(Hours Ago before Brainiac's Attack)
The Fortress of Solitude
Back at the Fortress of Solitude, it was uneventful... At first.
Superman was angered to find storage equipment and elevator platforms at his old base of operations – evidently, people had been trying to pick apart everything from the Fortress for safekeeping or for research. He would put a stop to that once the threat of Brainiac was over.
But he had other matters on his mind – his powers were restored...MOSTLY.
He flew down from the Arctic sky towards Black Adam, Damian Wayne/Red-Wing and Blackfire as he was ready to take on Brainiac. But he needed more than brute force and meandering mind games to finally rid the universe of the alien overlord, and he knew it.
Breathing in and out heavily, it felt relieving to be HIM again.
He then turned to Damian, "Did you find anything?"
"I analyzed the Kryptonian data like you asked," Damian Wayne aka Red Nightwing or Red-Wing tells him, "You didn't miss anything – they just didn't have an answer for Brainiac" Damian was still playing the villain card as he was waiting for the right moment to leave this place and tell Cyborg of what he has discovered.
Anyways, Superman was very visibly frustrated with his response, "There has to be something. A blind spot, a weakness. Brute force won't be enough."
While Superman was worrying about how they would take down Brainiac, Black Adam was getting worried about his country.
"If your powers are restored, I should leave for Kahndaq -make sure its defenses are prepared."
"Brainiac hasn't attacked it yet?" Superman asked in shock as he heard what Adam had said.
"The Rock of Eternity's magic hides Kahndaq from prying eyes, even Brainiac's - But I don't expect him to be fooled forever."
"Hey, Superman, can I use the teleporter so I can get to Gotham City?" Damian asked in a sad tone, "I... I want to see Grayson and the others..."
"Of course you can, Damian," Superman spoke as he and the other regime members present watched Damian enter the teleporter.
Gotham City
A portal opened with a soft hum, and out of it stepped Damian Wayne. He was back in Gotham City, the place that felt like a second home to him amidst the chaos that had become his life. The city was eerily quiet, the usual cacophony of sirens and distant screams muted by the looming shadow of Brainiac's approaching fleet. Damian's heart ached as he thought of his friends, the members of the Bat-family, and the city he was born to protect. He knew he couldn't waste any time.
"I need to find the Batcave and apologize to Bruce for... everything I did," Damian thought, his eyes scanning the darkened skyline as he emerged from the alleyway. The streets were deserted, a stark contrast to the bustling Gotham he knew so well. The tension in the air was palpable, and he could almost taste the fear and anticipation of the impending battle.
As he started walking, Damian's boots echoing off the pavement, a sudden gust of wind picked up, carrying with it the distant sound of explosions and the faint smell of smoke. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he knew that the battle against Brainiac had already begun elsewhere. Time was of the essence. He quickened his pace, each step a silent promise to do whatever it took to right the wrongs he had committed.
The city was eerily lit by the flickering lights of the Joker's neon smile painted on the side of a crumbling building, a twisted beacon in the dark. Damian clenched his fists at the sight, pushing down the anger that threatened to consume him. He had to stay focused. He couldn't let his vendetta against crime distract him from the task at hand.
...
Back in the Unground Batcave, Catwoman waved good-luck to Cyborg who teleported out after he fixed Brother Eye, "Remember, Selina, keep the base secure. If anything happens, I'll be right back."
Selina nodded, "You got it, Cy. Take care of yourself out there."
The teleporter's hum faded, leaving Selina alone in the cavernous space. She couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and hope. The makeshift team of heroes and antiheroes had come together for a common enemy, but she knew that alliances built on shaky ground could crumble at any moment.
Selina took a deep breath and turned her attention to the monitors displaying the chaos that engulfed the city. The screens flickered with images of the Justice League, the Teen Titans and various metahumans fighting tirelessly against Brainiac's drones. Gotham was under siege, and every second counted.
That was when she heard footsteps, the kind that were too light to belong to Cyborg or any of the other heavy-footed members of their makeshift coalition. She spun around, her whip at the ready, only to find Damian standing in the shadows, looking lost and vulnerable.
"You..." She spoke in disgust as she saw the young man she once knew as Robin.
"Catwoman," Damian acknowledged, his tone subdued, "I know you have every reason to despise me, but I need to speak with Bruce. It's important."
Her eyes narrowed, but she could see the sincerity in his gaze. The kid had always had a knack for finding trouble, but she sensed that this was different. However, she wasn't gonna let her guard down that easily, "Bruce isn't here... And even if he was here, why would he want to talk to you?"
Damian took a step forward, his voice firm, "I know what I did was wrong. I need to tell him that I'm with him... with the Justice League now. And I have information that could help us all."
"Yeah, like I'm gonna believe that!" She spat, the whip crackling in her hand.
'Oh god damn it...' He thought to himself, as he looked into Selina's piercing gaze. She had every right to be skeptical. "Look, I know it's a lot to ask, but please, I need to tell him that I- Woah!"
He moved out of the way when Catwoman tried to hit him with her whip. It was clear she wasn't going to make this easy.
'Guess I'm gonna have to use Batman's non-lethal training...' Damian thought as he dodged another swipe from Selina's whip. "I'm not here to fight you, Selina. I'm here to help."
"Oh, like how you "helped" Bruce by betraying him all those years ago?!" Selina's words stung, echoing through the Batcave.
RED-WING VS CATWOMAN
The battle between Red-Wing and Catwoman was swift and silent, their movements a dance of shadows and steel. Selina's whip lashed out, seeking to ensnare him, but Damian's agility and speed, honed by his League of Assassins training, allowed him to dodge every strike with ease. He knew that he couldn't afford to harm Selina, but he also knew that he needed to convince her of his allegiance.
"Please, Selina," Damian panted, his eyes never leaving hers, "You know I was manipulated. You know what it's like to be on the wrong side of the law."
Her whip halted mid-swing, and she studied him for a moment, weighing his words against the memories of his betrayal. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife, but there was something in his voice that resonated with her.
Not to mention, she started to notice his attacks... They were... Non-lethal? Why was he holding back?
"You're not fighting to kill," Selina said, her voice low and calculating, "Why?"
"Because," Damian said, catching his breath, "I've seen enough death. I've caused enough of it. I don't want to hurt you. I need you to trust me."
"Fat chance!" Selina retorted, her whip still poised. "But if you're telling the truth, you'd better make it quick. Time's not exactly on our side."
The battle between the two continued, their movements a blur in the dim light of the Batcave. Damian's eyes never left Selina's, searching for any hint of trust. Each time her whip came for him, he deflected it with a batarang or a swift kick, his every action calculated to avoid causing her harm. Despite the chaos outside, their fight remained a silent, intense struggle of wills.
It was a long fight, but after a while, Damian finally put the cat to sleep, nonlethally, of course.
RED-WING WINS!
Damian walked up to the defeated Selina, gently untangling her whip from around his ankle, "Thank you for the... warm welcome." He said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood slightly.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she glared at him, "You're lucky you're Bruce's kid."
He offered her a hand to help her up, which she took reluctantly. "Now, where's the Bat-computer?" Damian asked as he surveyed the room, looking for any signs of life.
Before she could answer, an energy beam shot Damian through the chest, sending him flying into a stack of crates. Selina's eyes widened as she saw Starfire hovering above them, her eyes glowing a fiery red.
"Why is Dick Grayson's KILLER here?!" Starfire's voice was a mix of anger and surprise as she hovered above Damian, her hand outstretched with energy crackling around it. Even though her beloved Dick Grayson is alive now, just seeing Damian triggered those painful memories, whether it was accidental or not.
Damian coughed, struggling to get to his feet amidst the debris, "Kori, wait! It's not what it seems."
Starfire hovered closer, her eyes narrowed, the fiery energy around her hand growing more intense, "You will explain, Damian Wayne. Now!"
Damian held up his hands defensively, trying to calm her down, "Look, I know what happened with Dick, and I'm sorry. I was angry the at time l-I didn't mean to—"
"Save it," Starfire interrupted, her voice icy. "You may have fooled others, but I won't fall for your deceit again."
Her hand shot forward, releasing a blast of pure starfire energy at him. Damian barely had time to react, his body moving almost instinctively. He ducked and rolled, the energy narrowly missing him, but it was clear that Starfire wasn't holding back. The crates behind him exploded into splinters, the heat from her attack warming the air around them.
He knew he had to fight her if it meant to survive and tell his story. Damian took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with determination. "I didn't come here to fight, Kori. I came to help"
"You came to die," Starfire retorted, her hand blazing with fiery intent.
REDWING VS STARFIRE
The fight starts again, but this time it's Red-Wing vs Starfire. The air in the Batcave crackles with their energy, each of them equally determined not to yield. Damian's eyes flashed with the intensity of his resolve, and he leapt at her, dodging her fiery blasts and using his batarangs to disorient her. He knew he had to be careful; Starfire's power was no joke, and he didn't want to harm her any more than he had to.
The room was a whirlwind of red and black, with Starfire's fiery bolts and Red-Wing's agile movements creating a mesmerizing display of combat. Despite the seriousness of the situation, a part of him felt alive again, the thrill of battle coursing through his veins. But he pushed that feeling aside, focusing on his mission.
While trying to blast Damian into nothing, she noticed that his moves attacks were non-lethal, and she began to question why he was holding back.
"Why?" she roared, "Why do you not fight to kill me?!"
"Because I'm done fighting for Superman's Regime!" Damian shouted, dodging another fiery blast from Starfire. "I've seen the destruction Brainiac brings... I saw Superman's darkest secrets... and I can't be a part of it anymore."
Starfire's eyes flickered with doubt, the heat of her anger wavering slightly. She hovered in place, her fists clenched tightly as she stared down at him. "You expect me to believe that?" she spat. "After everything you've done?"
Damian met her gaze, his voice firm, "I know it's hard to trust me, but I'm telling the truth. I have learned from my mistakes. I need to make it right."
"You said that you would no longer be Batman's Robin!" Starfire's eyes blazed with accusation, "He was right in disowning you!"
"I've got no regrets until now" Damian said with a serious look, "I was a pawn, and now I see the bigger picture. I need Bruce...I need to tell him that I'm with him now."
"You've got no regrets until now?!" Starfire's voice was incredulous as she hovered above him, her eyes still ablaze with anger. "Your actions have cost lives, Damian! You expect forgiveness so easily? ESPECIALLY FOR DICK'S MURDER?!"
"That was an accident!" Damian shouted back, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and regret, "And I've suffered for it too!"
"YOU'RE AN ACCIDENT AS WELL!" Starfire roared, her eyes burning even brighter.
Damian knew that she was referring to the incident back at Arkham, where he threw a pole at Dick Grayson's neck, accidentally killing him in the process. He didn't mean it, but the guilt had eaten at him for years, and Batman disowned him for it.
He really didn't have the luxury of time to argue about the past, not with Brainiac's fleet looming over the city. He had to convince her, somehow.
"Kori, I know you're hurting," he said, his voice strained, "But I swear, I've changed. I'm not the same person who took that shot."
Starfire hovered for a moment, her chest heaving with the force of her emotions. The room was quiet except for the distant rumble of the city's panic outside. Finally, she spoke, her voice filled with pain, "You expect me to forgive you just like that?"
Their fight took a turn after a few minutes, Damian winning the fight.
REDWING WINS!
Damian took a step back, dropping his combat stance, "No, I don't expect forgiveness. But I need you to understand that I've changed. That I'm here to help." He paused, his eyes searching hers, "Please, Kori. We can't fight each other while Brainiac is out there."
Starfire's eyes searched his, the flames dimming slightly. For a moment, it looked like she was considering his words. Then, with a swift motion, she lowered her hand, the fiery energy dissipating into the air. "Fine," she said, her voice still tense, "But you will tell Bruce everything."
Damian nodded solemnly, his fists unclenching as the tension in the room ebbed away. "Thank you, Kori," he breathed out, a hint of relief in his voice.
At the other side of the Batcave
Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, finally came back, with Red Hood, Red Robin, Nightwing and Batgirl in tow, after a quick mission to disable some of Brainiac's drones. They all looked at the scene before them, with Starfire and Red-Wing standing in the middle of the debris, looking exhausted but standing firm.
"You!" Batman's voice was cold steel as he saw the red and black figure before him. The anger in the room grew tangible, the air thick with accusation and betrayal.
"Father," Damian said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "I've come to help."
Batman's eyes narrowed behind the mask, his grip on his utility belt tightening. "I don't know if I can trust you," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Damian took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation to come. "I know," he replied, "But I have come to make amends. And I've had enough of fighting for a regime that doesn't care for the people it claims to protect."
The Dark Knight didn't believe his disowned son as he ran towards him with a furious stride. But before he could land a hit, Nightwing stepped in between them, "Bruce, wait."
"Get out of my way, Dick," Batman's voice was laced with venom.
Nightwing held up his hand, his eyes pleading, "Hear him out, Bruce. We're all on the same side here."
That was when Damian smirked, forming an idea, "Actually, Grayson, let the old man have his fun."
Batman's eyes narrowed even further, "What makes you think I won't rip you apart right here, Damian?" His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, ready to unleash years of pent-up anger and disappointment.
"Because you had many chances to rip Joker apart for everything he's done, and yet you didn't... And look how THAT happen" Damian said with a smug grin, referring to the chaos outside, the city falling to Brainiac's drones, as well as referring to the deceased Joker's destructive ways, killing Jason Todd/Red Hood, bombing Metropolis and Superman's family.
"He kinda has a point, Bruce," Red Hood said with a shrug, his voice carrying a hint of amusement despite the tension in the air.
Batman's eyes flickered to Jason, then back to Damian. He knew his son wasn't wrong, but the betrayal still stung. "Very well," he said through gritted teeth, "Let's get this over with..."
The two started circling each other, the air in the Batcave charged with a mix of anger and anticipation. Damian's heart raced as he thought of all the times he'd dreamed of facing his father as an equal, not a wayward son seeking approval. The time for talk was over, and now was the moment of truth.
REDWING VS BATMAN
The fight between father and son was intense and silent, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The air in the Batcave grew heavy with anticipation as Batman and Red-Wing studied each other's moves, their eyes never leaving their opponent's.
Damian, known as Red-Wing, was the first to make a move. He dashed forward, a blur of red and black, his fists and feet striking with precision and power that was a testament to his League of Assassins upbringing. Batman, however, was a master of combat, and he anticipated every move, countering with his own brand of brutal grace.
The two figures danced around the cavernous space, the sounds of their battle echoing off the high-tech equipment and the trophies of a thousand battles won. The floor trembled beneath their feet as they crashed into various consoles and gadgets, leaving a trail of sparks and shattered glass in their wake. Despite the chaos, there was an unspoken understanding between them - this was not a fight to the death.
This was a fight of confrontation and understanding. Each blow exchanged between Batman and Red-Wing told a story of their tumultuous history, their movements a silent conversation of regret, anger, and hope. Despite the rage in his heart, Damian knew he had to show his father that he had changed, that he could be the hero Gotham needed.
"I don't have time for this, Damian," Batman growled, dodging a flurry of blows, "The city is falling apart and you want a family reunion?!"
"A good father would make time" Red-Wing shot back, his fists flying as he dodged another of Batman's blows, "But if you can't even look at me as your son, then maybe you're the one who's not ready to face the truth."
"I already faced the truth! Besides... A better SON would've earned it" Batman said, his fist connecting with Red-Wing's chest, sending him flying across the room.
The impact shook the ground, but Damian was back on his feet almost immediately. "I've suffered enough, Father. And I've learned from my mistakes!"
Batman's eyes flashed with a hint of something other than anger, something that Damian hadn't seen in years. "Prove it," he said, his voice a low growl.
And with that, the fight took a turn. The two men clashed again, but now there was a different rhythm to their movements, a desperation that spoke of a need to connect, to understand. Each block and counter strike was a silent plea, a question without words.
"I'm your only son, Old Man!" Damian shouted as he threw a series of punches, each one met with a calculated block from Batman.
"Dick, Tim and Jason were my sons too!" Bruce roared back, his voice filled with pain. His eyes never leaving Red-Wing's, his fists moving in a blur of rage and sadness.
The three other Robins and Batgirl watched from the sidelines, their hearts torn between the two men they called family. They knew the history that lay between the two, the love and the loss, the anger and the regret. They hoped that somehow, this confrontation would lead to a reconciliation.
"Besides, you stopped being my son when you killed Dick Grayson!" Batman's words were like a knife to Damian's heart.
"I-I didn't murder Dick, Bruce" Damian said with a grimace, feeling the pain of the accusation.
"No, your ego and temper did, Damian!" Batman's fists flew, each punch carrying the weight of his grief and betrayal.
"It was an accident!" Red-Wing's voice was filled with pain and desperation, "And I've suffered for it every single day since!"
"You joined Clark's Regime because of your so-called guilt!" Batman's voice was a thunderclap in the confined space of the Batcave, his fists flying like the shadows he was so adept at controlling. "You turned your back on everything we stand for!"
"Maybe if you had killed the Joker back then, I wouldn't have had to!" Damian's retort was met with a sudden silence, the air thick with the weight of his words. For a moment, the room was still, the only sound their ragged breaths echoing off the walls of the Batcave.
"We were at war," Damian said through gritted teeth, his eyes never leaving his father's, "And I was trying to protect what I believed in. I've seen what happens when we let our enemies live. I've seen what they do when we show them mercy! You let the Joker keep on killing for god knows how long before Superman finally took care of that!"
Batman's fists paused mid-air, the accusation in his son's voice hitting a raw nerve. His eyes searched Damian's, looking for any sign of regret, any hint of the boy he had once tried to save.
"You sparing Joker caused so much pain!" Red-Wing's voice was raw, filled with all the anger and grief he had held inside for so long, "Joker put Batgirl in a fucking coma and in a wheelchair for years before Lex Luthor fixed her up!"
Barbara Gordan had to admit the words' truth. The Joker had taken so much from all of them, especially from her. She watched as Batman's eyes searched for something in Damian's gaze.
"Joker killed Jason, which caused my evil grandfather Ra's al Ghul, to revive him with the Lazarus Pit," Red-Wing continued, his eyes filled with pain, "And then he went on to become the Red Hood so he can kill Tim, Grayson and you! ON PURPOSE!"
"I was going through a phase!" Jason Todd, now the Red Hood, shouted from the sidelines, unable to contain his frustration any longer. "And for what it's worth, I've moved on from that too!"
Damian ignored the interjection, his focus solely on Batman. "Joker then BOMBED Superman's city-Metropolis-And DRUGGED HIM! Tricking him into killing Lois Lane!"
The room grew still as the gravity of his words settled. Bruce's eyes flickered with a mix of anger and sorrow, the memories of that dark time in their history weighing heavily on him.
Damian then got into his knees... After the fighting the two were having, it was taking a toll on both of them, but it was Bruce that was on the floor before he stood up again.
REDWING WINS!
"I... I didn't mean to kill Dick Grayson... I didn't want any of this to happen..." Damian's voice trailed off as he knelt before Batman, his head bowed in defeat.
Bruce looked at his son, his heart aching. The anger was still there, but so was a deep sadness.
"I joined Superman and his Regime because I thought we could end crime and make the world a better place... so nobody has to suffer the same tragedy he had... But now... after finding his darkest secrets... I don't know what to believe anymore," Damian said, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession.
"I-I joined him... Because I didn't want any of you to die..." He continues, "I didn't want you guys to keep fighting criminals... But after you disowned me... in front of everyone at Arkham because of Dick's death, I had nowhere to go but Superman's!"
The room remained tense, the air thick with unspoken words and the echo of battles past. For a moment, Batman's hand hovered over his utility belt, as if contemplating his next move. Then, with a heavy sigh, he lowered his arms.
"Just please... I know you hate me and what I have done... But please... If there is anything I could do, I would do it! I just want to make it right," Damian's voice was thick with emotion, his eyes pleading through the red lenses of his mask.
Batman, Nightwing, Red Robin, Red Hood, Batgirl, Starfire and Catwoman all looked on as Damian knelt before his father. The Dark Knight's chest heaved with the effort of holding back his anger and pain. For a moment, no one dared to speak, the silence a stark contrast to the chaos outside.
The Dark Knight then finally walked up to him and offered a hand to help him stand. Damian slowly took it, his eyes never leaving Batman's.
"Damian... You know that I can never forgive you for what happened with Dick Grayson back then, even though he's alive now" Batman's voice was tight, the pain of his son's betrayal still fresh.
Damian lowered his head, the weight of his father's words heavy upon him. "But, Father..." he began, his voice a mix of hope and desperation.
"But... I can forgive you for everything else," Bruce said... with a genuine smile, "If you truly want to make amends, then I need you to stand by my side, not Superman's."
Damian's eyes lit up with hope, "I do, Father," he said, his voice earnest. "I want to help protect the city we both love, together."
The two then hugged, their armored forms clinking together, the tension between them dissipating into a moment of rare vulnerability. The other Robins, Batgirl and Starfire watched, their eyes filled with hope. Selina, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the sight of the reconciliation she had never managed to achieve with Bruce herself.
After a few seconds, they let go of the hug. Damian then walked to the others, wanting to apologize to each and every one of them, especially Dick Grayson.
"Tim Drake... " Damian began, looking at Red Robin first, "I'm sorry that Superman trapped you, Star and the other Teen Titans in the Phantom Zone. I truly didn't know about that until now, but if I had found that out earlier, I would've done everything in my power to stop it."
Tim stared at him for a long moment, the weight of the apology hanging in the air. "I want to believe you," he said finally, his voice tight. "But actions speak louder than words."
Damian nodded, understanding the skepticism. "I know," he said, his gaze sincere. "But I'm here now, and I'm ready to make things right."
Tim nodded, signaling Damian to talk to Jason Todd next.
"Jason... I know we haven't seen eye to eye for a very long time," Damian said, approaching the Red Hood with caution. "But I want to apologize for the pain Joker and Ra's Al Ghul caused you..."
Jason looked at him, his eyes cold, but something in Damian's voice made him pause. "You had your reasons," he said, his tone gruff. "But don't think for a second that we're cool because of this."
Damian nodded, "I know, but I'm willing to earn it." He then turned to Barbara Gordon, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "Barbara... I'm so sorry for what happened to you. For what Joker did to you. I know it's not enough, but I'm here to help in any way I can."
Barbara looked at him, her gaze hard before softening slightly. "I appreciate the apology, Damian," she said, her voice measured, "I can't fully forgive you, at least, not yet... But it's good to see you back in the fold."
With the tension in the Batcave slowly lifting, Damian turns to Starfire next, "Kori... I know we've had our differences in the past, but I swear to you, I am not the enemy," he says, his voice filled with sincerity.
Starfire stares at him, the flames in her eyes dying down to a smolder. "You expect me to trust you again?" she asks, her voice still filled with anger from their recent fight.
Nightwing then gives his girlfriend a gentle glare, reminding her of what he said earlier. Starfire sighs, and nods slightly, indicating that she heard him and will hold her fire, for now.
"I won't forgive you entirely... But I'll tolerate you for my beloved's sake" Starfire said, her voice still carrying the echoes of anger from their fight, but with a hint of relenting.
He nodded before turning to Catwoman, the forced and former member of the Regime, "Selina, I know we have history, and I understand if you don't trust me," Damian said, his voice calm and measured. "But we both want the same thing - to stop Brainiac and protect Gotham. Can we at least work together on this?"
Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed she would refuse. Then, with a sigh, she nodded. "For now," she said, "But don't think I've forgotten what you did."
With that, he turned to the last one - Dick Grayson - the man he had accidentally killed who was resurrected. He knew that Nightwing already forgave him for the accidental murder when they were talking back when he was Deadwing (Dick Grayson's ghost form), but he felt it was necessary to apologize again, this time in person.
"Dick... I know I can never truly make up for what I did," Damian began, his voice low and earnest, "But I hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I'm not asking for friendship or for you to forget what happened. But if we can work together, for the sake of the city we both care about..."
Nightwing then quickly gave him a big bro hug, which surprised Damian, but he didn't push him away, "Welcome back, little bird," he said with a smile, hinting that he had known all along that Damian was going to come back to them.
Damian looked over to Selina, who still had her arms crossed over her chest, watching the scene with a skeptical gaze. She was the hardest to convince, he knew, but he was ready to prove himself to her too.
Nightwing then spoke to him again, "Damian, I already forgiven you for the whole... 'Getting me killed' situation," he said with a smirk, "But you really gotta stop with the dramatics."
Damian rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smirk back, "Thanks, Dick," he said, the first genuine smile crossing his lips since he had arrived in Gotham.
"Alright, before we go, I got another present for ya... Follow me" Nightwing said, leading Damian to a corner of the Batcave.
The corner was dimly lit, but as they approached, Damian's eyes grew wide with shock. There, in the shadows, stood a new, gleaming black and red suit of armor, complete with a crimson cape. "What is this?" he whispered, his heart racing.
"This," Nightwing said, his voice filled with pride, "Is your new suit. A symbol of your redemption. If you're going to stand beside us, you're going to do it as a member of the Bat-family." He handed the suit to Damian, who took it with trembling hands. "But remember, it's not just about the suit. It's about what you do when you wear it."
Damian nodded, feeling the weight of the armor, not just physically but emotionally as well. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, but the acceptance he saw in his father's eyes and the trust of his siblings fueled him with determination.
"So, what new name are you gonna give yourself, Damian?" Red Hood smirked, the tension in the room dissipating slightly.
"I don't need a new name," Damian said, holding up the suit with a determined glint in his eyes.
"You kinda do," Dick Grayson retorts with a smirk, "Besides, you made my old Nightwing suit I gave you all red, and it's giving me Regime flashbacks"
"Call me... Bat-Kid," Damian said with a small smirk, the tension in the room cracking slightly at his self-deprecating humor.
Bruce couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, "Bat-Kid, huh?" he said, his stern demeanor slipping a bit, "We'll see if that sticks."
The group looked at each other, a newfound camaraderie building. They had a common enemy in Brainiac, and now, with Damian back on their side, they were more united than ever.
Few minutes later, Damian was putting on his new suit, the armor fitting him like a glove. The red and black color scheme reminded him of his days with the Regime, but the crimson cape was a stark reminder of the bloodline he truly belonged to. He felt the weight of his father's trust, and the pressure to not only live up to the name, but to rebuild the bridges he had burned.
"So... What do you think?" Nightwing asked, watching as Damian turned to face them in the new armor. The group couldn't help but look at him with a mix of pride and skepticism.
"I think Dad should donate the rest of the old Robin suits to charity, because I am never taking this thing off." Damian quipped, the crimson cape fluttering as he turned to face them.
A chuckle rippled through the group, and even Selina couldn't help but crack a smile. The atmosphere in the Batcave had shifted from one of tension and anger to one of tentative hope. They had a common goal, and with Damian's skills and the strength of their combined skills, they stood a better chance against Brainiac.
"Hey, Selina, where's Cyborg? I need to show him something," Damian, now known as Bat-Kid, called out as he adjusted the new suit.
"He's out there, fighting Brainiac's drones," Catwoman said, her eyes still on the crimson cape, "We need to join him soon."
The reminder of the impending battle brought the conversation to an end. They had wasted enough time on their personal issues. Gotham was in peril, and they had a job to do.
"You and the others go! Catwoman and I are going to Metropolis!" Batman ordered them.
Meanwhile...
Outside of Gotham, Cyborg was in the thick of battle. The city's skyline was a canvas of chaos as Brainiac's drones swarmed like a hive of angry bees. The once gleaming skyscrapers now scarred by the relentless barrage of lasers and explosions. The air was filled with the acrid smell of burning metal and the distant screams of the terrified civilians below.
Cyborg's mechanical limbs moved with lightning-fast precision as he dismantled the drones one by one, his mind racing with tactical calculations and a fierce determination to protect his city. Each explosion sent shockwaves through his circuits, but he pushed on, fueled by the thought of his friends and family, and the knowledge that his city needed him.
That was when Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Batgirl, Starfire and Bat-Kid emerged from the Batcave. The sight of their united front boosted Cyborg's spirits, despite the grimness of the battle.
"It's good to see you again, Victor, even though we're on opposite sides," Starfire said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and caution.
Cyborg nodded, his eyes never leaving the battle, "Yeah, Kori, I know. But right now, we need to focus on the bigger picture."
"Ain't that the truth..." Red Hood grunted, his gaze also on the battle.
"So, what's the plan?" Bat-Kid asked, his voice eager despite the gravity of the situation.
Cyborg saw Damian's new look and was quite surprised, "Well, if it isn't the prodigal son," he quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
"Oh, if it ain't the half-machine, half-man," Bat-Kid quipped back at Cyborg, his newfound humor a stark contrast to his usually stoic demeanor.
The group of heroes took a moment to assess the chaos before them. The city was in shambles, a testament to Brainiac's relentless assault. The air was thick with smoke, the cries of the innocent echoing through the streets, and the ground trembled with the thunderous footsteps of the alien drones.
They continued to fight before Bat-Kid pulled Cyborg to the sidelines to tell him something very important.
"Hey, remember how we were having doubts of Superman and his Regime?" Bat-Kid whispered urgently to Cyborg.
"Yeah, I remember," Cyborg replied, his eyes never leaving the drones.
"I found some proof of his darkest secrets back from the Fortress of Solitude," Bat-Kid said, urgency lacing his voice. "Secrets that could change everything."
Cyborg's eyes snapped to meet Damian's, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. "What kind of secrets?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite the chaos around them.
Bat-Kid pulls out his phone and shows him two videos... Superman trapping the remaining Teen Titans in the Phantom Zone... And Alfred being killed by Victor Zsasz... Ordered by Superman himself in secret.
Cyborg's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "How did you get these?" he demanded, his voice a mix of anger and horror.
"I was going through the Kryptonian Databases," Bat-Kid replied, his voice low and serious, "And I found these... Superman has been keeping things from us, Victor. He's not the hero we thought he was."
"... I already didn't like how Superman recruited criminals and villains into the Regime... But now this... I need to tell the others," Cyborg's voice was tight with anger and disgust.
"They already knew... We just didn't listen to them back then..." Bat-Kid's voice was a grim reminder of the division they once faced.
"Superman is gonna pay... for everything!" Cyborg's voice boomed through his speakers, rage consuming him at the sight of his friends being trapped in the Phantom Zone. His fists clenched, and the metal in his arms groaned as he readied for a fight that was now deeply personal.
"He will, but not right now," Bat-Kid said, placing a hand on Cyborg's shoulder, "We need to focus on Brainiac. If we don't stop him, there won't be a world left for Superman to answer for his crimes."
Cyborg nodded, his rage simmering just beneath the surface, "You're right. First things first."
"I already told Bruce that you and I will be playing the 'villain' card until the time is right," Damian said, his gaze hardening with resolve. "For now, let's focus on what we can do together."
Cyborg took a deep breath, the anger at Superman's betrayal still burning in his core, but he knew that Damian was right. Gotham was their priority. "Alright, Bat-Kid," he said through gritted teeth, "But when we're done here, I'm gonna have a little chat with Kal-El."
They turned back to the battle, running back into the fray as a united front. The sight of Cyborg and the new Bat-Kid fighting alongside them bolstered the spirits of the other heroes. Together, they began to push back the tide of drones, their combined might and strategy starting to make a dent in Brainiac's overwhelming force.
Now...
Brainiac's ship hovers over Metropolis and starts to digitize the buildings, drawing them up off of their foundations and making them ones and zeros as they get in range. While the place is abandoned of living people, the dead and dying litter the streets. Kent Nelson walks the streets, the Helm of Nabu in his hand.
Kent reaches down to help her but...
"NO!" Nabu, Spirit of the Helm, shouts in Kent's mind, warning him of changing fate like before.
Kent backs away in shame and remorse. He wanted to help the woman, but he knew he couldn't. The helm's power was too volatile, too dangerous. "I'm sorry," he whispers, his voice cracking.
"P-Please..." The female citizen begged before drawing her last breath and passing away.
Kent couldn't believe this is happening... He couldn't believe that he was so helpless to help the innocents... He couldn't believe that Nabu wouldn't let him do anything...
"Why can't I stop this?!" Kent roared, his anguish echoing through the desolate streets. Nabu's voice remained firm in his mind, reminding him of the delicate balance of fate.
He then looked at his helmet, "Why won't you let me fight back? How can there be order if Brainiac wins?!"
"Humanity breeds Chaos... Brainiac is Order!" Nabu's cold voice responded, echoing in Kent's mind.
Kent looks worried as he looks up a the sky, "But if we let him destroy everything, then what is left to order?!"
Nabu's response was silent for a moment before it came, "You do not understand the cosmic balance, mortal. Sometimes, order requires a clean slate."
He continues looking at the sky, knowing that he couldn't interfere with the fate of the city.
HEY GUYS! Sorry for the long, LONG wait! Been busy! However, I'm back now, and I'm ready to finish the story! We're most definitely almost to the end of it! Speaking of which, I have something in mind: I know about the good ending and the bad ending... However, I must ask... What kind of ending, do you guys want me to make? I'm still gonna use the good and bad endings once the story is at the finale but I'm asking this for everyone's sakes.
Review or PM me of your ideas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!