SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 3: The Last Light That Goes Out

Resistance

Inside the House of Mystery, the atmosphere was heavy with grief and defeat. The resistance had lost so much, and now, with John Constantine gone, they found themselves at a crossroads. Batwoman was the first to speak up, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's time to quit everything," she said. "Too many people have died, and without John, it's over."

Her words struck deep into the hearts of everyone present. Artemis, still broken by the loss of Arsenal, mustered up what strength she had left. "I'm going to turn myself in," she declared. "I don't want to do this anymore. I want to end all of it."

Zatanna tried to argue that they had come too far to give up now, but even Batman remained silent when asked whether they should continue or not. His silence was the final confirmation that the end had arrived. It was time to either disappear or turn themselves in.

One by one, the members of the resistance asked Zatanna to teleport them to either the Hall of Justice to face trial or to a remote location to start anew. As each member vanished, the room grew emptier, leaving only Batman and his family.

Damian was slowly regaining consciousness, his eyes fluttering open as he tried to make sense of what had happened. Barbara and Selina suggested bringing him with them, but Batman hesitated. He looked at Damian, his heart heavy with the memories of Dick's death and the rift that had formed between him and his son.

The Bat-family engaged in a heated discussion about Damian's fate. Barbara passionately argued for giving him a chance to change, reminding them of how much he had already suffered. "Damian has lost his way, but we can help him find it again," she pleaded. "Dick wouldn't have given up on him, and neither should we."

Selina, although hesitant, eventually agreed with Barbara. "Damian may have made terrible choices, but he's still a child," she said softly. "If there's even a chance we can save him, we have to try."

However, Tim, Stephanie, Cassandra, and Batwoman were more cautious, fearing that bringing him along could lead to more pain and loss for everyone involved. Tim's voice was filled with pain as he recounted the horrors they had witnessed during the past three years. "Damian served Superman without question," he said. "He's responsible for countless deaths, including Dick's. How can we ever trust him again?"

Cassandra and Stephanie echoed Tim's concerns, emphasizing the risk of having Damian around. Batwoman, her eyes brimming with tears, added, "I understand wanting to save him, but at what cost? We've already lost so much."

Batman listened to their arguments, his heart torn between the desire to save Damian and the painful memories of Dick's death. After a long pause, he made a decision that would change the course of their lives forever. "We can't bring him with us," he said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I want to believe in Damian, but the risk is too great. We've already paid a terrible price for our choices, and I can't put the rest of you in danger."

The Bat family looked at one another, their faces etched with a mixture of sadness, anger, and resignation. As they prepared to leave the House of Mystery behind, each of them carried the weight of their decision, wondering if they had truly done the right thing.

As Damian lay on the cold floor of the House of Mystery, struggling to regain consciousness, he couldn't help but overhear the conversation unfolding around him. His heart raced in his chest as he listened to his family arguing about whether or not to bring him with them, the weight of their words crushing him with every syllable. It was like a vice tightening around his heart, leaving him breathless and on the verge of tears.

Damian's thoughts swirled with a mixture of shame, anger, and a desperate longing for acceptance. He felt as if his entire world was crumbling around him, and he was powerless to stop it. The harsh reality of his past actions, the lives he had taken, and the pain he had caused all came crashing down upon him, like a tidal wave of guilt and regret.