United States
The outskirts of Gotham City,
Um... Not The Axiom, the other… Outskirts where Wayne Manor was located.
Wayne Manor's grounds include a surrounding gate around the perimeter, with a larger front gate at the main entrance.
The positioning of the residence was rather convenient. Within driving distance of Gotham city, close enough for the Bat signal to be seen.
Enabling Bruce Wayne or rather, Batman to spring into action as fast as possible should the need ever arise.
And on this dark and dreary night, the Bat signal was on full display in the Gotham skies. However, the city's famous Caped Crusader wouldn't be able to respond to this call.
The scene opened on the building, consisting of a luxurious eleven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. In Bruce's master bedroom, the body of The Dark Knight laid on the lavish looking king-sized bed that he rarely used.
He wasn't in the room alone, however. Right next to the bed was the green skinned J'onn J'onzz whose left hand was resting on Bruce's forehead while closing his eyes with a serious look that screamed, "utter concentration".
Superman, who stood at a distance, watched the whole thing play out with worry in his eyes and a deep frown etched on his face.
Dressed in his signature red and blue tights, the classic "S" symbol representing his alias and identity as the last son of the house of El and the cape that almost swept the floor.
Clark examined Bruce laying unconscious with his X-ray vision once again, despite knowing it wouldn't provide any answers.
His eyes didn't stay on the body. Among the Leaguers that attacked Amari, Batman was one of the least physically damaged.
At least when compared to the Hal, Bruce could be said to have gotten off easy. The punch The Deviant had thrown on the Green lantern made sure the latter was still in the League's Med Bay until now.
Batman, however, had a much more complicated situation.
Clark examined Bruce's brain intently. After a few seconds, his vision returned to normal, causing him to frown even deeper with slight disappointment.
He looked at Martian Manhunter whose hands had regrown over the past week without saying a word.
After a while. J'onn finally opened his eyes. Taking his hand away from Bruce's head, the green Martian stood up from the chair he was sitting on with a slightly unsightly look etched on his face.
"Any changes?" Clark asked, but seeing his expression, he had little hope.
"Yes". However, J'onns response surprised the kryptonian.
"Really? Is he getting better?" Clark asked with surprise and delight.
"No". The Manhunter shook his head. "When I said changes, I meant it's getting worse".
Clark's happy expression stiffened before turning ugly.
His eyes almost narrowed into slits as he stared intently at the Green Martian.
"What's wrong with him?"
"I can't say for sure". The Manhunter shook his head. "But the damage Bruce has suffered is beyond anything I have ever encountered".
"You can't be serious, J'onn".
"I'm afraid I am". He replied solemnly.
"The attack Amari used against Batman was in many ways similar to the psychic attacks we Martians and other telepaths employ against opponents. Bruce's coma is a result of his mindscape being so greatly damaged that his consciousness has retreated deep into his mind".
Clark mused over his words.
"Like a sort of defense mechanism".
"Correct". J'onn nodded affirmatively.
"If that were all, then my capabilities would be more than enough to handle it. With enough time and psychic treatment, he would be back up on his feet..."
His words paused. Clark didn't like where this was going.
"However, Bruce's attack, while similar to that of a telepath, has a characteristic I have never seen before".
The grave expression on his face was all that was needed to know that Martian Manhunter was, in no way, joking.
"The damage created hasn't stopped".
"It what?....." Clark asked incredulously.
"Batman's mind is similar to a building hit with several explosives. With every passing second, what's left of that damaged building is crumbling bit by bit and given enough time..." He didn't continue his words, but Superman finished them for him.
"The whole building comes crashing down".
"... Yes". Martian Manhunter said after several moments of silence.
"By that time, Bruce's consciousness could be trapped within his mind forever. He would lay in a coma until we can find a way to fix his situation in that dire state. If we can ever, that is".
"Then we'll find a way". Clark said as he folded both arms across his chest. His royal blue colored eyes sparkled with the glint of determination and will.
J'onn sighed inwardly.
"This.... Is not easy, Kal-El".
"But we have to try. No matter what, we have to make sure that we fix Bruce. Is there anything we can do?"
His words caused the Martian to fall I to contemplation.
"I can use my telepathy to try as much as possible to slow down this process. But if we want to wake him up, we will need more than me".
Clark frowned.
"More telepaths?"
"Likely". He nodded.
"Bruce won't like it". Clark shook his head.
The Justice League was a gathering of some of the most powerful, most skilled, most intelligent minds there were on planet Earth and slowly reaching beyond.
Everyone had their quirks and characteristics that set them out from the rest. And Clark knew for a fact that Bruce hated mind intrusions more than he did.
In such a situation, it would be fine if it was j'on but adding others would definitely not sit well with The Dark Knight when he woke up.
The league didn't know many telepaths to begin with.
Scratch that.
Apart from J'onn, the league had no other members with telepathic capabilities.
Apart from Martian Manhunter, the only person available was his niece, Miss Martian. But Clark highly doubted she was capable for the task at hand.
Not to mention the fact that she was a kid. Clark would sooner find another way than let a kid roam around Bruce's mind "fixing things".
"Why do all the good telepaths have to be villains?" A thought crossed through the mind of the Man Of Steel, filtered out as soon as it appeared.
Bringing in outsiders would undoubtedly lead to the reveal of Batman's secret identity.
"I don't think Bruce has a choice in this matter. Besides, when it comes to telepaths, we are falling short on the friend list". J'onn made a light joke.
"Yeah, like I don't know that". Clark smiled half-heartedly.
"There is something else we can try".
"What?"
"Magic".
Martian Manhunter walked towards the exit as he spoke. Seeing this, Superman followed.
"Someone with magical capabilities, skilled enough to project themselves into Batman's subconscious, should be able to play the role of a second telepath".
"But I'd need him to work with me intensively, over a span of several days, to have a chance of success. It would be best, if there could be more than one".
Pushing open the door, J'onn finished.
"Ok then, who do you have in....." Clark's words came to a halt. His head turned abruptly to the side as various sounds from a far away distance drifted into his ears.
"Something wrong?" J'onn asked curiously.
"It's trouble".
"Where?"
Hearing his question, Clark didn't respond. His frown was becoming increasingly prevalent.
"..... Everywhere". The Manhunter raised an eyebrow, but apart from that, his facial expressions didn't change much.
"Go Clark. We can discuss this later".
"I know". Clark responded.
His face turned towards the unconscious Batman. Nodding firmly, he added.
"Take care of him". And then, his body sped out of the building, leaving nothing but a red and blue blur.
Martian Manhunter turned his attention to the room he just stepped out of. Past Bruce's bed, looking out the window, a human figure could be seen breaking the sound barrier and disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye.
"The future is... Worrying". J'onn muttered under his breath.
Ever since that incident more than a week ago, a series of events had gone off in consistence like a chain reaction.
The undercurrents were surging and enemies were lurking.
J'onn turned his head back to the hallway.
Standing there, a previously empty place a while ago, was the most stereotypically British butler you ever did see. Balding, with a thin mustache, and a gaze that made you feel like you were a misbehaving grandchild.
J'onn honestly found that look a bit weird and, at the same time, assuring. With a man like this taking care of his health, no wonder Bruce hadn't gone off the edge years ago.
"Hello again, Mr. J'onn". Alfred greeted kindly.
"Hello Alfred". Thy had met when he arrived with Superman and Bruce earlier.
Then he turned his gaze back to Bruce.
"You are worried about his condition".
Alfred walked over with a steady pace, carrying the elegance and grace of am English gentleman.
"It is my duty to care for Master Wayne in all his endeavors". He answered calmly.
"And I do admit, it hurts me to see him in this state".
"He will be alright. The league will do all we can. I can assure you of that". J'onn said calmly, seeing the hint of sadness within the Butler's brows.
"Thank you". Alfred said softly. "Is there anything you might require?"
"I appreciate the thought, but no, thank you. I might just need time alone".
"Very well". Alfred nodded and continued on his way.
Looking at the retreating of the old butler, J'onn sighed.
His gaze shifted from the disappearing backside back out Bruce's window. The iconic Bat Signal lighting up the skies was particularly conspicuous.
J'onn pondered for a few seconds before looking upward, towards a certain corner of the walls.
His telepathy swept over the compound, drilling underground.
....
Underneath Wayne Manor.
Batcave
A figure sat in front of the Batcomputer, watching the surveillance footage of the manor.
"Hello Miss Gordon?"
Hearing the voice of Martian Manhunter in her mind, the figure had her body stiffen for a split second before returning to normal.
"Um, hey! I mean... Hello". She replied in as natural a tone as she could.
"Forgive my intrusion. I give you my word that I have not read your thoughts"
"Oh?… Um, that's fine, don't worry about it. I appreciate the statement".
J'onn heard the nervousness in her voice and withheld the urge to chuckle, finding her performance slightly amusing.
"I've noticed the signal. Issue in Gotham?"
".... Yes". She answered after a momentary silence.
"I see. Would you perhaps require my assistance? I could be of great help". J'onn asked casually.
".... No. Thank you, but no. It's nothing big. I can handle it". She answered back.
J'onn didn't say anything much. Just stared intently for a few seconds.
"If that is what you wish".
Then, he walked back into Bruce's bedroom. The door closing behind him as he entered.
....
Watching the video of Martian Manhunter going into Bruce's room, she sighed slightly.
Dressed in a black Kevlar suit, skin tight with the bat logo on the rather expressive chest area, Barbara Gordon turned off the surveillance camera.
She stood in front of the Batcomputer for a few seconds, her face marred with a bit of worry and anxiety.
Then, she tapped on the keyboard several times, causing the screen to change.
The picture of the Bat Signal high up over Gotham appeared on the screen. With dexterous fingers, her hands moved over the keyboard continuously as she hacked into different security cameras.
Soon, the Batcomputer portrayed the information she was looking for.
The Joker.
The prince of crime in Gotham City had escaped from Arkham asylum.
Barbara was silent for a few seconds before turning the computer off.
Standing in the dark and dreary lair, she put on her cowl, effectively covering her face, and walked towards the mechanized workshop.
The trace of worry on her features disappeared like it was never there.
Arming herself with various weapons and gear, she walked towards "The Ricochet"
Gotham was a shithole where crime was prevalent. Not even the most purebred Gothamite would deny that fact.
The crime in this city seemed eternal, but that wouldn't change anything.
Since Batman couldn't respond to the watch light, then she would take his place until the caped crusader woke up.
She, Barbara Joan Gordon, would hunt down the Joker and bring him to Justice without the aid of Batman.
As for the repercussions of her actions? Well, she'll soon find out.
........
This Is Today's Chapter.
Come on guys, More Powerstones.
Seriously, Creation is very hard.
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