SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 3: Ends and New Beginnings

Superman

The end of the war marked a turning point for both the regime and the resistance. Artemis, Aqualad, Jason Todd, and Harley, having chosen to turn themselves in, faced a public trial. The world watched as they stood before the court, their crimes and actions laid bare for all to see.

In the end, they were sentenced to life in prison. Their incarceration was a bitter pill for them to swallow, but they accepted their fate with stoic resolve, believing that they had done the right thing by surrendering and taking responsibility for their actions.

For Superman and the regime, the conclusion of the conflict was bittersweet. On one hand, the resistance had been effectively dismantled, with many of its members either imprisoned or in hiding. This marked a significant victory for the regime, solidifying their grip on power and sending a clear message to any who would dare to defy them.

On the other hand, Batman remained at large, his whereabouts unknown. This fact haunted Superman, who couldn't shake the feeling that his former friend was still out there, plotting and waiting for the right moment to strike. Despite the regime's best efforts, the Dark Knight remained an ever-present shadow, a reminder of the fractures that still existed within the superhero community.

However, their victory did come at a cost. Valuable members like Shazam, Flash, and Raven had chosen to step down, explaining that the past three years had been far too difficult for them to handle any longer. Their departures left a void in the regime's ranks, one that Superman was uncertain how to fill. In a surprising act of benevolence, Superman allowed them to leave without any punishment, but with one condition: that when called upon, they must return to him. All three agreed to the conditions, grateful for the chance to escape the relentless pressure of the regime, and went their separate ways, vanishing into the world.

Their absence not only weakened the regime but also highlighted the emotional toll that the conflict had taken on its members. It served as a stark reminder that, despite their victory, true peace and unity still eluded them.

But for Superman, victory was not as he had imagined. For years, he thought that finally ruling without opposition would be self-fulfilling and blissful, as if he could finally live at peace. However, this was not the case. Instead, he found it to be empty and miserable, with constant bickering among his servants over who got to rule certain areas and what rules they had to follow. The once united front had begun to crumble under the weight of their own ambitions and differing ideals.

Moreover, the citizens of his world had become increasingly critical of his rule, their voices growing louder and more insistent with each passing day. They longed for the freedom and justice that Superman had once championed, and their disillusionment with his regime only fueled his own sense of failure and regret.

But above all else, he would reminisce about Lois significantly more than ever before. Her memory served as a painful reminder of the life he had lost and the ideals he had once held dear. The weight of his actions and the consequences they had wrought bore down on him, casting a dark shadow over his once-shining image.

For Clark, he could not be more miserable than he was now. The cost of victory had proven to be far greater than he had ever anticipated, and as he gazed upon the fractured world he now ruled, he couldn't help but wonder if his pursuit of peace and order had ultimately destroyed the very things he had sought to protect.

Damian

However, Supermans suffering paled in comparison to what Damian had been through. His mental state was fractured and seemingly irreparable. Witnessing his family turn their back on him, and having his closest friend, Raven, whom he loved, walk out on him, left him as an empty shell of the man he once was. He continued to live his life like a zombie, moving along without any real purpose or motive. The times he sought refuge in Superman, the man he had supported for years, were met with indifference, as if he didn't care about Damian's plight. People like Sinestro and Wonder Woman didn't have his best interests at heart either.

The only thing that kept Damian going were the monthly meetings with Alfred, which helped him maintain a semblance of sanity. For Alfred, every time he met with Damian, it was heartbreaking to see his beloved son so broken and empty. Despite being only 16 years old, Damian looked much older, his eyes bearing the weight of the hardships he had endured. Alfred could only offer encouraging words, urging him not to give up and stay strong despite the shattered state he found himself in.

Over the following months, the world became dimmer and more hollow. The lives of people and even the heroes turned gray, as everything seemed broken and beyond repair. The atmosphere weighed heavy on everyone, yet no one knew what else to do. The once vibrant colors of life and hope had faded, replaced by a pervasive sense of despair and uncertainty. The heroes who once represented optimism and the best of humanity now bore the burden of their choices, struggling to find meaning and purpose in the new world they had helped create.

As the days turned into weeks and months, the fractured world continued to drift aimlessly, searching for a way to mend its wounds and find a path toward healing. But amidst the darkness, there remained a flicker of hope, a spark waiting to ignite and bring about a brighter future. And it would take the combined efforts of those who still believed in the power of justice and redemption to fan that spark into a flame capable of illuminating the way forward.

Batman

Numerous months had elapsed since the fateful battle at the House of Mystery, and Batman found himself concealed within the depths of a subterranean cavern. By this point, all his family members had abandoned him except Cass and Adeline. Even Selina had departed, stating that when he was prepared to reintegrate into society, she would be there, awaiting his return. Batman perceived that while everyone else had moved on and forsaken him, he remained steadfast in devising his next strategy. However, he was acutely aware that he would have to proceed alone.

One fateful night, Batman was unexpectedly teleported to an enigmatic location he could not quite discern. It was a desolate expanse shrouded in darkness, with an unnerving and disquieting ambience. As he surveyed the mysterious surroundings, the individual he had summoned materialized before him: Ares, the formidable god of war.

"I presume you are cognizant of the reason behind my summons," Batman asserted, his voice unwavering and resolute.

Ares remained silent for a moment, appraising Batman with a penetrating gaze. Eventually, his lips curled into a sardonic smile, and he unleashed a sinister laugh that reverberated through the desolate terrain. "Ah, the indomitable Dark Knight," Ares taunted. "It appears that desperate circumstances necessitate desperate actions."

Batman's fists clenched, his resolve unwavering in the face of Ares' mockery. "I require your assistance," he conceded, his voice barely audible.

Ares arched an eyebrow, evidently intrigued. "And pray tell, why should I extend my aid to a mere mortal such as yourself?" he inquired, his tone dripping with contempt.

"Because," Batman retorted, his voice growing more resolute, "I am offering an opportunity you cannot resist: the chance to witness the regime's collapse and the ensuing reign of chaos."

Ares contemplated Batman's proposition meticulously, his visage assuming a reflective demeanor. After an extended pause, he finally responded. "Very well, Batman. I shall lend you my support. However, be forewarned: once we initiate this plan, there will be no possibility of retreat, and the ramifications will be extensive and unpredictable."

Batman nodded, comprehending the gravity of the commitment he was making. "I stand prepared," he declared, his voice imbued with unyielding determination.Thus, the unorthodox alliance between Batman and Ares was established, laying the groundwork for a novel conflict that threatened to undermine the very bedrock of their world.