Several flat screen TVs illuminate a large warehouse filled with a crowd of people. The TVs were all on the same channel, a news report.
" The murder that took place several days ago at the Iceberg Lounge has finally been revealed to the public. The victim was one Oswald Cobblepot AKA The Penguin. A notorious crimelord with a history of arms trafficking and violent crime. Police investigation has revealed the assailant to be one Tobias Rivers, a 22 year old Gotham City native. Our investigation into Mr. Rivers has revealed that all those related to him, including his parents, siblings, as well as his niece were killed either directly by villains or by the repercussions of their actions over the course of the last two years. But six months ago he went missing and aside from the night of the attack hasn't been seen since. He is considered armed and dangerous, a warrant was issued for his arrest this morning. If you have any information regarding."
The reporter was cut off as the TVs all shut off simultaneously. The ware house lights flickered on and the crowds gaze locked onto the man standing on the platform before them. A man they recognized from the broadcast a moment ago. His face was calm as he raised a hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.
" Brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of Gotham City. I stand before you today, not as a symbol, not as a hero and not as a villain. But as a man, I like you all have suffered at the hands of the evil within this city. "
The crowd now silent, gazes transfixed on the man who had done what none of them thought possible. The man who struck back.
" Each and every one of you knows how I feel. Each of you have lost someone or everyone to the scum of this city. But you are not alone. Too your left and your right, those you see can understand your pain, your loss and your anger. "
At this the crowd began looking at each other. Many teared up or grit teeth. The pain in each ones eyes shining clearly.
" You all came here today, answering the invitations to this meeting because you all wan't to see change. You all know the truth. The truth of this city. That is is dying, being strangled by the monsters who skulk around its shadows. Monsters that are slapped on the wrist and end up back on the streets. Where they can terrorize us, our spouses, our children. "
At these words the crowds energy shifted from grief to a rising outrage. The pain in their hearts like gasoline feeding a raging flame of righteous anger.
" I say no more! I say that it is time to put an end to this charade. These monsters… no these demons who have infested our city. And their is only one solution. It falls to us, those who have lost. To rise up, to keep those who remain safe, To put an end to this madness. Fear not the actions of evil beings, But instead we must fear the inaction of the good men and women here. That they will stand idle and allow our fellows to join in our pain well we wallow in misery. "
He paused in his speech for a moment to clear his throat as emotion bled into his voice. The crowd fell silent again watching with rapt attention.
" So what say you? You who know pain, suffering, and loss. Will you remain idle? Or shall you stand up for those we have lost and those we still have? WHAT SAY YOU SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOTHAM!?"
The crowd roared in approval. Whooping, cheering, and proudly proclaiming their intent. The bloodlust, fury, and hope resonating among them feeding into each other. The man smiled proudly as a single tear glided down his cheek and he whispered a single soft word to himself.
" Soon. "