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48 - Arrival

The night was still young, yet much had already transpired. The sky was cloaked in darkness, the clouds devoid of any glimmering light, while a thick, grey fog gathered ominously, shrouding the world below.

The stars bore silent witness to the events unfolding, as if testifying to humanity's enduring memory.

For this was no ordinary day; it marked the beginning of a revolution, a power struggle that far surpassed any previous conflicts. It was the day when mortals dared to challenge the authority of gods, igniting a great war that would echo through the annals of history. This pivotal moment would never fade from memory, serving as the harbinger of what was yet to come.

In the hidden path, hidden in the veil of shadows. A beast made of metal rode towards its destination. It's passengers sat in silence of the impending collision of worlds. Many lights blinked in silence, static of noise in the backdrop.

Batman kept his gaze to the destination, but his mind wondered about the cube in his partner's hands. The cube was something that Earth's tech could not uncover. Z.A.I haven't talked much of the device. Only a warning of its powers.

Robin sat in his seat, his hands clenching the cube in his hand, an uncomfortable feeling brew in his stomach. The silence amplified his heart beat, nervous sweat covering his back. The coldness of his new suit gave little comfort in the impending storm.

The Batmobile, took the hidden tunnel toward their Cave. A place called home that gave peace.

..

"Alfred."

Batman greeted his venerable butler as he got out of his bat-mobile. The dim light of the batcave casting its shadow over his features.

"Welcome back, sir," Alfred greeted with a bow, "I presume that your want to open your gift early for this christmas."

"It might be halloween tonight, Alfred," Robin commented.

"You seem to like your gift, Master Dick," Alfred commented as he looked at Robin's new suit.

He like the new suit very well. Now he doesn't have to worry that his grandson being mistaken as a clown who escaped from a circus. He was thankful for Zion's gift. His one was impeccable and suited him very well.

"Take this to analyze," Batman stated as he handed the Mother Box to Alfred.

Alfred looked at the presumably a metal cube and took it. He would get his answer after he put it on an Analyzer.

"Let me lead you to your gifts," Alfred said and led the two to their prep-table, where the preparation are made.

The duo followed Alfred's lead, their footsteps echoing softly against the cool stone floor of the Batcave as they entered the preparation room The air crackled with an electric tension, each corner of the expansive chamber filled with an array of gadgets and tools meticulously organized for their nocturnal endeavors.

"Here sir," Alfred pointed at the suitcase kept on the table.

The travelling suitcase looked to be normal on the outside, but it had crimson bat symbol on the top next to a neon blue 'N'. Robin waited in anticipation as he watch Batman move to open the case.

Robin had received his new suit in a similar case, but a bit smaller. He had felt like a kid on christmas when he saw what was inside, so he couldn't contain the excitement to see Batman's.

Batman opened the case and noticed the crimson red outlining a bat. The pitch back suit was folded neatly inside the case, the foam keeping it in place. The had many hair-thin likes running around and connecting back. The fabric was this and elastic, resilient to many attacks

Batman traced his fingers on the suit, his could tell that this as more advanced than his Bat-Armor. This suit was made with cutting-edged tech. He then moved his attention to the cowl, one similar to him, but it cowered his mouth.

Batman lifted the cowl to his gaze, meeting its eyes.

A mechanism triggered as Batman lifted the cowl. A folded slip ejected from the side. Batman pulled the slip and noticed that it was the instruction on how to wear the suit. The suit didn't come with much attachments.

The suit only had two components. A spandex that would cover the whole body and a cowl. If he wanted attachments such as his utility belt, he could use his own. He could also move his armor plates to add to it,

Unlike Robin's suit, Zion had left much of it for him to work with.

"Robin," Batman turned to his partner, "I want you to stay in Gotham."

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"Why?" Robin questioned, exasperated, that he would be left out on an important mission.

"Gotham need its protector, while I am away, you need to keep Gotham safe," Batman answered in his tone of finality. Gotham couldn't be left unprotected.

Robin couldn't say anything more; there was no argument. With the prospect of a massive takedown and complete radio silence, the criminals would have their Christmas in Gotham without Batman. The city would descend into chaos, and there would be no one to stop them.

"Master Dick, I think it is wise for you to remain in Gotham," Alfred commented, "Detective Gordon contacted me. The police have regained radio communication and are currently evacuating civilians to safer locations. In Gotham's situation, law enforcement is conducting active patrols on the streets, Trying to stop any impulsive criminal. They are also being informed about any potential criminal activity, even in the notorious crime alley."

Batman turned to Alfred, a question raising in his mind. Have they regained communication?

["I am Here!!"] Z.A.I's voice echoed in the batcave, answering his question.

["I have taken control of the police department across the world and am communicating with the needed vigilantes to maintain peace"]

["When you are taking over, you need to make a good impression to the people"]

The Batcave went silent at the answer. Z.A.I was managing the total communication between the police and other needed departments. The night was busy. He didn't need to worry about big criminals as they are just watching from the shadows, while it is the petty and stupid ones that are trouble.

"Why are you doing this?" Robin questioned.

["I want to chill. I can't chill when the Government can't even clean its mess.]

["And wear the suit, Batman, I don't like to repeat myself"]

"Well, I don't have to worry about you getting shot in the mouth," Alfred commented from the side, his eyes gazing at the new cowl.

Batman removed his cowl and rested it on the table. It was time for him to suit up. Even though he had suspicions about wearing the suit, now was not the time to worry.

He had an invasion to fight while Robin covered gotham.

Batman removed his grey suit and quickly changed to the new black spandex. The suit covered him up to his neck, and stuck to his skin, his feet and palm had a thick padding to them. His defined muscles made of head work showed themselves.

Batman then proceeded to removed the utility belt and writs plates from his old suit and attached them to the new suit, which integrated them easily. He then removed his iconic cowl and attached them to his shoulders. His chest adorned in read Bat outline gleaned in the dark.

He wore his cowl last, the elastic cowl fitted his face perfectly. The eyes shown red before the whole suit activated. The hair-thin red line light upped, and the suit expanded and contracted, adjusting to Batman's anatomy and the cowl connected to the neck.

[ Integration successful ]

[ Welcome Batman ]

[ Would you like a run down of the functions available? ]

A bionic feminine voice asked Batman. Batman's eyes scanned the interface, noting the active map on the corner of his vision and other battle function and diagnostics of the suit running on his right.

His eyes moved around the Batcave, a red tint to his vision. The interface interacted with each object of his gaze and projected its functions.

Batman lifted his hand and clenched them tight, feeling a bursting power in them. His strength has increased.

[ "Like it? ( ̄︶ ̄)" ]

[ "It's the suit's strength enhancer" ]

[ "But now is not the time to adore my creation" ]

[ "Time is running" ]

Batman didn't reply and moved out of the room. Robin was waiting for him near the Batcomputer.

"I will leave Gotham in you care," Batman stated before rushing to his Bat-plane.

He pressed the buttons with practice ease and flew the plane out of the Batcave. Robin watched as his Mentor fly away before turning to the batcomputer. It was going to be long night for both of them.

...

Batman looked at the rising sky scrappers of Metropolis.

The tall building extended to reach the sky, dark clouds drifting past them. It was his destination. He flew that Bat-Plane in dark, taking it towards the docks, gliding above the sea. The sound of waves gave a calming feeling to the unrest mind.

The Bat-plane landed near the docks. hidden among the many containers.

The place was deserted with the only companionship of cold wind and distant sirens. The flash of red and Blue were frequent, the cops patrolling the streets to keep the city safe. The radio silence from the government, and the order from unknown. The cops followed to keep the city safe while the world was darkened.

Batman disembarked from the Bat-plane, his eyes scanning the darkness. He checked the map on the corner, he was here at his destination.

"Batman," A ghastly voice called form the midst of darkness.

Batman turned, a batarang in hand. His eyes met the caller.

Two green orbs of deadly green, containing the cries of many souls. The eye moved forward, removing itself from the shadows and walked into the dim light. The Giant of a being, covered in spiky armor of ghastly green and a giant sword on his back. His face a metal skull, its teeth sharp with eyes that bore into ones soul.

The sight would make a grown man cry, in terror.

But Batman had seem many, he had fought many. The flying man bats to giantinc crocodile in sewers.

Batman narrowed his eyes and watched. He already noticed the cube on Metallo's grip. He understood as to why Z.A.I had brought him here but he had yet to identify the opponent as a foe or ally.

"Here," Metallo threw the cube to batman, unceremoniously.

Batman caught the cube easily, and scrutinized the Death Knight. His interface reveal not much information except for the green outline surrounding it. The interface though of him as ally.

"My work here is done," Metallo stated as he turned to leave.

[ "Why leave yet? The fire works are about to begin." ]

Z.A.I's words prompted the men to look to the sky.

The night sky speckled with innumerable stars twinkling like diamonds strewn across dark velvet. As the darkness deepened, the first streak of light sliced through the sky like a blazing arrow. It was the beginning of a meteor shower— a celestial spectacle that displayed the wonders of the universe.

With each passing moment, more meteors appeared, painting bright trails across the heavens in a mesmerizing display of cosmic beauty.

Batman watched in awe as the meteors danced across the sky, their fiery tails tracing graceful arcs against the backdrop of stars. Some blazed with intense brightness, while others glowed with a softer, more ethereal light. Together, they formed a symphony of light and motion, painting the night sky with their celestial brushstrokes.

The shimmering light filled the night sky, casting its divine glow, mesmerizing the viewers with its beauty. But the beauty turned to horror as the streak of lights increased, covering the night sky in their light.