Chapter 10: The Dark Clone
The League of Assassins, reeling from their recent defeat, was not willing to let their greatest asset go without a fight. In their hidden laboratories, they concocted a plan even more sinister than before. Combining the genetic material they had used to create Pish with the DNA of one of the most feared beings in the universe, Darkseid, they engineered a new clone. This clone, infused with the brutal power and malevolence of Darkseid, was designed to be Pish's equal and opposite—a brother born in darkness.
Named Darius, the new clone possessed not only the physical and strategic prowess of Pish but also the tyrannical might of Darkseid. Darius was a towering figure, exuding an aura of intimidation and raw power. His mission was simple: eliminate Pish and reclaim the League's honor.
1. The Arrival
Gotham City had never known a threat like Darius. As he made his way through the city's underworld, seeking his brother, his presence was felt in every shadow. Reports of his brutal attacks on Gotham's criminals reached Batman and Pish quickly. They knew that something, or someone, was hunting them.
Pish, now fully embraced as Blade, felt an ominous chill at the news. Batman, recognizing the severity of the situation, gathered the Bat-Family. "This is no ordinary foe. He's targeting you, Pish. We need to be ready for anything."
As Pish prepared for the confrontation, his mind was a storm of emotions. This was not just another mission; this was a fight against his own flesh and blood, albeit a twisted reflection created by the League. The thought of facing someone with Darkseid's powers was daunting, but Pish steeled himself. He had defeated Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins once; he could do it again.
2. The First Encounter
The inevitable clash came in the dead of night. Darius tracked Pish to a secluded area of Gotham, where the two finally faced each other. The air was thick with tension as they sized each other up, mirror images but with stark differences. Darius's eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, a clear sign of Darkseid's influence.
"Darius," Pish began, trying to reach the humanity within his brother, "you don't have to do this. We can find another way."
Darius's response was a chilling laugh. "There is no other way, brother. You betrayed the League, and I am here to correct that mistake."
The battle erupted with a fury that shook the very foundations of Gotham. Pish fought with all the skill and determination he had acquired, but Darius's dark powers gave him a fearsome advantage. Each blow from Darius was like a hammer strike, powered by the relentless might of Darkseid.
3. Struggle and Strategy
Despite being outmatched in raw power, Pish used his agility and tactical mind to stay in the fight. He knew that a head-on confrontation would lead to his defeat. Batman's training had taught him the value of strategy over brute force. He led Darius through the city, using the environment to his advantage, setting traps, and using hit-and-run tactics.
Their battle raged across Gotham, causing destruction wherever they went. The Bat-Family joined the fray, trying to support Pish and contain Darius. Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin engaged Darius with coordinated attacks, but even their combined efforts barely slowed him down.
Pish realized that Darius's connection to Darkseid was his greatest weakness. If he could sever that connection, he might stand a chance. He lured Darius to Wayne Enterprises, where advanced technology and resources could give him the edge he needed.
4. The Turning Point
In the depths of Wayne Enterprises, Pish accessed a device capable of generating a powerful energy disruption. Batman, monitoring the battle, guided him through the process of setting it up. Darius, sensing a trap, charged at Pish with unrestrained fury.
As Darius unleashed his omega beams, Pish dodged with the agility of a seasoned warrior, leading Darius into the heart of the trap. At the critical moment, Pish activated the device, sending a pulse of energy that disrupted Darius's powers. The surge momentarily disconnected Darius from Darkseid's influence, weakening him significantly.
Taking advantage of this vulnerability, Pish launched a relentless assault, using every skill and technique he had mastered. The tide of the battle turned as Pish's blows began to land with greater effect. Darius, deprived of his dark powers, was forced onto the defensive.
5. A Brother's Mercy
With Darius weakened, Pish had the chance to end the battle decisively. He stood over his fallen brother, swords drawn, ready to deliver the final blow. But looking into Darius's eyes, he saw not just an enemy, but a reflection of himself—lost, manipulated, and used by the League.
"You are my brother," Pish said, his voice filled with emotion. "We were both created to be weapons, but we can choose our own paths."
Darius, panting and defeated, looked up at Pish with a mix of anger and confusion. "Why... why spare me?"
"Because," Pish replied, "we are more than what they made us. You have a choice, Darius. You don't have to be a pawn in their game."
Darius manages to escape
