You slowly opened your eyes to the dark room. How long have you been in bed? Seems like an eternity. You slowly sat up and looked around for a moment. Your wheel chair was in the corner of the room but you were alone.

Good.

You slowly moved so your feet were touching the ground. You slowly got up and held the wall for a moment to steady yourself. You were in pain, sure, but your city was being taken over by the worst of the worst. Your friends were fighting nonstop and the world thinks Batman was gone.

That wasn't the case.

You limped your way to the door and quietly opened it. Standing there, was Alfred.

Alfred: I suppose you'd want your suit ready?

You looked at him for a moment. You then hugged him as he smiled.

Alfred: Everything is ready downstairs. Now, go take back the city.

You smiled.

Y/N: You have my word.
---------
Jim Gordon held a private meeting with the District Attorney in his office at the GCPD headquarters. Matters have escalated beyond their control so they had to find their footing, and fast. Unfortunately, the tree they were barking up was the wrong one.

Attorney: Commissioner, are you really suggesting that the homicides down at the docks has something to with the arkham escapees?

Jim: Judging by the broken bones, the mud left behind, and the posion on Two Face's men, I'd say yes. I've been in this game long enough to know how to spot familiar work.

The attorney looked at the photos on the desk again. The murder that happened at the docks was horrific but they both knew that their attention should be on the recent accounts of Batman going on a murder spree.

Attorney: So this proves that Penguin was behind the recent breakout? That's a bit of a stretch.

Jim: I know it is. Damnit, I know. But we need something. And fast.

Attorney: Jim, I know that this is a hard time. Honestly, I think this is what happens when you start to rely on the Batman too much. What we're seeing now is a sign, Commissioner. And I don't like what it's saying.

Jim: And what's that?

Attorney: A sign that nee blood is in Gotham. Reports state that people have been seeing Black Mask around.

Jim raised a brow.

Jim: And why is that so odd?

Attorney: Because, as it turns out, Black Mask is dead. Ronan was found with 22 bullet holes in the outskirts of Gotham. They placed his death a month ago.

Jim's eyes grew wide. The Black Mask, was dead? He has been dead for a month? Jim looked down at the pack of cigarettes in his hand before he tossed them back on the desk.

Jim: Then who the hell is charge?

Attorney: I have no idea, Jim. But right now, you should have your men look into it. And until you can give me more than photos, we can't touch Cobblepot. I'm sorry. I'll show myself ou....

Then, as if someone had dropped the puzzle, everything came apart. The entire front of the station erupted into a ball of fire, and everyone in that ball was turned into nothing more than some ash and smoke. The blast sent the two men flying back as someone else kicked in the door. It was one of their men, but really it was just a criminal wearing his face.

Jane Doe: A message, from Two-Face. He'd like to extend the verbal olive branch.

She aimed the gun at the District Attorney and opened fire. The bullet flew right through his neck which killed him instantly.

Jim struggled to get up bit Jane spotted him.

Jane Doe: Don't worry, Honey. Two-Face really likes you.

She fired off four shots, all of which hit the bullet proof vest Jim was wearing.

Jane Doe: Next time, tough love becomes teflon love.

Outside, the entire city fell into chaos. Buildings all around were destroyed by explosions and fire as Firefly and Adam Bomb did their part. On top of Wayne Tower, Black Mask, whoever he was, basked in the destruction. This, this was paradise.
--------------
Tim: I owe you one, Catwoman.

Tim contoued to survey the cave while Selina hung back and checked her claws.

Catwoman: There's no need to be so formal, Tim. Besides, I kinda missed you brats.

Tim: Knock it off, Selina. You know I'm not Bruce or Dick.

Selina frown a bit as she reached her claws.

Catwoman: I know, hon. I'm just trying to break the tension. I know that Bruce has been missing for a while now. I would've been here faster if I didn't have some personal business to take care of first.

Tim looked back at the woman and sighed. Bruce had taken the leap of faith and told Selina who he was. After years of their cat and mouse game, they had fallen in love and he did like to have her around. When she was actually good, that is.

To an extent, she found out about everyone else. Like she had hinted at earlier, she had been MIA for a while now. Almost four years. Bruce kept in touch with her but everyone figured it was a thing between the two of them, so they never really asked.

Catwoman: So, what's the deal with the new cave? Not gonna lie, it's creepy. And I don't get creeper out that easily.

Tim: Then you should stay over there.

Catwoman: This is definitely some wackjob you called me to.

Tim raised a brow and turned to Catwoman.

Tim: You followed me here.

Catwoman: And good thing I did. Otherwise you'd be bat chow. Besides, word is that there's a crazed Batman running around. Figured I'd step in and help.

Tim: Thanks.

Catwoman: So just who is this sick puppy?

She suddenly got her answer when she was hit from behind with a powerful punch. Tim turned around at the noise while Selina flipped away. She finally landed next to him and the two looked at their attacker.

Batsignal: I'm the Batman who's bite is way worse than his bark.

Tim: Duke? Well, there goes diplomacy.

Tim sprung forward and punched Duke off the edge. Duke simply used his momentum to flip backwards and land on his feet.

Tim: Okay. That's new. Someone has definitely been teaching him. Regardless, your game ends tonight.

Batsignal: But the game just started, Timothy!

Tim leaped down but Duke flipped away. Tim followed as Duke led him on a chase.

Batsignal: Come on, Boy Wonder! Come take a look at my playground!

Duke finally came to a stop and caught Tim as he leaped down. Duke then slammed him to the ground before he landed a kick to Tim's chest.

Tim always had a good balance of brain and skill. He can definitely fight. The thing is, he's been brainwashed by Bruce. He was taught to have the same moral compass. He was taught to fight like Bruce and his army. Not like a true protector.

Duke was going to save the city and get rid of the scum that infected it. He wasn't going to fail like Bruce had done so many times before. When Duke first started this, he was foolish. He believed what Bruce told him because he thought it would help.

But then Duke met him. His true teacher. The one who got shit done.

Tim got up and the two contoued their battle while Selina looked around the cave. Finally, she spotted something odd on the computer. She hasn't really been a thief for a while, but she may just need to steal that.

Tim: Why don't you come out and play, Duke? Then I can tear that cowl off your big, deranged head.

Duke: Damn. When did Mr. Techwiz become such a ballsy little shit?

Tim looked around the dark corners of the cave to try and find any trace of Duke. He had gotten good at hiding. Too good. Whoever taught him was highly trained. Sure, Kate knew some things but not at this caliber.

Suddenly, Tim was sliced in the back by something sharp. Tim turned around but only spotted the wall.

Duke: It doesn't have to be like this, Tim. You can join us. Join the side that's actually going to make a difference.

Tim: Face me, you coward!

Another slice but on his arm.

Duke: Join us. You can be my Robin.

Tim: Join you? A bunch of murderers? Sure, why not?

Tim turned around just in time to see a fist flying at him. The punch broke his nose and sent him to the ground.

Duke: You think this is a joke? Do I look like a clown to you?

Duke grabbed Tim by the throat and began to beat on the young man. The more Duke hit him, the more torn Tim's costume got. The more blood spilled the floor. The more pain Tim felt.

Duke: Look at me! Do you see fear?! Do you see terror?! Is that me, or your own reflection?!

Duke lifted his hand up and slid a batarang into his hand. Tim couldn't react before Duke slammed the sharp edge into Tim's chest. Tim could feel the cold metal stab into his body. Duke simply sighed under his mask as he stood up.

Duke: You could've joined us. Now, you're just another obstacle standing in our way.

Duke began to walk away as Catwoman peered over the edge.

Duke: Let this serve as a warning. The Arkham Knights are here. And we mean business.

Once Duke was gone. Selina leaped down and found Tim. Her eyes grew wide as she helped him up.

Selina: Hang in there, kid. I got you.

She needed to get him help, and fast.
------------
Lois: So you're working with him? Like, together?

Katie: What? You writing a book or something?

Lois: Something.

Terry looked over at the two women before he turned back to Kara. Now that she was free from Melanie's control, she could help. That and Terry didn't have to worry about getting his head torn off.

Terry: Melanie will be on the move. She has money and a certain way to convince people to get her out of the city. Plus she has help. Apparently she got Ivy's serum through Jokar.

Kara: The guy who sent you here? Why is she working with him?

Terry: I'm still working on it.

Kara crossed her arms and frown.

Kara: Either way, I want a word or two with her. I'm sure we can agree on that.

Terry: Absolutely.

Kara: Luckily, I happen to know someone who can help.

Kara pulled out a leaf that Melanie had left on her. Terry smiled as he got the same idea as she did.
----------
Melanie laid on the elegant bed over at Metropolis Plaza. Her beautiful plants had already made themselves at home and were growing on the walls all over. She silently counted the money again without a care in the world. Or so she thought.

Terry: Put the money down.

Melanie sat up and turned to her right to see Terry standing in the shadows.

Terry: You're going back to Gotham.

Melanie: Like hell I...

Kara: I already called my friend, Maggie Sawyer. She arranged the Metropolis SCU to deliver you to the GCPD.

Melanie grabbed the suitcase and booked it for the door. Terry and Kara stayed where they were as Melanie reached the elevator.

Melanie: I don't know how you found me, but.....

You see, dear readers, there is one member of the superfamily that has been hinted at but not revealed. Said member of the family was floating in the air as the elevator opened to reveal him and Katie.

Melanie: A, dog?

Katie: Superdog.

Krypto: <Growl>

Katie: Hello, Melanie.

Katie then threw a powerful right hook that knocked Melanie out cold.

Katie: Goodbye, Melanie.

Kara kneeled down to pet Krypto as she looked down at the bleeding Melanie.

Kara: Was that really necessary?

Terry and Katie looked at each other before they turned back to Kara.

Terry/Katie: Yes.
---------
Katie tried to hold Krypto away from herself as the dog tried to lick her. Terry stood in the background with Kara as she finally had her say in the matter.

Kara: How did she know to pick Lois? Did you tell her...

Terry: There were three people in the building. Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and Lois. Catwoman picked Lois.

Kara: What if she died?

Terry: I had trust in you. I always do.

Kara and Terry looked at each other before they shook hands.

Kara: You know, I'm kinda glad you came around.

Terry: I wish this was more of a visit. I need to get back to Gotham now. Thank you for the help.

Kara: Of course. What are friends for?

Terry smiled before his com began to ring. Katie peeked over her shoulder curios.

Terry: Batgirl?

Barbara: Beyond, you need to get back to Gotham, now!

Terry and Katie looked at each other.

Terry: Why? What's going on?

Barbara: The entire city is up in flames. Everyone is being called. Tim is critically injured and we have four Batmen running around. We need you back here ASAP!

Terry nodded and looked over to Katie.

Terry: I'll be there soon. And I'm bringing backup.

Katie smiled while Kara frown. She wished she could help but she knew the rules. Gotham was off limits to the other heroes unless the Justice Leauge got involved. Besides, this was a family matter.

On the building across from where they were, a shadowy figure watched. And he smiled.