DCU: Blacklist

[FTR2017]

Someone was trying to make these five into weapons from a very young age.

Click to shrink...

The government, most likely.

 

[MasterDarkElf]

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]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[Samael61]

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.

 

[FTR2017]

Icthulhu won't know what hit him.

More likely that he won't know who did him in from the army marching through his domain to punt his tentacled ass.

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[MasterDarkElf]

Miles, somehow charming Wonder Woman next chapter: How'd I do this?!
Haha, looking forward to more.

 

[ChickenZero]

Icthulhu won't know what hit him.

More likely that he won't know who did him in from the army marching through his domain to punt his tentacled ass.

Click to shrink...

He gets hit so hard he becomes an American citizen and runs for mayor of New York

 

[Faraway-R]

"Is it Batman?" He knew they had a thing for each other. Only, Bruce was too afraid of loss to consider romance.

Click to shrink...

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.

 

[Samael61]

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.



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[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[Petrox]

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

 

[FTR2017]

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!

 

[MasterDarkElf]

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]

What happens if I lose someone else again?" he asked, unshed tears gathering in his eyes and voice thinning. The

Click to shrink...

Rest of the sentence missing?

 

[G1 Convoy]

TFTC.

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

Click to shrink...

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.