Batman: War of the worlds

Author notes : A What if? Scenario. Batman is a 25 years old millennial. Taking the liberty, this fanfiction is an attempt to re-invent the Legend of Batman. Story starts from the Second year of his adventure, where his name alone strikes terror in mind of petty crooks, criminals and psychopaths. His adventures in Gotham leads him to a new challenge, a new threat emerges to humanity, an apocalypse. Batman is now up against new Gods. The very Idea of Man standing against God is what triggered me to write this story. A #Wonderbat story where Batman joins the Justice league, meets the woman of his dream and fights the Gods from other dimensions. This story will follow the journey of Bruce Wayne from Gotham to New Genesis. As a first time Author, I am trying to write this fiction as epic, science fiction filled with action, romance and drama. Please note, I am not a native English speaker. English is only my third language. I felt some struggle in wordings and sentence forming. I am slowly getting there, so Initial part of the fiction might be too flat to read. Let's see how it goes… and Thanks.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 1

Welcome to the league

"Batman has once again turned down the offer from Justice league. The Masked vigilante of Gotham city has Ghosted this time The Martian Manhunter, the Meta division head and one of the founder members of Justice league…." read 75 Inch LED inside the Bar at Gotham Downtown Hall. Opposite to the bar, the themed Casino Hall is packed with millionaires and gamblers in their expensive suits and glossy gowns with glasses of Gin & tonic, playing keen on standard craps tables. The last four are in a game, the short-haired lady in Jewel neck black thick satin short cocktail dress mocked,"Is it just me or this new Bat-guy is just another masked freak". Though she looks spectacular, the young guy standing opposite to her in black Kiton tuxedo has his eyes and ears on the game. The old Austrian throws his dice, it bounces and stops as 7. It puts a cheeky grin on the young guy's face. The lady pitched her question again intended,"I asked you Mr..." and the young guy looked her sharp and replied in a base manly voice "Bruce Wayne" followed by a brighter smile. The lady received with a silly smirk "I know ." Like, who doesn't know 'The prince of Gotham' a notorious billionaire, playboy and philanthropist. This renowned capitalist and industrialist, recently overthrew his father's successors and few board members to take over as CEO of Wayne Enterprise on the mark of his 25th Birthday. The News has been hot for some time. The old peers have sued him for Billion dollars. As she thought she asked "I wonder why bother so much for 1500 dollars, the whole casino is yours if you want it". Bruce subtly enjoying her remark without showing it, countered back looking straight in her green eyes "…..thrill". The Shooter passes the dice to Bruce, he picks two, holds them tight in his palm and adds,"I love to play this game called luck or duck"and he rolls. The dice bounces and each one stops at a feat distance showing 6 and 5. The Pass line wins and Don't pass line losses. The shooter and dealers start re-arranges the board. Others started to move with discontented reactions.

The lady waits for him to notice, as he faces her, she utters silkily "Oops!" with pouty lips and mocks him savagely "I can buy you a drink" displaying a kittenish charm. Bruce smiled easily, he stepped off and walked towards her buttoning his coat. She offered her hand, Bruce bends his tall figure to grab her hand. A woody fragrance laced with jasmine and magnolia oil smelt sweet as he softly kissed her hand. Bruce buzzed her with his blue eyes "Are you on Tinder Ms.?" She likes his forward approach "Selina Kyle" and adds "No. Dating apps don't work that way" teasing him with her full smile. Bruce covered his embarrassment with a wide grin again and she directed her other hand towards the bar. Same time Bruce got incoming from his micro ear receiver. Alfred at the other end "You are doing good, master Bruce. We have time". Bruce joins her as they walk past the Burgundy atmosphere of the casino to a cozy-lighted elite bar. On their way Alfred updates him "The Pods are stationed in the basement. Stealth mode is initiated. Sir, check if you are able to control the traffic from your smartphone, once you get to the terrace."

Reaching the bar, Bruce orders "Five star" his regular and turns towards Selina "and for you Ms." Selina asked the bartender to make it two. They both seated in the comfort of a bar cushion stool as the LED telecast the recent adventure of the Justice league in India. Superman and Flash have saved the Indian Foreign Minister Nath from attempted terror by Intergang. The Cape Crusader jumped before the missile launched towards the congressmen. Flash traced and captured the other members of the gang who seeked shelter in thick bengal forest. The News pressed that "this Incident has confirmed the spread of Intergang across Asia and Europe - an organized crime group with powerful weapons who can seriously challenge the world's most powerful nations." Selina turned towards Bruce, who literally ignored the News running and found himself busy with his smartphone. She eyed his attention by leaning forward as his eyes fell unintentionally on her cleavage. Bruce put his phone back, briefed "Sorry, I was checking stocks" smiling sheepishly. Selina uttered "oh!", knowing that she won back his full attention. The Bartender placed their drinks and Bruce stopped to tell him "bring down the volume, please" pointing at the LED. He irked "This is supposed to be a private bar, not a city announcement hall". Selina bid as the bartender left "You are clearly not a fan of the league, aren't you?". Bruce nodded his head with a goofy reaction taking his drink "Only if you join them, you will look great in those tight spandex" and winked. Selina chuckled as she took the drink.

With a coy smile playing on her lips "It is unusual for a young handsome businessman like you to be in a casino" and "Are you in hunt, ?". Bruce, not showing the tensity, questioned her with his eyes mimicking what she meant. Selina whispered "Chick hunt Mr. Wayne, as they say..are you in hunt today?". Bruce outfoxes her "Well, any guess who is lucky today?" in a deep flirty tone. Trying hard not to blush, Selina raises her glass "Cheers". That small playful movement gave her enough space to cross legs, flashing them to Bruce. Bruce didn't shy away to take a look. He checked her in swift tracing from her black stiletto heels to her endless legs through the slit of her sundress. Smiling back at her face confidently, he raises his glass in return. Selina arched her eyebrow after taking the first sip from the expensive drink. She licked her lips, relishing the taste with "hmmm" sound and expression. Bruce enjoyed that look on her face. Selina, opening up more "So, what do you do for fun Mr. Bruce?". Bruce covers up "Anything that is fun" taking the second sip, thinking of a better answer "Sports, Adventure. Adventure sports!" he declared. Selina leaned back as she was interested to know more "What kind of adventures?" relaxing her shoulders relishing another sip of drink. Bruce trying not to stare at her exposed neck "Bumper ride...Cave Diving..Scuba". As he said one by one, Selina leaned forward, making it hard for Bruce, as her breast heaved forward. She said huskily "You must be very strong ". Her exposed legs touched his. A brief silence followed that, Bruce felt too close to her face, the feminine smell filled his nostrils. Selina broke the silence "You…" but Bruce got diverted to the incoming in his receiver.

Alfred Interrupted again, "Sorry sir, the satellite shows the radiation spiked to a hazardous level. They are in move. I am calling you at 5". As planned, Bruce receives the call, pretends to listen for 5 seconds and replies "I will be there soon" in a gripping tone. He turns towards Selina "I am sorry, miss Kyle. I'll be leaving" tossed some dollars on the Bar table and left. Selina left hanging wonders what just happened. Bruce gets to the elevator and smiles at the lift-man telling ''16, Thank you". The elevator ascended. Alfred at the other end informed him "I activated the Bat for you. The Radiation is stalled in one place. Maybe they are waiting for someone to join." Bruce checks his smartwatch and Alfred updates the scenario further "8 more floors from your room to the terrace, the fire stairs are clear. The targets are confirmed to halt at lobby 17 in Ducard Building. Setting the Lakeview point as ground zero and the Ducard building will be at 45 degree." Bruce gets down at floor 16, gets to his room. He opens the back window and steps out, walking along the narrow roof, he reaches the fire stairs. He taps on his watch and commands "Voice activation". The watch glows midnight blue and interface changes with response "Activated". Bruce "Initiate the Geo-surveillance". Alfred agreed "Right to you, sir". A small drone shaped as Bat showed up in the sky, Bruce commands "Alfred feed me the visuals". Bruce takes out his smartphone and places it in front of his smartwatch tethering each other. The Phone feeds the visual of the drone's coverage and with the small ministration on the screen, the drone aviates imitating the movements of bats. The Bat identifies the Ducard Building, scans it from outside and warns of hazardous radiation. Bruce flies The Bat close to the 17th floor, activating X-ray vision. Bat can see 5 men waiting with the bag. Threat level is low. But, that bag is identified as the source of radiation. Bat's vision zooms in to further analysis, spots the radioactive elements enclosed in a long cylindrical capsule and there are multiples of them. Reading the feed, Bruce reports Alfred "Package located". Alfred pleased "Did you find who they are doing business with Sir?". Bruce directs the Bat to the service elevator which is still crossing the 5th floor, X-ray vision shows 6 armed men and 8 feat Muscular man in the middle. The middle figure has a mask on his face and the wires from the mask stretch back to his spine transferring liquid back and forth. Threat level is fatal. Bruce identifies "Bane!".

Bane is highly devious and a superb strategist and tactician. Bane requires a specialized tank to help control the amount of Venom which he injects into his body. Using this Venom, Bane enhances his physical abilities, including his strength and healing process, to meta-human levels. Alfred Spooked as he heard the name 'Bane'. Alfred under irritation "What that steroid manic has to do with expelled scientists from Luthor corps.?". Bruce commands his watch "Suit-up" and he replies to Alfred "Somebody means business by hiring Bane". He walked towards the Edge of the terrace, the watch glows midnight-blue. Bruce shreds his kiton suit, the Bat costume he wore inside is still in the activation process. The Midnight blue laser passed on the edges of his Exo-suit. The Bat flew back to him, on it's way making some modification and finally reaching the helmet like structure. By the time Bruce is armed in a Bat-suit till his neck, the Bat reaches him as his helmet. He connects the helmet and completes his nano powered Exo-suit. The Watch signals him "Bat-suit complete". Standing over the edge, he stretches his arms wide and jumps down. The Jet-wing pops up under the side of his arms as he descends free fall and a propeller forms in the heels. He swift upwards against the wind, activated the booster and launched him towards Ducard Building.

Bane's elevator reached the 17th floor of Ducard Building, an unused warehouse. The Elevator opens with the 'ding' sound. Bane came out with a monstrous growl "Lex Luthor says-Hello" and the armed Gang opened fire on the Scientists. In a fraction of second, 4 Scientists were on the floor dipped in their own blood. Bane steps out of the elevator and gets shot in the skull. But his metal helmet guards him. The Gang shoots the last scientist who has the shotgun, hitting his arm, as he quickly jumps, escaping behind the cargo pile. The Gang rushes behind but Bane stops them from further chasing and says, "He wants to fight me, Let him." and walks alone inside. The Cargo dump stretches till the end of the room. Bane follows the blood dripped on the floor, stops at where it ends. He shoves his arm inside a box pile, pulls the last Scientist outside by choking his neck. Bane holds him in his eye-level and feeds on the fear he sees "Gentlemen, it was nice doing business with you" and breaks his neck with a tight last Scientist falls on the floor lifeless. The Gang checks the bag of the scientists. They confirm 6 medic bags are full of capsules which are filled with the Yellow liquid metal. The main guy of the Gang commands Bane "Let's go, we got it". Bane, mocking at his authority tone, points him to the elevator button which is now broken from outside. Bane enjoys the paradoxical look on the main guy and savagely greets "Welcome to Gotham!". The Gang forms a circle around the bags and loads their guns ready. Bane exclaims in the air "Come out, don't be shy". The main guy queried "Is he already here, now?". Bane loads his specialized gun and fires on the roof and replies "A Course! He is" A deep hole is formed in the roof by the advanced bullet. Bane growls again,"You like it? brought it for you".

A canister falls in the middle of the circle. The Gang turns to the sound, the main guy warns "It is a lachrymator, cover yourself." Green Gas expels from the canister, The Gang stepped back covering their nose. Batman comes by swing, takes one biggest guy in the Gang out by landing on his chest and grabs him away. The gang opens fire in panic. All they saw was a Black creature grasping the biggest guy in their gang like an eagle. Bane advises the main guy "You can't leave with that, without taking him down". The main guy orders his Gang "Divide and scout, Kill him on sight" The Gang splits and spreads around the warehouse. The main guy takes out the tiger claws from his pocket and plugs it in his knuckle. Two of them reached the side end and splitted in opposite directions with their guns. The guy on the right feels a presence in the middle, he runs and shoots in that direction. The Gun is so powerful, it tears open even the thick aluminium foils and hard wooden boxes are shattered into pieces. He holds fire and examines the pile for any moment. Nothing, except some rats feeding on cardboard. Relaxed and he turns back to see a Black figure, Batman grabs his gun and blocks his face. Hearing one of them scream, the second guy rushes and finds his colleague on the floor beaten to pulp. He starts to shoot anything at his sight. Batman jumped from the side and grabbed his hips and threw him at the wall. The Guy bounced back from the impact and Batman pushed his gun away, firing at the wall making sound as it directed others. Batman choked his neck and bashed his back head repeatedly as hard as he could in the cement wall at fast motion. The Guy bleeds and slips to the floor. The main guy saw his apprentice from the rest of his Gang fired around in madness. He instructs him to hold the fire. Bane is used to these theatrics. Bane in the front of the warehouse thought to himself at least he can take two or three bags out as everyone else seems to be occupied. He can wait with the bags, he knows Batman will come for the capsules - after all he is here for that.

The Apprentice and the main guy skimmed in the dark area of the warehouse. The Main guy exclaimed in the dark "I know you, I've heard about. We know you are just a man underneath. A Man like me". He can only hear water droplets in return. The Main guy continued, "Allow me introduce myself". His Voice echoed. Bane lifted 4 bags in his shoulder and breaks the door to the staircase. Batman hearing that sound came from the hideout and followed Bane. Just before the door, a deadly kick landed on his face and he was thrown several feats away from the Exit door. Batman picks himself up and looks at the 2 Gang members. One seems fit and strong, the skinny one is already shaking his leg in fear. The Apprentice loaded his gun in hypertension. The Main guy stops him and says, "I will take care of him. You help Bane carry the remaining bags to the terrace". The Apprentice gave an estranged look and picked up the remaining 2 bags. The Main guy blocked the way to the staircase by standing in front of it, as the apprentice walked past him and reached the door to the staircase. Batman launched himself in fury at the door but the main guy manoeuvred his combat skill by moving a sideway blocking Batman to move further by pulling his torso and used his tiger claw to cut his Exo-suit. The metal suit is pierced open and three claws cut the inner stomach to bleed. The main guy introduces himself to the bleeding Batman "I am Bronze Tiger" with a bow. Batman jumps back to his feat, locks his fist and throws himself on Bronze tiger. Bronze Tiger predicted his move and blocked it in ease. Both of them blocked each other's move but the fight favoured Bronze tiger, as Batman's cape got stuck in his claws, he rolled his fist around it and threw him away. Batman's head banged again on the floor, as Bronze Tiger says "I don't need those fancy guns to kill you". Batman got back in his feat, knuckled and cut his cape hanging behind. They again threw themselves on combat, Batman this time allowed Bronze Tiger to attack, taking the advantage Bronze Tiger moved closer to Batman who is just blocking Bronze tiger's punches from the side, making him open up a little. Batman finding the gap, broke his defence, punched Bronze Tiger right in his torso, without giving him any break to react, he punched back to back with unbelievable speed. It weakened Bronze Tiger's core, Batman blew one deadly punch in the neck with his knuckle and knocked him out with a heavy kick to his jaw. Bronze Tiger spits out blood as he falls to the floor. Batman's mechanical voice answered him savagely "You should have used those guns" and he rushed to the terrace.

Bane and the apprentice waved at the open sky. The Chopper to escort was near them looking for the signal. Batman charges Bane at full speed, driving his shoulders through Bane's ribs. This action carries Bane several feet from the floor and drops him hard by his head. The Apprentice opens fire on Batman, for which he jumped and hid behind bane. The bullet strikes the bane on his back and retracts the incoming chopper away. The Apprentice moves to find a better position to take a shot but Batman reacts quickly by throwing a Batarang to his gun, thus disabling it. Bane catches Batman from behind, locks him, picks him in the air and starts to crush him using his muscle power. Batman struggled to release his arms from the lock and dashed his elbow hard on Bane's bald head. This agitated Bane as he squashed Batman more intensely. Batman dashed both elbows hard back to back on the same spot of his skull. Bane disrupted by this, lifts Batman over his head, to break him into two pieces. This allowed Batman to release his legs, he locked them tightly over Bane's neck and held one arm behind the masked head and used the other to punch hard and break his mask. Bane screamed in pain. Batman slipped away from his grip and looked back to see Bronze Tiger dashing with his tiger claw. Bronze Tiger swinged one blow on Batman's face in full force. Batman flies and drops to the floor, his head starts to ring. Batman is bleeding underneath and his mask vision is broken, it starts to glitch. Batman commands "Disable Bat-vision". The lens stopped to glitch, as he saw both Bane and Bronze tiger tag- teamed.

Batman can also hear the chopper sound nearing again. He slowly gets back on his legs. Bane pumps venom into his system and Bronze tiger poses an attacking posture. The Apprentice safeguarding the bags remains unmoved in terror. Batman takes a Batarang and flips it behind him, striking the approaching chopper and messing with its navigation. Shocked to see the chopper going down, Bane and Bronze tiger jumped onto Batman. He leaped backwards escaping their initial attack but got blown away by their next. Bronze Tiger rolled on his back and punched his tiger claw in Batman's lower stomach. Even in that pain, he managed to bend, when Bane swinged his arm. He blocked Bronze tiger with his knee, climbed his shoulder with the other. He kicked the invading Bane on his face with his shoes activating the spikes mode. Bane got marks on his face and raised his head to look at Batman throwing Bronze Tiger at his face. Bronze Tiger bumped into Bane's face. Bronze tiger who got least hit, gets up to be chucked again by Batman, this time by knee on the jaw, way more powerful than before. Bronze tiger rendered unconscious as his molar flew out from his mouth. The Apprentice looked at the scene with his jaw wide open. Exhaust Bane pumps his venom and launches him furiously at Batman. Batman rolled to his back, using his legs he pushed away the Bane over his head. Bane bangs the floor with his head. Batman cuts the wire from his poison tanks with Batarang, before he gets up. Recovered Bronze Tiger covers Batman's way in the front. Mad Bane covers his way in the back. They badly want to end this game. They screamed and ran towards him at full speed. Batman crossed his arms, textures in the glove spiked out, moving to the side of Bane, he received Bane's body by his gloves. The spiky thing flattens on the surface and air-locked the exposed area. Using this Batman lifts Bane from his position, so high in the air and like a rainbow he moved him over his head and throws the heavy Bane on Bronze Tiger at the other end. The collision was powerful, the whole building shook from the impact. He throws the canister towards them on the floor, which expelled the green gas. Knowing that will take care of them, he turns to the Apprentice.

Batman shoots the grappling gun that traps the apprentice's leg and drags it towards him. He hung the apprentice upside down and growled in his mechanical voice "Who hired you and Bane?" The Apprentice paralysed with fear cries "Let me go." Batman losing the grip "I won't ask again, don't get your brain splashed for nothing. What is that thing in the bag? Who you guys are working for?". The Apprentice nervously laughed "Brain? You said Brain ? our superior anatomy doesn't need a fluffy organ like brain to function. What am I a filthy human like you? I am an Elite in Apokolips. I answer only Gods" He turns and reveals his true self to Batman. Horrified by his appearance Batman loses his grip unintentionally again. The Thing cuts the wire midway, falling freely in the air, a dark hollow portal opens in front of it. It falls into it and Batman watches in bewilderment as the portal fades in the air.

On the outskirts of Gotham city, Wayne Manor shines in the morning sun rays. Wayne Manor is a hot real estate with a proper blend of modernist architecture, built upon new and innovative technologies, particularly with use of glass, steel and reinforced concrete. Behind this vista there is the old Manor which is a veritable fortress, a pastiche of Gothic architecture combined with features of castellated architecture. Solar panels are installed in the Manor, providing environmentally-friendly electricity generation for the complex. It also includes a heliport for commercial helicopters. Wayne Manor's grounds include a surrounding gate around the perimeter with a larger automatic front gate at the main entrance. The grounds also include a large hill and there is also an underground river system as the backside of the manor is a huge lake stretching far towards the Eastern Mountain range. Some renewal works are going on the heritage building which carries the Wayne lineage where Bruce buried his parents. Bruce has accumulated 24 exotic vehicles that are specially customized to fit both of his characters, including a Mercedes McLaren SLR and 300SL Gullwing, a Porsche Carrera GT, an Alfa 8C Competizione Spider, a Ferrari 612 and 430 Scuderia, a Nissan GTR, an Eighties Aston V8 Vantage 6.3, a 1929 Blower Bentley, Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and a Bugatti Veyron, a Porsche 997 GT3 RS, a 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi", a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia, the last Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 off the line and a Lamborghini Reventón Roadster with other huge and popular auto names. His new vista consists of six floors and the ground floor is dedicated to parking these cars only with a private service centre attached.

The Exterior of the old manor was essentially designed around views of trees in the front yard and on the back terrace. A 50 years old little figure emerges out from the old manor. Alfred with the breakfast tray in his hand is walking towards the Vista where Bruce sleeps. He hears "tweet" sound coming from the ground. He places the Breakfast tray in the Vista's door, and walks towards the direction he hears chirp. He finds Baby American Goldfinch flapping it's injured wings. He looks around and identifies the tree. Before one of their hunter dogs finds and harms it, Alfred decides to put it back on nest. He takes the beautiful small flesh of the baby bird and climbs the White Oak trees's vertical fork. He reaches the area where branches meet. He puts back the injured bird in its cup shaped nest. He looks at the 3 more baby birds warm in the nest and decides not to let the dogs roam around this side of the manor.

Alfred waits for Bruce's bedroom door to open, as it slides he walks in to find the Monarch Vi-Spring bed empty. Alfred looks around for Bruce. Bruce likes to keep his bedroom minimal. It gives him the view of the lake and mountain through the glass wall. Bedroom extends to a small grass covered portico, with two pearl white elegant Sunbath loungers. Apart from the bed, he has one pier designed lamp attached to wall falls facing his bed. A Bonsai tree, 11.1 speaker system with 55-inch curved smart tv. A yellow cushion lounge with leg-rester is the only furniture in the room followed by Areca Palm, some books and a Turkish Glass Water Jug. White is the most dominant colour contradicting his other nature. Alfred leaves the room to find Bruce in his next prominent place. He takes the tray and walks to the outdoor storage shed. He looks around casually before entering the shed. He enters and locks it from inside. Tapped his watch, the basement of the shed descends as an elevator. It stops in the basement. As Alfred steps out he sees computers in the Batcave are already running. The prototype for the new utility belt is rendering in a 3D printer. The Batpods and Tumblers stands are open. The Bat is updating the new patch software. The Grappling gun is fixed with new wire. All the suits are aligned in the Airlocked chamber. Alfred hears Bruce's presence in the training area. He walks past the crime lab, specialized laboratories, mechanized workshops, a vast library and medical bay to reach Bruce's personalized gym. The Batcave is located directly underneath Wayne Manor. Bruce used the space maximum. His Personalized gym and training area are the most private spot in the cave where Bruce likes to spend time alone without Alfred.

Alfred finds Bruce running at a sprint. His Shirtless body showed the cuts he got from Bronze Tiger last night over his 8 pack abs and broad shoulder. Alfred placed the tray over the table and checked the mini-monitor, which shows Bruce is running continuously for 2 hours at the varied speed. His eyes fell on the Exo-suit he wore yesterday. Bruce sprints towards Alfred and stops at the tray to pick the Beet juice glass. Alfred pointed to the cut in Exo-suit queries " Good morning Sir, was it dogs again?" Bruce in-between the drinks nodded no and replied "Tiger, this time". Alfred "Tiger?" puzzled, Bruce elaborated "No. A man with tiger claws. His combat skills are as good as mine." saying taps his watch, a video feeds on the mini-screen before. Bronze Tiger fighting aggressively in the warehouse. Bruce pauses when his claws set is prominent on the screen, he informs Alfred "his claws set is made with the same metal as their guns and bullets. Strong and penetrates anything in contact." Watching him fight lethal, Alfred remembers "Where are the packages, Sir?" Bruce dumping the almonds "Outside the city. Their radiations are too high to have it here. Those Scientists had tumour cells in their body. It must be lab-made but they are not compatible with anything else in our world". Alfred "So, a new weapon sir?" with deep thinking Bruce replies "I don't know". Bruce walks to the boxing bag, puts on the glove and calls "Alfred, do me favour". Alfred puts the mini-screen down and looks at him. Bruce punching the cement bag "Fetch me an appointment at the Daily planet in Metropolis, will you?". Alfred's vacant look turns to a delightful smile as he agrees "With pleasure, master Bruce".

"Welcome back!" The crowd continues to cheer with enhanced fake claps and laughter. "In today's Episode of Yours Truly we are having Mr. Bruce Wayne with us" excited Lois Lane waved her hands towards Bruce who was sitting on the opposite sofa. Bruce pretended to receive all the applause from the live crowd, 30 minutes into the show, he is already bored. "Let's continue this, you always seem to be in the spotlight, Bruce. But it is very rare for you to be on a Television set, So tell us how it feels to be here tonight with us in Daily planet studio?". Bruce smiling fake "Excited! to be honest. My Pops used to read 'The Daily Planet', the newspaper as it was, until recently. He used to read me those comic sections like Richie Rich, Zorro... like the first thing in the morning. Like us Waynes, I think Daily Planet too has a very healthy and sacred lineage. When Perry called and told me about the show. I asked him who is the host? He said 'Lois lane!'. I was like the famous crime scene reporter Lois Lane? The Pulitzer prize winner Lois lane? What? She is back and doing a talk show now? Come on you gotta be kidding me….and he told me 'come and watch for yourself'. So, here I am." finished with forced laughter and his arms wide open. Enhanced crowd cheers and claps. Lois heartfelt by his answer and the crowd's reaction to it. She started doing this talk show recently. Like everyone, she initially believed she can't do this casual late night talk show. But it worked for her. Her long collaboration with 'The Daily Planet' newspaper, helped the audience to identify her as the face of this new Television channel. Lois still writes in the Editor column every Wednesday under "Planet Today" infiltrating her views on everyday happenings ranging from the hike in crude oil to the impact of Global warming in Sri Lanka. Getting her cue to ask the question Lois replies "Thank you Bruce, that was so sweet of you." and changing her tone to more plastic she asked "We talked about your upbringings, your education and your bold decisions to step in as CEO at this young age, now let's talk about something more serious, in fact the most crucial thing, every American household depends on this million dollar question." Bruce looked dump, the suspense hit him for real. A Picture of him in La Pelosa pops on the big screen with his ex-flame and Supermodel Florence Ridley.

Crowd screamed hysterically. Bruce pretends to blush a little. Lois with a comical tone "You and Florence together?". Enhanced fake cheers and laughter. Bruce taking his time thought about Florence, his long itch. After a month, she dumped him all of a sudden. Nothing went wrong in between them. Florence couldn't help but identified herself as a Queer, like two weeks before her 19th birthday. Bruce got mad, to be true, a little heart-broken. His ego ignored her like she didn't exist after that. Getting back to the show, Bruce's honour and decency limited him to disclose her sexuality and the consequences followed in nationwide television. It has to come from her, he thought. He simply replied "No." Disappointed Crowd booed. He straightly replied "It didn't work out between us. We both were busy with our own stuff. I mean, I have a company to run. I think the odds of two people sticking together - taken that they are from two different fields or interests, it is likely very low. We had a great time together. We are still friends and I only wish the best for her." Crowd cheered again in a positive notion, followed by the enhanced fake claps and laughter. Lois waiting for the cue "Well, that's so beautiful, isn't it?" Crowd claps and whistles. Lois changing the cards in her hand "Let's talk about the other side of you? A side that not many of us are familiar with? A very secret side?" Bruce acted like he hooked to her words, nodding, as she built-up. He has no clue. Lois reads her card "Wayne Enterprise has donated half a billion dollars worth of Ballistics and Surveillance intelligence to Justice league's watchtower. Wayne's foundation has funded 75 millions dollars in cash for Africa's Child's Care and Education. 50 Million dollars in 'End hunger' NGO movement. 16 Dollars in AIDS and POLIO vaccine, another 10 million dollars in 'Mission Clean Water' at Indian peninsula. Also, very recently you have signed a deal with the Bill and Melinda foundation along with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to provide free computers and cheap access to the internet in all developing nations across the world. That's a big deal. No one is blind to the information now." Enhanced fake Claps and cheers. Lois in a comforting tone "Tell us what all this philanthropic work means to you?" Bruce sounding humble and serious "I don't consider this a service to humanity or something. We are just giving back. We have a separate division for CSR in Wayne enterprise from my Grandfather's time. Science and technology fascinates me, the idea of unlimited access to information for everyone excites me. So, it is something I just wanted to do. Regarding the Justice league, Yes, they have become a crucial part. Our peace and security are in their hands. I agree. But, I really think the real heroes are not those in the cape. The Real heroes are the School teachers in Kenya, Congo. Doctors and health workers in Indonesia, China. Fire fighters, Biochemists, Cops, Farmers and Tax-payers. Small people who make big changes. Those who change the world for the better. Those who sacrifice the very little they have to serve humanity. Some don't need power to be a Superhero".

The Interview is soon over. Crowd is being pulled away from the studio, some tried to shake hands and take selfies with Bruce. Bruce and Lois are still on their seats. Lights are turned off, mics are removed. Floor is about to be cleaned. The Executive producers wanted one more shot of Bruce alone for the promo. So, they are waiting for the crowd to go and touch up a little makeup to roll again. Bruce looked at Lois and asked,"so, it is a boy ahh, Congratulations". Lois rejoices "Yes. It is hard to believe he is already nine months old. He has a big fist like his father, a strong boy". Bruce, affected by the way she talked about her son, steadied himself asking "Your husband is still working here in The Daily Planet?" Lois nodded,"Yep. He is fine with the Sports column. Though we manage to work in the same building, we rarely come across each other, unlike old times." Bruce teased her, "Awe, you are missing the office romance?" Lois winking her eyes,"It's okay. I go home to him" she involuntarily looked at her wedding ring.

Bruce next to his chopper on the rooftop of The Daily Planet takes the exotic view of the busy city. Metropolis unlike Gotham is a landlocked city. Humidity in the air is less, but double the population of Gotham making it more congested. Bruce's eyes fixed on the heavy clouds. He has loosen his stiffness, relaxed with his hands in his denim. He observed the Bird's pattern in the evening sky. As they flock in the same rhythm for 4 turns and change to a new one for the next three, finally extending both routes for the next two and once again, repeating the first rhythm but to a little left. "That was a good interview" he heard the voice coming from behind. He knew who it was. "Yep." he replied, still observing the birds without turning back. "What brings you to Metropolis?" the voice came in an annoyed tone. Bruce checks the time in his watch, it shows 5.40. He turns to see a stiff Mid-thirties man with broad shoulders, a tall frame and a glass. He is wearing the office suit and having a Starbucks coffee cup in his hand. Bruce pointing to the coffee cup "Is it for me?". The Guy refuses "No" and takes a sip. The Cup has a name written 'Clark K.' Bruce lingered for some moment and admitted "I came to see you". Clark with an uninterested dead tone asks "Why?"taking another sip from coffee. Bruce hesitates to address it, he tries to frame the answer more diplomatically "About something happened in Gotham last night?". Clark mocked him "Where were you then?". Bruce bit his words to confess "I was on the scene, but I couldn't do anything about it". Clark irked in rush "Listen Bruce, we can't prioritize one city over the world. That City is full of jerks. Taking on them is like taking on weeds. Besides Gotham has you and you have no respect for us. We actually decided not to give shit about Gotham." Bruce fumed "Excuse me, your wife just quoted 'I donated half a billion dollars worth of Ballistics and Surveillance intelligence' those are Gotham's money". Clark tired of his shit "Bullshit!" says straight to his face. Clark folds his hands and stands in front of Bruce He seethed "Those equipment have bugs in them. You spied on us, learned about us, so worse you know all our secret identities, analysed our weakness, you breached our securities by winning our faith. All our central operations depend on them now, and then, you denied our offer publicly. We begged you to join the league, you ghosted us and now you made us look like a joke on national television". Bruce wanders between agreeing and not-agreeing with the accusations. Some are deliberate. Bruce smoothes out "Let's say I have my own reasons and morals to act".

Clark grows tired of the argument "Then why are you here Bruce?" Bruce bangs his fist on his legs. He opens up "I fought 6 men yesterday. 3 of them are just grade three gangsters, one is a steroid jerk pumping venom to his system, one is a black bruce lee with tiger claws and there is a sixth one, disguised as human all this time turns out be an disgusting alien, opens something like a cloud in the mid-air and jumps into it and disappeared." Clark looks offended, Bruce bit his tongue "No, I didn't mean you. You look cool. That thing in the air hung upside down said something Apokolips, Elite." Clark interrupted with deep thinking," So it can hang upside down!" Bruce jerked "No!" and with a slower pace trying to reply more clearly "I hung it upside down from the edge of the building". To Clark it sounded like a silly idea "Why?". Bruce fed-up "That's how I interrogate. See, the whole point is 'That thing' and his likes of him are planning something bigger and dangerous not only for Gotham but for all of Earth. I seized something, tons of highly radio-active liquid metal made by a group of expelled scientists from Luthor Corp." Clark raised his brows "Luthor Corp.?" Bruce loosened. At Last something tweaked interest in Clark. Bruce continues" Yes, those are lab-made. Something highly radio-active fell in our radar. We thought of plutonium, but it turns out to be 10 times more radioactive than that. We tracked them. The source of this unknown. Whatever they cooked, they tried to sell it." Clark in a serious tone,"Where are those scientists now?". Bruce nodded away, that is the hardest part "I found them dead. Seems like they got themselves in a bad-deal. Bane and others killed them on sight. I found tumour cells in their body. Whatever it is they made, it already killed them slowly in the process." Clark took some time to react. Bruce can see Clark striking a firm decision inside his head. Clark walked back to the stairs telling Bruce "We can help you with that, Ionize it and keep it ready. We will come for you to take you with us". Bruce couldn't grasp everything. He stammered "We?...Who?.. Where?" Clark opens the gate to exit, says "By the Bay" and leaves. Bruce knows what he means, the greatest detective after all.

Javelin reached the troposphere, uncovered itself from stealth mode. The Guy piloting the Javelin is in Green costume, while Clark is in his Blue-Red Superman suit. Bruce is standing near the front dock watching the outer space unfold to him. Superman is resting in the second row seat. The Pilot guy looks at Bruce who is in Black t-shirt and blue denim standing way too close to the front mirror. Annoyed by his unprofessional presence, he charges Bruce "Hey! Sit back. Put on the seat belt, I'll do a vertical landing in the hangar. You might get hurt". Bruce said collected "It's okay, John. I do it everyday" Thunderstruck John when he heard it. He was outraged by the fact that some guy in Denim knew his name. He railed "Nobody here calls others by name. Call me Green Lantern". Bruce thought it is silly, he can't help but ask "Why? John Stewart is a cool name, dude" convincingly with mild laughter on his face. Green Lantern jumped from his seat "What?". Superman calmed him from behind.

Javelin landed on the Watchtower. Green lantern picked up the packages by his ring. As they walked along the hanger, the entry door asked for identification. Superman came front to identify, But Bruce kept walking telling him,"I got this". As he walked the door opened, like how it does for other members. Superman knew why and how. Wayne Enterprise made it. Not a surprise for him, but for Green Lantern. He started to judge Bruce for his actions. He initially disliked him a little for the swag but completely pissed off when he called the marine 'Dude' that completely pissed him off. He is still mad for that. Nobody calls the marine 'Dude'. As they entered the watchtower, Green Lantern directed the Packages to the R&D lab. Bruce looked around the watchtower. The Space station is orbiting near the Australian continent now. The Space station is an automated facility with minimal maintenance. Watch tower has two docks, First dock is where Bruce is now, has big computers giving live feed on the happenings on Earth. It shows the satellite images of Hotspots, tracking the wanted list, Disaster predictor and threat lists. The chairs before them are empty. A Big screen behind them shows the customized Plan of Actions, Priorities and shift list for Monitor duty. Today's shift for this time has the name 'Flash' and 'Green Lantern'. List is prepared 4 weeks in advance. Bruce walks to the aisle and looks at the endless Space through the glass windows. He checks at Superman who is writing To-Do lists in the digital chart, he asks "So, this is the view you guys wake up to?" pointing outer space. Superman with a mild smile denies "No, most of us are residents on Earth. So, we have home. I wake up with Lois next to me. Some stay here like Martian manhunter. They have their rooms in the second deck. Hey! Sorry. You want something to eat." Before he finishes the sentences, a shift in wind happens.

A Guy with a Red suit appeared before Bruce. His Hands are full of hamburgers. He greets Bruce " Hi! Welcome to Watchtower, want some Crispy Chicken burgers with mayo?" Bruce identifies him as Flash, but where did he come from? Bruce nods humbly "No thanks!". Flash in order to extend their hospitality, points his finger back "Well, there is a kitchen back, you can make anything you want. Don't feel shy" with another shift he is in front of the computer with all the burgers on desk. Bruce amused, "Seems like you guys made a nice place out here". Superman smiles and agrees. Green Lantern shows up and informs them "The Package is safe. I checked the capsule and honestly, I didn't know, I was in space for a long time. Never seen this before. Definitely, not organic. This is kinda different." Bruce listens to Green Lantern in discontent; he knew he was telling the truth. Superman without losing hope "We will wait for Martian and Green Arrow, maybe they can figure out something." Green Lantern agrees and points to Bruce remembering him all of a sudden "Meantime, what to do with him?" Superman gets back to his board, utters "Try hiring him" and Green lantern giggles and in a savage tone asks "What do you want me to do, test his skill or something?" pointing the ring to Bruce's face. Bruce bothered a little. He can hear animated Flash cheering "A New Joinee". Bruce finds difficulty standing there. Superman informs Green Lantern "No test is needed. He is already qualified." without taking his eyes from the board. Green Lantern not getting it "What do you mean?" Superman takes his head from the board and looks at Green Lantern to introduces Bruce "He is Batman". Everything falls in place for Green Lantern. His eyes start to twinkle. "You mean the Batman who tricked us, Spied on us and insulted us publicly." Flash still sounding confused "Who Batman?" Bruce nervously chuckles, puts his arms in denim and bids a farewell "It's nice meeting you guys." Looking away from Green lantern's stare. He continued "I think it is time for me to leave, let me know when you guys figure out things. I am available on calls, but text me first." Superman stops him "Wait, Our Deputy Director just arrived to meet you". Bruce goes "Who?" Superman Explains "Our Deputy Director, the one who manages us. We need someone to run this place". Bruce questions "Okay, but why does your Deputy Director want to meet me?" Superman, tired of his paranoia, points to the conference room "You go and ask yourself".

Bruce enters the conference room, which is still dark. He can feel the presence of somebody. His Sharp vision sees somebody turning on the Air conditioner and sits at the first seat of the roundtable. It is evident that the person just landed and is preparing the room for a long boring meeting. Bruce tries to evade "Excuse me!" the room echoed. He continued "Superman told to meet you. I am sorry, I am kinda busy now. We can do this sometime later over a brunch in Toast". After a brief silence, A female voice replied "It's okay Bruce. We can do it now" Bruce shocked hearing the familiar voice. The lights are on. Bruce's jaw drops and his eyes wide pop out. Bruce goes "Selina Kyle".

"Have a seat, Bruce" said Selina in a diplomatic way. She is the same person Bruce met in the Casino last night. They flirted and Bruce left her abruptly for a mission. Bruce asked her in anguish "So, You were spying on me". Bruce takes the seat next to her. She rationally replied "No, we just want to know about the person who planted bugs in our computer and pulls our legs when we need him the most". Bruce stumbled to reply that. Selina mocked him, "What cat caught your tongue?". Bruce spread his lips to grin. He sounded odd "I never heard you in the Justice League?" Selina replies sane "I don't go to the field. I manage this space. Help the league from the background. Mostly resource allotment and power allocation. That is why I am so interested in your profile and very keen on having you in the league." Bruce is so exhausted from this now. Bruce explodes "I am not like those guys. I don't have any superpower. I am a human". Selina persists "that is why exactly you are so special. You, I see as the best in Man. Look at the things you have done in Gotham and you did all that alone. Imagine things you could do with a team?". Bruce interrupts "I have a team". Selina interrupts his interpretation "Not better than us". Selina shows him the tab she is holding "Look at these, these are crime statistics" pointing at the bars and figures "this is Gotham, before you showed up. And then this" sliding to the next page "After you. The Rate has drastically decreased." she zooms out "but only in Gotham. The crime syndicate starts to spread across. They moved to a new place, built a network, staged violence, prey on the weak, with lesser competition, thanks to you and your obsession with Gotham. They are now world class criminals with no one to stop. You are not blind to see this, but you just stuck with Gotham and Arkham like forever." Bruce dumbfounded. Selina waited for him to respond. Bruce trying to corroborate "I am not Superman, I can't fly from Arizona to Antarctica in 2 minutes. Gotham is the breeding ground of criminals. I cut them there, with everything I can. Every night I fight someone, each and every second..." Selina crumbles as she bangs her hand on the table. Selina stressed "The World is not just Gotham, Bruce. I am sorry, but this is the truth. You limit yourself to one city. When the whole world can shine better with your knowledge and skills. You are dealing with petty crooks and psychopaths and I am talking about saving the world. Let me read your profile. That may strike you who you really are."

She opens his page in the Tab and starts reading it to him "Bruce Wayne aka Batman is the World's Greatest Detective. One of the greatest martial artists, he has peak human physical conditioning. Batman should be a Polymath, his knowledge and expertise in countless disciplines is nearly unparalleled by any other human being. He went missing for 7 years from active social life. It is believed that he has traveled the world during that time acquiring the skills needed to aid him in his endeavors as Batman. He has trained extensively in various different fighting styles, making him one of the best hand-to-hand fighters on the planet. He mastered alone a total of 127 different forms of martial arts from our observation. Superman, one of the founders and Leader of Justice league, describes Batman as "the most dangerous man on Earth". Batman seems strongly disciplined, and he has the ability to function under great physical pain and resist most forms of telepathy and mind control. He is also a master of disguise, multilingual, and an expert in espionage and interrogation techniques. Despite having the potential to harm his enemies, Batman's most defining characteristic is his strong commitment to justice and his reluctance to take a life. A peak human, a silent guardian, a watchful protector and a Dark Knight "Selina finished.

She moves to next screen. A graphic World map appears. She points it to him "Now, let's see where we need your expertise". The Map starts to colour itself in Red, Blue, Yellow and Grey at different areas. Selina points" See this, In Sri Lanka you can stop the child prostitution, end the mafia war in Yugoslavia. You can help catching the columbian Drug lords and the Money Laundering in Bangladesh also the Drug trafficking in Venezuela, Terrorism in Pakistan, Black Diamond in Sierra Leone..." She grieved as she spoke. She stopped reading the data, turned to Bruce and impelled him "Somewhere a Kid can go to school in peace, a single Mom can work safely, Fathers don't have to hide their kids in stinky bunkers. Children don't get to see their parents murdered before them. All you have to say is 'Yes'. Your reputation in Gotham, will strike a terror in the minds of other injustice seekers around the world." Bruce was sincerely moved by this. He was speechless. He looked at Selina, who opened his eyes to see the bigger picture. An awkward silence embraced the room. After a long hesitation, He slowly hold her hands. Selina pushed him to the point of decision by adding "You may not have inherent superpower. But, you said yourself 'Some don't need powers to be Superhero'. Now, Be the hero the world needs. Bruce I guess, now is the right time and you know that." Bruce put his arm around her shoulder and comforted her. It is a hard decision to make. He can't always put Alfred on line. Alfred has gone to extension, other people can't think. When he started by running away from home, he had the mercy of thousands of unknown faces to survive. They are not only Gotham residents, they are citizens of the world. Maybe, it is the time for him to make the decision. He recently witnessed something unleashed, which he can't control alone. He decided.

Bruce took Selina's face in his hand and looked in her eyes. Those Blue eyes are so pure and vulnerable now. He whispered "Yes" and flickered his eyes slowly. Selina's eyes overflowed by joy. Bruce slowly brought Selina's face close to him. He brought her lips close to his, Selina abruptly stopped him before the kiss. She awkwardly confessed "Sorry Bruce, I am married". Bruce was exposed to that moment. Selina released herself from his hands. Bruce's face is so numb now, too many things happened at the same time. He is going through mixed emotions. Selina gets up and says "Thank you for accepting Bruce, I'll inform others" as she stood from the chair and kissed his cheek without any intimacy and walked away to the door. Bruce still couldn't react to anything. He couldn't figure out what is bothering him more now, the fact that he accepted to Join the league in the heat of the moment or the fact that Selina Kyle is already married. He needs to figure it out soon. As Selina opens the door to exit, she turns back and calls him "Bruce". Bruce looks at her with a dead face. Selina smiles brightly at him with a delight and says "Welcome to the league".