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BrokenPromiseName: Damian Wayne
Hero Name: Batman
Known Alias': Previously Robin
Age: Twenty-three
Powers:
Lacking any true powers beyond peak human conditioning, Damian Wayne is nevertheless a undeniably dangerous individual. His upbringing, from the moment he could walk has been in the pursuit of fashioning him as the Alexander the Great of the modern age. He has received training from the formidable League of Assassins in the ways of a warrior, and the stealth of an assassin. Top education from private tutors molded his mind to know numbers and theories, and studious effort under his father Bruce Wayne taught him all manner of detective work and gave him an eye for mystery and strategy. Both learned and natural talents are his powers, allowing Damian to excel in his line of work, and he knows it.
He learned well, throwing himself into the role which had been chosen for him by dint of birth. His mother always told him he was destined for greatness, his grandfather promised him the inheritance of the Demon’s head, and by rights the legacy of the Wayne family was his burden to bear; meaning he had much to live up too. Dedicated to making his family proud and emboldened by promises of greatness Damian forced himself to succeed where others would fail or surrender to vice. Thus, at an early age he knew mixed martial arts, swordplay, advanced arithmetic, and infiltration and evasion tactics on par with the average Shadow assassin. At nine he was given over to his father’s care, though their time together was short lived he learned his place at Batman’s side as Robin. Developing his initial understanding of detective skills. Under Dick Grayson’s guardianship Damian grew to be a better person, learning restraint and how to laugh, shedding some of the torturous burden laid upon him by his Grandfather and mother. With Grayson’s careful guidance he learned to plan his battles, when to attack, when to go all out and when to be reserved. A lesson he is still absorbing to this day on even after a decade to work on it.
Eventually Bruce Wayne returned to the living and retook his rightful place as Batman; Damian continued his education, enhancing his already poignant skills under his parent’s sharp eyes. Honing himself to be on par with the caped crusader, competing tooth and nail against his equally competent adopted brothers for Bruce’s attentions. Damian forced himself to outshine them all, there was no other option. He would honor his father, and earn the name owed to him, come hell or high water.
Equipment:
The Batman arsenal has been severely limited as of late. Following the fateful hours of Protocol Knightfall most of the Batcave, and other hideouts were destroyed, and their contents, weapons, and data erased from existence. The new Batman, Damian Wayne has been forced to scrounge for the few assets remaining, including his father’s utility belt, grapple guns, a few dozen batarangs, among other gadgets. His own hideout created following his separation from Bruce has given him a few mismatch pieces to fill out the vulnerabilities in his gear, such as his sword, smoke pellets, and various explosives, leaving him equipped in a mishmash of Robin and Batman gear. His personal motorcycle survived Protocol Knightfall, as well as a single wrist datapad, and a laptop Damian had on him containing some of Batman’s vast file collection. Attempting to rebuild is his top priority, and resecuring lost assets is a must, as criminals, government agents, and even other vigilantes pilfer Bruce Wayne’s vast network of supply caches and hideouts, hoping to find extravagant Batgear unguarded.
Appearance:
Given his life of near constant extreme physical activity Damian Wayne has a body to match. Tall and lean he has long ago shed the last of his boyishness for a strong jaw and angular features. In many ways he takes after his mother, though it is often a trick of the eye due to his youth and focus on agility. He lacks his father’s heavier build, and even in the bulky body armor of the Batsuit it is painfully clear that a different person has donned the cowl. Not that Damian makes any effort to pretend otherwise. Due to his slightly smaller stature while in uniform he is forced to wear an assortment of old Robin gear, alongside the traditional Batman garb. His boots and gloves are a conspicuous dark green, clashing against the drab grey and black of the body suit, which even still sits loosely over his shoulders. The utility belt is yellow, but instead of the bat symbol it possesses a golden R, though most of these oddities can be concealed beneath the heavy cape and cowl and a good shadow, not that Damian overly cares about his mismatch appearance. After all, he has got far more pressing matters to concern himself with.
Known Affiliations:
Damian had a short run with the Teen Titans during his starting days under Batman’s tutelage even leading them for a short period. Due to his obvious disdain for the other teenage heroes, he was eventually booted from the team by popular vote, and has never truly reclaimed their respect, not that he ever wanted it to begin with. Otherwise, the only other team Damian has been associated with was the small group of like-minded ex-sidekicks who called themselves the Lernaean Cohort, which Damian joined after his argument and separation from Bruce. Their eventual betrayal and attempt to subdue him forced Damian back to Gotham, and into hiding.
Canon or OC:
Canon, sorta. Batman, and Damian Wayne have been long established in Detective Comics, however I am hoping to take advantage of this scenario and bring the new Batman up against foes and situations normally not associated with DC. Although I will attempt to keep Damian more or less accurate to his comic origins, he will undoubtedly take on a unique persona under my less than amazing writing and characterization skills.
Story Overview:
Damian will start on the verge of disaster, and things really will not get much better for him. After his separation from Batman, which lasted four months, Damian joined the Lernaean Cohort, which he soon began to lead, taking a more personalized approach to fighting crime. He was hardly the first Robin to do so, after all Bruce’s handling of his sons has always been questionable at best. Unlike his siblings Damian is as hardheaded as Bruce himself, and their differences could not be easily repaired, thus he was at first unaware of what was happening during the opening stages of Protocol Knightfall. What transpired after is mostly unknown to the new Batman, but what Damian does know is this: Batman was in Moscow, investigating something big when the entire Bat clan and several of their associates’ identities were unveiled by investigative reporter Hans Zuthenlifer. Including Timothy Drake, Jason Todd, Richard Grayson, Luke Fox, Selina Kyle, Kate Kayne, Damian Wayne, and Bruce Wayne. The purge happened in the next twelve hours, almost before anyone could fully comprehend what happened. Assassinations, and disappearances of nearly all the exposed members. The worst part, the leak was reported to have come from none other than the Lernaean Cohort, Damian’s own team.
Before he died Batman managed to initiate Protocol Knightfall, destroying most of the assets and computer records that contained any information on other members of the Justice League, and the Bat Clan, while also detonating the Batcave before government agents or notorious villains could infiltrate Wayne manor. Meanwhile Damian confronted his team in their headquarters, demanding an explanation for this betrayal, and was met with a fight that nearly cost him his life and freedom. Robin only just managed to escape, hiding within Gotham struggling to piece together whatever remained of his father’s mission. Determined find out why this was happening Damian tracked Hans Zuthenlifer to a warehouse in downtown Gotham, but the “reporter” proved to be more of a challenge than Damian expected. In the end Hans perished, Damian’s sword thrust through his heart, as Gordon and his police moved in.
Now on the run from the law, from the remainder of the Bat clan, and from the League of Assassins Damian must use all his talents and skills and knowledge to avenge his father and clear his name. He never got the chance to reconcile with Bruce, a torture that set its roots deep in Damian’s mind, but he will persist. Alone if he has to, but he may learn that allies are necessary to wage a war, and friends are required to recover from grief, because no man is an island. Whether he discovers these truths or not he has to set things right, and if anyone could manage, it would be Damian Wayne!
Sample Post:
Post Links:
Hero Name: Batman
Known Alias': Previously Robin
Age: Twenty-three
Powers:
Lacking any true powers beyond peak human conditioning, Damian Wayne is nevertheless a undeniably dangerous individual. His upbringing, from the moment he could walk has been in the pursuit of fashioning him as the Alexander the Great of the modern age. He has received training from the formidable League of Assassins in the ways of a warrior, and the stealth of an assassin. Top education from private tutors molded his mind to know numbers and theories, and studious effort under his father Bruce Wayne taught him all manner of detective work and gave him an eye for mystery and strategy. Both learned and natural talents are his powers, allowing Damian to excel in his line of work, and he knows it.
He learned well, throwing himself into the role which had been chosen for him by dint of birth. His mother always told him he was destined for greatness, his grandfather promised him the inheritance of the Demon’s head, and by rights the legacy of the Wayne family was his burden to bear; meaning he had much to live up too. Dedicated to making his family proud and emboldened by promises of greatness Damian forced himself to succeed where others would fail or surrender to vice. Thus, at an early age he knew mixed martial arts, swordplay, advanced arithmetic, and infiltration and evasion tactics on par with the average Shadow assassin. At nine he was given over to his father’s care, though their time together was short lived he learned his place at Batman’s side as Robin. Developing his initial understanding of detective skills. Under Dick Grayson’s guardianship Damian grew to be a better person, learning restraint and how to laugh, shedding some of the torturous burden laid upon him by his Grandfather and mother. With Grayson’s careful guidance he learned to plan his battles, when to attack, when to go all out and when to be reserved. A lesson he is still absorbing to this day on even after a decade to work on it.
Eventually Bruce Wayne returned to the living and retook his rightful place as Batman; Damian continued his education, enhancing his already poignant skills under his parent’s sharp eyes. Honing himself to be on par with the caped crusader, competing tooth and nail against his equally competent adopted brothers for Bruce’s attentions. Damian forced himself to outshine them all, there was no other option. He would honor his father, and earn the name owed to him, come hell or high water.
Equipment:
The Batman arsenal has been severely limited as of late. Following the fateful hours of Protocol Knightfall most of the Batcave, and other hideouts were destroyed, and their contents, weapons, and data erased from existence. The new Batman, Damian Wayne has been forced to scrounge for the few assets remaining, including his father’s utility belt, grapple guns, a few dozen batarangs, among other gadgets. His own hideout created following his separation from Bruce has given him a few mismatch pieces to fill out the vulnerabilities in his gear, such as his sword, smoke pellets, and various explosives, leaving him equipped in a mishmash of Robin and Batman gear. His personal motorcycle survived Protocol Knightfall, as well as a single wrist datapad, and a laptop Damian had on him containing some of Batman’s vast file collection. Attempting to rebuild is his top priority, and resecuring lost assets is a must, as criminals, government agents, and even other vigilantes pilfer Bruce Wayne’s vast network of supply caches and hideouts, hoping to find extravagant Batgear unguarded.
Appearance:
Given his life of near constant extreme physical activity Damian Wayne has a body to match. Tall and lean he has long ago shed the last of his boyishness for a strong jaw and angular features. In many ways he takes after his mother, though it is often a trick of the eye due to his youth and focus on agility. He lacks his father’s heavier build, and even in the bulky body armor of the Batsuit it is painfully clear that a different person has donned the cowl. Not that Damian makes any effort to pretend otherwise. Due to his slightly smaller stature while in uniform he is forced to wear an assortment of old Robin gear, alongside the traditional Batman garb. His boots and gloves are a conspicuous dark green, clashing against the drab grey and black of the body suit, which even still sits loosely over his shoulders. The utility belt is yellow, but instead of the bat symbol it possesses a golden R, though most of these oddities can be concealed beneath the heavy cape and cowl and a good shadow, not that Damian overly cares about his mismatch appearance. After all, he has got far more pressing matters to concern himself with.
Known Affiliations:
Damian had a short run with the Teen Titans during his starting days under Batman’s tutelage even leading them for a short period. Due to his obvious disdain for the other teenage heroes, he was eventually booted from the team by popular vote, and has never truly reclaimed their respect, not that he ever wanted it to begin with. Otherwise, the only other team Damian has been associated with was the small group of like-minded ex-sidekicks who called themselves the Lernaean Cohort, which Damian joined after his argument and separation from Bruce. Their eventual betrayal and attempt to subdue him forced Damian back to Gotham, and into hiding.
It would seem the entire world has risen up against Damian. He has nowhere to turn, and no one to trust. His former guardian and elder brother Nightwing is out of commission in a coma. Bruce Wayne, and Talia Al Ghul his father and mother are dead. The League of Assassins is ruled by Slade Wilson, making them an enemy as well. Timothy Drake is missing, and what few friends or allies who might have sided with him have either disowned the outlaw hero, or actively hunt him down. His own team, the Lernaean Cohort have betrayed him, leaving him alone and unable to trust anyone. The few names of his old friends, if they can be called that is small, and ever shrinking. Only a few trustworthy people persist, though whether Damian dares approach them and risk everything to scrounge a few allies remains to be seen.
Barbra Grayson/Oracle: The daughter of Commissioner Gordon, Barbra is one of Batman’s longest allies, having stuck around to assist the caped crusader even after being paralyzed by Joker. She is also technically Damian's sister-in-law. She is one of the few members of the Bat Clan to not have been outed in the purge, her identity thankfully remaining concealed. She would prove a valuable ally, if Damian can convince her not to turn him in.
Johnathan Grayson: The acrobatic ten-year-old son of Dick and Barbra Grayson, this heir apparent is itching to seek vengeance for his father’s current state of malady. After the Bat Clan was outed the villains seeking revenge against Nightwing came in force, and it was only the undeniable courage and skill of Dick Grayson that kept the entire family alive. But Nightwing’s heroic sacrifice came a terrible cost, and the hero lies horrifically wounded, perhaps even mortally so at the hands of Deathstroke. John lives with his mother in witness protection, but the boy trains at every opportunity, eagerly awaiting his chance to avenge his fallen father, and take up the mantle of hero.
Jon Kent/Superman: The two might have been called friends once. The two sons of the Justice League’s leaders were brought together over several adventures, fighting crime as the dysfunctional, yet powerful duo. Although Damian will never admit his fondness for the boy in blue he might find a friend in Jon still. Though he rightfully fears interacting with Superman, lest he be taken into custody. Approaching Jon could be dangerous, an endeavor that must be handled with utmost care.
Barbra Grayson/Oracle: The daughter of Commissioner Gordon, Barbra is one of Batman’s longest allies, having stuck around to assist the caped crusader even after being paralyzed by Joker. She is also technically Damian's sister-in-law. She is one of the few members of the Bat Clan to not have been outed in the purge, her identity thankfully remaining concealed. She would prove a valuable ally, if Damian can convince her not to turn him in.
Johnathan Grayson: The acrobatic ten-year-old son of Dick and Barbra Grayson, this heir apparent is itching to seek vengeance for his father’s current state of malady. After the Bat Clan was outed the villains seeking revenge against Nightwing came in force, and it was only the undeniable courage and skill of Dick Grayson that kept the entire family alive. But Nightwing’s heroic sacrifice came a terrible cost, and the hero lies horrifically wounded, perhaps even mortally so at the hands of Deathstroke. John lives with his mother in witness protection, but the boy trains at every opportunity, eagerly awaiting his chance to avenge his fallen father, and take up the mantle of hero.
Jon Kent/Superman: The two might have been called friends once. The two sons of the Justice League’s leaders were brought together over several adventures, fighting crime as the dysfunctional, yet powerful duo. Although Damian will never admit his fondness for the boy in blue he might find a friend in Jon still. Though he rightfully fears interacting with Superman, lest he be taken into custody. Approaching Jon could be dangerous, an endeavor that must be handled with utmost care.
Enemies, Damian has not shortage of them. Old foes, new foes they surround him like a plague, seeking revenge against him and his father. The walls are closing in, and even the new Batman for all his skills cannot fight them all…
Slade Wilson/Deathstoke: After slaying Ra’s Al Ghul, and Talia, all Slade needed was to finish off the heir apparent to the throne of the League of Assassins. Those who might have been loyal to Damian are either dead or in hiding, having been foresworn by their prophesized leader. Now Slade commands the Shadows, and seeks to solidify his claim through any means necessary. Which means the new Batman is at the top of his long list of targets.
Commissioner James Gordon: For so long Gordon tolerated, and even aided the Batman in his crusade for justice. Often turning a blind eye to the Bat’s less palatable tactics and occasional brutality. However, there was always a line, and though Bruce Wayne never crossed it, his son did, on his first debut as Batman. Forced to choose between a lifelong alliance and the cold-blooded murder, Gordon stuck to his principles and ordered the arrest of Damian Wayne, a.k.a the Batman. All of the Gotham PD, and most of the country is on alert for the outlaw vigilante, and the hunt has only just begun.
The Lernaean Cohort: For a short time Damian led this rag-tag group of ex-sidekicks, favoring their no nonsense attitude in terms of crime fighting. The day of the purge however brought about their betrayal, and they nearly defeated and captured Damian unawares. Confused, and angry Damian beat a hasty retreat to Gotham, going to ground to avoid their relentless pursuit. What they want, or why they turned on his is still a mystery. Their members consist of Joy Evans/Surge, Nicholas Pryme/Jaeger, and Vladimir Ivanoksi/Crimson Star.
Jason Todd/Red Hood: The replacement, the prodigal son, and the only other member of the Bat clan who is accused of murder, except Damian is accused of, in Jason’s eyes, something far worse. Betrayal. Traitors go the ninth level of hell for a reason. It is no secret that Damian left his place as Robin on bad terms with Bruce, and Jason has never trusted the brat anyway, so all his suspicions were merely confirmed. Damian is the reason Dick is hurt, Tim is missing, and Bruce is dead. Well… There’s no Batman around to get on his case for using lead instead of rubber anymore, and the Demon’s brat is to blame!
The Batman’s Rogues Gallery: Their names and numbers are to numerous to list here, but every one of them know his name now and hold a grudge against his father, and many hold personal vendettas against Damian himself. The streets of Gotham have always been dangerous, but for a marked man like him, it might as well be suicide.
Hydra: “Hail Hydra.” The mysterious name, and final words of a dying German journalist, the man Damian is accused of murdering. Who are they, what do they want? If Damian wants to clear his name, he needs to find out and take them down. Though the young Bat might find he is biting off far more than he or any one person can chew, because you can’t just take the head off this serpent…
Slade Wilson/Deathstoke: After slaying Ra’s Al Ghul, and Talia, all Slade needed was to finish off the heir apparent to the throne of the League of Assassins. Those who might have been loyal to Damian are either dead or in hiding, having been foresworn by their prophesized leader. Now Slade commands the Shadows, and seeks to solidify his claim through any means necessary. Which means the new Batman is at the top of his long list of targets.
Commissioner James Gordon: For so long Gordon tolerated, and even aided the Batman in his crusade for justice. Often turning a blind eye to the Bat’s less palatable tactics and occasional brutality. However, there was always a line, and though Bruce Wayne never crossed it, his son did, on his first debut as Batman. Forced to choose between a lifelong alliance and the cold-blooded murder, Gordon stuck to his principles and ordered the arrest of Damian Wayne, a.k.a the Batman. All of the Gotham PD, and most of the country is on alert for the outlaw vigilante, and the hunt has only just begun.
The Lernaean Cohort: For a short time Damian led this rag-tag group of ex-sidekicks, favoring their no nonsense attitude in terms of crime fighting. The day of the purge however brought about their betrayal, and they nearly defeated and captured Damian unawares. Confused, and angry Damian beat a hasty retreat to Gotham, going to ground to avoid their relentless pursuit. What they want, or why they turned on his is still a mystery. Their members consist of Joy Evans/Surge, Nicholas Pryme/Jaeger, and Vladimir Ivanoksi/Crimson Star.
Jason Todd/Red Hood: The replacement, the prodigal son, and the only other member of the Bat clan who is accused of murder, except Damian is accused of, in Jason’s eyes, something far worse. Betrayal. Traitors go the ninth level of hell for a reason. It is no secret that Damian left his place as Robin on bad terms with Bruce, and Jason has never trusted the brat anyway, so all his suspicions were merely confirmed. Damian is the reason Dick is hurt, Tim is missing, and Bruce is dead. Well… There’s no Batman around to get on his case for using lead instead of rubber anymore, and the Demon’s brat is to blame!
The Batman’s Rogues Gallery: Their names and numbers are to numerous to list here, but every one of them know his name now and hold a grudge against his father, and many hold personal vendettas against Damian himself. The streets of Gotham have always been dangerous, but for a marked man like him, it might as well be suicide.
Hydra: “Hail Hydra.” The mysterious name, and final words of a dying German journalist, the man Damian is accused of murdering. Who are they, what do they want? If Damian wants to clear his name, he needs to find out and take them down. Though the young Bat might find he is biting off far more than he or any one person can chew, because you can’t just take the head off this serpent…
Canon or OC:
Canon, sorta. Batman, and Damian Wayne have been long established in Detective Comics, however I am hoping to take advantage of this scenario and bring the new Batman up against foes and situations normally not associated with DC. Although I will attempt to keep Damian more or less accurate to his comic origins, he will undoubtedly take on a unique persona under my less than amazing writing and characterization skills.
Story Overview:
Damian will start on the verge of disaster, and things really will not get much better for him. After his separation from Batman, which lasted four months, Damian joined the Lernaean Cohort, which he soon began to lead, taking a more personalized approach to fighting crime. He was hardly the first Robin to do so, after all Bruce’s handling of his sons has always been questionable at best. Unlike his siblings Damian is as hardheaded as Bruce himself, and their differences could not be easily repaired, thus he was at first unaware of what was happening during the opening stages of Protocol Knightfall. What transpired after is mostly unknown to the new Batman, but what Damian does know is this: Batman was in Moscow, investigating something big when the entire Bat clan and several of their associates’ identities were unveiled by investigative reporter Hans Zuthenlifer. Including Timothy Drake, Jason Todd, Richard Grayson, Luke Fox, Selina Kyle, Kate Kayne, Damian Wayne, and Bruce Wayne. The purge happened in the next twelve hours, almost before anyone could fully comprehend what happened. Assassinations, and disappearances of nearly all the exposed members. The worst part, the leak was reported to have come from none other than the Lernaean Cohort, Damian’s own team.
Before he died Batman managed to initiate Protocol Knightfall, destroying most of the assets and computer records that contained any information on other members of the Justice League, and the Bat Clan, while also detonating the Batcave before government agents or notorious villains could infiltrate Wayne manor. Meanwhile Damian confronted his team in their headquarters, demanding an explanation for this betrayal, and was met with a fight that nearly cost him his life and freedom. Robin only just managed to escape, hiding within Gotham struggling to piece together whatever remained of his father’s mission. Determined find out why this was happening Damian tracked Hans Zuthenlifer to a warehouse in downtown Gotham, but the “reporter” proved to be more of a challenge than Damian expected. In the end Hans perished, Damian’s sword thrust through his heart, as Gordon and his police moved in.
Now on the run from the law, from the remainder of the Bat clan, and from the League of Assassins Damian must use all his talents and skills and knowledge to avenge his father and clear his name. He never got the chance to reconcile with Bruce, a torture that set its roots deep in Damian’s mind, but he will persist. Alone if he has to, but he may learn that allies are necessary to wage a war, and friends are required to recover from grief, because no man is an island. Whether he discovers these truths or not he has to set things right, and if anyone could manage, it would be Damian Wayne!
Sample Post:
Tracking the German, child’s play.
Distant sirens grew ever closer, their eerie wailing cutting through the spring rain that drenched hunter and prey alike to the bone. Evening shadows lengthened as the pursuit continued, the German gasping for air in his attempt to elude the persistent shade, that stalked across Gotham’s rooftops. Slipping from alley to gutter, creeping like the ever-growing sense of fear that clung to everything. The fear of the unknown. The fear of death and despair. The German ran faster, his legs pumping in adrenaline fueled desperation. He tore at his jacket, flinging the clogging fabric into a waterlogged drain, his white undershirt clinging to his pale flesh. His wide eyes displaying the panic that kept him going, far longer than he normally could have managed. The tiniest buzz filled his ears, the sound of blades cutting air. The German threw himself forward, painful scrapes spreading blood on the wet concrete from the force of his dive, even as a small red shuriken buried itself into the ground, passing mere inches over his blonde head. The keen edge glimmered in the dim light of streetlamps, almost beautiful, yet terrifyingly so. What metal could slice through stone so easily, lodging itself into asphalt as if it were soft wood. And the arm to have thrown it? The German whimpered, scrambling to his feet he shot onwards dodging and ducking at random intervals incase the stalker attempted another throw.
Almost there, nearly free. The German sprinted the final stretch, panting like a dog he pushed open an unsecured door of an abandoned ACME warehouse disappearing within its black recesses leaving a tiny smear of blood upon the door. Outside a cowled figured dropped from above, landing lighter than a cat upon the rain-soaked pavement. Batman paused in his pursuit, examining the projectile he had thrown a moment before. Green gloved fingers pulled the thrown blade free of its stone sheath fitting it back amongst the others. The average person did not simply dodge his shuriken, the cowled man mused. A maneuver like that would take practice, training that one did not expect from the average journalist. Concerning, perhaps, but he had faced far greater foes, he need not fear an unarmed man who had good ears, and quick reflexes. Besides, even if the greatest warrior alive waited behind that door Damian would still enter. The blood of his father, the blood of his brothers and kin were on that man’s hands. Batman wrapped his fingers around his sword’s hilt, drawing forth the blade in one fluid motion. Blood must be paid in blood.
Grayson would have said to wait, to approach from an unexpected angle, to garner the advantage of surprise eve if not needed. Drake would be methodical, cutting the building’s lights, stalking his prey until he made a mistake. Bruce would have gone through the window, throwing down a covering layer of smoke on the chance his foe had hidden a gun, or weapon and was attempting an ambush on his own turf. Damian did none of these things. He stepped inside, sword hanging loosely in his grip. Outside the police sirens grew louder, and destiny drew ever nearer.
“Hello, Damian Wayne.” A slight German accent hung to the man’s words, otherwise his English remained perfect.
“Hans Zuthenlifer.” The silence stretched between them, and Hans did not move. He stood idly amidst a small circle of light in the middle of the warehouse empty floor, all signs of panic and exhaustion were gone. Replaced by an air of satisfaction, of a man who had done his job, and done it well. He seemed to be waiting for something, listening for the right moment.
Batman strode closer until he stood as well in the light, the tip of his sword scraping along the stone beside him, leaving a tiny scar upon its surface. What would he do? Damian did not even know himself, all he could think about was that smug look on the German’s face. The way he seemed so satisfied in himself. “You killed them, don’t try to deny it.”
“I have committed no crimes. Cut no throats, enacted no plots or otherwise.” Hans rebutted, infuriatingly collected. He approached Batman unconcerned by the naked blade, his blue eyes piercing through the cowl and straight into Damian’s soul. “I told only the truth, the truth that needed telling.”
“Who betrayed our secret?” Damian raged, quick as a snake he flicked his sword out, pressing the edge against Hans’ throat, hard enough to produce a pinprick of blood. He had honed it for hours, listening to the reports on the news again and again. Gone, missing, dead. So many of his family, the only ones who remained, who had ever tolerated his presence, people who would never come back. The German did not resist, looking down at the gloved hand that clutched his shirt, pulling him closer towards certain death. The older man clucked his tongue in disdain, like a wearied parent once again correcting a wayward child.
“Do you not recall? You did of course? Or at least, that is what they will think. After all, every mission has its contingencies. If one should fail, another will simply take its place.”
Beneath the cowl Damian’s eyes widened, then narrowed. Pulling the blade away he struck Hans across the face with the hilt, sending the older man to the ground in a splatter of blood. “Lies!” Damian kicked the cringing fool, once, twice, and again until his grunts of pain turned into wheezing coughs. “I have never met or spoken to you before in my life. How could I have been the traitor? Are you an idiot or do you just enjoy the pain?” He rolled the moaning German over until he lay on his back, blood running from his crack lips and broken nose. “Tell me the truth, or I swear to God I’ll kill you. Who. Betrayed. Us?”
A chilling laugh erupted from the beaten man. He reached out and grasped the hanging blade, his bare hand tightening around the battle-scarred edge until his palm ran red. “You are not your father, are you Damian? Not nearly as quick. Did you not hear me? For I have already told you the only answer that matters, you did the deed. You will come to learn that results matter far more than accuracy. Now we have wasted our time enough. The hour is upon us, and they have arrived.” Faster than Batman would have thought possible the German kicked out, striking the cowled vigilante at the knee. Fluid and swift he delivered a series of complicated blows sending the younger man sprawling, taken off guard by the ferocity and skill the German possessed. Batman floundered for only a second, rolling away from the punishment and springing to his feet. The German stilled held his sword by the blade, clutching the weapon before him in both hands, and wild light in his bright eyes. Hurtling forward Batman reached for the hilt, ready to wrench his weapon back, but the German made no attempt to resist him. He smiled as the force of Batman’s lunge slid the slender steel between his ribs and into his heart. Perfectly preformed, and executed to the precise detail, even still the pain could not be ignored. He gasped, his body quivering as his heart struggled to continue even as vital arteries bled internally. The surprise on Batman’s face told it all, Hans smiled.
“They failed in their mission, but I do not fail in mine.” He rasped, as the darkness closed around him. The warehouse door burst open, men in black and blue uniforms spilling through the doorway firearms at the ready. Their shouts and commands fell upon deaf ears. Batman stared down at Hans, horrified, or merely shocked Hans could not say. His senses were dulling he realized, he was dying. Leaning forward Hans whispered into Damian’s ear his final words. “Hail Hydra.”
He died… Batman slid his sword free of the dead man’s chest, a sickening squelch echoing throughout the quiet of the warehouse, even the policemen were silent. Blood pooled at the vigilante’s feet, its sweet scent filling his lungs. The pounding of his heart beat a steady tattoo in his ears, a tune which only Damian could hear. “Murderer, murderer, murderer!” No! Damian clenched his hands into fists, it was an accident. I did not betray father’s memory, it could not be helped, nothing could be done. Hans had practically committed suicide. Only the burning question remained. How could the German have known so much?
“Drop the sword Batman!” The sharp order cut Batman off from his internal debate. James Gordon, the old greybeard commissioner fixed his sights upon the black cowl. A damn shame, he had practically watched this boy grow up, catching glimpses of him getting stronger and smarter by the day. Every time he would drop from the shadows at Batman’s side, upon the stationhouse roof. James had always taken special care to double check Batman’s young partners, to ensure their health and wellbeing. His own personal beliefs against the practice aside Robin had always been a boon to Batman, and a credit to the city. Bitter regret filled James Gordon to his core. He had tried his best to protect Batman and his proteges for so long, only to fail here in Batman’s final hours. When everything was falling apart. “Why’d you have to do it son? Is this what your father would have wanted?” The secret was out, everyone who even halfway glanced at the news knew. “Damian Wayne, you are under arrest for murder in the first degree. You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, drop the sword and come quietly… I promise we’ll figure something out.”
“No.” The sword clattered to the ground, at Batman’s feet, and a few of the policemen twitched. If Batman could be driven to kill, he would be a dangerous man to bring in alive. “I made a mistake, I facilitated this, I should have followed Batm- my father’s wishes and not used a sword.” Damian stared down at his hands; the gloves stained red by Hans’ blood. “But I did not murder him, I have not yet been driven to do such a thing. However he is responsible for Bruce Wayne’s death, and Drake’s, and Grayson’s and he intended it. He deserved to die, whether at my hand or the law’s, but I did not take his life.”
A flutter of hope Gordon realized, his grey mustache twitching in approval. “You have evidence?”
“I need time.” Batman promised, his eyes darting across the room. Ten rifles were trained on him, and nearly that many pistols. Far too many to fight, and if they opened fire even he could not throw down smoke cover in time. The armor plating in his vest might catch a few, but his head, arms, and legs were vulnerable. He just needed the slightest distraction; his green eyes scanned his surroundings before fixating on the old fire suppression pipes overhead. An alarm activated system. He spotted the lever nearby and began moving, careful in concealing his purpose, every step shadowed by nearly two dozen ready barrels.
Letting out a frustrated sigh Gordon lowered his pistol, the old Colt forty felt heavier in his aging hands than it ever had before. “You know I can’t accept that, even in your unique circumstance. I understand why you did it son, but no one is above the law. Not even Batman. Now stop where you are and make this easy on all of us. Let our processes determine your innocence or guilt, and for Hans likewise.”
Batman froze, his chin thrust forward in his trademarked sneer, as his hand rose gradually into the air in feigned surrender. “When has the law ever applied to me or my father? How much have we done for this ungrateful city? His quest to rid it of crime was lofty, but he has saved countless lives. I saved countless lives and we did it around the law. Around you.”
“Don’t make me do it.” Gordon warned, the tightness in his voice like an old dog’s growl ready to spring into one last fight.
“Well, I have work to do, and if you won’t get onboard and help, I’ll continue to do it around the law, and around you. Stay out of my way Gordon.” His piece said Batman smashed through the thin glass protecting the lever and activated the fire suppression. The majority of the policemen flinched at the first drops of cold water blinded them for the briefest of moments. A volley of smoke pellets were already in air bursting all around the disoriented officers. Unfazed Gordon sighted and fired, the bullet striking squarely in the center of the Dark Knight’s chest as he disappeared into the cloud. Gone before the casing hit the floor.
Distant sirens grew ever closer, their eerie wailing cutting through the spring rain that drenched hunter and prey alike to the bone. Evening shadows lengthened as the pursuit continued, the German gasping for air in his attempt to elude the persistent shade, that stalked across Gotham’s rooftops. Slipping from alley to gutter, creeping like the ever-growing sense of fear that clung to everything. The fear of the unknown. The fear of death and despair. The German ran faster, his legs pumping in adrenaline fueled desperation. He tore at his jacket, flinging the clogging fabric into a waterlogged drain, his white undershirt clinging to his pale flesh. His wide eyes displaying the panic that kept him going, far longer than he normally could have managed. The tiniest buzz filled his ears, the sound of blades cutting air. The German threw himself forward, painful scrapes spreading blood on the wet concrete from the force of his dive, even as a small red shuriken buried itself into the ground, passing mere inches over his blonde head. The keen edge glimmered in the dim light of streetlamps, almost beautiful, yet terrifyingly so. What metal could slice through stone so easily, lodging itself into asphalt as if it were soft wood. And the arm to have thrown it? The German whimpered, scrambling to his feet he shot onwards dodging and ducking at random intervals incase the stalker attempted another throw.
Almost there, nearly free. The German sprinted the final stretch, panting like a dog he pushed open an unsecured door of an abandoned ACME warehouse disappearing within its black recesses leaving a tiny smear of blood upon the door. Outside a cowled figured dropped from above, landing lighter than a cat upon the rain-soaked pavement. Batman paused in his pursuit, examining the projectile he had thrown a moment before. Green gloved fingers pulled the thrown blade free of its stone sheath fitting it back amongst the others. The average person did not simply dodge his shuriken, the cowled man mused. A maneuver like that would take practice, training that one did not expect from the average journalist. Concerning, perhaps, but he had faced far greater foes, he need not fear an unarmed man who had good ears, and quick reflexes. Besides, even if the greatest warrior alive waited behind that door Damian would still enter. The blood of his father, the blood of his brothers and kin were on that man’s hands. Batman wrapped his fingers around his sword’s hilt, drawing forth the blade in one fluid motion. Blood must be paid in blood.
Grayson would have said to wait, to approach from an unexpected angle, to garner the advantage of surprise eve if not needed. Drake would be methodical, cutting the building’s lights, stalking his prey until he made a mistake. Bruce would have gone through the window, throwing down a covering layer of smoke on the chance his foe had hidden a gun, or weapon and was attempting an ambush on his own turf. Damian did none of these things. He stepped inside, sword hanging loosely in his grip. Outside the police sirens grew louder, and destiny drew ever nearer.
“Hello, Damian Wayne.” A slight German accent hung to the man’s words, otherwise his English remained perfect.
“Hans Zuthenlifer.” The silence stretched between them, and Hans did not move. He stood idly amidst a small circle of light in the middle of the warehouse empty floor, all signs of panic and exhaustion were gone. Replaced by an air of satisfaction, of a man who had done his job, and done it well. He seemed to be waiting for something, listening for the right moment.
Batman strode closer until he stood as well in the light, the tip of his sword scraping along the stone beside him, leaving a tiny scar upon its surface. What would he do? Damian did not even know himself, all he could think about was that smug look on the German’s face. The way he seemed so satisfied in himself. “You killed them, don’t try to deny it.”
“I have committed no crimes. Cut no throats, enacted no plots or otherwise.” Hans rebutted, infuriatingly collected. He approached Batman unconcerned by the naked blade, his blue eyes piercing through the cowl and straight into Damian’s soul. “I told only the truth, the truth that needed telling.”
“Who betrayed our secret?” Damian raged, quick as a snake he flicked his sword out, pressing the edge against Hans’ throat, hard enough to produce a pinprick of blood. He had honed it for hours, listening to the reports on the news again and again. Gone, missing, dead. So many of his family, the only ones who remained, who had ever tolerated his presence, people who would never come back. The German did not resist, looking down at the gloved hand that clutched his shirt, pulling him closer towards certain death. The older man clucked his tongue in disdain, like a wearied parent once again correcting a wayward child.
“Do you not recall? You did of course? Or at least, that is what they will think. After all, every mission has its contingencies. If one should fail, another will simply take its place.”
Beneath the cowl Damian’s eyes widened, then narrowed. Pulling the blade away he struck Hans across the face with the hilt, sending the older man to the ground in a splatter of blood. “Lies!” Damian kicked the cringing fool, once, twice, and again until his grunts of pain turned into wheezing coughs. “I have never met or spoken to you before in my life. How could I have been the traitor? Are you an idiot or do you just enjoy the pain?” He rolled the moaning German over until he lay on his back, blood running from his crack lips and broken nose. “Tell me the truth, or I swear to God I’ll kill you. Who. Betrayed. Us?”
A chilling laugh erupted from the beaten man. He reached out and grasped the hanging blade, his bare hand tightening around the battle-scarred edge until his palm ran red. “You are not your father, are you Damian? Not nearly as quick. Did you not hear me? For I have already told you the only answer that matters, you did the deed. You will come to learn that results matter far more than accuracy. Now we have wasted our time enough. The hour is upon us, and they have arrived.” Faster than Batman would have thought possible the German kicked out, striking the cowled vigilante at the knee. Fluid and swift he delivered a series of complicated blows sending the younger man sprawling, taken off guard by the ferocity and skill the German possessed. Batman floundered for only a second, rolling away from the punishment and springing to his feet. The German stilled held his sword by the blade, clutching the weapon before him in both hands, and wild light in his bright eyes. Hurtling forward Batman reached for the hilt, ready to wrench his weapon back, but the German made no attempt to resist him. He smiled as the force of Batman’s lunge slid the slender steel between his ribs and into his heart. Perfectly preformed, and executed to the precise detail, even still the pain could not be ignored. He gasped, his body quivering as his heart struggled to continue even as vital arteries bled internally. The surprise on Batman’s face told it all, Hans smiled.
“They failed in their mission, but I do not fail in mine.” He rasped, as the darkness closed around him. The warehouse door burst open, men in black and blue uniforms spilling through the doorway firearms at the ready. Their shouts and commands fell upon deaf ears. Batman stared down at Hans, horrified, or merely shocked Hans could not say. His senses were dulling he realized, he was dying. Leaning forward Hans whispered into Damian’s ear his final words. “Hail Hydra.”
He died… Batman slid his sword free of the dead man’s chest, a sickening squelch echoing throughout the quiet of the warehouse, even the policemen were silent. Blood pooled at the vigilante’s feet, its sweet scent filling his lungs. The pounding of his heart beat a steady tattoo in his ears, a tune which only Damian could hear. “Murderer, murderer, murderer!” No! Damian clenched his hands into fists, it was an accident. I did not betray father’s memory, it could not be helped, nothing could be done. Hans had practically committed suicide. Only the burning question remained. How could the German have known so much?
“Drop the sword Batman!” The sharp order cut Batman off from his internal debate. James Gordon, the old greybeard commissioner fixed his sights upon the black cowl. A damn shame, he had practically watched this boy grow up, catching glimpses of him getting stronger and smarter by the day. Every time he would drop from the shadows at Batman’s side, upon the stationhouse roof. James had always taken special care to double check Batman’s young partners, to ensure their health and wellbeing. His own personal beliefs against the practice aside Robin had always been a boon to Batman, and a credit to the city. Bitter regret filled James Gordon to his core. He had tried his best to protect Batman and his proteges for so long, only to fail here in Batman’s final hours. When everything was falling apart. “Why’d you have to do it son? Is this what your father would have wanted?” The secret was out, everyone who even halfway glanced at the news knew. “Damian Wayne, you are under arrest for murder in the first degree. You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, drop the sword and come quietly… I promise we’ll figure something out.”
“No.” The sword clattered to the ground, at Batman’s feet, and a few of the policemen twitched. If Batman could be driven to kill, he would be a dangerous man to bring in alive. “I made a mistake, I facilitated this, I should have followed Batm- my father’s wishes and not used a sword.” Damian stared down at his hands; the gloves stained red by Hans’ blood. “But I did not murder him, I have not yet been driven to do such a thing. However he is responsible for Bruce Wayne’s death, and Drake’s, and Grayson’s and he intended it. He deserved to die, whether at my hand or the law’s, but I did not take his life.”
A flutter of hope Gordon realized, his grey mustache twitching in approval. “You have evidence?”
“I need time.” Batman promised, his eyes darting across the room. Ten rifles were trained on him, and nearly that many pistols. Far too many to fight, and if they opened fire even he could not throw down smoke cover in time. The armor plating in his vest might catch a few, but his head, arms, and legs were vulnerable. He just needed the slightest distraction; his green eyes scanned his surroundings before fixating on the old fire suppression pipes overhead. An alarm activated system. He spotted the lever nearby and began moving, careful in concealing his purpose, every step shadowed by nearly two dozen ready barrels.
Letting out a frustrated sigh Gordon lowered his pistol, the old Colt forty felt heavier in his aging hands than it ever had before. “You know I can’t accept that, even in your unique circumstance. I understand why you did it son, but no one is above the law. Not even Batman. Now stop where you are and make this easy on all of us. Let our processes determine your innocence or guilt, and for Hans likewise.”
Batman froze, his chin thrust forward in his trademarked sneer, as his hand rose gradually into the air in feigned surrender. “When has the law ever applied to me or my father? How much have we done for this ungrateful city? His quest to rid it of crime was lofty, but he has saved countless lives. I saved countless lives and we did it around the law. Around you.”
“Don’t make me do it.” Gordon warned, the tightness in his voice like an old dog’s growl ready to spring into one last fight.
“Well, I have work to do, and if you won’t get onboard and help, I’ll continue to do it around the law, and around you. Stay out of my way Gordon.” His piece said Batman smashed through the thin glass protecting the lever and activated the fire suppression. The majority of the policemen flinched at the first drops of cold water blinded them for the briefest of moments. A volley of smoke pellets were already in air bursting all around the disoriented officers. Unfazed Gordon sighted and fired, the bullet striking squarely in the center of the Dark Knight’s chest as he disappeared into the cloud. Gone before the casing hit the floor.
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