terrorists will be caught, as well as-"

Batman. He took his world and was going to claim this one too.

No, he would never take anything, ever again.

"Batman…" Connor muttered with venom to kill a million.

"Batman…" He repeated, louder, more vocal, but equally hateful.

Criminal, murderer, tyrant.

He now broke full speed, flaming straight down to earth.

His focus, attention and hatred, focused on one single target, one man.

"BATMAN!"

Vengeance: Men Among Gods: Year Two

Author's note: The second year of Vengeance begins. For those who do not know, this is the sequel to Huningtonson543's Vengeance: Men Among Gods, which in turn, is a continuation of the original story began in 2016 by Reborn Dark Phoenix.

The story remains the same, aside from some minor changes I made:

Wonder Woman is the second most notable hero behind Superman who opposes Batman.

And Talia Al Ghul (who was good in this universe, as well as Ra's and the League of Shadows) was killed by Lex Luthor, along with Alfred, amidst the destruction of Gotham City in a nuclear bombing, all caused by Lex Luthor.

I will continue to remain as faithful and accurate to the spirit of the story by Reborn Dark Phoenix as much as possible.

To catch up on the start of this story, go and check out the original work by Reborn Dark Pheonix, under the title "Vengeance: Men Among Gods"

Thanks very much and hope you all enjoy.