DC X LOTM: A Beyonder in DC

Blüdhaven – The Shadow's Watch

The city never slept.

Blüdhaven's streets pulsed with a raw, unrelenting energy—one of desperation, crime, and survival. It was Gotham's neglected cousin, a place where justice rarely extended its reach.

And tonight, it was a battlefield.

Alex stood atop a crumbling warehouse, the wind whipping against his dark cloak. From this vantage point, he could see the chaos unraveling below—the aftermath of the League's intervention. Police barricades lined the streets. Civilians hid behind their locked doors, praying that the violence wouldn't reach them.

Alex had done his job well.

James Corrigan was cracking.

The Spectre's host had felt true fear for the first time in years, and now paranoia would eat at him. But Alex knew this wasn't enough—not yet.

Ra's wanted Corrigan broken, not just frightened. And if the League of Assassins wanted a pawn, Alex had to ensure he played the role convincingly.

Even if it meant playing a longer game.

A Warning from the Dark Knight

Before Alex could move, he felt it—a presence in the shadows.

He barely had time to react before a Batarang whizzed past his head, embedding itself into the rooftop beside him.

Alex sighed. Of course.

Turning slowly, he saw him.

Batman.

The Dark Knight stood at the edge of the rooftop, cape billowing in the wind. His white eyes were unreadable, his presence radiating a quiet authority.

Alex had expected this confrontation eventually.

"You've been busy," Batman said, his voice cold.

Alex tilted his head. "I like to keep myself entertained."

Batman didn't move. "You've infiltrated the League of Assassins. You've been manipulating their operations. What's your endgame?"

Alex smirked. "And here I thought you'd be thanking me. The League's presence in Blüdhaven is being dismantled, piece by piece. That benefits you, doesn't it?"

Batman remained silent for a moment. Then he spoke.

"I don't trust you."

Alex chuckled. "Smart. You shouldn't."

In a blur, Batman moved—closing the distance between them in an instant. Alex barely had time to sidestep before the Dark Knight's fist crashed toward his face.

He dodged, countering with a swift strike of his own. Batman blocked, twisting his body and delivering a kick that sent Alex skidding back.

This wasn't a test.

Batman was serious.

Alex adjusted his stance, suppressing the urge to use his Beyonder abilities. He couldn't afford to reveal too much—not yet.

"You're holding back," Batman observed.

Alex smirked. "So are you."

For a brief moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, Batman spoke again.

"You have two choices," he said. "You leave Blüdhaven now, or I take you down."

Alex's smile didn't fade. "Bold of you to assume I don't have a third option."

Batman narrowed his eyes. "Which is?"

Alex's form flickered—an illusion breaking apart like mist.

Batman tensed.

And then—

Alex's voice whispered behind him.

"You keep chasing shadows while I get what I want."

Batman spun around, but Alex was already gone.

The League's Ultimatum

Alex returned to the League's stronghold that night, stepping into the candlelit chamber where Ra's al Ghul awaited him.

The Demon's Head was calm, his emerald eyes studying Alex carefully.

"You encountered Batman," Ra's said. It wasn't a question.

Alex inclined his head. "He's watching us closely. He knows something is off."

Ra's was silent for a long moment. Then, he sighed.

"Batman is relentless, but predictable. He will never kill. That is his weakness."

Alex remained expressionless.

"But you," Ra's continued, stepping closer, "are different."

Alex met his gaze. "Am I?"

Ra's smirked. "You don't share Batman's moral constraints. That is why you have potential. Why I have tolerated your… unorthodox methods."

He walked past Alex, his voice lowering.

"But now the time has come for you to prove yourself."

Alex felt it before Ra's even said the words.

A test.

A final judgment.

"James Corrigan must be dealt with," Ra's said. "Kill him."

Silence.

Alex kept his expression carefully neutral.

"You disapprove?" Ra's asked, watching him closely.

Alex exhaled slowly. He had played this game long enough to know that hesitation was dangerous.

"I will handle it," he said smoothly.

Ra's nodded. "Good. Do not disappoint me."

Talia stood in the corner, arms crossed. Her gaze lingered on Alex for a moment too long.

She was watching.

She was waiting for him to slip.

Alex turned and walked away, his mind racing.

Because now?

He had a problem.

A Dangerous Gamble

Alex found himself outside Corrigan's apartment that night, perched on a nearby rooftop.

The cop was inside, pacing. On edge.

Good.

But killing him? That wasn't an option. The Spectre was an entity far beyond human understanding—killing its host would only unleash it fully.

And if that happened?

Even he wouldn't be able to control the fallout.

Alex needed a new plan.

One that would satisfy the League while keeping Corrigan alive.

And so, he took a risk.

He stepped into the shadows—and let the Nightmare Pathway take hold.

Corrigan's Nightmare

James Corrigan awoke in a world of darkness.

The walls of his apartment had vanished, replaced by an endless void. The air was thick with whispers—haunting, familiar voices echoing all around him.

His own voice.

"You're not good enough, James."

"You let them die."

"You don't deserve to be saved."

Corrigan's breathing turned ragged. He tried to move, but his body was frozen.

Then, out of the darkness—a shape emerged.

A figure cloaked in shadows. No face. No identity. Just a presence.

"You think justice protects you?" the figure whispered.

Corrigan clenched his fists. "I don't fear you."

A low chuckle.

"You should."

The darkness rushed forward, swallowing him whole—and then he woke up.

Gasping.

Drenched in sweat.

His heart pounded in his chest.

It had felt so real.

And in the shadows outside his window, Alex watched.

He had just planted a seed.

Fear was a powerful thing. And if Corrigan believed the Spectre itself was warning him?

Then he would walk away from Blüdhaven on his own.

No need for an assassination.

Just a well-placed nightmare.

The League's Judgment

The next morning, the news broke.

James Corrigan had resigned.

Effective immediately.

Alex stood before Ra's al Ghul once more.

"The mission is complete," Alex said.

Ra's studied him. "Yet Corrigan still lives."

Alex met his gaze. "His fear was enough. He will never interfere again."

A long silence stretched between them.

Then, Ra's smirked.

"Well played, Kane."

Alex exhaled quietly. He had won this round.

But as he turned to leave, Talia spoke up.

"You never intended to kill him," she said softly.

Alex glanced at her.

Talia's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

She was figuring him out.

Alex simply smiled. "Does it matter?"

And with that, he walked away.

Because the game was far from over.

End of Chapter 20

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