Parasites

by Prototype1_3ch0 (orphan_account)

Summary:

In a world ravaged by an apocalyptic outbreak, humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. In a sinister fresh take on the classic zombie apocalypse, symbiotes turn the infected into relentless hunters preying upon any remaining survivors, where even the mighty Justice League finds themselves powerless in the face of this cannibalistic threat. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, will an unexpected connection between man and parasite be the key to deciphering the secrets of the contagion and finding a cure, or lead to the downfall of mankind?

STATUS: COMPLETE

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

SECURITY LEVEL: Omega…

PASSWORD: DC-27-5-1939…

ENABLE NEW PROTOCOL: Apocalypsis Contingency…

Should any remnant of an unknown infectious disease come into contact with a living organism on Earth, we need to have plans in place to contain and dispatch affected individuals before a doomsday level threat occurs.

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - File Codename: Predator…

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - Section I: Ground Zero…

DATE: December 11, 2013. 

LOCATION: Central City. 

While it’s not confirmed whether the Scientific and Technological Advanced Research Laboratories was responsible for the contagion, the circumstances surrounding the sudden malfunction of their particle accelerator and ground zero of the pandemic is suspiciously coincidental. 

Upon review of the accelerator’s structural integrity and construction, the device was declared surge-proof and waterproof by various electrical and mechanical engineers in good standing with the particle physicists granted access to the project, yet experienced a catastrophic failure in its cooling system during the peak of the storm season, resulting in multiple evacuation orders broadcast over the news just two hours after the accelerator’s initial activation. 

At least, that’s what the word of mouth was, but recovered documentation from STAR Labs’ security footage details a different story. 

From what little was retrieved and decrypted so far, there is evidence that an unidentified anomaly appeared in the core chamber, causing a chain reaction that misaligned the accelerator’s magnets, therefore forcing the staff to attempt to contain the blast by directing it skyward, where it interacted poorly with the already volatile weather, sending dark matter across the entire city in shockwave equivalent to a level three earthquake. While the source of the anomaly is unknown, the shockwave caused power surges and outages that left Central City in the dark for approximately 12 hours after the explosion. 

During these outages, police reports indicate a pattern of calls regarding homeless persons behaving erratically and displaying aggression towards other individuals, where physical abnormalities were discovered upon these individuals’ death. Hospitals in Central City were reporting concerning symptoms in an increasing number of patients within the following six hours, where WHO officials launched an investigation regarding this Unidentified Infectious Disease (UID) after medical facilities in Star and Keystone City reported similar incidents.

For a more comprehensive review of this ongoing investigation, including symptoms, transmission, and current cure efforts, see the following sections. 

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - Section II: Contagion and Symptoms…

Upon further review, current research efforts have revealed that this UID involves the deployment of symbiotes. Symbiotes are defined as a) inorganic amorphous symbiotic creatures that b) need to bond with a respiratory host in order to survive in an oxygen-rich environment.

However, the only known cases of this UID successfully bonding to a host are limited to humans and humanoids specifically, and have not been observed in plant and animal life. 

That being said, this UID’s method of transmission relies specifically on segmentational regeneration, where a host that has been successfully bonded to a symbiote must bite an individual whose body is unoccupied, allowing the bonded symbiote to amputate a segment of itself when given direct access to the unbonded individual’s bloodstream. 

Given that the symbiotes segment themselves in order to infect new individuals, the rate of success for the new bond drops to 50 percent, where the new host may experience symptoms from stages one and two before rejecting and forcefully ejecting the regenerated symbiote’s segment orally. If such a rejection occurs, the hostless symbiote will perish within 12 hours if another host is not found. 

In the event a new host is located, the affected individual will experience the following four stage infection process: 

STAGE 1 (Immuto or Imitate) - Occurs within 0-3 hours of contagion. Symptoms include: increased sensitivity to light and sound in standard individuals, excessive drowsiness or restlessness, slurred or quickened speech, reddening of the sclera due to burst blood vessels in the eyes, lapses in memory.

STAGE 2 (Demuto or Alter) - Occurs within 3-6 hours of contagion. Symptoms include: hair loss, muscular spasms, sleep walking, increased heart rate, stuttered speech, increased appetite, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), excessive toe walking.

STAGE 3 (Comuto or Change) - Occurs within 6-12 hours of contagion. Symptoms include: unprompted aggression, development of cranial growths (resembling wing-like flaps) over ears, development of a second set of teeth emerging from outer gum line (usually sharp, piranha or needle-like in appearance) in front of original teeth, preference for meat ingestion, increased physical strength and speed, increased growth and sharpening of fingernails and toenails.

STAGE 4 (Muto or Transform) - Occurs within 12-24 hours of contagion. Symptoms include: reddish tint over entirety of optical lens, completely jaundiced skin, cranial growths (previously mentioned) secured over both ears are capable of minor movement, total loss of control over vocal chords (resulting in screaming, clicking, chirping, hissing, growling and other primitive type verbal communication), visible animalistic tendencies and behavior (inability to recognise self as human), active hostility towards humans.

Note: Surviving populations are referring to infected individuals as parasites . Reasoning unconfirmed.

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - Section III: Security and Populace Preservation…

In collaboration with the United States military, the Justice League established a series of safe zones protected by solar-powered turrets, 60 foot walls with electrical fencing, and armed entry personnel to ensure the safety of the surviving populace. 

Attached is a list of all currently-operational citadels within the United States. Individuals entering a citadel are required to submit to a blood test to scan for symbiote contagion, and are welcome to leave at their own risk anytime. 

These citadels are equipped with solar electrical grids, temporary housing, food, water, and medical facilities to support a populace of approximately 5,000 people. All radio channels will be actively monitored for external contact, where rescue and scouting missions will be executed by trained military or JLA personnel, including water, air, and land excursions as needed. At this time, international communication lines are open as citadels are established in other countries. 

Any attempts at sabotage, destruction, or at-risk behavior will be considered a reason for exile or transfer to another citadel within a 100 mile radius.

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - Section IV: Treatment…

At this time, research efforts to develop a vaccine or cure for infected individuals has proven ineffective, given the high rate of symbiote mutation and transmission method. Individuals with a background in dark matter, particle physics, engineering, and other scientific or medical industries are encouraged to contact channel 100. In doing so, these individuals will be transported to Lexcorp in the Metropolis citadel, where they will be welcome to join the cure efforts at their discretion.

Given the lack of viable treatment options, the United States military and Justice League have updated their orders of non-lethal self-defense procedures to the authorization of lethal force if the situation permits.

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - Notes Section…

The data mentioned above suggests that these symbiotes are not of terrestrial origin and thus cannot be the result of an artificially manufactured UID. 

While it is unclear what the origins of the symbiotes are, I have reason to suspect STAR Labs is involved. From previous experience, progress doesn’t always include ethically sound experimentation, and the homeless population of Central City may have been unwitting participants in something far more sinister than the public was initially led to believe. 

And until we discover a cure for these “parasites”, our only hope of survival relies on further experimentation and study. 

Updates to follow as needed. 

END ENTRY.

Chapter 2: The Signal

Chapter 2: The Signal

“Your coffee, sir.” Alfred stated, placing a steaming cup of dirty bean water in one of the few empty spaces of the workbench. 

Not looking up from his work, Bruce nodded. “Thank you, Alfred.” he replied, eyes carefully trained on the small device resting under the enlargement scope, expertly piecing together what would soon be a field-equipped cloaking device.

“Master Damian called earlier today with a report regarding the Titans’ evacuation efforts in New York. He mentioned that Blue Beetle’s sound cannon has been an effective nonlethal method of dispatching parasites and plans to develop handheld versions of it for the other Titans. I provided him with some schematics from your Canary contingency and he seemed very grateful for the headstart.” the seasoned butler explained, delicately clearing away some of the discarded pieces of metal and wire littering the floor. 

“I’ll be sure to send him a copy of this new project, too, once it’s finished and field tested. I think he’d enjoy customizing the batumbra.” Bruce added, taking a sip from the fresh mug.

“Very good, sir.” Alfred replied, looking towards the large overhead monitor as a familiar tone resonated in the air. “It appears you have an incoming call, Master Bruce. Would you like me to answer it for you since your hands are busy at the moment?” the butler offered. 

“Please and thank you.” the detective answered as he shifted the cloaking device in his grip in order to start closing the innards into the main paneling. 

Swiftly, Alfred strode over to the batcomputer, looking up as the caller’s face appeared on the screen. “Good afternoon, Mister Stone. You are audible on speaker to both myself and Batman.” he greeted stoically. 

“Awesome, thank you, Alfred.” Cyborg stated, offering the butler a friendly smile. “Batman, we’ve got a situation in Central.” he added, tone more serious as he directed his communication to the man in black. 

“What kind of situation?” Batman asked as he affixed the cloaker to his wrist and stood up, slipping on his helmet. 

“I’ve been synced to the Watchtower surveillance system for the last week and my sensors are randomly detecting strong electrical irregularities throughout the city, but I can’t pinpoint the source. Whatever it is, It's causing interference with my parasite detection system, and I've lost track of 30 different signals so far.” Cyborg stated. 

“Send a list of coordinates and recalibrate the Watchtower surveillance network just in case. I’ll cross-reference with our current citadel power grid and scan for similar signatures in other cities in the event it’s a Watchtower network glitch or a failing connection locus in the grid.” Batman ordered, typing furiously on his keyboard as his side screens became polluted with maps, scan data, and colorful markers intricately weaving the streets and buildings of Central into a massive tangled web. 

“Sir, the Picture News radio station just went online.” Cyborg stated, forwarding the ping to his cave dwelling superior.

“Scan all radio channels and tag anything that isn’t citadel broadcast or comm lines.” the Dark Knight replied, attention still trained on interpreting the strange visual anomalies the other leaguer had sent.

Silence briefly enveloped the duo before an audio feed appeared on the monitor, the waveform mimicking that of a human voice, yet indistinguishable from an odd cacophony of sounds layered over it. “I found this on channel 91.1, FM side. Running a broadcast tracer now.” Cyborg reported, his single organic brown eye swiveling quickly from screen to screen as his circuit-integrated brain multitasked internally.

“That sounds like standard police audio encryption. Denoise and run it through SENTINEL.” Batman ordered, glancing over at the source coordinates of the broadcast the moment they were revealed.

“Makes sense if the broadcast is coming from the Central City Police Department. Somebody probably modified a HAM radio or an officer’s walkie talkie to boost the frequency.” the bion reasoned as he initialized the Secure Encryption Navigation and Tactical Intelligence Network for Enforcement Liaisons. “Any luck with the anomaly?” Cyborg asked curiously. 

“The Watchtower surveillance system can’t lock onto it because it’s highly mobile and behaves irregularly. It’s not a malfunction, but it will require further investigation later. For now, continue tracking it and keep a record of how many parasite signatures it intercepts. We’ve got bigger things to worry about right now.” the Dark Knight answered as SENTINEL completed its decryption of the audio file. 

“This is reporter Iris West broadcasting live from Central City where I’m joined by a group of about 30 survivors taking refuge in the Central City Police Department. We have adequate food, water, and medical supplies available for additional survivors seeking asylum in our group, as well as weapons and reinforced housing thanks to our friends and family at the CCPD. The building is marked with a red lightning bolt on each side, and access is available via the rooftop fire escape on the North side. To our fellow survivors, if you can hear this message, just remember that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to be scared. We can’t change the past but we can alter the future, and the future is what we choose to do with it here and now. So don’t give up, because hope can be there in a flash. Until next time, Iris West, signing off.”

While the recording was playing, the detective was already verifying details of the speaker’s identity, including her name, age, previous employment as a former reporter for Picture News, and her paternal connection to the CCPD’s lead detective, Joe West.

“So, what are your orders?” the former football star asked with a tilt of his head. 

Switching the video call to his helmet feed, the Dark Knight was already booting up the batpod and initializing the exit panels to the Batcave in preparation to leave. “Notify the Metropolis citadel for incoming refugees and have Green Lantern on standby as backup for the extraction. I’ll ping you the coordinates once I’ve made contact with the group.” he replied, hanging up as the familiar quiet whirring of the silenced hoverbike filled the tunnel. 

Notes:

Batman Costume Redesign Reference (by DomEddi): https://www.deviantart.com/domeddi/art/Batman-REDESIGN-375634910

Chapter 3: Survivors

Chapter 3: Survivors

Just over an hour later, the Dark Knight arrived in Central City, gazing upon the ruins of a once beautiful landscape now plagued by overgrown plants, wrecked vehicles, and the bodies of the dead discarded in the streets. Making quick work of his dismount and notifying Cyborg of his arrival with a short message sent from his helmet HUD, Batman swiftly ascended to the skylines of Central with little more than a click from his grapple gun and the sizzle of his new cloaking device shielding him from view. 

With silent steps, the Bat easily maneuvered from roof to roof in search of the Central City Police Department, effectively navigating the expansive city using a small map displayed within the visor of his helmet. Locating the building proved to be rather simple, especially given the current markings the reporter had provided per its description, however entering the safezone appeared to be a more complex ideal.

Thick steel panels covered every window and door in sight, supposedly acting as a security feature installed long before the apocalypse began, in an attempt to deter criminals from open firing on the department in person. With some panels in the front of the building clearly dented from bodily impacts, the detective doubted they’d open, much less quietly.

A brief inspection of the upper floors revealed a well-maintained fire escape leading to a blacked-out window on the second floor, with hinges that mimicked classic awning frame windows indicative of specialized room ventilation, the exterior glass decorated with that same colorful symbol.

Carefully, the Dark Knight descended to said window, delicately inspecting the edges of the frame for traps before gingerly pushing the top of the pane in enough to grab hold of the bottom and pull it out towards himself, revealing a sizable gap to serve perfectly as an entrance to the building. Briskly slipping inside, the detective immediately shut the entry behind him, unwilling to risk the safety of the unconfirmed individuals who may be dwelling within its walls. 

With his sidearm drawn, the Dark Knight glanced around the room as he slunk towards the door, noting the familiar forensic equipment scattered over the tables and floor, disjointedly creating a patchwork of broken glass, paperwork, and tools littering the room in a maze-like fashion: an effective early warning system to the CCPD’s inhabitants in the event a parasite managed to breach their defenses. 

Just before he nudged open the door separating the forensic lab from the remainder of the precinct, the shadow cast under the wood suddenly shifted as a series of footsteps approached from the opposite side of the wood surface, joined by alarmed voices.

“Is it a parasite? A person?”

“I don’t know what it is. I just know it’s something .” 

“Something? What do you mean something ?”

“It triggered the motion and thermal sensors, but I’ve got nothing in the camera feeds.”

“Okay, then where did it go? Do you have eyes on it?”

“Thermals say it’s in there .” 

There was a beat of silence before the detective slipped into the space behind the door just as it was pushed open, blending seamlessly into the shadows and hidden from view as a flashlight was flicked around the room. 

Standing in the open door frame was a young man and woman, the first appearing to be of mexican descent, with shoulder-length black hair, dark eyes, and dressed in a Star Trek t-shirt with a fancy tablet to match the shine of intellect in his nervous gaze. 

The woman, on the other hand, had mocha skin and longer brown hair, her sizzling chocolate gaze scanning the forensic lab carefully before she turned to the other, holstering the glock 22 she was carrying in a pouch at her hip. “There’s nothing in there, Cisco.” she stated, her tone depicting her annoyance. 

“You sure? Did you look everywhere?” the young man asked, anxiety coiled tightly throughout his frame.

The woman rolled her eyes. “Did I-yes I looked everywhere!” she barked, clearly frustrated.

“You missed a spot.” the Dark Knight stated calmly, appearing from the shadow directly behind the door as he made himself known. His sudden appearance was enough to startle both individuals, the woman’s hand automatically shifting to rest on her firearm while the male emitted a high-pitched squeak and abruptly dropped his tablet, the custom case landing on the floor with a loud clatter. 

“You’re Batman.” the young man stated incredulously, glancing to the woman beside him as the Dark Knight swiftly bent down and retrieved his device from the floor. “He’s Batman .” he echoed, much to his friend’s amusement.

“Yeah, I know, Cisco.” she replied, observing tensely as the Bat briefly inspected the item’s intact screen before depositing it safely in Cisco’s hands. 

“Motion detection, thermal sensors, night vision, synced video and audio feeds…impressive work.” the detective complimented softly, referring to a series of camera feeds linked to a variety of sensors, their positions indicating that they’d been strategically placed throughout the interior and exterior of the building, their robotics expertly constructed from scrap material and custom code.

“Thank you, sir.” the engineer replied, pulling his tablet in tight to his chest while shooting the woman beside him a gleeful pearly-white grin. “He’s Batman .” he murmured excitedly. 

“I know .” she concurred, shifting to rest a hand on her hip as she leveled the intruder with a scrutinizing stare. “How did you find us? We’ve been trying to contact other survivors for weeks and I doubt you just stumbled across our hideout.” the reporter pressed. 

“An electrical surge briefly activated the Picture News radio station and broadcasted your message over commercial channels, where it was caught as an encrypted audio anomaly on our frequency scanners, leading us to you.” the Bat explained, noting the police-standard radio clipped to the woman’s hip, subsequently connecting the police-issue encryption matrix to the journalist’s broadcast.

“Wait, us ?” Cisco questioned, nervously glancing behind the hero in the event there was another individual standing just out of sight. 

The Dark Knight nodded curtly. “The Watchtower is standing by for your extraction.” he clarified. 

“Hold up, I’m not leaving without my dad.” Iris protested, boldly blocking the stairs leading to the remainder of the building where her fellow survivors would be wandering. “He’s a detective with the CCPD-” she began, cut off by the hero’s gruff voice. 

“Joe West.” the caped crusader interrupted. “We have confirmation that he is a resident and operates as internal security personnel for the Metropolis citadel. Additionally, he shares a housing unit with a Wallace West, one of the engineers currently partnered with Lexcorp’s cure efforts.” Batman added. 

A look of relief washed over the woman’s face as tears pricked in her eyes from the beautiful news. “Dad…Wally…they’re alive .” she murmured in shock, abruptly collapsing into the Dark Knight’s arms while the latino genius whispered words of comfort to her from outside the embrace. 

After a few moments of consolation, Iris wiped her eyes and stood up with renewed fervor. “The future is what we choose to do with it here and now, and what we’re gonna do: is give these people a future to hope for.” she stated, a look of determination sparking to life in her gaze. 

The engineer beside her grinned, rejuvenated by the prospect of reuniting with his own family and friends. “Iris West is back, baby! Let’s do this!” he agreed, cracking his knuckles excitedly. 

“First things first: how many are in your group?” the caped crusader asked. 

“30, no, 32. We got two more this morning.” Iris replied firmly. 

“Any injured, infected, or individuals with mobility issues?” the hero pressed. 

Cisco took a moment to tap around on his tablet before providing an answer. “No injured or infected and everybody’s healthy according to Doctor Snow.” he commented. 

“How are you planning on getting us out of here? A bus? Helicopter?” the reporter asked as she led the trio down the stairs towards the main occupied sectors of the building. 

“Boom tube.” the Dark Knight stated, following closely as the leader easily navigated the winding corridors of the CCPD. “All we need is an unroofed open space and a few seconds for the Watchtower to get a lock on our location to initiate a stable transfer.” he added, swiftly sending Cyborg a notification to clear the landing pad and update Green Lantern of their current plan. 

“Cisco and I will let everyone know to grab any supplies and group up in the CCPD’s main lobby. Do you see a good spot for the extraction on the cameras?” Iris asked, poising the inquiry to the young man standing beside her. 

“There’s the plaza right outside the main doors. High visibility on all sides but the lockdown panels on that side of the building are damaged and are gonna be loud if we try to pry them open.” the engineering genius answered, pulling up the camera feed for Batman to view. 

“We can’t risk drawing that much attention at the start, nevermind the echo of the boom tubes alerting everything in a one mile radius once we’re out in the open.” the Dark Knight reasoned. “We go out the same way I came in…undetected…with this .” he concluded, presenting the batumbra to Cisco.

Chapter 4: Encounter

Chapter 4: Encounter

Gingerly accepting the item, the engineering genius gazed at the small device in fascination. “Wait, don’t tell me this is the Batman’s handheld cloaking device?” Cisco guessed, eyes sparkling with admiration. 

“It is. Given your work with the CCPD surveillance systems, do you think you could expand the cloaking radius to cover the entire group?” the detective questioned. 

Cisco nodded. “Yeah, but it’s gonna take a toll on the timing coils and could burn out the battery pretty quick.” he replied. 

“Do it.” the caped crusader ordered, turning to Iris. “Have your people form groups of ten and wait for my command. I’ll be right back.” he clarified, swiftly ascending the steps back to the destroyed forensic lab. 

With little more than the soft whoosh of air, the hero returned to the fire escape, using his grappling gun to access the roof. “Batman to Watchtower, come in.” he stated, pressing two fingers to the communication switch embedded in the side of his helmet. 

“Watchtower to Batman, we read you loud and clear.” Cyborg greeted cheerily, joined by the continuous tapping of his central keyboard. “How’s it going down there?” he asked. 

“I’ve located the civilians in the CCPD. Approximately 32 individuals. No infected or injured. Requesting backup.” Batman reported. 

“Dispatching Green Lantern now. Any specific drop point?” the bion inquired, the low buzz of the transport platform whirring to life somewhere behind him. 

Scanning the horizon, the detective spotted a church, the bell tower vacant of its traditional instrument. Using his current location in reference to the church, the hero swiftly sent a series of coordinates to his assistant in the satellite, highlighting the sturdy roof just to the left of the tower as a possible drop location.

After a moment of silence, the soft beep of the boom tube targeting system locking onto the location came through the line. “Dropping now.” Cyborg reported, hanging up as the distant “boom” of the interspatial portal signaled the arrival of his comrade. 

Less than five minutes later, Green Lantern descended from the sky to hover just to the left of the caped crusader, the glow of his power radiating through the simple mask adorning his face. “So, what’s the plan?” he asked, his short brown hair blowing softly in the breeze. 

“Two groups of 11, one group of ten. Each group is going to leave the building by the west side fire escape and gather in the north plaza for extraction. We cover the alley from the north and south sides and escort them to the plaza, where my batumbra should keep them cloaked until we’re ready to extract.” Batman responded. 

Green Lantern nodded, giving a little salute. “Roger that, Bats. I’ll cover the south, you take north?” he offered, levitating over the side of the roof to hover just above the entrance to the south side of the alley only when the detective nodded in agreement.

Descending back through the window entrance to the CCPD, the caped crusader quickly found himself surrounded by the entirety of the small colony, with Iris West, Cisco, and presumably Doctor Snow, standing clearly in the front of the crowd, ready to organize on the slightest command. “We’re ready.” the reporter stated firmly, the engineer nodding in affirmation, the modified batumbra carefully balanced in his grasp while the doctor tightly gripped a briefcase-sized metal box in her left hand. 

“Good. Form two groups of 11, one group of ten. Green Lantern and I will be escorting you every step of the way, so be sure to follow our instructions closely. Once you exit the building, there will be absolutely no talking or unnecessary noise. Do I make myself clear?” the hero questioned, scanning the crowd in search of objections amongst the people as they swiftly assembled into three distinct groups.

“Group one, follow me.” the detective ordered, gesturing to the crew that had formed behind Cisco before silently slipping out the window onto the fire escape. 

One by one, each individual exited the building, the only noise of their impending escape being that of the subtle clinks of their feet meeting the metal stairs as they gradually plummeted to the ground floor. When the entire group stood within the limits of the alley’s walls, Batman made the motion to halt and wait, carefully peeking around the brick in search of any parasites. Several seconds passed in tense quiet before the caped crusader cautiously slunk out into the decrepit street, shifting from cover to cover in expert military rolls. 

Once he stood just to the left of the open plaza, he gestured for Cisco to join him, waiting until the engineer stood completely still before activating the batumbra, effectively obscuring the man from view to all but the thermal sensors in the detective’s helmet. With Green Lantern covering them from the back, the remainder of the first group was given the go ahead to sprint for the plaza, joining Cisco under the domed visual distortion shielding them from any parasite eyes. 

The process repeated once more with the second group, the plan executed perfectly in the face of just a single passing parasite, of which was left to wander the city blissfully unaware of the sheer volume of prey lurking just downwind, allowing the extraction to continue smoothly in its absence. 

It was the Bat’s sixth sense that instinctively alerted him to some form of danger just as the last members of the third group exited the building and began climbing down the fire escape, allowing his conscious thought to lock onto the subtle sounds of the metal frame creaking and it’s anchors shifting against the wall, it’s rusted metal no longer capable of supporting such varied weight after years of disuse. 

Diving forward to catch Dr. Snow as she tumbled off the side of the precariously leaning platform, the caped crusader barked out an order in time for his fellow leaguer to safely remove the remaining individuals from the fire escape just before the decrepit metal broke off its mount and crashed loudly into the stone-pathed alley below. 

Instantly, the chilling screams of nearby parasites filled the air, prompting the detective and the intergalactic police officer to sprint for the extraction point with their cargo in tow. “Shit, they heard that!” Green Lantern cursed, much to the citizens’ terror. 

Within moments, the heroes’ path was intercepted by a couple of figures emerging into view from somewhere further down the street, mouths agape to display razor-sharp teeth paired with beady red eyes as they sniffed the air, turning to face the small crowd as they locked onto the scent of fresh human flesh: a deeply unsettling sight, even for the two battle-worn leaguers.

Clutching the doctor tight to his person, Batman steeled himself as he began running in the enemy’s direction, drawing his Maxim 9 and firing five shots, effectively piercing the space between each parasite’s eyes and leaving their bodies to unceremoniously fall to the dirt as he continued past them. 

Behind him, Green Lantern followed, keeping his charges safely wrapped in a sphere of green energy high above the ground as he exited the alley, only letting their feet touch the ground once they were within range of the batumbra’s cloaking shield. 

Much to the detective’s dismay, the batumbra’s battery finally gave out just as more parasites rounded the corner in search of the source of the crash, the startled cry of Cisco dropping the overheating device paired with its circuits’ agonizing sizzling unluckily drawing their attention.

Pressing two fingers to his helmet, the defender of Gotham looked to the sky, where the Watchtower would be hovering in space. “Now, Cyborg!” he ordered, throwing a smoke bomb towards the approaching parasites. 

The smoke was enough to distract the predators for the few seconds it took for the half-man-half-machine to activate a boom tube directly above the collection of survivors, the noise effectively masked by the parasites’ frustrated screeching while the terrified civilians were abruptly teleported to a different location. 

“Civvies arrived safely at the Metropolis citadel.” Cyborg reported from the satellite, presumably pausing to glance over at his secondary monitor as a gentle beeping filled the air. “I’m picking up that strange electrical energy signal again. You guys need some help?” he asked, the smoke bomb’s disguise starting to dissipate. 

“Beam us up already! There’s parasites everywhere!” Green Lantern demanded, nervously backing towards Batman as the last of the smoke cleared, revealing a row of the predators surrounding the two heroes. 

“No. We can’t risk extraction at this range. We need to get clear or dispatch them first.” the detective argued, much to his fellow leaguer’s dismay. 

Constructing a giant baseball bat, the green-clad champion grit his teeth at their opponents in anticipation of a fight, his expression a crude mimicry of their piranha-like grins. “Let’s play ball.” he stated, lunging forward. 

The moment Green Lantern began to move, the caped crusader raised his Maxim 9, firing straight through the skulls of at least four parasites before the rest triggered their attack, leaving the remaining four to leap forward in an attempt to catch the detective off guard. Withdrawing the grapple gun from his belt, the black-clad hero launched himself onto the top of a lamppost, shooting down an additional three opponents while swinging in mid-air.

Just when he was granted the brief opportunity to reload his weapon, the last parasite slammed its body into the base of the post in its frenzy to snap at the leaguer’s feet, the lighting fixture’s corroded anchor easily giving way to the excessive force and snapping downward at an angle that no longer provided a stable hold for the Bat’s grapple hook, unexpectedly sending him plummeting onto the street below. 

Landing expertly on the ground with a military roll and an empty gun, the caped crusader braced himself for an attack as the last predator rushed towards him, raising his armored forearm in expectation to block the creature’s snapping jaws while his other hand smoothly dropped to his waist, fingers coiling tightly around the handle of a knife-sized batarang as a counterblow. 

Much to the hero’s confusion, a surging gust of blurry red static-laced wind rushed past him, colliding hard enough with his assailant to send the parasite flying backwards, only to slam into one of the lockdown panels of the CCPD, its body leaving a sizable dent in the metal. 

While the predator righted itself and screeched at its unknown aggressor angrily, its cry was met with an equally terrifying scream from another of its “kin”, the newcomer’s lean crimson frame seemingly placed intentionally between Batman and its yellow-skinned counterpart as if staking a claim on the hero as it’s catch. 

Unwilling to give up its hard-earned meal, the lemon-shaded being lunged at its newfound opponent, claws and fangs bared and ready to kill at a moment’s notice, granting the detective just enough time to reload his weapon and grapple onto a nearby rooftop while the duo engaged in fierce combat. 

Sensing their opportunity for retreat, his fellow leaguer quickly dispatched the remaining predators and joined the Bat on the roof, staring bewildered at the strange colored creature seemingly attacking a member of its own species. “What the hell is that ?” he murmured in astonishment, unable to tear his eyes away. 

“New information.” the caped crusader replied, already recording the encounter with the HUD on his helmet visors. “Clear for extraction.” he added, directing the comment to their comrade observing from the orbital station, to which the bion responded by opening a boom tube and scanning them for injuries the second their feet hit the Watchtower landing pad. 

“Everything go okay down there?” Cyborg asked, concern lacing his usually robotic tone. 

“Aside from the part where everything went to shit at the end? Oh, yeah. Everything went swimmingly .” Green Lantern replied snarkily, looking to his fellow black-clad leaguer as the man immediately beelined for the hangar, turning his attention to the holographic projector screen as it emerged from his armored gauntlet. “Where are you going?” the intergalactic police officer asked, brows furrowed in confusion. 

“I have work to do." the Bat replied, not bothering to turn around. 

Chapter 5: Field Observation

Notes:

*Pirates of the Carribean Theme Song starts playing* ECHO IS BACK MOTHERFUCKERS!

Chapter 5: Field Observation

Unable to get the sight of the crimson parasite out of his mind, the Detective opted to utilize the time most spent asleep to do what had earned him the title of “detective” in the first place: investigate.

Over the course of the following week, the Caped Crusader spent his days setting up a variety of equipment in the field, including multimeter and speed radar sensors, motion-triggered micro cameras, and remote drone deployers all throughout the streets of Central City, while his nights were spent within the damp and dark of the Batcave sipping on coffee and analyzing the collected data whilst Brother Eye kept a careful watch through his drones and any remaining security systems it could access. 

With a fresh cup of coffee and a mountain’s worth of data spread over his desk and monitors, the Bat leaned back in his chair as he prepared a new file to house his research. 

SECURITY LEVEL: Omega…

PASSWORD: DC-27-5-1939…

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - File Codename: Predator…

ENABLE NEW SUBFILE - Codename: Scarlet…

The following contains research pertaining to an anomalous parasite discovered inhabiting Central City.

DATE: December 30, 2014…

LOCATION: Central City…

SCARLET - Section I: First Encounter…

The anomalous parasite’s existence was initially made known during a JLA-supervised civilian evacuation mission; responding leaguers including myself, Green Lantern, and Cyborg as Watchtower support. Upon establishing field contact with a survivor group residing in the Central City Police Department, responding leaguers enacted standard evacuation protocols to transport all 32 individuals to the Metropolis citadel via boom tube. During said protocol, an unexpected structural collapse triggered a swarm, resulting in a combat situation that led to the arrival and engagement of the anomaly with members of its own species despite being in close proximity to human prey. 

SCARLET - Section II: Appearance…

The anomalous parasite’s physical appearance varies significantly from that of the common parasite species, specifically in regard to the crimson shade of its symbiote. However, the anomaly’s limb modification, as a result of the symbiote infection process, appears to mirror the standard, such as their raptor-like feet, needled teeth, and ear nodes. 

That being said, its hands do not appear to have developed the “claws” seen in the comuto phase of infection, instead sharpening minutely at the tips of the phalanges, but not enough so as to draw blood in contact with human skin. From a distance, it appears that the anomaly’s symbiote actively utilizes its host’s eyes, given the white sclera and standard iris structure. This must be explored when close proximic examination is possible.

Additional phenotypic variation requires further exploration once a specimen can be obtained. 

See file attachments for photographic references. 

SCARLET - Section II: Abilities…

SPEED & AGILITY

According to the measurements taken in the field, this anomalous parasite is capable of reaching speeds that exceed the usual motion abilities of a common parasite, with the highest result calculated to be approximately 760 miles per hour. On average, it appears that the anomaly’s travel speed ranges between 30 to 60 miles per hour within city limits, depending on the distance said travel is required. 

This level of motion generates a large quantity of electrokinetic energy. At top speed, the anomaly is capable of generating approximately one gigajoule of electrical energy, indicating that it may be passively responsible for the Picture News radio station activation earlier this month, especially if the symbiote absorbs and discharges said energy during motion. Uncertain if deliberate or accidental electrokinetic energy discharge may be responsible for the appearance of enhanced strength. Reflexes and response times are millisecond-acute, especially in regards to combat situations. Must refine equipment for further research. 

ENHANCED SENSES

Concurrently, the anomalous parasite appears to possess significantly more advanced olfactory, auditory, and visual processing systems, having been observed to track citadel scouting parties across long distances both in pitch-black or low-visibility weather conditions. Interested in testing visual and auditory limitations and response time in a controlled environment. 

HEALING FACTOR

When injured, the anomaly displays a unique regenerative ability never before seen in the common parasite species, rendering it capable of healing injuries ranging from minor to substantial. Minor injuries such as lacerations, burns, and bruises appear to heal within 30 seconds, however, larger injuries such as broken bones and gunshot wounds take significantly more time to regenerate, with regeneration time ranging from five minutes to no more than an hour for severe cases. Must test limitations of this regenerative ability in regards to amputation.

Unknown whether the parasite’s reaction to injectables or inhalants is standard. Currently refining field sedatives for future specimen containment. 

Update: A blood sample has been recovered from the field, undergoing DNA analysis. Results posted in Notes section.

SCARLET - Section III: Behavior…

INTELLECT

It’s striking how much of an intellectual capacity the anomalous parasite possesses. In the sections below, I have outlined how this abnormal level of intellect affects its everyday functions when observed in the field. Further research into limbic reactivation necessary. 

SYMBIOTE CONSUMPTION

At this time, it appears the anomaly has no interest in hunting or consuming humans, though it is unknown whether this parasite has a history of having done so at an earlier stage in its infection. However, when observed in the field, the anomaly will actively hunt and consume other symbiotes. In doing so, the anomaly has been observed to bite a common parasite, which forcibly destabilizes the host’s symbiote into full host rejection, leaving the symbiote exposed for consumption and the host unharmed. Upon consuming a symbiote, the anomaly will then transport the rejected host within 100 feet of a citadel’s gates or some other survivor encampment before guarding them until members of the encampment recover the rejected individual. 

HUMAN DOCILITY

This behavior appears to have allowed the anomaly to develop a positive relationship with the survivors of Central City, where some citizens have been seen to mark their hideouts with red lightning bolts, leave small gifts on their doorsteps, and in rare cases, engage in play behaviors such as fetch, ball bouncing, and hide-and-seek. Any attempts to get within range of physical contact, however, are actively avoided or redirective, especially in cases where children are involved. 

Additionally, the anomaly has been observed to express a variety of protective behaviors, including: perimeter patrolling, scout accompaniment, night watch, as well as hideout-to-hideout supply and message delivery during times when common parasite activity is elevated. It is clear that this parasite is able to comprehend and respond to elements of human speech, given by its ability to recognize key terms such as “find or bring”, “help”, “medicine”, “protect”, “need”, and so forth, and respond appropriately to fit the circumstances, regardless of inflection or tone of voice. Must test vocal and written comprehension.

However, if human contact is instigated with violent intent, the parasite assumes an aggressive non-lethal stance, often referring to leaving enemies unconscious or incapacitated to a lighter degree. In the case of violent human-to-human intent, the anomaly will actively defend the most vulnerable individuals, either transporting them or the offending party far enough away that neither can be injured as a result of the interaction. 

PARASITE HOSTILITY

On the other hand, the anomaly exhibits unusually hostile behavior towards members of its own species, often engaging in combat on behalf of individuals targeted as prey. At this time, it’s understood that parasites build nests and function as packs of eight to fifteen, though it’s unknown if one or multiple individuals are responsible for the overall direction of each pack. The anomaly has been observed to attack both pack leaders and individual members, going as far as to eliminate multiple packs in one day, especially if the pack’s activity is within a two mile radius of a human settlement. 

MIMICRY

In regards to communication, the anomaly appears to produce sound that mirrors the vocal spectrum of the common parasite species, though distinct differences in pitch, bass, and volume can be detected during audio analysis. In one instance, the anomaly utilized a combination of vocal and physical mimicry to redirect a parasite hunting party away from a small group of survivors trapped within a shop, indicating that this parasite is capable of understanding what the difference between both ambient, man-made, and parasite-made noise is. 

See attachment for video and audio references.

SCARLET - Notes Section…

At this time, it is unknown whether the anomalous parasite’s appearance, behavior, or other factors mark it as a predator to other members of its species. That being said, this anomaly has an intellectual capacity that mirrors human evolution, as well as primally enhanced senses that rival traditional parasite evolution as we know it. 

Meaning…this parasite could be the most dangerous creature on the planet if it chooses to become hostile towards humans. A set of containment measures has been drafted to properly house the specimen for further research, intended to be implemented on the Watchtower. See attached blueprints for copy and specifications. 

BLOOD SAMPLE ANALYSIS

See the following data for DNA Match.

NAME: Bartholomew Henry Allen…

HAIR COLOR: Blonde…

EYE COLOR: Blue…

SEX: Male…

AGE: 25 years…

OCCUPATION: Crime Scene Investigator/Forensic Scientist, Central City Police Department Criminal and Forensic Science Division…

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Minors in Biochemistry and Physics…

RELATIVES: Dr. Henry Allen (deceased), Nora Allen (deceased), Joseph West (foster father), Iris West (daughter of Joseph West, foster sibling), Wallace West (son of Joseph West, foster sibling)...

HISTORY: Data corrupted…

Further research required. 

END ENTRY.

Chapter 6: Error 404

Chapter 6: Error 404

Given Allen’s association with the Central City Police Department, it was only reasonable to search their records for the missing data. Unfortunately, that meant taking a trip to the city itself in order to recover a local copy, either digital or physical, depending on whether their backup storage servers were still operational. 

Upon arrival, the Detective parked his cloaked Batwing on the roof of the building next door, using his grapple gun to descend into the alley just far enough to swing through the upper window, given that the remains of the fire escape were still resting in a haphazard pile 30 feet below. 

Once inside, the Caped Crusader wasted no time in navigating to the archives room towards the back of the station’s first floor, an old blueprint serving as the perfect map to guide his steps while his helmet scanned for any enemy targets. Thankfully, it seemed that no parasites had infiltrated the building in the survivor group’s absence, granting the Bat a brief moment of relief as he entered the records room and searched its contents for information on the Allen family.

Unable to locate a relevant file box amongst the dozens of shelves spiraling around the room, he instead directed his attention to the mess of paperwork littering the archivist’s desk, namely a list of case files that had been digitized just a month or so before the city fell. 

Undeterred, the hero opted to visit the server room just next door down the hall, only to find a sparking jumble of fried circuitry littering the floor. Bending down to examine the meticulous twisting wires, numerous bullet holes, and dried fluid burns comprising the metal mass of destruction, the Gotham native’s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the singed remains of a cross-wired EMP scattered throughout the amalgam. 

‘The EMP caused an electrical surge that overloaded the servers, which imploded when mixed with water from the broken fire suppression system and the combustion of 9mm bullets. This was intentional, and judging by the EMP’s construction, likely carried out by a team of well-trained personnel who know how to stage a scene.’ he theorized internally while exiting the room. 

‘The question is: who was trying to destroy the evidence of what ?’ the Detective thought as he stepped over the remains of a laptop lying sadly discarded in his path. ‘Plan B: locate a CCPD-issue laptop and extract the harddrive for decryption. Now, where can I find one intact?’ he reasoned, pausing as his feet had automatically carried him to the main workroom, where each officer’s desk sat ready and waiting to be inspected, with Detective West’s desk perched dead center in the row right in front of him.

Methodically searching the officer’s desk, the Dark Knight was mildly interested to find the top left drawer locked, its frame unwilling to slide away from the secure hold of its wooden cutout. A quick examination of the drawer revealed a heavy bolt lock with sealed corners, meaning the only way to access the drawer required a specialized key, lest the invader risk damaging the container and its contents. 

Among the items littering Detective West’s desk was a variety of old paperwork and writing utensils, along with some personal effects, including a motorcycle figurine, a stylized coffee mug labeled “My Dad is My Superhero”, and a broken picture frame lying face down.

Carefully selecting the picture frame, the Caped Crusader delicately brushed the broken cover glass aside to reveal three young individuals smiling brightly back at him: his biological children Iris and Wallace West, as well as a younger Bartholomew Allen. Written in affectionate cursive at the bottom of the image was a single sentence: “Iris, Wally, and Barry: the three lights of my life”. 

Taking a mental note of Allen’s nickname, the Bat gingerly removed the back of the frame, revealing a hidden key wedged between the photograph and wood enclosure, which he used to unlock the forbidden desk drawer before returning it to its proper hiding place now that the item in question had served its purpose.

Delicately withdrawing the detective’s CCPD-issue laptop from its makeshift furniture prison, the hero gingerly slipped the entire device into a secure pouch in his cape, pausing for a moment to listen to the silence before withdrawing his grapple gun and rappelling to a dark alcove in the ceiling high above, just as a trio of shadows peeked into the room.

Not a minute later, a set of individuals dressed in high-grade military gear stalked into the area, high caliber weapons raised in strict formation as they swept the room, their gear decorated with golden handprints scattered over their bulletproof vests, helmets, and chest plates. ‘Interesting.’ the Caped Crusader thought, using his helmet’s photo capture system to take a hi-res image of the unknown symbol from his observation perch. 

“No heat signatures. Seems like the place is abandoned.” the individual in the back stated, pocketing a thermal sensor. “Remind me again what we’re looking for?” he asked, cracking his neck and groaning in discomfort.

“We’re looking for a who , not a what , moron. Doctor Snow and Cisco Ramon. Boss wants them transported to base so he can talk to them.” the second man grumbled in annoyance.

“They supposed to be special or something?” the first man asked as he followed the other two back to the front of the room. 

“Snow’s a bio-engineer and Ramon’s a mechanical engineer. Boss thinks they can help him get a handle on the parasite situation, if he can convince them to work for him. Apparently, they have a not-so-great history.” the point commander, a masked woman, explained as she removed her radio from her belt. “Squad four to command. All clear, no life signs. Returning to base.” she stated into the communication speaker. 

Patiently waiting until the squad withdrew from the building and drove off in a humvee parked outside, the Dark Knight silently made his way back to his flying transport and set course for Gotham, reviewing the footage he’d taken of the unknown visitors while the vehicle was on autopilot and uploading it to Brother Eye for later use.

Chapter 7: The Accident

Chapter 7: The Accident

About an hour later, the Bat once again found himself perched in his chair, observing the monitor in front of him with a critical squint whilst he sorted through the data stored on the hard drive he’d borrowed from the CCPD. 

“More coffee, sir?” Alfred asked as he approached the hero from behind, offering the Detective a fresh steaming mug of the caffeinated beverage. 

“Thank you, Alfred.” Bruce replied, gratefully accepting the mug with a tired expression. 

Alfred nodded in acknowledgement as he withdrew, instead directing his attention to gathering the discarded cups scattered about the Dark Knight’s various workstations with careful hands. “The mind requires proper nourishment and rest in order to function at its best, Master Bruce. When was the last time you had an actual meal, a warm bath, or at least eight hours of uninterrupted bedrest?” the butler questioned curiously. 

The Wayne groaned, well-accustomed to the self-care his friend was implying. “ Alfred …” he murmured, trailing a hand down his face in an effort to fight the exhaustion stirring in his bones. 

The butler smirked, a subtle curl in his excellently-groomed mustache. “Very well, sir. I will go prepare some stew and a bath. In the meantime, I urge you to slip into something more comfortable…and clean .” Alfred answered, vanishing upstairs before Bruce could utter a protest. 

Sighing, the Caped Crusader relented somewhat, sliding out of his well-worn suit to don a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, opting to review Allen’s files on his iPad as he made his way upstairs to the kitchen, the delicious aroma of fresh soup already wafting about. 

The first document in question was a newspaper article from March 18th, 2000 detailing the gruesome deaths of Dr. Henry and Nora Allen, the attack taking place in the early morning hours of a power outage during Central City’s most horrific electrical storm of the decade. According to responding officers, the entire first floor of the house “looked as if a tornado had torn through it”, with evidence photos detailing an array of destroyed furniture, broken glass, and impact-based cracks along several walls. 

The victims’ bodies were in a similarly poor shape, their pale forms covered in bruises, cuts, and bite marks that led the officers to conclude the attack had been conducted by some kind of animal, prompting a neighborhood-wide search for the sake of the public’s safety.

The article went on to mention that Detective Joe West had been the first to arrive on scene, having struck an unknown creature with his patrol vehicle while on his way home from the night shift, only to discover an unconscious 11-year-old Barry Allen lying in the street upon exiting his vehicle, prompting him to call for an ambulance and backup officers before entering the Allen residence to secure the scene. 

The article concluded with a supplementary testimony stating that the boy had been cleared from the hospital with no apparent injuries, and that the West family had filed for official custody of the orphaned Allen, followed by a notice that the funeral proceedings would be taken care of by the Central City Police Department in honor of the kind-hearted physician and real estate agent who’d helped to make the community a better place. 

From that point on, the most recent updates to the file detailed little else of import besides Allen’s college graduation and induction into the CCPD’s Criminal and Forensic Science Division as a crime scene investigator and forensic scientist. 

Just when Bruce was about to exit the file while lost in thought, the spoon slid from its perch in his loose grasp, clanking gratingly against the bowl despite his best efforts to catch it. In the scramble of movement, the iPad’s position in his other hand was forced to suddenly shift positions, its weight catching the Bat’s aching thumb off guard long enough for the plastic casing to thud heavily against the wooden table, the appendage smacking against the bottom of the screen just as Alfred glanced up from the sink. 

“Are you alright, Master Bruce?” the butler asked, amusement in his tone as he drank in the Wayne’s facepalm. 

“I’m fine, Alfred. Just got distracted for a moment.” the hero replied, hiding his face in embarrassment. 

“It happens to the best of us, sir.” Alfred conceded, gathering the empty bowl and spoon before returning to his position in the kitchen. 

Directing his attention back to the screen, the Detective found himself quirking a brow at the sight of a highlight box surrounding the pad of his thumb, indicating the presence of a file that had yet to be seen. A swift tap to that same portion of the screen revealed an invisible compressed folder with no name, created by a user with the signature GagaVibe2017…the same signature responsible for taking control of the CCPD’s security system and modifying the batumbra during the evacuation. 

Opening the folder revealed a series of hidden documents, the most notable being a coroner’s autopsy report, an in-progress forensic substance analysis report, a hospital record, a video file, and a STAR Labs transfer request. 

Beginning with the autopsy and forensic substance analysis, the Caped Crusader gradually became aware that the coroner had performed the autopsy on a homeless individual who’d exhibited symptoms of an active symbiote host in their early stages, discovering a liquid-like sample from a spinal tap performed on the deceased patient that was subsequently sent to the forensic science department for analysis. 

With this in mind, Barry’s report, though incomplete, noted that the substance appeared to be inorganic yet multicellular, with amorphous characteristics that mimicked living tissue, indicating that the symbiote was inactive at the time he came into contact with it. 

Furrowing his brow in annoyance at the conflicting information, the Bat opted to view the video file, immediately recognizing the forensics lab as the setting the moment the first frame met his gaze. In the center of the security footage was Allen, migrating between his desk and several lab stations with practiced ease as he worked into the late hours of the stormy night, the fuzzy screen of a TV visible at the far end of the room. 

A minute or so into the video, an emergency broadcast pops up on the TV, immediately drawing Allen’s attention from where he stood typing elegantly on his laptop in front of the large glass panes, the blaring sound of alarms and chaos audible even on the recording. 

Abandoning his work, the forensic scientist watched with rapt attention as the reporter frantically detailed the pandemonium befalling the STAR Labs particle accelerator opening ceremony, the woman barely getting three sentences into the broadcast before the TV abruptly shut off as a bright crimson light split the pitch-black horizon.

‘The STAR Labs particle accelerator explosion.’ Bruce reasoned, watching with morbid curiosity as Allen stood hypnotized by the shockwave of red electricity as it danced through the streets like an earthquake, drowning the city in eerie darkness. 

In the next moment, the scientist was startled by a ground-shaking sonic boom as the dark matter explosion collided with the power of nature’s temper overhead, his thin form awkwardly gravitating across the shadows towards the skylight chain as the deafening sound of pouring rain suddenly filled the silent room. 

Just ten feet away, the camera’s night vision feature revealed some strange movement at one of Barry’s lab stations where the slimy undulating flesh of a symbiote appeared to “wake up”, its writhing mass of tentacle-like appendages expertly navigating to the edge of the table before vanishing into the shadows. 

While the symbiote gathered itself and slunk towards its unaware prey using the darkness as cover, Barry stood frozen with both hands grasping the chain, staring up in awe at the colorfully unique battle taking place in the sky between the electrical storm and dark matter particles, the short flashes of light sometimes managing to illuminate the entire room. 

The young man’s curiosity swiftly transformed into fear as the symbiote materialized behind him with a deep reverberating growl, its needle-like jaws hovering just inches from Allen’s face when the scientist’s head whipped in it’s direction, piercing red eyes boring holes into the blonde’s soul. 

Bruce winced as Barry immediately jolted backwards, worn-out sneakers sliding frictionless over the wet floor, sending him crashing to the ground with a startled cry, one foot tangling awkwardly in the skylight chain. Above him, the symbiote loomed menacingly, methodically planting its clawed feet on either side of Allen’s hips, effectively caging him to the ground as it slowly lowered its head, a lengthy forked crimson tongue hanging loosely between its malformed lips. 

Swallowing thickly, Barry nervously tilted his head away from the appendage as it descended towards his trembling frame, closing his eyes and shuddering as the limb slithered against the pale flesh of his throat, automatically gravitating towards the base of his skull as if checking to see if the potential host was unoccupied. Much to the Caped Crusader’s surprise, the limb retreated as if burned, the symbiote baring its fangs with a wild hiss as it drove its clawed “hands” into the wood beside Barry’s head angrily, makeshift maw stretching wide as the beast lunged in for the kill. 

In that moment, time seemed to slow as Allen’s bright blue eyes, watery with tears, stared up at the sky as a single bolt of lightning shattered the window above, the reddish plasmic energy vehemently snaking its way down the metal chain before striking at the heart of the predator and forensic scientist simultaneously in a blinding flash of light.

The resulting blast sent the blonde flying across the lab like a ragdoll, Bruce wincing as the young man’s spine impacted a metal storage shelf occupied by a melting pot of various chemicals that practically exploded upon contact, bathing the scientist in a mixture of broken glass, unknown substances, and dark matter particles, the remains of the attacking symbiote nowhere to be seen.

Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the video, a swift inspection of the included medical record detailed Barry’s emergency admittance to the Central City Memorial Hospital as a result of the “accident” in the forensics lab, with supplemental doctoral notes adding that the young man was completely unharmed and unresponsive, yet experiencing seizures despite displaying no trackable heart rhythm. 

An addendum to the hospital record led the Dark Knight to review the STAR Labs transfer request, signed and authorized by Detective Joe West, which revealed that the comatose forensic scientist had been placed in STAR Labs’ custody just 48 hours after his admittance to the ICU.

‘They knew something about him was different. The question is: what ?’ Bruce questioned as he made his way upstairs.

Chapter 8: Secrets Pt1

Chapter 8: Secrets Pt1

Despite embracing the sweet physical relaxation of a well-deserved shower, the Bat found himself unable to sleep for more than a few hours at a time, mentally reviewing and rearranging the day’s research results while intermittently communicating with Brother Eye via his laptop during his early morning search for more evidence. 

At one point, the Caped Crusader risked hacking into the STAR Labs servers, using Ramon’s signature to avoid any hidden security protocols the technological genius might have established, only to discover an entire terabyte worth of project data pertaining to the symbiotes hidden within the depths of Cisco’s personal storage drive. 

The first document in question appeared to be a copy of a news broadcast originating from almost a decade prior: 

“Yesterday, the LF1 space probe, jointly designed by the Life Foundation and Scientific and Advanced Research Laboratories to help humanity explore the secrets of space and search for signs of life amongst the stars, met its fiery end in a crash landing approximately 20 kilometers west of Sibu, a small town on the outskirts of Sarawak in East Malaysia. Of the three Life Foundation astronauts manning the vessel, only John Jameson III survived the initial crash, succumbing to his critical injuries after the ambulance transporting him for medical care unexpectedly suffered an attack from an unknown terrorist group that left one paramedic dead and the other missing.”

And yet, far the more recently, another recorded news broadcast caught the Detective’s attention: 

“Just an hour ago, the bodies of Dora Skirth and Richard Rivera were discovered inside the Life Foundation’s main research facility right here in San Francisco, California. According to a 911 call, Rivera’s shift replacement, who would like to remain anonymous, arrived around 6am with coffee and breakfast for his coworker, only to discover the 40-year-old leaned back in his chair at the lobby’s security main hub, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. 

As responding officers and a SWAT team swept the building, San Francisco PD discovered the body of the Life Foundation’s head researcher, Dr. Dora Skirth, lying on the floor of her workspace in the lab, also suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. 

While investigations are still underway, SFPD and the Life Foundation have graciously provided The Daily Bugle with footage of the suspects retrieved from the facility’s extensive camera system, and are asking anyone who may have information regarding the symbol depicted on the suspects’ clothing, their affiliations, whereabouts, or the identities of its members, to contact the San Francisco Police Department immediately.” 

In the still image depicted on screen, a bright yellow handprint decorated the armor of a small group of mercenaries, each clad in high-grade military gear with weapons to match, their faces obscured by the masks concealing their identities.

‘Given their apparent history, it’s likely they were responsible for the ambulance ambush in Malaysia, too.’ the Dark Knight reasoned as he continued his search. 

Pinned next to the image of the suspects was an internal correspondence report between senior staff of STAR Labs and the Life Foundation’s R&D branch, detailing the absence of several classified samples, containment concerns, copies of experimental data conducted at the Life Foundation, as well as a transfer request to have all remaining specimens transported to Central City for further research. 

‘The mercs used Dr. Skirth to access the lab where the symbiotes were contained, stole samples of them, killed her, and escaped. Meaning, they knew exactly who she was, what level of clearance she had, and what the Life Foundation was doing in space. Rivera was just collateral. These guys are organized, armed, and have access to highly-classified intel. The question is: who do they take orders from and what do they want with the symbiotes?’ the Caped Crusader questioned internally, furrowing his brow.

Cross-referencing the CCPD’s coroner’s report with the list of human test subjects in STAR Labs’ database via facial recognition, the Detective swiftly confirmed the homeless man’s participation in the project, despite his bonding test resulting in failure. A review of the experiment summary revealed that the man had been injected with a small sample of an inactive symbiote and placed in containment, where he was then exposed to a variety of different simulated testing extremes ranging from temperature and physical damage to medicinal and sensory-specific stimulation.

That being said, the only response from the symbiote itself occurred during exposure to sound frequencies between four and six hertz, reflecting in the subject’s behavior as sudden onsets of intense physical and verbal aggression, seizures, and episodic destabilization between the host and its guest.

However, the key difference between the experiments run at the Life Foundation and STAR Labs was the overall objective: the Life Foundation was interested in pushing humanity towards its next stage of evolution by creating individuals who could actively survive off-world, whereas STAR Labs was interested in the medical aspects of the symbiote-host bond, specifically their ability to regenerate and protect the host’s body without external interference. 

Turning his attention to the experiments and research conducted by STAR Labs, the Gotham hero quickly discovered Dr. Snow and Cisco Ramon’s involvement in the project as the lead bio-engineer and mechanical engineer, indicating a possible motive for the scouting party he’d observed at the CCPD to seek them out, meaning that the scouts’ “boss” had intimate knowledge of both organizations’ hand in the symbiote experiments. 

Despite the oodles of evidence packed into the neatly organized folder, two fairly recent pieces of footage is what caught the Bat’s attention, the source code suggesting that the multichannel videos were copied directly from STAR Labs’ security network and uploaded just a few weeks prior. 

The first recording detailed the inner sanctum of the Scientific and Technological Advanced Research Laboratories facility dubbed the “cortex”, featuring Cisco Ramon at the central hub running medical scans while Dr. Snow stood at Barry’s bedside, noting down the comatose forensic scientist’s routine vitals and taking samples of the young man’s blood. While the two engineers chatted casually about the progress on their individual projects, the introduction beats of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” began to play quietly on the overhead speakers, prompting Ramon to turn it up with an expression of excitement, much to the high-pitched protest of the damaged PA system. 

As if awoken from a particularly intense nightmare, Allen bolted upright with a sharp distorted cry, chest heaving as he frantically scanned his surroundings. Scrambling off the bed, Barry yelped as his legs unexpectedly collapsed and he hit the cold tile floor, his discombobulation only increasing as the crimson symbiote emerged fluidly from his back to envelope its host in a familiar layer of synthetic flesh with features bearing striking resemblance to the creatures known for consuming humans. 

Startled by their patient’s sudden consciousness and apparent transformation, Cisco and Caitlyn ducked behind the central hub, peeking over the multiple-screened console to observe as the freshly-turned predator stumbled and zipped disorientedly around the lab, emitting a series of half-human-half-parasite calls as the forensic scientist’s body succumbed to the symbiote’s forced changes, subsequently leaving a trail of broken or fried equipment in his wake. 

All the chaos came to an abrupt halt, however, as Allen’s raptor-like feet caught on one of the few cords running from the medical berth to the central hub, his forward momentum sending him crashing into a monitor stand that joined him on the floor a moment later with a loud crash. While attempting to stand, Barry glanced down at the cracked screen, catching sight of himself in the monitor’s webcam display, staring down at his reflection in abject horror. 

Perhaps sensing the strange docility in this new species of parasite, Dr. Snow cautiously crept out from behind the hub and slowly approached the anomalous creature, much to the anxiety of her coworker, who waved her back to their hiding spot frantically while psst’ing his alarm at her gutsy display, hesitating just a moment before joining her efforts. 

At the sound of glass crunching underfoot, the crimson parasite’s head instinctively whipped around to face the potential threat, ear nodes drooping submissively as the engineers immediately raised their hands non-threateningly in response to the sudden movement. “Whoa, whoa, it’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you.” the tech genius stated, keeping his tone low and even as he spoke. “I’m Cisco, and this is Doctor Snow.” he explained, mirroring his fellow employee as she knelt on the floor beside the newborn predator, a comforting smile on their faces.

From that point on, the footage had been cut, either as the result of a power surge from the broken equipment or as intentional edits to save data space, the Dark Knight couldn’t be certain. Regardless, his attention drifted to the other recently-uploaded video file, pausing to sip a cup of water on his nightstand while rubbing the exhaustion from his features. ‘Just one more, then I’ll get some sleep.’ he suggested to himself, pressing play with an aching thumb.

Chapter 9: Secrets Pt2

Notes:

3 updates in 2 days? I blame the insomnia...and cake.

Chapter 9: Secrets Pt2

The second piece of footage featured an array of cameras with different angles of the STAR Labs facility, each available to interact with individually, much to the Bat’s liking. At the beginning of the recording, the middle and bottom camera lenses displayed Dr. Snow and Cisco running through various corridors in the facility, pursued by a team of armed individuals dressed in weapons-grade military gear advancing in a tight vee formation. 

At the center of the squad stood the group’s commander, face obstructed by a black mask and gear like the rest, the palmar side of his gloves decorated with the same gold paint matching the spatterings of handprints among his subordinate’s armor. He walked with squared shoulders and a relaxed gait, occasionally gesturing orders to the others, every action presented with an air of dictatorial control. At the front of his uniform, the name Elling was stitched into the fabric of his chestplate. 

Pausing the video, the Caped Crusader directed his attention to Brother Eye. “Search all national and international government databases with the following tags and send me the results: surname E-l-l-i-n-g, military affiliation. Include the symbol in the attached image in your search parameters.” the Caped Crusader ordered, sending the AI a copy of the “handprint” symbol in two supplemental images.

As the engineers entered the cortex, Cisco immediately slid behind the hub to initiate a lockdown protocol, glancing up as a thick metal panel slid over the door the soldiers were approaching, only to dive to the floor as several mercs sent bullets flying in his direction in the few seconds he was within their sight.

In the meantime, Caitlyn flitted about the lab, grabbing various samples and medical supplies, packing anything of import that would fit into the large black backpack her fellow employee threw in her direction, even going as far as to toss aside her high heels and don a pair of sneakers. 

Outside, the commander sighed in annoyance as he gazed at the solid steel surface blocking his path, rolling his eyes to emphasize the inconvenience. “Open it.” he demanded, stepping back to look at his watch as one of his squad members approached the control panel affixed to the wall, a toolbox in their hand. 

“Cait, we gotta go, like now !” the mechanical engineer called, gathering a few items scattered about the desk and stuffing them into the bag as the duo hurried into the lower levels of the complex, the elevator door closing behind them just as Elling’s crew got the cortex door open. 

“Cisco, where are we going? Why are we down here?” Dr. Snow asked as the former STAR Labs employees sprinted through the pipeline, pausing only to grab a toolbox from one of the main hallway rooms. 

“I got bored while running sims and started looking at the old blueprints.” Cisco explained as they shuffled into what looked to be an old storage room. “Back when STAR Labs was first being built, the construction crew found an abandoned bunker with an underground escape tunnel that’s supposed to lead to a hatch somewhere in the woods out back, near the river.” he continued, grabbing and squeezing various little circular nubs on the wall as if searching for a switch. “Boss thought it could be useful to keep around in case of emergency, and this is an emergency so-” he trailed off as his fingers closed around a dial, turning it to reveal a hidden door disguised behind a hologram. “I figured we could use it.” the tech genius concluded. 

“What if the exit hatch is blocked, or if parasites are out there waiting for us?” Caitlyn asked, glancing behind the duo while Cisco put his whole body weight into forcing the spoke wheel to turn and unlock the aged contraption. “There’ll be no way out. We’ll be trapped.” she argued reasonably. 

Wiping his dusty palms on his pants, the mechanical engineer turned and offered the physician a hand. “Hey, where’s that sense of optimism I know and love? Come on, it’ll be okay.” he replied, leading her into the tunnel with a flashlight in hand. 

True to his word, the exit hatch was in good condition, an exterior grounds camera monitoring the strange movement from a nearby tree as the pair pushed the heavy metal door open and stepped a few feet into the light…only to scramble backwards as their heels briefly met the very edge of a cliff overlooking the raging ice-cold river below, their combined alarmed cry echoing for miles. 

Neither had time to turn and escape into the woods as a secondary party in Elling’s group emerged from the trees, weapons drawn and aimed at the two former STAR Labs employees whilst their primary crew exited the tunnel behind them, their leader standing tall and proud of his strategic advantage. 

“Doctor Snow, Mister Ramon.” the commander greeted rather casually, a self-satisfied smirk twitching on his lips. 

“ Elling .” Dr. Snow ground out, tucking the backpack protectively against her spine. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone indicating a mixture of anxiety and anger. 

Elling tilted his head, glancing in the direction of the river thoughtfully. “I want to help you.” he stated plainly.

Cisco scoffed. “Yeah right. And why should we trust you , of all people? The guy who, I don’t know… broke into a biohazard containment lab while killing two people in the process, stole dangerous alien research samples, tried to weaponize them for his own benefit and failed while using STAR Labs to “test run” your little project, effectively causing an apocalypse?” the engineer sassed, listing his points on his fingers in a sarcastic gesture. 

Elling took a few steps to the right in a half-paced line, seemingly contemplating his next words carefully. “I’ll admit that the first experiments had some unpredictable results, but I believe these “parasites'' still have potential. Right now, they’re nothing but wild animals, but with your expertise, we can find a way to control, or even domesticate them. Just imagine the headlines when all this is over: STAR LABS - THE BEGINNING AND END TO THE APOCALYPSE. Think about it for a moment: the people won’t have a reason to hate you if you save the world, right?” the commander questioned, expertly painting the picture of reporters and news outlets scrambling to get the duo’s story.

Dr. Snow bristled at the imagery, fists clenching angrily at her sides. “When all of this is over, the world will learn the truth about everything: the symbiotes, the experiments, the parasites, and your failed attempt to create an army of super soldiers. We have more than enough evidence to prove STAR Labs’ innocence, and bury your power-hungry little operation six feet underground.” she snapped, pointing accusingly at the commander. 

“We can offer you protection, supplies, assistants-” Elling began, his offer immediately interrupted by Cisco. 

“We don’t want, or need, anything from you. We’re going to cure the parasites our way, with or without you, and there’s nothing you can do-” the mechanical engineer hissed, only for a lead projectile to impact the tree next to his head, cutting off his argument with a startled yelp. 

“Oh, I have a cure.” the commander retorted, a smoking pistol in hand. “ Bullets .” he clarified, tucking the weapon into the holster at his side. 

A tense moment of silence lingered in the air as Elling paced a few steps back and forth, the autumn ground crunching under his thick boots as he glanced at his watch, the LCD screen displaying some kind of tracking application. “Tell you what. Your shouting and that shot has a pack of about four parasites on their way here right now, so I’ll give you until then to make a choice. You have three options. Option one: you can both come with me willingly, and everything you need will be provided. I’m talking food, shelter, protection, equipment, the whole nine yards.” he explained, gravitating towards Dr. Snow as he moved as if appealing to her directly.. 

“Option two: I take both of you prisoner, meaning that you’ll both spend a week in the kennels “getting to know” our dear pets face-to-face while you reconsider my offer.” he added, shifting back towards Cisco’s position to Caitlyn’s left, a look of pure darkness in his eyes. 

“And finally, option three: I put a bullet in the engineer and escort Doctor Snow back to our base while the parasites decide what to do with him.” the commander concluded, gesturing between the duo as he finalized his proposition. “You have three minutes to decide.” Elling finished. 

Dr. Snow and Cisco glanced at one another warily as the realization of their situation weighed heavily on their shoulders, their faces displaying a mixture of determination, resignation, and fear as they silently communicated back and forth through expressions as their only medium. 

After a moment, a decision appeared to be reached, prompting the bio-engineer to take a shuddering breath, slowly raising her hands to indicate her surrender. “Fine. Option one.” she stated with an air of defeat. 

To her left, her fellow scientist slowly placed his hands on the back of his head, stretching two fingers across the black silkiness of his hair to interact with the screen of his watch, which began emitting a series of subsonic frequencies, that according to Brother Eye’s audio analysis, appeared to be a specialized rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”. 

‘It’s not a distraction…it’s a call for help.’ the Dark Knight concluded, redirecting his attention to the mercenary commander as the man cleared his throat. 

“Good choice.” the elder military member praised, gesturing to four of his men to advance and secure the duo and their belongings. 

As the quartet stepped forward with weapons raised in expectation of resistance, their progress was impeded by a red blur abruptly slamming into them from the side, sending all four subordinates flying through the air with a startled cry before they impacted the dirt in various splays of limbs and consciousness. 

And there, standing protectively between the scientists and their attempted captors, was the crimson parasite, teeth bared in an aggressive snarl as residual sparks of electricity danced around its lean frame. 

Instinctively, the remaining soldiers poised by their commander lifted their arms, only for said commander to hold up a hand, a silent order to his crew to restrain from firing. “Now, this is what I’m talking about.” Elling explained, gesturing to the beast with an almost lecherous glint in his eye. “Ain’t you a special one. Come here. Let me get a good look at you.” the militia boss cooed, reaching toward the creature with an open palm as one might tame a skittish horse. 

Much to Elling’s irritation, his efforts to interact with the new species of parasite were interrupted by the arrival of the parasites his gunshot had drawn, their screams prompting the blood-shaded being to take a step back in the direction of the two STAR Labs employees, its attention shifting away from the commander to focus on the threat posed by the newcomers. 

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Elling retreated into the safety of his squad, pulling his mask up over his face as he did so. “Take them out. Nonlethal on the red one only.” he ordered. 

While the bullets began to fly, a stray piece of lead struck the camera, cutting the feed short. Shifting his work from the footage to the documentation Brother Eye located, the Caped Crusader carefully began his analysis of the files with a fresh perspective provided by the trio’s history. 

IDENTIFICATION MATCH FOUND…

NAME: Wade Elling…

RANK: Major General - United States Army…

CLEARANCE: Top Secret…

DESIGNATION: Goldfinger…

ASSOCIATION(S): Project Cadmus, Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans (formerly), Scientific Advanced Research Laboratories (formerly)...

SPECIALIZATIONS: Field Stratagem, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Metahuman Counter-Intelligence…

‘His designation is mentioned on the Life Foundation’s security personnel report as a member of their mercency protection and transport team during the recovery operation in Malaysia. That explains why he’s familiar with the symbiotes and their abilities. He likely orchestrated the sample disappearance during the ambulance crash to steal a sample, as Mister Ramon mentioned in the footage.' the Dark Knight reasoned. 

Cross-referencing the list of personnel stationed at each of the citadels across the United States, the Bat was quick to determine Elling’s position within the Metropolis community, the same location Dr. Snow and Cisco Ramon’s last known whereabouts were marked, both occupying positions the crazed commander would have easy access to. 

Swiftly drafting a message to Cyborg, the Detective shucked off his bedtime attire and redressed with a new sense of urgency, much to the disdain of Alfred.

Batman to Cyborg. New orders. Citadel-Watchtower escort, priority alpha. Targets: Dr. Caitlyn Snow and Cisco Ramon. Sending schematics, priority beta. Construct and notify when complete. Specimen capture pending…

Chapter 10: Capture

Chapter 10: Capture

Leaning back in the passenger seat of the batwing, Dick Grayson, better known to the Caped Crusader as Nightwing, was practically vibrating in his seat while he stared out the window, scanning the rapidly-moving terrain passing by outside the flying vehicle. 

“Thanks for inviting me out. Seriously, this feels like a vacation compared to what I’ve been up to.” the older Boy Wonder stated gratefully. 

“Don’t get too comfortable with the idea. It’s still a mission.” the Gotham hero scolded gently. 

Dick crossed his arms over his chest, smiling to himself. “I know, I know, but I missed this. Missions…targets…just being in the field. Feels like old times.” he replied, fondness seeping into his tone. 

“I understand the feeling.” the leaguer relented, allowing himself to bask in the memory of a world not plagued by flesh-eating predators chasing them at every turn. “As much as you like to tell Starfire about your missions, this one is classified for good reason, which is partially why I invited you.” the Bat reiterated. 

Dick nodded in acknowledgement, glancing up as Central City became visible in the distance. “Where are we headed?” he asked curiously, scanning the abandoned train tracks below.

“Central City. Or what’s left of it.” the Caped Crusader answered. 

Pursing his lips, Nightwing looked down at his feet in a moment of silent consideration. “Am I allowed to ask why?” the former teen titan questioned hesitantly. 

The Dark Knight sighed. “It’s complicated.” he replied, already feeling his disciple’s scrutinizing gaze aimed at him from across the cockpit.

“ How complicated?” the younger vigilante pressed, tilting his head as his mentor pressed a button or two on the control module, switching on the passenger-side monitor to display a summary of the mission and their target. 

Leaning forward to inspect the information presented to him, the evolved Robin sat in silence for a minute or two before letting out a low whistle, sinking back into his chair. “Wow. It makes sense why you asked me to bring Beast Boy’s old comfort cage.” he stated in apparent disbelief. “So…the objective is to capture it?” he inquired, stroking his chin as he processed the data. 

The Detective cleared his throat before answering. “Yes. Once that part of the plan is complete, we’ll transport it to the Watchtower for further study.” the leaguer added. 

“So, why’d you bring me when you could’ve brought Jon, or GL? Won’t their powers come in handy for something like this, especially if things go South?” Dick asked as the batwing descended over the Central City skyline. 

“This is primarily a stealth mission. Introducing powers into the mix also introduces their risks of use, and the potential for outside interference. We’re both well-accustomed to the unpredictability of humans and parasites, whereas this situation calls for adaptation to both sets of behaviors overlapping.” the Detective explained, engaging the batwing’s cloaking systems as he directed the micro-jet towards the intended landing position. 

Dick shrugged, his shoulders jumping quickly up and down in smooth motion. “Fair enough.” he replied, unbuckling his seatbelt as the vehicle descended onto the roof of the building next to the CCPD. 

Together, the duo gravitated towards the rear of the jet, exiting the craft through the cargo bay door. Once confirming that their position and getaway vehicle was secure, the Dark Knight withdrew the tracker’s signal receiver from his belt, holding it aloft for a moment before reading the tracker’s coordinates displayed on the advanced portable mapping system. Glancing behind him, the older man wasn’t surprised to see one of his sons “warming up” his body for the mission, the disciple performing a series of simple stretching exercises he’d been using since his time in the circus. 

“Follow me.” the Caped Crusader ordered, Nightwing easily falling into position to his left rear flank whilst the duo expertly parkoured across the Central City skyline. 

In the mile or so they’d traveled in search of their target, the former Robin was pouring every inch of motion into his path, flipping, swinging, running, and climbing his way through any obstacles in his route like a kid experiencing a playground for the first time. “It feels so good to finally stretch my legs!” he laughed while corkscrew flipping across a gap between buildings. “You gotta invite me out more often!” the young man grinned happily. 

Rolling his eyes at his student’s compact performance of skill, the Gotham hero tried to ignore the nearly-imperceptible amused smirk pulling at his lips in response to Nightwing’s giddiness, instead directing his attention to the receiver. “We’re closing in. One minute to intercept.” he announced, tucking the machine away as they came to a halt at the edge of a roof overlooking an alley. 

Sandwiched between an abandoned coffee shop and a ransacked bookstore, the six foot wide hallway of stone was inlaid with shadows, trash, and other discarded items, forming a sea of mindless clutter parting only for the slender crimson figure cautiously wading through it. Crouched on the roof nearly 40 feet above the creature, the vigilantes observed from the darkness as the parasite hurriedly stumble-walked towards the other end of the alley before passing a dumpster at the midpoint, pausing to sniff at the metal structure’s contents curiously. 

Beside him, Nightwing’s arm slowly drifted aftward to grasp at his belt, returning to his line of sight with a bola in hand. Before the younger hero could arm the capture-oriented weapon, the Bat tapped his knee, indicating a halt in procedure. Immediately, the other vigilante’s gaze returned to their target, observing attentively as the parasite began rummaging through the dumpster in an effort to obtain something further inside. 

After a minute or two of shuffling waste and awkward squirming, the creature finally exited the huge metal bin, a handful of packaged goods clenched in one fist. Lifting a pair of binoculars to his face, the Detective inspected the items from afar, their stylized design revealing them to be Jitters brand snack sticks: a foot-long length of beef jerky intended for on-the-go travelers with little time. A split-second glance to the expiry date and their target was immediately set on scarfing them down, forcefully swallowing bite after bite despite the lack of water to accompany the dried meat meal. 

“Look at its ribs.” Dick commented, gesturing to the expanse of bone poking through the thin flesh adorning the being’s chest. “It’s starving. Probably hasn’t eaten someone in a while.” he stated with a hint of satisfaction. 

The Caped Crusader’s anger unexpectedly surged at the insensitive comment, a slow breath of fresh air exhaling the emotion from his hunched form. “This one doesn’t hunt humans.” he said instead, tearing his vision away from the crimson parasite’s malnourished frame.

His correction instantly earned him Nightwing’s attention, a mixture of shock and surprise written across his features. “What?!” the disciple nearly squawked, cutting his volume mid-speech before finishing the word in a harsh whisper. 

Checking to make sure their target hadn’t picked up on the sound, the Gotham native rolled his eyes at his junior’s lack of self control. “It’s complicated. Focus.” he ordered, tone shifting into an authoritative stance. 

Shaking his head, the blue-clad vigilante closed his mouth, mentally filing the information away for a later discussion. “What’s the plan?” he asked, waiting patiently for his mentor’s command. 

“Make contact on the south side. Stick to the shadows and provide a distraction to draw it towards you. Once it's in range, I’ll neutralize it. If it tries to run after the tranq hits, I’ll block the exit until it drops.” the Dark Knight explained. 

“Roger roger.” Nightwing replied in a mock impression of a Star Wars battle droid as he stood up, gracefully front-flipping off the roof into the street below. 

Whilst his student prepared the distraction, the Bat remained perched on the edge of the roof, arming the small tranquilizer gun usually kept hidden in his belt with a vial injectable containing 100mg of Xylazine, a sedative strong enough to render a human unconscious for up to two hours. Taking aim at the target from above, the Detective waited patiently for Nightwing to make a move and draw the creature within his firing range. 

Below him, the blue-clad vigilante gathered himself a rusted metal can, sticking to the shadows as he carefully rolled the object out into the light, calculating the momentum just right to have it maneuver through a path in the alley’s debris field and bounce lightly against the parasite’s foot. 

Apparently startled by the unexpected touch, the crimson being let out an alarmed squeak, dropping its food in its haste to locate the source of the disturbance, only to watch in morbid fascination as yet another of the metal tubes rolled casually out of the darkness and across the alley to greet it. 

Shuffling a foot or two towards the new item, the parasite slowly leaned down to retrieve it from the stone walkway, taking a moment to inspect its packaging before returning it to its mysterious sender. The moment the can was engulfed in shadows, Nightwing silently moved to retrieve it, the sudden disappearance of the sound of tumbling metal effectively luring the curious target in by another few steps.

‘Just a little closer.’ the leaguer reasoned, expertly lining up the tranq gun’s reticle with an exposed piece of flesh taunting him from the juncture of the creature’s shoulder and neck. ‘Almost there.’ he murmured internally, slowing his breathing in an effort to improve his aim. 

Back in the alley, the predator tentatively approached the former teen titan’s position until it's raptor-like feet reached the edge of shade, head tilting back and forth whilst its eyes diligently searched the gloom for its stalker, ear nodes vibrating intensively in a demonstration of its heightened senses. In a seemingly last-ditch means to garner a response, the red-clad being chirped, the sound echoing about the stone hallway as if asking “hello?”. 

‘Come on. Just a little closer.’ the Bat murmured to himself, frustration seeping into his grasp on the weapon as the being’s thin frame remained just millimeters out of range. 

And of course, Nightwing being the vocal mimicry expert he is, decided to reply with an off-key yelp that made the target flinch from the sharpness of the cry alone. 

Instantly set on high alert, the creature stepped back just as the Caped Crusader fired, the injectable passing directly in front of the predator’s eye line, only to bury itself in a pile of trash pressed up against the far wall. ‘Shit.’ the marksman hissed, activating his batumbra and vanishing from sight just a second before the parasite’s head jerked towards the roof in search of the shooter. 

In the moment of distraction, a soft shuffling could be heard from further down the stone hall as Nightwing emerged from the shadows, an activated bola in hand. Catching sight of the weapon, the crimson being instinctively slipped into a defensive stance, teeth bared in a snarl in expectation of an attack. 

Before either could move, however, a nearly inaudible click reverberated through the air, followed by the tell-tale hiss of a flash grenade priming. Neither had time to get to cover as the explosive went off between them with a loud bang, the bright resounding flash of light rendering the duo visually and auditorily stunned, their bodies swaying awkwardly on their feet in an attempt to stabilize despite the onslaught of vertigo and nausea. 

Behind his disciple, the Bat observed as a length of steel coated in a layer of welded nails descended from the shade, its position previously hidden behind a network of old clothing lines, the momentum of the metal pendulum sending it swinging downward like a makeshift jungle spiked log trap. 

Willing every ounce of agility into his body, the black-clad leaguer leapt off the building and sprinted for his junior, tackling the younger male to the ground milliseconds before the deadly beam could make impact, trying to ignore the sickening sound of metal meeting flesh as the parasite’s slender frame was sent flying beyond the walls of the alley, only to crash into something in the street outwith, its agonized cry reverberating through the air. 

“Are you injured?” the Dark Knight asked, dutifully inspecting his former Robin for even minute damage. 

Playfully pushing his adoptive father’s gloved hands aside, Dick coughed to clear his throat of dust before replying. “I’m fine, mom , really.” he chuckled, brushing some dirt from his shoulder as he stood up. “I’m just annoyed I didn’t see the trap.” he added, crossing his arms in a mock-pout. 

Sighing in relief, the Detective nodded, gesturing to the lightly swinging beam blocking their exit. “It was well hidden.” he explained, continuing down the alley a few steps before pushing a small pile of trash aside with his foot. Mounted against the wall was a motion trigger, its systems fried from the feedback caused by the flash grenade. 

Combing a hand through his hair, Nightwing cringed at the little pieces of stone caught between his fingers, shaking them free of his glove with disdain. “Whoever set it up knows what they were doing.” he reasoned, dusting off his pants and following after his mentor as the duo made to exit the alley and locate their missing prey. 

Both heroes quickly found themselves hiding in the shade before they could step out onto the street, however, as a squad of common parasites zoomed past their position, clearly alerted by the commotion and excited by the possibility of prey somewhere in their patrol area. Only when the yellow-skinned predators’ screams were heard in the far distance did the vigilantes sneak out into the intersection, weaving around abandoned cars, building rubble, and the occasional skeleton in their path. 

About halfway in the middle of the four-lane roadway, the pair of Gotham natives found their target sprawled on the asphalt in a tangle of barbed wire next to a crumpled SUV, the vehicle’s side caved in by what the Bat estimated to be a symbiote-reinforced body slamming against it at 40 miles per hour. Despite the severity of its injury just minutes ago, the crimson parasite showed no sign of wounds other than a small bit of blood smeared over its outer flesh, indiscernible from points where the wire’s barbs dug into its skin. 

Apparently fascinated by the creature’s unspoken resilience and healing factor, Grayson’s jaw dropped at the sight of the predator’s chest slowly rising and falling, indicating mere unconsciousness. “Holy flamingo, Batman! How is it not dead after that?” he questioned, barely restraining himself from straight up poking the beast to confirm its livelihood. 

“Healing factor.” the Dark Knight replied, kneeling down beside the limp being to closer inspect the breadth of the metal string’s weave. 

Lying in a left-side prone position on the ground, the target’s limbs were a mess of barbed wire and awkward angles, its binding forcibly securing both arms against its chest, wrists bent in individual flexion like a fetus yet to be born. Wire coiled about its left ankle swirled up to anchor somewhere along it’s right hip, leaving its left leg straight yet it’s right at a 45 degree bend, similarly affixed to its left knee. Amidst the spines, a variety of steel string was wrapped around the creature’s chest and back like a spiral, digging into its flesh with every breath. Furthermore, the binding had a solid foothold on the predator’s throat, having coiled about the thin column at least eight to ten times before arching upward to lodge between its jaws, forcing its mouth to remain partially open, showing off dozens of needle-sharp teeth. 

Withdrawing a pair of wire cutters from his belt, the older hero swiftly evaluated a starting point to free their prey. “Keep watch.” he ordered to the vigilante hovering protectively over his shoulder, reaching forward to gently cup the parasite’s dome. 

Unfortunately, the contact served to snap the predator out of unconsciousness, its eyes shooting open and flicking crazily around its environment before its small frame began flailing wildly in a panic. With it’s limbs constricted as they were, the poor thing could only kick and wiggle like a toddler throwing a tantrum, any cries attempting to leave its mouth dying on its tongue in strangled hisses as the barbed string tightened around its airway. 

“It’s going to asphyxiate itself if we don’t sedate it. I need you to restrain it while I arm the injector.” the Detective ordered, the sense of urgency in his tone prompting Nightwing to plant his knee on the creature’s back, effectively stopping its struggling from the shoulders down. 

Once more loading a canister of xylazine into his tranquilizer gun, the Dark Knight swiftly switched the long-range weapon to close-combat mode, using one hand to pin the parasite’s crimson dome to the ground whilst the other guided the weapon to rest delicately against its jugular. 

“It looks… scared .” his student mentioned abruptly, the concern in the younger male’s voice prompting the Bat to look down. 

A single bright blue eye stared up at him almost pleadingly from the being’s peripheral vision, its surface glassy with unshed tears and iris constricted down to the size of a pin. Despite the glove adorning his hand, the Detective could feel the hummingbird-frantic thrumming of the predator’s heartbeat against his palm, the sensation nearly speed -synced with the creature’s hyperventilatory breathing visible in its rapid chest movement. 

Tearing his eyes away from the parasite’s heart-wrenching expression, the Dark Knight let out a harsh breath through his nose, mentally steeling himself against the blossoming sense of protectiveness, affection, and care impermissibly taking root in his chest, desperately drowning out the thoughts of “ beautiful” , “ fascinating ”, and “ mine ” as they invaded his mind. 

Before he could stop himself, the reply to the former Robin’s comment left his tongue. “Because he is.” he answered, pulling the trigger. 

Once the duo were back in the batwing en route to the Watchtower, their muzzled catch safely locked behind the bars of Beast Boy’s old comfort cage in the cargo bay, the Caped Crusader glanced over his shoulder at the creature’s unconscious form before sending Cyborg a short update: 

MISSION SUCCESSFUL. CARGO EN ROUTE. ETA WATCHTOWER 1 HOUR.

Chapter 11: I See You

Chapter 11: I See You

As expected, Cyborg walked into the Watchtower hangar the moment they landed, a drone assistant hovering over his left shoulder, its motor buzzing softly as it awaited orders. “Welcome back.” the bion greeted, nodding to each Gotham vigilante respectfully. “I take it the mission went well?” he questioned, gesturing to the covered cage Nightwing wheeled in front of him. 

“If you count taking a flashbang to the face, yeah.” the blue-clad hero grinned, tone dripping with sarcasm as he pointed to the residual powder caked on his features. 

The metal man cringed at the sight. “Well, couldn’t hurt to get checked out after something like that. Infirmary’s not busy right now if you wanna head over and meet up with us later.” Cyborg offered, directing his drone to take possession of the cage. 

Stepping back to give the robot room to work, the former Boy Wonder patted his stomach as the organ growled in protest. “Looks like my stomach’s got other plans, but I’ll swing by after I get some food in me, okay? Wouldn’t want mother hen here to lecture me about “post-mission care”.  Good luck with your science project, guys.” Grayson called, excusing himself as he migrated towards the hangar exit closest to the Watchtower commons, followed closely by his mentor’s annoyed glare.

Together, the leaguers made their way through the satellite base to the Bat’s private lab, avoiding major intersections and hallways where their cargo might draw unnecessary attention. Thankfully, any passersby seemed preoccupied with their own objectives to question the two, allowing them to reach their destination in little more than five minutes' time. Once inside the lab, the Detective activated the privacy panels to combat prying eyes while his coworker prepared the cell and monitoring system, their work only mildly interrupted by the arrival of Martian Manhunter, summoned by the black-clad hero’s thoughts as to avoid leaving a trace in the comm system. 

“I received your telepathic request for my presence.” the green-skinned alien greeted, glancing over the Dark Knight’s shoulder as Cyborg’s assistant transported the parasite into the cell and took a few biologic samples. “How may I be of assistance?” he inquired. 

Stepping aside to invite the martian into his lab, the Caped Crusader gestured to the unconscious creature lying on the floor of the containment chamber against the far wall, ear nodes twitching as the sedative slowly wore off. “I would like you to be present in the event we can establish communication with this specimen. It’s shown considerable intellectual and behavioral differences in the field, which leads me to believe that its host’s mind is dominant over its symbiote. Are you willing to participate?” the Bat explained, observing the way Jon’s gaze drifted towards the variant with an expression of interest. 

“I consent to participate, though I cannot promise a clear translation. As I’ve learned, the symbiotes tend to interrupt thought transmission.” the martian replied after a moment of hard staring, joining the Dark Knight and Cyborg at the chamber’s one-way observation screen. 

The leaguers didn’t have to wait long for the parasite to wake, its crimson frame shivering as it gradually regained consciousness, bright blue eyes sluggishly blinking open. Awkwardly, the predator wobbled to its feet after several failed attempts to stand, its sharp gaze scanning its environment whilst its head tilted back and forth, ear nodes vibrating in an effort to pick up on any auditory details from its surroundings. 

“Vitals are stable.” Cyborg reported from his position at the control module, the screen in front of him depicting a series of sample analyses in progress. 

“Jon?” the Detective inquired without turning his head, waiting patiently for Jones’ reply beside the silent being. 

“I sense…confusion and curiosity.” the alien stated after a moment, red eyes narrowing in concentration. “Loneliness, worry, discomfort. I cannot access its memory to discern why.” Jon added. 

Inside the chamber, the crimson creature attempted to call out, only for the sound to die in its throat. Seemingly alarmed at its own lack of vocal ability, the being lifted its hands to claw at the muzzle affixed to its face, subsequently discovering the magnetic buffs binding its wrists together, as well as a length of chain anchoring it to the centermost point of the room dangling from a shackle around its neck. 

The second realization took hold of the parasite, the martian gasped, pressing one hand to his head with an expression of pain. “Its thoughts are overwhelming, fragmented, shifting so quickly that I am having trouble reading them. I sense terror, anguish, defeat, exhaustion, desperation…” the martian reported, his words a mirror image to the hyperventilating mess of crimson flesh speeding around the cell, slamming itself into the walls and frantically clawing as its restraints whilst screaming uncontrollably. 

“Woah, woah, woah. Dangerous spikes in BP and heart rate. Oxygen’s taking a nose-dive. We need to sedate this thing ASAP or it’s gonna collapse and seize.” Cyborg relayed, worry evident in his tone as his hand shifted towards the sedative gas controls.

Before he could press the button, however, a batarang smacked against the appendage, redirecting it into the exterior door’s lever, the impact shifting the control into the “open” position. Startled by the potential consequences of his mistake, Cyborg swore, immediately switched the lever back to its original place. “What the hell, Batman?” he snapped, looking up to address his superior. 

His annoyance swiftly gave way to worry at the sight of the Dark Knight standing in the microchamber separating the inner and exterior doors while casually fiddling with the screen on his arm guard, his fellow leaguer having taken advantage of the metal man’s split-second distraction to slip into the decontamination zone, knowing full well the door’s safety protocol automatically locked behind him and wouldn’t disengage without a failsafe code.

Meaning that the moment Cyborg had closed the exterior door, no one on the outside could stop Batman from entering the main containment cell…

Anxiety riddling his movements, the bion swiftly activated the speaker system mounted to the microchamber, his fingers stiff from the mixture of shock and failed circulation. “Sir, with all due respect, what the hell are you doing?” Cyborg snapped nervously. Beside him, Martian Manhunter said nothing, only watching curiously at the interaction between the two. 

“I’m going in there.” the Gotham hero replied nonchalantly, turning his attention to the green-skinned man. “Martian, the moment this door opens, dig into its memory and don’t withdraw until it closes behind me.” the Dark Knight ordered, entering the passcode and pressing the “open” button. 

As expected, the telepath’s mental fingers assaulted the creature the second the thick metal panel slid aside, stilling its abstract zooming and distracting it long enough for the Bat to enter the room, its thin frame leaning awkwardly against the wall as it tried to resist Jon’s efforts. The being’s body slumped heavily as the martian’s influence eventually withdrew, its exhaustion on full display in the slight sagging of its shoulders and occasional dips of its head, its struggle to remain both awake and vigilant slowly trickling into a losing battle. 

This bone-deep weariness also appeared to affect the parasite’s awareness, given that the Dark Knight was able to successfully sneak up on the unsuspecting creature, grip it by the neck, and press its back against the wall before it even had time to register his presence in the room. 

Either possessing too little energy to struggle or perhaps frozen with fear, the crimson-skinned beast didn’t dare move, bright blue eyes staring into the deepest recesses of the Bat’s own whilst its feeble fingers instinctively closed around the human’s forearm, ear nodes dipping submissively. 

Cautiously, the Bat reached forward with his empty hand, methodically directing it towards the parasite’s face, observing in fascination at the being’s pupils tightened reflectively, its gaze focused on the appendage with dragonfly-like precision. 

When the leaguer’s wrist disappeared into its peripheral vision and a touch was registered on the rear of its dome, however, those beautiful oceanic orbs slammed shut in expectation of a blow, a soft whimper leaving its lips as the smaller frame began to tremble uncontrollably. 

Disengaging the muzzle’s locking mechanism from its anchor point behind the being’s head, the Dark Knight painstakingly removed the steel mask affixed to the creature’s face, tossing it aside where it landed on the floor with a tinny clack. 

Startled from the noise, the parasite jerked, eyes peeking open to scan the chamber for its source, only to bewilderedly stare at the muzzle lying discarded on the ground. After a moment’s stupor, those shiny orbs, wet with unshed tears, swiveled back to focus on the black-clad hero still pinning it in place, an unreadable expression strewn over its features. 

“It’s alright.” the Caped Crusader cooed, his hand once more drifting towards the predator’s face. “I’m not going to hurt you, Barry .” he added, delicately cupping the being’s cheek. 

Almost instantly, Barry leaned into the touch, the crimson symbiote withdrawing into his skin to reveal a young man in his early 20’s, pale flesh hidden by a pair of worn jeans, a simple black hoodie, and red tennis shoes, dark patches under his eyes that sharply contrasted the dirt and grime mixed into his disheveled blonde hair. 

Nimble fingers awkwardly scrambled against the smooth surface of the Bat’s uniform as the host finally lost his battle with consciousness, eyes rolling into his head as his body collapsed into the hero’s embrace, a tear or two trailing over a gentle smile on pink cracked lips. 

“There you are. I see you, Barry.” the Detective murmured softly into the youth’s luscious locks, hefting the limp form into his strong arms. 

Chapter 12: Red Alert

Notes:

Yo, I'm back. Taking 9 credits instead of my usual 20+ this semester, and graduating in December, so let's get this mofo done before then, yeah?

Chapter 12: Red Alert

Throughout the following week, Barry had remained unconscious despite his significant recovery progress, monitored closely by Dr. Snow and Cisco Ramon. 

With both individuals placed in the Justice League’s protective custody thanks to Cyborg’s quick action on the Bat’s orders, it hadn’t taken much to gather the full story, spanning from their work with the Life Foundation prior to the apocalypse to their odd experience witnessing the birth of the crimson parasite and current vaccine development efforts while on the run from Elling’s squad. 

Initially, Dr. Snow and Cisco had been horrified at the sight of Barry locked up in the vigilante’s personal lab, their fears gradually dissolving into a profound sense of respect once they realized that the forensic scientist’s symbiote had remained dormant while in the leaguer’s care: a powerful-yet-scarce sign stemming from both the host and it’s inhabitant when at their most vulnerable, indicating their absolute trust to openly place their lives in the hands of the Dark Knight. 

While the two engineers spent the majority of their time monitoring Barry and focusing on a vaccine, the Caped Crusader buried himself in his search for the leader of the Goldfinger crew, the man having checked out of the Metropolis citadel just an hour after Cyborg extracted the two scientists and transported them to the space station, with no record of his return or arrival at another citadel available. 

The man had gone completely off the grid, where even Brother Eye could only catch snippets of his crew’s activity, usually involving scenes where the Goldfinger gang were hauling unspecified equipment, catching parasites, or searching various areas in Central City. 

Currently, the Bat stood working at a main control module, fingers flying over a keyboard as he boosted the Watchtower’s security and tracking algorithms in the event the military strategist would make an effort to infiltrate the space station, now that the general was aware someone was interfering with his plans. 

The Gotham native wasn’t surprised when Superman and Wonder Woman approached him at the workstation, barely glancing up as they paused in front of him. “Can you spare a moment? Diana and I have some concerns we’d like to discuss if you’re not busy.” the Kryptonian asked politely. 

“I’m always busy.” the Dark Knight replied, tone flat and unmoving. “What do you want?” he asked as an afterthought. 

“It’s more of a private conversation. Do you have any time today that we could-” Superman began before the black-clad vigilante cut him off with a grunt. 

“I don’t.” the Bat responded, annoyed by their interruption. 

Said interruption was only exacerbated by Diana slamming her hand into the control station’s screen, blocking his view. “Make time.” she demanded, frustration evident in her tone. 

Not even flinching despite the force of the abrupt impact, the Dark Knight turned to continue working on a different module, resuming his furious typing. “You have five minutes.” he conceded. 

Diana straighted. “You’ve been up to something, and we want to know what it is.” she stated matter-of-factly. When the Caped Crusader made no move to argue, she continued. “You’ve spent more time in the field this month alone than the last nine months combined, and the destination is always the same, with no reports, notes, or evidence to show for it. Why?” the Themyscirian questioned. 

“It’s complicated.” the Gotham hero answered, ignoring the way she nearly growled at his response. 

“That doesn’t explain why you brought a live parasite to the Watchtower.” Wonder Woman pressed, shoulders tense with barely-contained aggression. 

“Jon told us about it when we asked what you’ve been up to. He said you went into a containment cell with it as part of an experiment.” Superman explained, shrinking slightly when the Bat aimed a particularly-sharp glare in his direction. 

Considering his next words carefully, the Dark Knight ground his teeth. “It’s a variant I intend to study.” he concluded with an air of defiance, observing as Diana’s eyelid twitched in annoyance. 

Clark cleared his throat, breaking the momentary tense silence lingering between the trio. “As the senior members of the League, we’re responsible for everyone’s safety aboard the Watchtower, and bringing a parasite aboard is a serious security risk. If that parasite gets out of containment-” the alien continued, cut off by Diana elbowing him in the side just as some human employees walked by in the background. 

“It’s mine .” the black-clad vigilante snapped, pausing to type yet another line of code for a Watchtower security update. “I’ll be the one to handle it if anything happens.” he clarified firmly.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Diana narrowed her eyes at her fellow leaguer’s display of possessive-protectiveness. “What are you planning to do with it once you’re done studying it?” she inquired, a frown pulling at the corner of her lips. 

Rolling his shoulders to ease the tension building in his frame, the Detective silently blew air through his teeth in an effort to keep his composure. “That’s none of your concern.” he shot back, sending the security package update to the Watchtower’s main hub so it could start the installation process. 

Before the Amazonian could reply, their comm system buzzed with an emergency code, forcing an abrupt end to the conversation. Pressing a button on their respective ear pieces, all three senior leaguers cued into the conversation. “Guys! I need some help…BT launch pad…parasites!” Hal Jordan’s voice announced between short bursts of noise before the line was filled with static. 

Barely a second after, a series of alerts popped up on the screen the Dark Knight was facing:

ERROR 01: Unauthorized access detected…

ERROR 02: COMM System deactivated…

ERROR 03: Containment Protocols deactivated…

ERROR 04: CLNR Protocol deactivated…

Shit.

Chapter 13: Breach

Chapter 13: Breach

The broken sentence Green Lantern managed to utter was enough to send the trio bolting for the Boom Tube launchpad two levels below them, each hero arriving on scene in no more than five minutes flat. Frantically, various personnel scrambled past the leaguers with screams and shouts of terror, flowing around the group like water and trickling into other parts of the Watchtower’s maze-like structure as the warriors stepped in to address the threat. At least a dozen parasites flitted about the BT launchpad, the few bodies of their victims stripped of flesh and lying discarded on the floor, splotches of an unknown black substance peppering their symbiotes. 

Just out of reach, the green-outlined figure of Hal Jordan hovered in the air above the predators, his ring projecting a gradually-cracking platform supporting a small group of civilians, as well as a large whack-a-mole hammer that he swung wildly in an effort to kill as many of the carnivorous creatures as possible. 

“Clear the room. We’ve got one minute before Lantern’s construct fails.” the Detective ordered, joining the others as they dove into battle, the first kill marked by the explosion of a batarang. 

Amidst the violence, Clark took to the sky, firing down at the parasites with his heat vision. “Sorry we’re late. Mind filling us in?” he asked. 

“See that crate over there?” Lantern questioned, directing the group’s attention towards the center of the room.

Amidst what remained of a STAR Labs transport crate, the shattered carcass of a human-sized containment canister was scattered in a ten-to-twenty foot radius around the reinforced metal base, indicating the device had been rigged with powerful explosives to maximize the symbiote splash zone. 

“The boys thought it was a shipment of lab supplies and asked me to pop the lid and check so they could get it to the right people. Turns out, it was some kind of kamikaze symbiote bomb, and the second I opened it, that guy stood up and started spraying.” the interspace police officer added. 

Beside the crate, a body dressed in full military armor was slumped against the floor, shrapnel embedded throughout the individual’s flesh leaving pools of blood on the cold steel surface beneath them. 

“Barely had time to project a shield before the bomb went off. Tried to lock down the BT pad before any of them escaped, but something broke and I had to focus on the civvies.” Hal finished, gesturing to the platform loaded with personnel hovering beside him. 

“I think whatever equipment the guy set up knocked out the comms while you called for backup. We caught snippets, which were thankfully enough to lead us here, but not much got through.” Diana added, driving her sword through a parasite’s chest. 

“Wait, something doesn’t add up. These are stage four infected, and it’s been less than ten minutes since they came into contact with the bomber’s symbiotes. We should barely be seeing stage one symptoms at this point, not full-blown transformations.” Kal-El reasoned, concern lacing his tone. 

“Their symbiotes have been modified.” the Gotham hero concurred, gaze scanning the expanse of black splotches littering their opponents’ usually yellow bodies. “Lantern, how many escaped?” he asked, voice bouncing off the metal walls. 

The green-clad alien frowned when he realized just how few hadn’t been infected in the initial chaos. “Employee headcount says I’m missing at least 30.” Hal replied, checking a list of personnel one of the crew members held out to him. 

“One thing at the time. We’ll clear these and regroup once it’s safe.” Clark answered, disappointment marking his features. 

True to the Detective’s estimation, the moment the last body hit the floor, Hal lost his fight to remain airborne and started plummeting towards the ground, the platform shattering under the civilians feet. Firing his grapple gun across the room, the Caped Crusader used the momentum to launch himself across the space, slide-catching his fellow leaguer before he hit the ground whilst Superman and Wonder Woman busied themselves ensuring that the launchpad personnel were escorted to safety once their feet met the floor. 

As the semi-immune heroes ushered the non-contaminated humans out of the launchpad bay and into a secure area, the Caped Crusader inspected his fellow vigilante, eyes narrowing at the sight of a bite wound marking the younger man’s forearm. “You’ve been bit.” he stated. 

Following his elder’s gaze to the injury, Hal offered the elder a nervous smile, sweat trickling down his forehead. “Y-yeah. Got distracted and one of them snuck up on me. My ring’s been fighting the infection, but that little run-in took a lot out of me.” the Green Lantern confessed, skin tone fluctuating between his usual tanned complexion and a familiar shade of yellow. 

As the Themysciran returned, Clark's voice cleared his throat through the reestablished communication line. “Comms are back online. Jon and I are handling search-and-evac and Cyborg's working on rebooting and fixing the Watchtower.” he reported dutifully. 

“God, I can see why the boss hates that people worship you supers so much.” a voice chuckled menacingly somewhere in the immediate area, prompting the vigilantes to glance over at the presumed kamikaze’s corpse in the room, blood spurting from the man’s mouth as he spoke. “They’re all going to turn, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it, but you supers just keep fighting , keep trying to save them…even when there’s no fucking point . I don’t get it.” he continued, gritting his teeth in a malicious grin even as an ARGUS-issue hacking module attached to his arm-guard electrocuted the left side of his body. 

“As long as people like you and your boss exist, you probably won’t understand why we do what we do any more than we understand why you did what you did. It’s a choice.” Hal snapped, protesting weakly when Diana attempted to shush him. “And you chose to do this. And for what? To stir shit up? To prove a point?” he growled, one eye already starting to turn red. 

Light fading quickly from the bomber’s gaze, the man offered the leaguers a smug expression. “To send a message.” he answered, a yellow handprint becoming visible as he picked up his discarded helmet and positioned it firmly on his head, lifting his gaze to meet the Dark Knight’s eye. “Your move.” he finished, chin meeting chest as the last breath left his frame.

Not even a second later, an alert popped up on the Detective's PDA, indicating a security breach in his lab. “Get Lantern to the medbay and prep a cryo-stasis unit. I'll rendezvous with you there.” he ordered, vanishing from the room in little more than the hiss of a grappler and the flash of a shadow before either leaguer could question him. 

Chapter 14: Executive Decisions

Notes:

Sorry lads! Got buried in homework, projects, and a new work promotion! Still working on this one, promise!

Chapter 14: Executive Decisions

Not daring to waste even a second, the Gotham hero sprinted from hallway to hallway, skillfully deploying a mixture of smoke bombs and taser darts to any parasite that remotely met his sight, going as far as to climb through several vents in order to cut out time and potential exposure waiting for an elevator or passing through a staircase hall might take. 

That being said, his efforts ensured that he arrived at the entrance to his personal lab in less than five minutes, immediately dropping to all fours at the sight of the reinforced door resting slightly ajar, the bottom of a sneaker visibly wedged between the frame and lock stile. 

Cautiously, the Detective crouch-shuffled over to the entryway and delicately pried the door open further while listening for any nearby assailants, frowning at the sight of Cisco Ramon lying unconscious on the cool tile floor, the front of his t-shirt singed at the point where his sternum hid behind the fabric. 

Hearing the telltale sound of parasites wandering the halls behind him, the Caped Crusader silently stepped over the fallen engineer and carefully pulled his limb free of the door, pressing two fingers against the man’s neck to check for a pulse once the bulletproof-glass-inlaid-surface locked into place, safely securing the inhabitants in the room from whatever horrors roamed outside. 

Confident the former STAR Labs employee was in no medical danger other than a potential concussion, the black-clad vigilante methodically dragged the latino behind a workstation where he’d be safe from gunfire, opting to scuttle from cover to cover as he advanced further into the lab. 

The sound of struggling and a sudden pained cry was quick to draw his attention towards the left-most portion of the area, prompting the Bat to peek out from behind a nearby dissection table at the scene unfolding. 

Two individuals dressed in full combat gear stood opposite Dr. Snow, a gold handprint visible on both of their shoulder armor. Strapped to the first goon’s back was an ARGUS-issue personal teleporter module, the device likely intended as a backup escape route, the screen indicating it was already pre-calibrated with a planned destination. The second held an electric cattle prod and carried a variety of restraint equipment, including heavy-duty cuffs, a reinforced body wrap, a blindfold, and a muzzle. 

Kneeling between the two goldfinger gang members with his wrists cuffed tightly behind him was the recognizably familiar frame of Barry Allen, skin pale and body slumping despite his desperate effort to remain conscious, bright blue eyes glassy and unfocused due to a suspected combination of drugs and torture.

“Stop! Don’t hurt him!” Caitlyn pleaded as one of the goons grabbed a fistful of Barry’s hair and yanked his head backward, her hands shaking under the pressure to remain composed in front of the intruders regardless of the fragile extraction equipment she held. 

“We both know this thing isn’t human, so why do you keep trying to protect it, hm? You got some kind of sick momma-baby attachment to it or something?” the mercenary taunted as he lifted the cattle prod to hover just to the side of the forensic scientist’s line of sight, grinning wickedly as the young man eyed the weapon in his peripheral vision, swallowing thickly as it sparked menacingly close to his face. 

When the woman refused to answer, the soldier released Barry’s hair with a dissatisfied grunt, letting the boy’s head loll forward for a minute, only to pull back and unceremoniously drive the electricity-lined stick into the nape of the younger man’s neck. “Come on! Stop holding back and show us the monster you really are!” the merc sneered as he knelt down beside his captive, eyes gleaming as the scientist threw his head back and emitted a feral cry as his symbiote surged to the surface. 

The moment the goon withdrew his weapon, the crimson parasite slumped forward until his forehead rested on the cool tile floor, ear nodes flicking erratically as his chest heaved, a series of soft cries involuntarily leaving his throat. Dazed, the creature slowly lifted its head, ocean blue orbs watery with tears as they scanned the surrounding area, vision unfocused and blurry as the being’s gaze locked with the Detective’s own. 

One hand tightly grasping a batarang, the Caped Crusader lifted a finger to his lips despite the angry grind of his teeth, a silent request that the forensics expert keep his position hidden. ‘Trust me.’ the Bat mentally repeated, pushing the phrase into his energy in some hope that Barry’s symbiote would intercept and translate the message.

Any attempt at a reply was cut short when a calloused hand wrapped around the front of Barry’s throat and roughly yanked his head back, holding him still as the merc withdrew a muzzle from his pack. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” the soldier teased, leering down predatorily as the parasite’s irises shrank in terror. 

Before the assailant could secure the restraint over the creature’s face, the Gotham hero vaulted out from behind his workstation cover while launching a pair of batarangs, successfully impaling the merc’s hand with one of the metal projectiles whilst the other severed the teleporter unit strapped to the other goon’s back. 

Unwilling to give either intruder time to recover, the black-clad vigilante followed the momentum of the throw in a spin, driving his boot into the first soldier’s temple, not bothering to look at the man’s body unceremoniously folding towards the floor. The second assailant was quick to draw his firearm and level it at the threat, only to have his aim forcibly redirected as the Dark Knight’s arm guard smashed into his hand, broken fingers somehow still managing to pull the trigger. 

Time seemed to slow as the weapon fired, the gun’s only loaded symbiote canister locked in a collision course with the center of Dr. Snow’s chest, the black substance contained within undulating excitedly at the promise of claiming a host…only for the canister to shatter across a crimson frame just seconds before it could make contact. 

“Barry!” the Dark Knight shouted, punching the shooter in the sternum with enough force to render the man unconscious, while Dr. Snow looked on in shocked stupor as the coal-colored symbiote sank beneath the surface of the forensic scientist’s flesh. 

In response to the intruder, Allen’s crimson symbiote withdrew, the younger man’s body starting to jerk awkwardly before collapsing to the ground in a pile of seizing limbs, ocean blue eyes rolling back into his head as a mixture of human and alien noises poured from his foaming mouth. 

Snapped out of her trance by the sound of the Bat calling her name, Caitlyn rushed to join him at Barry’s side, practiced hands immediately shifting into autopilot as she began taking vitals and assessing the situation with the doctor's side of her brain, pausing only when the cry of a parasite echoing down the hall outside the lab met her ear. “What’s going on out there?” she asked, terror creeping into her voice. 

“Armed intruder in the BT launchbay hid in a cargo shipment and detonated a bomb containing a new strain of symbiote that’s already turned half the ship.” the Caped Crusader replied, not bothering to mention the inside hacking job that disabled their security protocols. “Evac is in-progress and the others are working to contain the situation.” he added. 

“We don’t even have a cure for the original strain yet. How are we supposed to-” the former STAR Labs employee began, cutting herself off with a yelp as Barry’s eyes flashed black and the coal-shaded symbiote abruptly emerged from the right side of his face, teeth bared in a snarl before it vanished back into his body. 

“ Focus , Doctor Snow.” the Dark Knight ordered, roughly pinning the youth’s wrists to the floor as Allen continued to thrash wildly in his grip. “How can we help Barry?” he questioned, trying to ignore the soft noise the forensic scientist emitted in response to the vigilante’s voice. 

For a moment, Caitlyn didn’t respond, staring blankly down at the patient as he convulsed violently. “I have an idea.” she replied, quickly standing up and shuffling over to Cisco, snatching his iPad from the floor. “During his first transformation, Barry’s limbic system was dormant because he was struck by lightning while the symbiote fused to him. If we can replicate those conditions-” she explained, gesturing to the screen at a series of vitals on display. 

“-we could safeguard Barry’s consciousness and weaponize his original symbiote against the new one by feeding it more material to work with. That’s genius!” Cisco’s voice cut in from across the room, drawing the duo’s attention. “Also, ow .” the mechanical engineer added, wincing as a sharp pain echoed across his chest, a likely result of being tased if the burn marks on the front of his shirt were anything to judge by. 

“Take it slow. You might have a concussion. You hit the ground pretty hard.” Caitlyn insisted, carefully assisting her coworker to his feet. 

“I’m good.” Cisco replied with a smirk in an effort to convince her, despite hissing in discomfort. His gaze turned fiery at the sight of Barry seizing on the floor, expression shifting into a mixture of concern and determination as the physician returned the iPad to his grasp. “Let’s save our boy.” the latino proclaimed, sliding his palm into the strap. 

As her colleague immediately moved towards the center control module, Dr. Snow shuffled over to a medical supply synthesizer and typed in an order for Propofol as she slipped on a pair of latex gloves, prepping a syringe as the coma-inducing medication was being manufactured. “Get him into the cell. We’ll take it from there.” she ordered, a tinge of anxiety audible in her voice. 

Nodding in silent acknowledgement of the command, the Caped Crusader gingerly lifted Barry into a bridal-style carry, protectively bracing the forensic scientist’s head against his armored heart as he entered the giant “glass” box and delicately deposited the patient on the cot. 

And if he paused to plant a soft kiss to the back of a pale hand as he pulled away, only the most observant security cameras would bear witness.

The second the Bat exited the cell, the comm link in his helmet activated, buzzing demandingly in his ear as his HUD lit up with the caller ID. “Batman to Wonder Woman. Report.” the Dark Knight greeted, pressing two fingers to the side of his headgear to answer the call. 

“We made it to medbay, but we’re surrounded. There’s a group of civilians that need evac and Hal’s rapidly deteriorating. Send backup.” Wonder Woman’s voice replied amidst a cacophony of noise.

Reluctantly, the Detective glanced over at his fellow humans as the STAR Labs pair monitored Barry and the symbiotes with the vigilance of crows, both working in such perfect synchronicity to care for the mixed breed of his affection that the Caped Crusader couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over his adrenaline-flushed body. 

“I’m on my way.” he answered, imitating a call gesture to Caitlyn as he slipped out the door. 

Chapter 15: Last Resort

Chapter 15: Last Resort

On his way to the medbay, the Caped Crusader rigged his headset for a second call, the ringtone echoing in his ear for less than a second before the recipient picked up. “Cyborg.” the bion greeted. 

“Status report.” the Dark Knight replied, grappling past a small horde of wandering parasites in his path. 

“I’ve got most of our systems back online. Still working on the drones.” Cyborg answered. 

“Are the scanners functional?” the vigilante asked, pausing to hide around a corner. 

“For the most part. Calibration is being difficult with humanoids at the moment.” the bion confirmed. 

“Run a full scan of the Watchtower and place the drones on standby. Report any civilian positions to Superman and send me a live tracker of hostiles.” the Bat ordered, ducking into a vent. 

“Will do.” the half-man-half-machine replied, cutting the line. 

Like clockwork, the Gotham hero switched comms to Diana, waiting patiently for her to answer the phone as he crawled through the vent tube. “Wonder Woman.” the Amazon’s voice greeted, her tone a mix of frustration and concentration.

“I’m two minutes from your position, approaching from east wing.” the Bat stated, already hearing the screams of parasites advancing on the god-killer’s position. 

“Hurry.” she replied, hanging up. 

Silently unlatching the vent cover connected to the corner joint at the end of the east wing’s hallway leading to the medbay, the black-clad vigilante swiftly descended to the floor and sprinted in the direction of the infirmary, withdrawing his Maxim 9 and leveling it to aim at the horde swarming his fellow leaguer. Six shots later, the two heroes were clear to retreat and enter the medbay, much to the relief of the civilians hiding within.

“What now?” the Amazonian asked, sheathing her sword with mildly dirtied hands. 

“We need to reduce visibility and noise as much as possible.” the Dark Knight answered, shuffling about the room to unplug unnecessary equipment. 

Nodding in agreement, Diana turned her attention to ushering civilians into corners and covering them with blankets as her coworker shut off the lights and strategically placed taller machines and items in front of the windows to block the view of any passersby. 

Once the 20 innocent people were safely out of sight, the two leaguers entered the isolation ward towards the back of the infirmary, only to find a pair of doctors and nurses struggling to restrain Hal to a medical cot in one of the rooms. Thankfully, the green lantern’s infection was still locked in stage one of the progression due to his ring’s power, yet the symptoms appeared to be a mix in severity ranging from stage one through stage three. 

Immediately, the two supers surged forward to assist, much to the gratefulness of the medical staff. As a nurse finally administered a sedative, the Dark Knight scanned the room, frowning at the visible absence of a stasis unit. “He doesn’t have much time before the infection progresses. Where’s the cryopod?” the Gotham vigilante questioned, stepping back as Hal began to relax. 

“My assistant went next door to get it, but he got spotted by parasites. The doors jammed and the pod’s control panel and power supply were damaged in the struggle.” the doctor explained with an air of defeat. “I’m sorry.” he added softly, looking down at his feet like a child being scolded for poor grades in school. 

“Don’t be. So many lives have been lost, and we appreciate everything you’re doing to try and help the situation.” Wonder Woman interrupted, placing a gentle hand on the physician’s shoulder. The man’s gaze finally left the floor as his eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, offering the woman a rueful smile and a respectful nod in response as the two leaguers returned to the lobby of the infirmary. 

“What now?” the Amazonian asked, her voice hushed to a whisper. 

“We wait. We don’t have enough shielding between the two of us for evacing a group this size until Cyborg can launch the drones. Lantern’s ring will fight the infection long enough for us to finish evac, then we focus on cleanup.” the black-clad crime fighter replied, leaning tiredly against the wall.

“You’re not suggesting-” the Themascyrian began as she crossed her arms over her chest, trailing off at the sight of her colleague’s grim expression. 

“We don’t have a choice, Diana. Our only chance for a cure has been compromised and we can’t risk contamination with the modified symbiotes. Our best option is to contain the infected to the Watchtower until we have a better plan.” he argued, grinding his teeth in frustration. 

“That’s not good enough! We could find another cryopod-” the Amazonian snapped before she was hastily interrupted by the Bat slamming her against the wall and pressing a hand over her mouth. 

Any protest was cut short with a simple gesture to be quiet as the familiar sound of a parasite’s screech could be heard just outside the medbay doors, the illuminated form of one of the bloodthirsty creatures passing through the hallway pausing to curiously approach one of the large observation windows drawing their attention, its breath visible on the glass. 

“ Nobody move .” the Caped Crusader commanded in a whisper, already laser-focused on the most minute of the yellow-skinned being’s movements.

Much to his annoyance, a man sitting in the corner closest to said window swallowed thickly as the predator’s teeth loomed just inches from his face, sweat trickling down his forehead as he painstakingly began scooting backwards in retreat. 

Across the room, Diana’s fingers slowly coiled about the grip of her sword as the parasite’s unseeing gaze briefly wandered in the man’s direction, her stance shifting in expectation of an attack.

Startled by predator’s unseeing gaze suddenly locking with his own, the man’s body jolted in alarm, his hand mistakenly anchoring against the wheeled base of a mobile laptop stand, the abrupt shift in weight sending the item skittering across the floor, where it clanged loudly against the metal railing of a medical cot. 

Instantly, the parasite locked onto the sound, screeching wildly as it began slamming its smooth dome into the glass in an effort to pursue the source, its symbiote-reinforced skull gradually cracking the bulletproof material until it started gradually spiderwebbing towards the edges of the frame. 

With one of their few security measures threatening to collapse and the civilians’ panic starting to show, the black-clad vigilante drew a batarang from his belt, gesturing in the direction of the medbay’s rear storage room. “Secure the civilians in the storage room and barricade the door. I’ll buy you some time. Go, now!” the Gotham hero ordered, manually unlocking the medbay doors and rushing out into the hall, Diana moving to secure the door behind him. 

Immediately, the parasite turned its attention away from the window, charging towards the leaguer with fangs bared in an aggressive snarl. Dodging to the side as the beast lunged, the Dark Knight used the creature’s momentum against it and simply held his blade aloft, the poison tip slicing cleanly across the predator’s hip. The being didn’t even have time to turn and face the hero for a second attack before the paralytic began to circulate throughout its body, sending the parasite’s body tumbling to the group in a pile of limbs just as more rounded the corner, drawn in by the noise. 

As if on cue, the comm link in his helmet buzzed, demanding his attention. “Batman.” he answered, grabbing an extendable bo staff from his belt.

“Scanners are online and drones are ready. Tell me how many and where to.” Cyborg reported dutifully. 

“10 to medbay. Tell Jon and Clark to get to the lower shuttles. We have 20 civilians who will rendezvous with them for extraction.” the Bat replied, expertly dodging around the two parasites as they scrambled over each other for the first claim on the prey. 

“Understood. Drones are en route, and upper levels are clear of civvies. Scanning for hostiles now.” the bion answered, followed by the familiar soft whirr of the Watchtower’s security system booting up. 

Less than ten seconds after the Caped Crusader downed the two predators, Cyborg made a noise akin to a coffee grinder spitting out the last drops of bean mix into the pot: a telltale indicator that the half-man-half-machine was experiencing something his processor struggled to analyze, a strikingly rare occurrence despite the human-portion of his brain’s logic parameters impact on the robotic-portion’s function. 

“Report.” the Bat commanded, a hint of question in his tone. 

“Scanners picked up something weird. Gonna recalibrate and call ya back. Five hostiles incoming. Drone ETA two minutes.” the techno-organic replied, ending the call just as more parasites made their presence known. 

A group of three predators blocked the hallway to the Dark Knight’s left, two more mirroring the carnivorous creatures on the right. Behind him, the medbay doors awkwardly slid open as Diana moved to join the combat, sword in one hand and shield in the other. 

“The civilians are safe for now, but Hal’s condition is worsening. We are running out of time.” the Amazonian reported, shifting into a fighting stance. “Where are the others?” she asked. 

“Heading to the lower shuttles. Drones are two minutes out. We clear the hostiles first then retreat to start evac.” the Gotham hero answered, twirling his staff threateningly as the duo’s opponents began to move. 

Opting to engage the pack of three, the sounds of battle were quick to fill the hall as Wonder Woman rushed into the fray, leaving her black-clad colleague to engage the remaining pair of predators. Thankfully, no others were drawn to the area by the loud clangs of flesh meeting metal or the parasites’ cries, leaving the two leaguers to dispatch the small group without fear of endangering the civilians further. 

The same metrics did not apply to themselves, however, as the Caped Crusader found himself tackled by one of the Themascryian’s opponents from behind, recovering his stance in a half-slide that threw the beast into his front field of view but forced his body to remain too low to the ground to properly retreat as the predator’s rear claws dug into the ground, giving it just enough anchoring to leap forward again. 

With next to no time to counter effectively, the Dark Knight opted to drop his staff and raised his forearm, the parasite’s maw automatically snapping down on the offered limb with an aggressive snarl, its needle-like fangs unable to pierce the Bat’s flesh protected by a layer of kevlar and the reinforced titanium of his wrist guard. 

With claws wildly slashing at his chestplate and helmet as the predator thrashed back and forth, the vigilante struggled to withdraw another batarang from his belt due the obstruction to his vision and the violent movement, much to his colleague’s concern as a particularly spine-chilling scream echoed through the air. 

Diana cried his name as a blur of red unexpectedly slammed into the body on top of him, sending both creatures tumbling down the corridor in a ball of yellow and crimson appendages and snapping teeth, giving the Dark Knight just enough time to recover to his feet and assist the Amazonian warrior with the last remaining two opponents.

Once their initial assailants were downed, the “supers” turned their attention to the sight of the yellow parasite’s symbiote emerging from its host’s chest, the anomalous entity plopping unceremoniously to the floor beside the unconscious human, where it emitted high-pitched sounds similar to uncontrollable screaming as its body was forcefully transformed into a pile of necrotic matter. 

As the blood-shaded creature’s gaze shifted to focus on the two remaining organics within close proximity, the black-clad crime fighter found himself stepping in front of the Themascyrian as she leveled her sword at the beast, the being’s familiar blue eyes tracking every movement with hawk-like precision. 

“Stand down.” the Gotham native ordered, glaring at the Amazonian over his shoulder as if daring her to challenge his authority in such a risky predicament. 

The clay woman offered him a look mixed with suspicion and incredulity but slowly lowered her blade, one hand hesitantly sliding the weapon into the sheath affixed to her hip whilst the other re-affixed her shield to the mount on the god-killer’s back. 

Above them, the gentle whirring of Cyborg’s drones congregated as the robots waited patiently for a command, their spider-like bodies having emerged from a ceiling vent during the fight, a slew of tiny red glowing optics staring down at the trio from above.

Inhaling and exhaling deeply to calm the racing of his heart, the Detective faced the crimson creature and extended the open palm of his left hand: silently projecting an offer to both the host and symbiote.

Cautiously, the blood-shaded being approached the two leaguers and let out a soft chirp, ear nodes dipping submissively as he nuzzled his smooth dome against the Caped Crusader’s hand, bright ocean eyes staring at the Dark Knight between the man’s gloved fingers. A gentle smile pulled at the Gotham hero’s lips as affection swelled in his chest at the display, an action unseen by the Themscyrian standing flabbergasted behind him. 

The Amazon managed to close her mouth and compose herself as the black-clad crime fighter requested her lasso, which was immediately relinquished and placed in a loose circle around the parasite’s neck, resembling a leash. As the three retreated into the temporary safety of the infirmary, words finally formed in her throat. “What-how-?” the clay warrior began, cut off by a cry of pain originating from the isolation ward. 

“I’ll explain later. We need to move, now .” the Detective cut in, urgently steering the small group towards the room housing Hal, the crimson parasite and Amazonian following in kind.

Secured by a set of thick restraints, the intergalactic police officer lie twisted in a mock impression of a pretzel on the medical cot, hyperventilating and sweaty, his eyes bloodshot and glazed over with a layer of fear. Based on the vital monitors and live scans, the Lantern was mere minutes away from a full transformation, if his body didn’t give out before his ring’s willpower supply did.

The moment he entered the room, Barry’s ear nodes began to vibrate attentively, his blood-shaded form automatically gravitating toward the fallen leaguer’s bedside, aided by the slack added to the length of lasso resting in the crime fighter’s hand despite Diana’s quiet protests. 

“What is it doing?” she asked as Barry gingerly nudged Hal’s head to the side, the appendage offering no resistance due to the Green Lantern’s lack of strength. 

“Helping.” the black-clad vigilante replied simply.

It was only reasonable for her hand to instinctively curl around the hilt of her sword as the parasite’s fangs abruptly sank into the meat of her companion’s bicep, the sudden injury forcing the young man’s frame to arch off the bed and elicit a shout before Hal fell peacefully unconscious, a bubbling mass of decaying symbiote emerging from his chest.

A minute passed in tense silence as Diana rushed to the Lantern's bedside and observed in real-time as the green-clad hero's health improved dramatically before she turned towards Barry, the crimson beast instinctively retreating as she approached, only to find his spine pressed into a corner. The clay woman’s next hint of motion sent Barry’s ear nodes drooping and teary eyes clenching in expectation of a blow, trembling frame shadowed by the Amazon’s broad shoulders and intense stare. 

Despite the gentleness of the battle-worn hand that settled on the top of his dome, a violent flinch still wracked the smaller being's body before a calloused thumb began rubbing soothing circles into the flesh of his forehead, effectively draining him of fear alongside sweet words of praise and gratitude whispered into his ear. 

Chapter 16: Long Overdue

Notes:

Sorry, got lost in graduation, getting a new job, and paying student loans. Class of 2024, baby, let's go!

Chapter 16: Long Overdue

Once the Watchtower was fully secure, operations were quick to resume as evacuated personnel ferried back to the satellite, assisting with repairs, cleanup, and aiding with the treatment of the people freshly purged of the symbiotes. 

Sat side by side in a room, Batman and Barry Allen observed quietly as the remainder of the league conversed privately with Dr. Snow and Cisco in the other room. In an effort to take both their minds off the potentially nuclear argument taking place next door, the Bat busied himself in examining his charge, carefully inspecting the youth’s body for wounds. 

Thankfully, the forensic scientist was rather complicit in the process, sipping idly from a small carton of orange juice as the Dark Knight inspected his thin frame, his pale skin peeking out from under a borrowed set of jeans and an oversized black hoodie. 

“When we first met, why didn’t you kill me like you do with other parasites?” the blonde suddenly blurted, flinching as the Caped Crusader’s gaze immediately snapped to him. 

Sighing, the Bat set aside his tools. “Because you weren’t like the others.” he replied, keeping his tone even and calm.
“But, how did you know?” Barry pressed, curling further into himself. 

“Parasites are sentient beings that operate like pack hunters, coordinating their strikes to take down their prey, like wolves. When you position yourself between a parasite and its target, you’re making a choice : a choice to protect , something that parasites aren’t capable of. In that moment, you showed me what you really were.” the Detective explained. 

“Then what am I?” the blonde inquired, tears pooling in his oceanic eyes as he looked down at his hands, the appendages pooled in his lap.

Against his better judgement, the Bat lifted a gloved hand and gently wiped one of the younger man’s tears away. “Nothing like the monster you think you are.” he replied, unfiltered honesty coating every word. 

Their moment of transparency was short-lived, however, as the rest of the team entered the room, prompting the forensic scientist to quickly wipe his eyes and steel himself for the verdict of their conversation. 

“We have a better understanding of the situation now, but there are still some things we need to explore.” Diana stated, Clark, Hal, and Jon nodding along with her. 

“Like what?” the blonde asked, shoulders hunching just the slightest bit more in his anxiety. 

“Your symbiote.” Cisco answered, resting one hand on his hip. 

The Green Lantern in the room gestured between Barry and his fellow green-clad hero. “Jon thinks we can talk to it somehow.” Hal clarified, unhelpfully. 

The martian stepped forward, red eyes scanning the young man curiously. “Due to my abilities, I can sense two sapient presences in your body. However, while your mind is active, the symbiote’s presence is subservient. I have reason to suspect that while your mind is dormant, your symbiote may act independently, with or without your knowledge.” the alien explained soberly. 

Carefully, Dr. Snow took Barry’s hand, like a mother delicately interrogating a child. “Can you remember waking up somewhere weird, blacking out, or doing something you wouldn’t normally do?” she questioned, determinedly trying to keep the nerves out of her voice. 

Brows furrowing, the forensic scientist paused, considering her words thoughtfully for several seconds before his face paled, eyes widening in alarm. “Yeah, a few times.” he finally replied, looking from person to person warily as everyone tensed at the news. “Did…did I hurt anyone?” he asked tentatively, swallowing thickly. 

In an effort to keep the mood light, Cisco clicked a pen. “I’ll add that question to the list.” the mechanical engineer quipped, scribbling on a notepad he produced from his pocket. 

“It might not have, but for us to know for sure, we’d need to talk to it. And that means you’d need to be unconscious, at least temporarily, so it can switch places with you.” Clark added, offering the blonde a tight but encouraging smile. 

Immediately, Barry looked to Caitlyn, expression filled with alarm. “It’s your choice. They won’t do anything without your consent.” she stated firmly, prompting the others to nod respectfully. 

Much to the Gotham hero’s surprise, the young man then turned his attention to him, their gazes locking as Barry voicelessly conferred the elder with his trust, waiting patiently for the other to accept the thread of vulnerability before the blonde agreed to the operation. 

With practiced ease, the martian lifted two fingers to Allen’s forehead, his green flesh pressing feather-light to pale skin. “Close your eyes and breathe deeply, as if you are falling asleep.” the alien instructed helpfully. 

The second the Central City native’s eyes slid shut, the tension drained from his frame, his body instantly sagging forward as he was pulled deep into unconsciousness, held upright by the Bat’s arm splaying across his chest. 

Automatically, the crimson symbiote slithered forth from underneath Barry’s clothes now that Allen’s consciousness was dormant, the scarlet skin gradually consuming the young man’s form until he resembled a parasite in appearance, save for the entirely white shade of his eyes when they finally snapped open. 

In mere seconds after its consciousness settled in the body, the symbiote scanned the room, ear nodes already flicking about for signs of danger, pupils constricting at the sight of so many high profile leaguers in close proximity. 

“It’s alright.” Martian Manhunter greeted, withdrawing his touch from the symbiote’s smooth dome. “We mean you no harm.” he added, stepping a respectful distance backward. 

For a brief moment, the symbiote looked from person to person, quietly assessing the situation. “What do you want?” it asked cautiously, its vocal tones resembling Barry’s, if the language it spoke was “reverb”.

“Do you have a name?” the Amazonian questioned in return, leveling the symbiote with her signature scrutinizing glare. 

“My name is Flash.” the crimson creature responded hesitantly, the name immediately flagging in the Detective’s mind as a title the citizens of Central City had been using to address their protector. 

“Do you mind if we ask you some questions, Flash?” Superman added, his long-time reporter skills showing through the hero costume. 

Suddenly aware of the hand slowly withdrawing from its position on his chest, the symbiote reflexively reached up and snagged the Dark Knight’s appendage, gently squeezing the gloved flesh in a silent plea for support as he leaned ever-so-slightly against the muscular body behind him. “What do you want to know?” Flash questioned, still a bit nervous. 

“How did you end up on Earth?” Hal blurted, waiting uncharacteristically patiently for the creature to formulate his words into a reply. 

“I am- was a soldier.” the symbiote stated, looking down at a random spot on the floor as his ear nodes drooped. “My mission was to select a host and consume all sentient life on this planet.” he added stoically. 

“Who gave you the orders?” Batman inquired, noting how the semi-parasite’s core tensed from the question. 

“My creator, Knull, the Lord of the Abyss.” Flash answered after a moment of hesitation. 

Diana frowned. “I’ve heard this name in passing. Legend states that before the universe existed, there was the Abyss and the Beyond, the infinite darkness and the infinite light, embodied by Knull and the Celestials respectively. Knull is known for spreading death and destruction across space and time, and rejecting the Celestials’ decree for balance across the universe.” the Themascyrian explained, deep in thought.

“But you’ve been here for a long time. Why didn’t you carry out your orders?” Caitlyn asked, her voice soft and filled with curiosity. 

“During the LF1 return expedition, I escaped containment and bonded to one of the astronauts. Upon reentry, the ship collided with a satellite, and the resulting damage exposed us to lethal amounts of electricity. My connection to the hive-mind was severed and my consciousness was flooded with the astronaut’s emotions and memories.” Flash explained, swallowing thickly. “I’d never felt alive , never felt anything , and suddenly I could feel everything and I was so…” the symbiote trailed off, eyes closing tightly as he recalled the event. 

“...scared.” the Amazonian concluded, her expression turning fond. 

The crimson creature nodded in agreement. “I didn’t know what else to do, so I ran.” the symbiote added. 

“I understand the experience.” Jon offered, setting on hand on the being’s shoulder in an effort to comfort him. “Earth is home to a diverse array of life forms, each with their own place in the planet’s ecosystem.” the martian clarified delicately. 

“In my panic, I jumped from host to host until I ended up in the body of a cat. In that form, I was searching for food when I was attacked by a large dog. I escaped by squeezing through a gap in a fence and hid in a garden until I lost consciousness from my injuries.” Flash continued, subconsciously pulling Caped Crusader’s hand closer as if seeking protection. 

“That’s where you met the Allens.” the Bat replied, recalling images of the Allen household’s picturesque cross-lace fence in the reports. 

Flash nodded. “Barry’s mother, Nora, discovered me and her husband, Henry, treated my injuries. I couldn’t have expected their kindness to extend beyond that, but it did.” the symbiote explained, mouth quirking at the corners in a fond smile. “Nora bathed me, petted me, sang to me. Henry fed me, talked to me, and took me to work with him. They even gave me a new name. I was always free to wander and leave, but something kept drawing me back.” the crimson form clarified, visibly relaxing into the Dark Knight’s hold. 

A smile stretched across Clark’s face as he observed. “What was it?” he asked, already damn well knowing the answer. 

“ Love .” Flash replied, tears pooling in his stark white eyes. “And I learned what that word meant when Barry was born.” he added, letting some of the tears pour over rather than wiping them away, as if speaking the words themselves were fluid. 

Awkwardly, Cisco cleared his throat. “I read the report about their deaths. What happened that night?” he questioned, quickly ducking between Hal and Clark in the event he pushed the limit of Flash’s emotional capacity. 

“Another symbiote from the LF1 crash, Reverse, survived and had been hunting me from the beginning. That night, he witnessed the insubordination of my existence living in the Allen home, and attacked using a human host he’d claimed from one of the neighboring dwellings. Sensing his presence, I switched hosts to Henry to protect Nora and tried to explain the circumstances, but Reverse was only interested in bloodshed.” Flash answered, the honesty of his confession weighing heavy on his heart as more tears pooled in his gaze. “The noise of the disturbance roused Barry from sleep and he came downstairs. I let Nora calling out to him distract me from the battle, and in that lapse, Reverse killed Henry. When he lunged at Barry, I…” he cut himself off abruptly, desperately trying to maintain his composure. 

“You lost control.” the Caped Crusader finished simply, palm settling over the symbiote’s smooth dome like a protective blanket. “But you took care to remove Barry from any possibility of harm, and left him with people he trusted…in the event you couldn’t protect him.” the Bat added, his voice a grounding presence in the air. 

The crimson creature made a warbled noise of confirmation. “I managed to kill Reverse, but I sustained too much damage to heal Nora’s injuries. When she saw what I really was, she still looked at me with the same love and care in her eyes, even as her consciousness was fading.” Flash murmured, body trembling with the weight of his confession. “In her final moments, she ordered me to spend the rest of my life protecting Barry, and he has been my host ever since.” the symbiote finalized, shakily leaning into the comfort of the black-clad hero at his back. 

Tense silence permeated the room for a moment before Hal cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the parasite’s complex display of emotion. “If you killed Reverse, how are the parasites forming from his symbiote?” he asked, confusion written on his features. 

“I don’t know. When a symbiote’s consciousness dies, its cells become dormant. Without a master consciousness controlling them, they just exist in a state of limbo until either they decompose, or get absorbed by another symbiote.” Flash answered. 

“The symbiote sample we recovered from the crash must’ve belonged to Reverse, and the dark matter from the particle accelerator explosion reactivated the samples we used in our experiments.” Dr. Snow theorized, scribbling furiously on her notepad. 

“It’s kind of like those ants that get infected with the cordyceps fungus. The fragments would default to any pre-coded behavior, since they didn’t have a master consciousness controlling them.” the mechanical engineer reasoned aloud, scratching his head. 

“Great, so we’ve discovered that the parasites are actually pieces of a zombie symbiote turning people into monsters. How do we fight them?” the Green Lantern sighed, exasperatedly throwing his hands into the air. 

“When a symbiote absorbs another symbiote’s dormant cells, those dormant cells can be added to the new symbiote’s nexus, or “master consciousness”.” Flash illustrated, drawing everyone’s attention. “If we establish a temporary hive-mind, I could call all of the parasites to a place where I could extract and absorb their fragments the same way I do in the field.” he clarified impassively. 

Jon shook his head. “No one has the neural plasticity to withstand a connection that complex, not even me. The feedback could shatter your mind permanently, or overwrite your consciousness entirely into that of a parasite. The risk is too great.” the martian argued. 

“And Barry’s body could break under the strain of housing additional symbiote fragments while you are trying to absorb them.” the Dark Knight concurred, mentally recalling Barry’s reaction to the first black symbiote fragment. 

Flash’s gaze turned determined as his frame tensed. “I was sent here to destroy your world. It is only fair that I die trying to save it.” he stated firmly, ear nodes perking up attentively. 

“No.” Superman interrupted, patting the crimson creature on the shoulder encouragingly. “Everyone deserves a second chance, and I think Barry would agree.” the overgrown boy scout inferred with a hopeful smile. 

“You don’t have to do this alone.” Diana stepped in, resting one hand on the hilt of her sword as she dipped her head in a short Themascyrian salute. “Let us fight beside you.” she demanded, albeit mildly. 

Ear nodes drooping in shock, Flash’s eyes flicked from person to person in search of protest, observing as they all nodded in similar assent, smiling softly as the arm wrapped around his torso tightened fractionally in agreement. 

“I am at Barry’s command.” the symbiote declared with newfound purpose, crimson flesh carefully retreating beneath the surface of Barry’s clothes. 

Opal eyes fell shut.

And ocean ones opened.

Barely a second in between.  

“So, what’s the plan?” the forensic scientist asked, ready for action. 

Chapter 17: Joint Affection, Shared Connection

Chapter 17: Joint Affection, Shared Connection

While the Caped Crusader made it a point to keep his affection for the dual entity hidden, it was no secret that Barry and Flash had a profound connection to the Gotham hero, each opting to express their respect and adoration for the black-clad vigilante in their own ways. 

One such example came in the form of a late night shift in the Bat’s lab, where he focused on drafting a schematic for a transmission collar: a critical component necessary for their plan.

Turning away to obtain a tool from a drawer in the station behind him, the Dark Knight was momentarily confused by a swift breeze blowing gently through the space to his rear, easily disregarding the odd air current as the Watchtower’s air conditioning kicking on as he swiveled around to return to work. 

He couldn’t, however, disregard the way his project had been neatly set aside to make way for a plated sandwich and water bottle, the mere sight of the food prompting a near-painful reminder from the leaguer’s body of his failure to care for it. 

His work forgotten for the moment, the leaguer silently basked in the revitalizing energy the simple meal brought, some of the years-old tension easing from his frame as he ate and sipped from the cool drink. 

When finished, he turned to deposit the empty plate on the station’s counter behind him, only for a cookie to appear in its place once he reached to resume his project. Sighing as he took in the view of the perfect chocolate chip pastry, the Detective carefully shifted the plate to the side as he directed his hands back to work, occasionally pausing to steal a fraction of the dessert for each major component completed. 

And if it was the most delicious cookie he’d ever eaten in his entire life, Alfred would never know.

The next morning, the Dark Knight returned to his lab to find a similar surprise, this time discovering that his lab-specific coffee pot had been stocked and set to brew just minutes before he arrived to work…with a fresh still-warm slice of banana-nut bread sitting next to it. 

At lunch, a bowl of potato soup appeared on his desk, and at dinner, he found one of the Watchtower’s cafeteria to-go meals stashed in his mini-fridge when he went to grab an energy-drink. 

From there, the little deliveries became almost a daily routine, and each unspoken gesture of care brought a temporary softness to his features that added a new crack to the steel surrounding his heart.

-----------------

Despite Barry and the Justice League’s acknowledgement of his existence as an ally, Flash was still hesitant to show his presence, which made every glimpse of him as valuable as witnessing the birth of one of nature’s most powerful storms. 

Having learned to fluently speak most languages ranging in complexity from German and Spanish to Russian and Mandarin, linguistic analysis had become somewhat of an innate interest to the Gotham native over the years, where alien languages were a particularly alluring subject of study. 

Therefore, each little shred of sound the symbiote emitted eventually found its place stored as a digital record in the Dark Knight’s personal database, where every file was cherished like the universe’s deepest secrets. 

Similar to common variances in animal-based communication, symbiotes produce a series of noises that have one discernible meaning, such as chirps serving as a greeting and chittering being an involuntary response to amusement, with purring representing contentment or croaking expressing acknowledgement.

Growls, snarls, and hisses on the other hand, have a shared interpretation: to warn or threaten, with different levels of severity depending on the circumstances. For instance, growling is the lightest form and intended to be directed at a particular target, while hissing was a slightly harsher version utilized as a general expression of pain or warning. Snarls were the most aggressive expressions, with the appearance of teeth indicating that the symbiote was prepared for imminent combat. 

Shrieks and screams were similar in that they were interchangeably employed to either a) alert other symbiotes, b) display hostile intent, or c) vocally herd prey. 

That being said, warbles were a starkly distinguished sound, commonly applied but with varying meanings determined by situation. Flash might warble as an expression of concern, hurt, upsetness, or fear, but the context behind the noise changes in the case where it's directed at someone or not. 

Amidst the cacophony of noises Flash emits, there was only one sound the Dark Knight hadn’t been able to discern the meaning of: an overlapping mixture of tones that resembled the trill-like call of an orca paired with the heavy thunking bass of a blue whale*. 

Despite its meaning lost in translation, the symbiote spoke it with such vehement adoration that the vocalic never failed to send a rush of affection surging through the crime-fighter’s veins. 

-----------------

Later in the week, the Bat found himself toiling away at yet another project when Barry quietly entered, his hands cupped delicately around an unseen object. 

“Can I ask a favor?” Barry inquired as he approached, gazing up at the Dark Knight with big blue eyes. 

“Depends on the favor.” the Gotham crime fighter answered, not looking up from his work as he lifted a mug of coffee to his lips. 

“Cait- Doctor Snow wants to run some tests on Flash and I separately, which means he needs a temporary host while she and Cisco are experimenting on me.” Allen explained sheepishly, a faint rush of color washing over his cheeks. 

Shocked by the unspoken magnitude of the request, the black-clad vigilante nearly choked on his drink. “Why not ask Cisco?” he managed to say coolly, after a moment of desperately trying to contain himself. 

Guiltily, the smaller stared down at his feet. “Cisco’s terrified of “being possessed”, as he calls it. I didn’t want to make him or Flash uncomfortable by asking, and I can’t think of anyone I trust to handle him.” Barry confessed, shifting nervously on his feet. 

Glancing down at Allen’s calculating blue orbs, the Bat sighed, mentally admitting defeat. “I’ll do it.” he agreed, abandoning his project and turning to face the forensic scientist. 

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.” the younger man replied, slowly uncupping his hands. 

Pooled in the blonde’s palms was a squirming mass of crimson matter that resembled a tiny octopus, its scarlet tentacles splayed out across the surface of Barry’s skin. At the center of the blood-shaded puddle sat a golfball-sized head shaped like an upside down pear, with two white slits for eyes. 

Awkwardly, the Caped Crusader moved to mimic the position of the host’s appendages, observing with interest as Barry gently deposited the isolated symbiote into his makeshift bowl, then bent to bring himself eye-level with it. 

“I’ll come back to you, I promise.” the Central City native murmured soothingly, delicately stroking Flash’s head with a finger. 

As the blonde pulled away, a miniscule tendril coiled about the phalange in protest, its grip gradually loosening until their connection broke entirely, leaving the Dark Knight and the symbiote to watch their partner exit the room. It was almost cute how Flash’s octo-body sank once Barry was out of sight, his form flattening to resemble a pancake as he gazed longingly towards the door, tentacles flicking and twitching along the borders of the Detective’s gloved hand. 

In a gesture of sympathy, the Bat lifted a finger and began repeatedly tracing it soothingly along the length of Flash’s tiny head, the texture of his gauntlets drawing low purrs from the alien as it instinctively leaned into his touch.

Glancing at the clock above the lab’s entrance, the Caped Crusader’s gaze flicked about the space, assessing the necessity for a pause in productivity. ‘A short break couldn’t hurt.’ he reasoned internally, migrating towards the door. 

Hours later, Dr. Snow’s experiments finally concluded, leaving Barry to wander the halls of the Watchtower in search of his two favorite individuals. Surprisingly, the Dark Knight’s lab was empty when he arrived, as was the commons, main control hub, and training room. By process of elimination, the blonde eventually migrated to the leaguer’s personal quarters and approached the door, only to flinch as it hissed and slid aside to grant him entry. 

The room’s interior was dark as the night sky, save for the bright of the television partially obstructed by the silhouette of a couch at the far end of the space. Perched on the couch was a figure, slumped to one side with its head supported by an upturned palm. 

Silently, the forensic scientist crept around the side of the plush furniture piece, a lovestruck smile washing over his features at the sight of the Bat having dozed off while watching a dinosaur documentary, with the little globular mass of symbiote lazily curled up in the junction where the black-clad vigilante’s shoulder met his neck. 

Carefully gathering himself a blanket, Barry moved to join the duo on the couch, leaning his lithe frame up against the Detective’s muscular side as Flash gingerly slithered to rejoin his favorite host, a contented sigh leaving his lips as he turned his attention to the TV screen. 

Notes:

*Sound Reference - Skip to 2:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktC8imMBnw)

Chapter 18: Risky Maneuvers

Chapter 18: Risky Maneuvers

Just under two weeks later, the group gathered at the top of Metropolis’ Daily Planet, ready to enact their plan. 

The idea was cut into three stages: 

Stage One consisted of using a special collar that Cyborg and Batman designed, to record the frequency of Barry’s hive-mind and sync it to any radio towers or other electronics that could act as signal emitters, maximizing planetary spread of the hive-mind’s influence. From there, the hive-min’s connection would register the location data of every parasite position on a global scale into a live database managed by Brother Eye. 

Following that, Stage Two consisted of injecting the tagged parasites with a paralytic agent Barry and Caitlyn engineered, which would be conducted by Cyborg’s drones on a country-by-country basis, therefore allowing Flash and Barry to isolate and destroy their zombie symbiote fragments with minimal risk. 

Stage Three involved Cisco and Caitlyn monitoring the duo’s vitals from the Watchtower while they hunted, with Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman on standby to assist rejected hosts as they are purged of the symbiote fragments. 

That being said, initiating a hive-mind required complete synchronicity between the symbiote and the host to form a nexus, meaning that while they were currently bonded on a microcellular level, their consciousnesses would also need to be synced. 

Leaving them vulnerable to everything connected to the hive-mind, as well as each other. 

Carefully, the Caped Crusader affixed the collar to the forensic scientist’s neck and calibrated the wearable micro-device contained wherein, deft fingers methodically working around the soft flesh of the blonde’s throat, pointedly ignoring the way Allen willingly exposed one of the most vulnerable areas of his body to him so easily. 

When the black-clad hero was confident with its position and preparation, he stepped back and nodded to Jon, observing as the martian approached the young man with an expression of steadfastness. 

“Are you ready to begin?” the green-skinned alien questioned, his voice firm and calm. 

Physically shaking off whatever nerves were crawling up his spine, Barry nodded, flinching involuntarily as Martian Manhunter slowly lifted two fingers to the center of his forehead and pressed gently into his skull. 

With practiced ease, the young man’s eyes fell shut and the crimson symbiote emerged from under his clothes, coiling protectively around his lithe frame. Gradually, little arcs of electricity began to slither over the combined entity’s scarlet flesh, mimicking the dance of lightning in a tesla coil as a distinguishable shift occurred in the air. 

Jon withdrew just as Barry’s knees collapsed, the Dark Knight sliding in behind him to coil one arm around his waist and the other over his eyes as the parasite threw his head back and emitted a blood-curdling cry, tears pouring uncontrollably down his cheeks despite the Caped Crusader’s gentle whispers and soothing caresses. 

The dual-being’s scream echoed across the city as parasites everywhere mimicked the sound before falling into the hive-mind’s trance, the predators robotically gathering in areas of high visibility and standing statically with their heads tilted toward the sky. 

“Tracker’s online and picking up signals. Deploying drones now.” Cyborg stated through the comm link in Batman’s helmet, the distinct “boom” of the League’s main transport system resounding through Metropolis’ skyline confirming the flying robot assistants’ arrival. 

In the Gotham hero’s arms, the combined ally twisted and trembled, their voices overlapping with thousands of different tones spoken through the same connection as they struggled to maintain control, a milenia of language, memories, and emotions pouring through the hive-mind’s link like an interdimensional tsunami. 

Painstakingly, so as to avoid overstimulating the merged entity further, the black-clad vigilante gingerly grasped the younger’s chin, carefully directing the other’s face to focus on his own. “Do you trust me?” the Bat questioned softly, directing his gaze purposefully into the deepest abyss of the duo’s eyes, only for the void to stare back silently with an equally intense answer. 

Delicately, the Dark Knight leaned down and pressed his forehead against the crimson creature’s smooth dome, projecting every positive memory record, every piece of his affection, every shred of reason for adoring both the forensic scientist and his symbiote into their bond. 

“Then, run, Barry, run .” he ordered, the smaller scarlet frame vanishing from his grasp with little more than a faint breeze. 

Country by country, state by state, the parasite signals slowly faded from the live tracker one after another, the hours passing in quick succession as Barry circled the globe, methodically eliminating humanity’s greatest threat since the Black Plague and bringing the dawn of a new future. 

Roughly two hours later, the final parasite blip on Cyborg’s scanner blinked out, prompting the scarlet creature’s return to the Daily Planet, mentally and physically exhausted from the day’s hunt. 

It was while the blonde was en route from halfway across the country that chaos chose to descend upon the Metropolis citadel, the screams of innocent civilians immediately drawing the Detective’s attention. “Jon, on me. Cyborg, send backup. We’ve got trouble in the Metropolis citadel.” the Detective reported, immediately vaulting off the roof of the Daily Planet with his glider wings spread wide. 

Chapter 19: Trouble

Chapter 19: Trouble

Together, Martian Manhunter and the Dark Knight descended into the courtyard of the Metropolis citadel, observing as crowds of people fled from the epicenter and security personnel were doing their best to contain the chaos. 

At the center of the havoc stood the biggest parasite to date, its form consisting of bulging muscle soaked in ink-black symbiote and teeth thick as a crocodile’s, red irises streaked by black snakes in the sclera of its vision. 

Roaring furiously, the parasite’s jaws spread wide as it charged at its assailants, the citadel’s security force’s 9mm bullets having next-to-no impact on its physical status. Just as the predator moved to bite the head from a man’s shoulders, a smoke bomb collided with its face, momentarily stunning the beast while giving the prey ample time to escape. 

“I believe General Elling is that parasite’s host, but his consciousness is dormant.” Jon stated, the glow of his red eyes signalling the martian’s attempt to access the parasite’s mind. 

“Then the symbiote is in full control and we need to contain it.” the Detective replied, checking the ammunition on his weapons he caught sight of several infected Goldfinger gang members wandering around. “Dispatch the infected nonlethally until Flash arrives. I’ll focus the source.” he ordered, grappling to higher ground.

As Martian Manhunter focused on sedating the Goldfinger gang members and any they came into contact with, the Bat set his priority on causing as much damage to the black parasite as possible, intentionally distracting it as any humans in its proximity fled for fear of being consumed. 

With his ammo supply slowly dwindling and the armored predator closing in on a group of security personnel trapped by the destruction, the Caped Crusader switched to his bo staff and launched across the battlefield, driving the cattle prod accessory directly into the parasite’s spine. The resulting roar shook the dirt as the flesh eater flailed wildly in pain, sharp claws slicing clean through the vigilante’s weapon and sending parts flying in random directions. Thankfully, the Detective’s arm guards took the brunt of the following punch as he raised them to block, the force of the blow flinging his body against a stack of supply crates. 

Momentarily dazed from the impact, the Gotham hero had no time to recover as a massive hand slammed into his chest and lifted him into the air, his frame dangling weightlessly in the parasite’s hold as it lifted him to its eye-level, a threatening growl rippling through its torso as its fangs were put on full display mere inches from the vigilante’s face.

In just one blink, those fangs were sent soaring across the citadel’s walls and the vigilante landed safely on his feet, supported by a crimson-clad chest braced against his own. Like an overexcited hummingbird, Barry checked every inch of him for wounds, chirping and cooing with Flash’s mother tongue as the Detective stood there in a confused stupor, not quite upset by the affection but not opposed to it either. 

A loud creak drew the duo’s attention as the coal-shaded parasite moved to stand, its claws tearing through the reinforced metal of the shipping container with little resistance, blood red irises burning with aggression. Sensing the danger, their ally predator shifted into a defensive stance, bearing his teeth as his chest rumbled in a threatening growl, unconsciously moving to place himself between their assailant and its prey. 

Head clearing of the fog from the blow, the Detective grit his teeth in a similar snarl, drawing his grapple gun. “He’s all yours.” he murmured in Barry’s ear, firing his grappler the second the dual-entity began to move. 

As Martian Manhunter and the Bat direct their attention to evacuating the citadel’s civilian population, the two apex predators battled for dominion, zooming about the battlefield and slamming into all manners of structures. Vehicles, supply storage, and even the very walls crumpled under the intensity of the fight, both creatures suffering a variety of injuries as the sky seemed to vibrate with their respective movement and cries. 

“The others are en route and the infected have been contained. How would you like to proceed?” Jon inquired as he alighted next to his fellow leaguer roughly 30 minutes later, scanning the human for injuries.

Turning to check his parasite ally’s progress, the Gotham hero’s eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the crimson creature pinned face-down underneath the hulking mass of black symbiote, thrashing wildly as the larger creature’s tendril constricted his throat like a python. In mere seconds, the black-clad vigilante withdrew a batarang from his utility belt, shifting to throw the projectile, only to see a piece of stone shatter against the side of the predator’s head. 

“Hey! Leave him alone!” Iris West shouted fearlessly, lobbing another chunk of rock at the beast in challenge. Immediately, the black parasite’s tendril unceremoniously flung Barry aside in favor of lashing out at the reporter, seizing her by the waist as she kicked and beat uselessly against its grip. 

The gutsy journalist screamed as she was suddenly released from the predator’s hold, only to drop safely in the green-skinned man’s arms as the symbiote reeled back with a screech, a batarang having sliced clean through its tendril. 

Before the Dark Knight could throw a second pair of projectiles, a high-pitched cry rang out as Barry attacked the predator with all the fury of a parasite and human combined, his charge driving the black flesh eater’s frame through several key supports of the Daily Planet’s first floor foundations. 

Despite his immediate urge to assist, the black-clad crime fighter paused as Jon’s hand grasped his shoulder. “The building is collapsing. We must evacuate the civilians.” the alien reasoned, waiting patiently for his fellow leaguer to acknowledge the suggestion before turning his attention to the crowd. 

Amidst the sea of fleeing humans and falling rubble, the duo hastily swept as many people out of the line of danger as their abilities would permit, assisted by the security personnel manning the citadel who opted to remain on post. Of those persons, the Detective easily recognised Detective Joe West and his son as the combo suddenly rushed towards the toppling structure, completely unaware of the massive piece of debris closing in from above. 

With a well-placed grapple and a slightly harsh tackle, the vigilante swept the pair safely aside as the hulking mass of stone slammed into the ground where they’d just been standing mere seconds before, their frantic explanations drowned out by the deafening noise permeating the area. 

Forcefully holding the men back, the Gotham Knight glanced over his shoulder at their subject of interest: Iris , her leg pinned under a fallen beam, the shadow of the skyscraper descending rapidly as the Caped Crusader’s mind desperately searched for a solution.

I can’t do anything…

I’m only human…

I’m not strong enough, not fast enough, not good enough…

I can’t save them all…

I can’t save her…

But you can.

Raising two gloved fingers to his mouth, the Detective sucked in a deep breath before forcing all that air through his phalanges, eliciting a sharp whistle that cut through the deafening level of noise like a knife. 

Promptly, Barry’s ear nodes perked up, blue eyes instantly locking onto the target’s position across the impact zone, his body vanishing in a burst of blurry red as he sped into the falling debris just seconds before the building slammed into the ground. 

Chapter 20: Hope

Chapter 20: Hope

As the dust cleared, only rubble was visible to the eye as every available person searched the crash site, most calling the missing reporter’s name whilst the Dark Knight and Martian Manhunter focused on looking for signs of life, despite the unlikely circumstances.

“The tracker on his collar is damaged. I can’t pinpoint their location. Do you sense anything?” the Caped Crusader questioned as the duo methodically scanned the wreckage. 

The alien paused for a moment, red orbs glowing as he enlisted his telepathic abilities. “No.” he stated bluntly, a hint of sadness in his tone. 

Stomach dropping at the possibility that neither individual survived, the black-clad vigilante turned his attention to the other leaguers as they arrived, exhausted but unharmed. “What happened?” Superman asked, looking around in concern. 

“I’ll explain later. We’ve got trapped civilians, two known, possibly more. Split up and search the area. Jon, you and Diana take the south side, Superman and I will take north. Lantern will assist civilian efforts as needed.” the Bat replied, scuttling up a section of the fallen building and moving towards the midlength. Above him, the Kryptonian utilized his x-ray vision to scan the debris field as he floated in the air, diligently sweeping his gaze back and forth like a sentry unit. 

Their path continued another 300 or 400 feet before the ground beneath them trembled with an aftershock, rubble sliding back and forth forcing the Dark Knight to grapple onto a nearby spotlight lest he risk injury. 

From somewhere below, a familiar distorted cry bubbled to the surface, the alien sound quickly drawing the duo’s attention. Directing his gaze downward, the man in blue’s face scrunched in confusion as he caught sight of something unknown. “There’s a pocket about six feet down, but a metal panel is blocking my x-ray vision.” Clark reported.

Focusing on the same spot, the Caped Crusader switched on the heartbeat sensor on his HUD, crouching down to splay a hand into one of the newly-formed holes in the pile while both leaguers held their breath:

Silence.

Wait.

Ba…dump…

Ba…dump…

“I’ve got a heartbeat.” the Detective announced, stepping back as the Kryptonian ignited his heat vision, carefully searing a four foot hole through the layers of debris. 

Quickly, the Caped Crusader dropped through the opening into a space beneath, using his HUD’s night vision function to navigate the darkness. The lead paneling that the Kryptonian described was curled into an arch, crushed and pierced by several lengths of rebar, creaking loudly as it struggled to support the hundreds of pounds of skyscraper compacted on top of it. 

Beneath that, little pockets of sunlight illuminated a crimson form stretched protectively over the unconscious body of a woman, the ally parasite’s frame impaled once in the left hand and thrice through the torso, limbs trembling in an effort to remain upright and conscious. 

The Gotham crime fighter didn’t hesitate to rush to Barry’s side, leaving Superman to alert the others as the black-clad vigilante inspected both individuals for injuries. In addition to the impalements, the blonde’s vision was glassy and unfocused, blood oozing from a small wound on the back of his cranium while contrarily, the reporter appeared entirely unharmed. 

“It’s okay. I’ve got her.” the Bat whispered when the forensic scientist’s grip instinctively tightened on the woman, gloved hands methodically maneuvering Iris out from under Barry’s hunched frame before guiding him to lie on the ground.

“Iris!” Joe and Wally West cried as the civilian was carefully extracted from the scene, the two family members scrambling through the temporary tunnel to bring the journalist into their arms. 

Before the pair started navigating towards a medical tent, Detective West turned to the dual-entity, prompting Barry to raise his head and emit a soft twitter. “Thank you…for everything.” the older man stated, his voice cracking as he graced the scarlet symbiote with a teary-eyed smile. 

As the trio withdrew, the black-clad leaguer called the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 forward, quietly requesting a favor. In a flash of viridescent light, a gigantic pair of wire cutters spawned into existence, fed by the willpower of the Green Lantern’s ring. Strategically, the former pilot positioned the cutters about eight inches from the blonde’s flesh for each side of every instance of impalement, the metal giving way with a sharp snap. 

Next, the Bat called for the martian, who after minimal explanation, morphed his body to account for three extra pairs of arms and positioned himself to grasp all four lengths of rebar simultaneously.

Instinctively, Barry’s eyes widened at the realization of their plan, panic setting in as his chest heaved and his limbs spasmed, soft noises falling from the parasite’s lips as his oceanic orbs grew watery with tears. 

Gritting his teeth, the Caped Crusader splayed a gloved hand over the younger’s face despite the blonde’s weak protest, and directed a sharp nod to the shapeshifter. 

And Barry… screamed . 

The sound he produced was nothing short of bloodcurdling: an alien mixture of symbiote and human tones that left the air ringing for several seconds after the chamber’s reverb decayed. Every heart and spine within a one mile radius shivered in response, and those standing within the main chamber felt the color draining from their faces. 

With the invasive artifacts cleared from their body, Flash automatically surged into action, dutifully healing the injuries left behind as Barry blacked out, neither offering resistance as the Detective delicately wrapped them in a thick emergency blanket and lifted the combined creature into his arms. 

As the leaguer navigated towards the BT launchpad, the crowd parted like a scene right out of the Prince of Egypt , the people automatically forming a path directly to his objective with little more than a glance at the bundle in the Bat’s arms. 

As the vigilante’s feet reached the metal circle embedded in the dirt, he turned to face the civilians, a mixture of individuals who call Central, Starling, Gotham, and Metropolis home. 

“You trust him with your lives. Now, trust us with his .” the black-clad crime fighter requested, directing his gaze towards the heavens as the lights of the Watchtower’s boom tube enveloped him.

Twelve hours later, Barry was stabilized and the two STAR labs employees he’d come to call family were struggling to stay upright and functional, Cisco hunched over the monitor displaying the forensic scientist’s vitals while Caitlyn kept an eye on the symbiote. 

Glancing at the clock, the Dark Knight sighed, exhaustion seeping into his own bones. “You’ve done enough for tonight. Go, get some rest. I’ll watch over him.” he reasoned, watching closely as the two engineers glanced at each other in silent conversation before quietly moving to leave the room. 

Once the door slid closed with a satisfying hiss, the Caped Crusader took a moment to straighten the lab, turning off unnecessary equipment and shutting off the lights before making his way over to the main control module and opening the containment cell. With inaudible movements, the Detective stalked up to Barry’s bedside, gingerly sitting down on the edge of the cool sheets, a fond smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. 

Painstakingly, the Gotham hero leaned forward and delicately caressed the young man’s face, mentally cursing his lack of self control as the Central City native’s frame instantly went rigid, blue orbs snapping open as a pale hand coiled tightly around his wrist. Chest heaving, the pale figure’s gaze flicked about frantically before settling on the leaguer, eyes filling with tears. 

“Relax. You’re safe. It’s just me.” the black-clad vigilante murmured, heart stuttering as the dual entity emitted a soft chirr, nuzzling a cheek against his palm.

A minute or two passed in comfortable stillness as the adrenaline wore off, the smaller’s head gradually dipping in time with his eyelids as fatigue and the demands of healing made themselves known, the blonde’s losing resistance forming a wobbly frown on Barry’s face. 

Chuckling softly, the crime fighter carefully stood, pausing a moment to disable the cell’s cameras using his arm guard before leaning down and planting an indulgent kiss between a pair of ocean orbs. 

“Get some rest. I’ll be outside if you need anything.” the Gotham crime fighter whispered affectionately, turning to leave the chamber. 

Just as he started to walk away, deft fingers snagged his arm and hastily pushed a small object into his hand, prompting the Detective to glance back at the creature that had made humanity’s survival possible as the being warbled and finally lost consciousness.

Notes:

*Sound Reference - Skip to 0:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JagKOhbKMTs)

Chapter 21: Endlog

Chapter 21: Endlog

SECURITY LEVEL: Omega…

PASSWORD: DC-27-5-1939…

APOCALYPSIS CONTINGENCY - File Codename: Predator…

ENABLE NEW SUBFILE - Endlog… 

DATE: September 8, 2022…

ENDLOG - Section I: Update…

Nine years have passed since the beginning of the parasite invasion, and humanity lives on. We’ve concluded rebuild efforts in most cities, but construction efforts are still ongoing for some. It’s almost concerning how eager people were to erase the evidence the parasites left behind. 

Officially, society has decided to continue calendar progression starting from the estimated date the invasion began, December 11th, 2013. Unofficially, the current date is September 8th, 2022. Note that future logs will be adjusted according to the official calendar progression unless other circumstances permit. 

The Watchtower and Brother Eye’s monitoring algorithm have been updated to account for every known permutation of the symbiote’s manifestation of parasites, and ongoing scanners are in place globally in the event new symbiotes arrive. 

Further research required on Knull, Lord of the Abyss. May consult Wonder Woman, Doctor Fate, The Spectre, and other connections to ancient knowledge sources if no information can be located locally.

ENDLOG - Section II: Plan B…

Plan B is the cure solution engineered by the host of [SCARLET] as a backup plan if we failed. The solution is designed to inject Scarlet’s predator cells into a parasite, which cannibalizes the parasite symbiote’s cells. Once the parasite’s cells are consumed, the predator symbiote cells initiate a dormant state and decompose, without causing harm to the host. 

Attached are a list of ingredients and instructions to recreate the solution if the need arises. A sample is stored in Vault 2 for emergencies.

ENDLOG - Section III: Involvement… 

As it was discovered, STAR Labs unknowingly played a hand in the initial outbreak by injecting fragments of a dead symbiote’s cells into hosts as part of a medical experiment conducted the week before the apocalypse’s estimated start date. During the particle accelerator explosion, the dark matter exposure activated the dormant symbiote cells, which defaulted to orders specified by the symbiote of [SCARLET]. 

That being said, General Wade Elling’s involvement with the invasion was intentional. Under the guise of the USA Government, he conducted experiments designed to create enhanced soldiers capable of withstanding extreme combat situations. 

Recorded copies of his experiments are attached. 

Since the outbreak, Elling’s location is unknown. No body has been recovered, but evidence suggests an escape was possibly executed. Any Goldfinger activity we are currently tracking does not indicate a central mobilization or active mission efforts. 

Continuing to monitor.  

ENDLOG - Section IV: Final notes…

To protect Scarlet’s identity, I have encrypted the identification data and assigned the codename [HERMES] to a hidden subfile attached to this project. At this time, [HERMES] is in the care of STAR Labs, comatose despite having recovered fully from their injuries. 

STAR Labs’ staff is in-person monitoring and have not yet reported any significant brain or symbiote activity, but expressed serious concerns of amnesia if the subject does regain consciousness at some point in the future. 

Continuing to monitor remotely. 

OTHER TAGS: [PERSONAL ASSET]...

END ENTRY.

Notes:

*flips table* AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!