A terrified woman dressed in a nice white shirt and long pants ran through Gotham City. An insidious wind followed around her.
"You can't leave. You have not found your salvation yet."
The woman responded with a full bodied scream which would have rattled anyone who had heard it. Her hands, clammy with sweat, and fear in her eyes, showed just how rattled she was.
"No, no, no!" she yelled. "Stay away from me. I saw what you did to those girls in the basement."
The voice dropped even more. The whisper chilled the fleeing woman more than anything she saw on a bad trip.
"They are with the lord now, Sister Isabella."
"No!" Isabella yelled. "Stay back. You are a butcher. You are a false idol. You give us hope for a better life."
"Shhh, I'm a liberator. And your lack of faith is discouraging. If you don't watch it, he will wake. And he will come for you. You can't stop the darkness. You can only throw yourself in all of the way or become another victim swallowed up by Gotham City."
Isabella threw a nearby trash can and bolted down the alleyway as fast as her feet could carry her. Her shoes came off, but she kept running. The loud thump, thump, in the back of her head drove Isabella completely mad. The footsteps got closer and the goosebumps on her arm were more prominent.
"Now, I can't stop you. I can't save you from him. Because he is coming."
A shadowy figure appeared from the darkness in front of Isabella. It towered over her and grabbed the woman by the throat. Isabella kicked, scratched, and bit, but this superhuman strength crushed every last bit of air out of her lungs as she slumped to the ground.
The last thing Isabella saw with her dying breath was a hideous face which resembled a clown from hell. And then absolutely nothing.
X-X-X
Gotham City had been quite the contrast to Metropolis. The dark night to Metropolis's bright and sunny day, as it was. Chloe, Harry, and Lois turned up in town, to cover an event held by Joseph Blackfire, the supposed faith healer and also current Gotham City Mayorial candidate.
"This guy seems like a con," Lois said. "And yet people are eating out of his hands."
"Well, it is politics," Chloe joked. "Part and parsel to the entire thing."
The blonde reporter shook her head and suddenly got a bit more serious.
"Blackfire was in Smallville during the meteor shower," Chloe said. "He claims to have been saved by divine intervention and has dedicated his life to bringing others the same salvation."
"Smells a lot like a cult," Lois responded. "Harry?"
"Let's see what he has to say," Harry said. "And if you can get to him, you can poke holes in his logic. Although, I don't expect too many people to listen."
"I don't either," Chloe agreed.
Lois shook her head and crossed her arms. "We'll see."
Several people crowded around the stage. A large man with a dark beard and scraggly hair, dressed in a sweater straight ouf of the Mr. Rogers collection and a pair of black pants appeared. His bright eyes looked at them all and he smiled at them. Something about his demenor put Harry off guard a little bit.
"My children and esteemed guests, welcome to the next step of your reawakening," Blackfire said. "Years ago, I saw green fire coming from the sky. The meteor rocks came down and I thought I was a goner. But, I saw the light. I saw a hand. I saw our holy father lift us up. He opened my eyes and told me what I needed to do, to ensure other people are lead to the holy land. And my mission brought me to Gotham City, a kingdom of lost souls."
The man spread his arms and looked around to the assembled guests. Harry, Lois, and Chloe caught a small group move through the shadows. They were all dressed in the same red robes, although their faces had been obscured in the darkness.
"The children of Gotham City have all been diverted from the light. They are relying on creatures who prey on the superstitious and cowardly, deep in the shadow of darkness. Well, those days will soon be over. Salvation my brothers and sisters. Salvation will be at hand. I will step forward and represent these lost children of Gotham. I will pledge myself as your Mayor to help those who need salvation. And spread it forward to other cities. I am but a humble servant to a higher power."
Blackfire finally drew breath. The figures dressed in the red robes came out. Lois's mouth opened wide, as they all wore sheep masks, with sunken in looking eyes.
"These are all Hamilton Hill sees when he looks out into the fine people of Gotham City!" Joseph Blackfire bellowed. "Sheep, ready to be sent forth into the slaughter. Sheep ready to be decimated at a moment's notice! They are easily disposable. These men and women are lost. But inside them, beats the potential of someone who will bring forth a glorious new age in Gotham City!"
Blackfire motioned to another man, dressed in purple rags. His face had been obscured by bandages, and hands covered with gloves.
"This brother has lost everything thanks to Gotham City!" Blackfire yelled at the man. "His past, his identity, and he wanders the streets of Gotham City, every day, hoping to find that one puzzle piece which connects everything together."
"Yes, I don't know who I am," the man said in a soft voice.
"Yes, but I can feel the letter "J" is important to him! And this man, a resident of Metropolis. A paramedic named Davis Bloome! He longs to help people, but he's lost his purpose."
Chloe recognized the man she saw on the scene a handful of times and judging by the looks on the faces of Harry and Lois, they did as well.
"Brother Davis, welcome to the first step of you embracing your true self," Blackfire said. "He's been expecting you would come around and see your true self! And you will become one with us. Salvation."
Blackfire dipped his finger in holy water and pressed it onto Bloom's head. Bloom seemed transfixed. Harry suspected a young man who had been wanting answers and had not been liking the lack of them so far. He had been down that road a while.
"He likes putting on a show."
A redhead standing behind Chloe, Lois, and Harry caught her attention. Harry gave her a good looking over and smiled.
"She does Ms…."
"Gordon, Barbara Gordon," Barbara said. "And you're Lois Lane, Chloe Sullivan, and Harry Kent. The Planet's interested in hearing what Blackfire has to see."
"Seems like a whole lot of boisterous mambo-jumbo now," Lois said.
"As outlandish as he is, you might want to read between the lines of what he's saying."
Blackfire stole the show away from the conversation. Harry's attention turned the bandaged man in purple rags and Bloom. Bloom seemed to be Blackfire's focus, but Harry thought they should really keep a closer eye on this man at rags. Something about his demeanor and body language is here.
"He's exploiting people," Chloe muttered.
"Yep," Harry said.
"And for all of you who have not understood the power he has, you will all someday. And for Hamilton Hill, it's a great disappointment that he didn't show up, because we could have had a conversation in front of the people. Not at an arranged event for media publicity!"
Blackfire's boisterous ranting went on and on for a long time. Harry noticed Barbara seemed to be paying as close, if not closer attention than the reporters who had been sent to cover the event.
Harry checked something. A woman found in an alleway in Gotham City strangled to death. While murder in Gotham City was not uncommon, this murder unsettled Harry.
"There is no need for questions, when you can just look within yourself and hear his voice."
"Let's go back to the hotel," Lois said. "He's not going to bite."
'And since when did that stop you?" Chloe asked. "Unless you're scared of him."
"I'm not scared, just something about him is not right," Lois said.
"Yes," Harry said. "Isabelle Wentworth. Look into her. See if she has any ties to Blackfire's church. And any recent murder victims. I'm going to do some digging on the street."
"Right," Chloe said.
"Use the signal watch to call me if you see anything suspicious," Harry said them.
Chloe and Lois nodded, knowing that Harry had a reason to be nervous. And they turned to the redhead who they met, only she was no longer there.
But, the man dressed in purple with the rags stared at the two reporters before turning away and giggling to himself. That made Lois's skin crawl.
X-X-X
Harry walked through the streets of Gotham City. Isabella Wentworth was found in the alleyway. And a couple other murder victims were found as well.
"Yeah, tied to the church, all three of them," Chloe said. "I'm honestly surprised Hill hasn't gone after Blackfire for this like a dog with a bone."
"Maybe he's waiting for the right time."
"Don't move."
The unmistakable click of a gun behind him caused Harry to sigh. What were the odds that he would be mugged in Gotham City? Pretty damn high, all things considered. Still, Harry just had to smile.
"You're serious?"
"Don't crack wise with me or I'll blow your brains out. Watch, wallet. Fork it over, now."
Harry caught the glimpse of a mugger who had brought a few of his buddies along.
"Yeah, Chloe, I'm being mugged," Harry replied. "Call you back in a second."
Before Harry could respond, a dark figure swooped down from the shadows. A loud crack took down the first mugger. Another one spun around and had been punched out. The third and the fourth had been taken down. Harry leaned up against the wall and viewed, very briefly, a shadowed figure with a very prominent cowl.
The sound of a grappling hook punctured Harry's super hearing. The mysterious figure was there and he was gone. And sirens followed.
The Gotham City Police Department showed up. Harry stepped out of the alleway seconds later to face them.
"What happened?"
"People tried to mug me," Harry said. "Someone knocked me out. I'm a reporter so people are always taking shots at me."
"Yeah, that happens a lot in this city," a portly detective said. "Come on, let's get you out of there before someone damages your perm."
"Thanks Officer…"
"Detective Bullock," he grunted. "Seems like our vigilante has come out to play again tonight. As if we didn't have enough problems with this election going on."
Yes, problems in Gotham City, unsolved murders and strange things are going around. Harry figured out instantly why there was a mysterious man dressed as a bat roaming around the streets.
X-X-X
Harry finished giving his statement at the Gotham City Police Department and was waiting for the go ahead to leave.
"And here I thought that reporters weren't supposed to make the news?"
Harry turned around and came face to face with a redheaded woman who he wanted to get to know a little bit better.
"Well, what are the odds that I would step into an alleyway and get mugged?"Harry asked.
"In Gotham, pretty high," Barbara responded. "It's the Gotham City welcome. And you got it full force."
"Glad to hear it," Harry answered with a sigh. "So, your father is the Lieutenant Commissioner."
"That's right."
The man himself, James Gordon appeared. Dark hair, growing slightly grey, with a few hints of a mustache, and a veteran cop of the Gotham City police beat, James Gordon had done a lot and seem a lot more.
"So, you're saying that you were turning around and when you did, they were knocked out?" Gordon asked.
"Yes," Harry said. "Never saw the face of the guy or girl who saved me."
"Well, let's just file that one away," Gordon said. "He's getting more bold."
"So, it's a he?" Barbara asked.
"Just assuming," Gordon said. "How do the two of you know each other?"
"We met outside of a press event," Barbara said smoothly. "Harry was covering something for the Daily Planet."
Gordon's reproachful eyes fell on his daughter. Even as a grown woman, Barbara was still not completely immune to the Dad look.
"That wouldn't happen to be at Deacon Blackfire's church for his latest salvation meeting. The one where he finally opened it up to the press?"
"That...that might be," Barbara said.
"Blackfire's...something about him is really off and I don't want you to be sucked into it, Barb," Gordon told his daughter. "I know that you're a grown woman, but there have been many grown women who were smart who have fell under the desire of charismatic leaders and ruined their entire lives, their reputations. You have a lot going for you, I don't want you to be seduced."
"Dad, it's fine, I know he's full of crap," Barbara said. "Which means he fits in perfectly as a Gotham City politician."
"Well, Hill isn't done yet," Gordon responded. "Mr. Kent, I'm sorry, but you can go. I would hate to keep you waiting. And I would highly recommend you don't travel alone in Gotham City again."
"Noted," Harry said. "It was a pleasure meeting you. And seeing you again Barbara."
'If you're not busy, maybe we can get together for coffee?" Barbara blurted out.
Gordon moved out to attend to the latest report. There were certain things not meant for a father's ears. Barbara jotted down her phone number and passed it to Harry.
"Talk to you soon," Barbara hopefully said.
Harry smiled and kissed her hand. "You just might."
And then he was gone. And damn good, Barbara thought. Almost as good as her employer.
X-X-X
Joseph Blackfire shuffled through some blankets, some tins of food, and radios on a shelf, among other items. A knock on his door brought Blackfire's attention behind him.
"The door is open if you will lead the way," Blackfire said.
The door opened and a sandy haired and slightly overweight man dressed in a trenchcoat waddled into the room.
"Brother Loeb!" Blackfire yelled. "Have you come to seek answers in the dark and twisted load which is Gotham City?"
"No, Blackfire, I've come to offer you some wisdom of my own," Loeb said.
"Oh, well enlighten me, my dear Commissioner about what you have to offer me."
Loeb smiled, showing a few rotten teeth. It was a good reflection of the rotten core of this corrupt man.
"You may become the Mayor of Gotham City, but to do so, you need to learn a few things," Loeb said. "These people are beyond hope. You need to be good friends with the right people. Hill didn't become Mayor without knowing what backs to scratch."
"And which to stab?" Blackfire asked.
"Good, you are smarter than I thought, that's a good start," Loeb said. "There's been a couple of reporters snooping around, asking questions. People who belong to your church, and have been seen at this homeless shelter. It would be bad if the GCPD followed those same leads, Deacon."
"Well, yes, but there was not a fingerprint at the scene of the crime," Blackfire said. "And given all of the twisted souls in this city, it could be anyone. That's why this city needs saving."
Loeb cleared his throat.
"Salvation comes at a price, preacher," Loeb said. "And I have one, and if you pay it, I can help you out. You can become Mayor and you can spread your word without any trouble. You must be raking in donations."
"Not a single dollar goes into this shelter," Blackfire said. "I'm afraid I've only depended on the kindness of strangers. Men and women who wish to ease their own guilty conscience."
"I know there must be money in this. And you don't want me to be your enemy."
"Oh, but I already am. You've got to Hill and you made a pact with him. You've dealt with that devil. And he knows. And he doesn't like it. And you will suffer."
"Is that a threat?"
Loeb pulled out a gun and pointed it at Blackfire. Blackfire did not turn around. He started casually humming "he's got the whole world in his hands" which gave Loeb a momentary pause.
"Men that are corrupt, they refuse to see the light. And if they finally are forced to step it, it burns."
"Listen to me you freak, you don't scare me."
"I don't, but he should."
Blackfire turned back around, wearing a horrifying looking demonic clown mask. This mask which horrified Loeb and caused him to drop the gun. That hideous face was the last thing Commissioner Loeb saw before everything faded out.
X-X-X
Chloe and Lois sat in the hotel room. Lois had been a bit more on edge than usual and more than she was willing to let on.
"The Commissioner of Gotham City has been found strung up and dead outside of the Iceberg Lounge," Chloe said to Lois.
"Really?" Lois asked. "Wasn't that place owned by that Cobblepot guy?"
Chloe answered with a nod. "Oswald Cobblepot, the Penguin. I better tell Harry."
The communicator clicked on and Chloe switched.
"Sorry, Chloe, I'm just getting out of the GCPD."
"Loeb has been murdered."
"The Commissioner? Who did it?" Harry asked.
"Well, someone wants people to think that the Penguin is behind it," Chloe said. "Given that his body has been found outside of the club."
"I bet the bird is in a tizzy," Harry answered. "He might have seen something. I better check it out."
Chloe felt the same chill down her spine. There was some malicious presence inside of Gotham City. Lois tapped her finger against the wall.
"You know, I thought the General was paranoid when I said I should have a right to carry," Lois said. "But now, I don't feel bad about going into this with a gun. I mean, Harry's fine, but not all of us can repel bullets."
Chloe nodded. A gun, taser, mace, anything to tip the scales. Plus, some self defense training never went amiss either. Chloe felt a looming presence and every shadow represented terror. She kept the lights on, and likely would keep them on as long as they were in Gotham City.
X-X-X
A large balding man in a fancy suit, monocle, and top hat, with a slight limp waved an umbrella around like a madman. Several terrified men took several steps back.
"Can't believe it, someone strung a police commissioner out back!" Penguin yelled. "Those bastards are going to draw all kinds of attention. Make sure everything's locked down. We don't need the cops coming down around here. Hell, we don't even need...him."
Penguin's voice cracked in a second when a blur came into his office and took out his men one at a time. The dust cleared and Penguin came face to face with Superman.
"No! Not you!"
Penguin unloaded several clips of an umbrella gun into the chest of the Man of Steel. Superman charged over in a blur and lifted Cobblepot up off of the ground and hurled him down onto the desk.
"Who killed Loeb?"
"I didn't kill that greasy bastard!" Penguin yelled. "I'm sure glad he's dead, but I didn't kill him."
"He was strung up outside of your club."
Penguin hesitated and almost seemd apprehensive. The candles in his office flickered. There was some kind of eerie presence which put Penguin on the edge. But yet getting smashed to bits by an angry man who could throw him around was the more terrifying prospect.
"I didn't do the bloody bastard. I saw some weirdos wearing sheep masks. Lots of them around lately, sulking in the alleyways behind the club. Scaring my customers away."
Harry relaxed his grip around Cobblepot's neck. The man's heartbeat indicated he was terrified, but earnest.
"You shouldn't be here."
Harry turned around to lay eyes on an imposing figure in a sleek back uniform. Most prominent on the uniform was a giant bat symbol which shone in the light. He wore a belt which had been lined with several pounces. And beside him, stood a woman dressed in a form fitting black and blue uniform, with a black mask and having her red hair tied back. Harry recognized her body language immediately.
"The famous Batman I presume," Superman said. "Thought you were a myth."
"Well, that's the idea," the woman said. "And I'm Nightwing."
"Right," Superman said. "Cobblepot said there were men in sheep masks. Sound familiar?"
"It's all adding up," Batman said. "But, you shouldn't be in Gotham. You belong in the light in Metropolis. Gotham isn't a place for you."
"Sounds like things are out of control too much for even one man."
"I work alone."
"And yet you have a sidekick," Harry responded.
The redhead scoffed. "Partner. But, it took me a long time before I got him to acknowledge me. Almost a year."
Harry figured that would be the case. He knew for a fact it was Barbara, although she had a good idea to disguise her voice. It was jusst Harry's ear is a bit too keen.
"Help me…!"
Batman turned around and backhanded Penguin down to the ground. He turned to face Superman, only to realize he was gone. Vanished in an instant.
"See how it feels?" Nightwing asked.
That earned her one patented Batman death glare.
X-X-X
A group of men had been led out to the swamp by Joseph Blackfire. Davis Bloom walked in the front, with the mysterious bandaged man in purple rags bringing up the rear. He started to whistle a jaunty tune which did not fit the atmosphere.
"Stop my brothers."
Blackfire turned around to face all of them.
"Sacrifice is important. Much like the good lord died on the cross for your sins, someone will have to die for the sins to be purged from Gotham City."
Blackfire unwrapped a gun from the blanket and set it down. All of the men stared at the gun apprehensively. And then the man in purple rags picked up the gun and fired upon Bloom. Three other men followed with shots, dropping down. The blood spilled out of their bodies and soaked the murky waters of the swamp.
The bandaged man chuckled to a point where even Blackfire looked disturbed. His chuckles turned into insidious laughter.
"I'm finding myself, Father!" the man cackled.
Any distaste disappeared from Blackfire's face and he calmed. .
"Yes, he will be pleased. And from that, he will rise."
A hulking figure rose from the swamp. It bubbled and brought the figure up.
"Solomon Grundy. Born on a Monday."