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DCU: Blacklist
- Thread starter Samael61
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MasterDarkElf
Well worn.
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Glad to see the five on the path to doing better. And wonder if Ace, or Angelica now, may start to see Miles as a father figure, haha. Or even the rest of them as well. Looking forward to more.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
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Thanks for the chapter
Chapter 77 - To Battle
New
Samael61
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Hello there,
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
Los Angeles
"What's the deal with them?" Michael whispered, reading the results of the scans. A late-night message from Miles and an early-morning arrival at his lab for a full medical checkup were unexpected. He was worried something had happened to the man.
It was worse.
The five metahumans had foreign chemicals and organic agents in their bodies. Most were attempts to increase their power levels. There was more than one sample consistent with chemical brainwashing methods. The data he pulled out suggested they were meant to make the subject more malleable to subliminal suggestions.
Someone was trying to make these five into weapons from a very young age.
"Cadmus kept them as test subjects to transform them into weapons. I intervened," he explained.
"Amanda Waller, right?" he asked. That name was associated with too many reports of government-backed torture painted as experiments.
"Yes. She must be fuming right now."
"Alright," he turned to the patients, "I have four pieces of good news and one possibly bad piece of news. Which one do you guys want to hear first?" he asked. They were tense from the very moment of arriving at the lab. Knowing the kind of people Cadmus employed, he understood why.
They looked at one another. "Who is it?" Timothy asked, his throat bobbing. It was bad if he was the one with a problem and worse if it was one of the others.
Michael tilted her head at Angelica. "The kid. Her DNA is evolving at an alarming rate. Eventually her powers will be too much for her body."
She took a step back, hand rising to her mouth to stifle the gasp. "Am I going to die?"
"No," he shook his head, "and only because we caught it early. She will need gene therapy to neutralize the strand responsible for this evolution," he said. All in all, it was a simple solution. Had they been any late, her fate would be sealed.
"Is it really that bad?" Monica asked, looking down at
"Yes. I can't tell what her powers of altering perception and driving people insane with a mere look will evolve into. By the end of it, just being around her might drive people mad or worse."
"But you can cure her?"
"I just need a sample of her DNA," he said. Angelica took a step back, eyes wide. Her friends weren't delighted either, subtly stopping in front of her. Michael crouched, looking at the teen hiding behind Orlando.
"I," he began, his voice cracking, "can't begin to imagine what you went through under those bastards. What I can do is to help you live long enough so you will have the chance to put all this behind you," he said, offering his hand with a small smile.
This kind of trauma wasn't easy to work through.
She looked down, rubbing her arm up and down. "I don't know if I can do that."
"But you can try."
Ace looked down at her left arm, squeezing her wrist with her other hand. She nodded, holding it out for a blood sample. She had felt the sting of the needle many times, whether to take blood or to inject her with something. It was the first time she was volunteering.
Michael brought the needle closer, being as gentle as possible. Ace winced, tensing her muscles, which caused her more pain. He was quick to pull the syringe back, inspecting the tube filled with blood.
"I'll let you know when it's ready," he said, putting the sample onto the scanner.
"Thank you, Michael; I owe you one," he said, shaking the man's hand.
Michael shook his head. "No, you don't. Not when it comes to this."
—
"Are we going to stay in your home? It's a bit cramped for all of us."
"For now, yes," he said, pressing the button to take them all away.
—
Metropolis
Beckett Residence
"Wait a second, am I seeing something wrong, or does this place suddenly have another floor?" Timothy said, rubbing his eyes. The two-story house had suddenly become a three-story one. Workers that were not there a couple of hours ago were cleaning the branches trimmed from the tops of the trees surrounding the house.
Something weird was going on here.
Miles furrowed his brows. "What? Of course not. It was always there," he said, waving his hand towards the top.
"But I could swear…" Timothy continued, looking at his friends for an answer.
Jack shrugged. He too could swear that the third floor wasn't there this morning. "We are still tired. Maybe we didn't notice it."
"Where did that come from?" Claire whispered, watching the confused five with a smirk. That floor definitely wasn't there.
"The androids. I had them build another floor for guests," he whispered back, winking.
"In hours?" Baraka coughed into his fist, trying to hide his smile. "That's going to bring in some unwanted attention."
"Thank god for all these tall trees," he said, patting on one of the trunks. He turned his attention to his guests. The four of them had already gone in. Angelica was standing outside with her head hung down.
He bent down, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. Michael's one of the smartest men on the planet. You'll be alright in no time."
She closed her eyes and walked in.
—
The Watchtower
"Doctor Fate, thank you for coming in," Superman said, gesturing at a chair.
The golden helmeted magician nodded, taking his place. "Your warning was not unfounded. I detected several incursions into Earth. The Old Ones are stirring up again," he explained. The sudden warning by the Man of Tomorrow that Icthultu might be returning to Earth had concerned him.
Realizing they were right worried him greatly.
"Our plan is to strike first and kill Icthultu," Batman said in his blunt tone. There were rituals that could banish the Old Ones for a long time, but they were not a permanent solution. Sacrificing anyone, even if it was an undead, didn't sit right with most of them.
Fate looked around the room. "It will not be an easy task," he said, though the League was obviously ready.
"We have made preparations. Miles also suggested that we bring Solomon Grundy along. Since he has no soul, he might be particularly effective against Icthultu," Hawkgirl said.
Miles' request was unexpected, but he promised to explain when they were ready.
Fate tilted his head. A soulless creature would certainly be effective against the Old Ones. However, since there were four robots in the meeting, bringing Grundy along was unnecessary. "An interesting idea."
"Atlantis has history with Ichtulthu as well," Aquaman joined, remembering the ancient stories. "Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't risk an operation like this. However, if Miles is in, then I will bring the most elite unit of Atlantis against the Old Ones," he said with a steady tone. He had already organized a team for this attack. The rest of Atlantis' army would be on alert against any incursions.
He owed Miles once again.
"Thank you, Aquaman," Manhunter said with a small downward tilt of his head.
"Miles is sending support too. A small army of androids. With all of us together, I believe this mission is more than doable," Hawkgirl said. She had already brought everything Thanagar had on the Old Ones. It didn't amount to much, but Fate could perhaps make use of them.
"Superman and I will handle Grundy," Aquaman said, pushing his seat back.
Fate rose as well. "I will make preparations for a portal into Icthultu's dimension."
"Then let's get to it," Flash said, cracking his knuckles.
—
New York City
Last intel on the giant zombie pointed out he was around New York, specifically the docks. A more precise location could not be detected. Aquaman employed the sea creatures to seek Grundy while Superman was scanning the docks from the skies.
Since he hadn't attacked anyone, Grundy was either hiding or hibernating.
"I don't see anything from up here," Superman said. Since Grundy was nowhere on the surface, it left the possibility that he might be in the sewers. Sewers that were lined up with lead.
"The creatures say there was an unnatural source of decay and death that passed through recently. He couldn't have gone far."
"Wait, I think I see something," he said, squinting.
"Where?"
"A section of the sewers is broken. Seems to have happened from the outside." Superman pressed a button on his communicator, sending the location to Aquaman.
"Worth a look. I'll go in first," Aquaman said, swimming to the indicated location. He pushed all the filth away, reaching the sewer in seconds. True to Superman's words, something had violently torn apart the grate along with several feet of walls.
The size of the punch matched with the usual destruction a disgruntled Grundy left behind.
"Superman, I think he is in here. I am going further inside," he said, wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"Got it. I'll be there in a mind," Superman replied, searching for an alternative entrance.
He tracked the destroyed path to the end. Grundy hadn't gone far. He had punched a section of the wall in, using it as a bed.
Even he needed rest, it seemed.
"Solomon Grundy," he called out. The zombie's eyes snapped open. He sprung to his feet, his massive frame casting a shadow that covered him entirely. "I have an offer for you."
The undead lowered his arms, tilting his head. "Offer?" he asked, a stench of decay wafting from his mouth.
"Do you want gold?" he asked, ignoring the stench.
"Grundy likes gold."
"Come with me and I'll give you a chest full of gold," he said, holding out a handful of coins as proof.
Grundy took the coins, grinning, and followed Aquaman.
"Superman, don't bother coming here. I have Grundy; I'll take him to the Tower of Fate."
"Alright, see you there."
—
Tower of Fate
"Why do you insist we bring Grundy? We have plenty of firepower," Hawkgirl asked, too impatient to wait.
Miles turned to her, taking his hat off. "Grundy never dies. But why?" he asked.
Shayera crossed her arms. "Enlighten me."
"He was born Cyrus Gold, a wanted gangster in the nineteen twenties, obsessed with wealth. A deal with his associates turned sour. They killed him, cursed his corpse with a gris-gris, and dumped him in a swamp, which has mystical properties. Combine these ingredients and voila, you have Solomon Grundy," he said.
Her eyes widened but she continued to listen.
"All he wants is gold even though he doesn't know why. I think that if he finds something he wants more, such as his soul, and dies believing he will have it, he might finally find peace," he said. Since it was never confirmed that Icthultu had Grundy's soul, then it was most likely a matter of belief.
As it was the theme of this particular episode.
"Might?" she asked, a smirk on her face.
He shrugged. "Or it might do nothing at all. I am not an expert on curses."
Further banter was put aside as Superman and Aquaman returned with Grundy in tow.
"There you guys are," he said, scrunching his nose at the smell. That part wasn't in the show.
The zombie grunted, looking around. "Where is Grundy's gold?"
"Here," Aquaman said, dropping the chest in front of the undead. Grundy grinned, kneeling down to take a handful of gold coins, necklaces, and other trinkets.
He looked up, rising to his feet. "What do you want from Grundy?"
"Just stay still," Fate said, laying his fingers on the undead's head. Grundy's eyes widened as the life he had forgotten passed through his mind.
"Grundy remembers now," he said, his tone heavy and grim. It made him understand why he wanted gold in the first place.
"So you do," Fate said, glancing at Miles.
He shook his head. "Grundy wants what men took from him. Will the magician help?" he asked, almost pleading.
"Yes, I will do everything I can to help you reclaim your soul," Fate promised. He had heard of the undead but never encountered him. Had he, much could have been avoided.
"If you help Grundy, then Grundy will help you," he promised, smiling.
"Then we found you at the perfect time. You see, creatures that eat the souls of the living are trying to invade Earth. Since your soul is missing, their dimension might be an excellent place to search for it."
"What do you say, Grundy? Are you in?"
His crooked grin told them all they needed to know.
—
There was no reason for a ceremony.
One by one, the assembled force left through the portal. Superman was the vanguard, followed by Wonder Woman and an excited Grundy. The rest of the League were quick to follow. King Arthur went in last, leading the two dozen warriors he had brought. Doctor Fate, after exchanging a couple of words with his wife, ventured forth.
Miles gave the command to the android army. Fifty of the most advanced synthetics on Earth moved as one. As they left, the portal closed, leaving him alone in the room with Inza.
"I don't believe we had the opportunity to meet before. Inza Nelson," she said, giving a slight bow. "Welcome to the Tower of Fate, belated as it is."
"Miles Beckett, at your service," he replied, taking his hat off to salute her. "I am sure we can waive any issues with hospitality due to the current circumstances."
"How have you managed to learn so much about Grundy?" she asked, pulling up a table and two chairs.
"By chance," he said, sitting down. Fate seems to prefer letting his wife handle the interrogation part. "I was going through GCPD's records for a different case. One file led to another, and I found a lead about the unsolved case of Cyrus Gold. I questioned a retired gangster, who confessed to having killed Cyrus with two of his cohorts. The rest was a matter of locating the body. He just happened to be going around searching for gold."
Vermont Mancell, one of the gangsters that had killed Cyrus, was actually alive until last year. Tracking him took time, but it was necessary for his cover story.
"Impressive. May I ask what case you were researching in the first place?"
"The murder of Martha and Thomas Wayne. I suspected it might be the work of the criminal underworld at first. Turns out it was simply Gotham being Gotham," he said. Vermont's crime family had eventually dwindled out to nothing. Some members were still alive, working in the same field.
Unless Fate wanted to speak to Vermont himself, he wouldn't find anything out of the ordinary.
"Look at me, asking all those questions, and I didn't even get you a cup of tea," she said, shaking her head. She summoned a teapot, cups, cookies, and another assortment of snacks.
He thanked her, reaching for the chocolate cookies. It would be rude to turn away such masterfully baked goods.
—
In the next chapter:
"Diana," he greeted the Amazon, seeing her watch the Earth from the comfort of the station.
"Miles," she said without even turning.
"What has you so down in spirits?" he asked.
She looked down, shoulders slouched. "It's nothing."
"Really?" A hunch told him it was not.
"It's personal."
"Is it Batman?" He knew they had a thing for each other. Only, Bruce was too afraid of loss to consider romance.
Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
Los Angeles
"What's the deal with them?" Michael whispered, reading the results of the scans. A late-night message from Miles and an early-morning arrival at his lab for a full medical checkup were unexpected. He was worried something had happened to the man.
It was worse.
The five metahumans had foreign chemicals and organic agents in their bodies. Most were attempts to increase their power levels. There was more than one sample consistent with chemical brainwashing methods. The data he pulled out suggested they were meant to make the subject more malleable to subliminal suggestions.
Someone was trying to make these five into weapons from a very young age.
"Cadmus kept them as test subjects to transform them into weapons. I intervened," he explained.
"Amanda Waller, right?" he asked. That name was associated with too many reports of government-backed torture painted as experiments.
"Yes. She must be fuming right now."
"Alright," he turned to the patients, "I have four pieces of good news and one possibly bad piece of news. Which one do you guys want to hear first?" he asked. They were tense from the very moment of arriving at the lab. Knowing the kind of people Cadmus employed, he understood why.
They looked at one another. "Who is it?" Timothy asked, his throat bobbing. It was bad if he was the one with a problem and worse if it was one of the others.
Michael tilted her head at Angelica. "The kid. Her DNA is evolving at an alarming rate. Eventually her powers will be too much for her body."
She took a step back, hand rising to her mouth to stifle the gasp. "Am I going to die?"
"No," he shook his head, "and only because we caught it early. She will need gene therapy to neutralize the strand responsible for this evolution," he said. All in all, it was a simple solution. Had they been any late, her fate would be sealed.
"Is it really that bad?" Monica asked, looking down at
"Yes. I can't tell what her powers of altering perception and driving people insane with a mere look will evolve into. By the end of it, just being around her might drive people mad or worse."
"But you can cure her?"
"I just need a sample of her DNA," he said. Angelica took a step back, eyes wide. Her friends weren't delighted either, subtly stopping in front of her. Michael crouched, looking at the teen hiding behind Orlando.
"I," he began, his voice cracking, "can't begin to imagine what you went through under those bastards. What I can do is to help you live long enough so you will have the chance to put all this behind you," he said, offering his hand with a small smile.
This kind of trauma wasn't easy to work through.
She looked down, rubbing her arm up and down. "I don't know if I can do that."
"But you can try."
Ace looked down at her left arm, squeezing her wrist with her other hand. She nodded, holding it out for a blood sample. She had felt the sting of the needle many times, whether to take blood or to inject her with something. It was the first time she was volunteering.
Michael brought the needle closer, being as gentle as possible. Ace winced, tensing her muscles, which caused her more pain. He was quick to pull the syringe back, inspecting the tube filled with blood.
"I'll let you know when it's ready," he said, putting the sample onto the scanner.
"Thank you, Michael; I owe you one," he said, shaking the man's hand.
Michael shook his head. "No, you don't. Not when it comes to this."
—
"Are we going to stay in your home? It's a bit cramped for all of us."
"For now, yes," he said, pressing the button to take them all away.
—
Metropolis
Beckett Residence
"Wait a second, am I seeing something wrong, or does this place suddenly have another floor?" Timothy said, rubbing his eyes. The two-story house had suddenly become a three-story one. Workers that were not there a couple of hours ago were cleaning the branches trimmed from the tops of the trees surrounding the house.
Something weird was going on here.
Miles furrowed his brows. "What? Of course not. It was always there," he said, waving his hand towards the top.
"But I could swear…" Timothy continued, looking at his friends for an answer.
Jack shrugged. He too could swear that the third floor wasn't there this morning. "We are still tired. Maybe we didn't notice it."
"Where did that come from?" Claire whispered, watching the confused five with a smirk. That floor definitely wasn't there.
"The androids. I had them build another floor for guests," he whispered back, winking.
"In hours?" Baraka coughed into his fist, trying to hide his smile. "That's going to bring in some unwanted attention."
"Thank god for all these tall trees," he said, patting on one of the trunks. He turned his attention to his guests. The four of them had already gone in. Angelica was standing outside with her head hung down.
He bent down, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. Michael's one of the smartest men on the planet. You'll be alright in no time."
She closed her eyes and walked in.
—
The Watchtower
"Doctor Fate, thank you for coming in," Superman said, gesturing at a chair.
The golden helmeted magician nodded, taking his place. "Your warning was not unfounded. I detected several incursions into Earth. The Old Ones are stirring up again," he explained. The sudden warning by the Man of Tomorrow that Icthultu might be returning to Earth had concerned him.
Realizing they were right worried him greatly.
"Our plan is to strike first and kill Icthultu," Batman said in his blunt tone. There were rituals that could banish the Old Ones for a long time, but they were not a permanent solution. Sacrificing anyone, even if it was an undead, didn't sit right with most of them.
Fate looked around the room. "It will not be an easy task," he said, though the League was obviously ready.
"We have made preparations. Miles also suggested that we bring Solomon Grundy along. Since he has no soul, he might be particularly effective against Icthultu," Hawkgirl said.
Miles' request was unexpected, but he promised to explain when they were ready.
Fate tilted his head. A soulless creature would certainly be effective against the Old Ones. However, since there were four robots in the meeting, bringing Grundy along was unnecessary. "An interesting idea."
"Atlantis has history with Ichtulthu as well," Aquaman joined, remembering the ancient stories. "Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't risk an operation like this. However, if Miles is in, then I will bring the most elite unit of Atlantis against the Old Ones," he said with a steady tone. He had already organized a team for this attack. The rest of Atlantis' army would be on alert against any incursions.
He owed Miles once again.
"Thank you, Aquaman," Manhunter said with a small downward tilt of his head.
"Miles is sending support too. A small army of androids. With all of us together, I believe this mission is more than doable," Hawkgirl said. She had already brought everything Thanagar had on the Old Ones. It didn't amount to much, but Fate could perhaps make use of them.
"Superman and I will handle Grundy," Aquaman said, pushing his seat back.
Fate rose as well. "I will make preparations for a portal into Icthultu's dimension."
"Then let's get to it," Flash said, cracking his knuckles.
—
New York City
Last intel on the giant zombie pointed out he was around New York, specifically the docks. A more precise location could not be detected. Aquaman employed the sea creatures to seek Grundy while Superman was scanning the docks from the skies.
Since he hadn't attacked anyone, Grundy was either hiding or hibernating.
"I don't see anything from up here," Superman said. Since Grundy was nowhere on the surface, it left the possibility that he might be in the sewers. Sewers that were lined up with lead.
"The creatures say there was an unnatural source of decay and death that passed through recently. He couldn't have gone far."
"Wait, I think I see something," he said, squinting.
"Where?"
"A section of the sewers is broken. Seems to have happened from the outside." Superman pressed a button on his communicator, sending the location to Aquaman.
"Worth a look. I'll go in first," Aquaman said, swimming to the indicated location. He pushed all the filth away, reaching the sewer in seconds. True to Superman's words, something had violently torn apart the grate along with several feet of walls.
The size of the punch matched with the usual destruction a disgruntled Grundy left behind.
"Superman, I think he is in here. I am going further inside," he said, wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"Got it. I'll be there in a mind," Superman replied, searching for an alternative entrance.
He tracked the destroyed path to the end. Grundy hadn't gone far. He had punched a section of the wall in, using it as a bed.
Even he needed rest, it seemed.
"Solomon Grundy," he called out. The zombie's eyes snapped open. He sprung to his feet, his massive frame casting a shadow that covered him entirely. "I have an offer for you."
The undead lowered his arms, tilting his head. "Offer?" he asked, a stench of decay wafting from his mouth.
"Do you want gold?" he asked, ignoring the stench.
"Grundy likes gold."
"Come with me and I'll give you a chest full of gold," he said, holding out a handful of coins as proof.
Grundy took the coins, grinning, and followed Aquaman.
"Superman, don't bother coming here. I have Grundy; I'll take him to the Tower of Fate."
"Alright, see you there."
—
Tower of Fate
"Why do you insist we bring Grundy? We have plenty of firepower," Hawkgirl asked, too impatient to wait.
Miles turned to her, taking his hat off. "Grundy never dies. But why?" he asked.
Shayera crossed her arms. "Enlighten me."
"He was born Cyrus Gold, a wanted gangster in the nineteen twenties, obsessed with wealth. A deal with his associates turned sour. They killed him, cursed his corpse with a gris-gris, and dumped him in a swamp, which has mystical properties. Combine these ingredients and voila, you have Solomon Grundy," he said.
Her eyes widened but she continued to listen.
"All he wants is gold even though he doesn't know why. I think that if he finds something he wants more, such as his soul, and dies believing he will have it, he might finally find peace," he said. Since it was never confirmed that Icthultu had Grundy's soul, then it was most likely a matter of belief.
As it was the theme of this particular episode.
"Might?" she asked, a smirk on her face.
He shrugged. "Or it might do nothing at all. I am not an expert on curses."
Further banter was put aside as Superman and Aquaman returned with Grundy in tow.
"There you guys are," he said, scrunching his nose at the smell. That part wasn't in the show.
The zombie grunted, looking around. "Where is Grundy's gold?"
"Here," Aquaman said, dropping the chest in front of the undead. Grundy grinned, kneeling down to take a handful of gold coins, necklaces, and other trinkets.
He looked up, rising to his feet. "What do you want from Grundy?"
"Just stay still," Fate said, laying his fingers on the undead's head. Grundy's eyes widened as the life he had forgotten passed through his mind.
"Grundy remembers now," he said, his tone heavy and grim. It made him understand why he wanted gold in the first place.
"So you do," Fate said, glancing at Miles.
He shook his head. "Grundy wants what men took from him. Will the magician help?" he asked, almost pleading.
"Yes, I will do everything I can to help you reclaim your soul," Fate promised. He had heard of the undead but never encountered him. Had he, much could have been avoided.
"If you help Grundy, then Grundy will help you," he promised, smiling.
"Then we found you at the perfect time. You see, creatures that eat the souls of the living are trying to invade Earth. Since your soul is missing, their dimension might be an excellent place to search for it."
"What do you say, Grundy? Are you in?"
His crooked grin told them all they needed to know.
—
There was no reason for a ceremony.
One by one, the assembled force left through the portal. Superman was the vanguard, followed by Wonder Woman and an excited Grundy. The rest of the League were quick to follow. King Arthur went in last, leading the two dozen warriors he had brought. Doctor Fate, after exchanging a couple of words with his wife, ventured forth.
Miles gave the command to the android army. Fifty of the most advanced synthetics on Earth moved as one. As they left, the portal closed, leaving him alone in the room with Inza.
"I don't believe we had the opportunity to meet before. Inza Nelson," she said, giving a slight bow. "Welcome to the Tower of Fate, belated as it is."
"Miles Beckett, at your service," he replied, taking his hat off to salute her. "I am sure we can waive any issues with hospitality due to the current circumstances."
"How have you managed to learn so much about Grundy?" she asked, pulling up a table and two chairs.
"By chance," he said, sitting down. Fate seems to prefer letting his wife handle the interrogation part. "I was going through GCPD's records for a different case. One file led to another, and I found a lead about the unsolved case of Cyrus Gold. I questioned a retired gangster, who confessed to having killed Cyrus with two of his cohorts. The rest was a matter of locating the body. He just happened to be going around searching for gold."
Vermont Mancell, one of the gangsters that had killed Cyrus, was actually alive until last year. Tracking him took time, but it was necessary for his cover story.
"Impressive. May I ask what case you were researching in the first place?"
"The murder of Martha and Thomas Wayne. I suspected it might be the work of the criminal underworld at first. Turns out it was simply Gotham being Gotham," he said. Vermont's crime family had eventually dwindled out to nothing. Some members were still alive, working in the same field.
Unless Fate wanted to speak to Vermont himself, he wouldn't find anything out of the ordinary.
"Look at me, asking all those questions, and I didn't even get you a cup of tea," she said, shaking her head. She summoned a teapot, cups, cookies, and another assortment of snacks.
He thanked her, reaching for the chocolate cookies. It would be rude to turn away such masterfully baked goods.
—
In the next chapter:
"Diana," he greeted the Amazon, seeing her watch the Earth from the comfort of the station.
"Miles," she said without even turning.
"What has you so down in spirits?" he asked.
She looked down, shoulders slouched. "It's nothing."
"Really?" A hunch told him it was not.
"It's personal."
"Is it Batman?" He knew they had a thing for each other. Only, Bruce was too afraid of loss to consider romance.
Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
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thanks for the chapter
MasterDarkElf
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Miles, somehow charming Wonder Woman next chapter: How'd I do this?!
Haha, looking forward to more.
Haha, looking forward to more.
ChickenZero
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He gets hit so hard he becomes an American citizen and runs for mayor of New York
Faraway-R
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For a man allegedly afraid of loss, Bruce certainly accepts a lot of clingy underage sidekicks in his life, who grab onto him and refuse to leave.
That's probably how this should be solved - grab onto Bruce and refuse to leave.
Chapter 78 - Faith and Fear
New
Samael61
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Hello there,
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
The Tower of Fate
The League returned eight hours later.
Superman was helping Aquaman, who was holding the left side of his ribs. Green Lantern carried the corpse of Solomon Grundy on a simple flat construct. The remaining members touted wounds as well, but overall, he saw nothing serious.
"It went relatively well then?" he asked. There weren't any heavily wounded members, and everyone had returned in one piece.
"We killed Ichtulhu but Grundy…" Hawkgirl said, looking at the giant corpse with downcast eyes.
"I sense that the curse binding him to this world is gone. He is at peace," Dr. Fate said. Miles' theory about the resurrection behind Grundy had proven to be correct. With his desire fulfilled, he had finally died.
"In the end, he had what he wanted," Miles said, taking his hat off. A gangster in his previous life or not, a fate like Grundy's wasn't a kind one.
"I made arrangements for a funeral," he added.
Superman let Aquaman go as the Atlantean soldiers took him. "We should handle it before leaving to rest."
"Alright."
—
Salem, Massachusetts
They stood before the grave, chosen in Salem due to its proximity to the Tower of Fate.
Unlike the cartoon show, the attendance was greater. The League members, including Amazo and the android siblings, were there, standing in silence.
"He was happy at the end. I still don't understand why," Hawkgirl muttered with a thinning voice.
"Neither do I," Amazo said, standing next to her.
"Its faith. You're not supposed to understand it. You just have it," Aquaman said.
"He is right. Grundy was finally laid to rest because he died believing he had what he wanted, his soul," Miles said. He would have to be on the watch for the fools who would resurrect him.
Aquaman laid his right fist over his heart, bowing ever so slightly. He left, as did the rest of the League. Miles stayed behind with Hawkgirl and Amazo, waiting.
"Miles, may I ask something?" the android, who had gone from silver to gold during the time he hadn't seen him, asked.
"Of course."
"I came to learn that my creator, Professor Ivo, wasn't a good man. Yet I still want to honor his memory, to leave behind a more positive legacy for him. I don't understand why I want this," he said. Aquaman's words about faith had him interested. Did he feel the same thing too?
"Because you believe in him. That he still had a sliver of good in him."
"I see," the android said. He too had faith in Professor Ivo, even though all evidence said he shouldn't.
"I still have much to learn," he said, turning around to leave as well.
"Learning is a lifelong journey. No need to rush."
—
Metropolis
Beckett Residence
"Finally back, huh?" Zalika said, waving a hand from where she was watching TV along with Raven and their guests.
"Saving the world from tentacle monsters is time consuming," he replied, hanging his hat.
"Didn't we just stay behind though?" Claire asked with half-lidded eyes.
"It is the thought and the spiritual sport we give that counts," he said. The android forces didn't need to be mentioned.
Zalika held out a sheet of paper. "Here is today's report. Waller put a bounty out for the five of them. A million dollars each, alive."
He glanced at the paper. It was unofficial, meant for the people that would have to get their hands dirty while risking legal trouble.
"Are you sure we can't kill that b- her yet?" Orlando said, coughing to stop from almost swearing.
"Yes, I am. Don't worry though, she won't be able to search you outside the United States," he said. A nation like Zambesi would be the last place she would even think to look for them.
"Where exactly are we going in Africa?" Monica asked. Things were moving too fast. They were lab rats of a shadowy government organization until a couple of days ago. Now they were getting a high-paying job offer as security personnel thousands of miles away.
"Zambesi. It has recently been freed from a dictatorial rule. The current administration is friendly and receptive to our cause. You will be meeting the civilian team tomorrow, along with the rest of the security arrangement. So get a good night's sleep," he said. There was still much to be done before they would depart.
Timothy turned to Angelica, who was almost asleep on the couch. "Is the kid coming with us too?"
"I don't believe she will consider leaving you. However, she will not be in the security department. I was thinking she could volunteer with the civilian teams. They are dear friends of mine and could help you with your education on the side," he explained. He didn't think convincing Victor and Nora would be difficult.
Jack took her into his arms, carrying her to her room. "I think that's for the best."
—
EnviroCorps Headquarters
"Mary," he greeted, shaking her hand. "I hope everything has been well."
"Of course it is," she said, gesturing at the chair at the head of the table.
"Miles," Victor called out. He was more enthusiastic, gathering him in a hug. "Viktor, how are you and Nora doing?"
He had made it a point to call every now and then to ask how they were doing. With his job, it was difficult to always visit in person.
"Good, good. She is packing up for our trip," he said. He believed it was too early, but his dear wife disagreed.
He turned to their green-skinned guest, who seemed halfway asleep. "And you, Pamela?"
"Better than usual. I do have a problem with this whole politics side of the mission though," she said, yawning and stretching her arms.
"Don't worry. I'll explain everything."
—
EnviroCorps would be partnering with the new government of Zambesi. The company would be providing consultation on agriculture and distributing a cure for HIV. Between twenty-five and twenty-eight million people suffered from AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Zambesi was the first step to distribute a mass-produced vaccine.
Victor had worked wonders with ample technological and financial resources.
Pamela Isley would be the agricultural expert to create stable farms that would fit the land. Zambesi was already a lush country. Her abilities would help the country achieve a balance between expansion and nature. Her work would be an example, proving that nature didn't need to be destroyed for humanity to prosper.
A detachment of Captain Neumann's men were registered under a new security company. Timothy, Jack, Monica, and Orlando would be members, while Angelica was a volunteer who would assist the medical team.
Infrastructural investments would flow at the same time, transforming the country into a fast and steadily growing economy.
The first of many on the continent.
Following Zambesi's success, they would offer the same opportunities to other nations. The only necessary qualifications would be democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, and, of course, a working financial system.
"Your security is paramount, so there will be androids in reserve. What I am asking you is a heavy responsibility, so if you have any requests at any time, let me know," he said. The cost would be nothing in return for what he would be earning.
Loyalty.
"You will have equipment for safety and comfort. Victor, if you would," he said, nodding at the scientist.
Victor put a silver, metallic belt on the table. Except for the small circular section, there was nothing outstanding. "This is a cryo-belt. Basically, it keeps your body temperature stable in hot weather. You can take a trip through the Sahara on foot and not sweat even once."
"Explains why you are wearing a suit in this weather," Pamela said, seeing the belt he was wearing. She had found it weird that this man would go around in such a style in this sweltering weather.
Miles smiled and put a briefcase full of watches on the table. "These watches are nanotech armors. They offer protection against a variety of attacks and boost your metahuman powers."
"Ah, before I forget, here," he said, pulling out five cards from his pocket. "Each of them in your name with two hundred thousand dollars in. Consider it your signing bonus."
"I doubt we'll have the opportunity to spend it in Zambesi," Jack said, pocketing the card and putting the watch on.
"Don't worry. We have a same-day delivery service, and you'll have a satellite internet connection," he said. Teleporting their purchases to Zambesi was a trivial affair.
Monica grinned at the card in her hand. "Thanks, boss. You are the best."
"Then here are your contracts as employees of Shield Security Services," he said. Claire handed the papers out.
"Ladies, gentlemen, you will be moving in one month. Until then, you are free," he said, ending the meeting.
—
"When will the cure for her be ready?" Timothy asked on the way back home. The day was tiring for Angelica, and her eyes were already droopy.
"In a couple of days," he said, checking the message from Michael. Sometimes he marveled at the difference in capabilities of this Earth and his own. He didn't know enough about genetic engineering to calculate how long it would have taken for a cure like this to be developed, provided the technology existed.
Michael promised to have it ready in four days, and he wasn't even spending his entire time on the cure.
Jack scratched his beard. "Do you really need this much security for the mission?"
"Considering the continent is rife with military autocrats and dictators, yes." They would also be a deterrent for any coup attempts.
"We aren't going to fight against entire nations, right?" Orlando asked, squinting his eyes. That was a bit too much in his opinion.
"Goodness no," he waved his hand with a chuckle. "You'll just take out their leadership. I'll handle the rest."
"Assassination?" Jack asked, crossing his arms.
"I prefer them captured alive and in one piece. Makes it so much easier to help the new governments flourish."
Timothy shrugged. "Whatever you say, boss."
—
The Watchtower
"Diana," he greeted the Amazon, seeing her watch the Earth from the comfort of the station.
"Miles," she said without even turning.
"What has you so down in spirits?" he asked.
She looked down, shoulders slouched. "It's nothing."
"Really?" A hunch told him it was not.
"It's personal."
"Is it Batman?" He knew they had a thing for each other. Only, Bruce was too afraid of loss to consider romance.
She turned to him now, crossing her arms. "Was that just a guess?"
"That look on your face. It's the look of someone heartbroken," he said. It truly was, and unless Diana had another flame, Bruce was the source of her discontent.
"He doesn't have the time for a relationship in his life," she said.
He chuckled without mirth, done putting the latest intel on the computer. "That's an awfully long way of saying he is afraid."
"You think so too?"
"He is afraid of creating bonds with people. Therapy would do him good, but I doubt anyone could convince him," he said. Bruce had a lot of unresolved issues. Dressing as a bat-themed vigilante, beating up villains black and blue wasn't exactly a healthy way to solve them.
Diana huffed. "Good luck with that."
—
Batcave
"Still working? I am surprised Alfred hasn't sent you off to bed," he said. An hour later, he stood in the Batcave, watching Bruce work tirelessly on his computer.
"He did," Batman said, still typing away.
He chuckled, taking an empty seat. "Sneaking out like a naughty boy? My, I bet you eat ice cream before dinner too."
"Maybe," he responded in a rare moment of banter.
"What brings you here?" the caped crusader asked.
"I wanted to ask you something," he said, leaning his chin on the headrest of the chair.
"Go on."
He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Do you want to know how Batman will die?"
He stopped, turning the chair around, eyes narrowed. "You can see the future now?"
"No," he said. Bruce didn't respond but kept waiting.
"Batman will die when he has no one left around him. He will die because he drove everyone away. He will die as a desperate man with a gun in his hand because he didn't have anyone to ask for help," he said. He remembered Terry McGinnis from Batman Beyond and how the original Caped Crusader retired. Old, beaten by a thug, he almost resorted to shooting the man. It was the day Batman died, not taken out by his gallery of villains but desperation.
He couldn't carry the mantle after holding the very thing that killed his parents.
That was the fate which awaited him if he continued down this path. Hoping he would see it without interference was a child's dream. Bruce Wayne needed to face the harsh reality of the decisions he was making.
He closed his eyes. "Did you speak to Diana?"
"She didn't send me down here if that's what you are asking. I simply came as a concerned friend," he said. Diana would never request anyone's help to get a man's attention.
"Concerned about my personal life?" Bruce asked. His tone was flat, and his defensive posture didn't bode well.
"Concerned about the lack of it. You aren't a machine without emotions. Don't act like it." Honestly, even Amazo was trying to understand the very emotions Bruce was trying to ignore.
"You don't understand," he said, looking away.
Miles sighed. His parents weren't the kind of people he felt sad about losing. In fact, he didn't lose anyone to feel the pain Bruce had. He still understood, even if it was because of his meta-knowledge and observation of people.
"You are afraid that you will not be able to handle it if you lose another family member, a wife or children," he said.
And truly, something like that might wreck Bruce Wayne beyond any hope of recovery.
"The thing is," his smile vanished, "if you let fear control you like this, then what right do you have to patrol the streets at night, acting like a protector, an avenger? he asked, glaring at him.
"You will have to make a decision. Live in fear or rise above it," he advised. There was nothing else he could say. If change had to happen, it would have to come from Bruce. He couldn't force it.
"What happens if I lose someone else again?" he asked, unshed tears gathering in his eyes and voice thinning. The
"Everyone will die one day, Bruce. You, me, everyone. Even Diana, for all her immortality, will die one day, even if it's a billion years into the future. What you do is what the majority of the people do. You remember the memories you created and honor them," he said as he walked out of the cave.
Bruce hung his head back, watching the ceiling. He would stay there until Alfred returned to urge him to sleep.
—
In the next chapter:
"Team fight exercises? Why?" Flash asked, stretching.
"Because we are a team. Your performance in the battle against Icthultu displayed a glaring weakness in your ability to work as one," Miles said, his form visible in the control room through the glass.
He crossed his arms. "We did win, didn't we?"
"Against a horde of mindless monsters and one giant eldritch calamari, yes. Any enemy who studied you, your strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles would have you on the ropes," he replied. Their loss against Grodd and his Secret Society was proof of that, even though it hadn't happened yet.
Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
The Tower of Fate
The League returned eight hours later.
Superman was helping Aquaman, who was holding the left side of his ribs. Green Lantern carried the corpse of Solomon Grundy on a simple flat construct. The remaining members touted wounds as well, but overall, he saw nothing serious.
"It went relatively well then?" he asked. There weren't any heavily wounded members, and everyone had returned in one piece.
"We killed Ichtulhu but Grundy…" Hawkgirl said, looking at the giant corpse with downcast eyes.
"I sense that the curse binding him to this world is gone. He is at peace," Dr. Fate said. Miles' theory about the resurrection behind Grundy had proven to be correct. With his desire fulfilled, he had finally died.
"In the end, he had what he wanted," Miles said, taking his hat off. A gangster in his previous life or not, a fate like Grundy's wasn't a kind one.
"I made arrangements for a funeral," he added.
Superman let Aquaman go as the Atlantean soldiers took him. "We should handle it before leaving to rest."
"Alright."
—
Salem, Massachusetts
They stood before the grave, chosen in Salem due to its proximity to the Tower of Fate.
Unlike the cartoon show, the attendance was greater. The League members, including Amazo and the android siblings, were there, standing in silence.
"He was happy at the end. I still don't understand why," Hawkgirl muttered with a thinning voice.
"Neither do I," Amazo said, standing next to her.
"Its faith. You're not supposed to understand it. You just have it," Aquaman said.
"He is right. Grundy was finally laid to rest because he died believing he had what he wanted, his soul," Miles said. He would have to be on the watch for the fools who would resurrect him.
Aquaman laid his right fist over his heart, bowing ever so slightly. He left, as did the rest of the League. Miles stayed behind with Hawkgirl and Amazo, waiting.
"Miles, may I ask something?" the android, who had gone from silver to gold during the time he hadn't seen him, asked.
"Of course."
"I came to learn that my creator, Professor Ivo, wasn't a good man. Yet I still want to honor his memory, to leave behind a more positive legacy for him. I don't understand why I want this," he said. Aquaman's words about faith had him interested. Did he feel the same thing too?
"Because you believe in him. That he still had a sliver of good in him."
"I see," the android said. He too had faith in Professor Ivo, even though all evidence said he shouldn't.
"I still have much to learn," he said, turning around to leave as well.
"Learning is a lifelong journey. No need to rush."
—
Metropolis
Beckett Residence
"Finally back, huh?" Zalika said, waving a hand from where she was watching TV along with Raven and their guests.
"Saving the world from tentacle monsters is time consuming," he replied, hanging his hat.
"Didn't we just stay behind though?" Claire asked with half-lidded eyes.
"It is the thought and the spiritual sport we give that counts," he said. The android forces didn't need to be mentioned.
Zalika held out a sheet of paper. "Here is today's report. Waller put a bounty out for the five of them. A million dollars each, alive."
He glanced at the paper. It was unofficial, meant for the people that would have to get their hands dirty while risking legal trouble.
"Are you sure we can't kill that b- her yet?" Orlando said, coughing to stop from almost swearing.
"Yes, I am. Don't worry though, she won't be able to search you outside the United States," he said. A nation like Zambesi would be the last place she would even think to look for them.
"Where exactly are we going in Africa?" Monica asked. Things were moving too fast. They were lab rats of a shadowy government organization until a couple of days ago. Now they were getting a high-paying job offer as security personnel thousands of miles away.
"Zambesi. It has recently been freed from a dictatorial rule. The current administration is friendly and receptive to our cause. You will be meeting the civilian team tomorrow, along with the rest of the security arrangement. So get a good night's sleep," he said. There was still much to be done before they would depart.
Timothy turned to Angelica, who was almost asleep on the couch. "Is the kid coming with us too?"
"I don't believe she will consider leaving you. However, she will not be in the security department. I was thinking she could volunteer with the civilian teams. They are dear friends of mine and could help you with your education on the side," he explained. He didn't think convincing Victor and Nora would be difficult.
Jack took her into his arms, carrying her to her room. "I think that's for the best."
—
EnviroCorps Headquarters
"Mary," he greeted, shaking her hand. "I hope everything has been well."
"Of course it is," she said, gesturing at the chair at the head of the table.
"Miles," Victor called out. He was more enthusiastic, gathering him in a hug. "Viktor, how are you and Nora doing?"
He had made it a point to call every now and then to ask how they were doing. With his job, it was difficult to always visit in person.
"Good, good. She is packing up for our trip," he said. He believed it was too early, but his dear wife disagreed.
He turned to their green-skinned guest, who seemed halfway asleep. "And you, Pamela?"
"Better than usual. I do have a problem with this whole politics side of the mission though," she said, yawning and stretching her arms.
"Don't worry. I'll explain everything."
—
EnviroCorps would be partnering with the new government of Zambesi. The company would be providing consultation on agriculture and distributing a cure for HIV. Between twenty-five and twenty-eight million people suffered from AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Zambesi was the first step to distribute a mass-produced vaccine.
Victor had worked wonders with ample technological and financial resources.
Pamela Isley would be the agricultural expert to create stable farms that would fit the land. Zambesi was already a lush country. Her abilities would help the country achieve a balance between expansion and nature. Her work would be an example, proving that nature didn't need to be destroyed for humanity to prosper.
A detachment of Captain Neumann's men were registered under a new security company. Timothy, Jack, Monica, and Orlando would be members, while Angelica was a volunteer who would assist the medical team.
Infrastructural investments would flow at the same time, transforming the country into a fast and steadily growing economy.
The first of many on the continent.
Following Zambesi's success, they would offer the same opportunities to other nations. The only necessary qualifications would be democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, and, of course, a working financial system.
"Your security is paramount, so there will be androids in reserve. What I am asking you is a heavy responsibility, so if you have any requests at any time, let me know," he said. The cost would be nothing in return for what he would be earning.
Loyalty.
"You will have equipment for safety and comfort. Victor, if you would," he said, nodding at the scientist.
Victor put a silver, metallic belt on the table. Except for the small circular section, there was nothing outstanding. "This is a cryo-belt. Basically, it keeps your body temperature stable in hot weather. You can take a trip through the Sahara on foot and not sweat even once."
"Explains why you are wearing a suit in this weather," Pamela said, seeing the belt he was wearing. She had found it weird that this man would go around in such a style in this sweltering weather.
Miles smiled and put a briefcase full of watches on the table. "These watches are nanotech armors. They offer protection against a variety of attacks and boost your metahuman powers."
"Ah, before I forget, here," he said, pulling out five cards from his pocket. "Each of them in your name with two hundred thousand dollars in. Consider it your signing bonus."
"I doubt we'll have the opportunity to spend it in Zambesi," Jack said, pocketing the card and putting the watch on.
"Don't worry. We have a same-day delivery service, and you'll have a satellite internet connection," he said. Teleporting their purchases to Zambesi was a trivial affair.
Monica grinned at the card in her hand. "Thanks, boss. You are the best."
"Then here are your contracts as employees of Shield Security Services," he said. Claire handed the papers out.
"Ladies, gentlemen, you will be moving in one month. Until then, you are free," he said, ending the meeting.
—
"When will the cure for her be ready?" Timothy asked on the way back home. The day was tiring for Angelica, and her eyes were already droopy.
"In a couple of days," he said, checking the message from Michael. Sometimes he marveled at the difference in capabilities of this Earth and his own. He didn't know enough about genetic engineering to calculate how long it would have taken for a cure like this to be developed, provided the technology existed.
Michael promised to have it ready in four days, and he wasn't even spending his entire time on the cure.
Jack scratched his beard. "Do you really need this much security for the mission?"
"Considering the continent is rife with military autocrats and dictators, yes." They would also be a deterrent for any coup attempts.
"We aren't going to fight against entire nations, right?" Orlando asked, squinting his eyes. That was a bit too much in his opinion.
"Goodness no," he waved his hand with a chuckle. "You'll just take out their leadership. I'll handle the rest."
"Assassination?" Jack asked, crossing his arms.
"I prefer them captured alive and in one piece. Makes it so much easier to help the new governments flourish."
Timothy shrugged. "Whatever you say, boss."
—
The Watchtower
"Diana," he greeted the Amazon, seeing her watch the Earth from the comfort of the station.
"Miles," she said without even turning.
"What has you so down in spirits?" he asked.
She looked down, shoulders slouched. "It's nothing."
"Really?" A hunch told him it was not.
"It's personal."
"Is it Batman?" He knew they had a thing for each other. Only, Bruce was too afraid of loss to consider romance.
She turned to him now, crossing her arms. "Was that just a guess?"
"That look on your face. It's the look of someone heartbroken," he said. It truly was, and unless Diana had another flame, Bruce was the source of her discontent.
"He doesn't have the time for a relationship in his life," she said.
He chuckled without mirth, done putting the latest intel on the computer. "That's an awfully long way of saying he is afraid."
"You think so too?"
"He is afraid of creating bonds with people. Therapy would do him good, but I doubt anyone could convince him," he said. Bruce had a lot of unresolved issues. Dressing as a bat-themed vigilante, beating up villains black and blue wasn't exactly a healthy way to solve them.
Diana huffed. "Good luck with that."
—
Batcave
"Still working? I am surprised Alfred hasn't sent you off to bed," he said. An hour later, he stood in the Batcave, watching Bruce work tirelessly on his computer.
"He did," Batman said, still typing away.
He chuckled, taking an empty seat. "Sneaking out like a naughty boy? My, I bet you eat ice cream before dinner too."
"Maybe," he responded in a rare moment of banter.
"What brings you here?" the caped crusader asked.
"I wanted to ask you something," he said, leaning his chin on the headrest of the chair.
"Go on."
He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Do you want to know how Batman will die?"
He stopped, turning the chair around, eyes narrowed. "You can see the future now?"
"No," he said. Bruce didn't respond but kept waiting.
"Batman will die when he has no one left around him. He will die because he drove everyone away. He will die as a desperate man with a gun in his hand because he didn't have anyone to ask for help," he said. He remembered Terry McGinnis from Batman Beyond and how the original Caped Crusader retired. Old, beaten by a thug, he almost resorted to shooting the man. It was the day Batman died, not taken out by his gallery of villains but desperation.
He couldn't carry the mantle after holding the very thing that killed his parents.
That was the fate which awaited him if he continued down this path. Hoping he would see it without interference was a child's dream. Bruce Wayne needed to face the harsh reality of the decisions he was making.
He closed his eyes. "Did you speak to Diana?"
"She didn't send me down here if that's what you are asking. I simply came as a concerned friend," he said. Diana would never request anyone's help to get a man's attention.
"Concerned about my personal life?" Bruce asked. His tone was flat, and his defensive posture didn't bode well.
"Concerned about the lack of it. You aren't a machine without emotions. Don't act like it." Honestly, even Amazo was trying to understand the very emotions Bruce was trying to ignore.
"You don't understand," he said, looking away.
Miles sighed. His parents weren't the kind of people he felt sad about losing. In fact, he didn't lose anyone to feel the pain Bruce had. He still understood, even if it was because of his meta-knowledge and observation of people.
"You are afraid that you will not be able to handle it if you lose another family member, a wife or children," he said.
And truly, something like that might wreck Bruce Wayne beyond any hope of recovery.
"The thing is," his smile vanished, "if you let fear control you like this, then what right do you have to patrol the streets at night, acting like a protector, an avenger? he asked, glaring at him.
"You will have to make a decision. Live in fear or rise above it," he advised. There was nothing else he could say. If change had to happen, it would have to come from Bruce. He couldn't force it.
"What happens if I lose someone else again?" he asked, unshed tears gathering in his eyes and voice thinning. The
"Everyone will die one day, Bruce. You, me, everyone. Even Diana, for all her immortality, will die one day, even if it's a billion years into the future. What you do is what the majority of the people do. You remember the memories you created and honor them," he said as he walked out of the cave.
Bruce hung his head back, watching the ceiling. He would stay there until Alfred returned to urge him to sleep.
—
In the next chapter:
"Team fight exercises? Why?" Flash asked, stretching.
"Because we are a team. Your performance in the battle against Icthultu displayed a glaring weakness in your ability to work as one," Miles said, his form visible in the control room through the glass.
He crossed his arms. "We did win, didn't we?"
"Against a horde of mindless monsters and one giant eldritch calamari, yes. Any enemy who studied you, your strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles would have you on the ropes," he replied. Their loss against Grodd and his Secret Society was proof of that, even though it hadn't happened yet.
Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
Lillie Jones
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thanks for the chapter
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Hooking up with Diana would be the safest waifu and he could get and offspring supposedly inmune to bullets. He would have a low chance to bury any of them before dying.
I thought Miles would need to call his parents ghost to talk to him
I thought Miles would need to call his parents ghost to talk to him
FTR2017
Legendary Tentacle Lurker
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Welp, the ball is now in Bruce's court, let us see what happens in the future.
I am also trying to remember if they're already in Unlimited or if they are still in the JL era of the show, it's been ages since I last saw that show!
I am also trying to remember if they're already in Unlimited or if they are still in the JL era of the show, it's been ages since I last saw that show!
MasterDarkElf
Well worn.
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Slightly hope Bruce fumbles the ball, just for the romance aspect. Mostly cause I kinda hope that Wonder Woman somehow gets interested in Miles, haha. That, and I was never the biggest fan of Batman and Wonder Woman. He should still get those bonds going, though. And nice to see the kids and Amazo doing well. Looking forward to more.
Doc Sithicus
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Rest of the sentence missing?
G1 Convoy
Versed in the lewd.
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TFTC.
I would count Miles preventing Diana and Bruce from experiencing the loss, separation, and everything else that happened in the JL/ Batman Beyond Comics, if he already hasn't, as a win.
Announcement - A New Pilot Chapter - Harry Potter SI
New
Samael61
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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For Harry Potter lovers, I just released a pilot chapter and a short, follow up piece for an SI Harry Potter story. I aim for something darker than what I usually write. You can check it out here if you are interested, along with my other pilot chapters.
SpaceBattles Link : https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/pilot-chapters-by-samael61.1318219/#post-123369829
AO3 Link : https://archiveofourown.org/works/76255891/chapters/199569101
SpaceBattles Link : https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/pilot-chapters-by-samael61.1318219/#post-123369829
AO3 Link : https://archiveofourown.org/works/76255891/chapters/199569101
Chapter 79 - Teamwork
New
Samael61
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Hello there,
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
The Watchtower
"Team fight exercises? Why?" Flash asked, stretching.
"Because we are a team. Your performance in the battle against Icthultu displayed a glaring weakness in your ability to work as one," Miles said, his form visible in the control room through the glass.
He crossed his arms. "We did win, didn't we?"
"Against a horde of mindless monsters and one giant eldritch calamari, yes. Any enemy who studied you, your strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles would have you on the ropes," he replied. Their loss against Grodd and his Secret Society was proof of that, even though it hadn't happened yet.
Batman nodded, turning to the androids. "He is right."
"That is why I uploaded the androids with your combat data and modified them with abilities to counter yours. You will have to work as a team to win. Good luck."
—
John rolled his shoulders.
The androids were identical. He had no idea which one was tailored to fight him. What he knew was his weakness. The color yellow was the single known weakness of all green lanterns. The android that would target him would no doubt use yellow-colored attacks.
He glanced at his left.
Everyone was done with their stretches. Wonder Woman was waiting with her arms raised, legs slightly apart. The lower half of Batman's face was the only visible part, his cape wrapped around him, blocking all vision of what he had prepared. Superman was floating a couple inches off the ground, face set in stone.
On his right, Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and Flash were gathered together, whispering.
"Hey guys," Flash turned around, "should we make a plan rather than wait posing because it's cool?"
"That's probably for the best," Diana said, walking over.
"Too bad your enemies won't give you the time to prepare." Miles' voice rang from the speakers, and the androids were turned on.
Seven on seven combat began without a beat.
A green shell enveloped him, and he rose to the air. His designated enemy, with four written on its forehead, fired a yellow beam from its right fist. He dodged to the right, creating a sword out of his hand. He brought it down in an arc, targeting the android's shoulder, but it broke as the android turned yellow, head to toe.
He clicked his tongue and pulled back, assessing the situation. There was nothing he could throw at the android. A straight fight would be heavily against him. He needed a plan.
—
He hated fighting anyone who had anything to do with ice. Friction was necessary for him to run. When it was affected so severely by ice, it always promised to be an annoying battle.
This one was no different.
Unlike the villains he fought, the android could not be rage-baited into making mistakes. Smart quips, insulting their intelligence, and, in rare cases, their manhood, made the villains crash out. The cold, unfeeling machine before him did not share any of those weaknesses.
Teamwork definitely sounded good right now as he ran around the android in a circle.
—
"Manhunter, connect us telepathically," Batman ordered, entrenched in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with his opponent, Seven.
"Understood," Manhunter replied inside everyone's mind.
"Flash, watch out," Wonder Woman shouted. The fastest man alive turned around, narrowly dodging the android that was thrown at him, only to get in the way of Superman. They tumbled away, stopping right in front of the cryokinetic android.
Both were promptly covered in a layer of ice.
Shayera's mace missed the speeding android again. She cursed, diving down to catch it. Just as she thought she had the slippery machine, it pivoted right. Her eyes followed the machine, leaving her vulnerable. Superman's android, number three, nailed her with a hammer punch. She bounced on the ground, coughing.
"Come on, people. Teamwork is the key," Miles announced from the speaker.
The Dark Knight grunted, exchanging a series of acrobatic attacks with the android. "He is right. Lantern, switch with Hawkgirl. Superman, keep two and five occupied. Flash, Manhunter, deal with number three and then help Wonder Woman with number one," he ordered, thanking the mental connection.
The androids would definitely make excellent use of their plans otherwise.
—
They understood the plan, but executing it was difficult. The androids were relentless. The pyrokinetic was keeping J'onn in check with a constant stream of flames. Number three, with his red sunlight generators, was neutralizing Superman's abilities with each strike.
"Hawkgirl, get ready," he called out, still dodging yellow beams.
"Ready for what?" Shayera growled, only to be jerked by her feet. A lasso of green pulled her away. She was about to erupt in indignation before deciding to roll with it. She beat her wings, increasing her speed and striking number four. Its yellow coating and energy beams did nothing to stop her.
She struck so hard at the android's head, its lights flickered as it flew to the other side of the training area.
John was forced to let her go when the speedster android slammed into his back. He bit the side of his cheek, grunting. The android was already gone, zipping around the room.
Rather than try to catch it, he began to create walls around it, herding it towards Hawkgirl. She leaped to her feet just in time, shaking her head. Her lips stretched, teeth exposed in a predatory grin. With nowhere left to run as the maze got narrower with each construct, it was easy prey.
She swung her mace upwards, nailing it on the chin, breaking through Green Lantern's construct as she did.
—
Two and five were the opposites, but they knew how to work together. Whenever he targeted one, the other would flank him. Even with his Kryptonian physiology, they were causing him discomfort. Whatever fueled their abilities certainly stung.
The androids, while lesser than Amazo in all aspects, still possessed the intelligence to know he would dismantle them in a heartbeat. That is, if he could catch them. Good thing Batman had said to keep them occupied.
"Superman, keep their attention on you," Green Lantern's voice echoed in his mind. He acknowledged it by moving away from both. The androids didn't miss the beat, firing lances of opposite powers. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, blocking both attacks. Green Lantern snuck behind the cryokinetic, creating a blowtorch to rain green fire on it.
Hawkgirl did what she does best, bashing the android with her mace.
He accelerated forward as soon as the flames died out, clotheslining the android to the ground. It still wasn't enough, prompting Hawkgirl to dive like a bird of prey, smashing the silver android's head to shrapnel.
—
Beyond its strength and flight, number three did not possess any other abilities that would be useful to anyone except a Kryptonian. He could take it by himself but didn't have to.
He phased through the right hook, catching the android by the arm. He pulled it down, forcing it to phase through the floor. Only its head remained in sight. Flash, running as fast as he could without endangering his teammates and damaging the training room, struck without mercy.
Each hit had the android's head bobbing back and forth like a speedball in boxing training. Tears began to appear on its neck, the advanced technology failing before the fastest man alive.
A rather vicious kick sent it flying, separated from the body. Strands of electricity sparked from the separated parts, dying quickly as the eyes went dark.
—
Diana grinned.
Beyond the teamwork aspect, she was enjoying the battle. Her enemy, an android that had grown in size as well as sprouting another set of arms. Miles had done his homework well, creating an excellent opponent to counter her. The grappler android was indeed a troublesome enemy.
She ducked beneath its arms, spun on her heel, and landed a punch on its chest, right between its arms. Another punch struck the middle of its chest, pushing it slightly back, and an uppercut sealed the combo. The android went up, flipping back to land on its feet.
They launched at one another, ready to meet in the middle.
Diana bent her knees at the last possible moment, kicking the android's knee to the left while sliding between its legs. She leaped up, spinning to bring down her foot on the back of the android's head.
Before it could slam face-first to the ground, the machine used its arms to stabilize itself, wrapping its legs around hers. It reversed the tables on her, swinging her down. She bounced off the ground once, flipping around to stabilize herself.
She would definitely request this one as a permanent sparring partner.
Unfortunately for the android, cavalry had arrived. Flash ran around the android in a circle, distorting its sensors, most importantly the thermal one, to mask their attacks. Manhunter, having shape-shifted into a massive serpentine creature, swung his tail. The blur of red with yellow streaks disappeared just as the speedster felt the tail graze his costume.
By the time the android's intelligence realized Flash was gone, the tail had smacked him aside like a bug, right into Wonder Woman's lasso. She wrapped it around the leg, pulling forward to slam the android on the ground. She pulled it once more, launching the machine to the wall, bending panels inward.
—
The android was dangerous.
Predictive algorithms, sensors to bypass his means of disappearing into the shadows, and extreme knowledge in all forms of martial arts. He bent backwards under the kick, flipping back with his leg stretched. He barely clipped the android on its chin, dashing forward as soon as his feet touched the ground. He swung his cape forward, using it to block the android's vision in preparation for a spinning reverse kick.
The android matched the move.
He bent his left knee.
The android's kick went slightly over his, allowing the Dark Knight to land the kick on its chest. He slammed his right foot on the ground, launching several punches that the machine weaved through. It knew his every move, prompting him to come up with brand new ones on the spot.
It has been a while since he was challenged like this.
A flick of his wrist and he had an explosive batarang in his hand. The android launched a spinning kick at his wrist to disarm him. At the cost of taking the hit, he flicked the explosive right in front of its white, empty eyes, throwing himself to the ground.
The android followed with the kick, bending backward at an angle only Plastic Man could, sending it upward.
He spun, targeting the android's sole leg on the ground. It bent even more backward, launching itself back with its palms on the ground. They met in close quarters again, both exploding into movement with a flurry of punches targeting weak spots. Both blocked each hit, but his flesh would fail him before the nanomachines would fail the android.
He could win with drastic measures, but would it, in an ordinary fight, be worth it?
His question went unanswered as the rest of his team fell on the android. Superman caught it with his fists, refusing to let go. He headbutted it, causing its sensors to go haywire for a moment from the impact. Flash caught it by the arm, spinning in a whirlwind, sending it straight to Wonder Woman.
She backhanded it with her bracelet into Hawkgirl's path. The strike of the metal mace changed its trajectory ninety degrees into the jackhammer the Green Lantern created. The repeated slams put an end to the android in seconds.
Batman looked down at his open fist, clenching it.
"You know, I thought we were in dire straits for a second. But this whole fighting as a unit rather than together? I think it's a great idea," Flash said, flashing twin thumbs up to the team.
Manhunter crossed his arms, a rare, small smile on his lips. "Indeed. Each enemy was specifically modified to fight us. Any number of repetitions where we didn't work together would end in failure." There was nothing he could have done against the pyrokinetic when it had set itself aflame.
The door slid upwards as Miles walked in. "The difference between several people fighting in the same area and actually working as a team is quite noticeable, isn't it?"
"It is. The question is, "Superman turned to fully face him, "Why the sudden interest? Is it just because of our combat proficiency or something else?" Sure, there were mistakes done against Icthultu, but did it really require a full-on training session?
Miles took his phone out, opening an image of a gorilla with a red-haired woman. "Gorilla Grodd is on the move. He is extremely cautious, but I believe he is gathering a team of his own against the Justice League."
"You think that team could defeat us?" Green Lantern asked, the upper left corner of his lip twitching. Grodd was nothing compared to some of the entities they had fought.
"Ever since the League's inception, you never had a reason to improve your cooperation. We exchange intel; you fight against overwhelming numbers but not together. Against a trained team who studied you, such as Grodd, you would have embarrassed yourselves," he said. It was a thought-provoking episode where the League members were defeated by an inferior foe because they could not work together.
It wasn't all about power.
"That's a bit pessimistic, don't you think?" Hawkgirl asked, taking her helmet off.
"It's not," Batman said, drawing all eyes to himself. "We all tried to fight our enemies by ourselves because that is how we have done so far. If I hadn't suggested a plan, we would have continued to fight until we lost."
No matter how much it bruised his pride to admit, Miles' words still echoed in his mind, louder than the telepathic communications they just had during the battle.
Superman smiled, laying a hand on Batman's shoulder. "Never thought you of all people would say that." He was always a loner, preferring to act on his own. Hearing him admit it wasn't a good idea actually made him proud.
"I…" He looked away. "I've been reconsidering my decisions. I am still not sure about many things, but I realized, for all the power, wealth, and skills we have, none of us can do everything by ourselves."
"Can't argue with that," Flash said, rolling his shoulders.
"I'll keep an eye on Grodd and try to locate him," he said. Unlike the show, Grodd was hiding well, perhaps something he had learned from his previous altercation with the League.
"Thank you. As always, I am glad to have you on our corner," Superman said.
He simply nodded at the calls of agreement by the rest of the League.
"Miles, about that android. Do you think I can get a couple more for training? They are truly useful, and I can stand to improve my grappling. I'll pay for them, of course," Diana offered. Perhaps some with different combat modes too.
"Don't mention it really. I have a lot of these androids for emergencies. I'll send several your way," he said. They only cost a couple million dollars and were easy to fix with nanotechnology.
"Thank you."
Batman coughed, walking up to Wonder Woman. "Can we talk in private?"
There were glances between the League members. The tension between the two was palpable the last few days. Could they finally be ready to solve it?
She squinted her eyes, trying to peer through the white lenses, but shrugged. "Sure."
—
In the next chapter:
Michael knelt down to Angelica's eye level. "Alright kiddo, are you ready?"
She rubbed her arm, eyes downcast, but pulled her sleeve up after mere seconds. Michael sterilized the location first before pushing the needle in. Her lips tightened and she gritted her teeth. The coldness that came with the metal was gone, leaving the stinging pain behind.
"I want to keep her here for observation just in case. It's just for today. You guys can stay if you like," Michael said. He only needed to neutralize certain sections of her DNA to stop the evolution.
Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.
To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.
—
The Watchtower
"Team fight exercises? Why?" Flash asked, stretching.
"Because we are a team. Your performance in the battle against Icthultu displayed a glaring weakness in your ability to work as one," Miles said, his form visible in the control room through the glass.
He crossed his arms. "We did win, didn't we?"
"Against a horde of mindless monsters and one giant eldritch calamari, yes. Any enemy who studied you, your strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles would have you on the ropes," he replied. Their loss against Grodd and his Secret Society was proof of that, even though it hadn't happened yet.
Batman nodded, turning to the androids. "He is right."
"That is why I uploaded the androids with your combat data and modified them with abilities to counter yours. You will have to work as a team to win. Good luck."
—
John rolled his shoulders.
The androids were identical. He had no idea which one was tailored to fight him. What he knew was his weakness. The color yellow was the single known weakness of all green lanterns. The android that would target him would no doubt use yellow-colored attacks.
He glanced at his left.
Everyone was done with their stretches. Wonder Woman was waiting with her arms raised, legs slightly apart. The lower half of Batman's face was the only visible part, his cape wrapped around him, blocking all vision of what he had prepared. Superman was floating a couple inches off the ground, face set in stone.
On his right, Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and Flash were gathered together, whispering.
"Hey guys," Flash turned around, "should we make a plan rather than wait posing because it's cool?"
"That's probably for the best," Diana said, walking over.
"Too bad your enemies won't give you the time to prepare." Miles' voice rang from the speakers, and the androids were turned on.
Seven on seven combat began without a beat.
A green shell enveloped him, and he rose to the air. His designated enemy, with four written on its forehead, fired a yellow beam from its right fist. He dodged to the right, creating a sword out of his hand. He brought it down in an arc, targeting the android's shoulder, but it broke as the android turned yellow, head to toe.
He clicked his tongue and pulled back, assessing the situation. There was nothing he could throw at the android. A straight fight would be heavily against him. He needed a plan.
—
He hated fighting anyone who had anything to do with ice. Friction was necessary for him to run. When it was affected so severely by ice, it always promised to be an annoying battle.
This one was no different.
Unlike the villains he fought, the android could not be rage-baited into making mistakes. Smart quips, insulting their intelligence, and, in rare cases, their manhood, made the villains crash out. The cold, unfeeling machine before him did not share any of those weaknesses.
Teamwork definitely sounded good right now as he ran around the android in a circle.
—
"Manhunter, connect us telepathically," Batman ordered, entrenched in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with his opponent, Seven.
"Understood," Manhunter replied inside everyone's mind.
"Flash, watch out," Wonder Woman shouted. The fastest man alive turned around, narrowly dodging the android that was thrown at him, only to get in the way of Superman. They tumbled away, stopping right in front of the cryokinetic android.
Both were promptly covered in a layer of ice.
Shayera's mace missed the speeding android again. She cursed, diving down to catch it. Just as she thought she had the slippery machine, it pivoted right. Her eyes followed the machine, leaving her vulnerable. Superman's android, number three, nailed her with a hammer punch. She bounced on the ground, coughing.
"Come on, people. Teamwork is the key," Miles announced from the speaker.
The Dark Knight grunted, exchanging a series of acrobatic attacks with the android. "He is right. Lantern, switch with Hawkgirl. Superman, keep two and five occupied. Flash, Manhunter, deal with number three and then help Wonder Woman with number one," he ordered, thanking the mental connection.
The androids would definitely make excellent use of their plans otherwise.
—
They understood the plan, but executing it was difficult. The androids were relentless. The pyrokinetic was keeping J'onn in check with a constant stream of flames. Number three, with his red sunlight generators, was neutralizing Superman's abilities with each strike.
"Hawkgirl, get ready," he called out, still dodging yellow beams.
"Ready for what?" Shayera growled, only to be jerked by her feet. A lasso of green pulled her away. She was about to erupt in indignation before deciding to roll with it. She beat her wings, increasing her speed and striking number four. Its yellow coating and energy beams did nothing to stop her.
She struck so hard at the android's head, its lights flickered as it flew to the other side of the training area.
John was forced to let her go when the speedster android slammed into his back. He bit the side of his cheek, grunting. The android was already gone, zipping around the room.
Rather than try to catch it, he began to create walls around it, herding it towards Hawkgirl. She leaped to her feet just in time, shaking her head. Her lips stretched, teeth exposed in a predatory grin. With nowhere left to run as the maze got narrower with each construct, it was easy prey.
She swung her mace upwards, nailing it on the chin, breaking through Green Lantern's construct as she did.
—
Two and five were the opposites, but they knew how to work together. Whenever he targeted one, the other would flank him. Even with his Kryptonian physiology, they were causing him discomfort. Whatever fueled their abilities certainly stung.
The androids, while lesser than Amazo in all aspects, still possessed the intelligence to know he would dismantle them in a heartbeat. That is, if he could catch them. Good thing Batman had said to keep them occupied.
"Superman, keep their attention on you," Green Lantern's voice echoed in his mind. He acknowledged it by moving away from both. The androids didn't miss the beat, firing lances of opposite powers. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, blocking both attacks. Green Lantern snuck behind the cryokinetic, creating a blowtorch to rain green fire on it.
Hawkgirl did what she does best, bashing the android with her mace.
He accelerated forward as soon as the flames died out, clotheslining the android to the ground. It still wasn't enough, prompting Hawkgirl to dive like a bird of prey, smashing the silver android's head to shrapnel.
—
Beyond its strength and flight, number three did not possess any other abilities that would be useful to anyone except a Kryptonian. He could take it by himself but didn't have to.
He phased through the right hook, catching the android by the arm. He pulled it down, forcing it to phase through the floor. Only its head remained in sight. Flash, running as fast as he could without endangering his teammates and damaging the training room, struck without mercy.
Each hit had the android's head bobbing back and forth like a speedball in boxing training. Tears began to appear on its neck, the advanced technology failing before the fastest man alive.
A rather vicious kick sent it flying, separated from the body. Strands of electricity sparked from the separated parts, dying quickly as the eyes went dark.
—
Diana grinned.
Beyond the teamwork aspect, she was enjoying the battle. Her enemy, an android that had grown in size as well as sprouting another set of arms. Miles had done his homework well, creating an excellent opponent to counter her. The grappler android was indeed a troublesome enemy.
She ducked beneath its arms, spun on her heel, and landed a punch on its chest, right between its arms. Another punch struck the middle of its chest, pushing it slightly back, and an uppercut sealed the combo. The android went up, flipping back to land on its feet.
They launched at one another, ready to meet in the middle.
Diana bent her knees at the last possible moment, kicking the android's knee to the left while sliding between its legs. She leaped up, spinning to bring down her foot on the back of the android's head.
Before it could slam face-first to the ground, the machine used its arms to stabilize itself, wrapping its legs around hers. It reversed the tables on her, swinging her down. She bounced off the ground once, flipping around to stabilize herself.
She would definitely request this one as a permanent sparring partner.
Unfortunately for the android, cavalry had arrived. Flash ran around the android in a circle, distorting its sensors, most importantly the thermal one, to mask their attacks. Manhunter, having shape-shifted into a massive serpentine creature, swung his tail. The blur of red with yellow streaks disappeared just as the speedster felt the tail graze his costume.
By the time the android's intelligence realized Flash was gone, the tail had smacked him aside like a bug, right into Wonder Woman's lasso. She wrapped it around the leg, pulling forward to slam the android on the ground. She pulled it once more, launching the machine to the wall, bending panels inward.
—
The android was dangerous.
Predictive algorithms, sensors to bypass his means of disappearing into the shadows, and extreme knowledge in all forms of martial arts. He bent backwards under the kick, flipping back with his leg stretched. He barely clipped the android on its chin, dashing forward as soon as his feet touched the ground. He swung his cape forward, using it to block the android's vision in preparation for a spinning reverse kick.
The android matched the move.
He bent his left knee.
The android's kick went slightly over his, allowing the Dark Knight to land the kick on its chest. He slammed his right foot on the ground, launching several punches that the machine weaved through. It knew his every move, prompting him to come up with brand new ones on the spot.
It has been a while since he was challenged like this.
A flick of his wrist and he had an explosive batarang in his hand. The android launched a spinning kick at his wrist to disarm him. At the cost of taking the hit, he flicked the explosive right in front of its white, empty eyes, throwing himself to the ground.
The android followed with the kick, bending backward at an angle only Plastic Man could, sending it upward.
He spun, targeting the android's sole leg on the ground. It bent even more backward, launching itself back with its palms on the ground. They met in close quarters again, both exploding into movement with a flurry of punches targeting weak spots. Both blocked each hit, but his flesh would fail him before the nanomachines would fail the android.
He could win with drastic measures, but would it, in an ordinary fight, be worth it?
His question went unanswered as the rest of his team fell on the android. Superman caught it with his fists, refusing to let go. He headbutted it, causing its sensors to go haywire for a moment from the impact. Flash caught it by the arm, spinning in a whirlwind, sending it straight to Wonder Woman.
She backhanded it with her bracelet into Hawkgirl's path. The strike of the metal mace changed its trajectory ninety degrees into the jackhammer the Green Lantern created. The repeated slams put an end to the android in seconds.
Batman looked down at his open fist, clenching it.
"You know, I thought we were in dire straits for a second. But this whole fighting as a unit rather than together? I think it's a great idea," Flash said, flashing twin thumbs up to the team.
Manhunter crossed his arms, a rare, small smile on his lips. "Indeed. Each enemy was specifically modified to fight us. Any number of repetitions where we didn't work together would end in failure." There was nothing he could have done against the pyrokinetic when it had set itself aflame.
The door slid upwards as Miles walked in. "The difference between several people fighting in the same area and actually working as a team is quite noticeable, isn't it?"
"It is. The question is, "Superman turned to fully face him, "Why the sudden interest? Is it just because of our combat proficiency or something else?" Sure, there were mistakes done against Icthultu, but did it really require a full-on training session?
Miles took his phone out, opening an image of a gorilla with a red-haired woman. "Gorilla Grodd is on the move. He is extremely cautious, but I believe he is gathering a team of his own against the Justice League."
"You think that team could defeat us?" Green Lantern asked, the upper left corner of his lip twitching. Grodd was nothing compared to some of the entities they had fought.
"Ever since the League's inception, you never had a reason to improve your cooperation. We exchange intel; you fight against overwhelming numbers but not together. Against a trained team who studied you, such as Grodd, you would have embarrassed yourselves," he said. It was a thought-provoking episode where the League members were defeated by an inferior foe because they could not work together.
It wasn't all about power.
"That's a bit pessimistic, don't you think?" Hawkgirl asked, taking her helmet off.
"It's not," Batman said, drawing all eyes to himself. "We all tried to fight our enemies by ourselves because that is how we have done so far. If I hadn't suggested a plan, we would have continued to fight until we lost."
No matter how much it bruised his pride to admit, Miles' words still echoed in his mind, louder than the telepathic communications they just had during the battle.
Superman smiled, laying a hand on Batman's shoulder. "Never thought you of all people would say that." He was always a loner, preferring to act on his own. Hearing him admit it wasn't a good idea actually made him proud.
"I…" He looked away. "I've been reconsidering my decisions. I am still not sure about many things, but I realized, for all the power, wealth, and skills we have, none of us can do everything by ourselves."
"Can't argue with that," Flash said, rolling his shoulders.
"I'll keep an eye on Grodd and try to locate him," he said. Unlike the show, Grodd was hiding well, perhaps something he had learned from his previous altercation with the League.
"Thank you. As always, I am glad to have you on our corner," Superman said.
He simply nodded at the calls of agreement by the rest of the League.
"Miles, about that android. Do you think I can get a couple more for training? They are truly useful, and I can stand to improve my grappling. I'll pay for them, of course," Diana offered. Perhaps some with different combat modes too.
"Don't mention it really. I have a lot of these androids for emergencies. I'll send several your way," he said. They only cost a couple million dollars and were easy to fix with nanotechnology.
"Thank you."
Batman coughed, walking up to Wonder Woman. "Can we talk in private?"
There were glances between the League members. The tension between the two was palpable the last few days. Could they finally be ready to solve it?
She squinted her eyes, trying to peer through the white lenses, but shrugged. "Sure."
—
In the next chapter:
Michael knelt down to Angelica's eye level. "Alright kiddo, are you ready?"
She rubbed her arm, eyes downcast, but pulled her sleeve up after mere seconds. Michael sterilized the location first before pushing the needle in. Her lips tightened and she gritted her teeth. The coldness that came with the metal was gone, leaving the stinging pain behind.
"I want to keep her here for observation just in case. It's just for today. You guys can stay if you like," Michael said. He only needed to neutralize certain sections of her DNA to stop the evolution.
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Thundersmight94
Not too sore, are you?
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I can't wait till we get to Justice League Unlimited in the timeline!
MasterDarkElf
Well worn.
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Hm, now, to hope that Batman fumbles the romance or not... Maybe. Haha. Anyway, nice to see they're getting better. Looking forward to more.
G1 Convoy
Versed in the lewd.
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TFTC.
Also is M'gann going to eventually show up as well?
I just thought to ask if The Fernus exists in this continuity, because it might be cool & ... why not. It's not like it would be the first time the MC exposes another of the Guardian's greatest misses throughout history, though one could make a strong argument that the logic behind their actions was correct, but the ultimate outcome suffered from piss poor execution.
Also is M'gann going to eventually show up as well?
Get Wrecked Grodd!
Even if it jeopardizes Terry's existence, I hope that Bruce can work on his issues and eventually settle down with Diana. I believe that they both deserved better than the isolation and loss that they experienced between the end of JLU and Batman Beyond. And maybe in this timeline,
The MC and Batman can take down Ras Al Ghul and prevent him from taking over Talia's body and she can go over to the Justice Lords dimension's and stay with its Batman, as I think they may mesh well.
Albert Scoot
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Imagine a mini-Batman with Diana's strength and Bruce's paranoia.