Chapter 46: Gotham City //
In a year, Gotham City had undergone a remarkable transformation. An invisible force seemed to have swept through the city, leaving behind a trail of profound change. It was as if the fates themselves had conspired to breathe new life into the very heart of Gotham.
Crime statistics, once plagued by alarming numbers, took a nosedive. The echoes of gunfire and sirens that resonated through the streets had become a strange memory. Homicides, robberies, and assaults—those haunting words that struck fear into the hearts of Gothamites—were now uttered with dwindling frequency. The city's darkest corners had been purged of their sinister inhabitants.
The Penguin was dead. The Iceberg Lounge as of last month ceased to operate. Intergang was totally annihilated. Bruno Mannheim was killed by Lady Shiva. Darkseid's alien technology was wiped clean from the streets. Drug operations and cartels were closing down by the day.
The new mayor, Lucius Fox, won the election five months ago by a landslide. Using Wayne Enterprises' resources, he helped the homeless find jobs. It wasn't easy nor was it a totally clean transition. Much of it was factory work. Grunt work.
But it was better than nothing.
Neighbourhoods were now alive with activity. Desolate streets bustled with life as community centres and vibrant businesses took root. A wave of revitalization swept through the city, mending wounds and breathing life into forgotten souls.
The metamorphosis extended far beyond the realm of law enforcement. Parks shrouded in neglect were meticulously restored. Green spaces flourished, offering respite from the concrete jungle that had long held Gotham captive. Streets that were once marred by potholes and darkness had been transformed into unburdened passages.
And Batman?
"Of course, Stephanie."
"See? I told you he'd listen."
"Only because you'll be annoying otherwise."
"That's an understatement. Steph seems to attract trouble wherever she goes."
Currently, Bruce Wayne sat at the dinner table at Wayne Manor. For the first time in a long time, there wasn't much to do. He could eat and talk with his family. The tension of saving Gotham every night was no longer there, partly due to the suggestion Aaron placed in him. The poor man deserved rest after all he had done. He would be pushing fifty soon. If not now, he would retire in a decade or two, and dwindle in ability as those years went by.
Tim playfully elbowed Damian. "Yeah, just like Damian attracts sarcasm."
Damian rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Oh, please. I'm just surrounded by amateurs."
Stephanie laughed. "Amateurs who manage to save the day every time, right Damian?"
Damian shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Well, yes, I suppose so."
Cassandra giggled.
The Bat Family was acting like an actual family rather than a ragtag group of edgy vigilantes. They were closer than ever. They bantered and talked and delved deeper into ordinary life.
Particularly Cassandra. No one could believe that just five months ago she gave birth to three healthy babies. She went from a large bump in her stomach to slender and toned in a matter of a month.
Aaron and Cassandra's children. Three of them, able to crawl and do baby talk. While the Bat Family ate dinner, Aaron took care of his three kids on the kitchen floor. He was a bubbly father as he clapped his hands and encouraged them. Of course, sometimes, discipline was required.
"Emma, come on," Aaron gently chastised, "give it back to your brother."
The little girl pouted and glanced between her father and brother, and listened.
Emma, Ethan, Olivia. Those were his three kids.
"Hey, Aaron," Bruce called out, "could you make more of this pasta? It's great."
"In a second."
After casting a bit of magic so that no harm would come to his children, Aaron Reigner served him the extra past.
Putting the fresh bowl down in front of the civilian identity of Batman, flecks of red coloured his eyes when they made eye contact. Last year, the Chosen One and Batman fought. The one to come out on top was, of course, the Chosen One. He ended the fight by placing a deep, brain altering spell on him. Now, Batman served the Chosen One.
The hypnosis was set deeply into his psyche so that he couldn't break it or shift it like before. On top of that, Aaron casted a spell so that it was invisible even to the greatest telepaths such as the Martian Manhunter.
> Tanya: Hello. It's been a while.
> Tanya: Can we meet at the usual room?
> Tanya: I already wired ten million into the account.
"Cassandra," Aaron called out, tucking his phone away. "Could you take care of the kids? I have somewhere to be."
***
Tanya Fox. Wife of Gotham's richest and Gotham's mayor. After months of campaigning and negotiating, she looked more beautiful than ever. Younger. Her hair was still short and her wrinkles were totally gone. She looked to be in her forties or thirties rather than fifties.
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
The big fat cock of Aaron Reigner slid in and out of her slick, desperate pussy. Doggy-style, Tanya's ass clapped against his pelvis, aching for more. On the bed, she moaned and fucked and got fucked like there was no tommorow. Like she knew she wouldn't get this dick again in a while.
"Mmmph! So deep! So deeeep~! I've missed this! I've missed thiiiiissss~!"
Aaron smiled. Her cunt was seriously clinging to him. It didn't want him to leave. Even if it was the tip, she wanted his girth inside her. She wanted that wonderful stretch of her pussy. She wanted to moan with want and unrestrained desire.
"Oh yeah?"
CLAP!
He gave a hard thrust. A gasp came from Tanya, louder and hornier than before.
"God! God! Yes, yes! YES!" CLAP! "Just like that! Just like that! Right there! Right there! Lucius was never able to fuck me there!"
"Haha." Aaron slapped her ass cheek. "I know."
Ring-ring-ring-ring-ring!
A classic ringtone echoed but whose was it? Aaron saw the phone on the pillow nearby. A name flashed: Lucius Fox. Tanya's husband was calling her, it seemed.
"Pick it up," Aaron ordered.
Tanya's eyes went wide and she tried to protest by looking over her shoulder. Aaron went harder.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
"O-okay! Okay! Okay!" Tanya howled. "I'll pick it up! I'll pick it uuuuppp~!"
He slowed his down his aggressive pace and let her reach forward. She tapped on the green phone button and let the voice of Lucius Fox intrude on their sweaty sex.
"Hello, love. Where are you?"
"M-me?" From behind, Aaron was slowly moving his cock. Rocking his hips just enough to elicit moans and to make her arms tremble as she held the hand. "I'm…ha…"
Aaron leaned on top of her and whispered in her ear, "Put it on speaker."
Her eyes went wide again but she nodded and did as she was told.
"You sound tired," Lucius said through the loud speaker. "Are you alright?"
"I'm jogging! Remember?" Tanya said. "I-I jog in the afternoon when I can."
Lucius laughed. "Oh, right, you do that, don't you? I don't really get why but you do you, hun."
"Haaah…!" Aaron extracted his cock from her sopping wet cunt. Tanya let out a squamish sound. "Mmmph! Yeah, I do it for appearance's sake. T-the mayor's wife can't have an ass too big."
"Woah. You don't hear me complaining about it though."
"Y-yeah."
Tanya was on her back, the phone closet to her ear. Aaron had decided to switch to missionary. Why? Because he wanted to see Tanya's face as he fucked her. He wanted to see as she lied to her husband while getting fucked by a big dick.
Legs high in the air and in the palm of his hand, he thrusted in. Tanya slapped her free hand over her mouth and stiffled a humiliating moan. Aaron didn't care. He pistoned in and out of her at a pace roughly equalling her husband's fastest.
"Y-yeah! Yeah!" Orgasm. Her walls tightly squeezed him. Her breath was utterly laboured as she told Lucius, "You wouldn't understand. W-woman have different expectations."
"Haha, I suppose so. Say, who's gonna be taking care of little Luna? Our little girl can't be left alone with just any babysitter."
Luna. Aaron and Tanya's child. The child Lucius was raising without knowing it wasn't really his. A young black baby that for all intents and purposes looked like it belonged to the mayor of Gotham.
"I-I have Carrie taking care of her! A-also, Lucas is going to be there tonight."
"Oh yeah? Good work." A meaningful pause. Lucius' buttery voice returned after a few seconds. "Say, how about you and I free our schedules for tonight and have some wine?"
"Fuck, fuck, fuck…!" Tanya muttered, her face to the side. She forced a smile and went back to the phone. "Wine?"
"You know, to spend some, ahem, quality time together."
Aaron understood what the man meant and stopped his thrusts. Tanya took the time to catch her breath. Aaron leaned down and whispered, "Tell him yes. Tell him you're going to ride him till he's empty."
"Ha…ha…" Her pointed legs were shaking and tears formed at the edges of her eyes. The pleasure was too much. Too good. Tanya obeyed and whispered huskily into the phone, "Yes! I'm going to ride you until you're empty."
"Mmm. You miss my dick that much, love?" Lucius asked, voice low.
Prompted by a deep kiss to the womb, Tanya moaned out, "Soooooo much."
Aaron's thrusts grew more intense, his hips slamming into Tanya's with a force that left her gasping for breath. The bed creaked beneath their weight as they surrendered to the primal rhythm of their bodies. Tanya's moans filled the room, mingling with the sound of skin slapping against skin.
"Woah, I can tell you're getting horny." Lucius chuckled. His voice, in any other setting, would have been hot and attractive. "I guess jogging gets you pent up."
"Veeeery."
As the pleasure surged through her veins, Tanya couldn't help but think about her husband on the other end of the line. How clueless he was, oblivious to the explicit sounds and vulgar language that spilled from her lips. She almost felt sorry for him, so wrapped up in his own world of ignorance and naivety.
"Oh, someone is coming in," Lucius said. "I'm putting you on hold."
Beep!
Just like that, Lucius put his wife on hold. At that moment, any lingering guilt or hesitation quickly dissipated as Aaron continued to pound into her relentlessly. The sense of liberation washed over her like a tidal wave, drowning out any thoughts of loyalty or commitment. In this moment, all that mattered was indulging in this stolen pleasure.
Tanya's body quivered with anticipation as she approached the edge of ecstasy. Her fingers dug into Aaron's back, leaving red welts in their wake. She revelled in the pleasure of Aaron's incredible dick. A dick so much bigger than Lucius' that it wasn't even funny.
"Fuck," Tanya cried out again, louder this time, relishing in how each expletive seemed to push away any inhibitions she had left. "You're such a fucking beast."
Aaron grunted in response, his grip tightening around Tanya ankles as he pounded into her harder than ever before. Sweat dripped down Tanya's dark brown body as he fucked her phenomenally.
"Oh Lucius," Tanya moaned, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she pressed the phone closer to her ear. "I wish you could see what I'm doing right now. You'd realize how good it feels to have a real fucking man inside me."
"Hm? Tanya, did you say something? Sorry, I was talking to my secretary. We've been struggling to find a man to lead the electric grid project. You know how it is."
He was back. Lucius was back, but he didn't hear what his wife had said. Tanya let out an exasperated sigh before continuing, unable to resist indulging in some dirty innuendos.
"N-nothing! Hah, I'm…mmph! I'm cumming! Cumming to pick up…t-the wine!"
"That's fine by me. I'll choose the place. It'll be a nice little date night." Lucius' voice went low, low, low. "Get ready for some serious pounding, Tanya."
"You know it," she purred seductively and turned away from the phone so Lucius couldn't hear. "But Aaron here has got this big white cock that knows exactly how to hit all the right spots. Sorry, but our date night isn't going to be remotely as good."
Tanya couldn't hold back a wicked chuckle as she imagined her husband's innocent expression on the other end of the line. The thought of him completely oblivious to their carnal escapades only fueled Tanya's desire further.
"Gah!"
And just like that, Aaron came inside her.
Tanya blacked out and managed to end the call.
The next time she opened her eyes, she felt a big white cock across her face. Flaccid, wet, and oozing with an addicting aroma.
"Mmm…just what the hell is your cock?" Tanya asked languidly. She remained stretched across the bed, Aaron's cock on her face. She wanted to stay like this. "I don't think it's a white guy thing."
"It's not," Aaron responded, lifting his dick from her. Tanya mewled but he didn't care. He hopped off the bed–thwap–and grabbed the table on the floor. He cleaned his dick with it, with Tanya watching at the corner of her eye.
"I'm jealous. Lucius would be jealous."
Aaron changed the topic. "How's Luna?"
"She has your eyes. Lucius doesn't know though. He thinks the grey eyes are from his parents."
"I see." He whipped the towel and threw it on his shoulder. Tanya twisted herself and looked at his hanging flaccid member.
"Mmm. I missed this. I missed your dick."
"But from the sound of it, you and Lucius have also been getting busy."
"After my pregnancy, yes. I'm still a little fat though." Tanya touched her belly. "I really have been jogging to lose weight."
"Don't. It's cute."
Tanya laughed, her eyes glued to his nether regions. "As much as I appreciate it, the voters won't. A fat wife would look bad."
"Don't say fat," Aaron said, "say thick. It sounds hotter."
Tanya giggled. "Young people. Say, will you ever visit Luna?"
"No, I'm good. She's yours, after all."
For a moment, Tanya didn't speak. "For a couple months, all I thought of Luna was an instruemnt of my revenge. But now that I'm a mother of a baby again, I remembered just how great it was. I love being a mother. I love Lucius, Lucas, and all my kids, whether they're mine or not. I love them all."
Aaron smiled. "That's good."
Tanya reached forward and smirked as she grabbed his dick. "And I LOVE this white cock too." Her other hamd cradled his ballsack. "And these white babies too."
***
After destroying Tanya's pussy till it wouldn't feel her husband's smaller dick, Aaron left. He and Tanya agreed they shouldn't see each other because there was a chance a sneaky reporter could change them. While that wasn't entirely true due to Aaron's developed powers, he agreed anyway. Tanya's ability to fuck wasn't remotely comparable to many of his women in the Inner Harem. He would much rather receive a footjob from Lady Shiva than a blowjob from Tanya. The gap in skill was that wide.
However, there was something important during that session. Not from Tanya but from Lucius. He mentioned he needed someone for the electric grid project. The project involved scrapping particular sections of the current Gotham grid and replacing it with fresh, state of the art power stations and infrastructure.
Aaron already had someone in mind. And just to confirm, he texted Hadiyah. She analyzed the individual's background, credentials, and psychological profile. They would be a perfect fit.
Aaron was still at the hotel Tanya booked for them. He snapped his fingers and he teleported.
His environment shifted from rich and luxurious to poor and wet. The smell was the most defining characteristic. Aaron's knock echoed through the dimly lit hallway of the apartment building, the sound a herald of an unexpected visitor.
The door swung open, revealing a young man with striking blue hair and a guarded expression. The young man, college student age, regarded Aaron with a mix of curiosity and caution. Aaron recognized him and it threw him back to a haze of memories.
'The blue haired college guy that got beat up.' Aaron sighed in his head. 'Gotham sure is a small place.'
It was so long ago but now that he had time to reflect…he regretted it. He regretted watching people suffer. He regretted not using his gifts earlier. He regretted all of it. A rational society should allow peace and joy between all kinds of people, regardless of background or appearance. After meeting aliens, after understanding the universe, he understood just how fickle humans and reality really were. He understood that only together could there be meaning to their lives.
"What do you want?" The blue-haired man's tone was guarded. Protective. He couldn't blame him. He lived a shitty life in a shitty apartment.
Aaron met Cullen's gaze with a small smile. "Hey, I'm looking for Harper. I assume she's your sister? I've got a job offer for her."
An eyebrow was raised, his skepticism evident. "A job offer? And who are you?"
"Aaron," he replied. "We've never met but I have met your sister." Silently, he asked the Collective Unconscious for an answer. A name. He was quickly provided one. "Yeah, Cullen, right?"
Cullen's guarded expression shifted slightly. "Alright, come in."
Aaron stepped inside the modest apartment, glancing around at the eclectic decorations that spoke of the Row siblings' unique personalities. Harper emerged from a nearby room, her eyes narrowing as she took in the unfamiliar guest.
"Wait…do I know you?"
Aaron raised a hand. "We met. I'm Aaron, remember? From the Thompkins hospital? It was a long time ago, before the Levithan Riots."
"He says he's got a job offer for you," Cullen said, frowning.
Aaron stepped forward, offering Harper a friendly smile. "I needed the best electrician in Gotham and, well, you're it."
Harper's skepticism didn't waver as she regarded Aaron. "And why would you think I'm the best electrician in the city?"
Aaron's smile widened. "Remember our talk? I don't think there's anyone in Gotham with such a deep, thorough understanding of our grid system. You understand it not just from a business standpoint but a people's standpoint."
Harper's guard seemed to falter a bit, a glimmer of curiosity shining through. Cullen, sensing that his presence might not be needed, excused himself. "I've got somewhere to be. You two can talk."
As Cullen left to go to his room, Harper turned her attention back to Aaron. She took him into the living room. The sofa Aaron sat on was weak and springy.
"Alright, I'm listening." Harper crossed her arms. "Tell me more about this job offer."
"Mayor Lucius Fox–"
"The mayor!?" Harper nearly stood up. "The mayor is asking for me?"
"Yes. The mayor is working on a new project for Gotham's electric grid. He's looking for the best electrician in the city to lead the project, and I thought of you."
"Me? Really?"
"I talked to you once. I know you're the woman for the job." Plus, the Collective Unconscious was telling him she was the best so there was that. "He's going to need someone with expert knowledge. Again, someone with a business and sympathetic perspective. You, Harper."
Harper's skepticism slowly gave way to a mixture of intrigue and excitement. "So you think my skills could actually make a difference in this?"
Aaron nodded. "Absolutely. You have a degree. You have the skills and you have the experience. And I know you've got a plan and blueprints ready."
Harper's lips curled into a small smile, a spark of determination lighting up her eyes. "What's the pay?"
"A hundred dollars an hour over the course of two years and a bonus of fifty thousand when it's complete. It's a legitimate job too, government funded and all. It'll look great on your credit score."
Harper threw her head back and laughed. "You should have just led with that, man. Count me in!"
Aaron smiled. Another day, another way Gotham was improving.
***
Life was incredible for Aaron. In the past year, after his battle with Batman, rarely did he stress. Most of his days were spent either fucking or doing good. He quit his morning job and made his money off of being the Wayne manor chef. He also kept in touch with Noah and Todd and played sports with them every other week.
All in all, a tranquil life.
Which was why when Selina called for him, he expected sex and nothing more. Not an actual issue.
He teleported in the Harem House, saw Selina was stretching on the bed, arms forward, ass high, like a cat in head, and snapped his fingers. His pants and shirt disappeared and his flaccid cock plopped out.
Once Selina opened her eyes after stretching, she blinked. "O-oh. Meow."
Aaron walked forward till his legs were pressing the bed and his cock was drooping down on the mattress. "Come on, you called me, didn't you?"
"W-well, yes…" Selina looked away sheepishly. She was wearing lingerie, her breasts exposed sensually. "I know how this looks b-but that's not what I called you here for."
Aaron sighed. "Then what?"
"John Constantine has returned to Gotham."
"You have gotta be kidding me…"
Six months ago, John left the city after Aaron had Batman tell him there was nothing to investigate. While Aaron probably could have beaten John in a fight, there would only be downsides in doing so. John knew a lot of people. Like a lot. Gods, demons, magicians–a countless hoard of powerful entities were connected to him. There was a chance he could use them to escape a fight or a hypnosis.
Plus, the Synchronicity Wave was a huge pain in the ass to get past. In the past year, Aaron had started to get the hang of it himself but he wasn't sure how it would fare against John's. At best, the waves would cancel each other out.
"Did he come close to her?"
"Very close," Selina replied, still staring at his flaccid cock. "Very, very close. He actually knocked on our door. Luckily, Hadiyah answered and wasted enough time for Talia to tell Bruce to call John."
"I can sense everyone is down in the basement. I'm guessing they're watching John?"
"Yes." Selina, finally, looked up at his face. "I think we'll need all hands on deck if we're going to drive that slime away."
Aaron sighed through his mouth. Thwap! He turned and let his cock swing and smack against his thigh. Selina scrambled to her feet and went to his side.
"Soo….are we gonna fuck today?"
"No."
"Then why is your cock out? You want a blowjob?"
"Yep."
Selina laughed. "Fair enough."
Down the stairs, through the basement, and accessing the secret door, Selina and Aaron went. As soon as they entered the secret lair, Selina raised her hand and started giving a round of applause. A round of applause accompanied by Aaron's swinging dick.
Thwap! Thwap!
"Cock coming through!" Selina announced giddily. Heads were turned. Mouths watered. Hadiyah, Jaina Hudson, Lady Shiva, Talia al Ghul, Julia Pennyworth, and Angel Whore. Elizabeth was, according to Aaron's mind map, at her company's headquarters, working.
"Quit joking around." Talia sneered. "We have a problem at hand."
"A big problem," Selina joked, leaning to the side and slapping the base of his length.
Aaron sighed. He snapped a finger and summoned the comfiest office chair in the world. He sat on the leather chair, used his magic to roll forward, then ordered, "Angel Whore, give me a blowjob."
Angel Whore didn't even give a response. She went straight to sucking, diving at his soft manhood as if it was gold. Aaron put an elbow on the arm rest and cupped his cheek. He nudged at the women to elaborate.
"John Constantine is currently in the BatCave. He and my Beloved Bruce are discussing a new source of magical energy, separate from the Chosen One."
"Separate from the Chosen One?" While Aaron muttered to himself, Angel Whore plopped his cock inside her mouth and started rolling her tongue in delicious swishes. Aaron relaxed as his dick pulsated and grew.
"Allegedly, Madame Xanadu told him of a prophecy. A great darkness is looming over Gotham," said Lady Shiva. "Madame Xanadu is a woman whose ability to prophesize future events is second to none."
"But she can't find me. It's impossible."
After all, the Chosen One was beyond anyone's scope, even Death's. No way she was referring to him. That meant…
"It's someone else. John is here for someone else."
Selina shrugged and suggested, "Maybe he came here because the Synchronicity Wave knew he'd need help. He'd need you."
"That sounds very roundabout," Hadiyah murmured.
"I wouldn't be surprised." Jaina placed her arms under her bust. Aaron throbbed. Angel Whore parked deeper as her hands pumped the leftover length. He still wasn't at full mast but he was getting there. "Magic can be weird, trust me," Jaina said.
Julia was silent, thinking to herself. "Madame Xanadu…"
"The demon fucker," Lady Shiva stated. "She is in a relationship with the human Jason Blood and the demon Etrigan."
"You sound like you're close to her," Julia pointed out.
"I am. In fact, it was she who told me that my own off-spring would be my greatest challenge. That Cassandra would beat me in battle. That she would show me the way."
"Speaking of kids," Aaron interjected as Angel Breaker bobbed up and down his complete length, "Talia, I assume the kids are okay?"
Talia had quadruplets: Salma, Idris, Amina, and Zahra. Angel Breaker, on the other hand, gave birth to twins: Gabriel and Seraphina. A huge, huge family that he wasn't sure a single woman could take care of. Aaron had Talia's personal guards watch over them when neither him or Talia were available.
But where were they? In a penthouse in Gotham's most luxurious urban area. They were raised with love, care, and a swimming pool. Talia said she would not let her children be raised in nothing less than the best wealth. Aaron let her do as she pleased.
"They're fine," Talia answered, nodding. "Salma is able to walk now. She was struggling before but now she's fine."
Aaron smiled. "That's nice. I'll pay her a visit tonight."
Talia lowered her head. "Please do."
"Mmmmph! Mmmh!" Everyone was making meaningful contributions, except Angel Whore who was busy sucking on his dick. Aaron sighed.
If John Constantine was destined to find him, then so be it. Aaron would make it happen. Aaron would use his cameras and his luck against him.
However, first, he had to cum. He snapped his fingers and all his Inner Harem members were stripped of their clothing. Jaina's G-cups was the main of interest this time, bouncing with a hefty jiggle to them.
"H-hey," Selina protested, covering her pussy up, "that's not fair!"
"I do not mind," Lady Shiva said, legs apart for him to see. God, he loved seeing the holes he fucked. It just got him harder and harder.
"Me neither," added the wonderful Talia. She smirked and brushed a piece of hair over her ear. Her brown complexion, flared hips, and unique ethnic features did wonders for his arousal. "Our bodies are for the Chosen One's taking and viewing, after all."
Selina pouted. "But there has to be a build up to it! Gosh, haven't you ladies learned to properly seduce a man!?"
"I agree," Hadiyah muttered, face red and turned to her desktop screen. Her hijab was still on so there was jerk material there too.
Aaron sighed again, dumped his load inside Angel Whore's mouth, and settled on a plan.
***
John Constantine was at a rundown bar in downtown Gotham. A place called Dark Side Club. A place marked by an Omega symbol. It was probably the last remaining denizen of Darkseid's men. John went there because demigods and demons often hung around–people he was acquainted with.
By casting a disguise spell on himself, Aaron entered the Dark Side Club. From an outside perspective, he was a rat-faced middle-aged man seeking a drink.
He saw a dash of blonde hair and the smoke of cigarettes. He promptly slid on the seat next to him.
To John's right was another individual. Small and huddled together and…hairy? Very hairy. Too hairy. Aaron narrowed his eyes.
'...a monkey?'
"Surprised you're not hitting the books, Bobo," John drawled.
The monkey–an actual monkey–gave a wry smile. "Figured I'd trade the dusty tomes for a change of scenery tonight. Besides, even detectives need a drink."
'Who is this ape? A hero?'
The Collective Unconscious spat out a name: Detective Chimp.
John smirked, ordering a drink of his own. "So, what's got you seekin' solace in this den of debauchery?"
Detective Chimp leaned in, his gaze serious. "Word's spreading about something sinister lurking in Gotham's shadows. Figured I might find a few leads here."
John's eyes flickered with interest. "You're not the only one nosing around. Heard whispers of dark magic, curses, the whole shebang from the Joker's gang. Gotham's always been a bloody madhouse, hasn't it?"
'The Joker…?'
For the past couple years, after the Joker War, the Clown Prince of Crime disappeared from the face of the Earth. Even Aaron's powers could give a clue. It was unnatural. Did something happen to him?
Detective took a sip of his drink. "Indeed. But even in this chaos, there's an order. A rhythm to the madness. Lately, that rhythm's been disrupted."
John smirked, swirling his glass. "And you're hopin' the good ol' Justice League Dark can help set things straight?"
"Or at least shed some light on the dark corners," Detective Chimp replied.
"Alright, Bobo. I'm in. But let's make this clear—I'm not going to be one to call Zatanna or Jason or that bloody Xanadu."
Detective Chimp chuckled. "Don't worry, I've got the kid doing it."
"The kid?" John chuckled. "You mean the kid Dr. Fate? I suppose it's a good experience gathering a team together."
"Mhm."
A chill tickled his shoulder. A new presence, magical and demonic. Aaron looked over his shoulder and saw a reddish-brown haired man, tall and lean. A little old seeing how he carried himself.
"Well, well, if it ain't the old demon-bonded," John quipped, raising an eyebrow.
Demon-bonded…that meant this was Jason Blood. His presence was unnoticeable in the bar even as he made his way towards the two.
Jason Blood offered a courteous nod to Constantine. "John. Bobo."
Detective Chimp acknowledged him with a nod. "Jason."
Jason's gaze turned contemplative as he settled onto a stool to the chimp's right. Aaron, John, Detective Chimp, and Jason Blood, in that order.
John, out of sheer coincidence, glanced at Aaron. In that brief instant where their eyes met, Aaron activated the Sage Force. Or at least he tried to because nothing came to mind. Nothing came to his grasp.
'My hypnosis didn't connect. What…?'
John Constantine wasn't a god. He wasn't immune to hypnosis. Although the Synchronicity Wave Travelling granted him unnatural circumstances, it wasn't infallible. There was a reason he couldn't just snap his fingers and defeat Superman. He was human. Vulnerable.
So why? Why didn't it work? Why did he turn back to his comrades without blinking?
"Isn't the Joker Batman's issue?" asked Detective Chimp. "I suppose you already asked him."
"I did. He said he was busy with another, equally pressing issue with the Justice League. Multiverse shite, you know how it is with that lot."
"The Justice League Incarnate is what I'm deducing," Detective Chimp said. "A team made up of heroes from across the Multiverse that are tasked with protecting it from Multiverse level threats. A squadron of super-guardians capable of reacting to cosmic-level threats. Practically everyone on this Earth qualifies."
"Well, aren't we so lucky?"
"Including you, John," Jason Blood chimed in. "Not underestimate yourself."
"I'm not. You're just overestimating me."
"The fact that both the Justice League Incarnate and the Justice League Dark are reacting to something might not be a coincidence," Detective Chimp pointed out.
"Maybe. Maybe not." John shrugged. "We do our thing, they do yours. Let's leave the theories and connections for later."
The chimp sighed. "Fine, fine. And Jason? Try not to let Etrigan go too crazy?"
A drink arrived for Jason Blood and he sipped on it. "I'll do my best."
The Justice League Dark, a group composed of individuals equipped to handle mystical threats. Threats that Superman and other heroes would ordinarily have trouble with. It seemed their services were needed for something in Gotham.
Aaron decided he would help him, and he knew how.
***
"Yo."
Aaron sat on the open window of an apartment in a quiet corner of the Midtown neighbourhood in Gotham. The bedroom held a queen-sized bed against one wall and would have been dark if not for the small lamp on the nightstand.
The young man on the bed rose from his bed, yawning, and opened his eyes to see Aaron in a Colombina half-mask.
"God dammit. Does everybody know where I live or something? Why does everyone keep breaking into my apartment?"
Jason Blood, Jason Todd. There sure were a lot of important Jasons in the world. Aaron could see that despite his lax attitude he was ready to fight at the moment's notice. Jason Todd was in a black tank tap, muscles flexing in preparation.
Aaron, meanwhile, was super relaxed. Elbows on his legs, arms dangling, he was acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Jason Todd. The Red Hood."
Jason's expression hardened. "What's up with the mask?"
Aaron smiled politely. It was time for the bullshit. "I am one of God's avatars, that is why."
"Huh. Like the Spectre." Jason narrowed his eyes. "Why should I believe you?"
Aaron snapped his fingers before Jason could so much as blink. All of a sudden, they were at a beach. The sun's rays shone down on them. Jason didn't understand what happened. He went from his run-down apartment to lying on a deckchair with a Calimocho cocktail in hand.
Aaron stood beside him and Jason looked up, bewildered.
"Does that suffice?"
Before answering, Jason savoured his drink. "Oh yeah." His tongue clicked. "Definitely."
Aaron smiled and snapped his fingers. They were back at his apartment. Jason's disappointment was evident.
"Work with John Constantine. He is in the middle of a mission and he desperately requires your assistance. That is all."
There was only one other individual who knew Joker's gang as well as Batman himself: Red Hood. In some ways, given his old obsessive phase over the Joker and his time as a criminal, he knew more.
"John Constantine…" Jason muttered. "I met him once, I think, as a demon. Long story."
"I know." Aaron did not know that. "But whatever history you had, you must move past it. There is a great darkness shrouding the Joker."
"And you can't take care of it?"
"Strangely enough, no. It is as though my powers have been dwindling."
"Well, we can't have that happen to one of God's avatars, can we?" Jason said. "Alright, I'll help. On one condition."
"Name it."
"If you're really God's avatar, give me a weapon. A tool that will help me kill that bastard."
"Fair enough." Aaron snapped his fingers and summoned a golden sword. Its edge was sharp and jagged and it was almost maliciously imposing. "This is the God Killer blade. Use it wisely."
"Holy shit…I've heard of this thing." The floating sword slipped into Jason's hands. Immediately, it transformed into twin short swords. "Woah, it's just like the rumours said: it can change shape. Wait, I thought this thing was with the Amazons?"
"I am God's avatar. Nothing is out of my reach."
"Shit, well, I guess you're right." Jason inspected the golden blade and grinned. He looked up at Aaron. "Hey, do you mind if I have my friends tag along?"
"The Dark Trinity?" The Dark Trinity: Red Hood, Artemis, and Bizarro. Dark reflections of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. Aaron nodded. "Of course. I expect nothing less."
"Artemis is gonna love this." Jason snickered, looking at the blades over again. "Hey, thanks–aaand he's gone. Wonderful."
***
That night, like he promised Talia, he went to the penthouse. Tiny feet pitter-pattered across the floor. Salma, Idris, Amina, and Zahra, the adorable one-year-olds, were in the midst of their own little world, exploring every corner of their lavish abode.
The female guards, affectionately called the 'baby wranglers', stood watch over the energetic quartet. Still in their warrior garbs, back tattoos exposed and all, they easily juggled toys, bottles, and baby paraphernalia with impressive finesse. One of them spun a plush toy in the air, earning peals of delighted laughter from the babies.
Aaron couldn't stop the big smile on his face as he joined the playful chaos on the kitchen floor.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of amusement and adoration. He bent down to greet his little ones, eliciting excited gurgles and tiny hands reaching out for him.
"Da-da!" Salma babbled, her chubby cheeks dimpling with joy.
Idris giggled and clapped his hands, flashing a toothy grin.
Amina wobbled over on unsteady legs, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her father. "Dada!"
And Zahra, always the observer, watched with wide, curious eyes, taking in every moment.
Aaron chuckled, scooping them up one by one for bear hugs and playful kisses. "Well, hello to you too, my little munchkins!" he cooed.
The baby wranglers exchanged knowing glances, their faces a mix of amusement and exhaustion, as they continued their vigilant watch over the dynamic quartet.
"Guess what, kiddos? I brought you something special today," Aaron said, producing a stack of colourful picture books from behind his back.
The babies' eyes widened in delight, their attention now fully on the treasure trove of stories. They reached out, tiny fingers trying to grasp the books.
"Dada, book!" Salma squealed, bouncing on Aaron's lap.
Idris clapped his hands again, seemingly in agreement.
Amina grabbed a book with both hands and promptly tried to put it in her mouth, her gummy smile infectious.
"And Zahra, my little thinker, what do you think of this?" Aaron asked, showing her the cover of a book filled with vibrant shapes.
Zahra studied the book with utmost seriousness, her tiny brow furrowing as she processed the shapes. And then, as if satisfied, she reached out to touch the page.
Aaron laughed heartily. "Well, I take that as an approval!"
As the babies settled down for their impromptu storytime, Aaron couldn't help but marvel at the joy they brought into his life. The penthouse was alive with their laughter, While Gotham wasn't perfect, it was getting better. He was glad he was helping the city become a place children could be raised, and he was just as glad he could take it easy–one laugh, one hug, and one cherished moment at a time.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone