SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 4: Plotting

Sinestro

The dank and ancient halls of the League of Assassins' hideout were filled with the hushed whispers of those too wise to speak loudly. Shadows danced eerily on the walls, created by the flickering light of the single torch that hung limply in the vast chamber. The faces of the gathered group were partially hidden in the darkness, their figures imposing against the dimly lit surroundings.

Sinestro, a beacon of light in the otherwise dark room, held in his hand the superpill - the key to leveling the playing field against Superman and his regime. In the other hand, a holographic projection illuminated the room, showing detailed schematics of the superpill's composition. His cold and calculating eyes flickered as he carefully assessed his audience.

Among the gathering were some of the most dangerous individuals on the planet: Ra's Al Ghul, Vandal Savage, Bane, Deathstroke, and Talia. Each had their own motivations for wanting Superman's regime toppled, and each was a potential weapon in Sinestro's plan.

"Superman's grip on Earth has tightened," Sinestro began, his voice echoing in the cavernous room. "Our strategies must adapt accordingly. This," he said, raising the pill, "is our equalizer."Ra's Al Ghul, ancient and shrewd, leaned forward on his chair, his interest piqued. "This pill... it can give anyone Superman's powers?"

"Temporarily, yes," Sinestro confirmed. "And we intend to replicate it."

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Bane's face as he took the pill from Sinestro, feeling its weight in his hand. "And you intend for us to be the test subjects."

"Not only that," Sinestro continued, eyes steady. "We need your organization, your resources, your manpower. We will arm ourselves with these pills, matching Superman's soldiers in strength and power."

Vandal Savage, centuries of wisdom twinkling in his eyes, nodded slowly. "And what's the plan once we have this power?"

"We strike at the heart," Sinestro stated, turning the hologram into a map of the Hall of Justice. "We take down the regime, starting with the hall. With Superman's soldiers unable to match our newfound strength, it will be a direct and effective attack."

Deathstroke grunted, folding his arms across his chest. "It's bold, I'll give you that." "And dangerous," Talia added, her gaze sharp and assessing. "The moment Superman senses the threat, he'll respond. How do we counteract that?"

Sinestro turned to face her, his gaze unwavering. "That's where you come in, Talia. The League of Assassins are masters of stealth. Your ability to move undetected will be invaluable."

Sinestro then looked at each individual in the room with a determined expression. "We have the strategy, we have the will, and soon, we will have the power. All that remains is to put this plan into action."

As each of them voiced their agreement, the room became a hive of dark and dangerous potential, all set on one mission - to take down Superman's regime.

Selina

The apartment was quiet, the air hanging heavy with regret and alcohol. The only source of illumination came from the dim city lights filtering through the half-closed blinds. As Selina entered her apartment, she flicked the light switch, bringing an immediate harshness to the darkened room.

Her gaze immediately fell upon the figure slouched on the couch, the sight causing her heart to tighten. Renee Montoya, once a stalwart ally in the fight against Superman's regime, was now a broken shell of her former self. A near-empty bottle of tequila lay carelessly in her limp hand, her eyes half-closed and unfocused.

Approaching slowly, Selina shook Renee awake, her heart aching at the sight of her friend in such a state. "Renee, you need to stop this," she implored, her voice carrying a weight of concern.

However, Renee brushed her off with a bitter laugh, the alcohol making her tongue sharper. "Easy for you to say, you gave up," she muttered, her words slightly slurred.

"Renee, we lost," Selina said sternly, placing her hands on her hips. "Continuing to fight... it's only going to destroy you. You need to move on."

Renee's eyes snapped to Selina, a fire kindling in them. "You think it's so easy? To just move on?" she asked, a hint of anger in her voice. "Maybe for you, the one who quit on Batman, on all of us!"

Selina felt the sting of the words but kept her composure. She knew Renee was hurting, but she wouldn't let herself be drawn into an argument. "Just promise me you won't do anything stupid, Renee," she said before walking away, leaving the former detective with her thoughts.

Retreating to her room, Selina closed the door, trying to find a moment of calm amidst the turmoil. As she sunk onto her bed, her phone buzzed with a new message. Her heart clenched when she saw the sender - Bruce.

This was the life she chose when she left Batman's side - a life of loneliness, of guilt. But she had to do what she thought was best, not only for her but for everyone involved. All she could do now was face the consequences of her choices and brace herself for what Bruce wanted to discuss.

Batman/Selina

Gotham City was draped in a velvet shroud of twilight. Its labyrinthine alleyways echoed with the spectral whispers of the city's nocturnal denizens, while atop one of its tallest buildings, a figure brooded. Batman, the vigilante sentinel, was immersed in a stoic contemplation, his inscrutable gaze tracing the silhouette of a woman approaching him.

Selina Kyle, alias Catwoman, prowled through the stark urban panorama with a stealth and poise that mirrored her alter ego. Her emerald eyes bore a hard-earned wisdom, a testament to her tumultuous past. As she halted before Batman, the frigid wind playfully toyed with her ebony hair, amplifying the sense of solemnity that hung between them.

"Nice to see you, Selina," Batman's voice cut through the silence, each syllable carrying a torrent of unspoken emotions.

Ignoring his cordiality, she shot him a frosty stare. "What's the occasion, Bruce?"

He remained undeterred by her curt demeanor, his gaze firmly locked onto hers. "I need you back in the fold, Selina. We've found a potential game-changer in our fight against Superman."

Her laughter, cold and mirthless, rang through the crisp night air. "You're trapped in a time warp, Bruce. The world has moved on, and your once formidable resistance is a relic of a bygone era."

His voice, imbued with an iron resolve, echoed against the city's monolithic structures. "This time, it's different, Selina. We have an ally whose power Superman can't disregard."

"Really? And who might that be?" she retorted, skepticism flashing in her eyes.

Emerging from the nebulous darkness, a figure unveiled itself, his formidable presence commanding attention. Ares, the god of war, moved into the dim city glow. "That would be me," he said, the potency in his voice disrupting the tranquility around them.

The sudden revelation seemed to strike Selina, and she paused, her gaze darting between Batman and Ares. As Batman outlined the rudimentary framework of his plan, she found herself torn between the exhilaration of her past life and the quiet peace she'd recently discovered.

Finally, she broke the silence, her voice heavy with resignation. "Bruce, for once in my life, I'm not constantly looking over my shoulder, not burdened by the threat of impending doom. I won't give up this peace. Not for you, not for anyone else."

With a last lingering glance at Batman, Selina walked away, disappearing into the maze-like city. Ares watched her departure, then turned his gaze towards Batman. "Do you think you are ready for what awaits us, mortal?"

Batman's eyes were glued to the city's sprawling vista below him. His reply was steely and unwavering. "Ares, there's no question of being ready or not. This is our reality, our mission. This isn't about me or you; it's about the world we're sworn to protect. We will fight, and we will prevail. There's no other way." His determined words echoed through Gotham's chilly night, imbuing the cityscape with a glimmer of hope.