PARIS
11:24 AM CEST | 4/13/13
To the average Parisian, the sight is uncommon but unremarkable - two American businessmen take lunch on the warm and pleasant spring streets.
"It has been
months," says one of the two - bald-headed and clad in black. "I have followed you on errands. I have met your 'friends.' I have been piled beneath distractions of a
monumental level. You have given me a laundry-list of pseudonyms, yet seem to know every damned detail of my life. And not a
single thread to connect this nonsense has been clarified. And now, for reasons I cannot fathom, I have flown to
France at the beginning of the second quarter. I am nearly at
wit's end."
His companion sips a small cup of coffee, suitably smug. "Lex, I've told you over and over - it'll all come together in good time. And that time grows ever closer. In fact, I see it rounding a corner as we speak." He raises his drink once again and glances furtively at the crowd.
This man, unlike the travelers-on-business, is immediately remarkable, with shock-white hair, an eyepatch, and the distinct scars of a man with a past. He does not even turn as he passes their table. Lex Luthor is puzzled - and Lex Luthor does
not like to be puzzled.
"And
what exactly was
that? I expect
answers and
promptly, or I am
finished with this antiquated game of cat and mouse!"
His companion stands, still in that same swamp-green suit; he dons a pair of sunglasses and walks away in silence. It takes a brief moment for Luthor to notice the slip of paper now resting in his suit pocket, which he promptly and eagerly reads.
Dear Oberon
New York Burning
Bat in the Belfry
Gather
4/23
- The Terminator
He furrows his brow. His companion turns.
"Coming, Mr. Luthor?"
GOTHAM CITY
9:33 PM EDT | 4/16/13
Batman sits hunched over his computer. Data compiles - its meaning is arcane to all but its creator. He has not shaved. He very likely has not spoken. He is aware of nothing but the implications.
He is now aware of a noise.
Step by weighted step, Gotham's Bane approaches. It's Savior rises.
"
Que duermas bien, Mr. Wayne."