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fics-by-maria · 5 years ago

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Blinded By Hope (Part 1)

Ao3 Masterpost

Here’s the sequel to A Trip to Remember! This is what i’m replacing Our Deepest Roots with, and this will have significantly less angst.

Marinette groaned as her alarm screamed at her, rousing her from her slumber. She debated the merits of missing orientation, her job had needed her for an unexpected late shift last night and she’d ended up losing a good few hours of sleep because of it. Eventually she decided that it wasn’t and decided to go get some coffee.

The dorms had come to life in the last few days and she had already heard complaints about roommates, she was lucky that her roommate was quiet and respectful, if a bit withdrawn. Marinette was adding copious amounts of sugar as the common area began to fill with chatter, she looked down at her watch and was jolted out of her thoughts. It was 11:23, orientation was at 12 in the main auditorium, it would take her at least twenty minutes to get ready, and another fifteen to get to the auditorium.

Marinette had to leave her hair down and swap out her heels for a pair of practical boots, but she made it on time. She genuinely hadn’t known that Damian would be attending Gotham University, so it was a welcome surprise to see him sitting a row ahead of her in the auditorium.

He could feel eyes on him, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, but that could have just been his nerves. He’d been used to having his own space and people who knew what he was like, but Gotham U’s requirement that all freshmen live in the dorms had really thrown him for a loop and he was out of his element.

The end of orientation came sooner than he’d anticipated and a cool hand on his shoulder startled him out of his thoughts and he whirled around, only to find his eyes meeting a pair of bright blue ones.

“Hi Damian.” Her voice was just as sweet as he remembered.

“Hello angel, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

“Oh Damian,” She moved a hand up to cup his cheek, “I will always come back to you.”

Damian was restless. His family had insisted that he should take a break from being Robin during college, but this just left him with pent up energy, so he often found himself in the dorm gym. The fact that he was doing nothing irked him. A new rogue had surfaced recently and was giving Batman quite the runaround.

Scarlet Ribbon had first emerged a week or so back. She seemed like a Robin Hood type of vigilante, helping those in need while also being a high profile thief. Her latest exploit being somehow intimidating various gangs into ceding all territory surrounding the University district of The Coventry. It was odd, though she now controlled a large amount of territory, it remained unclear exactly what she was doing. She’d been involved in shutting down multiple trafficking rings as well as stealing from law firms, including releasing files showing a corrupt businessman’s attempts to cheat his employees out of fair pay and coverup harassment allegations.

A true chaotic good rogue, but a rogue nonetheless. And Damian couldn’t do anything, despite seeing those trademark red ribbons tied around lamp posts all around campus. The first time Damian actually saw Scarlet Ribbon, she was hanging around outside the library late at night, offering to walk students home. She was nonthreatening, despite the black cloth medical mask hiding the lower half of her face. She wore a black sleeveless turtleneck with a pair of dark red high-waisted shorts, a dark grey utility belt, and black knee-high boots with bright red laces. Her long dark hair hung down in two strands that framed her face, and the rest was up in space buns.

She seemed familiar and was rather friendly, most likely a university student but he didn’t really know much, after their first encounter she seemed to avoid him, saying that he could ‘probably handle himself’. If he wasn’t so busy he wouldn't have let it lie, but as it was, his classes were swamping him and he didn't have time for much, and he spent that with his small group of friends rather than investigating some benevolent crime lord.

Marinette had been the one to take him out of his self imposed exile and introduce him to the rest of their small group. There was Felix Archibald, the serious pre-med student who had a soft spot for romance novels and horror movies. His twin sister Allegra, who did not appreciate allergy medicine jokes (as Damian found out when she punched him), and was a music major. Claude Crane, son of Jonathan Crane, a sociology major who was passionate about reforming the foster system that he’d grown up in. Damian hadn’t thought he’d fit in with them, but none of them really fit in, and Damian liked them, even if Allegra constantly talked about how gorgeous Scarlet Ribbon was and Claude never stopped challenging him to another round of Mortal Kombat (he hadn’t won yet, but refused to give up).

Overall he was enjoying college, even if he wasn’t used to civilian life, but it was calm and that was a welcome change from his hectic existence as Robin.

Marinette on the other hand was not content. Gotham had too much crime, and she had to help! It wasn’t that big of a deal if some of her methods were maybe less than legal, she was doing the right thing. But apparently the local vigilantes disagreed, which was probably how she found herself standing on a roof, facing off against Red Robin.

“What the hell are you doing?” His voice wasn’t exactly accusatory, but it certa wasn’t friendly.

“Parkour.” She wanted to keep her interactions short, she was not about to get arrested for trying to help.

“Really? Because it looks like you just broke into Fulbright Tower. You know, the law firm you just ran away from.”

“It’s not really your business, it’s not like I did anything wrong!”

“Ma’am theft is illegal.”

“It’s not theft, they’re photocopies, and I promise to give them back, I just needed them to finish something.”

“It absolutely is theft, and you can't just do that.”

“Okay, bet.” She took a running leap and dived for the next building.

Red Robin followed close behind, chasing the woman across the rooftops of the Financial District before she abruptly stopped.

“Look Double R, can I call you Double R?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Well Double R, not that this hasn’t been fun, but I have places to be.” With this she threw a glass vial at his feet and leapt off the roof. He went to pursue her but fell, lightheadedness overtaking him.

He opened comms back up and sighed. “So Scarlet Ribbon got away, and on a related note, she has some form of knockout gas.” He could hear Oracle’s laugh.

“Oh yeah genius? Then why aren't you knocked out?”

“It’s more disorienting than anything, she still seems unwilling to harm me.”

“Anything else?”

“Nothing useful.”

“Great work out there, dumbass”

#daminette #maribat #marinette dupain cheng #damian wayne #tim drake #barbara gordon #blinded by hope

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lalunaunita · 5 years ago

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The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

I’m very pleased to share that this old WIP is finally done!! I started writing it back in 2018 (I think) and when the WIP Big Bang @wipbigbang revved up for 2019, I knew it was a perfect piece for me to finish. Per the Bang rules, I’ll publish the last chapter on my posting date of August 17th. I’ll be updating every week until then.

This story is based on a 1991 children’s book of the same name by Andrew Helfer. When I heard about it, I thought it was such a great (and cute) plot that I wanted to try writing my own version! Major plot points and storyline are all credited to Andrew Helfer. New story text and new subplots are by me. Copies of the original book are available and the ISBN to find the book is 0307126218. Many thanks to @haveievermentioned for remembering this book and bringing it to my attention.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Music Fanmix by @pennywaltzy

Rating: Teen

Summary: All kinds of cats in Gotham are disappearing! When several expensive animals are stolen, Batman's top suspect is Catwoman. But is there more to these thefts than meets the eye?

The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

Forty squirming, squealing kids threw popcorn and chattered at each other in the rows below Bruce Wayne at Gotham City’s Circus Charity Night. Charity Night at the Circus had become a tradition in the Wayne household over the last few years. Shortly after adopting Dick Grayson, the young man had requested these circus outings for the children at his old orphanage. Bruce had readily agreed.

He always turned it into an event—playing at an exclusive park, followed by dinner, then the show under the Big Top. Curiously, Dick never attended. Bruce didn’t press him. He knew all too well the pain childhood memories could bring.

Bruce and his date sat wisely out of range of the concessions-turned-missiles. She turned to him, the elegance of her black velvet dress belying her giddy excitement.

“What’s your favorite part of the circus?” Tatiana asked him, tossing her lustrous dark hair over one shoulder.

“The big cats,” Bruce replied. “They’re so gorgeous and powerful.”

“Oooh, must be something of a kinship, I suppose,” she teased, batting her eyes flirtatiously.

Bruce tried not to roll his as he focused his attention back on the three rings below. Tatiana was an extraordinary beauty, just the kind of woman Bruce Wayne should be seen with around Gotham. Unfortunately, she was also an utter bore.

Music swelled and the children quieted as a spotlight focused on the Ringmaster in the center of the tent.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is our privilege to bring some of the finest creatures in nature to you. Watch carefully, and don’t be fooled! Our trainer would have you believe these lions and tigers are tame as house cats, but they are not to be trusted! Remark the ferocious gleam of their fangs and the sharpness of their claws. Please do not tempt their murderous appetites with a stray finger or hand! And now… on with the show!”

The crowd jumped to their feet to get a closer look at the cats, applauding the Ringmaster’s speech. All eyes were on the thick red curtains that led backstage, but minutes went by and no cats of any kind paraded forth. The pregnant silence was interrupted by shouts behind the curtains.

Bruce casually pressed a button on the side of his cell phone and it rapped forth an irritating, high-powered ringtone. He gave an exaggerated sigh for Tatiana’s benefit.

“Hang on, it’s the Board. I’ll be back in a minute. Hello…?” he said, affecting frustration as he pressed the phone to his ear.

Bruce stepped into the aisle, pretending to converse as he quickly made his way out of the stands. He stuck to the shadows, slipping around to the back of the big top. Outside the main tent, dancers, acrobats, and clowns walked to and fro, prepping for their acts or chatting with each other.

The argument had crescendoed; Bruce could hear the Ringmaster desperately shushing whomever was shouting. Bruce hid himself in the darkness between two tall wooden crates. He discovered he was fortuitously close to a seam in the main tent’s canvas. He put his eye to the opening and caught a glimpse of Commissioner Gordon’s familiar face. Commissioner Gordon stood straight as an arrow and looked down his nose at a rather unkempt man in suspenders and a stained undershirt.

“We’ll find your cats,” the Commissioner assured him. “There aren’t that many places in Gotham to hide lions and tigers. Or that many places to sell them. My men are on it already.”

“They better be! Those animals are expensive. If my cats aren’t back by tomorrow, I could lose my job!” the unpleasant man screeched.

The Ringmaster put a placating hand on the man’s arm, but he shrugged it off. Bruce watched as the Commissioner cast an observant eye over his surroundings.

“Now, just to be sure I have everything down correctly, these are the cages for the big cats?”

He indicated four or five surprisingly small wheeled trailers arranged in a semicircle. They looked like old fashioned animal cracker boxes, although they did have the addition of thick rolled draperies that could be let down over the iron bars to fully enclose their tiny spaces. Bruce could see, and even smell, that they hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

“Yes, yes,” the trainer replied impatiently.

“And you did not take them out prior to their performance?” The Commissioner frowned under his moustache as he looked at his notepad.

“No! I already told you that!”

“And you do not have any kind of yard or pen for them to stay in—other than the cages?”

The man didn’t notice the steely glint in Commissioner Gordon’s eye as he shook his head. “They stay in the cages if we aren’t training or performing. Seriously, are you even taking notes?”

“I have to ask to be sure, Sir. Police procedure.”

Bruce grinned as the Commissioner turned away from the man and focused on the Ringmaster, completely dismissing the trainer from the rest of the conversation. The man’s mouth opened and closed a few times and his eyes bulged. But the Commissioner resolutely refused to meet his eye. With an exasperated sigh and a few muttered curses, the trainer walked away to go scold his assistants at the cages.

“As I said,” Commissioner Gordon continued, still standing tall in his most imposing posture, “I already have people looking into all possible locations that can hold big cats. We’re checking all cargo transports out of the city and taking every precaution to find your animals. In the meantime, detectives will be interviewing your employees—to see if anyone saw anything.”

Bruce heard the unspoken notion that the detectives would also be interviewing the employees as potential suspects. The Ringmaster picked up on it too, but nodded frantically.

“Whatever it takes to get George his cats back. He’s difficult at the best of times, but he knows how to train the big cats. We simply don’t have a show without them!”

As the Commissioner made his exit, Bruce leaned back from the circus tent canvas. George might be good at training, but it seemed that he and his staff were terrible at caring for their precious animals. Dirty cages and no room to run or play? He’d had no idea the Gotham City Circus kept their animals in such squalid conditions. Maybe there was a way to put in an anonymous tip… but there was no guarantee an honest city worker would look into the case. Issuing citations wasn’t likely to fix the problem. There had to be a solution, though. He’d think on it.

Later that evening, Bruce cruised the streets of Gotham after dropping off Tatiana at her penthouse. The woman is part octopus, he thought sourly as he recalled his struggle to extricate himself from her amorous embrace at her door. He’d pleaded an emergency board meeting and made tracks, leaving her beautiful pouting lips and sultry eyes behind.

Bruce stopped at a familiar intersection to wait out the red light. He looked up at the building on his left and noticed Commissioner Gordon’s light still on in his office.

Five minutes later, the Batman tapped softly at the Commissioner’s window. The silver-haired man looked up, startled, then smiled. He slid open the window and moved aside to allow Batman to descend on silent feet. The line of his grappling hook whizzed quietly as it retracted into his utility belt.

“You’re up late, Commissioner. Everything okay?” Batman asked as the two shook hands.

Gordon ran a hand through his wavy hair, sighing. “Just working on a weird one, Batman. Cats. Missing cats. With all the missing people in this town, you’d think that would take priority, but here I am, trying to track down animals like a dog catcher. Or a cat catcher, as the case may be.”

“I heard about the no-shows at the Circus. Are you saying there are more missing?”

Commissioner Gordon laughed without humor. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. A lot more, in fact. We’ve gone past ‘hundreds’ and are closing in on a thousand or more. I don’t know if we’re looking at some kind of predator or—”

“Are there signs of predation? Claw marks or other clues of struggle? Any blood, bones?”

The Commissioner shook his head. “No, thank heavens. God knows I’ve got my cat Ruffy secured at home, though. I was letting him out to roam every once in a while, but now I keep him indoors. I’m a little spooked about him getting grabbed.”

Batman nodded, thinking. “That’s a good idea, Jim. If you aren’t seeing any signs of violence, it seems more likely this is theft.”

“That’s where I was leaning too, Batman. I just got a call from the Southminster Cat show; one of the show cats has been taken. The night watchman didn’t see a thing. I’m going to follow up in the morning and talk to the owner. You want to join me?”

“I’ll bring the coffee, Jim. See you there.” With that, Batman stepped onto the ledge of the open window and disappeared into the night.

Commissioner Gordon couldn’t help it; he leaned out to see which way Batman had gone. But just like every other time, he never caught a glimpse of the Batman after his dramatic exit. He sighed. There was nothing more he could do for the case tonight. He closed the window, packed up his briefcase, and headed home, where he hoped Ruffy would still be waiting.

Dick was laid out on a comfortable Italian leather couch, flipping idly through a magazine when Bruce came through the den.

“And how was the lovely Ms. Aurbach?” he asked, lifting his eyes only marginally from the page.

“Grabby,” Bruce replied.

He loosened his tie and removed his cufflinks, dropping them into the pocket of his slacks. Alfred never failed to check his pockets before washing.

Dick closed the magazine and leapt to vertical, an effortless motion his acrobatic background afforded him. “Oh, really? That doesn’t usually vex you.”

“Who says I’m vexed?” Bruce retorted, just as Alfred entered with a tray.

The nascent argument was forestalled by a late night snack the butler had prepared. The trio settled in around a deeply stained and well-polished coffee table. Alfred poured tea from a silver service and passed the cups around.

“I trust Ms. Tatiana is well,” the butler began, “and that the Circus was a delight.”

“Actually, Alfred, someone stole the lions and tigers. But yes, the rest of the night was fine.”

Dick nearly spat out his tea and eyed Bruce incredulously. “The lions and tigers? Seriously? That’s kind of... specific. And heavy. It would be heavy.”

Bruce sipped his tea with perfect form, ignoring Alfred’s approving glance at his lack of slurp. “That’s not all. Tomorrow I’m meeting Jim Gordon to interview the owner of a missing show cat at the Southminster Cat Show.”

“Stolen as well?” Dick raised an eyebrow.

“I hate to make assumptions…”

“I know you do. I’ll wait for your conclusions upon examination of the evidence,” Dick replied, rolling his eyes. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Just be on call. You have anything else going on this week?”

Dick shrugged. “It’s summer break, Bruce. Other than a couple hot dates, I’m free.”

“Not too hot, I hope.”

“Alfred’s run background checks on them already. Well-bred young ladies from Gotham Academy, not a rebel among them. I’m just trying to be a normal teenager, Bruce. Promise.”

Bruce popped a water cracker topped with gruyere cheese into his mouth and leaned back, chewing. He swallowed. “I know, Dick. I’m glad. It’s not always easy with me, I’m aware.”

Dick grinned. “Easy is boring, anyway. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks,” Bruce replied.

He stifled the urge to ruffle his ward’s hair. Dick wasn’t a child anymore; he was a young man of sixteen. He was often impulsive, but he had matured greatly over the six years he’d been Bruce’s ward, both as Dick Grayson and as Robin. Bruce was grateful for their friendship and partnership, though he couldn’t deny Dick kept him on his toes. Thank goodness for Alfred’s impeccable timing and mitigating influence.

“Well,” said the butler, breaking the silence as he gathered the tea service and stood, “I’m off to bed. And you should consider the same, Master Bruce. You have an early morning in the office—”

“And an even earlier meeting with Jim Gordon,” Bruce finished, standing and dusting off his knees. “Thanks, Alfred. Good night.”

“Good night, you two.” Dick settled back onto the couch with his magazine as the older men left the room.

#batman #catwoman #llu writes #batman fanfiction #catwoman fanfiction #bruce wayne #the purrfect crime

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solemnveloci · 7 years ago

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Every Sony Pictures Animation Movie Reviewed in 10 Words or Less!

In text form because I suck at talking off the top of my head. As a bonus, I’ll also do Warner Animation Group in 10 Words or Less because... eh, it’s April Fools. Also, they’ve got only 4 movies under their belt.

Thanks to @jelloapocalypse for the idea! I know he’s probably getting sick of them now, though.

Let’s start.

Open Season (2006): Why is the girl deer sexualized? AND STILL AN ANIMAL? 1/10

Surf’s Up (2007): *stares directly into the camera like I’m a surfboarding penguin* 5/10

Open Season 2 (2009): Get a freaking dog trainer. 3/10

Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs (2009): So… ending world hunger is bad? 6/10

Open Season 3 (2011): The racism metaphors in this are better than Zootopia. 4/10

The Smurfs (2011): Aah! Hyper-realistic Smurf! 6/10

Arthur Christmas (2011): A hearth-warming film. 7/10

Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012): Whaddya know, the sailors of the sea! 8/10

Hotel Transylvania (2012): Aw, your wife ceased out of existence, too? 9/10

The Smurfs 2 (2013): Aah! Hyper-realistic emo Smurf! 2/10

Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs (2013): Adam Savage never was the same after Mythbusters got cancelled. 8/10

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015): Why hasn’t Mavis aged? 4/10

Open Season: Scared Silly (2016): “OMG, stop gaybaiting Boog/Elliot!” 3/10

Goosebumps (2016): Huh, actually didn’t see that twist coming. Good work! 8/10

Surf's Up 2 (2017): Wavemania: You waited ten years to make a WWE crossover sequel. 5/10

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017): Aah! …oh wait, they look fine now. 9/10

The Emoji Movie (2017): A Disney Channel love story buried under 900 YouTube ads. 1/10

The Star (2017): This movie has no right being this cute. 8/10

Peter Rabbit (2018): British. 5/10

Every Warner Animation Group Movie Reviewed in 10 Words or Less!

The LEGO Movie (2014): Chris Pratt’s voice is annoying! But this movie’s still great! 7/10

Storks (2016): Again, NO RIGHT. 9/10

The LEGO Batman Movie (2017): Suck it, Nolan. 10/10

The LEGO Ninjago Movie (2017): Oh no! Not my... Ninjago fanfics! 6/10

Since he had the same problem with the Disney sequels, I’m also only doing a bottom three and top three. Though let’s get the honorable mentions out of the way, first.

Storks (2016)

With movies I like and dislike, I’m usually ride or die for both opinions, but I can definitely see why this one has it’s detractors. You see, it follows the usual “subverted Disney knockoff” formula, that being, a whimsical event or figure being hilariously subverted. “What if whimsical thing... but they’re all jerks?” “What if whimsical thing... but they’re the Avengers?” “What if whimsical thing... but pop culture reference?”

Despite about a million roadblocks in it’s way, Storks manages to be both sweet and hilarious, aided by the talents of Key and Peele, and a genuinely amazing bond between the two leads. Fair warning, you’re probably going to hate this movie if you dislike fast-paced comedy. It’s- it’s everywhere.

The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

An astounding movie that works as both a parody and homage to the Batman mythos. Every single joke stuck, every character was perfect, and the celebrity voice actors didn’t stick out at all. And, obviously, this is the only version where Babs/Batman isn’t creepy as hell. COUGH COUGH.

TOP 3

The Star (2017)

I wasn’t expecting this movie to be as good as it was.

Yeah, not the nicest way to start off the best of the best list, but keep in mind this was 4 months after The Emoji Movie. After that train-wreck, Sony steps back into its stride, and creates a very sweet, very simple Christmas film. It’s still a movie for very little children, though. You know Jesus is going to get born, you know that the cute widdle aminals are going to make it through, and you know they're not going to kill off the Oprah camel and Kelly Clarkson horse.

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)

A soft reboot is exactly what the Smurf Cinematic Universe needed. I’m not kidding, the characters are more likable, the stakes actually mean something, the animation is gorgeous and translates the DUCK Studios/Noble Animation versions into 3D perfectly, but I have just one question. Why didn’t they use this animation style in the first place? I’m sure it would’ve been better received than the terrifying, splotchy, blueberry gnome toddlers we got.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

My god, this movie knows exactly how to utilize CGI. Everything in this looks amazing! The story is just as fun, and the supporting cast is hilarious (maybe except for the love interest, who gets a little grating sometimes), and even watching the underwhelming sequel was entertaining because of how everything looked and sounded. Just, wow. Aesthetic, man. Aesthetic.

Here’s to hoping the third one is good again.

BOTTOM 3

The Smurfs 2 (2013)

Gargamel makes Emo smurfs. Yup. Emo smurfs. They’re mean smurfs. They’re bad smurfs. Baaaaaad smurfs. Oh, and, uh, Lady Smurf is sad because everyone forgot her smurfing birthday, but it really was a surprise party. Smurfs to be her, I guess.

The Emoji Movie (2017)

It’s the freaking Emoji Movie. Do I even need to say anything else? Maybe I could point out that nobody is likable, they’re all selfish, and the only reason I didn’t tap out is because I honest-to-god wanted to see how the human kids turned out?

Open Season (2006)

Yes. I think that Open Season is worse than The Emoji Movie. And why? Because Emoji movie never tried to force #FEELS into anything. It didn’t act like it was trying to be this beautiful, fantastical movie that would been seen with the likes of Citizen Kane. They cared about getting their cash, and that was that.

But Open Season, you magnificent bastard, acted like after 80 minutes of poop jokes and the characters treating each other like trash, that it was this magnificent, astounding, feel-good film about love and friendship and ugh, every moment of “empathy” just feels so fake. WHY DID THEY MAKE THE ONLY NON-BIPEDAL, NON-HUMANOID, FEMALE IN THE MOVIE THE LOVE INTEREST, WHY.

Woman Yells at Dumb Animated Movies, 2018.

#every movie reviewed in ten words or less #ten words or less #reviews #review #sony pictures animation #warner animation group

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thegeekerynj · 4 years ago

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DC’s Future State: The Home Runs, Hits, and outright Strikeouts

(Or, how Politics and Comics Don’t Mix)

Greetings from somewhen along the fractured timelines, and somewhere in the newly reconstituting Omniverse! Tis’ I, your faithful, but recently missing Fat Guy, finding his way back to a Universe with a keyboard, Intel processor, and something as far from MyFace as possible!

Gentle Readers, when last I had the privilege of gracing these Interwebs, Death Metal #7 had not yet hit the shelves, nor had Dead Earth #6.

My spin down the ‘rabbit holes’, between the lunacy of the viral insanity that gripped the country, and then, the worries which came out of the COVID Pandemic, had me more focused on depressing issues, than the IMPORTANT THINGS in LIFE…

What DID happen with Wonder Woman? And, What came out of the lunacy of the Metal Saga?

Well, let’s touch on a few of those topics, the second, first.

What happened out of the Metal Saga? Well, we get a view of the Future, or a possible Future, if this is the Final State. We get to see some Characters grow, some disappear, some books remain the same, some will change DRASTICALLY.

We get to hear jokes about the Fifth Generation and how it is a marketing ploy for the Mothership, the United Conglomerated Moneygrab AT&T.

We get a name change from 5G to Future State, without a real concept change.

Oh, and Dan DiDio got fired. So did about half of DC’s regular staff.

But, I digress.

Anyway, the premise is really simple… It’s Baseball Season! That being the case, I’m going to engage in a game of hybrid game of Sewer Cap Baseball, with each group of books graded as a Single, Double Triple , Home Run, Out or Side Retired. This will not be an arbitrary judgment, as there will be some criteria to be followed.

The RULES:

Home Runs Well, a Home Run has to have outstanding artistry and story, the work being exemplary. Plot, characters, premise, everything is crisp, fresh and enjoyable. Writer and Artists have brought the reader to a place where they know the divergent reality is believable, in context.

Triples: If a Home Run is everything hitting on all cylinders, the Triple is the single knock in the engine. The pothole that nags at the Reader, the Idea that makes the Collector say, ‘This was really good…BUTTTTTT…’. Not the hook that leaves you wanting more, it’s the oversized hook that says’I just can’t swallow that’.

Double: A Double has a glaring issue that takes the reader out of the story… Frank Miller ‘300’ style Artwork on “Millie the Model’ type of ‘Well, that was a misfire!’ The story can be exceptional, or the Artwork wonderful, there’s just that GLARING issue that pulls the Reader away.

Single: The GLARING ERROR is extensive, pairing Yo-Yo Ma with Weird Al extensive. Both wonderful, but put together, and too much is lost in translation. The pairing of an ultra detailed writer with a 60’s style artist, who does no backgrounds, except for splash pages.

STRIKE OUT: Something is just BAD. 1985 Secret Wars BAD. Unfinished Kevin Smith Widening Gyre Cliffhanger BAD. Spider Buggy BAD. Not usually one to say something is BAD, I have said I didn’t like certain things. Not liking something does not make it BAD. Something horrifically wrong with it, that makes it BAD.

SIDE RETIRED: OK, this is a very special category, reserved for the Story That Has Been Done To Death, Didn’t Need To Be Done Again, Yet Here We Are, New Universe, Same Old CRAP!

This is the ‘Superman painted himself with invisible lead paint’ story, the ‘Bat-Shark Repellent in the Utility Belt Story (outside the 60’s camp stories)’…

So Gentle Readers, with all that said, the Pitchers and Catchers are set, the Batters are ready, the Managers are already bitching at the Umpire, sooooooo, Let’s Play Ball!

And remember, the Umpire reserves the right to continue the Game onto another day, as the Sun Goes Down…

===========================================================

First Inning:

Batter UP!

Dark Nights: Death Metal #7

Writer: Scott ‘Skull Crusher’ Snyder Pencils (PP1-28) Greg ‘Constrictor’ Capullo, Inks: Jonathan ‘’Gut Punch’ Glapion; Artist (PP 29-36) Yanick ‘Yell Master’ Paquette, Artist (PP 37-38) Bryan ‘Hatchet Man’ Hitch

‘Tell me our shorts were not this short!

No way! They were MUCH SHORTER!

I will not die by pixie boot. I will not die by…’

———————————————————————————————————

This is it folks! The First Batter, or, the End of the Beginning, however the heck you want to look at it.

Gentle Readers, you can’t get to the Future State without first talking about the last issue of the series that brought you there… so, here we go!

Six issues, or, 23 issues, depending on your budget, wallet size, and ability to ‘Just Say NO!’, and here we are, the LAST ISSUE of the Death Metal Saga, which actually started way back in Batman #1 of the REBIRTH reboot, and carried through the METAL / Batman Who Laughs / Year of the Villain… so, the gift that kept on taking!

Anyway, this has been the Longest Long Game, and the Payoff has been SPECTACULAR!

Constantly swinging between the Battle of the Bat-Families, the Superman Fight Squad and the Last Son, and the one - on - one death match between Wonder Woman and The Batman who Laughs, we get the battle scenes we have craved all along.

Death, carnage, mayhem, and Jarro… who could ask for - - - What, you want more???? Well, we can add in the Totality, Diana of Themyscira, Goddess, ElseWorld, and finally finding out who was narrating this book for the last 77 years… Ya know, that’s enough.

Not that there isn’t more, I’m just not writing about it here…

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have left everything on the field with this book. No regrets, no punches puled, they finished this the way they started, unrelenting, unforgiving, and absolutely unstoppable.

As a fan, I can say this is one of the few books I really jonesed for over the last year. The months when there was a skip due to the ‘One - offs’, I think I really got the shakes. This was one of the three stories of 2020 that made this Reader sit up and take notice.

As such, I highly recommend this entire series. This issue was fantastic, a fine ending to lead in to a new phase of the DC Universe, and Frickin’ ELSEWORLD!!!

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

First Batter - Home Run!

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Batting Second…

Generations Shattered #1 / Generations Forged #1

Writers: Dan Jurgens, Robert Venditti, Andy Schmidt

Artists: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, John Romita JR and Danny Miki, Kevin Nowlan, Rags Morales, Doug Braithwaite, Ema Lupacchino and Wade von Grawbadger, Dan Jurgens and Klaus Janson, Yanick Paquette, Bernard Chang, Aaron LoPresti and Matt Ryan, Mike Perkins, Fernando Pasarin and Oclair Albert, Paul Pelletier and Sandra Hope. Colleen Doran, Marco Santucci, Joe Prado, Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie, Dan Jurgens and Kevin Nowlan

‘I will not spend another day behind bars! Not on Tamaran! Not on Maltus! And not HERE!

Starfire! Don’t!

It’s RICOCHETING!

Not bored now!’

———————————————————————————————————

So, What happens when ALL the Timelines are SHATTERED by a Multi-Cosmic Level Event?

Naturally, you send Booster Gold out to recruit an army of tactically important individuals from across the Multiverse, is an attempt to repair and cement the Timelines back together.

And what happens when said Man with a Master Plan and a hovering supercomputer gets himself killed?

Well, that duty now falls to Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth!

Yes, this is where we start, in the Time After The Great Disaster, with Kamandi and Tuftan trying to outrun some Bat-Men, and the Great White Goneness (Crisis Energy, Take II), an aged Booster Gold trying to recruit him, then getting swallowed up by the Crisis Energy (™), and Kamandi and a Skeets bracer escaping into the Dimensional Void to continue Booster’s mission…

No, this isn’t a rehash of the Kamandi Challenge from a few years ago, this is the aftermath of Death Metal.

All the Time / Dimensional Lines are in flux, and they can either get repaired, or, if Dominus has his way, only his little pocket dimension will remain.

So, we have Kamandi and Skeets, Starfire (from 1983), John Henry Irons (Steel) (from 1993), Superboy (from the Legion Timeline), Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi (Dr. Light) (from 1987), Sinestro Korugar, the Green Lantern for Sector 1417, Booster Gold, Day 1 in Metropolis, and Batman, circa 1939 versus Dominus’ incarnation of the Linear Men… O.M.A.C, Liri Lee, Rayak the Ravager, Matthew Ryder, Ultra-Humanite, Knockout, Artemis, Eradicator, Major Force, and Nemesis Kid… A virtual Who’s Who of Evil throughout the DC Timelines!

The Goal? Survive, Win, Preserve the hard-fought victory brought by the sacrifice of Diana, or face Oblivion.

A very well written story, presented by some amazing artists, and showcasing others we will be seeing throughout the Future State event. Of some note, the gorgeous pages by Colleen Doran, the work of Kevin Nowlan, Rags Morales, Doug Braithwaite, John Romita JR, Dan Jurgens and Klaus Janson. Some of the pages… ehhh.

A neat tie in, a way to let readers new and old know there are things which need to be fixed, and there are plans underway to do so, and to once again highlight Rip Hunter’s Blackboard!

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Second Batter - Triple

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In the Three Hole…

Future State: Kara Zor-El Superwoman

Writer: Marguerite Bennett Artist: Marguerite Sauvage

‘I’ve come so far to learn that I can’t control what others think.

And that was another thing i learned from you, my good, grand Greatest Boy, KRYPTO the SUPERDOG.’

———————————————————————————————————

The title of this story comes from a quote attributed to Confucius,’Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves’, implying in the seeking of vengeance, one loses themselves, as well.

‘Dig Two Graves’ takes place in the far future, long after the prophesied battle between Clark and Jon Kent, when the son suppliants the father.

Kara has taken those who sought Safe Haven to the Moon, to the Fortress of Solitude there, where she expanded, and reinforced, and made it habitable for those looking to escape the violence.

And she forsook the violence, herself.

No longer to be called upon as the Protector of Kal-El, a title long gone and forgotten, she has chosen to practice the ideals which her cousin, his son, and she should have been practicing all along. Consideration, kindness, respect…

And then the idyllic peace is broken.

Marguerite Bennett gives us an extraordinarily beautiful story, one of insight, growth, beginnings and ends. This is a masterful piece, which tells a tale on many levels, which appeals to the most cynical among us (hand raised here), and the youngest, most hopeful at heart.

Paired with the writing is the beauty of Marguerite Sauvage’s artwork, both delicate in places and frenetic in others, telling the tale of the Gardener, the Hero, and the Rescuer. Beautifully rendered, the art carries the words as a tune carries lyric, bringing the Reader through the rises and lulls of the storyline in a beautifully orchestrated dance

Most notable of the story is the coloring, or seeming lack thereof For most of the story, with some exceptions, the most vibrantly colored character is Kara, with the Colonists and the Visitors appearing as pale in comparison ( for the most part, they are white, with pale highlights).

This story is one of the true highlights of the Future State lineup…

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

AAAnnnnnnddddddd, It’s outta Here!

HOME RUN

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And in the Clean-Up Spot…

Future State: Green Lantern #1-2

Writer: Geoffrey Thorne Artist: Tom Rainey

Writer: Ryan Cady Artist: Sam Basti

Writer: Ernie Altbacher Artist: Clayton Henry

Writer: Josie Campbell Artist: Andie Tong

Writer: Robert Venditti Artist: Dexter Soy

‘My name is Beelu Kenz. You won’t have heard of my world.Bit of a Hellscape really. Everything there kills you. The air, the animals, even the dirt.

My people not only live there, we THRIVE. We ADAPT.We’re not the bloody fighters Khundia makes but we’ve got one thing over you. Two things, really.

We’re the BEST Weaponeers in the Spiral Arm. No one can touch us.

My Planet’s called IMSK and when an Imskian wants something to die—-

—-IT SPROCKING DIES!’

———————————————————————————————————

Two issues, five stories, one central theme carried through both issues… the Oan Lantern of Power has died.

We have John Stewart leading a cadre of Lantern Warriors, in the defense of a planet, against the militant worshippers of the God in Red, a god they believe wants warriors to commit slaughter and carnage in his name.

Stewart and Company teach them three lessons.

The story is marvelous, bringing in some great old names (Salaak, G’NORT!), while weaving a tale of great intrigue and detail which keeps the reader enthralled to the last page.

Next, the Sinestro Corps, taking the Green Lantern Outpost stations, invade the Station in Sector 023, only to find it defended by Jessica Cruz.

Story number three, well, there had to be a Warrior’s Bar Story, didn’t there? Which, of course gives us Guy Gardner.

The fourth story, a team story, puts Keli Quintela, the Teen Lantern and Mogo, the Living Planet, on a mission to find Jo Mullein, the Lantern’s resident detective, in the hopes of finding out the secrets of Keli’s overpowered, obviously alien ‘Power Gauntlet’.

Finally, and obviously necessary, for what collection of stories about the Green Lantern Corps would be complete without it, we get the story of Hal Jordan, and his search for the Lanterns, and the Guardian’s Homeworld of Oa.

And who he finds when he arrives there…

Every story on point, every character well written, all converging toward, well, we don’t know yet. But we will.

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

The windup! The Pitch! The SWING! KRAAAAK! IT”S IN THE BLEACHERS!!

HOME RUN!

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Batting Fifth

Future State: Legion of Super Heroes #1-2

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Riley Rossmo

‘If I knew this was why you called me here, I would never have come! Not only should the Legion STAY DISBANDED —- The word should NEVER be spoken again!

T —- Tas —- GAKK! COFF!

***Listen, I stopped giving out Free Mood Stabilizers a long time ago*** But that wasn’t going the way you wanted!

_______________________________________________________________________

So, 31st Century, and the known galaxies are KA-Blooie!

RJ Brande is dead, the Legion has been disbanded, and BATTLE LINES have been drawn along loyalties…

Why, you ask?? How???

Well, it seems Post - Death Metal and the Restructuring, there was a traitor in the Legion.

Jan Arrah, Element Lad, has been branded with the label, a branding which carries to all his people.

The result of the treachery, the Planets of the Known Galaxies have been ruined, and left nearly uninhabitable.

Or, was it these people…

Brian Michael Bendis has given us a new future, one in the midst of upheaval, where the United Planets has been disbanded, the Legion is split along loyalties, and whether they want vengeance or redemption.

A well written, engaging story, wonderfully told through some different characters:

Chuck Taine, Bouncing Boy, taking the battle to the Khunds as they try to colonize the devastated worlds;

Imra Ardeen, Saturn Girl, trying to bring her beloved Legion back together to fight the real threat to the galaxy, and carrying a secret which is crushing her;

Luornu Durgo, once Triplicate Girl, now trying to find herself after one of her selves has been killed, and afraid to recombine because the pain of missing her is too great to deal with, and other characters we have come to know over the last year.

Where Bendis’ story is the blazing signal fire to light the way toward a stronger future in the DC Multiverse, Riley Rossmo’s Art is the Asbestos Blanket and Aircraft Fire Foam which induces all the cancers and kills it.

I’m sorry. There are times Riley Rossmo’s artwork really works for me. This chaotic styling is perfect within the framework of characters like Bizarro, Constantine, even the JLA, when there are magic or Lobo-like story elements involved. I especially liked his work on the Robin King, the frenetic, chaotic stylings appealed to my senses, made me giggle, and cringe at the same time.

Not here, though. Here, his work pulled me out of the story faster than if I had a tow hook jammed through my nether regions, and it was attached to a hiballin’ Peterbilt turbocharged tractor trailer.

This, Gentle Readers, was painful. It hurt my eyes, on a scale with the COVID News Conference from April 2020. I think I bled.

I might still be…

I know I cried, because no matter how good the story was, I could not enjoy it.

Out of 5 🌶🌶

OUT

Batting Sixth

Future State: Aquaman 1-2

Writer: Brandon Thomas, Artist: Daniel Sampere

‘Is she here?

Jackson?

AQUAMAN, IS SHE HERE?

AQUAWOMAN LIVES’

———————————————————————————————————

Oh GOD. OHGODOHGODOHGODOHGOD!!!

Have you ever heard that line, or an iteration of it? The Katz’s Deli scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’, maybe?

This book was the equivalent.

I know, it was an Aquaman Book.

How often has an Aquaman Book been Original, or Relevant?

There was Craig Hamilton’s Miniseries in 1985, that gave us the really neat camo Aquaman suit, then there was Flashpoint, and Throne of Atlantis, and the introduction of Kaldur’ahm, or Jackson Hyde, the son of Black Manta.

Now, we have Andy Curry, AquaWoman.

This is a time where less is more.

Brandon Thomas has given us a two issue story which I have gone back and read 4 times, because it is that good! David Sampere’s artwork is crazy beautiful, so gloriously detailed it leaves the eyes wanting more.

This is the AquaPerson Story I have been waiting for since the movie… No dumb oversized seahorses, no force waterballs… carnage, and dimension hopping insanity, this makes a fantastic story!

All I can say is, if there is one story you MUST Read, it is this!

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

And that ball is GOING, GOING, GONE! They’re gonna find that one out on Sheffield!

HOME RUN

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Seventh Batter

Future State: The Flash #1-2

Writer: Brandon Vietti Artist Dale Eaglesham

‘Focus on the Science.

Science reveals Answers.

Answers build Hope.’

———————————————————————————————————

NOOOOOOO!

After EVERY Time I picked up a Flash book over the last two years, and constantly getting assaulted with a NEVER-ENDING GODSFORSAKEN Redemption Arc story, what do i see here?

Barry Allen, in a REDEMPTION ARC STORYLINE!!!

The self-sacrificing hero of the Crisis, the overpowered, no the hero with the broken power structure, who turned Superman into an Anti-Life Zombie by VIBRATING THROUGH HIS ULTRA DENSE BODY, and leaving his fingers inside (uh, GROSS!!, but oh so cool!) now in a REDEMPTION ARC???

Nope! I’m done.

As Pretty as Dale Eaglesham’s artwork is (and it is pretty), This is a MAD Fail for me.

Out of 5🌶 🌶🌶 (if I split the grading this would have a 4.5 for the Artwork… the layouts are imaginative and well done, and the speed scenes are fantastic! This is how the Flash should be done, as artwork)

SIDE RETIRED.

As the sun starts to dip, and the street lights begin coming on, it’s time to call it a night.

At the end of the First Half of the Innings we have:

4 Home Runs

1 Triple ( a near miss, more for consistency of story and artwork… but points for Nemesis Kid and Major Force!)

1 Out (If I split it, it would have been a HR and a Side Retiring Art Fail)

And an Outright Side Retire

7 sets done, 15 more to do… We’ll start playing at Sunrise tomorrow, make a real day of it!

#dc comics #comics #batman #aquaman #wonder woman #superman #supergirl #ncbd #future state #dc future state

0 notes

readersimagine · 7 years ago

Text

The Days That’ll Never Come (1/7?)

Note: I thought of this a week ago while I was washing dishes. Hahaha this is my first time writing DC universe fanfic though I’ve been reading these for months now. I just wanted to share this thought to all. I got a help from my ever so loyal and amazing beautiful friend, who is also my beta reader. She helps me with my series most of the time. I hope you all enjoy it! I’m thinking of writing this with 7 parts??? We’ll see.

Y/N L/N - your first name and last name

S/N - your superhero name

A black Mercedes Benz car pulled over the new Grand Westward Hotel that recently opened a few months ago. Thousands of people crowded along the sidewalk behind the gold velvet ropes, in hopes to get a glance of the rich and the famous. The crowd was ecstatic and full of energy. People talked amongst themselves to guess who’s who were on the list. Some people even brought sharpies and papers just in case there’s a slight chance someone important comes there way and gives an autograph. Security kept a close eye of the crowd, standing by the ropes while wearing black suit and ties. Photographers stepped foot on the sides of the red carpet with their camera’s flash on, ready to take a shot of a publish-worthy picture. The driver opened the door, gasps and whispers ensued.

“Isn’t that Y/N L/N?”

“OMG, is that her?!”

The dazzling Y/N L/N placed one of her legs out and another off the car and came out. She stood beside her car as the valet took her car for parking. She revealed a gorgeous red dress that flowed down to her legs. Camera flashes immediately began to go off non-stop as soon as her car left. She turned towards the hotel and began walking towards the sidewalk and into the entrance door. She was bombarded by numerous questions but everything was muffled and toned down to her. She knew who she was. She was Y/N L/N. She knew all too well about her tragic history that the press didn’t need to remind her off. It didn’t matter to her that she wasn’t a socialite anymore. She was content of where she was now.

She strutted her way into the great big open doors of the place and was greeted by a man in tuxedo.

“Miss L/N, welcome to the Annual Tri-state Area Charity Ball. The party is to your right.” The man said

“Thank you.” Y/N said, flashing him a charming smile that melted him away.

She made her way to grand ballroom. The click of her heels followed suit and echoed through the hall. She heard soft jazz in background making her smile to herself as she walked in the room. It was indeed a high-end event when they have a live band playing jazz. She stood by the top of the grand staircase, having the best view of all the rich and the famous with their plastic and silicon coming all the way from New Jersey, New York, and Delaware to the city of Gotham. She laughed at how everyone was unrecognizable from their high school yearbooks due to their constructive surgeries. Some things never change in this society even though she was gone for years. Artificial beauty was still the norm.

She was once part of the glitz and the glamour but she left it all behind. Ever since the car accident that caused her parents’ lives, she decided to live with her aunt and uncle who raised her with all the love she deserves. Her inheritance including her shares were saved and managed by her uncle until a year ago, when she took over and started working. Now, she was back; ready to face the world with good morals on her hand and justice on the other.

She was glad that she was invited to the homelessness charity, But she knew too well it was because of her big name and the success story she might share. As much to her dismay, the accident still had its effects. But being here didn’t mean she had intentions of jumping into their band wagon again. She only came to provide for the people and nothing more.

The band switched songs into a slower song. The crowd gathered onto the dance floor, swaying their hips into the music. She started to descend the stairs as she looked ahead to the open bar.

“Perfect” she thought. She’ll need it to carry on for the rest of the night.

When she continued to look at that direction, her eyes lingered to see a handsome outline of a tall, strong build gentleman standing by the pillar. She caught his eyes and he gave her that genuine smile only reserved to her. She smiled back to him. She could recognize that face anywhere ever since she was a kid. She gracefully and excitedly walked towards him, crossing a parted sea of people.

And oh. Y/N’s breath was taken away when she saw his blue dazzling eyes that she always got lost into.

God! She felt nervous, a rising heart rate and cold sweats accompanied her in her walk. She stood in front of him. Y/N gazed at this man. Her first crush.

“Y/N L/N. It’s been too long.” He said with his deep smooth rich voice.

“It’s been a while, Bruce Wayne.” He took her hand and held it so gently as if it were made of porcelain. He brought it to his lips and gave her hand a feather-light gentle kiss. Her cheeks began to turn into a light shade of pink in response. She didn’t know it was possible for her heart to beat faster than earlier. However, her anxiety died down like the calm after the storm. This felt right just like before.

“I am so honoured that you graced me your presence tonight.” He teased and she laughed in response

“Bruce,” she playfully waved at hand at him, “Always such a tease.”

“It has been years since you’ve attended any socialite events. It’s good to see you again.” He smiled, just like how she remembered it when she was young.

“It has been a long time. I figured I would use this fame I have left for something good.” she said

“Following my footsteps, I see?” he said causing her to chuckle.

“Not a chance, heart breaker.” she retorted. Bruce placed his right hand over the left side of his chest.

“You wound me, Y/N.”

BAM! CLASH!

Bruce instantly wrapped his arms around Y/N and turned her away from the crowd. Y/N was too shocked to respond, safely cradled in Bruce’s arms. She looked up at Bruce, who was facing them away from the sound. Bruce looked at Y/N in the eyes and noticed how they were positioned. He slowly took his arms off Y/N. They both turned to look at the damage. The grand chandelier fell from the ceiling, nearly missing the people by the staircase. In an instant, the band stopped playing and was replaced by a deranged laugh. The two stiffened at the sound and became more guarded. It could only be one person. The Joker. Lo and behold, The Clown Prince of Gotham himself emerged amongst the band.

Bruce swiftly turned to look at Y/N with serious and concerned eyes. He held her hands and Y/N looked at him, concerned. She opened her mouth to say something but Bruce beat her to it.

“Get to safety, Y/N. Quickly. I need to take care of something.” He told her and took off to an employee exist near his right, not noticing Y/N slinking away into the shadows behind her.

It took a while for the Joker to say anything. He took off his disguise along with his comrades to reveal his clowned up face and his signature green hair wearing a white three-piece suit. His goons revealed their hideous scary looking clown masks, still suited in their band disguises.

“Well isn’t this quite a party.” He said, face contorted into his signature smile, showing the scars on his cheeks. His goons started to flock into the room. Weary guests started to run towards the exits but were faced with closed doors.

“Awww leaving so soon? The party's just getting started!” He exclaimed before he laughed.

High pitched shrieks, shouts of panic, and heavy footsteps filled the room soon after they realized they were all trapped inside with the Joker.

Suddenly, the glass windows shattered as a man in black entered the closed off grand room. He landed right in front of the Joker causing the grin on the Joker’s face to widen. The man in black straightened and towered over the clown.

“Well if it isn’t Batsy. You came just in time for the party.” The joker said to Batman, but only receiving a glare in return.

“Let these people go, Joker.” Batman demanded.

“Ohh. No can do, Batsy.” The Joker shook his head as he looked down. “Where would the fun be with that?” The Joker said as he looked up before he ordered his men to take the guests.

Batman took his stance and threw a smoke bomb at Joker’s goons. He maneuvered in the smoke easily as Joker’s goons blindly threw punches in the smoke-filled air. He grabbed one of the goons and punched him, knocking them out. He high kicked the one on his right causing them to fly off to a nearby table. One goon started running towards Batman and was about to attack him when he caught the goon’s hand and threw him on the ground. The smoke was clearing up, revealing a guest emptied grand ballroom. Only Batman, the Joker and his goons were left inside. Everyone turned their heads around to see the room.

“WHAT HAPPENED!?” the Joker shouted angrily as he continued to survey the room. Everyone stopped fighting. His eyes were opened in rage, wrinkles were evident on his face and his jaw clenched. Even though he had his classic white makeup on, he’s face fumed red. Batman looked around to find a mysterious woman with a full-on tech mask wearing a black mono-chrome skin-tight suit with armour. The Joker followed Batman’s gaze and spotted the said mysterious woman.

“YOU WEREN’T INVITED, S/N!!!!” The Joker shouted at the female vigilante. He shook in anger. Underneath her mask, she smirked at him.

“Well you guys weren’t really invited to this party either. I didn’t see your names on the list.” She stood on her spot. She stared at the Joker whose enraged. Batman immediately pressed a button on his utility belt sending a recorded transmission back to the Bat Cave.

“GET HER!” The Joker commanded his goons. The fight between the vigilantes and the goons began.

Meanwhile in the Bat Cave, Robin and Nightwing were on stand by. They knew too well that the Joker was on the loose but Bruce ordered them to stay in until he needed them.

“This sucks.” Dick impatiently said in his Nightwing uniform. He tossed his escrima sticks in the air like a twirling baton and he leaned by the railings of the bat cave near the computer.

“Be patient, Dick.” Tim replied while he was in his Robin uniform to his adoptive brother. He spun around using the chair in front of the bat computer, waiting for the signal.

Suddenly, a message popped up on the bat computer monitor. Nightwing sat up and grabbed his escrima sticks as they fell on his hands. He walked towards Robin who spun back into position and opened the message.

“Operation identity revelation in commence.” Batman said on the recorded message. Robin looked at Nightwing, who knowingly nodded at him. It was time.

In the grand ballroom of the Grand Westward Hotel, the goons split into two. One ran towards S/N and began to attack her while the others defended the Joker from Batman. S/N touched the right ear side of her helmet. She heard a chime sound in her helmet and then radio static was heard. She was connected to Batman’s radio transmitter.

“Testing? Batman can you hear me?” she asked. Batman listened carefully to her voice as he fought off Joker’s goons. Her voice was unrecognizable due to her voice distorter machine.

“Clearly.” He answered.

“I let the guests escape. I’ll take care of the goons.” She said as she landed a mean right hook to one of the goons attacking her.

“Noted.” He said when knocked out the last goon in his way. He spotted the Joker and ran after him. S/N continued fighting the rest of the goons, defeating each and everyone of them.

Batman and Joker continued their showdown on the grand staircase. Batman avoided the Joker’s attacks and kicked him off the stairs. The Joker groaned in pain as he hit the floor. Batman jumped after him and sedated him. He placed a high tech Arkham handcuffs. Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD entered the ballroom soon after S/N took out the last goon. The commissioner ordered his men to apprehend the Joker and his goons and approached the two vigilantes.

“Thank you, S/N and Batman, for defeating-” he started but was cut off by the sound of Batman’s grappling hook shooting into the distance.

“-the Joker.” He watched Batman flew into the night sky. His gaze fell on the female vigilante who saluted him before leaving as well. He just chuckled in response to the two as he shook his head.

The two vigilantes jumped from building to building in the Gotham City skyline. Batman led them away from the hotel. Not too far away from them, Nightwing followed behind them, watching S/N’s actions intently.

Batman landed at the top of an abandoned building by the river as S/N followed suit. He waited for S/N to land on the building’s roof before turning around to see the vigilante. Nightwing stayed close by hiding at the rooftop that was close to where Batman was.

“S/N.” he greeted.

“Batman.” She said.

“Thank you for the help tonight.” He said

“No problem. I was around and I thought you need a hand since I saw your little birdies weren’t around.” She said. He smirked at her response.

“They were busy.” He said. Nightwing and Robin were watching and listening to them throughout the entire night since the battle begun. S/N paced around the roof and looked around, finally setting her gaze at him.

“You know, I know they are listening.” She said with her hands behind her back and a smirk on her face.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked, cursing in his mind. He wanted to gather evidence about S/N as much as possible from tonight’s encounter with the Joker. He didn’t like the idea of not knowing anything about the newest member of the Justice League.

“I heard them through the transmitter that I connected into and I saw one of them earlier.” S/N walked closer to him.

“They need more practice, Bruce.” He flinched at the sound of his name.

‘How did you know who he is?’ he thought to himself.

Nightwing and Robin did the same. Robin continuous typed in the bat computer to restore the recorded voice of S/N in his program especially made to undistort voices. He was now working in on a whole new time limit. Beads of sweat started to show on his face that Alfred, the loyal butler of the Wayne’s, noticed on Robin’s face. Nightwing narrowed his eyes at S/N’s figure from afar using his binoculars.

“Got any info yet, Robin.” Nightwing asked through a separate transmitter between him and Robin. He kept a close eye on the two vigilantes that’s two buildings away from him.

“Not yet. She’s a professional. This wouldn’t be too easy.” Robin said as he focused on his task.

“Who is this Bruce you speak of?” Batman asked, hoping he can redirect this topic to S/N. Nightwing faced palmed as he listened to the two. Robin was too busy to react while Alfred stifled a laugh at such a serious moment. S/N chuckled. She noticed his sudden flinch and the way he muttered his own name.

“You too need to work on your lying skills, Wayne.” She said. Batman uncomfortably stood in front of S/N. His heart rate increased. The mission wasn’t going as planned but he kept his composure. Nightwing stood and got ready to back up Bruce if things get more worse.

“You know…” S/N voice lingered as she stared at Batman. “You could have asked me who I am.” She continued as she stood in front of him with her hand placed on her hip.

“Wouldn’t that be too easy, S/N.” he said sarcastically.

“No, honestly. You could just have asked.” She honestly said.

“Out of all those times you’ve helped me and the League, you are just telling me now that I could have known your secret identity if I asked?” he questioned, skeptical of the idea.

She laughed and shook her head. Batman changed his stance and put his guard up when S/N began to reach for her helmet. She clicked something on the bottom of her full-head mask to retract it, revealing her still-full-of-make-up face.

“Y/N?” Batman whispered, leaving his mouth slightly parted; shocked to see his childhood friend to be the mysterious S/N. He relaxed and let his guard down.

“Wha-what? How is this possible?” he asked, perplexed.

Nightwing, Robin, and Alfred listened and watched the whole revelation. What caught their eye wasn’t the eye-catching Y/N L/N but Bruce’s lack of words. Alfred smiled to himself as he watched the footage from the roof top play on the bat computer monitor. He hasn’t seen Miss L/N in years since she moved away after Bruce and Y/n’s years in high school, exactly fifteen years from now.

“Wasn’t she the woman Bruce was talking to in the charity ball?” Robin turned to look at Alfred who stood beside him, still looking at the marvelous Y/N.

“Yes, indeed Master Tim. She is Master Bruce’s dearest friend.” Alfred said as he continued to look at the monitor, emphasizing that the word ‘friend’ had a deeper meaning to it. Robin watched Alfred and turned to watch his adoptive father gaze at the woman whom he had known for so long.

“Does he always get awe struck whenever he sees her?” Robin bluntly asked only to receive a chuckle from Nightwing through the radio.

“Haven’t seen Bruce like this even with Selina nor Angela.” Nightwing said as he watched the two slowly walked towards each other on the roof top.

“Everything is possible, Bruce.” She said with a shy smile. She stopped walking to him when they are a meter apart.

“How didn’t I know it was you all this time?” He asked more to himself

“Like I said, I’m better at keeping secrets, Bruce. You could use more practice.” She retorted causing Bruce to chuckle. His gaze was soft as he looked at Y/N, his cold exterior melted and once returned to his younger self.

Everyone focused on the two dearest friends, unaware of the hooded figure on the other building watching as well.

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lalunaunita · 5 years ago

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The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7