Justice Lords Limitless Act 2: EndWar

Part 1: Chapter 2

Batman found himself knocked on his back. He quickly rolled to the side just before a heavy boot stomped down on the ground where his chest had been mere moments before. He used his hands to spring himself back onto his feet. Just as he landed, he shot his left leg up, catching his attacker in the shoulder and knocking her back. Not wanting to give her a chance to recover, Batman jumped forward leading with his knee for her chin.

His opponent read his intention and put up her hands in defense. She caught Batman's knee and, in one explosive motion, she pushed her hands up and out, absorbing much of the hit and redirecting the Dark Knight to the side. Batman went with the new momentum, arching back thus turning the fall into a controlled backflip. Once back on his feet, he reset his position and checked his assailant. She was already ready and sizing him up. Both of them were in a fighting position: he was in a brutal Krav Maga stance and she was in a more basic Subyuk stance with palms open.

Batman broke the silence and dropped his stance. Sparring was over. "You're doing well, Batgirl. You're learning quickly."

"Only because I have a great teacher," she replied. She walked over to a bench and removed her helmet to take a breather. She was still getting used to the uniform – her uniform. Batman had forbidden her from using the word 'costume' to describe the outfit. It was her uniform and they were at war. Calling it a 'costume' removes the value this symbol stands for, she recalled him explaining during one of their first sessions. If it is a costume, you are simply an actor. Eventually, it should become a second skin. "Are we going out on the town tonight? The breezes are cool and the weather is warm. Perfect patrol weather."

Batman didn't respond. He walked over to the Batcomputer and started scanning the police waves as he refreshed himself on the newer inmates at Arkham Asylum. The Asylum once again housed crazies, but none of them compared to what he used to face. Riddler, Joker, Scarecrow... It was strange to never have to worry about them again. Yet, he thought, there is something wrong with this city. The crazies always come back in one form or another. As he reviewed various case files, a soft beeping echoed from the Batcomputer.

His blood ran cold as he recognized the old code. He had several unique tones set for unique calls, and this specific pattern had been put in place during the Justice Lords' reign. It was the ping sequence used by Gotham military police, a direct line from them to Batman should the need arise for his assistance or attention. It was the sequence that had alerted him to the alternate Justice League's scuffle at Arkham Asylum when they were searching for their Shayera. He'd answered that call after coming to an understanding with his Other. It was a sequence that he had not heard since, and considering the Gotham military police was dismantled immediately after the Justice Lords fell, it was a tone he did not think he'd ever hear again. Unless...

He answered the ping with his cowl. "Jim."

"Batman!" came the frantic voice. It was indeed James Gordon, the former Chief of Police and now the head warden of Blackgate Penitentiary. "It's your old pal, Green Lantern. He's free and, well, he isn't so 'green' anymore."

Batman grimaced. "Understood."

"We are not sure where he has gone, but we searched his cell. Guards found a book in his cell, War and Peace, but it's been hollowed out to allow contraband. We've got it in evidence for forensics to do their job. If we're lucky they'll learn something about where Stewart went or what his plan is, but don't hold your breath. It seems to me that it was only used to smuggle a small object, likely his signature weapon."

Batman remained quiet as he checked the video feed from a peculiar vault within the BatCave. The live feed loaded and he released a held breath. Stewart's old ring was still there, dormant and glowing only faintly. More than likely John had received a new ring in that book, and not one from the Guardians. He was vaguely aware that there were other lantern corps such as the yellow that Sinestro founded and a red corp as well that was powered by wrathful emotions. He wondered what possessed John to forego his loyalty to the green and accept a gift from a different corps.