Houses of Congress, Washington DC
"So why did you contact me and not Thawne or the Vice-President?" Eiling asked Amanda Waller as they went through the desolate parliament, "You work with them far more closely than with me, Mrs Waller." "This is a matter neither of them need concern themselves with, Mr President," she perfunctorily informed him, "I think you and I are both sick of their actions of late, are we not?" "Well, yes," he hesitantly admitted, fidgeting with his collar, "But that doesn't excuse…" "You're their boss, no matter what they think," Waller interrupted the President, "Now I think maybe your men should wait outside." The Secret Service agents turned aggressively towards Waller, until Eiling knowingly raised his hand. "Very well," he told her before turning his attention back to the agents, "I can trust Mrs Waller, men. She's the greatest patriot I know. At ease." The two agents reluctantly exited as Eiling sat in the presidential seat at the head of the House floor. "So, why am I here, Amanda?" he inquired impatiently. "To meet your new allies," she indulged him "We're taking down Thawne and Hurt." "Why would I—" when she interrupted with, "Because they're insane and their plan is going to bring the end of the world. You've seen how blindly he's been acting in Gotham. Soon that'll be the whole country and then the whole world when he starts his war with the Amazons. We have no idea the full extent of what he's done. To be quite frank, sir, the military should never have trusted a doomsday cultist in the first place. Not to mention, I'm sure you're aware that your Vice-President isn't really Sebastian Hady?" He nodded. How long?" she asked.
"Since I met him."
"I'm surprised so many people have fallen for it, as is. Though I think cracks will start to show. Our mole inside the Daily Planet recently revealed a follow-up to Clark Kent's opinion piece a while back…his wife's going to run a massive exposé on the whole metahuman trafficking network and its ties to the government. That could spell the end of Thawne."
"Or strengthen him."
"Precisely. Which is why I think you need new backers."
"I thought you said I was the boss."
"That's not how these things work. No one man can truly rule. He needs power behind his throne."
"So, you want Thawne's job?"
"Absolutely not. I much prefer the position of public servant, Mr President, you know that. But I have three men who are very interested in taking the place of your backers."
"And who are they?"
"Us, Mr President," the familiar voice of Lex Luthor said, emerging from the wings with a much smaller, bald man with glasses and a tall man who seemed to have one half of his face unable to move. "Luthor," he recognised his predecessor, "And Dr Sivana…and General Lane? How…" With a nod from Lex, Lane peeled away the unmoving half of his face to reveal a robotic visage beneath, akin to the Terminator robot with its red eye of malice. "That's how, Mr President," Lex coolly addressed him. Eiling stood up in shock before turning to Waller in an accusatory fashion. "Now Amanda, I've heard your propositions before as have many others," he desperately said, failing to invoke authority, "You could transmute tin into gold with your arguments. But you can't tell me why...Why on God's green Earth should I replace madmen like Thawne and Hurt with two supervillains and a war criminal?" "Because we have interests that will better serve the people of Earth than they will," Luthor sardonically cut in, "Thawne is erratic. His way will only spell the end of life on this planet. Hurt's played games with human lives for centuries. And Ra's wants the human race all but wiped out." "Ra's is dead," Eiling dismissed him with a handwave. "Not according to my sources," Lex smirked, "Forgive me for not divulging this previously, Amanda, but some of my people have recently picked up a very injured Bane at Arkham Asylum. Ra's likely won't make a move now that Hurt has contacted his daughter. He'll see that as the end of their alliance." The President threw his hands up in the air and gave a slight laugh.
"So, what's your plan, Lex?"
"You, Mr President, will host a press conference in two days' time. In it, you will announce that your Vice-President was never Sebastian Hady, but international super-criminal, Dr Simon Hurt. That and you will provide all the evidence I have of Eddie Thawne's true identity and his crimes. Any accompanying evidence will be provided by Mrs Waller and other sources. You will say that this was brought to your attention by two patriots forced into hiding after faking their deaths to escape these…shall we say, 'fascist' elements led by Hurt and Thawne. These patriots being former President Luthor and General Samuel Lane, of course. You will then say that Hurt recently attempted to assassinate you but that he was unfortunately killed before he could be questioned. Thawne isn't all powerful, so he'll likely flee to the first hole he can crawl under, which I suspect will be his temple in Kansas. You will then appoint General Lane as your Vice-President, myself as temporary Secretary of Defence and Dr Sivana as your scientific advisor. We will deal with Thawne from there and his wretched cult."
"Why should I do this? You've offered me no proof, Lex."
"We don't need proof. In fact, we don't need you to believe us at all. We have enough proof that Thawne and Hurt are monsters, and that you are culpable in their crimes. Not to mention, Anita Suarez's son Martino Rodriguez. We have DNA evidence he is your child, despite the fact she's married to your predecessor's Education Secretary. A man we also have pegged, for want of a better term, for his frequent visits to public toilets in the DC area."
"You wouldn't dare."
"We would, Mr President. And we also have evidence that Eliza Day, since she was three years old, was raised by the League of Assassins, after her parents were killed in a fire on the Outback for disloyalty to Ra's al Ghul. That's going to make you look even more credible, isn't it? Your wife who will soon have your child being a spy for the Demon's Head of all people. Not forgetting, we have eyewitness testimony from many Gothamites that Ra's was your operative in Gotham, who killed hundreds of people through his actions there. So, give us that press conference, Mr President, or we release all of this info."
"I could have you all killed, here and now."
A red dot appeared on Eiling's forehead. He looked for a sniper in the windows, only to see it came from Lane's red eye. "The general here won't allow that, I'm afraid," Lex said, disguising a hint of relish, "And your Secret Service men have both been killed. We'll tell their families they died saving you from Hurt when the dust settles. Now, how about you let Mrs Waller take you home, Randy, and we can continue our business once we've finished our little coup." Eiling moved to protest, but knew he was beaten. "What happens if I let Thawne or Hurt know what you're up to before you can do anything?" he asked, trying to play one last ace up his sleeve. "Then you'll die with them," Lex impatiently told him, "Now get out, Randy." The president harrumphed before leaving with Amanda Waller as Lex turned to Lane and Sivana. "Does your daughter have the company helicopter ready for me, Samuel?" he asked. "Of course," the general spoked jaggedly in a metallic slur. "Good," he smiled, "Then we're going to Gotham as soon as possible. I need to have a chat with Mr Wayne."
Central City
It had been a long night of arguing between parents and children. Barry had gone to get a drink and Dawn had to physically hold him back with the help of her brother and mother as he fell crying into Iris' arms thinking of Wally and all he had lost. They had missed the news that evening and ignored all phone calls. Which was why Don and Dawn had tried their best to keep both parents asleep when they turned on GCN at 7am the day after Joan's funeral. The news report showing the funeral home had been destroyed by a giant laser from space. Not something you see or hear every day. Even in a world where the likes of Superman and Darkseid exist. "Our kids were there," Dawn said stupefied. "I know," Don sighed, "More blades for Thawne to hold over us." "I hold no blades," Thawne startled them from a nearby chair in which he lounged, "And if you don't surrender, I'm taking your father from you. Bart and Jenni got out alive. But I doubt you'll see either of them again. They both have to die. But you're both young, either of you can have more children." As their enemy stood up, Dawn similarly rose to meet his gaze defiantly.
"You're a monster, Eddie."
"I am a liberator. My will shall save this world. My will has transcended life and death. There are those who cannot envision the utopia I will build on the foundations of those who resist it. I can give you both new spouses and new children. Surrender and show me you still serve me or I will kill Barry Allen while he sleeps."
Don and Dawn just stood silently for a moment, the former grimacing at Thawne. "You've already taken everything from us," he shook his head, "You may as well take us down too." "No, I don't want to do that," their employer frowned, "I'm not a fan of just dusting my little passion projects away. You both can live, even if your incorrigible father won't." He then raised a hand to snap his fingers. "Last chance," he goaded them. "We don't care," Dawn replied angrily, "You're going to take our kids from us and now our father. There's nothing more we can do." "You two never were any fun," Eddie said as he rolled his eyes back, snapped his fingers and proceeded to take life from Barry Allen. At first it seemed to be succeeding, when he suddenly seized up in pain. His nose was bleeding and the same inhuman scream he had let loose when Lian and Robbie were protected from him overcame the preacher.
Simultaneously, Barry Allen had a fit in the bed above them which frightened Iris. "Barry, no," she screamed in vain, "Barry, come on. Stop it. Barry!" As soon as Barry seemed to stop breathing, Thawne jerked back into life downstairs. "What the hell was that about?" Dawn asked him. "Non-existent," he clutched his head in his hands and wailed, "Entity-Where is it-Where are you-Barry-Help!" He was still bleeding profusely as he sped out the Allens' front door. And then the Tornado Twins heard crying from upstairs. Speeding up there they saw their mother cradling their father's unmoving body. "No, no, no," Don shouted, punching his fist in the wall as he wept for his father. Thawne had killed him. Everything was falling apart. Barry Allen was dead.
Gotham
Hal Jordan was sitting in a bar having finished doing construction work with some of the Wayne Foundation employees who had arrived in the last few weeks. He was finding it harder to relate to all his old friends now that he had no abilities, coupled with the fact that he knew his future was to become a being of unadulterated evil. It didn't sit well with him, thinking back to Zero Hour and everything he had done as Parallax. He wasn't a hero anymore. He wasn't Green Lantern, and he wasn't the Spectre. From what Starfire had told everyone it was highly likely the corps had fallen at Oa. Now he was just an ordinary joe. Except he hadn't built up any kind of friendship with anyone left in Gotham since his return. He talked to Ollie and Dinah sometimes but that was the extent of it. He had nothing in common with anyone here. Anyone. They hadn't lived the life he'd lived. How could he relate to any of them? How many of them had settled down in a farming village in the future? A good few, but how many had done that while hating themselves for what they did and who they'll become? He knew the answer was none of the above. He wanted to get back to Coast City but felt a responsibility to his comrades from the time jump. And, selfishly, he figured he might pick up some powers by sticking around. Slim chance, but better than none.
"Brooding doesn't become you, Harold," Todd Rice said as he sat beside Hal. Before the former Green Lantern could respond, Todd's twin sister gave him a hug. "Todd? Jennie?" he asked, smiling for the first time in weeks, "Oh, I heard you two were in town. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your dad's funeral. I was pretty busy…saving the universe." "We know," Jennie smiled, "You know, he had a lot of respect for you, Hal, even when everyone cursed your name." "Alan was a lovely man," he nodded sadly, "Closest thing to a father I had in my adult years. I'll miss him terribly." "You see, Hal," Todd said, putting his hand around the handsome pilot's shoulder, "Dad left us something. Something powerful. It's a part of me and Jennie, and like him it was tied to the Starheart. His Power Battery." "What?" Hal said bemusedly, "I know what you're going to say. And no…" "He asked in his will that you have it," Jennie said, holding up a suitcase containing the source of her late father's power. "Please, Hal," Todd said, "For our old man. He'd want to help us fight the good fight. Now you can do that for us." Hal inhaled deeply and then took the Starheart from Jennie.
The whole bar shook as Hal found himself being drawn to the power source. Green energy engulfed all light in the room and made everything seem hazy and distant. Hal opened the suitcase and saw a Power Ring there. A ring not unlike his old one. One which could give him the ability to help save the Earth from Eobard Thawne. Putting it on, he whispered the famous mantra, "In brightest day, In blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight, Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!" The bar shook as Hal was suddenly bathed in his old costume with a green mask similar to Alan Scott's old one over his eyes. "Thank you, guys," he beamed, "This means a hell of a lot." They both hugged him. "Now is Green Lantern going to help us save the world?" Jade asked him. "He sure is," he gave her a glowing thumbs up.
But there wasn't much world saving going on in Gotham, just an inexorable waiting either for attack or reinforcement. Bruce was woefully unprepared for anything that might come, and just kept having the family train people in combat. Tim, having recovered from his physical injuries, and Conner were doing just that. The latter was adapting quickly. "Good workout, huh?" he asked his best friend. "Indeed," Red Robin smirked, "Even for a weakling like yourself." "Screw you, Tim," Superboy laughed, punching him in the arm. "Ah, you love me really," Tim shrugged off the blow, "Anyway…" A kick in Conner's gut didn't even wind him which impressed the former Robin. "You're still doing better than Clark," Red Robin dodged another hit. "I know" Conner sadly admitted, "It breaks my heart seeing what he did to himself." "Yeah, well, sometimes people do stupid things," Tim nodded, "Look at me…I stabbed myself with a pair of scissors to go into full Thogal." "You still haven't really talked about that," Conner put his hand up to call off the sparring, and Tim acknowledged it with a sigh.
"There's not much to say. Joker tortured me. I hated myself. I drove a pair of scissors in there. Case closed."
"No, it's not. You're not well, Tim."
"I know. But I'm getting better."
"You died, Tim. Just before Dick heard you say something, your heart had stopped for two minutes. Leslie was about to declare you dead. Then it started again with some defib. You got really lucky."
"It was more than defib, Kon."
"I know. Talk to me, man. I know what dying's like, remember."
"It was odd. I saw…me."
"You?"
"Me from our future."
"Oh. Him."
"I thought...I can't become that. So, I thought it would be best if I…died. That I don't become him."
"You thought me and Cassie should die then too. And Rachel, Gar and Lorena. What about M'gann?"
"You're all a lot better adjusted than I am."
"And you know that how? Have you noticed Cassie and Bruce are a lot closer, by the way?"
"Um, yeah a little."
"Let's just say she went down a dark path when we were lost in time. They both kind of bonded over that. About having younger people trust them, then die on their watch. Me? Well, after we beat Prime the last time, I asked Rose to be the one to kill me should anything go wrong. Trusted her completely. I don't trust myself as much as I trust any of the rest of you. Bart, well you saw how he was before we disappeared. His whole life turned upside down because the idea of people he loved who were dead was proven wrong when they came back as their imperfect selves. And Raven…man you didn't see her after everything that went down with Desaad. She's not spoken to anyone except Gar really. They're both shut-ins now, pretty much. As to Lorena, I haven't seen her in a year so I can't say. I don't get why you feel you have to die because of one version of you you're trying not to be."
"Its destiny isn't it, Conner."
"Screw destiny. I saw a future where there was hardly any life left on the planet in a few years' time, and another where life thrives over a thousand years later. The time explosions screwed everything up."
"I—I—"
"What stopped you?"
"From what?"
"Dying?"
"My grandma."
"You have a grandma? Is Leslie your grandmother?"
"No, Leslie's not my grandmother. My memory of my Grandma who died a couple years back. She talked to me. Made me know that I can't give up and that you all do love me."
"We do. And I'm glad she was there to tell you that. But you've got to get out of this whole cycle of hating yourself so much."
"I'm doing my best."
"I can see that. And I'm really proud of you, man."
They hugged intensely. "Just think of all you have, Tim," Superboy reminded him as their embrace ended, "Us. Bruce. Everyone. Take it one day at a time." "I am," he nodded, avoiding eye contact. "But I know there's still something at the back of your mind," Kon sagely acknowledged. Tim then walked away from Conner but stopped, inhaled and closed his eyes before making a little revelation. "Bruce has enrolled me at Ivy University next year on a scholarship," he confessed, "It looks like…I'm going to go to college." "Well, that's good, isn't it?" Superboy threw his arms up in confusion, "You're wicked smart you could do a lot with a degree." "It is," Tim nodded, "Except I'll have to leave Gotham. Stop being Red Robin. Leave Steph and the kid on their own." "Well, I don't know about the first two, but Steph will understand," he understandingly told him, "Hell, she'll probably beg you to go and get educated. You can see how much her degree means to her. And you'll still be here for Christmas and stuff. After all, your family are all here."
"Yeah, but…the thing is Conner, I'm never going to see you guys again."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you and Cassie will be moving on. She'll probably want to keep being a hero, a leader. I know for a fact you'll never give that up. Bart hopefully will head back to Central City and be Kid Flash again. It's not that I don't want the three of you to be happy. I just…need you. I love you, guys."
"And we love you. But there comes a time in someone's life when they grow up and have to move on with things."
"Yeah, well I'm tired of doing that. I had to move on from my parents...from being Robin...from Young Justice and the Titans. Is it too much to ask for some things to stick around in my life?"
"Yeah, I know. Look you and I aren't going to figure this one out on our own. Come on, let's go get something nice at Bruce's place. See if Steph and Debbie are there, they'll cheer you up."
As the two friends moved along, Dick and Barbara were busy at their place pouring hot coffee for Dinah and Ollie, the latter of whom was pretty stunned to be receiving news of his ward's maternity. "Mia is your kid?" he laughed, "Don't be ridiculous." "It's true, Oliver," Barbara said, handing him his drink, "All the records point to it." "But it's insane," Ollie remained dumbstruck, "I mean, pardon my French but, you can't fucking have kids." "I could before...Fyers," she sadly reminded him, "I did. Mom wouldn't let me keep her. That girl is Mia." "Damn," Green Arrow sighed, seeing how he'd upset his wife, "I'm sorry Dinah. I should have known." "I should have known," she said, almost as if this memory came from someone or something else. "She does kind of look like you," Ollie conceded.
"She's got my attitude too."
"There's no doubt about that, biological or not. This is going to be awkward to tell her. I mean after all we've been through. She's with Connor a lot now. I think you're right about them being a thing."
"Your son and my daughter. Jeez Louise."
"She's as good as my daughter anyway, Dinah. How do you think I feel?"
"Oh, come on, Ollie. She always had a crush on him."
"I know. She had one on me too."
"That was more complicated Ollie, you know that."
"Where are my manners? Dick, how's being a dad suiting you."
Leaning against a breakfast bar, Dick moved his hand in a so-so motion as if to say things had their ups and downs. "It's like starting off with puberty instead of late-night feeds," he laughed, "Actually, that's exactly what it is. She gets on fine with Babs, which is the only thing I was worried about. Hangs around with Damian and Colin a lot. I think they all have a lot in common, having lost faith in the people they loved and now finding a new home. She really isn't getting on well with Kory. Which is a shame. Star could be a great mother to her, if not for everything that's just happened. Tamaraneans. They'd argue about the direction of the wind. Mar'i's not as highly strung as her mom, but…still she's got that temper. Impulsive, but not quite as bad. She's going to struggle with humans as much as she did with her mother's people. And anyway, Ollie, I hear you're a father again now too. Cissie's finally talking to you."
"Yep. Good thing too. I always kind of thought she was mine but had no proof. It's a shame, but you gotta' move on, and I'm going to be there for her."
"Good man."
Dick and Barbara then held each other close together as Ollie looked into Dinah's uncertain eyes. A few hours later, a kraken emerged from Gotham's bay. A large kraken with a blonde man standing atop it. And from the sea followed submersible vessels, containing several Amazon and Atlantean soldiers. No one had been told of their arrival. But they immediately got to work in helping the city be reconstructed. Things were on the up for Gotham now that they were here. Their leaders went to immediately meet with everyone involved, and Jackson and Lorena had a surprising reunion with the Teen Titans. "So, Amy's definitely gone?" Lorena asked Cassie sadly. "I'm sorry," Wonder Girl replied "I know you and she were friends." "At least you guys are okay," she said looking up at her surviving teammates that were there. "Okay is a strong word," Conner told them, handing her and Jackson a glass of water, "I just hope you're okay after what Orm did." "I'm fine," she thanked him with a kiss on the cheek, "I've got the family to look after me. He didn't do anything except…make unwanted touches." "Still, that's not cool, Lorena," he said, giving her a hug, after subtly questioning with his facial expressions was it okay to do so. Cassie took Jackson aside as Lorena wept profusely into Kon's chest. "Have you heard anything from Jaime?" he asked. "Not a peep," Cassie shook her head, "He went with Solstice and Psionic Lad through a portal when we were in Kansas the day Lian turned up. We could really use him and Kiran, they were good Titans."
"So were Zachary and Amy."
"We've lost a lot Jackson…it's hard to quantify how much. I've lost too many people younger than me, and I'm only eighteen, and Apollo only knows how many were actually my fault or not. I'm tired of being responsible for people and that happening, which is why I can't be the leader of the Teen Titans anymore."
"What? But Cassie you're…"
"I'm only telling you this because Conner, Bart and I…we're going to leave. We might stay as heroes, we don't know. But I think we all need a breather from Titans Tower. Conner can't join anyway unless he gets his telekinesis working, which according to Tim, there hasn't been a peep of since we fought the New Gods. But there are a lot of young kids who want to be on the Titans all of a sudden, that will need someone older to look up to. I'm thinking that could be you and Lorena."
"But Cass…"
"Let me finish. After the last crisis, Tim and I rose to the occasion to help people like Rose, Eddie and Zachary be heroes. We were older than some of them, and willing to be good examples. Foster those teens as our own. Bruce and I have discussed this and he thinks there should be a similar roster for our new team. Me and Tim were nothing without Conner and Bart, but we tried. I think there needs to be a core four of young heroes who need to oversee the Titans. We had Kory, Rachel, Gar and Vic and had already been that for Young Justice, even if Cissie, Greta and Anita were our age. You and Lorena can be part of that core four. And Batgirl has promised she'll join as well. She understands the Titans are more important than the Birds of Prey."
"I…thank you Cassie. We'll consider it and I for one am honoured. But who's the fourth?"
"I don't know. Billy Batson? I'm still looking. But I think you two would be great."
"Cassie, I've only been a hero for just over a year. And not a very good one."
"Yeah, but you've got heart, Jackson. And the Teen Titans need something fresh. You and Lorena weren't members for long and Steph has never been a member. Maybe…this will help. Everyone. A lot."
"Wow, Garth's gonna' love knowing I'm on the Teen Titans."
"Did you just say Garth?"
At the other end of town, a man sat on his own by the pier, wearing his blue string vest and stroking his beard solemnly as he observed his reflection. It was his first time back in the United States, a land he'd spent a lot of his youth, in what for him was over a decade. Garth was joined by his daughter, Tula, who held herself close to her father. "Are you alright, Dad?" she asked. "I'm okay, darling," he brought her closer to him and kissed her affectionately on her hair. "Thinking about Mom?" she asked knowingly. "A little," he sighed, "And a lot of other things." "Uncle Arthur told me you had friends here," she said, "Did you really have friends...from the surface?" "I did," he laughed at her incredulity, "Hard as it is to believe. The best friends a man could have. The Titans."
"Why don't you go look for them?"
"I can't face it."
"Face what?"
"Knowing Wally's gone too. Mera and Jackson told me when they arrived. I've had thirteen years to think about it since then, but everything else has gotten in the way. Seeing all our old friends…that's going to be tough."
"He was a very good friend of yours."
"Absolutely. One of the best."
"Well then, maybe you should go and mourn him with others who loved him before it's too late."
He turned to his daughter then with a tear in his eye. "Okay," he nodded as he held her hand and brought her with him down the street, "Where is your brother by the way?" "With Arthur and Mera meeting with the Batman," she informed him. "Oh, he'll like him," her father chuckled. The younger Orin did indeed like the Batman. Even out of costume and sitting on a throne of sorts in Wayne Tower Bruce cut a very imposing figure. He was indeed vengeance and the night. The man could be every bit the Dark Knight out of costume when he wanted to be. "Arthur. Mera," he acknowledged his old friends, "I would say it's good to see you, but you've both been months away. As have you, Diana. Like Clark, you abandoned us." "What do you mean Clark abandoned you?" Diana asked with a genuine lack of knowledge. "He gave his powers up," he informed his friend, "Now Kon and Kara are similarly depowered. Thankfully, Chris Kent and Thara Ak-Var have returned to our ranks but I fear they won't be enough against Superboy-Prime."
Diana was outraged. "By Hera, Clark is as much an idiot as Donna," she exclaimed. "Donna's made up for her mistakes," Batman harshly but fairly corrected her, "She's with us now. And her son. He's safe too. I'm sure they'd both be very happy to see you." "How did she escape Thawne?" Diana asked in bewilderment. "Cyborg, Starfire and Deathstroke believe it or not," Bruce exposited, "You'll have to ask her. It's a very long story. Now tell me…what's been happening with the Atlanteans and Amazons." Queen Hippolyta walked towards Bruce. "Our people were attacked by General Zod," she gravely told him. "Zod is working for Thawne?" Batman felt a very real and palpable fear at the monarch's words. "Not anymore," Aquaman stoically replied, "He was trapped in a Hell dimension by my father with the blood of my…sister." "You have a sister, Arthur?" Batman was baffled. "She used to be Deep Blue," he reminded him. "Oh," Bruce realised, "You mentioned Atlan was her father too, once."
"Zod isn't a problem anymore. Though hundreds of Atlanteans and Amazons aren't drawing breath anymore because of him. Thawne will have to answer for that."
"And he will. But not through the arbitrary decisions of a king, Arthur, but a court of law. Or the whim of a queen, Hippolyta, "
"You wound me, Batman," she told him, "You know I would be reluctant to shed his blood." "But not to hand him to the Furies," he promptly reminded her. "That's beyond my power now," she shook her head, almost in mourning. Bruce bit his tongue knowing he would have to be conciliatory for once. "All I ask," he addressed both monarchs, "From both of you, is that your forces stand firm with us when Thawne and his troops attack Gotham." "Will they attack Gotham?" Hippolyta asked. "Undoubtedly," Bruce nodded, "It's what I'd do. Any brilliant tactician with a modicum of sanity would. All our troops are here now, he's made sure of that. As of now, we are under siege. It doesn't comfort me to know that I'll have to make a final stand against Thawne in the ruins of my home." Queen Hippolyta and King Arthur looked to one another and each nodded sagaciously in affirmation. "We pledge our service in alliance to you," Hippolyta said, offering a hand of friendship to Bruce which he accepted. Soon, everyone had departed except for Diana who wished to speak to her old friend alone for a while. He could see trouble in her eyes and resolved to be there for such a steadfast companion throughout the years of crime fighting. And so, they had an intense hug.
"You seem perturbed by something, Diana. Is the state of Gotham that distressing?"
"No, for I know that you will always stand by this city. It's just what you said about Clark."
"I can't help but feel angry with him myself."
"I feel...I don't know...I just feel very pitiful. He must have been either addled out of his wits or have completely lost his faith in the world…in himself to do something like that."
"He stopped believing in Superman. A fatal mistake."
They sat on Bruce's old desk and Bruce cradled Diana's head on his shoulder while rubbing her arm. "It is rare we get these moments in our line of work, Bruce," she whispered, "Moments to reflect and share our feelings alone with our friends. I just hope and pray Clark will see sense." "Will it matter if he does?" he asked. "It has to," she answered without hesitation, "Or there's no point in anything." There was a few minutes of silence for a while before Diana reluctantly continued. "There's something I should tell you," she resolved, "Something about myself I discovered recently which has caused me to…not believe in Wonder Woman." "What could that be?" he asked, his face ringed with concern. "Mother told me who her father was," she began.
"Hippolyta has a father?"
"Yes. Ares."
"Oh. That is not easy news. I think you should…talk to some people I know. I'm not in the camp of heroes whose close relatives have turned out evil. Stephanie, Cass, Barbara…they might be better to talk to. Not to mention, surely that means he's Donna's grandfather too."
"I suppose it does, yes."
"She's not going to like that at all, is she? But she'll be very happy to see you. I suggest you go see her in the morning."
"After a quick drink and catch up?"
"Absolutely. Fetch me the decanter."
In a dark alley nearby, Speedy was taking down some Mutants who were harassing a refugee family. One of them was running away only to be felled with a kick to the face by Dinah Lance. "Black Canary?" Mia was surprised, "Didn't know you were out tonight." "Needed to get out from under the archer's feet," she smiled in reply, "You're looking very happy." "Connor went to see Dr Mid-Nite today," she smiled, "He's clean. No HIV." "What would make you think he had it?" The younger woman blushed then. "Don't worry," Dinah smirked, "I know you and he are an item. I like it actually. You're both really sweet with one another. But I'm guessing you'd both use the right protection." "Yeah, and I've been taking my meds," she nodded. "So, why the scare?" As they finished beating up the Mutants, Mia didn't answer, before eventually shrugging her shoulders after the fight and saying, "Oh, no reason. Just...better safe than sorry, you know. And I wouldn't want him to get sick, you know. He's a wonderful guy...I love him." She laughed unconvincingly, but Dinah decided not to press the issue, as both stood alone, looking at one another. "Are you alright?" Speedy asked after a protracted silence.
Dinah just hugged Mia intensely and with surprise. "Um, okay," Mia laughed, "What's brought this on?" Dinah emerged from the embrace weeping, and turned to walk away confusing Mia even further. "Dinah, what's wrong?" she asked, "Is everything alright with you and Ollie? Have I done something? Whatever it is, I'm sorry." Black Canary turned around and held her again. "There is nothing you could ever do that would hurt me," she sobbed, before releasing the girl and sighing, "Mia, do you…remember your folks very well?" "I remember my Dad's an ass," Mia snorted while shrugging, "Mom walked out on us when I was young. Dad said she was dead, but she fucked off with a yoga instructor to San Diego. I don't really care about either of them now I've got you and Ollie." That reply earned even more profuse tears on the part of Black Canary. Mia held her mother figure's hand. "Hey, Dinah, come on," she stroked it gently while her free hand wiped away the waterworks, "I love you. Tell me what's wrong. Why do you care so much about my folks?"
"Were your parents…did they ever tell you, you were adopted."
"Oh yeah. Dad said it all the time. Apparently, Mom's cousin had an affair with some sailor from Spain, one of those stupid stories single expecting moms invent so no one knows it's the neighbour's dad or someone embarrassing. I don't really care about her. She abandoned me. Why should I—"
"She—she mightn't have had a choice."
"Maybe not. And if that's the way it was…well, I'm sure she's better off without me."
"You can't know that."
"Well then, help me find her."
"I already have."
"You what? Dinah, that's private. Jesus Christ. You're acting like Batman. What did Ollie say about this?"
"Mia, please. I had a baby eighteen years ago. A little girl. My mother took her off me, named her Dinah Drake. And then…put her up for adoption in San Francisco. I never saw her again."
"Dinah…"
"Mia…I'm your mother."
"Fuck. You're telling the truth, aren't you? You really are...Okay, this is…incredibly cheesy. First Bruce and Dick, now... I don't doubt you, but it's just so...unbelievable."
"I know," Black Canary nodded," But it's true." She put her hand on Speedy's cheek. You're not upset?" Dinah asked genuinely after a minute of silence. "No," Mia smiled, crying a little with joy, "Not at all. I've always wanted a mom. I never really had one, like I said. Then I had you and Ollie and you were the best. Sure, when this gets out I'm never going to hear the end of the step-brother jokes about me and Connor, but fuck that. I'm happy you're my mother, Dinah, because that's all the mom I want." Mother and daughter embraced warmly at that. Dinah remembered the bond she had had with Roy when he was a youngster, and Lian, and just felt so happy knowing she had Mia with her now.
At Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon's place, Lian and Robbie were arm wrestling while Mar'i waited her turn, her relationship with the two having blossomed into a proper friendship of late. Dick and Babs were sitting with Donna, Gar, Rachel, Vic and Kory. They had known Gar and Rae weren't doing too well, so they decided to have them all over that evening to see the kids and have a little bonding session. They weren't talking about what was wrong with them, but Donna and Kory could see it better than the others. At one point, Dick made a joke and after everyone was done laughing, and Gar said, "Wally would have loved that one." They all blanched a little and played with their drinks in response. "Sorry," Gar said. "Don't be," Dick told his old friend, "He would have loved that. And we'd all love to have him here. And Garth. And…Roy." He looked up to see Donna was looking at the floor to hide tears. "Thawne has a stronger hold on him than on me," she sighed, shaking her head, "The drugs. It was always his crutch. He takes the Venom because he thinks he's protecting Lian. He's a fool." "He's sick," Dick reminded her, "Like he was before."
"Thawne just programmed me to be a glorified drone," Vic mumbled, "And now I have nightmares about Darkseid every night thanks to him putting a Mother Box in me." He then felt Kory holding his hand. "It doesn't do to talk about these things with children near," she said, moving her eyes over to Mar'i, Lian and Robbie. "I think the three of them have seen and heard enough that they know more than most their age what we're going through," Dick spoke with a hint of anger at the mother of his child. "It doesn't mean we should show them weakness, Dick," Starfire pointedly reminded him, "That is not what parents do. It is not what I did to Mar'i when we were both held prisoner. I would not let her see how sad I was, except out of concern for her." "She's a tough egg, Kory," he bit back, "Like both of us. Did you ever consider maybe we should acknowledge how strong she is and tell her the truth?" Barbara held Dick's hand to calm him down and Donna moved to hold Kory back, but wasn't fast enough. "Well maybe you should consider that she is still only a child," Kory held her voice back so the playing children couldn't hear. "I do," Dick was visibly annoyed now, "Of course, I do. I'd wrap her in cotton wool if I could, but I can't because it wouldn't be right. I'll protect her, but I was Robin not much older than her."
"Maybe she needs to be protected after all she has seen, and kept away from nightmares like the one you and your family perpetuate in this hellhole!"
"Shut up, both of you!" their daughter said with an unheard of defiance and authority, "I got on fine without either of you for over a decade of my life. And now that you are both in my life you're fighting. And in front of your friends who have suffered greatly too. Stop being ridiculous and be there for them." Dick was taken aback by how like her mother Mar'i was when she said that. The fury of a Tamaranean made manifest. It cowed him into submission just as it did Kory. Barbara smiled a little at how Mar'i could speak her mind better than most her age could. So many kids going through these changes bottle themselves up. Mar'i had confessed that after a chat with Damian early on, he convinced her that speaking plainly and honestly made life simpler. "You're right, Starshine," Dick said with a hint of shame in his voice, "We're all friends here. We shouldn't fight. Especially when we've lost two good friends."
There was a knock on the door. "Did you not tell everyone this was an old school Titans night, Dick?" Vic asked him. "I did," he looked perplexed as he went to answer it, "Still who knows, maybe Diana needs to see Donna. I heard there were people coming from Atlantis, she could be with them. From what Bruce told me that was where she was planning on going next, going by the message." Dick opened the door and got the shock of his life, seeing a man with a long black beard and hair and a girl with East Asian features behind the door. The man was who he recognised. That warm smile and those purple eyes certainly helped him stand out from a crowd. His old, dear friend. Garth. Tempest. He hadn't hugged anyone this warmly in a very long time. Even his wife and child. "I don't believe it," Dick whispered in his ear. "Well, I was brought back by Thawne, so that can't be hard to believe," Garth laughed, seeing similar shock in the eyes of his old teammates, "Little did he know…bringing me back from the dead was one of his biggest mistakes."
The whole team was over the moon knowing Garth was here and he introduced his daughter to them all. "This is Tula," he announced, "She's my daughter." "Ah, I see you went straight to the teens like me," Dick jibed, "I'm still working on that one." He rubbed Mar'is hair. Garth was even more delighted to see that not only did Dick have a daughter of an age with his, but that Robbie Long and Lian Harper were alive and well. Lian had died not long before his own demise, having fallen in the chaos surrounding the Justice League schism after Bruce Wayne's 'death'. "Where's Roy?" he asked which upset the girl a little, "He's not..." "No, he's alive," Donna moaned, "And killing himself slowly. We don't like to talk about it." Garth nodded understandingly and gave Lian and Robbie tighter hugs. Lian was now much taller than he had remembered her. And older. As was Robbie. He even had little bits of acne on his forehead. He asked Dick about it later on in the evening. "We think Thawne…did something with time, so that they're older than they were when they died," he explained, Similarly, I don't know how Mar'i's as old as she is. I mean Kory and I barely knew each other thirteen years ago. We can't say anything for sure. But I'm just glad to have them here. You didn't get Dolphin and Cerdian back, I'm guessing?"
"Arthur's become convinced they're alive and living with his mother, Koryak and Tula."
"Well, I've seen crazier things happen recently than that. It's good to have you back man."
They were both on the balcony drinking a bottle of beer when Donna came out to join them. "All good, guys?" she asked. "Yeah," Garth smiled, pulling one of his oldest friends close to him, "It is so good to see you, Donna. And you, Dick." "I just wish Wally were here," Dick frowned. "I know," Donna replied sadly, "I think about him every day. When this is over, we should let Jai and Irey meet everyone." "That'd be cool," Garth smiled, "I have a son too by the way. Orin." "Who's the mother actually?" Donna asked, only to see she had touched a nerve, "Oh, Garth, not again. No." "Yeah," he sighed as Troia held him tightly, "Debbie Perkins. Arthur's half-sister. She…her dad let her die. Zod ripped her heart out. Used the black magic of her family blood to seal them in some hell dimension. Worse than the Phantom Zone." "Garth…man," Dick managed through tears, "This is too much. I mean you've lost so many…" "Yeah, well," he said, moving away from the other two, "You learn to live with it, Dick." "If you want to talk," Donna said holding his hand. "I know," he squeezed her hand warmly, "I always have you two. But I don't want to. Not today. We've all gained so much after knowing nothing but loss for so long. I just hope having these two kids will give me more purpose." Donna kissed him on the cheek and she, him and Dick got in for a massive bear hug. The first generation of Titans together, all thinking of and missing the fourth piece of their puzzle.
At Wayne Tower, Bruce and Diana were both very drunk and enjoying one another's company, the way only two friends could have done after such a long period of separation. "So, you really met Clark as an old man?" she laughed in disbelief, "And he killed Kalibak." "Yep," Bruce seriously nodded though he was smiling, "In a way far too dignified for Kalibak I think it's safe to say." "And you're worried?" she asked. "More than you can know, Diana," he shrugged, "But I get on with it. You know I do. And tomorrow's such a big day." "Tomorrow?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, nothing," he smirked, "Just, um…you'll need to speak…to the world." "Speak?" she was baffled, since her friend had taken all night to ask her this.
"I'm going in costume as Batman. And telling everyone what Thawne has done. On all channels. Barbara's taken a while setting this up. But it should work wonders. Tomorrow morning, every broadcasting device in the world will hear our truth, Diana. From all our lips. We can try it again another time if you're not up for speaking."
"I don't know if I am. Bruce, this is all very sudden."
"Well, I thought it might reassure you."
"Reassure me? Of what, exactly?"
"That you're not Ares' granddaughter. You're Wonder Woman. My dearest friend. Someone who I believe in."
"And do you believe in Batman?"
"Absolutely. That's the difference you and Clark have with me. When I lost faith in myself, I improved myself in order to win back the mantle. You two…seem a little more despondent. You should rise above it like you used to. Clark blamed himself for what Karen did, which was beyond any of our control. And now, because of Nemesis and Lord and Ares…you've lost faith in yourself. Don't do that. We all know we're better than these things."
"Have you…taken my advice concerning Tim?"
"Yes, I have. I'm sorry to say he nearly died before I learned the truth. And I did it through my daughter."
"Cassandra Cain?"
"No, Helena. Mine and Selina's. I mentioned her."
"You did. She seems to have had quite an effect on you."
"I love her to bits. Her and Dick's child coming into our lives have...changed things. And I'm seeing Julie Madison again."
"Oh yes, the law student from...I wanna' say, 20 years ago."
"Yep, before we even met. Heh. It's strange. The only thing upsetting me at the moment is the fact we're going to lose it all."
"Thawne hasn't won yet."
"Has he not? Barry Allen's been declared brain dead. Iris is considering pulling the plug. If he really tried, he could do that to any of us as far as I know. It's a sobering thought."
"Barry will make it, he has to. But...I will admit even with our combined forces, I doubt we can defeat him. I hope we can save something, Bruce."
"Go to Donna and Cassie, Dinah. It's nearly dawn. I'll be addressing the world in a little while."
"But you're drunk."
"Hardly. I've trained myself to survive most poisons known to man, a little alcohol isn't going to affect my reading an autocue. Barbara won't let me talk anyway if I am, so it won't go ahead right away."
"Won't that ruin everything?"
"Maybe. Does it really matter anymore?"
"I don't know."
Cassie was sitting with Bart at a nearby wharf by the river, who just quietly and slowly traced names in the sand as the Sun rose. "He's brain dead, Cass," he said as he finished putting Joan Garrick's name under Wally West's, "Grandpa's brain dead. And it's all my fault." "No, it's not," she reassured her old friend. "It is," he sighed, "I made Dad and Aunt Dawn feel ashamed. Thawne must have retaliated because they stood up to him. There's no other way Grandpa could have ended up this way." "Yeah, well your Dad and Dawn have a lot to answer for, anyway, Bart," she reminded him, "So many people do, and you're certainly not one of them." Cassie then suddenly stood up and began crying tears of joy as she saw Diana flying down towards her. Bart smiled a little through his grief. Diana and Cassie's sororal kiss and hug was one of strength and hope that had to make him smile. "I haven't seen you in so long," the younger woman whispered to Wonder Woman. "I know," the princess sighed deeply, "Bruce told me everything. I'm sorry you had to go through all that, Cassie." "Don't worry about me," Wonder Girl smiled as she looked deeply into her mentor's eyes, "How are you?"
"I've been better. But it is great to see you. Bart, are you alright?"
"I'm okay, Diana. I'll just whiz off now and see if Tim or Steph want me to race Debbie to school now Gordon's got them reopened. I'll catch you later."
When Bart was gone, Cassie saw a real sense of grief in Wonder Woman's eyes. "Diana, talk to me," she stroked her cheek with affection, "There is something truly hurting you." "It doesn't matter," Diana lied through a sincere smile, "I have a nephew I need to see again after so many years." Going to her sister's apartment, Diana was warmly reunited with Donna Troy and Robbie Long who was getting ready for school. "Oh, Donna," Wonder Woman smiled into Troia's shoulder once the four of them had privacy, "It is so good to see you again, beloved sister." Diana then tousled Robbie's hair. "My nephew," she admired the child greatly, "So handsome. He is…protected against Thawne, isn't he?" "He is," Donna saw the concern in Diana's eyes, "You're alright to head straight with Lian to school, Robbie?" He nodded his head, his mother kissed him deeply on the forehead and after some goodbye hugs to his two aunts, made sure to go and wake up Lian while the three women went to Donna's bedroom. Being the son of a superhero, one was used to this kind of situation. Donna put her arms on Diana's shoulder and looked into her older sister's eyes. "Tell me what is wrong, Diana," she said with a wisdom which belied her years. "There's something you and Cassie should both know," Wonder Woman sighed, "It affects you as well as me, Donna."
"What's wrong? Is Hippolyta dead?"
"No, Mother is fine, she's with Arthur and Mera at the moment. It's more to do with our blood."
"Well, Diana you know who I am is very complicated. I'm your sister born from a mirror, I'm a Titan and at some point I thought I was the daughter of this woman named Dorothy. Thanks to Dark Angel, I'm not really sure myself anymore."
"It's to do with my blood, Donna, the one you share with me. The blood of the gods."
"Blood of the gods?" Cassie asked, "I'm the one with divine heritage here, girls. Remember? Daughter of Zeus? Wait? Diana are you saying Zeus is your father too. Join the club. Wow, you're my sister in more ways than one then." "No, Cassie. Don't be disgusting," Diana seemed angry but saw she had upset Wonder Girl and corrected herself, "Not to insult Helena, but my mother knows Zeus a lot longer than her and would know to steer clear of him. No, I was born of clay and Donna created in my image. I have no paternity. But Hippolyta does." "I thought Hippolyta was a cave woman before she was an Amazon," Donna perturbedly noted, "I highly doubt her father is anyone noteworthy unless he's Fred Flinstone." That earned a guffaw from Cassie. "She was," Diana conceded, "But the Olympians were in a more primitive stage once. Powerful, but closer to humanity. I don't know what changed that. But my mother and her sisters had a father. Not all the Amazons...just Antiope and Penthesilea as far as I am aware, may Persephone keep their souls. Their father abandoned their mother in their youth, and when they were women grown their mates all murdered them, leading the goddesses to restore them as Amazons hundreds of years later. My mother happened to be pregnant when she fell. It was a tragedy. But my soul was born from that unborn child."
"Diana," Donna angrily pressed her sister, "Your dancing around the point telling me and Cassie things we already know. Just tell us, who was Hippolyta's father? Your…our grandfather." Diana inhaled deeply, before closing her eyes solemnly and saying, "Ares." "Oh, no," Donna fell on to a couch nearby and just put her head in her hands, "This isn't true…Diana…tell me it's not true." "We had a cousin, Hippolytus," she continued to explain, "A famed figure in the founding legend of Athens. Son of Theseus by Antiope. According to my mother, letters from her sister describe the boy as resembling the descriptions of their primitive father in appearance…his grandfather. Blonde hair and red eyes." "By Rhea," Donna said to herself, feeling slightly sick at the thought of being blood to Ares. "Is that it?" Cassie scoffed after a few seconds of silence, "So what? I see more disadvantages for me here. My two mentors are my grandnieces. And that makes Robbie my...great grandnephew. Holy crap."
"Cassie please," Diana said raising her hand to the young adult, "You cannot understand how this affects us." "Um, excuse me, Diana I can," Wonder Girl knowingly told her, "Very much so. I agonised over who my father was for a while after Young Justice broke up, remember. I wanted to fill the hole in my life Donna had left and you had widened by distancing yourself from me like that. Ares seduced me with that loss. I found out who my father was and…it was Zeus. We all know what an asshole he can be, right? Not to mention that makes douchebags like Hades my uncle, and the likes of Ares my half-brother. It doesn't change the fact I'm Wonder Girl or that I'm an Amazon. It doesn't change our relationship in any way, or how much you two are my heroes. And I mean that. You are my heroes. I'd never have wanted to become Wonder Girl if it weren't for how great you two are. And just because Hippolyta's dad was the God of War, that doesn't change the fact that the three of us are Amazons. And we will fight against his way of life even if it kills us." Diana and Donna just smiled in agreement and held their grandaunt towards them knowing her words were beyond truth and spoke to the core of their beings. As this was happening, every radio, television or any other form of communication was interrupted by an Oracle broadcast, and the voice of Bruce Wayne transmitted all across the country.
"I am the Batman. And I have returned to save this world from itself. You have all foolishly fallen for the twisted promises of a depraved liar named Eddie Thawne. A butcher without parallel. The man you trust, who pulls your president's strings, is a charlatan. He is Eobard Thawne. Better known as the Reverse-Flash or Professor Zoom. A man responsible for the destruction of the Justice League Watchtower, Titans Tower and increasing tensions with the Amazons, as well as the deaths of countless men and women, some heroes others civilians, in his latest scheme. He wants to submit all life to his will. He is a megalomaniac whose cult has participated in extensive trafficking of American civilians, all of which will soon come to light through my allies in the free press. And his partners include such colourful folk as Ra's al Ghul, the notorious eco-terrorist who he unleashed upon Gotham. Not to mention, his Vice-President. Dr Simon Hurt, head of the international cartel dubbed the Black Glove. My patron, Bruce Wayne, was forced to go into hiding by the fact that he found evidence Gotham Mayor Sebastian Hady was murdered and his identity assumed by the very same Simon Hurt. You want proof of my accusations, you say? In the free press soon will be a written testimonial from several eyewitnesses who will testify to Thawne's crimes. I ask each and every person on this Earth to join me before this maniac claims more innocent lives. To help stop his vainglorious lust for power and liberate mankind from his thrall. I have been the Batman. And for Eobard Thawne, I will be your reckoning."