The Rise of Batmaneby Stormcrow117ChaptersThe City StreetsA Cold Hearth WarmingI shall become . . .ResearchWinter NuovaRed Mane Strikes!The City StreetsEquestria is facing a new black chapter. With the death of Princess Celestia, Equestria falls to crime and poverty. Princess Luna struggles to maintain order within a corrupt system. The Elements try to bring ponies together, to no avail, leaving them torn from each other and their Elements. This is paticularly true in the city of Canterlot. The rich feast on the fair city while the poor feel fear from an ever growing criminal element. For Eye Catch, it was another night in Canterlot, another terrifying night. Walking through the city streets, returning from her reporting job. What was it she reported on? Nothing good. “Sadistic”, “horrendous”, “evil”. Those were the words she would use. But fate would have an interesting turn for her tonight. “Yo! Mare!” A voice cried out behind Eye Catch. She turned behind her to see two hulking Earth Pony Thugs. They looked tough and mean. “Give us all yer bits!” The thug said to Eye. “Please!” yelled Eye. “I hardly have enough to get a piece of gum.” The economy for many in Canterlot was terrible, and everypony tried to get by in any way they could- even if that meant going to the lowest form of getting it. “That's okay-” the thug said with an evil grin. “I know another thing you could give us.” The thugs eyed the body of Eye Catch. She shuddered when she realized what he meant. She tried to trot away as fast as she could, only to be stopped and pulled into an alley by the two thugs. It was a dead end. “NO! Wait!” She pleaded for anything but this fate. “Sorry lady, looks like today ain't your day.” The two thugs drew closer and closer to Eye with malevolent intent. Eye Catch's eyes widened as she saw them move over her. But then she looked up into the sky. And saw something gliding above them. “Oh my-” The two thugs turned around to see a dark figure only inches on top of them. The figure collided with thugs. Eye Catch quickly rushed to hide behind a trash can. She hid while she heard the action. Bucks, kicks, punches, and it wasn't the thugs who were doing it. The sound stopped, she came out from behind the trash can to see the thugs tied up and hung up on a street lamp, bruised and knocked out. She looked up into the sky and saw what appeared to be, bat wings. She quickly ran back to her home to write a story about this immediately. “A figure dressed in black-” “-could only be described as a creature-” “-sources say a bat-” “Another robbery stopped by the Bat-” High on the skyscrapers in Canterlot, was figure dressed in black with the look of a bat. He was a protector of the night, a punisher of the wicked, and a vigil for justice. He is vengeance- he is the night- he is . . . Batmane! A Cold Hearth WarmingThe night was cold as he always remembered it. A winter's day. He remembered the holiday bells ringing, the Hearth Warming cakes bringing a sweet smell to the air, the cool breeze giving a crisp feel to his lungs. Truly, he was a lucky colt. The young colt was named, Dark Star. His coat was dark and his mane jet black. But he was a happy boy, apart of a happy family. The father, “Red Star”, and the mother, “Warm Sun”, were the best parents a foal could ask for. The 'Star' family was renowned in Canterlot for their services to the city. It had been a couple of years since the death of Celestia, a couple of years into the beginning of what Canterlot was to become. Through charity, working at the hospital, creating jobs with their company, 'Star Enterprises', truly they were the best examples of pony kind besides the Elements of Harmony themselves. This work kept them always busy, but tonight was different, tonight as a family they were going to see a movie. The movie was, 'The Mark of Zerro', it followed the exploits of a vigil ante. Dark Star wanted to be him, the costume, the sword play, the heroism. It was everything a colt could dream of. After the movie got out, the family of three stepped out to see the falling snow. It was truly a beautiful sight. Dark Star jumped through the snow and mimicked the moves he saw his hero perform. “Easy there Dark,” Red Star said, “don't want to look like lunatic now.” Warm Sun nuzzled him and said, “Let him play dear, he'll only be young once.” Dark Star continued to play while they walked down a dark street. “Hey dad! Do you think you can teach me how to fight like that?” the little colt asked. Red chuckled and said, “Maybe when you're older son.” The wife glared at him “Waaay older.” The little foal didn't mind, he continued in his flight of fancy until he saw a figure in front of him, a rather large and dark figure with white eyes that pierced his soul. Dark ran behind his parents. The figure pulled out a gun and pointed it straight at Dark's parents. “Hand over everythin' you got.” The voice was deep and raspy, and he held the gun steady. “It's okay,” Red Star said, “just let me get out my wallet.” Warm Star was shivering in fear while Red went to get his wallet from his coat. Dark could only stare at the gun. “Here it is. Take it, and be on your on your way.” The figure took the wallet and said, “I want the pearls too!” He moved forward and tried to get the pearls, but Red Star tried to step in front of him. Time went slowly from there. The figure, pulling the trigger, the release of the bullet, the flash, the sound, the grunt of Red Star. There was a scream by Warm Star. He grabbed the pearls from her, and fired his gun again. She didn't scream anymore. The figure ran off after that, leaving Dark Star with his parents. He sank to the ground, with his parents lying there- motionless- lifeless under a street light. It was the only light that shinned on him. After that, he spent many hours at a police station. Hearing the usual, “It's going to be okay son. Are you feeling okay? Can I get you a hot chocolate? Do you need something?” Reassurances, questions, offers, but no peace. He was returned to the “Star Manor”, greeted by the butler of the house, Copper. Instead of saying anything, instead of offering something, Copper kneeled down and hugged Dark Star, who burst into tears. That night, Dark Star was at his bed ready to go to sleep. But before he did, he clasped his hooves together, and began to pray on his bed with the candle shinning on him, tears rolling down his face. “I swear on the spirits of my parents, the spirit and body of Celestia, to avenge their deaths, by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.” The candle went out, his oath complete, Dark Star went to bed, crying all the way through the night. A Hearth Warming, that he would never forget. I shall become . . .From that day forward, Dark Star began his journey to become someone that could wage war against crime in Canterlot. He went to school and assimilated every bit of knowledge he could get his hooves on. To say that he was a scholar wasn't doing him justice. He learned all there was to know, and then more. Whether it was in the world of science or the realm of magic, he would know what was what. His teachers would say there wasn't a finer student. During that time he trained his body to peak proficiency. Whether it was training with a master or bucking apples at an orchard, he was becoming the strongest as any Earth Pony could be. But more so than strength, he began to master how to use his body in every single form of combat known to the creatures of Equestria. The brutal force of the Buffalo, the finesse of the Griffons, the stealth of the Diamond Dogs, he mastered them all. When he finished his training, he was a completely different pony. No longer the boy that was lost without his parents, but a man with the skills and methods to see his oath fulfilled. His butler, his only family, Copper, was behind him all the way. Copper was skilled not just in the field of being a caretaker, but when Equestria was at war with the Griffons, he was a field medic that fought alongside the world's greatest heroes. And under the stately manor was something just as valuable. A base for Dark Star to wage his war. A large cave, full of bats. The sheer size of the cave would be perfect for him. Everything was set for him to begin his crusade. But he needed more time- more time to understand the city he was trying to save- the city where many battles would be fought. Dark Star disguised himself and ventured into Canterlot and went through the entire city. From the main business sector where the great “Star Enterprises” building was, to the slums where establishments like “Earl's Mare House” were. Finally, he got to the worst of it- which had gotten worse since he was last there. Mare's and Stallions selling themselves for money, Ponies shooting themselves up with whatever drugs they could get their hands on, to live in a dreamy state where their problems were a thing of the past. A dreamy state where the peace and order that Celestia brought still existed. “Hey there Mister,” a tiny voice said. Dark Star turned to see a young unicorn foal with a red mane and silver coat, dressed in an outfit that was not meant for her age group. “Can I cheer you up Mister?” she asked. Dark Star chuckled. “I doubt it, how old are you kid?” he asked. “As young as you want me to be!” she chirped. She hasn't been doing this for very long. Suddenly out of nowhere, a large Earth Pony came from behind the girl and hit her. “Stupid little bitch!” He yelled. “That's not how you do it Cascade!” The little foal was crying. “But I did it exactly as you said!” she said. He smacked her again. Dark Star didn't like that. “You gotta choose your targets you little dumb ass!” The Earth Pony grabbed her by the mane. “C'mon you're going to learn the hard way!” “No.” Dark Star said standing tall. “I think you're done with her.” The Earth Pony turned around and laughed. “Pfft, you vice or something man? That old disguise ain't foolin me!” The Earth Pony continued to yell at Dark, while up in a building, a white Unicorn was observing the situation. “Damn, it ain't vice- we're already paid up. It's probably some damn colt with a death wish.” The white Unicorn had a black mane and a cutie mark that resembled a gust of wind. There was a wheezing pony behind her. “Grace . . . please don't stop now . . . please...” “Shut up Blunt.” She looked down at the Unicorn getting yelled out. “Hey Blunt, do you know what I hate about Stallions?” “Why . . . do you hate us . . . Grace . . . please . . . tell me?” Blunt asked. “I've never met one.” She said with a sad look. Down on the street the Earth Pony was circling Dark Star. The Earth Pony shifted his gaze else where, and then pulled out a knife from his coat and lunged at Dark. Dark Star stepped out of the way and smacked the Earth Pony in the head with his front hoof, knocking him out. Dark Star stepped back, waiting for the Earth Pony to get up and attack. But the attack didn't come from him, instead it came from the little foal, Cascade, who was stabbing Dark Star in the leg with a knife. “Come on girls! Attack him!” Cascade was about to stab him again until Dark Star threw the kid away from him. All the pony prostitutes began to jump him. He dodged most of them, but one got on his back and started biting his mane. He grabbed her with his two front hooves and tossed her up in the air and bucked her. Little Cascade got up and screamed, “OW! I think he broke my leg!” This brought Grace over the edge. She jumped from the building and landed next to Dark Star. “Nopony hurts Cascade!” She threw a few punches towards Dark Star who was able to block them, but he was hurt. “Damn.” He thought. “I made a mess of things, I need to get out of here.” He continued to fight the white Unicorn until he heard the familiar sound of the Police who came by with their new magically powered cart. They had a spell that sent out the sound of a siren. Two unicorns stepped out of the carriage, each holding a gun with their magic. They told everybody to freeze and took aim at Dark Star. He didn't move- but they still shot. Nobody was shocked. The police took Dark Star into their cart and left the area. “Damn Sir, he didn't even try to move.” The younger unicorn said. “He was going to, besides he's a bum- no point in crying about it.” The older unicorn said, he looked back at Dark Star. “Aw Celestia, he's bleeding all over the seat. Did his wallet have anything good in it?” He asked the younger unicorn. “Nah, just some loose bits and coupons.” The unicorn said while focused on the road. Dark Star woke up and saw the situation he was in. Bleeding, shot, captured, in cuffs. He got himself up and looked to the two unicorns. “You two- stop the cart- get out.” The two unicorns looked back in surprise. But the older one said, “Yeah that'll be the-” He was interrupted when Dark Star broke out of his cuffs and punched the two unicorns, causing the cart to crash. The two unicorns were knocked out, and not going anywhere. Dark Star got out, and rushed away as fast as he could. Somehow, Dark Star managed to make it home and sat in the library of Star Manor. He looked at a bust of his Father. “Father?” He asked. “How do I do it? How do I make them afraid of me?” He looked at a little bell, he focused his magic on the bell. “If I ring this bell, Copper will come and save my life- he's one of the many gifts you gave me. But I refuse to live another day, if I have to wait another second before I can begin my quest. How do I do it?” Consciousness was slowly leaving him until he was alarmed by the sound of breaking glass. It was a bat that broke in through the window. It flapped around until it landed on the bust of his father. Dark Star's eyes widened. He realized what it meant- it was another gift from his father. “Yes father,” he said. “I shall become a bat.” He rang the bell, ready to begin his mission. ResearchIt had been a couple of months since Twilight Sparkle took a position within the Canterlot Police Force. Luna came to her personally to see if she could help the police clean up the city. Unfortunately it was far worse than Twilight imagined. After she moved from Ponyville with Spike, she had seen the police force first hoof, it was not a pretty sight. Many key ponies were corrupt and a lot more didn't say anything just to stay alive. Twilight sat in her office, looking at case folders she had cleared. She had become a hero in the town in a way, stopping robberies, catching murderers, she had seen a lot. She often thought about why she took the position within Canterlot. Was it to honor Princess Celestia? To clean up the city that was once so clean? Gain favor with Luna? Or was it to search for that one pony that ended her friend's life. That one pony that disappeared without a trace after the deed was done. That horrible, repulsive, deed. “Why did she-?” Before she could finish, someone was knocking on her door. “What?” Twilight hated being interrupted mid thought. “Twilight!” It was Spike. “We got a new case! Something about a giant- bat?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Spike, there are no giant bats in Canterlot- it isn't the right climate for them.” She said as she continued to read her case files. “But Twilight, this thing has been thrashing criminals. He's beat up 40 ponies alone tonight.” Twilight looked up and sighed. She placed the case folder down and walked over to Spike. “Alright Spike, let's get a good look at this bat character.” Twilight turned off the light in her office and locked the door. But out of the darkness, was a figure dressed in a gray suit with a black cape and cowl. On his chest was a symbol of a bat. His cutie mark also had a bat symbol. He scanned the folders, assimilating all the information he could find. The city has many crime lords including, “Himmler” a griffon, “Oak” an Earth Pony, and “Quartz” a Diamond Dog. All three of these crime lords all had special ties to the Mayor of Canterlot, “Hoofington,” the police commissioner, “Gill,” as well as many other names. He closed the folder, and jumped out the window, armed with more knowledge and finding more about a potential ally. Batmane jumped from roof top to roof top, continuing his patrol of the city. He looked down to see three colts carrying out items from an apartment. He jumped down into the middle of them, and growled like a raging buffalo, another gift from them. He punched the colt in front of him and the bucked the two in back of him, knocking them out easily. The first one he punched was still conscious. He placed his hoof on top of the thug, staring down at him. The thug was whimpering. “Don't-*sniff*- kill me man- don't kill me!” The thug pleaded over and over. Batmane pressed down harder on the thug. “I'm not going to kill you- I want you to tell all your friends about me.” Batmane growled. “WHAT ARE YOU?!” The thug screamed. Batmane leaned down so he was face to face with the thug. “I'm Batmane.” Winter NuovaIt was the night of the “Winter Nuova” in the Canterlot palace. It was a charity ball that would help the city get back on it's feet. Luna held it every year since the demise of Celestia. In many ways it was like the Grand Galloping Gala, but ponies didn't mind. For them it was a good excuse to get dressed up and go out. The hall of the palace was decorated with shining snow flakes and the ceiling had a spell so it looked like the night sky in all of it's glory. None of the light pollution that Canterlot put out nowadays with the new industry moving in. Twilight Sparkle stood in a corner, checking her “Smart Papyrus.” It was a magical invention that had information sent instantaneously from one piece of paper to another. She had hers connected to the police station so she could be up to date on everything that was going on. She was only at the party because Princess Luna requested it. “Speaking of...” Twilight said as she saw Princess Luna approaching. “Twilight Sparkle, it's so wonderful to see you!” Luna had the look of an extremely tired mare. Twilight gave a bow. “It's wonderful to see you too Princess.” Twilight said with a smile. “You've done another great job with the party.” “Thank you Twilight. I was thinking about canceling it but it seems ponies are in better spirits now a days.” Luna always worried about the well being of her subjects, always watching. It was sad to Twilight to see Luna trying to be like Celestia in many ways. Maybe that was where she was failing as a leader. She isn't trying to do things her way, it was what Celestia would do. Celestia was a keeper of the peace, but peace was gone and they needed a tough leader. “Twilight- Are you listening?” Twilight snapped back to reality. “Sorry Princess, lost in thought.” Luna smiled. “Take a break Twilight, dance a bit.” Twilight grimaced, thinking about her attempts to dance in the past. “Maybe not Princess, I enjoy it but I think that'll make my dancing even worse.” Luna laughed a little bit. “Perhaps you need the right partner, there are many bachelors here tonight that would love to dance with you.” Twilight looked around the room at the bachelors. She recognized them all- she read their files and they were all crooks. One unicorn she saw was so corrupt that she swore he left a slimey trail wherever he walked. She was about to say something to Luna until she saw a Pony that caught her eye. A gray unicorn with a black mane and black star like cutie mark. She turned to Luna. “Who's that Princess?” Luna turned to who Twilight was talking about. “Oh! That's Dark Star, head of Star Enterprises. You've got a good eye Twilight, he's the most eligible bachelor in Canterlot.” Twilight eyed him up, he was well built, especially for a Unicorn. Dark Star turned to see Twilight looking at him. Twilight looked away and blushed. He smiled and casually walked over to Twilight and Princess Luna. He bowed to Princess Luna. “Pardon me Princess, but may I borrow this young mare to dance?” Luna smiled. “Of course you may, this is-” Dark Star walked past Princess Luna and took Twilight's hoof and kissed it. “Twilight Sparkle, the bearer of Magic. It is an honor.” Twilight gasped and laughed a little. “The honor is all mine Mr. Star.” Dark Star led Twilight onto the dance floor. Twilight wasn't sure what to do, but like a gentlecolt, Dark Star took over and led Twilight in a dance. “So what brings a busy mare such as yourself to this little party?” Dark Star asked. “Princess Luna invited me, though between you and me, I've got a lot of work to do.” Dark Star smiled and spun Twilight around. “Word of your exploits have gotten everypony's attention- you're almost making the headlines as much as Batmane.” Batmane- Twilight wasn't sure what to think of Batmane. A hero? Maybe. A vigil ante? Yes. And she had orders to bring him down at any cost. “Deep thinking eh?” Twilight was brought back to reality when Dark Star leaned Twilight so close to the ground her hair almost touched it, and she was face to face with Dark Star. She blushed heavily. “I try my best Mr. Star.” Dark placed a hoof to her lips. “Please, call me Dark.” The two smiled at each other. Just then, a loud explosion rocked the building, causing the two doors that led into the hall to fall down. All the ponies in the room screamed. Through the dust came a pony with a black coat and black mane with red eyes, along with a cadre of thugs. “Alright settle down ponies.” He stomped on the ground and had his thugs fire their guns in the air. “My name is Obsidian- and you're going to have to put everything you've got into these bags.” Twilight frowned and said, “Dark Star, get yourself to safety right-” She turned to find that Dark Star was gone. “Guess you're kind of cowardly then.” She pulled out her side arm with her magic and aimed it at Obsidian. “Don't move!” Obsidian cackled. “You're all alone here Police Mare- all your other cop friends are too far away and we already took care of your royal guard.” Twilight didn't even flinch, she kept her aim as steady as she could. “Haha, you're gutsy Police Mare- I wonder what they look like.” His thugs cackled as they all moved towards Twilight. Okay now I'm worried she thought. She was completely surrounded. Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns cackling at her. She grimaced a bit. But, a loud crash interrupted Obsidian and his thugs. Every pony in the room looked up to see something crash through the window ceiling. It was a pony, the Batmane. Twilight's eyes widened. This was the first time she had seen him in person. “Well look who it is- the Batmane- been meaning to kill ya to make everypony's lives easier.” Batmane looked around at all the thugs. Six thugs with machine guns . . . cake walk Batmane thought. “You should put down the guns- NOW.” Batmane said in a deep voice. The thugs laughed. “Okay boys, show him how we take orders.” The guns cocked. Batmane's horn shined. The lights went out. “What the-?” Flashes of guns going off lit up the dark room. Batmane was taking the thugs out one by one. Eventually Obsidian was the only one left. “Buck it.” He made his way to the door- only to be stopped by a figure. Obsidian tried to punch, only to be stopped and thrown on the ground, knocked out. The lights came back on, but Batmane was gone. Twilight looked up at the way Batmane came in and saw the trails of his cape. Maybe I found the ally I've been looking for the help Canterlot. She thought to herself. Luna could only look at the destruction and sigh. She wanted this party to go well. Now the only news that ponies would report on would be how the party was attacked and how Batmane came to save the day. “Well, fillies and gentlecolts-” a voice came from the door. It was Dark Star. “Since the venue has been wrecked, I was thinking we move the party to my Penthouse. Donations will be taken there, and I hope Princess Luna will be joining us.” Dark Star smiled at Luna who could only smile back. “Certainly Mr. Star, let us go now.” All the ponies moved out of the hall and went towards Dark Star's penthouse. Twilight remained and started to get the thugs cuffed. Police ponies flooded the room and started working. Dark Star tapped her on the shoulder. “Aren't you joining us Ms. Sparkle?” Twilight continued working. “This is a crime scene now Mr. Star, I've got to do my job. You enjoy the party.” Dark Star made his way out the door. “I've got some work to do as well.” He said. Red Mane Strikes!Batmane sat on top of a building in the freezing rain, watching the Canterlot Prison known as, Steelhoof. It housed most criminals, including Obsidian- the pony that crashed the Charity Event. Batmane saw that he was alone in his cell, now was the time to interrogate him. Batmane had a lot of different gadgets in his arsenal besides his horn and physique. He had bat shaped boomarangs, smoke bombs, a grapple, and a glider he brought out when he needed to cruise the skies of Canterlot. It meshed in with the black skies so he wasn't worried about being spotted. He used that and landed on top of the prison and made his way to Obsidian. Obsidian was bouncing a ball off the walls of the prison. He was bored, and the room wasn't well lit. He was about to go to sleep when he heard a growl. He turned around to see what delivered it only to find a hoof grabbing him and slamming his head against a wall. He was then lifted by his throat by the figure in front of him- Batmane. “You've got some questions to answer.” Batmane said with his deep voice. Obsidian felt fear towards this pony- no, this monster. He thought the prisons were safe, but Batmane clearly didn't care about the law getting in the way of his own justice. “Now am I going to have to break anything more than your face?” Obsidian gulped. “What do you want to know?” he asked. “Who hired you to hit the party?” No criminal was stupid enough to attack the Princess's party and expect to get away. Obsidian winced at Batmane. “If I told you, she'd kill me.” Obsidian said with his voice cracking. “Who? If you don't tell me-” Batmane came face to face with Obsidian, “I'll make you wish you were dead.” Obsidian's eyes widened. “It was a pony going by the name “Red Mare”. She hired my gang to distract you.” Obsidian was singing a tune Batmane liked. “She's hitting up all these industrial places- chemicals and stuff you know?” Batmane loosened his grip and let Obsidian down. “I-I think she's going to hit up the 'Spade Chemical Building'. She's crazy- just insane.” Batmane saw Obsidian's eyes and knew he was telling the truth. “I believe you.” Obsidian looked up to Batmane who started to walk away. “You know, I am sorry for what I did. I haven't been able to feed my family a good meal for a while and when this offer came up-” Obisdian was interrupted by a dart that came from Batmane, he was knocked out cold. Batmane left the cell and went off to inform a friend of his of his new information. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Twilight was in her office looking over the evidence from the attempted robbery. No signs of robbery of this scale on their records, no signs of actual murder, Twilight concluded that these ponies were extremely desperate. “But were they threatened? Why would they-?” “They were paid off Lt. Sparkle.” Twilight was interrupted by a dark figure- the Batmane. “What are you doing here?!” She screamed. She reached for her gun, which Batmane effectively smacked away. “I'm here to help you with the case.” Batmane took out a map and laid it down on Twilight's desk. “According to some thugs I've roughed up, many different targets under the name 'Spade Chemicals' have been robbed for the last few days.” Twilight nodded. “We've had reports of robberies taking place, but we've been distracted by bigger cases. Mainly the attempted robbery of Princess Luna's charity event. But from what you're are saying, that was a distraction.” Batmane took out a list. “From what I have gathered, the robbers have taken large amounts of money from the safes within the building, as well as gallons of an unknown chemical. Nopony has been able to discern what they've been working on.” Twilight frowned, ever since Celestia died, everypony has been allowed to do what they want in terms of business. Plans for limitations are being planned, but it's moving slowly. “So who's the head horse behind all of this?” Batmane pulled out a photograph. It had a picture of a light red pony with a big dome shaped red helmet. “She calls herself, 'Red Mane', she's been buying off all the thugs to commit crimes. And she's going to strike again, tonight.” Just then, an alarm blared throughout the station. The door started to open. Batmane hid within the shadows. A police pony entered the room. “Ma'am! We've got to get down the Canterlot Bank! It's being robbed!” The police pony left the room and galloped down to the police carts. Twilight cringed at her dilemma and looked towards Batmane. “It's a hoax and you know it.” Batmane made his way to the window. “Get some ponies you trust and go for the Spade Chemical Building. I'll be there cleaning up some slime.” Batmane jumped out of the window and disappeared. Twilight thought about the repercussions of disobeying orders, but decided it was time to do something that mattered. “Spike!” She called to her assistant. “Get our squad together, we're going to Spade Chemical Building.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________ “Maybe this will make them see. Maybe this will make the ponies happy again.” The pony in the red costume thought. She looked to her hired thugs, gleefully taking the money from this soulless company and wheeling the barrels of chemicals out. They didn't know what she planned to do with them, but they didn't ask her, nopony did. She informed them of the consequences if they did. “Alright!” she said aloud, “We're getting out of here, get the last barrel and-” She was interrupted when the lights in the building went out. Her thugs gasped. “What the hell is going on?” one asked. “Calm down, it's a power-” this one didn't get a chance to finish. He disappeared into the darkness. “Yo Icicles, where'd you-” the next pony grunted when he was bucked in the face by a dark hoof. Red Mare saw this and ran off. She found herself on a catwalk on top of tubs of the chemical she was trying to liberate. She looked behind her to see her pursuer- Batmane. “You big mean jerk- why are you stopping me now!” Red Mare pulled out a scalpel and threw it towards Batmane, he dodged it and lunged towards her. He threw a punch, but she dodged it. “Damn, she knows how to fight.” Batmane thought to himself. Batmane was caught off guard by a punch from Red Mare. Not a hard punch, but it did it's damage. While the two fought on, Twilight and her squad entered the building and found the two unconscious ponies Batmane had knocked out. “Looks like he was right Spike. Go through the rest of the building and see what you can find!” Twilight ordered. And with that she went off on her own. She then heard the sounds of grunts coming from a rather large room. She galloped to find Batmane fighting the Red Mare. Batmane needed to end the fight now, and he knew the best way to defeat a pony like Red Mare, was to knock her mask off. Like him, if some pony is wearing a mask, they have something to hide. He ducked, turned around and bucked Red Mane's mask off. Twilight's eyes widened as she was surprised to learn the identity of the mare behind the mask. “Pinkie . . .” The once happy friend of Twilight, the murderer of her friend Rainbow Dash, was revealed to her again. So many years of searching and waiting, culminating to this moment. “Pinkie!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs, but it appeared that Pinkie didn't hear Twilight. “You big dumb meany pants! You've ruined the surprise!” Batmane said nothing, he pulled out some hoof cuffs and moved toward Pinkie. She started to back up. “No! You're not going to take me!” she screamed. The two heard a rattling sound. Pinkie looked down to see the metal bridge she was on was giving way. She tried to move but that only caused it to break down. Batmane rushed to Pinkie to try and save her, but it was too late, with a splash, she was down in the vat of chemicals. “NOO! PINKIE!” Twilight screamed. But it was for nothing, she ran up as fast as she could to Batmane's side, who was trying to fish her out. “She's- she's gone.” Twilight said getting teary eyed. “I wanted to help her- why did she-” Batmane interrupted her and said, “She's gone from the vat, I'd recommend sending police ponies to search around wherever this vat empties out.” Twilight looked to Batmane who was on his way out. “I just received a report about a gang war breaking out, it must be stopped.” He must have a Smart Papyrus or something like it, Twilight thought. With that, Batmane disappeared again, leaving Twilight alone, with memories that would best be forgotten. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Meanwhile, on the edge of a lake near the Spade Chemical Building, was a pony that was throwing up contaminated water. She thought about what had transpired all of those years on the run. She had seen the big joke life was, the big dark joke life was. She had heard the tales of sadistic murderers and criminals that would ruin the lives of ponies around them. She had to figure out why, so she took her friend and killed her to see what it was like- nothing special- she figured she'd have to kill more to get that buzz. It slowly dawned on her that these murders did feel good, it felt like she was granting ponies the happiness Princess Celestia must have felt- a relief from responsibility and to go to a place where ponies could play peacefully. She thought she was doing everypony a favor, but instead she was hunted down and made out to be a villain. That's why she created the Red Mare disguise, so she could remain unhindered. She looked down at her hooves, the hooves she used to kill so many ponies with, but something was different, they were white. Her whole coat was white now. She went to the lake to look at herself. It was a completely different pony altogether. “Hahaha” she started to laugh. Everything was different about her, she looked rather funny in her opinion. “Hahahahaha” Her mane was green, her eyes were red, and her lips had a light tinge of red on them too. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” She screamed her laughs out. This wasn't Pinkie Pie anymore, this monster was something different. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The screaming continued into the night, and in the water, laid a playing card- a joker.
The City StreetsEquestria is facing a new black chapter. With the death of Princess Celestia, Equestria falls to crime and poverty. Princess Luna struggles to maintain order within a corrupt system. The Elements try to bring ponies together, to no avail, leaving them torn from each other and their Elements. This is paticularly true in the city of Canterlot. The rich feast on the fair city while the poor feel fear from an ever growing criminal element. For Eye Catch, it was another night in Canterlot, another terrifying night. Walking through the city streets, returning from her reporting job. What was it she reported on? Nothing good. “Sadistic”, “horrendous”, “evil”. Those were the words she would use. But fate would have an interesting turn for her tonight. “Yo! Mare!” A voice cried out behind Eye Catch. She turned behind her to see two hulking Earth Pony Thugs. They looked tough and mean. “Give us all yer bits!” The thug said to Eye. “Please!” yelled Eye. “I hardly have enough to get a piece of gum.” The economy for many in Canterlot was terrible, and everypony tried to get by in any way they could- even if that meant going to the lowest form of getting it. “That's okay-” the thug said with an evil grin. “I know another thing you could give us.” The thugs eyed the body of Eye Catch. She shuddered when she realized what he meant. She tried to trot away as fast as she could, only to be stopped and pulled into an alley by the two thugs. It was a dead end. “NO! Wait!” She pleaded for anything but this fate. “Sorry lady, looks like today ain't your day.” The two thugs drew closer and closer to Eye with malevolent intent. Eye Catch's eyes widened as she saw them move over her. But then she looked up into the sky. And saw something gliding above them. “Oh my-” The two thugs turned around to see a dark figure only inches on top of them. The figure collided with thugs. Eye Catch quickly rushed to hide behind a trash can. She hid while she heard the action. Bucks, kicks, punches, and it wasn't the thugs who were doing it. The sound stopped, she came out from behind the trash can to see the thugs tied up and hung up on a street lamp, bruised and knocked out. She looked up into the sky and saw what appeared to be, bat wings. She quickly ran back to her home to write a story about this immediately. “A figure dressed in black-” “-could only be described as a creature-” “-sources say a bat-” “Another robbery stopped by the Bat-” High on the skyscrapers in Canterlot, was figure dressed in black with the look of a bat. He was a protector of the night, a punisher of the wicked, and a vigil for justice. He is vengeance- he is the night- he is . . . Batmane!
A Cold Hearth WarmingThe night was cold as he always remembered it. A winter's day. He remembered the holiday bells ringing, the Hearth Warming cakes bringing a sweet smell to the air, the cool breeze giving a crisp feel to his lungs. Truly, he was a lucky colt. The young colt was named, Dark Star. His coat was dark and his mane jet black. But he was a happy boy, apart of a happy family. The father, “Red Star”, and the mother, “Warm Sun”, were the best parents a foal could ask for. The 'Star' family was renowned in Canterlot for their services to the city. It had been a couple of years since the death of Celestia, a couple of years into the beginning of what Canterlot was to become. Through charity, working at the hospital, creating jobs with their company, 'Star Enterprises', truly they were the best examples of pony kind besides the Elements of Harmony themselves. This work kept them always busy, but tonight was different, tonight as a family they were going to see a movie. The movie was, 'The Mark of Zerro', it followed the exploits of a vigil ante. Dark Star wanted to be him, the costume, the sword play, the heroism. It was everything a colt could dream of. After the movie got out, the family of three stepped out to see the falling snow. It was truly a beautiful sight. Dark Star jumped through the snow and mimicked the moves he saw his hero perform. “Easy there Dark,” Red Star said, “don't want to look like lunatic now.” Warm Sun nuzzled him and said, “Let him play dear, he'll only be young once.” Dark Star continued to play while they walked down a dark street. “Hey dad! Do you think you can teach me how to fight like that?” the little colt asked. Red chuckled and said, “Maybe when you're older son.” The wife glared at him “Waaay older.” The little foal didn't mind, he continued in his flight of fancy until he saw a figure in front of him, a rather large and dark figure with white eyes that pierced his soul. Dark ran behind his parents. The figure pulled out a gun and pointed it straight at Dark's parents. “Hand over everythin' you got.” The voice was deep and raspy, and he held the gun steady. “It's okay,” Red Star said, “just let me get out my wallet.” Warm Star was shivering in fear while Red went to get his wallet from his coat. Dark could only stare at the gun. “Here it is. Take it, and be on your on your way.” The figure took the wallet and said, “I want the pearls too!” He moved forward and tried to get the pearls, but Red Star tried to step in front of him. Time went slowly from there. The figure, pulling the trigger, the release of the bullet, the flash, the sound, the grunt of Red Star. There was a scream by Warm Star. He grabbed the pearls from her, and fired his gun again. She didn't scream anymore. The figure ran off after that, leaving Dark Star with his parents. He sank to the ground, with his parents lying there- motionless- lifeless under a street light. It was the only light that shinned on him. After that, he spent many hours at a police station. Hearing the usual, “It's going to be okay son. Are you feeling okay? Can I get you a hot chocolate? Do you need something?” Reassurances, questions, offers, but no peace. He was returned to the “Star Manor”, greeted by the butler of the house, Copper. Instead of saying anything, instead of offering something, Copper kneeled down and hugged Dark Star, who burst into tears. That night, Dark Star was at his bed ready to go to sleep. But before he did, he clasped his hooves together, and began to pray on his bed with the candle shinning on him, tears rolling down his face. “I swear on the spirits of my parents, the spirit and body of Celestia, to avenge their deaths, by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.” The candle went out, his oath complete, Dark Star went to bed, crying all the way through the night. A Hearth Warming, that he would never forget.
I shall become . . .From that day forward, Dark Star began his journey to become someone that could wage war against crime in Canterlot. He went to school and assimilated every bit of knowledge he could get his hooves on. To say that he was a scholar wasn't doing him justice. He learned all there was to know, and then more. Whether it was in the world of science or the realm of magic, he would know what was what. His teachers would say there wasn't a finer student. During that time he trained his body to peak proficiency. Whether it was training with a master or bucking apples at an orchard, he was becoming the strongest as any Earth Pony could be. But more so than strength, he began to master how to use his body in every single form of combat known to the creatures of Equestria. The brutal force of the Buffalo, the finesse of the Griffons, the stealth of the Diamond Dogs, he mastered them all. When he finished his training, he was a completely different pony. No longer the boy that was lost without his parents, but a man with the skills and methods to see his oath fulfilled. His butler, his only family, Copper, was behind him all the way. Copper was skilled not just in the field of being a caretaker, but when Equestria was at war with the Griffons, he was a field medic that fought alongside the world's greatest heroes. And under the stately manor was something just as valuable. A base for Dark Star to wage his war. A large cave, full of bats. The sheer size of the cave would be perfect for him. Everything was set for him to begin his crusade. But he needed more time- more time to understand the city he was trying to save- the city where many battles would be fought. Dark Star disguised himself and ventured into Canterlot and went through the entire city. From the main business sector where the great “Star Enterprises” building was, to the slums where establishments like “Earl's Mare House” were. Finally, he got to the worst of it- which had gotten worse since he was last there. Mare's and Stallions selling themselves for money, Ponies shooting themselves up with whatever drugs they could get their hands on, to live in a dreamy state where their problems were a thing of the past. A dreamy state where the peace and order that Celestia brought still existed. “Hey there Mister,” a tiny voice said. Dark Star turned to see a young unicorn foal with a red mane and silver coat, dressed in an outfit that was not meant for her age group. “Can I cheer you up Mister?” she asked. Dark Star chuckled. “I doubt it, how old are you kid?” he asked. “As young as you want me to be!” she chirped. She hasn't been doing this for very long. Suddenly out of nowhere, a large Earth Pony came from behind the girl and hit her. “Stupid little bitch!” He yelled. “That's not how you do it Cascade!” The little foal was crying. “But I did it exactly as you said!” she said. He smacked her again. Dark Star didn't like that. “You gotta choose your targets you little dumb ass!” The Earth Pony grabbed her by the mane. “C'mon you're going to learn the hard way!” “No.” Dark Star said standing tall. “I think you're done with her.” The Earth Pony turned around and laughed. “Pfft, you vice or something man? That old disguise ain't foolin me!” The Earth Pony continued to yell at Dark, while up in a building, a white Unicorn was observing the situation. “Damn, it ain't vice- we're already paid up. It's probably some damn colt with a death wish.” The white Unicorn had a black mane and a cutie mark that resembled a gust of wind. There was a wheezing pony behind her. “Grace . . . please don't stop now . . . please...” “Shut up Blunt.” She looked down at the Unicorn getting yelled out. “Hey Blunt, do you know what I hate about Stallions?” “Why . . . do you hate us . . . Grace . . . please . . . tell me?” Blunt asked. “I've never met one.” She said with a sad look. Down on the street the Earth Pony was circling Dark Star. The Earth Pony shifted his gaze else where, and then pulled out a knife from his coat and lunged at Dark. Dark Star stepped out of the way and smacked the Earth Pony in the head with his front hoof, knocking him out. Dark Star stepped back, waiting for the Earth Pony to get up and attack. But the attack didn't come from him, instead it came from the little foal, Cascade, who was stabbing Dark Star in the leg with a knife. “Come on girls! Attack him!” Cascade was about to stab him again until Dark Star threw the kid away from him. All the pony prostitutes began to jump him. He dodged most of them, but one got on his back and started biting his mane. He grabbed her with his two front hooves and tossed her up in the air and bucked her. Little Cascade got up and screamed, “OW! I think he broke my leg!” This brought Grace over the edge. She jumped from the building and landed next to Dark Star. “Nopony hurts Cascade!” She threw a few punches towards Dark Star who was able to block them, but he was hurt. “Damn.” He thought. “I made a mess of things, I need to get out of here.” He continued to fight the white Unicorn until he heard the familiar sound of the Police who came by with their new magically powered cart. They had a spell that sent out the sound of a siren. Two unicorns stepped out of the carriage, each holding a gun with their magic. They told everybody to freeze and took aim at Dark Star. He didn't move- but they still shot. Nobody was shocked. The police took Dark Star into their cart and left the area. “Damn Sir, he didn't even try to move.” The younger unicorn said. “He was going to, besides he's a bum- no point in crying about it.” The older unicorn said, he looked back at Dark Star. “Aw Celestia, he's bleeding all over the seat. Did his wallet have anything good in it?” He asked the younger unicorn. “Nah, just some loose bits and coupons.” The unicorn said while focused on the road. Dark Star woke up and saw the situation he was in. Bleeding, shot, captured, in cuffs. He got himself up and looked to the two unicorns. “You two- stop the cart- get out.” The two unicorns looked back in surprise. But the older one said, “Yeah that'll be the-” He was interrupted when Dark Star broke out of his cuffs and punched the two unicorns, causing the cart to crash. The two unicorns were knocked out, and not going anywhere. Dark Star got out, and rushed away as fast as he could. Somehow, Dark Star managed to make it home and sat in the library of Star Manor. He looked at a bust of his Father. “Father?” He asked. “How do I do it? How do I make them afraid of me?” He looked at a little bell, he focused his magic on the bell. “If I ring this bell, Copper will come and save my life- he's one of the many gifts you gave me. But I refuse to live another day, if I have to wait another second before I can begin my quest. How do I do it?” Consciousness was slowly leaving him until he was alarmed by the sound of breaking glass. It was a bat that broke in through the window. It flapped around until it landed on the bust of his father. Dark Star's eyes widened. He realized what it meant- it was another gift from his father. “Yes father,” he said. “I shall become a bat.” He rang the bell, ready to begin his mission.
ResearchIt had been a couple of months since Twilight Sparkle took a position within the Canterlot Police Force. Luna came to her personally to see if she could help the police clean up the city. Unfortunately it was far worse than Twilight imagined. After she moved from Ponyville with Spike, she had seen the police force first hoof, it was not a pretty sight. Many key ponies were corrupt and a lot more didn't say anything just to stay alive. Twilight sat in her office, looking at case folders she had cleared. She had become a hero in the town in a way, stopping robberies, catching murderers, she had seen a lot. She often thought about why she took the position within Canterlot. Was it to honor Princess Celestia? To clean up the city that was once so clean? Gain favor with Luna? Or was it to search for that one pony that ended her friend's life. That one pony that disappeared without a trace after the deed was done. That horrible, repulsive, deed. “Why did she-?” Before she could finish, someone was knocking on her door. “What?” Twilight hated being interrupted mid thought. “Twilight!” It was Spike. “We got a new case! Something about a giant- bat?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Spike, there are no giant bats in Canterlot- it isn't the right climate for them.” She said as she continued to read her case files. “But Twilight, this thing has been thrashing criminals. He's beat up 40 ponies alone tonight.” Twilight looked up and sighed. She placed the case folder down and walked over to Spike. “Alright Spike, let's get a good look at this bat character.” Twilight turned off the light in her office and locked the door. But out of the darkness, was a figure dressed in a gray suit with a black cape and cowl. On his chest was a symbol of a bat. His cutie mark also had a bat symbol. He scanned the folders, assimilating all the information he could find. The city has many crime lords including, “Himmler” a griffon, “Oak” an Earth Pony, and “Quartz” a Diamond Dog. All three of these crime lords all had special ties to the Mayor of Canterlot, “Hoofington,” the police commissioner, “Gill,” as well as many other names. He closed the folder, and jumped out the window, armed with more knowledge and finding more about a potential ally. Batmane jumped from roof top to roof top, continuing his patrol of the city. He looked down to see three colts carrying out items from an apartment. He jumped down into the middle of them, and growled like a raging buffalo, another gift from them. He punched the colt in front of him and the bucked the two in back of him, knocking them out easily. The first one he punched was still conscious. He placed his hoof on top of the thug, staring down at him. The thug was whimpering. “Don't-*sniff*- kill me man- don't kill me!” The thug pleaded over and over. Batmane pressed down harder on the thug. “I'm not going to kill you- I want you to tell all your friends about me.” Batmane growled. “WHAT ARE YOU?!” The thug screamed. Batmane leaned down so he was face to face with the thug. “I'm Batmane.”
Winter NuovaIt was the night of the “Winter Nuova” in the Canterlot palace. It was a charity ball that would help the city get back on it's feet. Luna held it every year since the demise of Celestia. In many ways it was like the Grand Galloping Gala, but ponies didn't mind. For them it was a good excuse to get dressed up and go out. The hall of the palace was decorated with shining snow flakes and the ceiling had a spell so it looked like the night sky in all of it's glory. None of the light pollution that Canterlot put out nowadays with the new industry moving in. Twilight Sparkle stood in a corner, checking her “Smart Papyrus.” It was a magical invention that had information sent instantaneously from one piece of paper to another. She had hers connected to the police station so she could be up to date on everything that was going on. She was only at the party because Princess Luna requested it. “Speaking of...” Twilight said as she saw Princess Luna approaching. “Twilight Sparkle, it's so wonderful to see you!” Luna had the look of an extremely tired mare. Twilight gave a bow. “It's wonderful to see you too Princess.” Twilight said with a smile. “You've done another great job with the party.” “Thank you Twilight. I was thinking about canceling it but it seems ponies are in better spirits now a days.” Luna always worried about the well being of her subjects, always watching. It was sad to Twilight to see Luna trying to be like Celestia in many ways. Maybe that was where she was failing as a leader. She isn't trying to do things her way, it was what Celestia would do. Celestia was a keeper of the peace, but peace was gone and they needed a tough leader. “Twilight- Are you listening?” Twilight snapped back to reality. “Sorry Princess, lost in thought.” Luna smiled. “Take a break Twilight, dance a bit.” Twilight grimaced, thinking about her attempts to dance in the past. “Maybe not Princess, I enjoy it but I think that'll make my dancing even worse.” Luna laughed a little bit. “Perhaps you need the right partner, there are many bachelors here tonight that would love to dance with you.” Twilight looked around the room at the bachelors. She recognized them all- she read their files and they were all crooks. One unicorn she saw was so corrupt that she swore he left a slimey trail wherever he walked. She was about to say something to Luna until she saw a Pony that caught her eye. A gray unicorn with a black mane and black star like cutie mark. She turned to Luna. “Who's that Princess?” Luna turned to who Twilight was talking about. “Oh! That's Dark Star, head of Star Enterprises. You've got a good eye Twilight, he's the most eligible bachelor in Canterlot.” Twilight eyed him up, he was well built, especially for a Unicorn. Dark Star turned to see Twilight looking at him. Twilight looked away and blushed. He smiled and casually walked over to Twilight and Princess Luna. He bowed to Princess Luna. “Pardon me Princess, but may I borrow this young mare to dance?” Luna smiled. “Of course you may, this is-” Dark Star walked past Princess Luna and took Twilight's hoof and kissed it. “Twilight Sparkle, the bearer of Magic. It is an honor.” Twilight gasped and laughed a little. “The honor is all mine Mr. Star.” Dark Star led Twilight onto the dance floor. Twilight wasn't sure what to do, but like a gentlecolt, Dark Star took over and led Twilight in a dance. “So what brings a busy mare such as yourself to this little party?” Dark Star asked. “Princess Luna invited me, though between you and me, I've got a lot of work to do.” Dark Star smiled and spun Twilight around. “Word of your exploits have gotten everypony's attention- you're almost making the headlines as much as Batmane.” Batmane- Twilight wasn't sure what to think of Batmane. A hero? Maybe. A vigil ante? Yes. And she had orders to bring him down at any cost. “Deep thinking eh?” Twilight was brought back to reality when Dark Star leaned Twilight so close to the ground her hair almost touched it, and she was face to face with Dark Star. She blushed heavily. “I try my best Mr. Star.” Dark placed a hoof to her lips. “Please, call me Dark.” The two smiled at each other. Just then, a loud explosion rocked the building, causing the two doors that led into the hall to fall down. All the ponies in the room screamed. Through the dust came a pony with a black coat and black mane with red eyes, along with a cadre of thugs. “Alright settle down ponies.” He stomped on the ground and had his thugs fire their guns in the air. “My name is Obsidian- and you're going to have to put everything you've got into these bags.” Twilight frowned and said, “Dark Star, get yourself to safety right-” She turned to find that Dark Star was gone. “Guess you're kind of cowardly then.” She pulled out her side arm with her magic and aimed it at Obsidian. “Don't move!” Obsidian cackled. “You're all alone here Police Mare- all your other cop friends are too far away and we already took care of your royal guard.” Twilight didn't even flinch, she kept her aim as steady as she could. “Haha, you're gutsy Police Mare- I wonder what they look like.” His thugs cackled as they all moved towards Twilight. Okay now I'm worried she thought. She was completely surrounded. Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns cackling at her. She grimaced a bit. But, a loud crash interrupted Obsidian and his thugs. Every pony in the room looked up to see something crash through the window ceiling. It was a pony, the Batmane. Twilight's eyes widened. This was the first time she had seen him in person. “Well look who it is- the Batmane- been meaning to kill ya to make everypony's lives easier.” Batmane looked around at all the thugs. Six thugs with machine guns . . . cake walk Batmane thought. “You should put down the guns- NOW.” Batmane said in a deep voice. The thugs laughed. “Okay boys, show him how we take orders.” The guns cocked. Batmane's horn shined. The lights went out. “What the-?” Flashes of guns going off lit up the dark room. Batmane was taking the thugs out one by one. Eventually Obsidian was the only one left. “Buck it.” He made his way to the door- only to be stopped by a figure. Obsidian tried to punch, only to be stopped and thrown on the ground, knocked out. The lights came back on, but Batmane was gone. Twilight looked up at the way Batmane came in and saw the trails of his cape. Maybe I found the ally I've been looking for the help Canterlot. She thought to herself. Luna could only look at the destruction and sigh. She wanted this party to go well. Now the only news that ponies would report on would be how the party was attacked and how Batmane came to save the day. “Well, fillies and gentlecolts-” a voice came from the door. It was Dark Star. “Since the venue has been wrecked, I was thinking we move the party to my Penthouse. Donations will be taken there, and I hope Princess Luna will be joining us.” Dark Star smiled at Luna who could only smile back. “Certainly Mr. Star, let us go now.” All the ponies moved out of the hall and went towards Dark Star's penthouse. Twilight remained and started to get the thugs cuffed. Police ponies flooded the room and started working. Dark Star tapped her on the shoulder. “Aren't you joining us Ms. Sparkle?” Twilight continued working. “This is a crime scene now Mr. Star, I've got to do my job. You enjoy the party.” Dark Star made his way out the door. “I've got some work to do as well.” He said.
Red Mane Strikes!Batmane sat on top of a building in the freezing rain, watching the Canterlot Prison known as, Steelhoof. It housed most criminals, including Obsidian- the pony that crashed the Charity Event. Batmane saw that he was alone in his cell, now was the time to interrogate him. Batmane had a lot of different gadgets in his arsenal besides his horn and physique. He had bat shaped boomarangs, smoke bombs, a grapple, and a glider he brought out when he needed to cruise the skies of Canterlot. It meshed in with the black skies so he wasn't worried about being spotted. He used that and landed on top of the prison and made his way to Obsidian. Obsidian was bouncing a ball off the walls of the prison. He was bored, and the room wasn't well lit. He was about to go to sleep when he heard a growl. He turned around to see what delivered it only to find a hoof grabbing him and slamming his head against a wall. He was then lifted by his throat by the figure in front of him- Batmane. “You've got some questions to answer.” Batmane said with his deep voice. Obsidian felt fear towards this pony- no, this monster. He thought the prisons were safe, but Batmane clearly didn't care about the law getting in the way of his own justice. “Now am I going to have to break anything more than your face?” Obsidian gulped. “What do you want to know?” he asked. “Who hired you to hit the party?” No criminal was stupid enough to attack the Princess's party and expect to get away. Obsidian winced at Batmane. “If I told you, she'd kill me.” Obsidian said with his voice cracking. “Who? If you don't tell me-” Batmane came face to face with Obsidian, “I'll make you wish you were dead.” Obsidian's eyes widened. “It was a pony going by the name “Red Mare”. She hired my gang to distract you.” Obsidian was singing a tune Batmane liked. “She's hitting up all these industrial places- chemicals and stuff you know?” Batmane loosened his grip and let Obsidian down. “I-I think she's going to hit up the 'Spade Chemical Building'. She's crazy- just insane.” Batmane saw Obsidian's eyes and knew he was telling the truth. “I believe you.” Obsidian looked up to Batmane who started to walk away. “You know, I am sorry for what I did. I haven't been able to feed my family a good meal for a while and when this offer came up-” Obisdian was interrupted by a dart that came from Batmane, he was knocked out cold. Batmane left the cell and went off to inform a friend of his of his new information. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Twilight was in her office looking over the evidence from the attempted robbery. No signs of robbery of this scale on their records, no signs of actual murder, Twilight concluded that these ponies were extremely desperate. “But were they threatened? Why would they-?” “They were paid off Lt. Sparkle.” Twilight was interrupted by a dark figure- the Batmane. “What are you doing here?!” She screamed. She reached for her gun, which Batmane effectively smacked away. “I'm here to help you with the case.” Batmane took out a map and laid it down on Twilight's desk. “According to some thugs I've roughed up, many different targets under the name 'Spade Chemicals' have been robbed for the last few days.” Twilight nodded. “We've had reports of robberies taking place, but we've been distracted by bigger cases. Mainly the attempted robbery of Princess Luna's charity event. But from what you're are saying, that was a distraction.” Batmane took out a list. “From what I have gathered, the robbers have taken large amounts of money from the safes within the building, as well as gallons of an unknown chemical. Nopony has been able to discern what they've been working on.” Twilight frowned, ever since Celestia died, everypony has been allowed to do what they want in terms of business. Plans for limitations are being planned, but it's moving slowly. “So who's the head horse behind all of this?” Batmane pulled out a photograph. It had a picture of a light red pony with a big dome shaped red helmet. “She calls herself, 'Red Mane', she's been buying off all the thugs to commit crimes. And she's going to strike again, tonight.” Just then, an alarm blared throughout the station. The door started to open. Batmane hid within the shadows. A police pony entered the room. “Ma'am! We've got to get down the Canterlot Bank! It's being robbed!” The police pony left the room and galloped down to the police carts. Twilight cringed at her dilemma and looked towards Batmane. “It's a hoax and you know it.” Batmane made his way to the window. “Get some ponies you trust and go for the Spade Chemical Building. I'll be there cleaning up some slime.” Batmane jumped out of the window and disappeared. Twilight thought about the repercussions of disobeying orders, but decided it was time to do something that mattered. “Spike!” She called to her assistant. “Get our squad together, we're going to Spade Chemical Building.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________ “Maybe this will make them see. Maybe this will make the ponies happy again.” The pony in the red costume thought. She looked to her hired thugs, gleefully taking the money from this soulless company and wheeling the barrels of chemicals out. They didn't know what she planned to do with them, but they didn't ask her, nopony did. She informed them of the consequences if they did. “Alright!” she said aloud, “We're getting out of here, get the last barrel and-” She was interrupted when the lights in the building went out. Her thugs gasped. “What the hell is going on?” one asked. “Calm down, it's a power-” this one didn't get a chance to finish. He disappeared into the darkness. “Yo Icicles, where'd you-” the next pony grunted when he was bucked in the face by a dark hoof. Red Mare saw this and ran off. She found herself on a catwalk on top of tubs of the chemical she was trying to liberate. She looked behind her to see her pursuer- Batmane. “You big mean jerk- why are you stopping me now!” Red Mare pulled out a scalpel and threw it towards Batmane, he dodged it and lunged towards her. He threw a punch, but she dodged it. “Damn, she knows how to fight.” Batmane thought to himself. Batmane was caught off guard by a punch from Red Mare. Not a hard punch, but it did it's damage. While the two fought on, Twilight and her squad entered the building and found the two unconscious ponies Batmane had knocked out. “Looks like he was right Spike. Go through the rest of the building and see what you can find!” Twilight ordered. And with that she went off on her own. She then heard the sounds of grunts coming from a rather large room. She galloped to find Batmane fighting the Red Mare. Batmane needed to end the fight now, and he knew the best way to defeat a pony like Red Mare, was to knock her mask off. Like him, if some pony is wearing a mask, they have something to hide. He ducked, turned around and bucked Red Mane's mask off. Twilight's eyes widened as she was surprised to learn the identity of the mare behind the mask. “Pinkie . . .” The once happy friend of Twilight, the murderer of her friend Rainbow Dash, was revealed to her again. So many years of searching and waiting, culminating to this moment. “Pinkie!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs, but it appeared that Pinkie didn't hear Twilight. “You big dumb meany pants! You've ruined the surprise!” Batmane said nothing, he pulled out some hoof cuffs and moved toward Pinkie. She started to back up. “No! You're not going to take me!” she screamed. The two heard a rattling sound. Pinkie looked down to see the metal bridge she was on was giving way. She tried to move but that only caused it to break down. Batmane rushed to Pinkie to try and save her, but it was too late, with a splash, she was down in the vat of chemicals. “NOO! PINKIE!” Twilight screamed. But it was for nothing, she ran up as fast as she could to Batmane's side, who was trying to fish her out. “She's- she's gone.” Twilight said getting teary eyed. “I wanted to help her- why did she-” Batmane interrupted her and said, “She's gone from the vat, I'd recommend sending police ponies to search around wherever this vat empties out.” Twilight looked to Batmane who was on his way out. “I just received a report about a gang war breaking out, it must be stopped.” He must have a Smart Papyrus or something like it, Twilight thought. With that, Batmane disappeared again, leaving Twilight alone, with memories that would best be forgotten. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Meanwhile, on the edge of a lake near the Spade Chemical Building, was a pony that was throwing up contaminated water. She thought about what had transpired all of those years on the run. She had seen the big joke life was, the big dark joke life was. She had heard the tales of sadistic murderers and criminals that would ruin the lives of ponies around them. She had to figure out why, so she took her friend and killed her to see what it was like- nothing special- she figured she'd have to kill more to get that buzz. It slowly dawned on her that these murders did feel good, it felt like she was granting ponies the happiness Princess Celestia must have felt- a relief from responsibility and to go to a place where ponies could play peacefully. She thought she was doing everypony a favor, but instead she was hunted down and made out to be a villain. That's why she created the Red Mare disguise, so she could remain unhindered. She looked down at her hooves, the hooves she used to kill so many ponies with, but something was different, they were white. Her whole coat was white now. She went to the lake to look at herself. It was a completely different pony altogether. “Hahaha” she started to laugh. Everything was different about her, she looked rather funny in her opinion. “Hahahahaha” Her mane was green, her eyes were red, and her lips had a light tinge of red on them too. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” She screamed her laughs out. This wasn't Pinkie Pie anymore, this monster was something different. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The screaming continued into the night, and in the water, laid a playing card- a joker.
