Metropolis

"That's not possible, Lois." Clark just sat there mouth agape on the chair across from his wife, who was feeling her hand over her stomach in a maternal fashion. He had just come back from a slightly traumatic encounter with a preacher named Eddie Thawne and didn't feel quite himself at the moment. Martha scowled at her eldest boy as she brought two mugs of coffee to him and his wife in the living room of their apartment. "Well, excuse me for expecting you to be happy your wife was expecting." "But, Ma, we can't have children," Clark said with an earnest air as he tried to abate the maternal reprimanding. "Check her with X-ray vision, Clark. She wouldn't let Conner or Kara for…well, obvious reasons." "Very well," Clark acceded and examined his wife with his X-ray vision. What he saw did indeed shock him. "Well…you are pregnant." "See, we told you so…" "With twins. A boy and a girl. And they're definitely healthy babies." Lois almost knocked herself out with delight upon hearing this confirmation from her all-seeing husband.

"Oh my God, this is wonderful. A little boy and a little girl. Come on, Smallville, crack a smile. You're going to be a dad."

"Lois, it's not possible. Except…"

"Except what? Sometimes miracles do happen?"

"Well, yes, but also…I met Eddie Thawne today. He said he would give me another gift. A gift only you could give me. He must have meant…"

"So, you're saying this is some kind of immaculate conception, Clark? Because I'm hardly without sin and neither are you, boy scout though you may be."

"Yes, but…he might have just altered your genetics slightly to make it possible."

"This is the same man who's about to overthrow the government. I don't agree with him on a lot of things but he's certainly doing a lot of good."

"The Devil comes in many forms, Lois," were the stern words of her mother-in-law, "You and Clark should watch your backs."

"No, Ma. This guy's not the Devil," Clark reassured her, "Everything he did, he did without reward. His followers aren't very savoury but he seems to be the real deal. A bit like a lot of other prophets. I'll see if I can get J'onn to check him out."

"Very well. You're avoiding the good news though, Clark. I'm going to have two grandchildren now!"

"Yeah, a little gentlemen's family, Smallville. Just like you dreamed."

"Yes, it is. Just like I imagined. I already have two names; Jonathan and Martha."

"Oh, Clark. You can't call the baby Martha!," Ma sternly replied, "I know you're trying to do right by me but it's so…old fashioned."

"Well then I can't think of a better one, Ma. I'm naming my daughter after my mother or no one at all."

"Well, Clark," Lois piped in, "I have an idea."

"What's that, dear?"

"Call her after your mom. Lara. It's a nice name, and more acceptable than Jor for our son. I think Jonathan would be a great name for a boy, but I have to agree with your mom. We'll give her the middle name Martha. And if it's alright I'd like his to be Samuel."

"After everything your father did?"

"I want him to bring justice back to his grandfather's name, Clark. If that's not too much to ask."

"I…no you're right. 'Samuel'…means name of God in Hebrew. Sam did bring dishonour on a noble name. It was your grandfather's name too if I remember right?"

"Yeah, Grandpa Sammy. He was a really nice man. A hippie compared to Dad. Dad made the name Samuel Lane so seedy. I'd like to give it another chance with his great-grandson."

"God, I love you, Lois Lane."

"Right back at you, Smallville."

Central City

Things were very awkward at the home of Barry Allen and his wife, Iris West as they struggled to come to terms with the resurrection of both their children. Don and Dawn were of course happy to see their parents. "So, you're alive, Dad," Dawn said to break the silence as they sat before the coffee table, "That's new." "Likewise," Barry said in almost total disbelief, "How did you both…come back?" "We just woke up," Don replied curtly. "It was like we'd been sleeping for so long, then this man…Eddie Thawne…the guy who just left, showed up. He said he was our cousin and wanted to reunite us with our mother and father." Barry nodded as he struggled to process this information. Dawn smiled in that warmth she had which reminded everyone of her mother. "He told us about Wally. We're very sorry. But we're happy to be here. We know it's not home, but we thought we'd come and see you two. He said we can't go back to our time, but that Don's little boy, Bart is here."

"Did he say why you can't go back?" Iris asked funnily. Don smiled at his mother as she finally started to register him. "He said that that time has been altered beyond belief. He promised Dawn he would save Jenni if he could, but he wasn't certain." "Oh, well let's hope that works out then." "It will, Mom," Dawn said with an indomitable smile, "Now where's little Bart? Eddie said he's all grown up now. I bet he's really handsome. Meloni was so good looking." Three blurs whizzed into the house then as Bart Allen and his cousins, Jai and Irey wandered in. Bart seemed to stand still in total awe at the man and woman sitting in front of him. "Speak of the devil," Dawn said, "Oh, he's got Meloni's hair. None of the fair Allen locks. Though he does look a bit like you, Mom."

"Grandma Iris…Grandpa Barry…" Bart spluttered, "What the hell is going on?" Don stood up with a firmness that behoved discipline. "Now young man, that's no way to greet your old man and your aunt when they come back from the dead, now is it?" "My old man?" Bart scoffed, "Is this for real? They're back too? Them, but not Wally. Oh, that's rich." "And what's that supposed to mean?" Don sternly examined his son with penetrating eyes. "Look don't pull the whole long-suffering father of a troubled teen act, Dad. I never even really knew you. Max Mercury and the Garricks raised me, so you can stop acting like I've been giving you grief since time immemorial." The smack that resounded across the room landed directly on Bart's face.

"Why, if your mother were here, she wouldn't tolerate that kind of crap!" Before he could raise his hand to strike him again, Barry had his son's hand in his grasp. "Donald Allen! You apologise to your boy right this instant. He's been going through a lot, we all have. Nothing gave you the right to hit him like that!" Bart wasn't sure which to be more surprised by. That another martyr of the family like his old man was actually a bit of a jerk, or that his grandfather was actually putting him first. "Grandparents are soft, Dad," Don snidely rebutted, "The lad clearly hasn't been disciplined enough by the Garricks." Dawn put her hand on her brother's shoulder. "Don, not here. What would Eddie say?" "I…he…I'm sorry, Bart. I didn't mean to do that. It's good to see you, son." Barry, Iris and Bart all regarded the original Tornado Twins with a bit of trepidation after that little debacle. "It's okay, Dad. I shouldn't have been so harsh. I'm lashing out at everyone since Wally died. Just ask Grandpa Barry."

"No, it's I who am in the wrong. My parents never raised a hand to me, I shouldn't to my son. It's good to see you. You're so grown up. And these two must be our successors. Wally's children. Jai and Irey. Eddie mentioned you two. Said you make the Flash Family proud."

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Irey noted bashfully as she looked at her feet. Jai sized up Don Allen. "So, you're the original Velocity?" "That I am," Don said with a cheesy grin, "can't say it suits me as well it might you, kid." "We'll see," Jai said as if he didn't care. He did. More speedsters in his family to show him up by how much faster they were. "I take it you'll be staying for dinner," Barry said to his children open-endedly. "For you, Mom and Dad," Dawn said kindly, "we'd spend the rest of our lives in this house."

Washington D.C.

"Chairman Eiling, these fanatics will lynch you and the rest of the committee if they get within spitting distance of the city," Diana of Themyscira counselled the new leader of the United States. As Chairman of the Committee of Public Safety, Randy Eiling effectively led America through its current crisis. The arms deal with Iran had toppled the Suarez Administration and now the Church of Rao were in Arlington. The meeting room in the White House was being used by the committee for such meetings. "Well, Princess. Why don't you lend me some of your mother's troops to combat them? We could hold them back, hopefully without lethal force, if we had an army of demi-goddesses on our side." "My mother has concerns of her own. Like yourself she leads a sovereign nation. And unlike you, she has a lot more experience at doing that than any other leader on this globe."

"Quite. No need to remind me of my youth and inexperience, Princess. Your return to the United States has been precipitant to this chaos. You are not even officially recognised as an ambassador anymore, and yet you came to us assuming diplomatic authority."

"You did not refuse my help."

"We did not refuse the aid of Wonder Woman in tackling this. But you like to lord it over us when you are here, Princess. And it doesn't help."

"You just will not listen to my counsel. Arrest this Thawne fellow and bring him in chains before your committee. Judge him then."

"Then we'd have a riot."

"With every hero on Earth by your side to calm tensions."

"This is a cult, Princess. What would you have me do? If their leader is captured, they could bomb the House or worse, somewhere public like the Smithsonian."

"Then arrest them all, by Hera! They are an armed threat to the people of your country."

"We are not in an absolute monarchy under some kind of benevolent warlord like your mother! This is a democracy!"

"A democracy that has appointed a clique of officers as the dominant governing body after removing its elected head of state. Not to mention a leader who has gone soft because some madman has proclaimed him the next President."

"You know, my father was right about you heroes. You all think you're our natural superiors, in some Darwinian nightmare. When we don't fall in line and love you, one day, you'll crush us like the fascists you are."

"Do not throw stones in glass houses, General Eiling. We heroes have tolerated your suspension of democracy only to prevent anarchy. We are no fans of tyranny."

"Says the woman who wants me to persecute an entire religion."

"Well, what exactly happened at Waco. Would you call that tyranny?"

"That was a mistake, Princess. One which our country regrets. Just like yours no doubt regrets the invasion of the United States a year ago."

"You are trying my patience, General Eiling. The enemy is at the gates and all you do is disperse crowds. Take action and arrest this false prophet!"

"No! Now get out of here before I break diplomatic ties with your people again and put you behind bars!" Before Diana could leave a member of the Secret Service entered the committee meeting room. "What is it, soldier?" "Chairman Eiling, sir. It's the Church of Rao, they're all gathered at the Washington Monument. Their leader, sir…he wants to speak with you in public." Diana and Randy looked each other in the eye and simultaneously gulped. "Fine, I'm going. But no security. I want to be seen to be reasonable in dealing with them. After all, he thinks I should be President."

Randy left and Diana turned to a television nearby which showed the crowds gathered outside. Bonfires lined the streets as the Church of Rao upheld their symbol. It was Kal's symbol turned upside down to symbolise resurrection. But where was Clark? Or Barry? When both of them met Eddie Thawne, they seemed to act like he was never a problem. Even Donna she hadn't heard from. Then she looked into the crowds and saw Donna beside Eddie Thawne, holding the hand of a red-haired boy. Then Diana remembered what Bruce had said about the blonde preacher reviving Lian Harper. No…it couldn't be. Little Robbie? Diana knew she needed to get out of there. Contact her mother, or Arthur, or someone who wouldn't be compromised by this…this abomination. She looked into his eyes and he seemed to look through the camera right into hers. Then a voice echoed through her head: "Hello, Diana of Themyscira, daughter of Hippolyta. I am Eddie Thawne. I am your end, Crown Princess of Paradise Island. No Lasso can save you from divine retribution against your heresies. All ye wicked will fall by my hand."

Diana reacted with the only instinct running through her body as she saw him say that. To run. An Amazon never ran from a fight before this. But she would. This man was something beyond even the gods. No wonder even Superman had cowed before him. Taking flight with the Sandals of Hermes, Diana made her way straight to the airport and flew out of the country. Back home. Back to Themyscira. She knew her people would need allies for the war to come now that America had fallen to this embodiment of evil. And the first person she needed to help with that would be an old friend. Arthur Curry.

At the Washington Monument, hundreds of people in robes surrounded Eddie Thawne as he basked in their adoration of him. His words had come true. On one side of him, was Donna Troy with her son, Robbie Long, over the moon that he lived again. On the other, was Simon Valentine, a young boy from Smallville he had converted by reviving his downed lab experiments. A vulgar, little genius who would serve him well in years to come. As the news crews approached the young man with the scraggly beard, he walked out before them. His clothes were unkempt and he walked barefoot to symbolise how alike to the Christ he truly was. The face of the unwashed masses. A reporter with red hair and a camera and microphone walked surreptitiously towards him. Jimmy Olsen. Who else? Thawne snatched the microphone from his hand and began what would be his equivalent of the Sermon on the Mount.

"My children! I am Eddie Thawne, son of Janine Gilmore. I have come among ye to spread the word of the Lord before he comes to judge us. I have come to help you destroy the Antichrist and bring purity to the land of the faithful. My dear homeland, America! It does warm my heart to see you all burning with passion for my presence. Yet I am but a humble shepherd for my Lord's flock. He came to us as a carpenter's son, and he came to our humble cousins on Krypton as a red sun. A red sun which held back their potential to be extraordinary creatures. Angels with abilities gifted to them from on high. Rao held back the Kryptonians because of their sin. But then their righteous last son, Kal-El came to walk among us and he became one of the most forthright angels of the Lord. And he has defended us poor sinners against the wicked. And like any true angel, he has inspired the righteous to serve him. Righteous like the Batman. Righteous like the Flash. Righteous like Green Arrow, to name but a few. These righteous have defended our world from threat after threat and we worship them for it. And whilst they are deserving of praise, all their actions derive from Him! From God! He is our creator, our father. And He created the righteous to protect us. He made Adam in his image to walk the righteous way! But we have mocked God since Eve gave man the Apple. We have indulged in all manner of sin and denied God his due as our master. The heathen, Martin Suarez, sold arms to infidels in Persia. Infidels who defy our national supremacy! Do you think he is a righteous man, my children?"

"NO!"

"Our nation…our great nation…has been so deprived of the righteous in leadership for so long. Would it not be better if someone like Kal-El were our President?"

"YES!"

"But Kal-El has no desire to rule over us. No angel would desire to usurp his father's rightful place as our master, except one of the fallen. And Kal-El is not fallen. He is the redemption of his own people and ours. None of the righteous desire to rule over us…they only desire to aid us. It is for this reason that despite our corruption into the perverse ways of the heathenry, we have given them such secular names as 'hero'. And why do we do this? Because we know they are our saviours. And because of that, we need a righteous man as President. Not an angel, for they will always protect us, but never rule us. But a righteous mortal. And that man stands before you today…"

"EDDIE! EDDIE!"

"My children, stop! I am your shepherd but not your king. Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar's. Kings have their place in this world, and I am not one of them. I only guide, I do not command. Your king is walking up to me as I speak." Indeed, Randy Eiling had just departed his car and was walking straight up to Eddie Thawne. Both men met each other's eyes and Thawne seemed to smile knowingly, as Eiling acquiesced, laid himself down and kissed Thawne's feet. "Arise, my child. You bow to no one. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the righteous man our father has sent us to herald his judgement. This is the next seal being broken. He is our leader." Thawne motioned for Simon to bring him a basin of blood which he dabbed his hands in before anointing Randy with the symbol of the Church of Rao. "I bless thee, Randall Eiling, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Light of Rao. I name you Custodian of the Faithful for the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. I name you President of the United States of America, last bastion of His word. Do you accept the responsibility He has given you?"

"I do, Father Thawne."

"Then arise. And go forth in His wisdom and rule this land justly and wisely. Punish the wicked and celebrate the righteous." The crowds cheered as some of the military forces backed away slightly. All the Congressmen and Senators watching on television knew they were dead meat if they didn't vote to make Eiling President. Watching on the Batcomputer, Bruce Wayne looked into the eyes of the preacher and saw the same unspeakable evil Diana had seen. He knew this was only the beginning of the end. Soon, the world would be crushed underfoot by this man. And he would be there to stop it. Lois held Clark's hand out of concern as they watched with Martha and Conner on the television. She didn't know how to feel. This same man who had given her and Clark as great a gift as being parents was now destroying democracy and heralding the apocalypse. Roy Harper, his daughter, Lian, and his new best friend, Jason Todd, seemed to watch with pride and appreciation for his message. At Titans Tower, Cassie Sandsmark and Rose Wilson looked at each other as if to say this was a sign of the end.

Wayne Enterprises, Miagani Island

Time passed, weeks turned into months and eventually a New Year came to be. Randy Eiling's first act as President was to name Sebastian Hady as his Vice-President, in a move which many associated with the new government's plans to clean up Gotham. Bruce Wayne wasn't fooled at all and knew the man in question was Simon Hurt. He had Alfred exhume the coffin Dr Hurt was contained in. They found a reasonably fresh corpse with the skin and teeth removed. Doing a retinal scan, Batman was able to determine this man was the real Sebastian Hady. But the fact that this man had been found in Wayne Manor would arouse suspicion, so he gave him a respectable burial and only let his family know. He tried to tell Clark, but Clark wouldn't believe him, and got very aggressive at even the intimation the Vice-President wasn't who he said he was. Not to mention he had also cited that J'onn had probed Thawne's mind and found nothing. After that came the wedding of the century. The President marrying young, well-known actress Eliza Day. Bruce went to the wedding which seemed to happen almost as quickly as they were engaged, with Eiling claiming they had been much longer. It was a dry affair, and he brought Selina Kyle along as a date to keep him happy. It didn't really work. Thawne officiated the ceremony, but Bruce knew better than to confront him. One bad word and Thawne would destroy him. On Christmas Day, President Eiling announced the First Lady was pregnant in his address.

Reorganising Batman Incorporated into overthrowing the government instead of fighting Leviathan, Bruce made great preparations to deal with Hurt and this preacher he knew must be Eobard Thawne. All his entreaties with the other heroes fell on deaf ears, except for Diana. But that became a problem when she and Aquaman were declared representatives of rogue states based on their adherence to old Greek Hellenistic beliefs and expelled from the country by President Eiling. Nothing seemed to work at all. There was still no sign of John Constantine, Oliver Queen or Ray Palmer after so long. Batman was now convinced this preacher had disappeared them somehow. Peace did seem to reign throughout the country though. All the rioting stopped. People seemed to accept the fact they were now in a theocratic dictatorship. Proselytizers from the Church of Rao could be found on every street corner in every city in every state. People were flocking to it by the millions. Not to mention crime went down, as the promotion of righteousness became very popular among the ordinary Americans. Thawne had created an actual miracle. He had all but purged a nation of nearly 400 million people of crime. But it didn't take a genius to know something was rotten in Denmark.

It was on New Year's Day that Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox were called to a board meeting of the shareholders at Wayne Enterprises. This was uncomfortable for Bruce, who had spent the last few months doing all he could to bring down Thawne. The Chair, William Earle, who was known for not liking Bruce's charitable endeavours, was particularly critical of Bruce at this meeting. And the Batman was not known for his patience with the wealthy and their frivolous aims. "William, can we wrap this up? I have a round of golf in the afternoon." "Mr Wayne, I know you have your flights of fancy, but you are the CEO here. I think it's essential you stay and listen to what has to be said."

"Very well."

"First of all, this Batman Incorporated mess. We've all discussed this, and we can't justify the company funding vigilantism."

"But I thought our new government was all about promoting the righteous."

"Well, we're a business, and they like promoting those as well. The way we see it, Mr Wayne, you've diverted millions of dollars into promoting a vigilante. Hardly a profitable venture?"

"That's not the point. The Batman has protected this city for decades. He's the hero we deserve…"

"But not the one we need right now. This company can't afford to continue sinking more and more money into this. Not to mention, the Batman has not kept the best of company at all times. What about that Azrael fellow? Or the Huntress, who murdered many legitimate businessmen from the Italian American community. And he is known for his friendship with Wonder Woman, a diplomatic exile."

"Princess Diana was a hero to many before that and she was a proud member of the Justice League. Where are you going with this?"

"Well, the fact of the matter, sir…is that we've fired you. You will maintain your share of profits from the company and your philanthropy from the Wayne Foundation will be allowed only under rigorous screening of the accounts. But we're liquidating Batman Incorporated and discontinuing any association with the development of technology which might be associated with him."

"This is an outrage! You can't—"

"Oh, but we can, Mr Wayne. We have here files showing evidence of you working with covert dissident operations against our government. Not to mention a continued contact with Diana of Themyscira, which carries a charge of high treason and a sentence of death. Now, I'm a reasonable man, Mr Wayne. We won't turn you in, as you are a good man at heart. But we cannot allow you to use the company for actions like this."

"I—I—"

"This is ridiculous! Bruce Wayne and Batman are both fine men. You can't just—"

"Sit down, Lucius! Or do you want to be fired too?"

"If you're removing Bruce Wayne as CEO for this nonsense, then I resign!"

"Good, we were getting tired of having so many bleeding hearts in this room. Now we can get down to what this business is all about. Making money."

"Earle, you'll rue this day."

"I'm sure I will, Mr Wayne. Now kindly leave the premises before I have you both forcibly removed."

In his office, Bruce began summarily cleaning his desk. As he did so, he looked up at the portrait of his mother and father he always hung on the wall. Such a shame he was letting them down like this. The company they had maintained was being taken from him and there was nothing he could do. Lucius walked in then carrying a box of his belongings. "Well, Bruce, it's been a pleasure working with you all these years." "Are you sure I can't tempt you to an executive position at the Wayne Foundation, Lucius? Or I could ask my uncle Jake if his executives are willing to hire?"

"No, it's alright, Mr Wayne. I think maybe's now as good a time as any to retire. Thank you kindly, though. I hope life treats you better than it has today. And send the Batman my regards."

"That I will, old friend. Take care of yourself." As Lucius left, Bruce sat at his desk despondently before looking through the window out at his city. Miagani Island was quite beautiful at this time of year, with the New Year dawning and snow falling all over. Sighing, Bruce knew the city deserved better from its elite than what had been given so far. If someone like Earle could take him from power for altruism, then how did that make the power of the wealthy in Gotham invested in the welfare of others. He had tried to believe for years that his own paternalism towards Gotham's populace would save them from the chaos which had orphaned him. Seeing how Dick and Damian had managed in his absence had inspired the foundation of Batman Incorporated, so that every community on the planet could have a Batman. It also led him to discover the harsh truth about two women he loved; Kathy Kane and Talia al Ghul. He knew Kathy had been his uncle's wife, but that didn't diminish their relationship since well, she was the same age as him and her husband was dead. Talia had given him a son, albeit without his consent. But, no matter what evil she did, Bruce always knew in his heart that she was better than her father. Kinder, despite lacking his morality. Then again, how could she? How could anyone raised in an organisation like the League of Assassins know any better. He asked himself the same question about Damian every day. Could the people he loved be turned to his point of view? Seeing what Damian had done to Otto Netz and how Tim had begun foolishly hunting Digger Harkness, he once more realised that the people he loved weren't perfect. Looking out the window, he noticed that a bird had stopped in mid-flight as if caught in a photograph. Not to mention the snow wasn't descending either. He wondered whether this was something to do with the Flash.

"Oh no, not him. Not quite," said a man who looked young but his hair was greying and his beard was as unkempt as Gandalf's. Eddie Thawne was looking a little worse for wear the moment. "But the next best thing is here, Batman."

"We meet at last, Mr Thawne. I've been waiting quite a while to actually speak to you."

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting."

"It was but a pleasure deferred. Now you are here, you can start answering my questions."

"And what would they be, Bruce Wayne, son of Martha Kane?"

"What have you done to my children? None of them trust me anymore. Not even Barbara. Is it the same Black Mercy you're using to turn Clark against me?"

"Well, I knew you'd figure out about Superman and the Black Mercy. But as to your family…I have done nothing, Bruce. You're a clever man, you should know by now that your harsh ways don't always inspire love. Your children love you, but those who love us hurt us more than anyone else. Imagine, if your father had beaten you for instance. It would be the fact that you loved him that would hurt more than say one of your enemies doing it."

"I've not touched any of them."

"You judge them like a demanding father. It's a shame really. Dick Grayson softened you when he was Robin. Made you happier. Then the Joker put Barbara in that chair of hers and killed Jason…well, you were beyond salvation by then. That Drake boy has some fortitude I'll give him that. To have tolerated your impossible standards for so long and only now breaking. He truly has faith in you. A remarkable young man in so many ways, but such blind faith from one so intelligent can't be a good thing, surely."

"Tim believes in me because I believe in him."

"No, you don't. The only Robin you ever believed in was Grayson. He made you smile. All the others were just poor substitutes after he let you down by growing up. Your lack of faith in your younger partners has led them down dark paths. When I revived Jason Todd from the grave, he was so angry at how you let him die. And that you accepted it, albeit begrudgingly. Superman, Green Arrow and Wonder Woman all died and you had absolute faith in their resurrection. But not that Jason would ever come back. You never wanted him back. You wanted his death to be a reminder of your own limits. Memento mori. That's why you still have his suit on display in the Batcave when he's alive and kicking. Despite his issues, he truly does deserve better from his father."

"You are remarkably well informed on my doings. How is it you come to know so much?"

"I know everything about the living. I look into your eyes and I see your entire life. All your failures. But you are one of the righteous I will give you that. That's why I rewarded you twice. Jason Todd and Stephanie Brown. Two Robins for the price of one."

"Jason came back because of Talia and Superboy-Prime. Stephanie never died in the first place."

"Then why does Barbara Gordon have her autopsy photos?"

"That girl wasn't…"

"No, I refuse to believe the World's Greatest Detective is that stupid. That corpse was Stephanie Brown! You checked her dental records and everything, like you do with every corpse. You are the Batman, and one thing you are more than anything is thorough. Oracle and yourself, confirmed the girl on that slab was Stephanie Brown. Which is why you still won't forgive Leslie Thompkins."

"If what you're saying is true…how come I remember finding out Steph was alive with Leslie in Africa?"

"Why didn't you tell Tim?"

"What do you mean?"

"If she really was alive in Africa, how come you never let Tim know that you even suspected it? He was her boyfriend. I know they weren't exactly Romeo and Juliet but that doesn't mean he didn't care for her. You're not one to let someone grieve needlessly, Bruce. You never told Tim because she was actually dead. Just like his dad. Just like Kon-El. You're harsh, Bruce, but you're never cruel. And not telling Tim was not because of your cagey nature, but because she wasn't alive. Until I came along. A little whisper in Leslie Thompkins' ear, exhuming a blonde girl, reviving her and taking her to Africa…all simple work on my part. Still, I did enjoy watching your relationship with Tim deteriorate. Not putting up a display case for the fallen Robin. That was very disrespectful, especially after you lied to the girl when she died."

"Why did you do all of this?"

"To prove to you, Bruce, that you are not God. You have your own little world, with your followers, and you micromanage both of them like some kind of omnipotent general. I showed you God's work by restoring those whose deaths you had caused because you lost faith in them as your foot soldiers. They owe their existence to me."

"Surely, they owe their existence to God?"

"Oh please, Bruce. You're more intelligent than that. You know who I am. You know I'm no more a Christian than the Dalai Lama. Or a Raoist."

"Your power comes from the Entity. Everyone's hearing about what you've done. Skeptics are claiming you have nothing to do with these dead children walking again, but they can't deny your power to heal after what happened with Lena Luthor. You're clearly not here as the saviour you present yourself to be."

"Give the man a medal. Ra's really does overestimate your abilities, you know that?"

"Ah, so you know Ra's al Ghul."

"He is useful to me for the time being."

"How?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? Go to your children, Bruce. Celebrate with them before you meet your end. It will be a last hoorah for all of you. My little treat. I will kill you last of your family. Your children will look into your eyes and plead silently for you to save them. And you'll fail. Just like you did with Jason. And just like you did with Stephanie."

"That won't happen."

"Oh, and why is that? Because you're Batman."

"Yes. Because I'm Batman! When monsters go to sleep, they have nightmares about me. I am vengeance, I am the night. And I eat monsters like you for breakfast, Thawne. Make your next move, then it will be easier for me to destroy you. I'm not scared."

"You will be, Wayne. You will be. You have no means of resisting me. I hold the power of life and death over all things. The government of the most powerful country on this planet does my bidding as do most of its people. You are a disgraced former CEO the public thinks is a fool for publicly supporting a vigilante. No means of resisting me except for sheer wit and will."

"I know. Doesn't that just scare you half to death, Eobard?"

"Hmm. I will admit a slight reluctance to confront you. But when the time comes, I shall enjoy killing you, Bruce Wayne. I knew you'd be a worthier opponent than Barry Allen. I shall see you again on the battlefield when I murder your children. For now, goodbye."

With that a blur left Bruce Wayne's office, and time began to move again. Discombobulated, Bruce felt like he was really experiencing a sensation of vertigo, almost as if what he just saw wasn't real. His phone rang. It was Alfred. "Master Bruce, Master Dick is wondering why you weren't at the house last night. You know he wanted his bachelor party on New Year's Eve and for it to be at the manor." "Alfred, you sound like death. Take an Alka Seltzer. I'll be home soon. I've just had a very…odd experience."

Hotel Belle Monico, New Gotham

Cassie Sandsmark had just landed in Gotham a fortnight after New Year's to attend the wedding of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon the next day. She stayed at the Hotel Belle Monico in New Gotham where the reception was being held. All the rooms were being paid for by Bruce Wayne and Diana's was going unused, so he had extended an invitation to Cassie on condition she share it. She decided it was best to do so with Rose Wilson. Diana had been unreachable since the day Randy Eiling had become President. So, Cassie had taken up Conner's offer of sticking with them for the wedding. He was attending with Clark, Lois, Kara and Martha. As she arrived in the lobby with Rose in tow, Cassie ran up and hugged her old friend, Supergirl, who she hadn't seen since the time she had helped the Titans fight Superboy-Prime. Kara seemed to be wearing her glasses so people would think she was Linda Lang in public. The wedding was meant to be a private affair so they could all attend as they were, without the need for a secret identity, and J'onn would once again provide the necessary telepathic cover. Rose was dressed in a normal T-shirt while Cassie was actually wearing her old leather jacket from her early days as Wonder Girl. "Oh my God, Cassie! It's so good to see you. Sorry, I haven't been in touch. Being the best Kryptonian hero on the planet and helping out Lana and little Clark does take up a good bit of my time. How are you keeping?"

"Same old. Leading the Teen Titans. Kicking ass. How are Lana and Clark?"

"They're both fine. She was so happy Pete gave her access at Christmas. Pete's been reconnecting with his daughter recently. I didn't know he got Lex Luthor's sister pregnant when she was in college, but they're you go."

"Really? Those Smallville boys really get around, don't they?"

"Oh, stop it. Hey, Rose, how's it going?" Rose was taken aback as Kara wrapped her arms around her. "Uh…was never a big fan of hugging. Especially when I don't really know you. I guess it's good to see you too." Cassie gave Martha a hug before advancing onto Lois, who was now showing her pregnancy. "Lois! By Hera, you're looking gorgeous. Like, really blossoming. Conner says it's going to be twins." "Yeah, it is. A boy and a girl. Jon and Lara. We hope they'll have a good uncle looking after them in Conner." "Jon and Lara?," Cassie smiled, "That's so adorable. Conner must be so happy you're calling the boy, Jon."

"He's over the Milky Way, Cassie. Someday he's going to have a Superboy named after the closest thing he had to a dad who he can mentor like Clark did him. And how about you? Is your mother okay?"

"She's good. I was with her at Christmas. She's got a girlfriend now."

"Oh. That's a turn up for the books."

"You can say that again. And Bart sends his love. He, Barry and Iris should be here tomorrow with Linda, Jai and Irey. I still can't believe Don and Dawn are alive. And Donna's coming too. With Robbie. I saw him at Christmas. He's just so adorable. Kept asking when he can be a Teen Titan and called me Auntie Cassie."

"Oh, that's so cute. Clark's right. Even if we don't get the whole religious thing…the world is a better place now. People are treating one another better. Crime is down. Even here in Gotham. It's completely mad."

"Speaking of Clark, where is he?"

"He's with Conner unloading some bags over there." Cassie looked over and saw Conner deliberately drop a suitcase full of clothes. "Clark has him well trained it seems." "Why'd you decide to stay here?" Lois asked curiously, "You wouldn't know Dick and Barbara that well." "Kara invited me. She's sharing a room with Conner, I think. I managed to get one for me and Rose."

"Oh, it has nothing to do with a certain handsome brother-in-law of mine."

"No. I'm here for Dick and Babs. And Kara's a friend. Not to mention, Rose loves Dick like a brother. He saved her from a really horrible experience. I thought I'd come along with her."

"Oh yeah, of course. Nothing to do with Conner, at all."

"You know, all of a sudden, I really get how all those politicians and businessmen feel when you turn up at a press conference."

"A keen eye always helps in the business, kid."

That evening, Cassie discovered a minibar in her and Rose's room and without the adults knowing invited Kara and Conner to come over. After having a few bottles of beer, they began discussing their superhero crushes from the older generation. "Oh, that's easy," Cassie said, "It's got to be Nightwing. The butt that won't quit." Rose laughed. "He's even more of a boy scout than Supes. No, no, the Batman himself. Yummy!" Kara and Conner seemed a little bashful. "I take it you guys aren't going to be too forthcoming," Rose said slightly drunkenly.

"No," Kara replied, "I just don't think you'll agree with my choice." "We're not here to judge," Cassie said, "We're all pals here." "Well," Kara said looking uncomfortably at the ground, "I always thought Barry Allen was pretty hot. I know I used to have a thing for Dick but the Flash, well…he's pretty nice. Great hair, chiselled jawline and a gorgeous smile. Not to mention those Flash boys have butts to rival Nightwing's." "Damn," Rose said giggling, "don't let Barty boy hear you saying that. He doesn't like many people talking that well about Barry these days." Conner looked at his cousin. "Barry Allen, really? He's so…normal."

"Well, who's yours then?"

"I…uh. Nah, you guys wouldn't like it."

"No, come on. Tell us."

"It's…Donna Troy. She is…just really smooth. Great body and a real swagger that could knock you out." Rose and Kara awkwardly exchanged glances knowing that can't have helped Cassie's feelings right now. Not that Cassie didn't love Donna, but her ex-boyfriend saying her predecessor was his crush, was not something she had expected. Cassie looked awkwardly at the floor for a minute and swallowed her pride before looking back up at Conner and smiling. "Well…she is very pretty. And a great big sister." "Yeah, Donna's pretty amazing," Kara said to break the ice, "But so's Cassie." "What's that got to do with anything?" Conner asked as if he'd never spoken to a girl before. His cousin gave him daggers which made him recoil ever so slightly. "I mean, yeah. I love Cassie." Rose smacked herself in the face as she began laughing a little bit. "This is like flirting with Tim."

"Aw, leave him alone, guys," Kara said through laughter, "He's always been a bit of a hopeless romantic."

"Yeah, absolutely," he quickly said, his face incredible red, "Now can we get back to drinking and talking about nothing." The conversation whiled away well into the night before Kara and Rose acknowledged they were pretty tired. "We have got a wedding tomorrow afternoon," the Ravager yawned, "And I've got to freshen up." "Rose Wilson in a dress," Wonder Girl snorted, "Now that I'd pay to see". "Oh, you'll see but you won't have to pay," Rose winked coquettishly at her newfound friend. Their bond had come through a lot of hardship after a long period of antagonism. Everything since Superboy-Prime and the Legion of Doom had brought them closer together though, no more than her bond with Conner had been restored since then despite the breakup. Kara motioned Rose towards her and whispered in her ear. Rose scowled a little before softening up. "Um, Cass, I think I'll stay with Kara tonight. You two seem like you want to keep talking. It might be best."

"Are you sure? We're not going to be much—"

"Just go with it," Supergirl whispered as she looked at Conner who seemed to be examining his beer bottle awkwardly, "For us." Kara and Rose made their way out to the hallway and both Superboy and Wonder Girl could distinctively hear giggling from the pair of them. Cassie rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. Rose has always liked to do things like this. Tim tell you about the time she landed in his bed drunk and naked expecting him?" "No, actually," Kon laughed, "Why is that guy such a stud?" "I mean he is really good looking, Kon. Not to mention his mentor is Bruce Wayne. That guy has models hanging off of him every other night. I'm sure he's taught Tim a few things about matters of the heart." He smiled a little, and the slightly awkward silence returned. Conner decided the best thing to do was ask what Cassie had been up to.

"Lois mentioned you went to see Donna and Robbie at Christmas. How are they?"

"Well, your crush and her little boy are fine."

"Aw, Hell. You're never going to let that go, are you? Nightwing, though."

"Look, Dick is pretty awesome. He's like my celebrity crush like I'm sure Green Arrow or someone was for Donna. Which would explain why she ended up with Roy of all people if that is the case. I'm sure the same applies for you and her. And might I say, you do have good taste."

"Gee, thanks. I kinda figured that myself."

"Well, I wasn't sure until you mentioned her."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Cass."

"I'm not, don't worry. Just being a moody teenager fishing for compliments."

"Even so, there's been an edge to you since I came back. We've talked about it a Iot before, and I've seen you getting better this past while. I'm just trying to understand why you're not feeling so good even though you've been so amazing?"

"Well, things are different since before you died. When Young Justice broke up, Diana and I drifted apart because of Donna... and now everyone seems to be getting their loved ones back just like I did. Yet I can't help but feel like I've lost a little the more everyone else has gained. We had a bond, the four of us...and while we're doing our best to get better...some things seem to linger a little. What with Bart being so down and Tim being gone, me trying to lead a team in Tim's stead isn't all it's cracked up to be. I would like to know that one of you guys was solid and stable. And you have been. You and Rose have been great support. The question is, are you okay?"

"Me? Yeah, I guess...feeling some of the things that you're feeling. But that's not what you're asking, is it? I guess Kara told you about Thawne bringing up Tana, huh?"

"Yeah. That must have been hard. Sorry you had to go through that."

"Yeah, it's fine. Don't worry."

"No, but I get it. I remember when we first brought the Titans back, me and Tim. There was this Bizarro version of you who was all obsessed with me. Match, remember him?

"Yeah, how could I forget the asshole. You and Tim said something about him being Bizarro before alright."

"It was really hard being near him. I know you didn't see Tana, but that guy invoked her. Someone you hadn't thought about in years."

"I'm sorry. I really didn't know. You never said…"

"Conner, when you first came back, I was too happy to talk about anything that happened when you were gone. Except to apologise for kissing Tim. That I do regret. Not that I don't love the guy, we were just both confused."

"I love him too. If I had come back and you and he were a thing, I'd still be pretty happy. Better him than some douchebag I didn't know. You know that's probably why we didn't work out?"

"What do you mean?"

"You were still grieving. You may have moved on and become as great as you are, but still…me coming back like nothing's happened hardly helped. It can't have been fun for you. You'd moved on and established yourself as leader. I didn't want to say it at the time, but I think that was your problem. I never really undermined you, did I? I just jumpstarted our relationship like we had been before I died. But you had moved on. You went with it at first because you wanted the perfect relationship you had had. And when I couldn't be like that…"

"Conner, you were more than perfect. You were just too needy, when I wanted space."

"Don't give me a cliché, Cassie, because we're not ordinary people. I died and came back to life. I know it's more common now, but that stuff still doesn't happen every day. You lived, and I was dead. You didn't want to open up to me like I had to you. You felt you weren't good enough for your perfect boyfriend, because of the things you'd done when I was gone. I get that now, after all the cult stuff. But I could never hate you for that. I'm not perfect. My father is Lex Luthor, for God's sake! And neither are you. But I do love you. I broke up with you because I love you and you didn't want to address those issues. I respected that and gave you your independence. But the fact of the matter is I couldn't give a rat's ass whether or not you're perfect, because you're my girlfriend. I wasn't going out with Wonder Girl but with Cassie Sandsmark. The gawky girl with glasses and a terrible wig I first met all those years ago on Young Justice. Oh, Cass, please stop crying. I didn't mean…"

"Just shut up and kiss me." Their first kiss in six months was probably the best they'd ever had. Even better than when he had come back from the dead. He could feel the heat of her tears on his face and had to hold her head closer to his own just to remind himself this was happening. Cassie was so happy to feel his strong yet soft touch that he had learned when trying to control his strength once again. "I can never bloody quit you can I, Kon-El?" "No. You can't. But that isn't a bad thing. We have each other. Sure, we have others too. Like Tim and Bart. And we've got to remind them every day how much we love them. But what we've got…it's different. You were right though, it's not more important than our responsibilities. Other heroes get that. Maybe we should too."

"Can you stay here tonight? I want to have someone who loves me nearby."

"Of course. Big day tomorrow."

"Will we see Tim?"

"I should hope so. He's the best man. I think you, me and Bart need to remind him he's much loved. A bit like the reminder you needed tonight."

The Narrows

Victor Zsasz's little fight club for children had been an interesting experiment. But now, he didn't have access to it anymore. Which was a shame considering it limited his genius for killing. But the old premises were not out of bounds even if he had lost the kids. Setting up there was pretty easy for a clandestine meeting. It was more of a shame for Zsasz that he couldn't claim credit for killing the Mayor of Gotham. Dr Hurt had promised him free reign over the city to sate his bloodlust if he helped them remove Hady. Now, Hurt was Vice-President all thanks to his sadism. But the one thing that really ground his gears about this whole arrangement was how he had been asked to sort out this fool in getting in contact with Hurt. That fool being Edward Nygma. The Riddler.

"Ah, Zsasz. I see you're still as gormless as ever. How many scars must a man carve in his skin before you can call him a man?"

"The answer will be blowing in the wind in a minute if you don't shut up. Spare me, Eddie. I'm a cold-blooded killer. Which means I haven't got the patience for smart asses."

"Well, no one could ever call you smart. I mean carving tally marks of your kills into your skin. How gauche and exposing."

The door slid open to reveal two figures. One was a resplendent man in a green cloak with a beard, and the other was the Vice-President of the United States. "Gentlemen, it is good to see you," the politician announced, "Glad you could join us, Riddler." "The pleasure is all mine, Dr Hurt. And it is good to see the Demon's Head back in action. Though I heard one of Batman's brats sabotaged your operation Ra's, you do not fail to disappoint me with your…appearance."

"How the Detective ever tolerated a pretentious moron who speaks so vacuously in a pathetic attempt to prove his intelligence I will never know. You truly are a warped mind, Edward Nygma."

"Well if you're going to be like that…I believe I came here to talk to Dr Hurt."

"Indeed, you did, Edward. Your powers of perception astound even me in realising I am also in the room."

"So, why call me here?"

"Because you know who the Batman is. Correct?"

"The memory has returned, yes, thanks to that preacher friend of yours. And I know who all of his associates are. Why is it that you care for this?"

"Because we need you to systematically destroy the Batman Family. This city will be cleansed with fire, and we intend for you to be the one who lights the flame. Lead an army of villains to conquer this town. Then we shall see who the Dark Knight's intellectual superior is."

"Fascinating. But where will I get an army of villains?"

"Where else? Arkham Asylum."

"Hardly a disciplined bunch."

"But a bunch, nonetheless."

"What's in it for me?"

"If you destroy the Batman Family and leave the city wide open for the League of Assassins to seize control? A place of power on the presidential cabinet as Secretary for Education."

"Interesting. I agree, but first tell me what a nut like Zsasz has to do with this?"

"Victor Zsasz served us well in removing Mayor Hady from the equation. He will be your lieutenant in conquering this town, Edward. You will trust him with your life."

"How…delightful. So, when do we begin?"

"In a week's time. On the day Nightwing marries Oracle. Then you will light the first spark which will drown the city in an orgy of destruction the likes of which no one has ever seen."