Infinite Justice: Beyond (Marvel,DC,DBZ X/Over, IC, Open)

[Pygmalionia]

"Two Face is dead? Didn't think I'd be alive to witness some progress in Gotham." the Mask remarks before grabbing the runner by his arm and pulling him up to his feet. "Yeah, I'm here to help. I'm no Batman though. Keep that in mind. I see pests run around, and I kill them, got it? I'll be going with you if you don't mind. Tell me about these three responders." the Butcher continues, handing the runner's items back to him. "Try anything funny, and you're a dead man." He says lastly, finally giving the man his firearm.

The runner remained nervous and frightened, despite having a gun in his hand. "The Gotham City Defenders are a police group, I'm part of it. We're trying to take back Gotham from Vannis and.. Uh... Two-Face's gang. The Bat is, well, the Bat. I don't know anything about the fire guy, I swear. I-If you want verification on any of that, my radio's right there."

"No need. There are more important things to do. As you said, Vannis ordered an attack on the city. If you're a member of this...police group, it seems first priority is to save some civilians and take down the goons. I'll go with you, it's been a while since I've had this much scum to rend." says the masked man, expecting the runner to lead the way.

[Pygmalionia]

"Er.. Alright." He sighed, grabbing his radio. "Commissioner, you there?"
"This is Boxer, the Commissioner is in the field. Where the hell have you been? Did the Mask try and kill you?"
"Nah, he was just trying to figure out why I was spying on him. He's an ally, if... er.. A bit of a brutal one." He said, with a glance back at him. "I'd put him at or above Reclaimer."
"Perfect. I got word that there was a firefight up at an old mansion, word is, Vannis' people are there. Take main street, and if you see Vannis, take him out."
"Got it." Putting down the radio, he glanced back at the Mask. "You got a car? We should get there as fast as we can, Mr..?"

"Lazarus. I have a cycle, you alright with that? It's parked at the next block." says Lazarus. "You tell me where to go though, it's been a while since I've been in Gotham." the butcher continues.

[Pygmalionia]

"Lazarus. I have a cycle, you alright with that? It's parked at the next block." says Lazarus. "You tell me where to go though, it's been a while since I've been in Gotham." the butcher continues.

"Lazarus, huh? Like the Lazarus Pit? I'm okay with a motorcycle, so long as it's fast. Main street is close by." The Runner replied. "You use guns, or just the blade? Vannis' people aren't exactly gonna sit down and wait for you to get close to them."

The duo reach the bike and get on it. "I just have blades. Guns are a bit too, humane for my taste. Don't worry, I can probably think of something. Oh and, what the hell are Lazarus pits?" Hope remarks as they drive off to the Main Street.

[Pygmalionia]

"You're not a local are you?" The runner remarked. "Ever since guys calling themselves the League of Assassins attacked the city a while back, the old legend about the so-called Lazarus Pit started coming around again. Supposedly, if you get in it, you come out healed. Some of the weirder versions of the tale even say people can get immortal. I'd say that it was crazy talk, but in a world where Hercules, Thor, Superman, and Galactus are all real, who the hell knows, eh?" He kept his eyes peeled for any suspicious activity.

"Yeah, I haven't been here in a while. Those magic pits don't even surprise me anymore. Only thing sure in this world is that nothing's for sure. How far are we from the destination?" Lazarus asks, as he speeds up his cycle; dodging cars.

[Pygmalionia]

"Yeah, I haven't been here in a while. Those magic pits don't even surprise me anymore. Only thing sure in this world is that nothing's for sure. How far are we from the destination?" Lazarus asks, as he speeds up his cycle; dodging cars.

"We're about- Hold up, the hell is that?" He suddenly asked, pointing towards a collection of black SUVs. "Nobody in their right mind is out tonight, let alone someone important enough for a convoy. Unless... Hey, pull over towards them. I want to knock on a window. It might be Vannis in there."

"Do you even know anything about this Vannis person aside from him being a crime boss?" says Lazarus as they begin to slow down, clearly doubting the Runner's plans. "I don't know, on the off-chance that it might be Vannis; he's not gonna be alone. We're only two guys. You really think this is the way to go, mister..?" Lazarus continues as he looks at the group of automobiles, realizing he hasn't asked the Runner's name.

[Pygmalionia]

"Do you even know anything about this Vannis person aside from him being a crime boss?" says Lazarus as they begin to slow down, clearly doubting the Runner's plans. "I don't know, on the off-chance that it might be Vannis; he's not gonna be alone. We're only two guys. You really think this is the way to go, mister..?" Lazarus continues as he looks at the group of automobiles, realizing he hasn't asked the Runner's name.

"Just call me John. As for Vannis, he's the guy that just ordered a massacre on Gotham. Anything else you need to know?" He remarked. "And you're a mask who can take a round to the chest. I'm sure we've got this."

"A round to the chest, thanks to a Kevlar. I'm not as strong as any other uh, Masks you've seen. I'm different from the average human, but I am by no means a super." the Butcher admits. "By info on Vannis, I meant his personal capabilities. For all we know, this guy's hiding some bat shit insane powers, you know?" Lazarus continues, before pulling over 10 meters near the SUV. "You sure about this, John?" Lazarus admits finally.

[Pygmalionia]

"A round to the chest, thanks to a Kevlar. I'm not as strong as any other uh, Masks you've seen. I'm different from the average human, but I am by no means a super." the Butcher admits. "By info on Vannis, I meant his personal capabilities. For all we know, this guy's hiding some bat shit insane powers, you know?" Lazarus continues, before pulling over 10 meters near the SUV. "You sure about this, John?" Lazarus admits finally.

"Sir, we've got vision on unknown people near us."

"Hmm...let's continue to the mansion, we will be safer there, how long our travel is now? 20? 30?"

"It's um....25 minutes, Sir. We'll make it 20, if we fast enough. Reports came that Batgirl, and unknown person had undermined our attempt. And we have no location of Mia."

"Sure, go for it. Have the men in front of us to arm themselves and prepares for the worst. Not that Mia's important, anyway..."

The SUV began to increases its speed, the safety of them is undermined heavily with attacks on every sides of the flanks they can cover, and it's only time before they will be overwhelmed, something they can't counter for now.

"Ah shit, they left. Probably noticed." says Lazarus. "Better safe, though. Lets wait for them to advance a bit before tailing them to avoid suspicion." Lazarus offers.

[Pygmalionia]

"Sir, we've got vision on unknown people near us."

"Hmm...let's continue to the mansion, we will be safer there, how long our travel is now? 20? 30?"

"It's um....25 minutes, Sir. We'll make it 20, if we fast enough. Reports came that Batgirl, and unknown person had undermined our attempt. And we have no location of Mia."

"Sure, go for it. Have the men in front of us to arm themselves and prepares for the worst. Not that Mia's important, anyway..."

The SUV began to increases its speed, the safety of them is undermined heavily with attacks on every sides of the flanks they can cover, and it's only time before they will be overwhelmed, something they can't counter for now.

Watching the SUV pull forward faster, John remarked. "Kevlar, huh? Doesn't matter. Doesn't matter if he's got powers, either. In my eyes, all we gotta do is make him crash. He dies, this all ends, right? As for safety.... Let's see what happens." He laughed, before pulling out his pistol and carefully aiming at the wheels of the nearest SUV. "Boom." He fired several times, hoping at least one would hit.

"Well, there goes any hint of espionage!" Lazarus comments in a laughing tone while he observes the effects of John's actions.

[Pygmalionia]

We got hit.

The fourth SUV crashed into the building, wounding seriously all of the members inside the car, with the rest of the SUV stop.

"Order one of the SUV to check the people inside, if they all dead, it means we have to left them. If one of them still alive, or few alive, bring them to the other SUV! Now! I will continue to the mansion, only with this SUV and one other SUV, got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

One of the SUV backed down, and then 6 trained and heavily armed guards went outside from the SUV and went to checked the crashed SUV. One of them, however, noticed someone from afar. Being wary he told the rest and the rest became wary and cautious.

John smiled. "Ignore the ones getting out. Vannis is going to be in one of the two still going. Still worried about it, Mask?" He laughed, then pulled out his radio. "Boxer, I've got Vannis in my sights, in pursuit with the Mask. He's en route to the old mansion." He pulled out his second gun and began to take aim at the two SUVs still going. "Get close enough so I can get a shot in on them."

"Alright, I'm not AS worried; but those guys are still armed. I'll do my best to try and dodge if they ever fire. You focus on your shots." Lazarus replies as he revs up his cycle. He takes a bunch of small knives from his coat, clipping four between his fingers. "Ready?" says the Butcher, before suddenly speeding past the crashed SUV to pursue Vannis.

[Pygmalionia]

"Alright, I'm not AS worried; but those guys are still armed. I'll do my best to try and dodge if they ever fire. You focus on your shots." Lazarus replies as he revs up his cycle. He takes a bunch of small knives from his coat, clipping four between his fingers. "Ready?" says the Butcher, before suddenly speeding past the crashed SUV to pursue Vannis.

"Goddammit, he's trying to kill Boss! Kill him!"

The men began to open fire on the two guys, hoping it will hit them, while one of them went back to SUV and started it, ordering his friends to got in as well to pursue them.

---

Meanwhile Vannis and the rest of his men already on their way to the mansion, as it has become the more safer place for them now. And in the end hopefully, they will survive to see the next sunset.

Upon hearing gunshots, Lazarus begins to maneuver his cycle in an erratic manner. One of his side mirrors shatter upon getting hit. "Son of a bitch!" Lazarus mutters. He brakes to the side then recklessly throws his knives with impressive strength with hopes of taking out some of the men getting in the SUV. The knives hurl through the air at speeds a normal man wouldn't be able to achieve. As soon as the knives leave his hand, Lazarus continues his pursuit as he pushes his bike to its top speed in an attempt to catch up to the crime lord. "Keep shooting, John!" Lazarus orders.

[Pygmalionia]

Kyle Vannis

Getting close to the mansion, and being fired at from the back side doesn't give him much comfort and safety after all. On the other hand, it might shows that he's at the end of his career, everyone attacking him from every possible flanks, and the fact that he's still alive right now is a miracle waiting to be destroyed. Oh, how he loves his current situations.

They began to reached the main road connected to the mansion, and strangely, his men cannot connected with the rest of the men at the mansion, no answers, no sounds, nothing. This is going to be bad.

"Turn back, turn back, turn back to Bludhaven." said Vannis to his men, as Bludhaven is still safe, and he has Falcone's holdings there as well. He doesn't want to face Batman, or his family of Bats, which may or may not have arrived at the mansion and defeated all of his men there.

"They're turning back." says Lazarus, grinning under his mask. He revs up his cycle more and speeds up with the intention of catching up to the Falcone crime boss. "John, get ready to shoot. You'll have a clearer view now." says the Butcher as he speeds off towards the two SUVs, invigorated at the recent turn of events.

[Pygmalionia]

Sonja Delacroix

"Well? Do you have a visual on Vannis?"

Sonja was seated in her office, speaking to Aaron through a microphone on the desk. The young man had been tracking Vannis since his assault on Gotham began, and had finally flown over his mansion when the gangster fled.

"Yeah. He's been wrecked by Batgirl. Pretty badly injured, probably.", Aaron's voice crackled through the radio.

Sonja grinned. At last, this madness would end. "Very good, Aaron. Remember what we discussed?"

"No mercy."

"That's right."

---

Aaron, hovering over Vannis' crashed SUV, dove down, snatching the mobsters collar in his remaining hand before rising nearly five hundred feet up.

"Hello, Mr. Vannis. Remember me? I tried to kill you once. It lost me my favorite hand," Aaron growled, waving his stump in Vannis' face. "which made me mad. And when I get mad, I ask questions. Well, one question, really."

Aaron leaned forward, his face inches from Vannis', his eyes glowing red.

"Any. Last. Words?"

Kyle Vannis


My life has been a very good one. Sure, I'm a criminal in the end, but hey, at least I made a very good progression at life. I gave jobs to men, women, I gave them shelter and safety, and I know pretty sure, but I am maybe the nicest criminal boss here. Last words? Please, I almost died once, I hadn't prepared back then. Now? I'm prepared, and my last words will be a very nice words.

"Yeah. Fuck you."

John and Lazarus finally caught up to the Crime Boss. Lazarus got off his bike, unsheathing his cleavers as he looked to the sky. "What the fuck is going on now?" he mutters as he observes the flying man grabbing Vannis. "Well ain't this a sight. Some alien just swooping down to take out the villain while everyone else did the work. Pathetic." says Lazarus as he looks to the Batmobile and the other man in a suit hovering next to it.

[Pygmalionia]

Kyle Vannis


My life has been a very good one. Sure, I'm a criminal in the end, but hey, at least I made a very good progression at life. I gave jobs to men, women, I gave them shelter and safety, and I know pretty sure, but I am maybe the nicest criminal boss here. Last words? Please, I almost died once, I hadn't prepared back then. Now? I'm prepared, and my last words will be a very nice words.

"Yeah. Fuck you."

Aaron grinned. Even in the face of a death so certain it was as if a great, cosmic being or two had ordained it, Vannis was brave. Aaron had killed before, just a couple times, but neither of those men had stared death in the face and spat in her eye.

He respected Vannis, killer to killer.

And then some stupid girl went and started talking. Aaron ignored her.

"Well, Kyle, I've some words for you too."

Aaron's eyes glowed brighter.

"Goodbye, motherfucker."

The smell of sizzling flesh and the sound of screaming invaded the street below.

---

Sonja Delacroix pulled up in her dark Lamborghini, parking on the curb near one of the dark vans. Several large, heavily armed men climbed out of the car with her.

"Round up whoever's still alive, and let the police know that Vannis won't be a problem anymore.", she barked, and the men nodded, spreading out to comb the area for survivors.

Sonja herself walked over to the group of people on the street. One man, holding two cleavers, was talking to himself. Weird. Still, no reason to be rude. Sonja strode over, extending her hand for a shake. "Why, hello. Busy night, isn't it?"

Something heavy thumped onto the sidewalk, with a wet squish sound as well.

Lazarus looks to his left to see a well dressed woman barking orders. While he was pleased with Vannis' cruel fate, he also agreed with the Batgirl's sentiments. Killing Vannis out in the open like that would only lead to frenzied henchmen sacking Gotham. As unnatural as it was, he agreed with the Bat for once. Lazarus sheathed one of his cleavers as he shook the woman's hand. He was still holding onto his other blade, however; not fully knowing the lady's intentions. "Who are you, and who is this man who killed Vannis?" asked Lazarus.

[Pygmalionia]

"The GCPD?" John, the runner, laughed. "They're in shambles. The GCD took back the entire North Gotham, while the GCPD remnants just did damage control. Miss Delacroix, if you want to see Vannis' men at Blackgate, I'd say you should turn them over to the GCD's Commissioner. He's organizing a ferry there for our prisoners as we speak. For that matter..." He trailed off, taking out his radio.
"Boxer, you there?"
"I'm here. It's about damn time you called in- Is Vannis still alive?"
"Third party took him out. Knightstone Corporation and their private Mask, Ironheart. Repeat, Vannis is dead."
"Thank God. Reclaimer finished taking back Vannis territories, and the ferry to Blackgate is already being set up. Let the Bat know that whenever she's anywhere in North Gotham, the GCD will be ready to support her. As for Knightstone, find out what they're doing in Gotham. Last time a benevolent company funneled money into the city, it was LexCorp- And we all know how that went."
John put down his radio and looked up at Sonja, knowing she heard that last part.

Sonja did, in fact, hear that last part. She frowned briefly, but turned her expression into a little, self-satisfied smile as it normally was.

"Well, sir, I don't know what you're worried about. Knightstone isn't anything like LexCorp. We simply provide security to those who pay for it, including the federal government." And ARGUS, she thought.

"Oh, that reminds me," Sonja said, remembering something, "I've a meeting in about…ooh, maybe half an hour. So if we could make this quick?", she said, making a little hurry up motion with her hand.

Lazarus breaks his silence as he suddenly barks with enthralled fanaticism. "I don't usually agree with the Bat, but she's right. Do you fools.." the Butcher unsheathes his other cleaver "not realize it's going to enrage more of his goons!?" says the masked man as he snaps, throwing one cleaver straight at Sonja and charging at the CEO and her Defender.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus breaks his silence as he suddenly barks with enthralled fanaticism. "I don't usually agree with the Bat, but she's right. Do you fools.." the Butcher unsheathes his other cleaver "not realize it's going to enrage more of his goons!?" says the masked man as he snaps, throwing one cleaver straight at Sonja and charging at the CEO and her Defender.

The cleaver stopped moving in midair, as Aaron's power over iron exerted itself. Meanwhile, the half-Kryptonian lashed out with his stump, the blow hurling Laz through a nearby window. Glass shattered, and the cleaver clattered to the ground. Sonja's smile vanished, replaced by a cold expressionlessness that had reduced grown men to tears. "Well then. Let's go, Ironheart. We've nothing more to do here." she hissed, whirling and striding back to the car. Aaron looked at John and shrugged, before getting in on the driver's side.

The drive back to Knightstone Tower was painfully awkward for Aaron, who simply sat there while Sonja ranted about how Laz had dared to try and hurt her, and how she would make him pay. Aaron just tuned it out.

Lazarus was out, he couldn't move; yet he was ecstatic in his own little world. He needed to get stronger. This would not stand. He began cackling in a very unsettling manner; mostly because a normal human wouldn't be able to do such a thing after getting hit by a Kryptonian. He didn't care, however. He felt his bruised gut burn in pain, he suspected a few broken bones. The scene kept replaying in his head. How useless he was, he thought; if he couldn't even take down someone who could just further the chaos. His body burnt with rage and pain.

Suddenly, a car quickly parked in front of the broken window. Two men in white masks walked over to Lazarus and cuffed his arms and legs. They dragged him into the back seat and drove off with such speed. Lazarus was confused, but he didn't really have anything in him to act.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope

A few hours later

Lazarus started to regain consciousness, but he didn’t know where he was. The last thing he recalled was the Kryptonian blow which took him out, something that was still lightly hurting his torso. He couldn’t see anything, either. A black bag was over his head. He also felt two men holding him in place. He felt a hint of anxiousness from this predicament, he didn’t even know how he got there. Suddenly, the black cowl covering his face is removed; rendering him temporarily blind by the light above him in the middle of the room. As he regains his bearings, he notices a room full of men and women in white masks surrounding him from above, watching intently. Directly above him is another one on a podium. The white masked men holding him remove Lazarus’ mask, revealing his face; before letting go of him. He looked to what he assumed to be their leader with curiosity. The man on the podium began to speak.

“Lazarus Hope, welcome to the dwelling place of the Court of Owls.” said the man on the podium as he introduced the group on their behalf.

“So it’s real, I’ve heard some things..about it.” Lazarus remarked in shock and amusement.

“Indeed. If you’ve heard the rumours, then you know who we are.” Confirmed the leader. “We’ve known about your exploits. We’ve been watching. For someone without any training, you show potential. We saw you skillfully take care of things tonight.” He continued.

“Thank you, but I’d appreciate if you got to the point. What is it you want with me?” Lazarus replied, impatient. He’s heard of the Court’s goals, and he wasn’t sure what to think of them.

“Quite impatient I see. It’s simple, Lazarus. The Court of Owls wishes to take you under their wing. To train you as one of their soldiers.” the Leader answers. The man on the podium outsretches a hand towards Lazarus before continuing. “We’d like for you to become a Talon for the Court of Owls. We will help you rid Gotham of its weeds. You have potential, yet you have much to learn. Allow us to help us both, Lazarus.” the leader finally says.

Lazarus thinks for a moment. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to help Gotham’s upper class get even more power. He didn’t know their intentions. “Well, I..” Lazarus says, before abruptly stopping. The image of the Kryptonian knocking him out passed his mind again; and it infuriated him. He needed power, even if it came from a shady organization such as the Court of Owls. “I am grateful for this offer, and I accept.” Lazarus says, bowing to the Court.

“Excellent.” says the leader. He was pleased with how it went so smoothly. “William Cobb will be the one to teach you what it means to be a Talon for the Owls. We thank you for your cooperation.” says the leader finally as a man dressed in black drops from the rafters in front of Lazarus.

“Follow me.” says the Talon to Lazarus, as he walks away. Lazarus assumes he will be brought to the training room as he follows. He was to train under the Court, and then decide if he were to help it. If he didn’t like it, he’d kill them off. That’s all he thought. For now he thought, gaining strength was his priority. He is brought to an empty room with armaments on the walls. “Are you ready to begin?” says Cobb, tossing a blade at Lazarus; who catches it. “Yes, Mr. Cobb” answers Lazarus.

Without wasting another second, both men charge at each other; swords in hand. The sounds of clashing metal echo throught the room. Lazarus begins swinging wildly with ecstatic fervor, each attack making it slightly harder for Cobb to hold onto his blade. The Mad Butcher eventually backs the Talon to a wall. Lazarus prepares to swing once more, but Cobb does something unexpected as he lets go of his blade. This catches Lazarus off guard for a split second, before dropping down his blade. That split second was allt he Talon needed, however, as he crudely punches Lazarus in the gut; further damaging it. Lazarus doubles over, which leads to Cobb following the assault up with a swift knee to the face. Lazarus holds onto his skull as he falls back, surprised at the strength of the Talon. With his trainee down on the floor, Cobb pounces on him; drawing a kunai and pressing it against Lazarus’ neck.

“You’re gonna need a lot of work.” says Cobb, as he asses his student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Talon gets off of Lazarus and pulls him up to his feet. “First, your fervor needs to be focused. It gives you great power, but without technique; you’re just another savage. We have to learn to channel that..insanity into finesse. Understood?” remarks Cobb. Lazarus simply nods in approval, impressed at his trainer. This was simply the beginning, he thought to himself. If he was to fight against the stronger menace of the world, he needed to get on a level playing field. The duo exited the chamber, as Cobb lead Lazarus to a room to rest.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope

2 Months Later

Cobb and his student stood in the middle of the Owl’s nest. They were all listening intently to the leader’s orders. Lazarus learnt a great deal under William Cobb – the ability to channel his madness into skill, espionage, armed and unarmed combat, acrobatics, and many more. Most importantly, he learnt not to act so brashly and plan out his moves; something which could have prevented him from being downed by Sonja’s Kryptonian. He was thankful for it, though he still wasn’t sure of the Court’s orientation. Cobb remarked how swiftly Lazarus learnt, something the Court was very pleased with.

“Lazarus, your progress has been satisfactory. You have two more tasks to complete before being a fully fledged Talon for the Court of Owls.” said the Leader.

“What shall you have me do?” Lazarus asked, eager to test his skills. He knew he had to act fast, however. His Venom addiction has been acting up, and as it drags out, the lesser his chances ate completing the said task goes.

“You shall kill Jeremiah Arkham, I don’t think I need to explain who he is. There have been reports of his unnecessary torture of the inmates of Arkham has extended into Blackgate; and the Court thinks you would agree that it’d be better for the Penitentiary to have us in charge instead of someone who also deserves to be in the asylum.” ordered the man at the podium, before continuing. “Since this is your first real task, you shall be accompanied by William Cobb. He will not help you, he will simply be there to observe your actions and measure your worth in becoming a Talon for the Owl.” revealed the Leader.

“It shall be done.” said Lazarus as he and his mentor left the area.

____________

Lazarus perched on top of Blackgate Penitentiary, dressed in the usual black wares of a Talon. He had studied the prison intently for tonight. Learning everything from the structure’s architecture to its personnels and their schedules. He was to slip inside of Blackgate and slay the mad warden unnoticed. He decided he was ready. He then entered the building through its vent, with Cobb following closely behind.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope | Blackgate Penitentiary

Lazarus mapped out the penitentiary in his mind while he crawled through the vents. The intel he expertly gathered was perfect, he knew the ins and outs of the area like the palm of his hand. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a vent in Arkham’s office; so he had to work his way through the penitentiary to get to him. The nearest vent to Arkham’s office, luckily, was the jail guard’s quarters. Lazarus peeked through the vent. ..3..4..5 guards. As expected, Blackgate has more guard on duty in the evening. He dropped down through the vent, startling the group of jailers. Lazarus doesn’t waste a second as he quickly turns and delivers a roundhouse kick to one of the guard’s face with impressive agility and strength. The guard drops down the floor, knocked out. Lazarus leaps up once again and turns, clocking another guard in the face with a similar strike; yielding similar results. The three begin to pull out their handguns, but Lazarus quickly pulls out three throwing knives and launches them at the remaining jailers. All three knives lodge themselves into the guard’s guts, enough to incapacitate them, but not kill them. Lazarus didn’t have a reason to. The Butcher took their radios smashed them under his foot, before leaving the room to seek Arkham.

There weren’t many guards in the personnel area, as most of them were in charge of keeping the inmates in check. He was sure that the Warden would have some on him - he was the heir to Arkham Asylum, after all. Lazarus saw the office from the distance being guarded by four men. Deciding that catching them off guard would be the way to go, the Butcher took out two knives and dashed at the quartet. As the defenders took notice, Lazarus quickly pounced at two of them; driving his knives into their chests. The remaining duo pulled out their firearms, but it was simply deja vu for Lazarus; who pulled out the two daggers and launched them into their guts. The duo fell to their knees, clutching their stomachs in pain as they fell supine on the ground.

Hearing the commotion, the door to the warden’s office opened, and out came Arkham himself. The frail psychologist looked at the Talon-in-training and reacted with fear; but before he could flee, Lazarus forcefully kicks him in the chest, forcing the psychiatrist back into his office. Arkham falls to the ground from the strength of the shot. Lazarus yanks Jeremiah by the arm and forces up to his feet, only to pin him to the wall. Lazarus placed his palm over the mad warden’s mouth, and pressed the tip of his dagger to his target’s heart.

“Jeremiah Arkham, the Court of Owls has sentenced you to d-“ Lazarus was cut off at the last second as he suddenly saw Arkham morph into the image of Ironheart, the man who knocked him out. He was hallucinating due to Venom relapse, but the image of the half Kryptonian along with that made it hard for him to keep his madness in check. He suddenly extended the claws from his gauntlets and began clawing at the mad doctor relentlessly! In his view, he was killing the Ironheart. The doctor was being dismembered, and Lazarus wouldn’t stop. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned behind him and saw his mentor, William Cobb. He snapped out of it, and once he looked at his victim he was a bit appalled. He has grown from his bloodthirsty, carnage loving self under the mentoring of the Court; but the Venom allowed it to live, even just by a sliver of insanity. He felt a hint of guilt, he knew Arkham was sadistic to his inmates; but somehow this didn’t stop him from feeling the emotion.

“That’s enough, lets go. This was..unexpected; but the Court won’t mind.” said Cobb. Lazarus simply nodded, and the two began to leave the area; slipping away unnoticed before authorities found the scene. The duo of Talons journeyed to the Court’s Nest, their mission over. Lazarus knew he had to finish his training, and perhaps get some Venom before the addiction takes over.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope | Owl’s Nest

Lazarus and the Talon got back to the Owl’s hiding place in the morning. As usual, the Court was gathered for the results. William Cobb began to speak.

“Lazarus has dispatched of Jeremiah Arkham swiftly. He is ready for the final phase.” professed Cobb.

“Well done, Lazarus. Now is the time for you to become a fully fledged Talon.” said the leader. “You shall fight your trainer, William Cobb, in the labyrinth of the Court. It is located under Gotham itself. To complete the task, you must kill Wililam Cobb.

Lazarus was shocked. Cobb hasn’t done anything wrong, and he knew this would hinder his abilities. He looked to his mentor, who simply nodded; verifying that that was the final task. He couldn’t turn back now, however. It was the final step. He had to do it.

“I accept.” said Lazarus.

“Very well. Take them to the labyrinth!” ordered the leader as two men in owl masks lead the trainer and trainee to the labyrinth.

Gotham's Underground Labyrinth

Lazarus wandered the underground maze with both anxiety and awe. It was massive, he couldn’t believe something this grand was so well hidden by the Court from the government. He’s been navigating the labyrinth for some time; could have been hours, minutes – he didn’t know. All he knew was that every time he passed the fountain, he’d just gone around again. He hasn’t seen William Cobb anywhere, either. He was getting exhausted, and add to that that his skewed mentality courtesy of his Venom relapse may pop up any time; he began to fear for his own psyche.

Hours Later

After what seemed like an eternity of going around in circles in the vast labyrinth of the Owls, Lazarus came across a seemingly different area. As he entered this new hallway, he was greeted by a room full of red boxes which seemed like coffins. Upon seeing the morbid display, the Butcher couldn’t help but feel wary as he explored the labyrinth more. He’s seen some figures moving around the labyrinth as he got here; but he wasn’t sure if it was Cobb. He went past the room and tried not to think of it, but what he saw next was something far more unsettling. In the next room was a wall full of faces, with years on them. Each one displaying a horrified visage, their last moments adorned as trophies. It was vile. He prepared to leave the morbid room, when he heard a faint sound of a man leaping behind him. As he turned, there he saw his trainer with his blade raised leaping down on him. Lazarus quickly brought out his blade to parry his aggressor, now on the ground and forcing his blade down in a display of strength. With Lazarus occupied, Cobb quickly kicks him in the gut; resulting in his trainee stumbling backwards. Cobb follows it up by swinging his blade horizontally, Lazarus barely blocking the attack in time by raising his sword.

“Is this really necessary?” remarked Lazarus.

“Focus!” answered Cobb simply as he winded his arm and swung back at his trainee, who ducks his strike. With his mentor wide open, Lazarus grabs his blade by the hilt with both hands and thrusts it into his abdomen. The Talon begins to cough up blood under his cowl. Lazarus attempts to pull out his blade, thinking that it’s all over; but Cobb holds hands in place and delivers a diagonal swing of his own! Lazarus barely manages to release his hands and jump back, but he was still struck by the sword; now having a large gash across his body. The Butcher begins panting, confused and in disbelief as to how Cobb casually shurgged off his attack. The Talon pulls out the blade lodged in his stomach and tosses it at Lazarus, who catches it. The wound in the Talon’s stomach begins healing itself, shocking Lazarus.

“How are you-“ The young student isn’t given time to finish his sentence due to the Talon pouncing on his trainee once again, swinging his blade horizontally another time. Lazarus catches the blade with his own a bit slower this time. William doesn’t even allow his opponent to catch his breath, as he follows it up with a vicious uppercut to the gut. Lazarus coughs up crimson as he drops to his hands and knees, the Talon’s strength wasn’t that far from his own; something he had forgotten. The mentor continued his assault with a swift kick to the face, its force rendering Lazarus supine on the ground. Lazarus’ psyche began to go awry as his Venom relapse acted up, at its peak at such an inopportune time. Flashes of memories – Witnessing a man from his university abuse a freshman he befriended, him killing the man, his brutal endeavors, and the night Vannis was killed. Cobb pointed his blade at Lazarus’ throat, awaiting the Court’s orders.

Before a decision could even be made, Lazarus suddenly swatted the blade away from his face with incredible agility; something that caught the Talon off guard. The Butcher hooked his opponent by the back of his knees and pulled, simultaneously getting to his feet and taking his opponent down in the process. Lazarus’ vision was shifting as he mounted his aggressor, who no longer looked like Cobb at his eyes. The man he was pinning down on the ground was the first man he killed; he felt a familiar rage he hadn’t felt before. He began savagely pummeling at the man’s face, Cobb at first trying to escape, then settling on trying to cover his skull up from the repeated blunt force it was being subjected to. Lazarus was a possessed man, assaulting with an unsettling trance. Lazarus then lifted his opponent from the ground and tackled him into the wall of portraits. Cobb needed to get out, but he was too battered; this strength was incredible, frightening even. With Cobb effectively immobile, Lazarus extended the claws from his gauntlets and began ripping away at the vision of the perverse jock he first killed, clueless at the savagery he’s been doing to his mentor. Lazarus kept going, and eventually what was left of William Cobb is now a horizontally separated corpse.

With his deed done, the council of the Court entered the room and called out to the Butcher. The voice made Lazarus snap out of it, and when he saw what he had really done; he was awash with guilt. He didn’t simply complete his task, he butchered his mentor.

“Good work. Now let us go back to the Owl’s Nest and complete the final task.” said one of them, as they turned around; expecting Lazarus to follow.

Lazarus walked towards them not uttering a word, masking the things he had learnt in his fervor of seeing the man his first killed once again: The first was that the Ironheart wasn’t a bad man, he simply rid Gotham of its trash; and his anger was unjustified. The second was that once he completes this ceremony, he had to kill off the privileged trash of Gotham – The Court of Owls.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope | Gotham’s Underground Labyrinth

Lazarus was lead to a room he hadn’t been to within the labyrinth. He quickly realized this room was foreign due to the giant owl statue in the center. In front of the gargantuan idol was a small pedestal with a golden chalice that had an owl engraved on its surface. Standing before it was the presumed Leader of the Owls, while surrounding the room was the entire congregation of the Court.

“Come, Lazarus.” instructed the Grandmaster of the Court. The Butcher obliged as he walked up to the man behind the pedestal, standing right in front of the chalice. His wounds were still fresh, his body aching from the blunt strikes as well. He was in no condition to wipe out the Court, but he figured this would be the best chance to do so.

“Drink from the cup of immortality, Lazarus!” said the Grandmaster. Lazarus grabbed the chalice in his hands, prepareing to drink the unknown fluid.

Suddenly, he felt a knife plunge through his heart. He couldn’t even turn to see who had done it, as he was too exhausted. His eyelids slowly grew heavier, dropping down to obstruct his vision as he lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

Underground Labyrinth – Court of Owls’ Laboratory

Lazarus opened his eyes slowly, as he saw a single white light above him. This could not be – he had died moments ago. He could feel his insides being injected with an unknown fluid, which somehow made him feel empowered. As his vision grew clearer, he could see the whole court watching him from the rafters as a few doctors in owl masks were tending to him. Lazarus sat up and saw the Grandmaster right in front of him. He didn’t know what to make of the situation, but he tried to ask.

“What have you done with me?” questioned the Butcher. As he continued looking around. He noted the difference he felt in his body as the doctors backed away.

“You are now a fully fledged Talon. Your death was part of the process. You are now stronger than you have ever been. Any attack you suffer shall regenerate within seconds. Be warned, however, the cold shall slow this process.” explained the Grandmaster.

Lazarus couldn’t believe what he heard. He took a scalpel and sliced it across his palm, testing his abilities. Just as the blood gushed, the wound sealed itself in seconds. Lazarus was filled with euphoria. He stood up from the operating table and delivered a hammer fist on it, breaking the iron item in one blow. It was true, he was empowered. He laughed maniacally, both euphoric and unstable from killing his mentor and finding out his new abilities, as he grabbed onto the knife tightly.

“What’s the matter, Talon?” inquired the Grandmaster.

Lazarus suddenly pounced on the leader without warning; but before he could kill him off for good, he saw a bright flash of light before experiencing an incredible burning feeling from within. His mix of pain and pleasure multiplied tenfold within his body. He was subjected to visions – a comet falling from space, the union of a demon and an angel causing chaos; people running awry in a place which seemed like paradise. The Court of Owls watched the whole thing unfold not knowing what to do after seeing a comet like entity enter their newly appointed Talon. Before anyone could do anything else, a wave of holy flame engulfed the whole labyrinth, charring the all of the Court’s members to the bone and causing a short tremor under Gotham. Lazarus heard voices he couldn’t comprehend. One thing was constant, though – a vision of an androgynous Devil-Angel hybrid, and the name Genesis. As the Butcher recovered, he stood up and observed the damage. He was pleased. Whatever had happened he was still about to know. He ripped off his cowl, and got out of the underground labyrinth.

Gotham | Street Alleys

Lazarus got out from one of the sewers. He was surprised he could even get out due to the damage underground. As he got out, however, there were a bunch of gangsters watching him. They were all approaching the Butcher, not thinking anything of his red pupils.

“Give us all your money and we’ll let you go, lil girl!” said one of the Goons, taking into account Lazarus’ rather feminine face.

“I’d rather you all just died. Rid yourself of this world and do everyone a favor.” Lazarus remarked coldly. To Lazarus, his voice sounded normal. To the goons, however; they heard an almost celestial voice coming from the white haired man. They were possessed by a desire to follow the man in front of him despite them not wanting two. Before the Butcher could ready himself for a fight, the goons suddenly all shot each other; all of them dropping to the ground dead. Lazarus’ pupils became blue once more. The feeling of both good and evil raged within him once more before subsiding just as fast as it came.

“That was..weird.” Lazarus said to himself. He needed to know what just happened to him; but first, he had to find a place to rest. He took one of the goons’ clothing and wore them, keeping his Talon armaments hidden under a jacket. With all the chaos that had ensued that night, all Lazarus wanted to do now was rest.

[Pygmalionia]

Lazarus Hope | Gotham

Lazarus immediately crashed onto the bed in the apartment he rented. While the clutches of sleep have grasped him, it didn’t really give him as much rest as he hoped it would. As soon as he was knocked out, the visions began to haunt him once more. The visions were both divine and godless in origin. They were vivid. As he saw paradise, he felt elated; Once he saw hell, he felt the fires of Hades. He learnt more about the entity within him, and the ability it granted him. The “Word of God” as it was called. The visions were tough to bear, though; and his sleep amounted to a measly 3 hours because of it. Better have some than none, Lazarus thought to himself. It was enough, anyway: the Talon serum upped his endurance immensely. He got up and got ready for the day, noticing that the Venom’s negative effects have been gone for good. He wasn’t going to use anymore, though – it wasn’t necessary. He left the apartment, looking to buy some new weapons. He began walking to the Knightstone Corporation’s HQ in Gotham; after all, it would be a chance to set things straight with Ms. Delacroix and the Ironheart.

[Pygmalionia]

Sonja Delacroix

Amanda Waller poured herself another glass of Scotch.

Dear God, Sonja thought. What is that woman's liver made from, iron?

The two women had been sitting in Sonja's office for a good hour, talking about their families (neither of them had any), their jobs (which was just awkward, since they both spied on each other), and the Gotham City Bats horrendous season. But since this was Amanda's eighth glass of Scotch, Sonja figured that the talk would turn to business soon.

And indeed it did. As soon as Waller sat down and drained her Scotch, she hiccuped and said "Well, Sonja, let's discuss business. More specifically, what business you had killing Kyle Vannis. What, did you think cutting the chickens head off would stop it from running around?"

Sonja had been prepared to respond to this question. Mainly because it gave her the chance for some exposition, and no sociopathic crime queen can resist that.

"I had very good reason, Amanda. Money. Killing Vannis has set his goons loose on Gotham. The GCPD will need all the help they can get, and I'll be happy to oblige…for a fee. Then, when this mess is cleaned up, there will be some reconstruction needed. Again, some help. For money. It all comes back to money."

Amanda sat back in her chair, arms crossed. She'd expected this line of thinking from Sonja, but the owner of Knightstone seemed to have forgotten something. "What about the Bat?"

Sonja grinned. "Well, Ironheart can help keep the streets safe until he returns, I think. I'm sure Bruce wouldn't object."

And with that, Sonja stood, crossing to her elevator door. Waller took the hint and went with her, and the two women went down to the lobby in the elevator, escorted by Aaron.

Lazarus was inquiring at front desk about the weapons Knightstone produced, particularly the melee ones. He was reading about the corporation on a little booklet of sorts he found on the desk. Suddenly, he heard the elevator open and he saw Aaron and Delacroix; accompanying another woman who seemed to be a business partner. After they escorted the other woman outside and reentered the establishment, Lazarus walked up to the duo and introduced himself; outstretching a hand and smiling politely.

"Hello, I'm Lazarus Hope. I'd like to know more about your wares and possibly make a few purchases, if possible." Lazarus asked Sonja, trying to be as discreet as possible. Last time he saw this woman and the Ironheart, he tried to attack them.

[Pygmalionia]

Sonja quirked an eyebrow at the man. Lazarus Hope. The crazy sunuvabitch. But now, she knew his name, and no one could hide from the Knightstone master computer.

Aaron shot a sideways look at his boss. She recognized this guy, obviously. But if they knew each other, why was the man introducing himself.

"Certainly, Mr. Hope, but first, I've a question." Sonja said, leaning close to whisper in Laz's ear.

"Throw any cleavers recently?"

Lazarus grinned at the remark.

"I figured you'd recognize me even without the mask. Should've dyed my hair, heh. Anyway, no I haven't thrown any cleavers lately." the Talon answered with an amused tone.

"Now, I originally was just going to buy some of your wares; but with you knowing who I am, I'd like to talk about some things. I think you would agree that it'd be better to do so in private. It'll be safe, don't worry - I'm unarmed. If I try anything, Ironheart's gonna stop me like last time." said the Butcher as he eyed the half Kryptonian.

"For the record, I apologize for the last incident. I've had some time to think about it." Lazarus said finally.

[Pygmalionia]

Sonja gave a tight little smile. "Of course. Please, come with me."

She grabbed Laz' arm and nearly dragged him to her private elevator, with Aaron following. After scanning her fingerprint, Sonja pulled Laz through the door, and when that closed, she pushed him up against the back wall. "Mr. Hope, if you try anything, my associate Ironheart will fling you from the highest window in the tower. And I'll never be blamed."

Lazarus sighed, but he figured trust would be hard to gain considering he attacked the woman last time he saw her.

"I understand, and I won't try anything. I'm not armed." Lazarus said as the elevator's doors opened. Sonja and the Ironheart walked out, and Lazarus followed suit.

"While I did go here to get some wares, I'd like to discuss something more important. My absence since the death of Vannis has given me a chance to think, and I came to the conclusion that Ironheart did the right thing." Lazarus professed.

"For that, I apologize once more. To prove my sincerity, I'd like to offer my services to Knightstone as a mercenary. I've been trained in quite a number of things since my absence, I figure I could be useful to your intentions." The Butcher offered.

[Pygmalionia]

Hmm…he's in good shape, a good fighter, and he seems sincere… Sonja thought, the debate raging in her head. There were too many of both pros and cons to decide, so she turned to Aaron.

"Aaron, you'll be the one working more closely with Mr. Hope. What do you think?"

Aaron pursed his lips, thinking. After a few moments, he said "Well, he seems trustworthy…and if he turns I could make him regret it real quick, and it's not like I can clean this shitstorm up myself, Ms. Delacroix no matter how awesome I am."

Sonja, considering Aaron's points, turned back to Laz. "Alright, you're in. But first, I'll give you a trial tonight. Don't fuck it up, and I'll hire you. Do, and you die. And I'll also outfit you with new gear if you so desire."

Lazarus looked pleased. He didn't know what to do at the moment with the Court gone; and he needed to do something in between figuring out more information about the entity within him.

"I am thankful for the opportunity. New gear is always nice; first things first though, what is this trial you're going to give me?" Lazarus asked with curiosity. The last mission he had was the assassination of Jeremiah Arkham; however he was willing to test his abilities.