Chapter 187 : Red Death!!

At this very moment, amidst the vast expanse of the OA star in any universe, a wave of apprehension grips the hearts of countless Green Lantern Corps members, sending shivers down their spines.

It's not because of some terrifying, eerie lantern beast lurking in the shadows.

No, it's because Bruce Wayne has dared to meddle with the Green Light Oath!

This act fundamentally alters the essence of the green light itself!

In the blink of an eye, a surge of pure green radiance bursts forth from the source pool beneath the guardians, swiftly engulfing the entire planet.

Under this radiant green baptism, the hearts of countless Green Lanterns finally find stability, yet fear still lingers in their eyes.

In the world of the DCEU!

The tranquility of the Bat Cave is shattered as space rips open, revealing a yellow power ring, symbolizing fear, hovering before Bruce!

A sentient being has deemed him worthy. Bruce Wayne of Earth, you possess the capacity to instill great fear in others. Welcome to the Sinestro Corps.

Superman is fraught with tension, hoping Bruce won't succumb, while the Joker eagerly awaits his decision.

Without hesitation, Bruce reaches out and takes hold of the yellow power ring!

He doesn't immediately don it, choosing instead to hold onto it for now.

Simultaneously, the oath of the yellow light echoes within his mind:

"In blackest day, in brightest night, Beware your fears made into light! Let those who try to stop what's right, Burn like my power... Sinestro's might!"

Henceforth, whenever he wears this ring and recites the oath, he shall transform into a Yellow Lantern Warrior! (Note: Batman has worn green, yellow, black, and white)

"Bruce, reconsider. This path isn't wise," Superman implores, understanding Bruce's internal struggle.

Bruce nods solemnly, "I'm aware. I simply wish to analyze its energy. I won't utilize it unless absolutely necessary."

As he speaks, Bruce's gaze shifts to another figure on the screen, bathed in the brilliant glow of green light yet seemingly shrouded in darkness.

At that moment, Bruce comprehends.

He's trapped in another cavern, one filled with bats, from which he has never truly escaped!

A place of darkness and bats!

But then, he silently adds another line to his internal dialogue:

"But I refuse to succumb. My will shall always triumph over my fears!"

Observing Bruce's resolute and composed demeanor, Superman's lingering apprehension finally dissipates into relief.

Just as many are shocked at the notion of Batman, the paragon of justice, potentially embracing terror, the scene shifts once more.

[The image of the Dawning Strange Lantern gradually fades, and the view returns to the vast expanse of the cosmic star map!]

[In the next instant, another dark universe comes aglow!]

[Earth, -52]

(…)

The chill of autumn hung heavy, drawing the gaze downward from the somber gray-black sky. A cemetery, strewn with fallen leaves, sprawled out before him.

Bruce Wayne stood in solemn silence amidst the gravestones of the entire Bat Family. Robins, Batgirl, His son—all gone. The weight of their absence pressed heavily upon him. Within the depths of the Batcave, sorrow clouded Bruce's eyes.

In this reality, his kin were scarce, reduced to but a solitary adopted child. Yet, even that loss dealt a devastating blow, altering his steadfast vow against taking life, making each strike heavier than before.

In this moment, he could envision the turmoil raging within him—self-condemnation and impotent rage intertwining.

The autumn wind whipped at Bruce's trench coat, his expression stoic but his eyes blazing with fury. Yet, this ire was not directed outward; it was an internal fury—a rage born of powerlessness, of inadequacy, of not having had enough time to save them all.

(…)

With the passage of time, Bruce felt the weight of years bearing down upon him, leaving him feeling aged and sluggish, fueling an inner restlessness.

But he had a plan—a solution. Venturing to Midtown, he sought out The Flash, hoping to harness the Speed Force to outpace Gotham's descent into darkness. There was sympathy in The Flash's eyes, but he refused without hesitation.

"I've lost someone dear to me too," he confessed, his tone firm. "But Batman, I cannot grant you access to the Speed Force."

For Barry, personal experience had taught him the perilous nature of the Speed Force under the grip of despair and grief—a lesson he was unwilling to impart upon Bruce.

In the grip of despair and grief, the Speed Force would be a dangerous narcotic for Bruce.

Upon hearing the resolute denial, Batman's visage darkened. In his eyes, Barry Allen, who hoarded the Speed Force to himself, was squandering his potential.

"The Speed Force could save countless lives in your hands," Bruce argued vehemently, his desperation palpable. He even entertained the notion of traveling back in time to prevent the tragedies that had befallen them.

["Ha! It seems our esteemed Bat is no different from Kid Flash!" Joker jeered, his laughter echoing through the chamber. With a mocking wave to the hidden Barry, he continued, "Why don't you lend Uncle Bat a hand, little Barry, and grant his wish? Perhaps go back and prevent me from snuffing out his adopted son's life!"]

Bruce's gaze turned icy as he regarded Joker.

"Must I summon Harley Quinn for you, so you can inquire as to why she despises you so?"

Joker turned his head, his throat constricted with unspoken words, clearly distressed.

[The two figures on the screen have parted ways!]

(But this is merely the prologue!)

[Faced with the Flash's refusal to compromise, Bruce resolves to take action by force!]

[He disarms the renegade gang members (a notorious group of villains known to challenge the Flash, wielding weapons tailored to exploit his abilities)!]

[With Batman's unparalleled intellect, he successfully administers a cryogenic formula to immobilize Barry!]

[The Flash has been apprehended!]

(When Barry regains consciousness, he finds himself bound to a Batmobile, built for extreme velocity!)

[Bruce, behind the wheel of the Batmobile, appears unhinged!]

[Equipped with cosmic treadmill technology, the vehicle hurtles into the Speed Force, intent on stripping Barry Allen of his speed!]

["I once swore to protect Gotham!"]

["But that's too limited, Barry!"]

["From now on, I'll safeguard the world!"]

[In Bruce's fervent cry, they plunge into the realm of golden lightning speed!]

[In the following moment, a horrifying sight unfolds!]

[Their bodies are torn asunder by the golden lightning, even as they hurtle forward at breakneck speed!]

(First their garments, then their flesh, revealing ghastly scarlet sinews!)

[Next, flesh and blood dissipate, leaving behind shattered bones!]

[The two are utterly obliterated in the torrent of lightning!]

In the depths of the Batcave, Barry steals a glance at Bruce!

Upon catching Bruce's gaze, Barry shudders, nearly on the verge of tears!

Those terrifying eyes— who will rescue me?!

The corners of Bruce's mouth twitch, his concerned gaze tinged with helplessness!

It seems I've truly found a kindred spirit for Barry this time, lest the child be plagued by psychological scars!

With a sigh, Bruce continues to watch the video.

Though they had been separated, he was certain of his success!

Indeed...

["Without Batman, Gotham descends into chaos and darkness once more!"

"In the alley, the Scarecrow is poised to strike down an innocent with his scythe!"

"And just then, a crimson bolt streaks through the Scarecrow's form in an instant!"

"Moving at incredible speed, the Scarecrow dissolves into a gory mess of flesh and blood!"

"But that's not all, within moments, every criminal in Gotham is reduced to a pool of blood, meeting their end in a tragic demise!"

"Bruce Wayne has returned!"

"At this moment, He is vengeance. He is justice."

"He is Batman: the Red Death!"

****

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