A/N:
reydelnorte685-
no esperaba menos de ti (Translation: I didn't expect less from you.)
Me alegro de haber seguido impresiando. (Translation: I'm glad I continued to impress.)
Essiter1987-
To the A/N, I was surprised at how much I was going to like Knightlight (That is a dumb name. Not nearly as cool as the rest of the Jaune ship names.), especially in the first film, seeing as Lancaster is my OTP. Faunus Jessica Cruz is rather adorable. And I hated that the most we got of JNPR was an image on a Scroll and Jessica asking about Jaune.
I don't personally like the two films all that much. That being said, the first one is better than the second one in a lot of ways and I do love the twist villain of Watts even if I thought they could've done more with him.
I would love to see more OMJ and I loved Treasured Silver.
I'm glad you like the profile pic. Yeah, Jaune's my favorite as well.
I forgot to mention last chapter how much I liked Cheetah's flirty behavior with Batman. I haven't read all that many comics so I don't know how often we get to see that side of her, but I loved every bit of it.
The Minotaur fight was excellent. I would say the highlight of the chapter, but the Omake with Dr. Freeze takes the cake in that regard.
Excellent chapter!
I HATE that name. I personally wanted to call it Green Knight. Wait, Jess wasn't a Faunus in the movie. Vixen was.
Seriously, Watts has a lot more potential for a third movie.
JAUNE FOR THE WIN!
I only know flirty Cheetah from JLU. Oh, and maybe arguably Batman Unlimited. She was a femme fatale in that one, too.
I swear, any story that humanizes and even saves Victor is usually a highlight. Kinda hate what Harley Quinn did to him and Nora. Nora is funny and all, but sheesh. Overkill.
The party was already in full swing.
Of course, Bruce and Diana were the center of attention.
"Of all the women you charmed, THE Wonder Woman has to be the most amazing feat yet," a fat socialite with a jovial laugh said.
"You are absolutely stunning, my dear. It's actually quite a waste for someone as young and lovely as you to take part in those horrid, barbaric battles," an old woman dripping with jewels said.
"Oh, my lady, I assure you. I am quite old. I am also a warrior. I am honor-bound to defend the innocent. People deserving of peace such as you," Diana said with a smile.
"Oh, my word," the woman went with a blush as she fanned herself. "My dear, you could charm the angels with such a smile."
Diana giggled. "Thank you."
"You're a lucky man, Bruce," a decorated veteran said to Bruce. "Still, even if it's you, how did you convince a woman who can have anyone or anything in this world she could possibly want to choose you?"
"A man needs to have some secrets hidden, don't you think, general?"
"Mm, true. Say, is Commissioner Gordon attending?"
"Against my better judgment."
The general looked behind him. "James! It's good to see you, my friend. Please, let us have a conversation."
"Do you insist?"
"I most certainly do."
Jim sighed as he followed the general. The general thought he was out of earshot, but Bruce and Diana have exceptional hearing.
"I know, Jim. My own men have been reporting to me."
"We have it under control, General Lane."
"Don't lie to me, Gordon. The only one who has it 'under control' are those costumed freaks you let loose in the city."
"Gotham needs Batman. Just as much as Metropolis needs Superman."
"And as much as Boston needs Wonder Woman? Ever since she left the city a few days ago, supervillain-based crime has decreased."
"Maybe because they're hunting her in Gotham?"
Lane was quiet. "So it's HER fault the supervillains have been coming to Gotham?"
"She's been working with Batman lately. Taking on those... things."
Lane swished his champagne around before looking at the night sky. "Moving from the topic of vigilantes, we need to talk about those... monsters. You yourself were almost killed by one of those things, right?"
"Needed an entire clip to take it down."
"And that's the problem, Jim. Whatever is roaming Gotham, you don't have the equipment needed to handle it. If the situation escalates, I'm prepared to place Gotham under martial law."
"Absolutely not. This city is tough, Lane. We can handle it. The military never helped us with our previous crises, so we won't need it for this low-budget Greek Monster film. We had an entire gang war in this city between some of the worst villains Gotham had to offer, and the military didn't step in then. Instead, one man and his team took them down with the GCPD's help. Whatever this is, we'll handle it."
Lane glared at Gordon before he finished his drink. "One order, Jim. One from the President... or somewhere else, and I'm stepping in. If I hear so much as a rumor about some snake woman in Metropolis or hear of a giant bull running down Bludhaven, Gotham's ass is mine." General Lane then walked away, Jim finishing his drink before walking away.
Bruce and Diana looked at each other before they nodded.
Diana was then surprised when someone grabbed her hand, looking to see that it was the old woman's. "Come, my dear, you must mingle with the other ladies."
"What? Um, my lady, I-whoa," Diana went in surprise as the old woman dragged her away.
"You are going to fit perfectly among Gotham's elite, my dear. People believe it's the men who make all the money and decisions that shape this city, but they tend to forget that we women reign in our silly husbands. If they're the hound, we're the leash that controls them, don't you think?"
"An... interesting way to see it," Diana said with a genuine chuckle.
"Ladies, I brought the guest of honor."
"Oh, she's gorgeous," an aging woman said.
"The legendary Wonder Woman. I'm actually getting jealous just looking at her," a fairly young woman said.
"So, YOU'RE Bruce's latest fling, are you," a beautiful woman with gorgeous silver hair said.
"Oh, don't be like that, St. Cloud," a lovely middle-aged woman said. "Don't forget, YOU were the one who ended your relationship with Bruce. Broke the poor boy's heart."
"Hm," Silver said as she took a drink.
"The least you could have done is send him toward me," another beautiful woman said, making the group, save for Diana and Silver, laugh.
Diana looked among the group of women, still keeping up her smile. 'She's not here,' Diana thought with worry.
Bruce was walking over toward Jim, hoping to have a talk with his old friend, not as Batman but as Bruce Wayne. He made sure not to touch anyone or run into someone. He didn't need any distractions.
"There's the man of the hour."
Bruce looked toward the voice and gave a smile that LOOKED genuine. "Veronica Cale. I must admit, I was afraid you wouldn't answer my invitation."
"Miss an invitation to the home of Gotham's richest man? You might as well tell me to ignore a summons from the king," she said as she took two glasses of champagne, giving one of the glasses to Bruce.
"I must say, it's an honor to have someone as accomplished as you accept my invitation."
"Accomplished," Veronica giggled out. "This coming from the man who was able to court Wonder Woman?"
"I wouldn't go that far, Mrs. Cale."
"Then how about leading one of the world's most accomplished research and development companies in history? You're certainly running your business better than Lex Luthor."
"Speaking of old Lex, I hear you prevented him from forcefully buying out your stock. Quite the feat to prevent a hostile takeover from Lex Corp."
"I'll toast to that," Veronica said as she and Bruce did toast. "But I hear you're one of Lex's most bitter rivals. Outbidding him. Constantly preventing takeovers. Winning bidding wars. One could argue you're the man's arch-enemy."
"Isn't that Superman?"
"Oh, you don't believe those silly rumors, do you?"
The two stared at each other before laughing.
"Say, Bruce, are you and Wonder Woman REALLY dating?"
"Sadly, she is just a guest. I have no idea how that rumor about me dating THE Wonder Woman came to be, but it does stroke the ego, admittedly. Still, it's just a silly rumor. She has no interest in regular men like me."
"Mm, you're far from regular, Bruce. Still, this works out for me."
"I'm sorry?"
"Don't be. How about dinner? My treat? Maybe next week?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cale, but..." he pointed at her ring.
"About that. We're finalizing a divorce."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Found out he was cheating on me. Idiot. I hope he doesn't think he'll get so much as a tenth of my wealth, considering he's not the Vice President of my company. Just an executive, and the lowest on the pole at that."
"Well, I still must decline on the admittedly tempting date. Gotham is far more dangerous lately, and I'd rather not put someone as important as you in danger. In fact, I'm off to speak with Commissioner Gordon. Please, enjoy the party, Mrs. Cale," Bruce said as he walked away.
Veronica watched him as he walked into the crowd. "Oh, I will," she said as she sipped her drink.
Her eyes widened when she saw a dark beauty follow Bruce with a bright smile, Veronica nearly dropping her drink. "What is SHE doing here?"
Bruce was looking for Jim, basically bobbing and weaving through the crowd. He then saw his friend's back. "Commissioner Gordon," Bruce called as he reached for the man's back.
Bruce's eyes widened when he saw the night sky. He was out on a balcony, his party occurring behind him. He even looked back to see the guests enjoying themselves with conversation, hor d'oeurves, and dancing. He even saw Commissioner Gordon having a conversation with the wardens of Black Gate and Arkham.
'How did I get out here? I was in the middle of the hall.'
Bruce then looked toward the balcony to see a woman, her long black hair being blown by the night breeze, her black dress sparkling like the stars in the night sky.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Excuse me?"
"The night sky. See how the stars twinkle and dance around the moon, each little light telling its own story. All of them spread across a blanket of darkness." The woman looked back at Bruce, the man seeing a woman almost as gorgeous as Diana. Skin as fair as snow, eyes so grey that they almost looked silver, and a youthful yet beautiful face that truly looked as if it belonged to a goddess of beauty. She was truly one of the most beautiful women Bruce had ever seen, with only one surpassing her. "Is it not breathtaking?"
Bruce stared at the woman before regaining his composure and looking up at the night sky. So often does he work during this time that he almost never truly appreciates the natural beauty it provides. "Yes. It truly is beautiful." Bruce then looked at the beauty, the woman still smiling at him as he walked toward her and held out his hand. "Bruce Wayne."
"Oh, I know who you are, good sir. It would be quite rude and quite foolish of me not to know the name of my most auspicious host," she said in what Bruce just now realized was an ethereal, beautiful voice as she held out her hand. Bruce gently grasped her hand and kissed it. "It is quite rare to find anyone so... gentlemanly."
"I'm glad I was able to meet your expectations, my lady. May I ask you your name, since you already know mine?"
"Of course. I am Xenia. Dr. Xenia Nyktelios. I am an astrophysicist recently transported from Greece, primarily studying the stars of our solar system."
"Well, that is quite impressive, doctor. If I may ask, what brings you to Gotham?"
"I am acquainted with one of your guests, Veronica Cale. She was hoping to use my expertise for a certain project. I'm sure you've heard the rumors about Lex Luthor constructing a base on the moon?"
"I have."
Xenia giggled. "Quite silly, if you were to ask me. Still, Lex Corp and Empire Enterprise are collaborating to make the base a possibility, so she hired me in order to make the project just a tad bit more manageable."
"Quite the lofty goal."
"Indeed. But, admittedly, it is far from impossible. It may not take long at all to perform," Xenia said as she looked up at the full moon. "Humans are incredible, aren't they? Centuries ago, they would use the stars to make a map of the land, create magnificent works of art, and even attempt to read the very fate of this world using those magnificent lights."
"It is amazing, isn't it?"
"And now, humans could possibly dance in that magnificent darkness, walking upon the face of the moon herself. It is almost as if the humans are capable of conquering the gods," Xenia said as she glanced at Bruce.
Bruce chuckled. "Conquer the gods? Now that's a goal that mere men shouldn't attempt."
"Indeed. MERE men. But you are not mere, are you, Mr. Wayne."
"Excuse me," he said as he looked down toward the beauty. He was almost surprised when she was right below him, looking straight into his blue eyes with her own silver gems she called eyes.
"Indeed, you have strong eyes, Mr. Wayne. Unwavering eyes. The look of a man who would challenge the gods in order to succeed. Eyes that know fear... but have the will to challenge fear. The eyes... of a Champion."
"A-A Champion," Bruce chuckled. "While I am flattered, I think you might be mistaken, Dr. Nyktelios."
"Mm, I wonder," she said, her smile never going away. She then turned and walked toward the party, stopping at the doorway. "You know, there aren't nearly enough stars in the sky."
"I... suppose we have Gotham's light pollution to blame for that."
"Indeed. It's a shame, people fear the night so much. I admit, there are many threats that lurk in the shadows, but people tend to forget that the light holds just as many horrors. It feels as if people refuse to acknowledge the beauty that only the night can provide." She looked back at Bruce. "I am truly pleased you can appreciate such beauty, My Champion. May we meet again one day." She then walked back into the party.
She all but vanished when another guest walked around her.
Bruce looked up at the night sky, thinking about the woman he just met. 'Wait a moment. Xenia? The Greek word for hospitality? And Nyktelios. That word can be
translated to... Nocturnal? Xenia Nyktelios. . . Nocturnal Hospitality?'
"Bruce?"
He looked toward the voice. "Diana?"
"Why are you out on the balcony? The host needs to be seen by the guests. You need to show them your hospitality in situations like this."
"Hospitality. . ."
Wonder Woman recognized that contemplative look. "Did you figure something out?"
". . . No. It's just a hypothesis at this point. No more than a random clue that might not mean anything."
"I see."
"Anyway, it's as you said, Diana. Come on. We have a party to host."
"We?" Diana giggled. "Bruce, I'm a guest, not the hostess. You're making it seem like I am your wife."
"Oh. Right. You're such a natural that it felt like you WERE hosting the party with me."
"We Amazons train also in the acts of mannerisms, not solely combat, Mr. Wayne," Diana explained with a smile as she led Bruce back to the party.
"So I see, Ms. Prince," Bruce retorted.
Days after the party, in the middle of the night at a Gotham penthouse.
"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO," Veronica yelled at Nyx as she swished around black wine in her glass.
"Why, whatever do you mean, my dear?"
"Bruce Wayne! I saw you at the damn party! I haven't seen you since until now! Why were you even at that party?! I thought you were after your 'Champion'! Why go after my damn ticket to greater power instead of Batman?!"
Nyx giggled. "And I thought you were smart," she said as she took a sip.
"What was that?"
"My dear, I WAS going after my Champion."
"What? What does Bruce Wayne have to do with..." Veronica's eyes widened. "Wait... you're not saying..."
"Catching on, are we?"
"Bruce Wayne. Bruce fucking Wayne. HE'S Batman?"
"Give the girl a wreath," Nyx said as she snapped her fingers, a night black wreath crown landing on Veronica's head.
"Bruce Wayne is Batman. One of the greatest heroes in the world is Gotham's wealthiest man. The Prince of Gotham is the damned Dark Knight. . . Oh, my god, I feel like an IDIOT! HOW ELSE COULD THE BAT HAD TECH STRAIGHT OUT OF SCIENCE FICTION?! TECHNOLOGY AS ADVANCED AS MY OWN COMPANY'S?! IF I GET MY HANDS ON HIM... If I get my hands on him. . . I'd be unstoppable."
Veronica giggled. "If I mass-produced Batman's artillery as military equipment, military stocks would skyrocket. Hell, we could go local and sell to the police, maybe even create privatized policing. Back to the military, we could form our own private army that countries would pay their entire national budget to hire for a quick and easy victory. That man is a walking goldmine! Even if we divorced the next week, half of his assets would be MORE then enough to make these plans a reality! I'd be unstoppable!"
"What lofty goals, Veronica. Too bad none of them will come to fruition."
Veronica looked at Nyx with a cold expression. "Hah?"
"That man is my Chosen One. My Champion. I do not share what is rightfully mine. How about you seduce that Lex Luthor fellow instead," Nyx asked as she took another sip of her wine.
Veronica smacked the glass out of Nyx's hand. "Cut the crap, grandma! I'M the one in charge around here! What I say, goes! Got it?!"
Nyx sighed as she shook her head. "Mortals. You stop ruling over them for a few centuries and they believe they rule the world. I think you need a reminder, sweet child."
Before Veronica could react, she was filled with dread, her blood running ice cold as she began to shiver in terror. The only reason she didn't wet herself was because her bladder was empty. She was feeling true fear as Nyx looked at her with silver moons for eyes, her face completely hidden by darkness, Veronica's entire office turning into a black void. She was then grabbed by the throat before she was slammed onto the wall.
"Know your place, mortal" Nyx's voice roared and echoed in a terrifyingly calm manner. "I came to you not because I saw potential in you. I came to you because I thought you could distract the Amazonian. If she was free to roam without interference, I would have had difficulties finding my warrior. All you are is a distraction."
"That is all you have EVER been. You are but a mortal. A CHILD! HOW DARE YOU TRY TO SPEAK AS IF YOU ARE EQUAL TO A GOD? YOU ARE LESS THAN NOTHING TO ME," Nyx's voice echoed in a way that shook Veronica's very soul.
Nyx then dropped Veronica, the woman coughing violently as she held onto her neck for dear life as Nyx retracted her power. "You should be happy you still have a use in my eyes. Plus, I find you mildly entertaining," Nyx said as she walked away and took her seat again, Veronica looking up at her in terror.
"You may live, child. Just don't forget who is truly in charge. You're not my equal by any means. To me, you're no different from a pet. A yipping, pampered pooch who foolishly bit the hand feeding her and received her just punishments. Could you try to avoid making me resort to such things? I want to be a kind, loving, and benevolent owner."
Veronica stood up, still holding her throat, shaking in fear before she took a few deep breaths. She then finally composed herself as she looked at Nyx. "If Bruce... or rather, Batman is your Champion, what are you waiting for? There's no way even he can stop someone as powerful as you."
"Because it is not yet time. Think of it like... cooking. And I want my meat well done. Right now, he's too rare. Not quite up to my standards. Besides, there's a necessary component still missing."
"Which is?"
Nyx looked at Veronica with a smile. "His son."
"What?"
"The Night has searched far and wide for her Champion, but so many have failed. Men, women, beasts, and even gods have failed the test. But lo, a Champion of Night worthy of the mantle has finally entered the world. A mere mortal who is Beloved by the Shadows, Taught by the Dark, and Desired by the Night. The Night will have her Champion, and through him, Olympus shall fall."
"Through the power of the Night, the Champion will bring the gods to their knees, dethrone Hades from his chair, and conquer Tartarus itself; all in the name of the Night. Through the Champion shall Darkness finally prevail, and no Light shall ever be able to shine."
"But know this. The Son of the Champion will surpass the Father. If raised with evil, the Son will slay the Father; but raised through love, and the Father will be rescued by the Son. But should Father and Son join forces as one, then none shall stand in the way of their One True Love. With Father and Son at her side, Mother will be Invincible. Mother will be Unstoppable. Mother will be Unbeatable."
"Mother. Will. Win."
"Are you saying Wayne and I need to have a son in order for you to win?"
"I see we've been paying attention. However, it might not be you who fulfills this prophecy."
"What?"
Nyx looked down and rubbed her stomach. "Never before did I ever believe a mortal would be worthy of filling my womb. Our child will be invincible. With Father and Son at her side, Mother will be Invincible. Mother will be Unstoppable. Mother will be Unbeatable. Mother. Will. Win."
Nyx then held her glass of black wine in front of the full moon, the moon looking black through the dark wine.
"I will win."
Nyx then giggled before her she began to laugh and burst into a full, mad, evil cackle; looking forward to the future.
OMAKE:
"Hello, Commissioner Gordon."
He looked behind him and glared at first before composing himself. "General Eiling. I'm surprised to see a man of your caliber here in Gotham."
"It isn't by choice, I promise. I've been getting reports about Gotham. MORE than usual."
"Usual?"
"Don't play dumb, Gordon. Gotham is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Your city still has mafia dons. Even without the mafia, it has more criminals than citizens, super-powered freaks, some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world, men and women capable of destroying America if they wanted to, and now, real monsters."
"We're handling it."
"No, you're not. Some flying rat is. While you're sitting on your ass, you're letting some vigilante do your damn job."
"GCPD is helping Batman as well as doing our job."
"HELPING Batman?! You're supposed to ARREST lawbreakers like Batman! I swear, you people are just as bad as Metropolis with Superman. Or Boston is with Wonder Woman."
"Or let me guess: Central City with Flash? How about Coast City with Green Lantern?"
Eiling growled.
"We need the heroes, General. Do you think YOU could beat Clayface with a handgun? Out-match Bane? Resist Poison Ivy? There are criminals in this city that you couldn't even have nightmares about."
Eiling glared at Gordon before he smirked. "Sounds like Gotham needs Cadmus."
Jim grabbed Eiling by his collar. "YOU AND YOUR LITTLE SCIENCE PROJECT STAY THE HELL OUT OF MY CITY!"
The guests gasped at Jim's outburst, seeing the Commissioner manhandle the General.
"You think we don't have intel on you? The monsters YOU'VE created! We know damn well YOU tried to kill Superman. The insane lengths you're willing to go. If you had your way, you'd nuke Gotham and everyone in it!"
"Your point?"
The people began to murmur in fear at Eiling's retort.
Jim snarled at Eiling. "My point is that you and your little team aren't allowed in so much as Blackgate or Arkham. This city has survived hell without the help of the military, let alone Cadmus. We'll survive whatever this is, too."
"No. You won't."
"What?"
"News of these freaks is reaching even the president himself. One order, Gordon. Just one, and Gotham will be under Cadmus's jurisdiction. MY jurisdiction. Once that happens, every 'monster' in Gotham will be on the list for Hunting Season. I don't give a damn about your blip of a city. If it becomes too much of a threat to my country, I will burn it to the ground."
"You sonofa-"
Eiling then gut-punched Gordon, forcing him to release the General and step back in pain as he glared up at the man. "One day, Jim. One day, you'll be BEGGING for my help. You'll realize that men like you need men like me to protect you from the monsters you can't handle. Especially when your city's mascot finally fails you. And he WILL fail you," Eiling said before he walked away.
Jim watched him leave, glaring a hole into the back of Eiling's balding head. "I hate that guy."
A/N: Serious question- Who did you prefer? Do you like the interaction with General Lane or did you like the interaction with General Eiling? I honestly think Eiling would be the bigger threat between the two.