CHAPTER 33: Finale - "The End Of Innocence"

*Riddler, Gotham City Mall Roof

"Shit, shit shit shit shit, and shit!" Riddler's complaints grew louder while Deathstroke's eye grew narrower.

So far things had not gone at all according to the time schedule they had established. They should have been on their escape route 15 minutes ago but the hacking into City Hall had hit a snag. Riddler's device was a genius computer tech for hacking but in practice had a significant flaw they had discovered.

While it had plenty of storage space and was bypassing the cyber defenses of the city with ease, the download speed to their location was ridiculous!

Sending Ivy and Krios away to deal with the heroes downstairs was needed, but it also helped get them away from asking what was taking so long.

Deathstroke was not so easily distracted though.

As the clock ticked Riddler could feel the rage building from Deathstroke. While he and the others had been hired to defend Riddler against the cops and heroes they all knew they could only fight for so long before being overwhelmed.

"Time is running out Edward... you best have some progress," Deathstroke growled.

Hearing him say his first name made him scoff, "I am working as fast as possible Slade," he spat back.

The response was subtle but he could feel the faint round metal end of the pistol against the back of his head.

He snorted, "Do it, and you won't get paid."

The slight pressure on his head loosened.

"There now you see," he said with forced happiness. "We can all remain calm despite this delay and I promise I only need a little more time..."

His attempt at boosting morale was interrupted as Deathstroke grabbed his shoulder and shoved him away from his computer landing him in the wet rooftop. 

A swoosh of a thrown projectile had narrowly missed him but had embedded itself into his computer causing it to spark as it broke apart.

Deathstroke immediately took position between Riddler and their assailant raising a pistol and unsheathing one of his blades as he took a defensive stance.

Riddler looked at his destroyed computer, horror and fury grew on his face.

"NOOOOOOO!," he screamed as he scrambled to the damage tool.

Deathstroke kept his back to Riddler as he covered him from their attacker.

The sparks from the computer followed with some smoke that gave a final indication of its status. The computer groaned and its internal fan wheezed till stopping, the lights illuminating it dimmed off. 

Riddler grabbed hold of the projectile that had doomed his plan and with a jerk tore it from the the destroyed computer. Glass, small bits of the motherboard, and some wires tore free as he held the batarang in his hand.

Over a year of planning, millions spent on the set-up, equipment, and crews. Taking the risk to hire Deathstroke and Ivy for additional help. All of his perfect plan to steal not millions but billions from Gotham City, and right now it was ruined!

Holding the batarang he could only glare at Batman who had joined them on the rooftop.

Gunshots started ringing out as Deathstroke engaged him in a fight. If he wasn't so angry he would be impressed by the sight he was seeing. Batman dodging and disabling Deathstroke to fighting him hand-to-hand. Only for Deathstroke to push Batman back with his equal if not potentially greater skill.

The Dark Knight and the Terminator had fought before and each time it was a site to see. Right now though Riddler could not even care.

The sirens which were distant minutes ago had come to be right outside the Mall as assorted police began to secure the area.

'It is all over,' Riddler thought with defeat.

Deathstroke ducked a right-hand hook from Batman and returned a kick which pushed the vigilante back a few feet. Taking a glance over the rooftop ridge down below to the swarming police he seemed to notice that they had truly run out of time.

For a moment both Batman and Deathstroke stared at each other. It was like they were both going through all the scenarios of the situation. Riddler may have been a genius with tech and thievery, but between these two he felt insignificant in terms of tactics and strategy.

Deathstroke grunted, "This was such a stupid plan."

Glaring at Riddler he said, "You best hope we don't share the same prison, you are dead!"

In a stiff manner, Deathstroke sheathed his blade and held up his hands.

"You win this time Batman," Deathstroke spat, "We surrender."

---------------------------------------

*Detective Rene Montoya, Gotham City Mall

'Thank goodness for a lackluster ending,' Rene mused standing in the main cafeteria of Gotham's Mall.

Currently, a wide variety of firefighters, EMTs, uniformed police, detectives, and even some SWAT were escorting civilians, securing the culprits, or cleaning up the damage caused during the panic.

Down on their knees were three of the 4 main suspects, Riddler with his head down, Poison Ivy who was looking pissed and frazzled, and finally Deathstroke who had surrendered much easier than before.

'Probably has already figured out how he is going to break out of jail.'

The 4th suspect, the Hound, or according to the teen vigilantes 'Krios,' was still buried under the rubble. 

When she heard he was here she almost ran over to the rubble with her gun drawn to get her own personal revenge. Gordon though had shaken her from her blind rage.

Still, she kept a close eye on the spot with anticipation. She felt a thrill of energy she had not felt in months. Finally, she was going to be able to look the man who killed her brother in the eye. She would finally be able to see him locked up in the darkest pit she could find and spit on him after throwing away the key!

'I need a vacation after this, maybe take the kids to a warm beach.' She thought with glee.

"Montoya!" 

The heavyset Bullock called to her where he was standing with Batman and the Commissioner. The rest of the vigilantes stood off to the side nursing wounds.

She walked over to Bullock catching a portion of the conversation they were having.

"... a dozen guards killed at Blackgate, 3 uniforms killed at GCPD, and over 40 officers in the hospitals."

Gordon sighed, "It could have been so much worse. But still, we will be dealing with the fallout for years from this."

"Not to mention," Batman quietly said, "This will encourage the others. I can already see the Joker trying something soon to get back in the spotlight. We will need to stay on high alert for the next few months."

Bullock snorted, "Great, so we are going back to where we were before Penguin got locked up."

Rene was confused, "Will things really be as bad as you expect?"

"Yes," Batman responded while looking over the destroyed mall. His gaze fell upon the young heroes who fought Ivy and Krios.

Rene could not be sure but she felt like there was sadness and tiredness from his gaze as he looked at the heroes.

"We will need to have that team working in Gotham for the foreseeable future. Possibly I will need to bring in some members of the Justice League."

Hearing that surprised everyone in the circle. Batman was notorious for his protective nature of Gotham, even going so far as arresting other vigilantes if they did not have his permission to patrol. Having the young team which they assumed was from the Justice League was surprising. But if they understood what Batman was indicating, he was talking about bringing in the heavy guns the League boasted. It had been rare to see the Kryptonian or Amazonian in Gotham before the League formed, and now that never happened thanks to Batman's founder status.

Whether he was merely possessive or felt he was better suited for handling the situations in Gotham they never knew. Gotham was his city and he never was going to share.

At least until now.

"Excuse me?"

One of the firefighters had walked over hesitantly to their group. 

"We have cleared quite a lot of the rubble and think we just have one more block to clear to get the suspect out. Probably just a few more minutes."

Gordon gave an appreciative nod, "Thank you for letting us know."

He looked to Rene with a small sad smile, "It won't heal the pain but it will close the book on his murder case."

"Are you ready?" he asked.

It was strange that she felt such excitement. This was not a happy moment per se, it would not bring back her brother, it would not bring her niece and nephew's father back. Gordon was right, the pain of loss was still there. But perhaps closing this book could be the start of moving on.

She returned Gordon's smile, "Let's get this mother f&^ker."

If any of them had paid attention to the rubble, it was quite possible they would have seen some of the broken plaster and concrete begin shaking...

---------------------------------------

*Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Gotham City Mall

This was the second time she had faced Krios, and just like before it ended with both being hurt.

Robin had injected her with some serum his team had started to use for medical emergencies. It dulled the pain and promoted the body's natural healing. It definitely did not mean she didn't need to see Alfred for some medical attention, but it did mean she wouldn't be getting worse.

"Guys I am so sorry," a contrite and embarrassed Connor said.

After things had calmed down the typically gruff and irritable Connor had been quietly apologizing to everyone. Kaldur had apologized sincerely once and moved on, but Connor with his past of having his mind messed with was shaken.

Kaldur put a hand on Connor's shoulder, "You weren't in control, even I with the advantages of my Atlantean magic could not resist Ivy's mind control."

Connor stiffened at Kaldur's touch but realized the kindness being shown to him and relaxed. He gave a small but appreciative nod and grunt. From Connor that was like he was getting on his knees to give his thanks.

Smiling Kaldur's attention turned to M'gann with an appreciative look, "Thank you again for breaking the hold she had on us."

"Of course!"

M'gann out of all them was in the best shape. Despite being blasted away by Krios, her natural alien endurance served her well. Enough so that she got up to fight the villain immediately only for Connor to punch him through a wall.

"Still though," she looked over to where the villain was buried, "Do you think he is alright?"

Robin who was checking Artemis and Wally for their injuries spoke up, "The guy was beaten, shot, and fell over 200ft in the same night only to show up a few months later completely fine. He is definitely okay."

M'gann still looked uncertain, "If you are sure..."

Barbara was leaning against a wall and thinking back to the fight. A couple of things were bothering her about it, things she couldn't quite explain.

'He had me at his mercy, he has killed and I know he was going to kill me. Why did he hesitate?'

"Yo, M'gann," Wally had finished getting an injection from Robin. As a speedster, his rapid healing was no joke but even he needed a pick-me-up at times. Plus, getting thrown and punched by Connor was not something to walk away from.

Wally had a questioning look, "How come your mind magic voodoo stuff didn't work on that guy?"

"First off," M'gann rolled her eyes, "It is telepathy. Secondly, that guy's mind is strong and..."

Here she frowned, "I manage to push in a little only to be thrown out immediately. It was like being thrown out of another telepath's mind except it felt a little different from what I have experienced.

"Wait, is he a telepath as well?" Barbara had broken from her thoughts. The idea that this guy was also a telepath was terrifying considering all he could do.

They all looked at M'gann with concerned looks only to be reassured by her shaking her head.

"No, I think it's just the defenses in his mind that are like a telepath. After all, he would have used that power if he could during our fights."

That put a rest to that conversation, Artemis and Wally started arguing about what they should eat for dinner. M'gann was annoying Connor about how he was feeling, Kaldur and Robin were speaking in hushed tones, probably about the team's performance.

Barbara leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes. She felt tired and sore and was feeling happy that things were over.

Years later she would remember this moment with bitter amusement, and many of the team would. It would be the last time they underestimated Krios.

It started with startled shouts from the police officers. 

Opening her eyes Barbara saw a sight she never expected to see in her life.

Around the room, police officers felt a rough tug as the clasps of their gun holsters were ripped off with their firearms being torn away. Some of the SWAT members who held rifles tried desperately to hold their weapons only to get them ripped from their hands. Detectives with shoulder holsters were being ripped away from their guns, even her father the Commissioner found his service piece ripped away from him.

Over 100 firearms of all sorts were ripped away from the cops and hovered in front of their owners or in front of an emergency worker. Then in sync, they all stilled sharply in the air before aligning themselves up in a normal position. Each pistol, rifle, and shotgun in harmony was pointed at their owners, their barrels aimed directly at their heads.

Everywhere people either shouted or went eyed with fear at this unexpected event. A few of the braver officers reached out to grab their weapons only for them to float out of reach.

"I wouldn't try that officers," a weak voice called out.

"No, there is no way," Barbara whispered, fear in her eyes at what she was seeing.

She looked over to the rubble to see the torso of a man sticking out, one arm raised partially like a conductor controlling his symphony. Mind you, this symphony was made entirely out of guns.

Krios was covered in dust and plaster from the wall, his left arm hung limply to his side with his shoulder twisted in an unnatural way. Dark spots of blood could be seen all over him from puncture wounds from going through the wall. His hood and mask were still on but his right eye was red with blood from probably a hemorrhage. His left eye burned with black energy and it seemed fine though blood did trickle down from his forehead. 

Krios glanced at the Emergency crew near him, "Get this off me," he growled.

The crews didn't move at all, obviously scared at what they were seeing right now.

Commissioner Gordon seemed to analyze the situation before making a choice.

"Do what he says," he said calmly. Only his eyes showed how serious and concerned he was feeling.

The crew looked at each other and slowly began to move the remaining debris off of Krios.

Eventually freeing his legs brought a sigh of relief from the villain who limped over to where Ivy, Riddler, and Deathstroke were.

"Release them," he demanded.

Barbara could only stare in disbelief at what was happening right now. When Krios had demanded help from the Emergency crews, she and the team had tensed getting ready to jump into the fight before Robin waved the team down.

[M'gann, are we able to communicate right now?!?] Barbara thought desperately.

[Yes, we are all connected.] 

Barbara glared at Dick, [Why are you stopping us!]

[Batman gave the signal not to interfere,] Dicks thoughts shot back.

Looking over at Batman, he was currently staring at the barrels of 4 guns trained on him. Apparently, Krios didn't want to take a chance against him.

Perhaps sensing her questioning gaze Batman looked back at her and gave a small motion with his fingers. It was in fact the signal to stand down and not interfere.

Krios meanwhile had his partners standing up. He leaned close to Deathstroke and whispered something they couldn't hear.

---------------------------------------

*James (Krios), Gotham City Mall

"I don't know how much longer I can hold this," he whispered to Deathstroke.

"Get us out!"

James was feeling pain all over his body from the punch and crash into the wall. The pain was not helped by the huge strain his mind was feeling as he held all these different weapons up. Even if he was in good shape this would not have been an easy thing to do. He could already feel the corners of his vision becoming black with the pressure to go unconscious increasing. Blood was beginning to leak from his nose and ears as he fought to stay awake.

Deathstroke took his order in stride and walked over near the Commissioner, Batman, and some other detectives.

"I suppose we will finish our fight next time much sooner Batman than either of us could imagine."

Motioning to the Commissioner's radio he said, "You have plenty of choppers in the air right now, you get one to land in the courtyard right now. Have the pilot leave it and we will take it."

Gesturing to all the floating guns, "Otherwise Krios will end this his way."

Batman took a step towards Deathstroke only for all the guns to rack and cock their chambers at once. The distinct sound of a bullet entering the chamber of a gun echoed around causing many to take a step back.

Batman narrowed his eyes at James, "You are bluffing."

James' hand had begun to shake slightly, even the physical demand of holding his hand up was beginning to be difficult. He was running out of time before he would drop.

Perhaps it was because he was partially distracted by holding all the guns up, or maybe because of the pain, but his next action was much easier than he thought it would be.

BANG

A shotgun behind them had lowered its barrel toward the cop's leg and tore it clean off. The officer gripped his stub of a leg and howled in agony. Blood splattered everywhere and screams from the other hostages rang out.

Commissioner Gordon's voice was no longer calm as he grabbed his radio, "GET A F&^KING CHOPPER DOWN IN THE COURTYARD NOW!"

One of the braver EMTs seeing the fallen cop began rushing to provide first aid only for the shotgun that shot the cop to reload and point menacingly toward them.

"He gets first aid when we get our chopper," Deathstroke said, capitalizing on the moment.

The distinct sound of helicopter blades became pronounced as a police chopper landed in the courtyard. Ivy and Riddler who kept quiet during this whole ordeal began making their way toward the helicopter with James hobbling behind them, and Deathstroke making up the rear.

They had reached the doors when Deathstroke jumped in front of James grabbing a black blunted batarang thrown by Batman.

"Watch your surroundings kid!" Deathstroke growled at James.

James though was staring at Batman who looked frustrated at his attack failing. He could see the thinking that if he knocked out James they could capture all the villains. There was no way the others or Deathstroke could fight the cops and heroes without James' power holding them at bay. And it probably would have worked if Deathstroke hadn't anticipated it.

"You shouldn't have done that Batman," he whispered.

BANG BANG BANG

3 different guns rang out as 2 uniformed officers and a SWAT member went down. Their guns had lowered themselves not to shoot them in the head but rather in their chests.

Live or die would depend on if their vests were good enough at near point-blank range and if the doctors working on them could save them.

Staring at Batman he hoped he was able to convey the fact that he was not bluffing. His control was slipping and the more he was pushed the more he would up the ante. Next time he would kill no question asked.

It seemed to have worked as Batman gave him a barely perceptible nod as if fully agreeing with the demands.

Unfortunately, one cop didn't seem to get the message.

James and the others walked over to the helicopter. Reaching the helicopter Deathstroke took the pilot's seat and started the pre-flight routine. The rotors began to turn and it looked like things would end just.

When they had walked outside James had used the guns to motion for many of the hostages to follow them outside just to make sure they didn't try anything.

Batman, the Commissioner, and several others were outside watching as the helicopter began to take off.

One of the detectives seeing the chopper take off decided now was the time to be a hero.

James watched with disappointment as the detective began wrestling for control of his gun.

The Commissioner shouted at the detective to stop, Batman yelled in a panic at James not to do it, Deathstroke who was starting to maneuver the helicopter away shot James a curious look.

'I can't risk this idiot hitting us,' James thought sadly as he twitched his finger.

BANG

The detective who was grabbling with the floating gun had a determined look on his face that changed to shock. The bullet fired from his own sidearm punched through his forehead and exited the other side.

More screaming broke out as the detective fell flat on his back dead.

Deathstroke hit the accelerator as the helicopter began to flee the scene.

The jolting of the helicopter and growing distance was enough to finally push James to his limit as he released control of the guns letting them fall to the ground. The growing darkness of unconsciousness was finally allowed to claim him.