“I don’t think I’ve ever been in this...Ponyville you mentioned.” Gordon said. He walked with Twilight on the path to her local hometown. She was really excited to spend some time with him along with her friends.

“That’s why we are going there! This is so exciting!” Twilight squealed.

Once they arrived at the town, everypony waved happily at Gordon and warmly greeted him. He slightly blushed from the love he received from them and waved back in gratitude. “These ponies are so warm and friendly unlike most people in Gotham. That’s really saying much.” he complemented.

“Really? You mean your people are mean and unkind?” Twilight gasped.

“Not always, thankfully. But quite often...especially our politicians and officials. I just get used to it every single day of my life regardless.” Gordon clarified.

“Haven’t they shared with everyone else outside of Gotham of what Equestria—we—can offer?” Twilight asked.

“No. We decided to refrain ourselves from spreading the news of another world’s existence lest our planet goes berserk with the idea of magical talking ponies actually being real.” said Gordon. “Batman and I didn’t want to put any of you in danger. Our world is crueler than yours.”

Twilight thought about what he said before sadly nodding. “Okay. I understand that.” she said.

“YAAAYYY!! UNCLE GORDON IS BACK!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted. She lunged at him and tackled him to the ground and tightly hugged him. “I missed you, Gordy!! I have to throw you a ‘Welcome back to Equestria” party!!”

Gordon grunted and tried to get up to his feet. “Ahhh! Okay! (Grunts) Thank you...ahh...Pinkie Pie. I missed you too. Okay...ow...you can let go now.”

“Oh! Sorry!” Pinkie smiled sheepishly. After she released him, he got back up on his feet.

“It appears that my first appearance eleven years ago really made a difference, didn’t it?” Gordon said.

“Yep! Just like Batman has!” Pinkie smiled.

“Speaking of which, is Batman okay? The last time we saw him in Equestria was just three years ago! Is he still all right?” Twilight asked, her thoughts of him coming back again. She remembered his words that his alter-ego Bruce would come but not the Batman. She hoped that it didn’t mean what she feared it could mean.

Gordon changed his happy expression to a saddened face. He would never forget the very sight that nearly shattered his heart: that nuclear bomb detonating over the bay that apparently killed his hero. However, he also remembered the surprise he received that one morning in Gotham where he discovered the bat signal fully repaired on the rooftop. Thus, he became uncertain as to Batman’s actual fate.

“(Sigh) The truth is...I don’t know. I’m not even sure where he is at this point. Since he’s been gone for a long time, he might’ve moved on. That’s my honest answer, Twilight.” Gordon replied.

Twilight was somewhat more sad as she heard him. “I don’t want to go through another year without seeing him again. He was such an inspiration to me and to my friends and to everypony else in Equestria! He shouldn’t have moved on! What if there will be another evil villain seeking to destroy either Equestria or Gotham or both?” Twilight asked, fear and sorrow overwhelming her.

“Don’t worry, Twilight, we have a new nightwatcher to guard Gotham since Batman left—Blake, also known as Robin.” Gordon slightly smiled.

“Really? Batman passed the torch over to that Robin guy?” Twilight asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Of course. If you ponies have any trouble or some villain threatens to harm you, you can call any of us for help.” Gordon said.

“That’s great to hear, darling!” said Rarity as she joined the group. “My goodness, darling, I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“Time flies, doesn’t it? Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you again, Ms. Rarity.” Gordon greeted. “Is everything going all right with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy?”

“Applejack is busy working on the farm with her family at the moment while Rainbow Dash is going through some training with the Wonderbolts.” Rarity informed.

“As for Fluttershy, weeeelllllll...” Pinkie spoke while nervously tapping on the ground. “She’s not feeling well. Yeah, she’s not in perfect condition to come out.”

“Ohh, I hope she recovers from her illness. It sucks being sick. Send her my thoughtful regards and that I said ‘hi’.” Gordon told her.

“Okie-dokie-wokie!!” Pinkie said before zooming out of the town.

“Well, I must get back to my business. I’ll see you around, Mr. Gordon!” Rarity waved.

“Likewise.” he waved back as she left.

“Come, would you like to come to my library?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, no problem.” he said. They both went their way to the library.

WITHIN THE MOUNTAIN TRENCH

“Bane? Gotham’s reckoning? Where do you come from?” Tirek demanded.

“Many souls have asked me that same question before I put on this mask.” Bane said, slowly coming close to him. “Where did I come from? What am I doing here? What are my true purposes in life? Much, much, much more, my centaur friend. These questions do not matter; for what really matters is the salvation of souls who are kept in bondage to corruption, selfishness, and artificial power.”

“But do not fear the wrath of those who would seek your hurt, brave warriors. For if you are creating enemies of those who actively oppose your stance, then you are truly doing what is best. Now, tell me, what creatures are you after?” Bane asked, pausing his speech.

“We are after the pathetic ponies of this land. Once we destroy them, we will gain all of their magic and use it for ourselves! Then we will rule Equestria!!” Tirek proudly spoke. His henchmen cheered behind him.
“What are your true intentions, Bane? What can you actually offer to us?” Tirek suspiciously asked.

“I do not seek for power; I only seek to enact proper comeuppance to all those who dare strike the downtrodden and forsaken ones.” Bane calmly replied. Then he eyed Tirek’s army standing in front of him. “Based on what your leader has said, you all desire power and this...magic in this land from the ponies...whoever they may be. But don’t you all think that it is time to adopt the unorthodox method?”

They looked confused as to what that approach was. “What are you talking about? Are you suggesting we try a different way of destroying them?” Clavicle asked.

“Of course! I may not know what those horses have done to you, but from my experience, the most effective way to annihilate your enemy is to know them. Know your enemy! Otherwise, your plans will be nothing but a forgotten memory. Using the unorthodox method must be the prerequisite for your accomplishment. If you wish to succeed, then you must follow my counsel and my expertise on the matter—join forces if you will—and I’ll show you all how you could break whatever corrupt city this world may have...and destroy Gotham.” Bane finished.

Clawbreak stood impressed and amazed at Bane’s demeanor and mannerisms. “Sweet Equestria, I have never seen a bipedal creature with that high level of eloquence and intelligence. I’m liking this Bane.” he said, gazing at him.

“Oh, please, what makes you think we will follow orders from you? Huh?! Tirek’s our master!!” one gargoyle scoffed, running up to Bane. “This is what real terrorists are made of!!” He swung his fist at him only to be caught by hand as soon as his claw was close to Bane’s face.

“Did I say I was taking charge over you? Do you feel empowered?” Bane menacingly asked, tightening his muscular grip on the gargoyle’s hand. The soldier screamed in agonizing pain. “Does your strength give you power over me?”

“AHHHH!!! STOP!! YOU FREAK!!” he defiantly yelled.

“I’m a necessary freak. And yes, I’ll stop...painlessly.” Bane cracked the gargoyle’s hand, grabbed his head, and snapped his neck with ease. Everyone else stood in silence and awe of what happened.

Tirek, however, disregarded the grisly death of one of his own men and darkly smiled at Bane. “We have a new team player, men. Welcome aboard, Bane. We will await your directions.” Tirek and Bane shook hands together. They all clapped as they warmly welcomed him.

The Lurking Phantom grew a toothy smile after listening to everything he heard in silence. “Excellent. It’s all going according to plan.” he whispered.

Author's Note

The Lurking Phantom will appear later, so keep an eye out for him. Also, pay attention to anything that may be hints in this story. That last paragraph above could be one of those. You may never know who might show up...