HEY EVERYONE! I'm back with another chapter of Injustice 2: Lightning of Hope! Sorry it took me a while. I've been on my job, going through working-vacations, dealing with the new family pet, etc! Point is, I'm back and ready to make up for lost time! This chapter is really, REALLY special! How special y'all ask? Find out as you read this chapter! More info will be at the bottom of this chapter!
ALRIGHT! LET'S GO!
Injustice 2 belongs to DC Comics and NetherRealm Studios
Nightwing, Red Robin and Red Hood were driving in their motorcycles, patrolling and watching to see if anyone needed help. They needed to evacuate the people out of Gotham City before Brainiac's Ship could wipe them out and add the city and anyone in it to his collection.
"We need to find Batgirl, "Nightwing said, breaking the silence between them, "She's out there somewhere, fighting for the city."
"I agree," Red Hood replied, "But we need to focus on getting as many people out as we can. We can't afford to lose anyone."
"He's right," Red Robin chimed in, "We need to work together and make sure no one gets left behind."
"Alright," Nightwing laments before looking at Red Hood, "Remember, Jason-"
"I know, I know! No killing!" Red Hood interrupted with a smirk.
Nightwing just shook his head as they continued to ride through the streets. Suddenly, they heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the Gotham City Bank.
"That can't be good," Red Robin said, speeding up towards the bank. The others followed closely behind.
As they got closer, they saw Batgirl fighting off a group of Brainiac's drones, trying to protect the civilians inside the bank.
"Let's go!" Nightwing shouted, as they all revved their engines and charged towards the drones.
The four of them worked together, taking out the drones one by one. Batgirl looked relieved to see them, but didn't stop fighting.
"We'll handle this, you get the civilians out of here," Red Robin said, as he helped a group of people out of the bank.
Batgirl nodded and quickly led the remaining civilians out of the bank.
"We need to hurry," Red Hood said, "Brainiac's ship is getting closer."
With the civilians safe, the four of them regrouped and took down the rest of the drones. But just as they thought they were in the clear, a huge sound wave bounces the four of them onto the floor.
"Miss me, kids?" A woman with long silver hair walks up before them.
"Silver Banshee?" Batgirl exclaimed.
"In the flesh. Now hand over those Kryptonians." She demanded.
The four of them stood up, ready to fight once again. They knew they couldn't let Silver Banshee get her hands on Superman and Supergirl, or else all hope would be lost.
"You'll have to go through us first," Nightwing said, taking a fighting stance.
Silver Banshee just smirked and unleashed another sound wave out of her mouth, bouncing the heroes off of their feet again.
"For Fuck's sake, Banshee… Why the hell you're with Grodd and Brainiac of all people?!" Red Hood asked out of annoyance and anger.
"You of all people should know, kid…" Silver Banshee starts, "Superman and his Regime killed most of my friends… And Killer Frost was executed because of him!"
"She was the one who joined the Regime, that's on her!"
"She only joined him because it was either that or get killed by him…" She tried to hold her tears before glaring at him, "Like me and most of my friends were!"
The heroes stood there in shock, not knowing what to say. They knew the Regime had caused a lot of pain and suffering, but they never thought about the collateral damage it caused.
"I'm sorry for your loss, but we can't let you hurt innocent people in revenge," Batgirl said, trying to reason with her.
Silver Banshee just scoffed, "Innocent? They're the ones who follow Superman like sheep and allow him to do whatever he wants! They deserve everything that's coming to them."
She screamed once more, hurting their ears until Red Hood (out of annoyance and anger) used one of his guns and shot her in the leg.
"AHH!" Silver Banshee screamed in pain before Red Hood ran towards her and kicked her in the face.
"Listen, lady," He starts, "I get what it's like to get some payback… And believe me, I'm still doing it. But even I wouldn't hurt the innocents like you do!"
Silver Banshee scoffs, "Like how you betrayed the Bat Family because your mentor didn't wanna kill the Joker for what he did to you? You call that innocent?"
Red Hood stops for a moment, reminiscing his past before looking back with a glare, "That's different… I was blinded by my anger and I regret it every day. But I'm trying to make things right."
Silver Banshee looks at him before spitting on his face, "I don't need to listen to a hypocrite like you."
Red Hood vs Silver Banshee
Red Hood quickly wipes the spit off his face before rushing towards Silver Banshee, his guns at the ready. She screams once again, but he covers his ears with his helmet, allowing him to block out the noise. He shoots at her, but she moves quickly, dodging his bullets and using her sonic scream to knock him back.
The two engage in a fierce battle, with Red Hood using his guns and martial arts skills while Silver Banshee uses her sonic screams and agile movements. The rest of the heroes stand back, not wanting to interfere in their fight.
Red Hood manages to land a few shots on Silver Banshee, but she quickly recovers and screams at him, sending him flying across the room. He gets up quickly and charges at her again, but she dodges his attacks with ease.
As they continue to fight, Silver Banshee starts to feel a sense of respect towards Red Hood. She sees how determined he is to make things right and she starts to question her own methods of revenge.
Finally, after a long and intense battle, Red Hood manages to knock Silver Banshee out with a powerful punch. He stands over her, catching his breath and looking down at her with a mix of anger and sympathy.
RED HOOD WINS!
"I guess we're both hypocrites in our own ways," he says, filled with remorse about his past before Batgirl, Nightwing and Red Robin caught up to him.
"Are you okay?" Batigirl asked, concerned.
Red Hood just nods before walking away, leaving Silver Banshee lying on the ground, "Let's go… We got a lot of work to do"
At the Skies in the Other Side
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, soaring amidst the celestial tapestry, Supergirl and Wonder Woman embarked on a mission to Metropolis. The former couldn't contain her excitement at the prospect of exploring the city that her beloved cousin, Kal-El, had once safeguarded. Little did she know the secrets that lay beneath the surface.
Wonder Woman, on the other hand, harbored a deep resentment toward Batman's plan. The thought of aiding those who had aligned themselves with the Insurgency filled her with contempt. These 'criminals' had imprisoned her loved ones and shattered the unity of their world. She vowed that once Brainiac's threat was neutralized, she would exact retribution upon Batman, Flash, and their treacherous followers.
As they prepared to leave, Supergirl turned to Wonder Woman, her eyes filled with anticipation. 'I can't wait to see Metropolis, Wonder Woman. I've heard so much about it from my cousin. He always spoke so highly of the city and its people.'
Wonder Woman nodded, her expression unreadable. 'I understand, Supergirl. But remember, we must remain vigilant. There are those who would seek to harm us and the people we protect.'
Supergirl smiled, her eyes shining with determination. "I won't let them down, Wonder Woman. I promise."
"Let's hope so!" A voice behind them startled them as they turned around. It was the crimson-clad Shazam, his youthful features belying his immense power, "We need all the help we can get," he said, his voice echoing the grim determination in his eyes.
"What are you doing here, Billy?" Wonder Woman glared at him, her voice cold and unforgiving.
"Um, I showed up to help you two..." he confirmed, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "Harley Quinn and my siblings are getting everyone out of Fawcett City before Brainiac gets there. She told me she'd meet me at Metropolis after she helps Mary and Freddy."
"We do need more help, just in case, Diana," Supergirl interjected, her voice a plea to Wonder Woman.
As much as the exiled princess of Themyscira despised the thought of cooperating with the former traitor of Superman's Regime, she knew that the fate of the world depended on their united efforts.
'Fine,' she grunted, her voice grudging. 'But don't expect me to be friendly towards you, Billy.'
Shazam shrugged, his youthful demeanor masking a deep-seated resolve. 'I didn't expect you to be anyway.'
With that, the unlikely trio set off for Metropolis, each with their own thoughts and motivations. Supergirl was filled with excitement and anticipation, Wonder Woman with resentment and determination, and Shazam with a mix of nervousness and unyielding resolve.
As they soared through the sky, Kara couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about this enigmatic boy-turned-hero. From the tales she had heard from Wonder Woman and Black Adam, Shazam had been a delinquent like the rest of his family before gaining powers from the Wizard. However, Black Adam had also informed her that Billy Batson possessed a sense of honor that belied his troubled past.
Shazam, the second of the trio, hung back slightly, his youthful features betraying a flicker of nerves. He glanced at Wonder Woman, then at Supergirl, her face alight with a youthful energy that was both captivating and a touch intimidating. He had heard tales of her strength, her bravery, but also her naivete.
Supergirl, sensing his gaze, turned towards him with a playful smirk. 'You nervous, Billy?' she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Shazam, ever the quick-witted one, feigned offense. 'Nervous? Me? Never!' He puffed out his chest, trying to appear taller and more imposing than he actually was. 'Besides, I've faced worse than a little trip to Metropolis.'
Supergirl laughed, her eyes twinkling with good humor. 'I believe you,' she said. 'But I can't help but wonder what a boy like you is doing with such a powerful responsibility.'
Shazam's smile faded slightly. 'I'm not a kid anymore… but It's not easy,' he admitted, his voice dropping to a softer tone. 'But I'm trying to be better, to use my powers for good. I have to protect my family, my city.'
His words struck a chord with Supergirl. She understood the burden of responsibility, the weight of expectation. She remembered the chaos of her own awakening, the sudden realization that she was no longer a girl but a symbol, a beacon of hope.
'I get it,' she said, her voice softening. 'And I'm glad you're here. We need you.'
'Thanks,' Shazam said, a genuine smile returning to his face. He couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for this girl, this Supergirl, who despite being a powerful Kryptonian, seemed to understand the human cost of his newfound powers.
'Sooooo,' he began, trying to lighten the mood, 'You're Superman's older cousin, right? You look pretty young.'
Supergirl's smile widened. 'Hyper-sleep,' she explained, her voice laced with a hint of wistfulness. 'While Kal was busy growing up, I was on ice… until Black Adam found me.'
'You're looking good for someone old,' Shazam commented, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Kara laughed lightly, the tension between them dissolving into a sense of camaraderie. "Well, I do have my secrets," she giggled, her playful response a stark contrast to the grim reality of their current mission.
As they continued their journey, they shared stories and laughter, forging an unexpected bond amidst their shared purpose. Kara learned of Shazam's foster family, their love and support providing him with an unwavering anchor amidst the chaos of his newfound powers. Shazam, in turn, listened intently to Kara's tales of Krypton, her parents' sacrifice, and her unwavering determination to protect Earth as a beacon of hope.
Shazam smiled, happy to know that this blonde girl isn't like her cousin Superman who became evil and started the Regime. She truly was a heroic individual despite looking so young.
Wonder Woman, who had remained mostly silent, finally spoke, her voice devoid of warmth. 'We need to focus. We're on a mission, not a picnic.'
The playful banter ceased instantly. Kara, a little disappointed at the abrupt shift, cleared her throat. 'Right. We're here to help stop the chaos, to bring justice to the city.'
"Y-Yeah," Shazam quickly agreed.
As they approached their destination, Kara's eyes fell on Shazam's forehead. 'Billy, those marks on your forehead? Why are they there?' she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Shazam froze, his mind racing to find an appropriate response. He couldn't reveal the truth about his encounter with Superman, her own cousin turned evil. Besides, they had bigger issues to deal with.
'Oh, those?' he said casually. 'Just a little souvenir from an old adventure. Nothing to worry about.'
Kara nodded, but her expression remained slightly concerned. She knew Shazam was hiding something, but she respected his decision to keep it to himself.
'Kara, why don't you go ahead and get a headstart?' Wonder Woman suggested. 'Billy and I need to talk.'
Kara nodded and flew off, leaving the two heroes alone.
Wonder Woman then glared at her former Regime comrade, "You didn't tell her what her cousin did to you, Billy, right?"
Shazam just looked at her, "No... Not yet" He then decides to strike a nerve, "At least Supergirl is much more pure than your boyfriend Superman"
'Don't... You... Dare...' Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed, her voice a venomous hiss.
Shazam stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. Taking a deep breath, Billy started saying the words that's been on his mind for a long time. "We used to be friends, allies that would help each other in times of need. Do you remember those times, Diana? Do you remember the days when you and I would team up to simply talk to one another, to help people when we could and nothing else mattered? I do. God, it feels like another lifetime ago but I do. I remember the times when you would come find me after a bad day with the Justice League, I remember the times we spent playing with the kids at parks. I remember all of it." Billy smiled fondly to himself at the memories, memories that showed a simpler, better time.
"I also remember believing that you would be one of those people that would always be there for me no matter what, that we would defend each other til our last breath. I know I would have, Hell I probably still would in some sick, twisted way. But then you," the boy swallowed down the lump in his throat that had started to rise. "But then you decided that suddenly, I wasn't a friend anymore. That somehow, what happened to Metropolis made it right to throw away everything the League had gone through with one another. That somehow Batman, who was one of your closest friends for years, was an enemy, simply because he thought that Superman was wrong." Billy shrugged your shoulders. "Though, I guess saying that makes me kind of a hypocrite, seeing as I went along with it as well. So I guess I could forgive you for that part, even if I don't really forgive myself."
Billy knew that he had no room to talk there since he too joined Superman's Regime. Sure, he didn't kill anyone, but he was still responsible for major events.
"But that's not it... you did much more than just turn on your friends, Diana. You started killing people, innocent people because they dared defy you and the Regime. You bullied those who remained loyal to Superman, threatened them, forced them to fight and hurt those they could once call friends without their necks being snapped." As he was talking, Billy started flying forward, almost close to her face.
"And as if that wasn't enough, you decided that slaughtering millions of people, entire cities was the answer to your struggles. You and Superman were so far into your anger that neither of you hesitated at the idea, and the rest either agreed or were too afraid to speak up. That is, everyone except me."
He continued to look at the former princess Amazon as he said more.
"It's now, after you watched Superman kill me without caring that I wonder if you ever cared about me at all. I guess that's the safety of disbelief, isn't it? I refused to think that any of you could ever hurt me, that in the end, I could still remind you what it means to be a hero, and yet, look where it got me. Dead." Billy closed his eyes, fighting the tears that so desperately wanted to fall, the back of his throat burning with the effort.
'You told me you believed in Superman, Billy,' she whispered, her voice barely audible above the roar of the wind. 'You told me he was the greatest hero of all time.'
'He was,' Billy said, his voice cracking. 'He was, until he decided that the world needed to be saved from itself. Until he turned into a tyrant, a judge, jury, and executioner all rolled into one.'
'We were trying to protect the world, Billy,' Diana pleaded. 'To keep it safe from chaos. From the darkness that threatened to consume us all.'
'By sacrificing everything that made us heroes?' Billy countered. 'By murdering innocent people? By silencing those who dared to disagree with your twisted version of justice?'
He remembered the pain, the horror, the fear. The memories of Metropolis, the destruction, the innocent lives lost, the agonizing screams echoing in his ears. He remembered the way Diana, his friend, his ally, had stood by Superman, her once compassionate eyes filled with cold steel.
'My question, Diana, Wonder Woman, whatever you want me to call you now is simply this,' Billy uttered, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and sorrow. 'Did you ever care about me?'
The Amazon's stern expression wavered for a brief moment, but her body remained rigid with tension. Billy strained his eyes, and to his astonishment, he glimpsed a glimmer of moisture in her eyes. Billy had never seen Diana cry, and he doubted he ever would. She had become so guarded, her emotions concealed beneath a veil of anger and rage.
Then, with a voice so soft it was nearly carried into the wind, Diana said, 'I always have, Billy.'
Billy's eyes widened in surprise, and the dam of his own emotions burst. Tears, hot and heavy, streamed down his face. He'd expected anger, denial, perhaps even indifference. But not this. The words, simple as they were, were a balm to his wounded soul. They eased the crushing weight he'd carried for months, the weight of betrayal and broken trust.
He whispered, his voice barely a croak, 'Thank you. For that at least.'
Diana reached out and gently touched his face, her fingertips tracing the faded laser marks on his forehead. The scars were a constant reminder of Superman's betrayal, of the day the League fractured.
'I'm sorry for what Superman did to you,' she said, her voice laced with sorrow. 'But you know… Just because Batman's Insurgency and Superman's Regime are now working together to stop Grodd and Brainiac, doesn't mean that we'll see eye to eye. Besides, our alliance is only temporary.'
'I know,' Shazam admitted, his voice thick with sadness. 'But someday… Someday, the Justice League will be reunited again.'
Diana smiled faintly, a flicker of her old warmth returning to her eyes. 'You were always the optimist, Billy Batson.'
'T-Thanks,' Billy stuttered, 'L-Let's catch up to Supergirl.'
Wonder Woman nodded, and together they soared through the sky towards Metropolis.
Back at Gotham City
Meanwhile, back in the besieged Gotham City, Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Robin, and Red Hood faced off against Brainiac's deadly drones. Amidst the chaos, Red Hood's voice echoed with a mixture of rage and despair.
'I don't even know what's worse!' he exclaimed, firing a barrage of bullets at the robotic adversaries. 'Me getting killed by Joker? Superman killing the Joker and becoming a tyrant?! Or Brainiac destroying the Earth?!'
Nightwing's voice cut through the deafening roar of battle. 'We have to fight, Red Hood,' he said, his tone resolute. 'For everything we hold dear.'
Batgirl nodded in agreement, her eyes narrowed in determination. 'We can't give up. Not now.'
Suddenly, from behind, a menacing voice called out: 'How about you end up in a crispy corpse instead?'
A blinding bolt of electricity erupted from the darkness, striking Red Robin with brutal force. Tim Drake's body convulsed violently, his eyes widening in pain as he crashed to the ground.
'Tim!' Nightwing's cry of anguish echoed across the battlefield, his heart sinking with fear.
The drones, sensing an opening, pressed their attack with renewed ferocity. Batgirl fought back with a ferocity that belied her pain, her batarangs carving a bloody swathe through the metallic horde. Red Hood, fueled by a raw, primal rage, poured a relentless torrent of bullets into the enemy.
Tim Drake, his muscles screaming in protest, struggled to his feet, 'L-Like that was gonna stop me…'
'Maybe not…' The chilling voice echoed again, 'But it still felt god DAMN good… Though I thought I got Batgirl…'
The drones parted, revealing the source of the voice. Leslie Willis, her eyes glowing with a sinister delight, stood in the center of the clearing. Her electric aura crackled with power, a sinister halo around her.
'Leslie Willis…' Batgirl growled, her voice laced with cold fury.
'Sup nerd? Miss me?~' Livewire's response was a chilling mixture of amusement and malice. Her voice, amplified by her electric aura, reverberated through the clearing, a raw echo of power.
Batgirl's gaze flickered to her allies, Nightwing, Red Robin, and Red Hood, who stood at the periphery of the clearing, their stances alert, ready to spring into action. 'You three go. I got this.' Her voice was firm, unwavering. She turned back to Livewire, her eyes narrowed, 'Been awhile, Livewire... Haven't seen you since the Regime fell.'
'Well, Superman did try to kill me and my friends during the last five years, so yeah...' Livewire reminded her nemesis, a hint of a bitter laugh escaping her lips. She raised her hands, crackling energy forming around her, the air around her buzzing with anticipation. 'Now I heard that there's another Super-Nerd... That's just fabulous...'
'You're not going after them!' Batgirl declared, her voice laced with a fierce protectiveness, a fierce loyalty to those she considered family.
'Oh, I am!' Livewire retorted, her voice rising with a cruel delight. 'I still need to get my get-back on Superman for what he and the Regime did to me... And Brainiac does want him and the other Kryptonian… So… Back off!' She let out a sharp, chilling laugh, a sound that sent shivers down Batgirl's spine.
'So, you want revenge like Silver Banshee, huh?' Batgirl questioned, her voice edged with a hint of pity.
'We both lost our friends to Superman's Regime! Of course I want revenge! Why do you think I joined Grodd and Brianiac!?' Livewire's voice crackled with fury, her electric aura shimmering even brighter.
Batgirl vs Livewire
The fight started with a deafening explosion of electricity as Livewire unleashed a torrent of raw electrical energy towards Batgirl. The Batgirl deftly dodged the attack, using her grappling hook to swing out of the way. She retaliated with a series of Batarangs, but Livewire simply shrugged them off, her electrified body rendering them harmless.
Livewire surged forward, her fists crackling with electricity. Batgirl met her charge head-on, engaging in a brutal exchange of blows. Each punch and kick sent shockwaves through the air, illuminating the darkness with sparks of electricity.
Batgirl moved with lightning-fast reflexes, her kicks and punches a blur as she rained down a barrage of blows upon Livewire. But Livewire's electrical energy proved to be a formidable opponent, insulating her from most of Batgirl's attacks.
As the battle raged, Batgirl realized that she needed a different approach. She grabbed a nearby steel pipe and charged it with her Bat-glove's electromagnetic pulse. With a swift throw, she sent the pipe hurtling towards Livewire.
The pipe crashed into Livewire's body, sending a shockwave of electricity through her system. Livewire let out a scream of pain as her body went momentarily numb.
Batgirl seized the opportunity and lunged forward, her fists flying. She pummeled Livewire repeatedly, driving her to the ground. With each punch, Batgirl felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she was exacting a measure of justice for all those who had suffered at the hands of the Regime.
As the battle raged, Livewire's amusement turned into frustration. She had expected Batgirl to be an easy opponent, but the vigilante proved to be more than a match for her. Batgirl's agility and skill allowed her to outmaneuver Livewire, dodging her electrical attacks and countering with her own gadgets.
Desperate, Livewire unleashed her full power, sending out a pulse of electricity that surged through the entire area. Batgirl was caught in the blast, her body wracked with pain and her systems malfunctioning.
With Batgirl momentarily incapacitated, Livewire seized her opportunity. She surged forward, her electrified claws extended, ready to deliver the killing blow. But in that critical moment, Batgirl's mind raced.
She recalled a forgotten device she had developed—the Electropulse Shield. With trembling hands, she activated it, creating an invisible barrier around her that absorbed and deflected electrical attacks.
As Livewire's claws came into contact with the shield, a blinding flash of light erupted. The electricity surged back into Livewire's body, overloading her system. She let out a deafening shriek as she collapsed on the ground, her powers temporarily drained.
BATGIRL WINS!
Batgirl stood over her fallen opponent, her body still aching but her determination unwavering. She had outwitted and defeated the formidable Livewire, proving that even against overwhelming odds, justice could prevail.
'Revenge won't bring anyone back…' Batgirl muttered to herself, her gaze turning to the scene unfolding behind her.
A chill ran down her spine as a dark, oppressive presence filled the abandoned warehouse. From the shadows, Raven emerged, a sinister smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, normally a gentle, almost ethereal blue, blazed with an unnatural, consuming fire.
'Raven?' Batgirl exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief and a hint of fear.
She knew Raven's power all too well. A master of magic and darkness, Raven had the ability to manipulate shadows and emotions, making her a formidable opponent. She had witnessed Raven's terrifying power firsthand years ago when the Teen Titans, their bond shattered by Superman's Regime, fought against each other.
Nightwing, Red Robin, and Red Hood lay scattered on the floor, groaning in pain. Raven's attack had been swift and merciless, draining their energy and leaving them vulnerable.
'Still trying to bring back your father?' Batgirl asked, her voice steely. 'We both know that you wouldn't willingly join Grodd and Brainiac without a reason.'
Raven chuckled, a hollow, chilling sound. 'I serve all three of them. Gorilla Grodd and Brainiac's victory and the destruction of Earth will hasten my father's return... And ALL shall bow before him!'
A surge of anger coursed through Batgirl. The thought of Raven's father, the demonic Trigon, returning to Earth after all these years filled her with dread. His power was legendary. If he returned, the world would be plunged into darkness.
Nightwing struggled to his feet, his face pale but his eyes burning with determination. 'Batgirl...' he said, his voice strained. "Leave Raven to me. Help Tim and Jason.'
Batgirl hated to leave Nightwing alone to face Raven, but she knew he was right. She had to help her teammates. 'Alright,' she said, her voice grim. 'Be careful, Grayson.'
With a final glance at Raven, she turned to attend to her injured comrades. Red Robin's arm was twisted at an unnatural angle, while Red Hood was unconscious. Their injuries were severe but not life-threatening. The immediate concern was Raven.
As Batgirl tended to her wounded allies, Nightwing faced Raven, his staff held defensively in front of him.
'Raven,' Nightwing said, his tone firm despite the tremor in his voice. 'You're a powerful warrior, but you're fighting on the wrong side. This is your home. Turn back from this path.'
Raven's dark eyes narrowed. 'There is no turning back,' she said, her voice laced with power. 'My destiny is to serve my father. This world must fall before he can return.'
Nightwing vs Raven
The fight begins with a flurry of blows. Nightwing is agile and quick, while Raven is powerful and ruthless. The two warriors trade blows, neither one able to gain an advantage.
As the fight progresses, Nightwing begins to use his gadgets to his advantage. He throws a smoke bomb, creating a thick cloud that obscures his movements. He then uses his grappling hook to swing high into the air, launching a surprise attack on Raven from above.
Raven is caught off guard by Nightwing's attack, but she quickly recovers. She uses her dark powers to create a barrier of energy around herself, protecting her from Nightwing's blows.
The two warriors continue to fight, neither one able to gain an advantage. The battle rages on, each warrior determined to defeat the other.
As the fight reaches its climax, Nightwing realizes that he cannot defeat Raven on his own. He needs help from his teammates. He uses his communicator to call for backup, and soon Batgirl, Red Robin, and Red Hood arrive to join the fight.
Together, the four heroes launch a combined attack on Raven. They overpower her with their combined strength and skill, and finally manage to subdue her.
NIGHTWING WINS!
"If only the Titans were together on that day…" Nightwing mutters in remorse, recalling the day Metropolis was destroyed, with Beast Boy and Bart Allen/Kid Flash dying in the explosion years ago.
The four of them then looked at each other and nodded at each other and heading back to work.
"I better head to Blüdhaven," Nightwing states before getting onto his motorcycle, "I'll catch up with you guys, later"
They nodded before watching Nightwing drive away from the area...
At The Fortress of Solitude
The air in the Fortress of Solitude hummed with a cold, metallic silence, broken only by the whirring of the advanced Kryptonian technology. Damian Wayne, draped in the crimson and black of Red Nightwing, hunched over a holographic display, his brow furrowed in concentration. His fingers danced across the interface, searching through the vast Kryptonian database, desperately seeking a weakness within Brainiac's digital armor.
The weight of the world, or rather, the weight of Brainiac's imminent invasion, rested heavily on his shoulders. Superman's Regime, the iron fist that had gripped Earth for the past few years, had finally found itself in a dire situation. Even they, with their unwavering belief in Superman's righteousness, found themselves fearing the alien intellect's relentless pursuit of knowledge.
But Damian's focus wavered. The image of Dick Grayson, alive and well, remained etched in his mind, a jarring counterpoint to the fabricated memories of his death. It was a memory he had accepted, a painful reminder of his past mistake. Yet, seeing him, along with Tim Drake and Starfire, all seemingly untouched by the events that should have claimed their lives, had shattered the foundation of his reality.
"Batman was weak anyway," he muttered, a desperate attempt to hold onto the narrative he'd built for himself. "But now it doesn't sound right to me anymore… W-What if he was right…? Focus, Damian! I need to see if there's anything useful in the database."
He forced himself back to the task at hand, the data flowing around him like a digital ocean. He searched through code, analyzed algorithms, desperate for any hint of vulnerability. But as he delved deeper, he stumbled upon something that sent a tremor of icy dread through his veins.
A video flickered to life, depicting a scene of unimaginable cruelty. Superman, his face etched with an unfamiliar coldness, stood over a group of teenagers, their faces filled with terror. They were the Teen Titans, Superboy, Starfire, Wonder Girl, and Red Robin, their youthful faces now contorted in fear. The image froze on Superman's face, his eyes radiating a chilling, calculating malice as he activated the Phantom Zone projector. The Titan's bodies were engulfed in a blinding light, their screams fading into the abyss.
Then, the video shifted. A different scene, a different kind of horror. Superman, eyes burning with hatred, stood over a dying Alfred Pennyworth. His hand, still bearing the mark of a Kryptonian, was clasped around Alfred's throat. A figure clad in black, Victor Zsasz, stood beside him, a twisted smile playing on his lips. The video ended, leaving Damian in a state of shock.
"N-No… No, no, no!" Damian's voice cracked, a chilling sound in the otherwise silent room.
The truth, as brutal and undeniable as the footage before him, had shattered the world he knew. Superman, the bastion of hope, the symbol of justice, had become a monster, a puppet master pulling the strings of a twisted, horrifying reality. He had not only banished the Teen Titans to a prison beyond time and space, but also orchestrated Alfred's murder, a cold-blooded act that sent a shiver down Damian's spine.
The ground beneath him seemed to crumble, the weight of the revelation crushing him. The stories he had been told, the narrative he had built, all crumbled into dust. He had been a pawn in a game, a tool used by a man who claimed to be a savior, but had become a tyrant.
He was no longer sure who to trust, who to believe. The very foundation of his reality had been shaken to its core. His mind raced, trying to find even a sliver of hope in the darkness that had engulfed him.
He had to tell someone, but who? The other members of the Regime were as much in the dark as he was, their faith in Superman unwavering. And Batman… Batman was the reason he had ended up in this mess, the reason he was so easily manipulated by Superman.
He looked at the image of Superman on the screen, the coldness in his eyes reflecting the despair in Damian's own. The lines between hero and villain had blurred, and he was caught in the middle, drowning in doubt.
'W-What have I done?' Damian looked down in remorse, his small fists clenching.
'You did the right thing,' Lady Arkham, another member of Superman's Regime, said as she entered the laboratory. Her voice was calm, almost soothing, but the flicker of menace in her eyes betrayed her words.
'Did I really?!' Damian asked in anger, his voice cracking. 'I just found out that Alfred was killed by Victor Zsasz because Superman sent that sickening bastard to do it!'
'That foolish butler of yours deserved it for protecting Batman…' Lady Arkham began, but Damian cut her off, a torrent of grief erupting from him.
'He was like a father to me!' Damian shouted, tears welling up in his eyes. 'And Superman killed him!'
Lady Arkham's expression hardened. 'He was an enemy of the Regime, and he had to be dealt with. It was a necessary sacrifice.'
'You're wrong!' Damian cried, his voice raw with emotion. 'He was a good man, the best man I ever knew. And Superman killed him for no reason!'
'Superman has his reasons,' Lady Arkham said dismissively. 'You're just too young to understand them.'
'No!' Damian refused to believe her. 'He's a monster! He's not the hero he pretends to be. He's a murderer, a tyrant!'
Lady Arkham narrowed her eyes. 'Watch your tongue, boy. You're treading on dangerous ground.'
'I don't care!' Damian said, his voice shaking with rage, 'I have to stop him!'
'Not if I stop you!' Lady Arkham stepped forward, her hand resting on the hilt of a concealed blade. The laboratory, once a sanctuary of science, now felt like a battlefield.
Damian, fueled by his grief and outrage, decided to fight back. He had been trained by Batman, honed into a weapon, but he hadn't truly understood the weight of that training until now. His anger, a potent cocktail of sorrow and rage, gave him strength. He lunged at Lady Arkham, a blur of motion, his training kicking in.
The fight was fierce, a clash of desperation and calculated cruelty. Lady Arkham, with her years of experience, proved a formidable opponent. Her moves were swift and precise, her strikes brutal. But Damian, fueled by the memory of Alfred's gentle smile and the betrayal of his hero, fought with a ferocity that surprised even himself.
He landed a solid blow, knocking Lady Arkham to the ground. Her face contorted in pain, but she quickly recovered, her eyes blazing with anger. As she rose, she caught Damian off guard, striking him across the face. He staggered back, his vision blurring.
'Don't you dare question Superman!' Lady Arkham hissed, her voice dripping with venom. 'You're just a pawn in a bigger game, and you'll learn your place soon enough.'
A flicker of doubt crossed Damian's mind, but the memory of Alfred's sacrifice quickly extinguished it. 'We'll see about that,' he growled, rising to his feet.
'So, you're going to betray the man who was like a father to you?!' Lady Arkham exclaimed in disbelief. She drew her sword and assumed a fighting stance, "Your mentor, your protector? Have you forgotten the lessons he taught you?"
'Alfred was MORE of a father than Batman AND Superman could ever be!' Damian declared. He spun his staff, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
NIGHTWING (DAMIAN WAYNE) VS LADY ARKHAM
The fight resumed with renewed intensity, each blow fueled by a deep-seated grudge. Lady Arkham fought with the ruthless efficiency of a seasoned assassin, while Damian fought with the raw emotion of a betrayed son. The clash of metal rang through the air as their weapons clashed and sparked.
Damian landed a series of quick strikes, forcing Lady Arkham to retreat. He pressed his advantage, driving her back with a relentless barrage of attacks. But Lady Arkham was no ordinary opponent. She regained her composure and countered with a swift and deadly move, disarming Damian and sending his staff flying across the room.
Damian was now at her mercy, but Lady Arkham hesitated for a moment. A flicker of recognition passed over her face, as if she saw a glimmer of herself in the young warrior before her.
'You could have joined us,' she said, her voice softer than before. 'Together, we could have shaped the world as we saw fit.'
Damian's face remained impassive. 'Never,' he said. 'I will never betray the memory of Alfred or the values he taught me... Not again'
With that, he charged forward, using his fists and feet as weapons. Lady Arkham fought back with equal ferocity, but she could see that Damian's resolve was unbreakable.
In a final, desperate move, Lady Arkham lunged at Damian with her sword raised. Damian dodged the attack and disarmed her, sending the blade spinning away. Lady Arkham stood defenseless before him.
Damian hesitated for a moment, torn between his desire for revenge and his newfound compassion. Finally, he lowered his weapon and knocked her out with a punch.
NIGHTWING (DAMIAN WAYNE) WINS!
'You're not worth killing,' he said. 'You're just a pawn in a bigger game, just like me.'
He picked up the fallen Lady Arkham and gently placed her in a nearby closet, his movements surprisingly gentle for someone who had just been fighting for her life.
'Right now, she's safe from harm,' he murmured to himself. 'But I have to tell Cyborg the news of Superman's darkest secrets. First, I need to keep playing the villain until the time is right.'
Meanwhile at Gotham City...
A fierce battle was unfolding between Red Robin, Red Hood, and Batgirl against Wonder Woman's formidable nemesis, Circe.
"Surrender now, children," Circe taunted, her laughter echoing through the desolate streets. "Where is Wonder Woman? I demand to know!"
"Over my dead body, lady," Tim Drake retorted, his voice steely despite the fear gnawing at his insides. He knew the danger they were in. Circe was a force of nature, a sorceress of immense power. They were outmatched, outgunned, and outpowered. They were only holding her off because of her obsession with finding Diana.
"Foolish mortals," Circe sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You are but ants against my might. You cannot stop me." She raised her hand, a swirling mass of dark energy coalescing around it.
Tim, sensing the growing danger, called out, "Barbara, look out! She's going to use her magic!"
Batgirl, ever vigilant, shifted her stance, her gaze locked on Circe. "We need to get her to talk," she said, her voice urgent. "If we can find out what she wants, maybe we can use it to our advantage."
Red Hood, ever the pragmatist, remained silent. He knew they were stalling for time, hoping for backup, but knew it wasn't coming. The Justice League was nowhere to be found, and they were stranded with only their own skills to rely on.
The battle raged on. Tim used his acrobatic skills to evade Circe's attacks, while Batgirl countered with her escrima sticks, her movements swift and precise. Red Hood, however, remained a silent observer, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Suddenly, a searing pain shot through Tim's arm. He stumbled back, clutching his wounded limb. Circe had unleashed a bolt of energy, a cruel reminder of her overwhelming power.
"You are but toys," Circe cackled, her laughter echoing through the night. "Playing with fire, little birds. But fear not, it will soon be over."
She then grabbed Batgirl by the head and read her mind, finding out where Wonder Woman is...
'Ahh, Metropolis,' she whispered, a knowing smile spreading across her face. 'So, you are hiding from me, Diana. But I will find you, and when I do, you will pay for what you have done to me.'
She then let go of Batgirl and teleported out of Gotham City.
"Oh SHIT!" Red Hood cursed out of anger.
ALL DONE! Sorry for the long wait everyone! As I said before, I've been through a lot of things! Anyways, here was the chapter for the Bat Family. I know I said that I was gonna do Wonder Woman's chapter next, but I wanted to do this chapter to make it special... Also, to give Circe a reason to find her arch-enemy!
Special thanks goes to Gundamfreedom0, mui goku, RonaldM40196867, Winnie the Drunk, Spectacular Webhead 11, samarithomas1022, Lisan Al Gaib, ethanparker952, tbfiremon771, Yoyon586, damienfarrar10, and drewhutchison00 for the positive reviews and the patience! I also want to thank everyone for waiting for this story.
Now we're heading to Wonder Woman's chapter of the story!
Read, review and GOD BLESS US ALL!