DCU FFA
Title: Tides Have Turned
Characters: Wonder Woman, Catwoman, Superman, Lex Luthor
Rating: PG
Word Count: 680
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For dcu_freeforall, prompt: #15- Blackest Night. It’s a dark AU.
Everything was different now. Heroes and villains were a thing of the past. Now, there were only survivors. If you weren't a survivor, it meant one of two things: you slaved under Luthor or you were dead. Most agreed it was the same thing, really.
Years ago neither woman could have possibly imagined they'd one day become allies- the best of friends - living together. Leading a rebellion. Sharing a bed. But the old world that had placed them at odds and set them apart was no more. And neither Selina nor Diana liked to think of that previous life much. All that remained of it was pain.
The world had been betrayed by its one-time savior. An individual thought too good for the world who, unfortunately, could be manipulated easily by forces outside his control. One single piece of jewel meteor rock in the wrong hands and all was lost. His wife was taken from him in the cruelest way. His best friend. Most of his teammates. All by his own hand.
Diana had managed to escape the onslaught in the Watch Tower, but barely. She sought refuge in the one place she knew she could find the weapon needed to fight her friend- because despite the atrocities he had committed, she still considered him a friend then. She went straight to the cave. It was partially, if not, completely destroyed. She could not tell from the outside. The Manor, once majestic, appeared to have collapsed on itself into a pile of rubble.
There, Diana ran into the thief she had never found enough time to worry about before. Seems they were of a like mind and without words exchanged, she and Selina continued to look for the kryptonite they needed to stop him.
But that was years ago. They have yet to find any in or near the cave and eventually what was left of the Manor became nearly impenetrable by his constant watch. Selina assured her it could be done. That she could break into the remains, but Diana believes there must to be another way. She does not doubt her lover’s ability, but rather fears his ruthlessness were he to find her.
Hushed whispers from some of their faithful supporters reached their ears and they sought the essential weapon with renewed hope. Their search led them to many cities in various countries. They were not in the least surprised that their finally destination was Metropolis itself. Luthor had lined most of the city with lead back in the day and it was easy to imagine kryptonite hidden in any of its many structures. The problem was Superman guarded the city most fiercely under his master’s control. It was the safest place as well as the most dangerous.
Selina and Diana found an empty, secluded underground subway station to set up as their stronghold. They were certain that together with sly evasiveness and graceful power, they would end the dark reign soon enough. It was closer to becoming a reality when Selina found a sliver of the precious meteor rock. Diana had both looked forward to and dreaded the moment it happened for it meant ending a life, but she knew she had no other choice.
They said their goodbyes in case one or both didn’t make it and set their trap.
…
Luthor, not having reached his position of ultimate power by waiting idly, had kept unseen eyes on the women. He let them find the kryptonite planning to unleash his pet on them. He wanted them out in the open where everyone could witness their destruction. It would undoubtedly crush the hopes of every single one of their followers. Then, there would be no one left to oppose him.
He watched the screen as the Amazon and thief took their positions. The grin on his face was inevitable knowing all he had to do was speak two words and their fate would be sealed.
He looked at his Man of Steel, beautiful and powerful yet nothing like he used to be, and said “It’s time.”