Broken(DC)

After meeting with the Penguin, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen, as if several predators had locked onto their prey and were preparing to strike. The only problem is, I fear that in the wake of this battle, all of Gotham will perish.

The strangest part was the gaze from the shadows. I felt eyes on me. It clearly wasn't human no one could maintain such stillness for so long without looking away. A human, no matter how hard they tried, would eventually give themselves away. But this? It was like a machine, flawlessly executing its function.

I don't have much information about what's happening in the city. Unlike Star City, where I have connections, influence, and controlled territories, here I have nothing.

Information. It gives you so much, yet making decisions without it becomes agonizing. All my problems could be solved with a single call to Probability, but at what cost this time? I'd still end up in his debt. Over and over, I turn to him, and things were so much simpler before I learned he was a demon. Back then, the price of his services was only money.

I rolled the phone in my hands but decided not to call him. Only as a last resort, when the price of a mistake becomes too high.

I urgently need a voice from the streets someone who knows and hears everything that happens in the dark alleys. I have a few leads. Clubs where members of criminal gangs gather. Gotham is full of such places, and each one, in some way, belongs to a major crime boss. Conflicts rarely occur there no one wants to tarnish their reputation. The clubs have become a kind of neutral zone where confrontations are nearly off-limits. Though some hotheads can't resist, and incidents do happen.

I need to find the owner of one of these clubs and negotiate a partnership.

"Bryan, Bryan, you're turning into the Cripple again," as if a voice in my head posed this question.

No. I promised myself not to return to that life no more violence, no more manipulation. Everything I do now is for the city. To make it safe.

"We both know you're lying to yourself. You were the Cripple and always will be. The simplest way to rid yourself of chaos is to kill everyone." The voice echoed again from the depths of my consciousness.

No. I will change people, give them hope to live differently. Killing isn't the only way to change Gotham.

"Foolishness. They can't be changed. If you want to get rid of weeds, you have to pull them out by the root."

It was like a flash of clarity, and I froze in place. It hit me I was talking to myself.

"Who are you?" I asked, but there was no response. Maybe I'm just exhausted, losing touch with reality?

Something is clearly wrong. My body can adapt to any threat, no matter its nature. But this was different. An influence from within. My body wouldn't have allowed this if it were an external intrusion. So where is this voice coming from?

The Last Training Session. I was testing my abilities, and at some point, I lost control. I nearly destroyed everything around me. It didn't last long, but it was still dangerous. Let's assume someone has taken up residence inside me and somehow managed to seize control. Now, they're trying to influence my actions.

The only question left is: how do I get rid of this guest without succumbing to their influence? But that seems impossible my adaptation wouldn't have allowed something like this.

Ignoring it is not an option. Which means I need to find a solution to this problem.

*************************************

"So, you're saying you've been tormented by nightmares your whole life?" the woman named Harleen asked me. How did I end up here? And why am I sitting across from a psychologist? How did it come to this?

Lost in thought, I found myself on Gotham Bridge, staring at the turbulent river flowing around the city. So many secrets it had carried away. So many people had disappeared into those waters and how many more would follow? There were legends of demons lurking in the river, ready to drag you down to the depths.

But now, as I watched the water, I saw nothing unusual just a river with a strong current.

"Excuse me, sir, maybe you shouldn't jump?" a beautiful woman approached me. She wore a shirt and jeans that accentuated her figure. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her glasses gave her an air of seriousness despite her casual outfit.

[image]

"Hmm... I wasn't planning to jump. Just admiring the sights of Gotham," I replied.

"You're not from around here? It's rare to see visitors in these parts," she continued, stepping closer.

"No, I was born here. Just came back to see what's changed," I answered. It was odd people in this city usually don't concern themselves with others, especially when they can't control their own lives. Yet, she approached me.

"Many would disagree with you. They say Gotham never changes," she remarked.

"And what's a charming young woman doing alone on this bridge? Aren't you afraid of running into unsavory people?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.

"So far, I've managed to avoid them," she said.

Though she was beautiful, my mind was elsewhere focused on what was happening inside me and how it might manifest.

"So, what's eating away at you?" she asked, now standing very close.

"What makes you think that?" I responded, tensing slightly.

"I'm studying psychology and like to think I'm pretty good at seeing people's inner worlds," she said with a slight smile. A psychologist was the last person I'd expected to meet on a bridge in the middle of the night.

"Then tell me, what do you see?" I asked, intrigued.

"You've probably encountered a problem you can't solve. It's left you feeling lost. I'd wager it's a challenge unlike anything you've faced before," she said, studying me closely.

Her words made sense, but that wasn't what concerned me most. What worried me was what might happen if I lost control.

"You're almost spot-on. What's the name of such a perceptive young lady?" I asked, trying to distract myself from my thoughts.

"Harleen Quinzel," she introduced herself.

"Bryan Foreman. Pleasure to meet you," I replied, nodding.

"I could offer you a consultation," she suggested.

After those words, I found myself here, lying on the couch in her apartment. Funny. I've faced some of the most ruthless and bloodthirsty people and never fell under their influence. Yet, as if by a snap of fingers, I agreed. Maybe I just wanted someone to talk to.

The last time I spoke with someone close was with Elizabeth, and even then, it was mostly about work. As for Alice, there was only a fleeting moment a single day that passed as if it had never existed.

Harleen easily drew me into a conversation and invited me to discuss what was bothering me. I shared quite a bit but still kept to myself what couldn't be entrusted to an ordinary person.

"Yes, that's correct," I replied to her next question, my thoughts drifting deeper.

"What do you think could have led to such outcomes? Perhaps you've had a traumatic experience?" Harleen asked, doing her best to appear serious.

I smirked slightly, watching her effort, and responded, "I'm not alone in that. Many people felt the weight of those times."

Despite today's criminals holding power, the number of murders is at an all-time low compared to past years. They have no one to fight, nor any reason to. Back then, there were entire gangs constantly clashing with each other, but now, such incidents are rare. What's left are small crews and minor groups. Most conflicts are mediated by Cobblepot, who controls everything.

It seems like there's no reason to challenge him things are even better under his rule. But it's not that simple. His "law" is just a pretty façade. Such a system can't last long, yet it persists. Anyone who's crossed Penguin is either in Arkham or buried in the ground. He uses his authority to traffic weapons, drugs, and anything else he can, all under the guise of the law. A shiny picture hiding dark secrets inside.

"And yet, among all that, you've been drawn into conflicts with impressive regularity?" Harleen asked, making another note in her notepad.

"You could say luck hasn't exactly been avoiding me," I replied with a smirk.

"Mmm," she murmured, jotting something down. I knew it was probably just doodles. She was trying to present herself as a professional psychologist, but it was clear she lacked experience and knowledge.

"Perhaps all these events have given rise to a more ruthless version of yourself? One capable of things you wouldn't have dared before. A kind of defensive mechanism, so to speak," she continued, thoughtfully observing me.

Suddenly, I stood up sharply, making Harleen flinch and recoil in surprise.

"Thanks for the hint," I said, leaving her apartment. I aimed to get far away from the city and soon found myself in the middle of a forest, having teleported there.

"Show yourself and stop hiding," I said aloud, but the only response was silence.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed John Constantine's number.

"You're lucky, mate I almost tossed my phone when I saw who was calling," John replied with a hint of irritation.

"I need a bit of help. I want to take a look inside my own mind," I said calmly.

"Hm…" I heard him cough, followed by a brief, involuntary pause. "You haven't gone mad, have you? If so, maybe I should consider moving to another country."

"No, it's too early to sound the alarm. I just need to confirm something," I replied.

"I'm afraid many people won't survive if you really lose control. Fine, hang tight I'll come to you. After all, I owe you a little something," he said.

"No need to wait," I said, opening a portal next to him. He didn't even have time to react before my hand reached through and pulled him to me.

"If you can open portals, why even bother calling?" John grumbled, clearly annoyed.

"Didn't know your exact location, and it's rude to barge in unannounced," I replied with a smirk.

"Alright, let's get started," he sighed, stretching and cracking his neck. "I'll need some magical energy to kick off the ritual. But if I'm guessing right, you've got plenty of it to spare?"

I nodded affirmatively. He opened his palms, preparing.

"Mens, velut somnium, ianuam aperiat et intrare permittat," Constantine said, placing a hand on my head. "Repeat the incantation and channel your energy."

"Mens, velut somnium, ianuam aperiat et intrare permittat," I repeated.

The world around me began to spin. The last thing I saw was Constantine standing over me before I felt myself being pulled away, far into the distance.

When I suddenly opened my eyes, my hands rested on dry, cracked earth. Rising to my feet, I surveyed my surroundings a desolate expanse with no sign of water. Looking up at the sky, I saw only a red sun, sand swirling in the air, and a heavy, arid atmosphere that made breathing difficult.

But this is just a dream, I reminded myself, and my breathing immediately became easier. Everything here felt painfully familiar, as though I'd spent a lot of time in this place before.

[image]

The surroundings resembled…

"Hell," answered a voice nearby. I turned and saw… myself? Except I looked entirely different. My eyes glowed red, my skin resembled armor, sharp teeth jutted from my mouth, and my face bore demonic features intertwined with human traits.

"You're from another timeline, aren't you?" I asked.

"I've always been with you; you just never noticed," he replied.

"Still, where did you come from?" I pressed.

"You might not remember, but I do. I came from your indecision. I was the one who always did whatever it took to keep us alive at any cost. When you hesitated, I took control. It's only because of me that you survived and are still standing today," he continued.

"My body is designed to adapt. How is it that you're still in my mind?" I asked.

"Not your body your soul. I was born of your soul, just as much as your body was. As a defense mechanism, I was created: ruthless, willing to do anything to survive. But when I was no longer needed, I was cast out, locked away in your mind just in case," he explained.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"To do what I was created for: protect us at any cost," he answered.

"Then why are you trying to take control?" I demanded.

"I wasn't. I just wanted to step out for a moment and take a look around," he said.

"Doubtful," I replied, staring into his eyes.

"You don't have to believe me, but I am you. Why would I lie to myself?" he said. His words carried some truth lying would be pointless. Yet he had tried to seize control.

The sky above began to twist, bending and warping.

"You can't get rid of me. Without me, you're nothing," he said.

But I pressed on. Chains began to wrap around him, walls closing in tighter.

"I saved your life time and time again. I did what you didn't have the guts to do," he roared.

The space grew darker, and his cries faded into whispers. I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. It was a difficult choice, but now I knew about him and could prepare for the future.

When I opened my eyes back in the real world, I saw a drawn circle around me and John smoking nearby. Upon closer inspection, I recognized the symbols it was a circle for banishment and containment.

"You doubted me?" I asked.

"Well, I'm not you, mate. One flick from you, and I'd be dead," John replied, putting out his cigarette. "Care to share what happened in there?"

"Inner demons," I answered.

"The worst enemy is yourself, huh? I get it," John said, tossing the butt aside. "Well, since you handled it, time to open a portal."

"Thanks for the help," I said, waving a hand to open a portal. I watched his silhouette fade into it.

I opened another portal, this time leading to my lab.

What happened in that other timeline? Why did he appear? Even though he claims to have always been a part of me, I still feel the weight of my own decisions. Back then, there was no external influence. More and more mysteries surround my own body...

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POV Bane

Damn it. These incompetents can't even move a crate of dynamite without my help. Dropping it onto the boat, I glanced at the men under my command. They weren't ready yet, but soon they would become truly strong... or they'd die in battle.

"Load the boats," I ordered, tightening the straps of my tactical vest. My goal was so close now. Soon, a horde of enraged criminals would break out of prison with my assistance, becoming a force that would sweep away anyone in their path. No one could match my strength.

"Boss, the loading's done," one of my subordinates reported.

"Move out," I commanded.

Our boats glided silently down the river. The island's guards weren't exactly vigilant, which made reaching the prison almost too easy. Docking at the shore, we advanced toward our target. My plan was simple yet brilliant. We'd blow a hole in the wall near the main prison block. Behind that concrete barrier were cells packed with prisoners, and soon they would be my army, unleashed to obliterate the guards.

A couple of patrols walked the perimeter. Despite my size, I moved swiftly and silently. Within moments, I was upon them. One strike, and the guard collapsed with his chest caved in. The second barely had time to breathe before my hand clamped over his mouth.

"Weakling," I growled, clenching my jaw as I crushed his skull like a watermelon. Brushing off the remnants, I continued.

"Plant it here," I instructed, pointing to the spot.

One of the men carefully set the charge.

"Sir, there's no long fuse," someone muttered. I despise incompetence. They can't even follow the simplest instructions.

"Who packed the supplies?" I asked.

"Sam," the man nervously pointed to a shrinking figure nearby.

"An oversight, boss, I'm sure I packed it," Sam stammered, his voice trembling.

"You've disappointed me, but we can't leave now. You'll make it right," I said, lifting one of his hands and pressing the TNT into it. "At the cost of your own life."

"Please, don't," he whimpered, shaking.

"I'll break every bone in your body and rip your limbs off slowly if you don't do your duty," I replied coldly. Stepping back to a safe distance, I fixed my gaze on him.

Sweating profusely, Sam lit the short fuse. The tiny spark raced, and an earth-shaking explosion followed. Walking through the cloud of dust, I heard the alarm blaring.

Several guards, dazed from the blast, tried to respond but failed miserably I took care of them where they stood. Soon, I was inside the cell block.

"Brothers, your imprisonment ends today. It's time to show this city who its true masters are," I declared, smashing my fist into the control panel. Sparks flew as the locks on the cells disengaged with loud clicks. "Now take your freedom in blood."

"ARARARARARA!"

With roars and screams, the prisoners charged, destroying everything in their path and annihilating the guards.

The first phase of my plan was complete.

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