Absolute Beginnings (DCA)

Absolute Beginnings is a one-shot comic book which is the starting point of the DC Absolute line of comics.
==Appearing in "Absolute Beginnings"==
Featured Characters:
*Bruce Wayne/Batman (first appearance)
*Barry Allen/The Flash (first appearance)
Antagonists:
*The Society (first appearance)
**Lex Luthor (first appearance)
**Teth-Adam/Black Adam (first appearance)
**Circe (first appearance)
**Gorilla Grodd (first appearance)
**Vandar Adg/Vandal Savage (first appearance)
**Thaal Sinestro (first appearance)
*Vril Dox/Brainiac (behind the scenes)
Other Characters:
* Duke Thomas (first appearance)
* Ubu (mentioned)
* Bruce Wayne/Batman (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Dick Grayson/Robin (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Jason Todd/Robin (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Clark Kent/Superman (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Princess Diana/Wonder Woman (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Hal Jordan/Green Lantern (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Darkseid (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Bane (Prime Earth) (cameo)
* Batman Who Laughs (Earth -22) (cameo)
==Plot of "Absolute Beginnings"==
A small droid floats in absolute nothingness. Then a gargantuan eruption occurs directly behind it.
*Brainiac (narration): This is how it happened. This is how a universe was reforged in my image...
A series of events are known, including the crashing of Superman's ship, the Waynes being shot, and other famous events in DC history are shown, all of which have the same mysterious figure hovering in the background.
* Brainiac (narration): I observed the events of this world and made sure they went as I needed. I was unable to alter some, but the wider alterations to history made the few worms slipping through the cracks obsolete. And now the entire galaxy lives within the palm of my hand...
An unknown amount of time later, Lex Luthor steps out on to a large stage and waves at a massive crowd in front of him, smiling slightly. Journalists, reporters, and others yell out things like "Mr. President!" or "President Luthor!" in an attempt to get his attention. He steps forward to a pedestal and a microphone.
* Lex Luthor: My fellow Americans. I understand the fear among you regarding the current war. It feels like every morning, people get out of their bed afraid the world is going to blow up. But I assure you all, the United States has never bowed in the past and we will not now. But I have no choice but to ask you for help. You, sitting at home. The Human Defense Corps has been battling the forces of Themyscira for the better half of a year and, if you are an American who is worried for your people's safety, then I request... No. I demand... that you step up. That you rise to your feet and defend your country against this threat.
In a dark, shady room sits six of the greatest supervillains of all time. Luthor's speech plays on a holographic television screen in the corner of the room, Lex himself sitting at the table with the villains.
* Vandal Savage: Appealing to their patriotism. Very nice.
* Lex Luthor: It's sure to get the Republicans on the side of the war, but it might be harder swaying the Democrats.
* Circe: The males of this world are weak willed and have the women follow their lead. If you convince the males that it was their idea to go to war, then they won't think twice of how it contradicts their so-called beliefs.
* Lex Luthor: And how do you all suggest I do that?
* Gorilla Grodd: Humans in general are tribalistic. Double down on villainizing the Amazons. Make them appear inhuman. They will not have an issue slaughtering them by the buckets once you do.
* Lex Luthor: Hmm that might work.
* Thaal Sinestro: Perhaps you can frame them. Make an act of terror, one that has the Amazons written all over it. From what I know of these humans, when the enemy hurts a symbol of nationalistic pride, it is seen as an act of terror.
* Lex Luthor: Diabolical, I like that. I think all we need is the prime location for this "act of terror".
* Gorilla Grodd: You Americans flock to that big statue. I never got it. What is so special about a gigantic woman?
* Lex Luthor: The Statue of Liberty huh? Oh, perfect, too perfect.
* Black Adam: You plan to frame a feudalistic people for terrorism...?
* Lex Luthor: A feudalistic people with access to magic. Don't forget why we began this war in the first place. With the help of Circe here, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out a way to drive the people against the Amazons.
* Vandal Savage: Speaking of empowered individuals, another threat to The Society has appeared.
* Thaal Sinestro: Another? You said your benefactor would deal with issues like this, Luthor.
* Lex Luthor: He has. I assure you that without him, this would be a far more common occurrence.
* Circe: This threat in question. Could they be swayed to the side of The Society?
* Vandal Savage: I doubt it. He's yet another that clings to the subjective concept of morality. Members of the Human Defense Corps have already been sent after him, but his immense speed has proven superior to even others of his ilk.
* Lex Luthor: A speedster... What would you recommend, Savage?
* Vandal Savage: I recommend a far more drastic course of events.
* Circe: The Demon's Head...
* Vandal Savage: The very same.
* Black Adam: I despise that man.
* Lex Luthor: I don't think there's a face at this table who doesn't. But he's proven himself too great an asset. If I had it my way, he and the rest of his people would be treated like the Amazons now.
* Thaal Sinestro: What would we do if he fails?
* Vandal Savage: The Demon's Head is many things, someone who fails isn't one of them. 
* Lex Luthor: Besides, if we let this ember flicker, it will turn into a flame and burn down our empire.
Later, a man dressed in black robes leaps his way through a city, using a grappling hook to do so. The hook is nothing but a spike and a rope, but he is able to expertly swing his way through the city despite this. He ducks his way into a nearby sewer and runs through it, rolling through a small hole and revealing a base underneath the city, populated by other people in the black robes. The original man makes his way into a temple which has been built from floor to ceiling and looms over the rest of the base. Inside is a man sitting on a golden throne, who the robed man kneels before.
* ???: Speak your business before the Demon's Head.
* Robed Man: My Lord. The Society is once again requesting your assistance in defeating an enemy of theirs that has risen. A man who moves faster than any known creature alive.
The Demon's Head raises his head, revealing himself to be Bruce Wayne.
* Bruce Wayne: I'll send Ubu out on this mission.
* Robed Man: They trust no one but yourself, I'm afraid.
* Bruce Wayne: I don't know whether I should be flattered or irritated...
* Robed Man: You should be flattered my Lord! You will never have a chance again to fight someone that is inhuman.
* Bruce Wayne: Yes, but I am not a lapdog. Why should I deal with their messes?
* Robed Man: Any choice you make will be your own, my Lord.
* Bruce Wayne: Hm... Fine. But I expected to be heavily compensated. Prepare my things, Duke.
The robed man removes his hood to reveal that he is Duke Thomas.
* Duke Thomas: Of course my Lord.
Somewhere else in the world, a red streak moves through a city. A man holds a woman up at knife point.
* Mugger: Listen, I don't want to do this and neither do you, so just--
The red streak runs by and the mugger is suddenly bashed into a nearby wall. It's revealed the streak is Barry Allen, who is sporting a costume similar but strangely different to his usual Flash suit.
* Barry Allen (thinking): I've been running for days and don't even feel exhausted... The only down side is I need to eat a lot more, but with speed like this I can find food sources easier than ever. But still no closer to finding out why the Human Defense Corps would consider something like this a threat.
Barry stops near a building for a breather, clutching his chest.
* Barry Allen (thinking): Can't stop for too long, they find me nearly immediately.
Barry starts running again.
* Barry Allen (thinking): This is amazing. Incredible, even. But... I just want to go home. Home to Iris. Home to Wally... Home to my friends and family... But so long as the HDC is on my back, all I can do is run... But why? Why are they after me? This can't be right? People like me are supposed to be protectors, right? Isn't that how it is in the comics?
Barry stops again this time at a plot of farmland in the middle of nowhere.
* Barry Allen (thinking): They can't find me here, right?
Barry yelps as he's hit in the back of the neck by a device.
* Barry Allen: OW!
Barry pulls out the sharp needle, examining it.
* Barry Allen: What the...?
* Bruce Wayne: A concoction meant to scramble your senses.
Barry turns and sees the robed Bruce Wayne approaching him, a high tech gun in one hand and a blade in the other.
* Bruce Wayne: You have the senses of a normal human now. If you try to run, you'll vomit before you get anywhere.
Barry tries to run anyway but stops immediately and grabs his head.
* Barry Allen: Ack...
* Bruce Wayne: You should have shaken up the places you chose to stop. But I suppose I can't blame you. Humans love patterns and patterns are nothing if not predictable...
Barry gets up anyway and raises his fists.
* Bruce Wayne: You have fight in you. I respect that.
Electricity begins generating from Barry's body. Bruce raises an eyebrow before readying his sword.
* Bruce Wayne: Now that I did not expect...
Bruce slices the air just above Barry's head but Barry moves out of the way and punches Bruce's side, his arm moving at superhuman speeds. Bruce is immediately launched to the ground and creates a small dent in the grass. He gets up, propping himself up with his sword.
* Bruce Wayne: My side... You punched me three times in the span of a few seconds.
Barry gives a sarcastic shrug of his shoulders. Bruce continues cutting at the air but Barry uses his speed to move short distances, dodging each attack.
* Barry Allen (thinking): Okay... Moving in quick bursts like this isn't the best with the sense scrambler, but it's not giving me a splitting migraine, so I should be fine.
Bruce swings at Barry's head, but Barry grazes the side of the blade with his palm, his electrical current causing the sword to fly out of Bruce's hand. However, Bruce then immediately using his momentum to spin kick Barry in the side, knocking him over. Bruce attempts to go for his sword but Barry appears in front of him and punches him in the side of the head. The pair trade blows, it being clear Bruce is the obviously superior fighter but that he doesn't know how to handle Barry's powers, as Barry continues generating electricity from himself to make it impossible for Bruce to get a hold on him.
* Barry Allen: I don't want to fight you!
* Bruce Wayne: You're a threat.
* Barry Allen: What did I do that made me deemed a threat?! All I did was save people! Protect them!
Bruce grunts and attempts to kick Barry as he catches the kick.
* Barry Allen: Do you even know anything about me?!
Barry generates his electricity into Bruce, who screams through gritted teeth and is launched through the air.
* Barry Allen: Because I know a lot about you.
Bruce gets up, looking horrified.
* Bruce Wayne: What? You know who I am?
* Barry Allen: Yeah... I do. Bruce Wayne, tech billionaire... And, from the looks of it, murderer for hire.
Bruce shakes his head and slowly gets up.
* Bruce Wayne: I'm not a murderer... I fight to wound. I see no honor in the act of killing.
* Barry Allen: Well, at least you have that in common.
* Bruce Wayne: ...Elaborate.
* Barry Allen: I would, but I need this stuff to wear off before--
Bruce tosses a needle at Barry, lodging it in his stomach. Barry keels over and pulls it out.
* Barry Allen: Oh my god, what the hell!?
* Bruce Wayne: Antidote. Keep it on me in the event one of my underlings betrays me.
* Barry Allen: You're a... strange man...
Barry gets up and offers Bruce his hand. Bruce glances down at it before reluctantly accepting it. In a matter of second, both of them disappear. Just as they do, the Human Defense Corps finally shows up, searching the area.
* HDC Soldier: No sign of the speedster, sir.
* HDC Captain: You're serious? Where the hell are they?
In another place, another time, Barry and Bruce appear in what is recognizably the Batcave. Bruce looks around in awed silence at the many things on display, like the Batmobile and the trophy display.
* Bruce Wayne: ...Where are we?
* Barry Allen: A different world. I saw glimpses of it when I first got my powers. After a lot of training, I found out that by vibrating my atoms in just the right way, I could warp myself between the dimensions.
* Bruce Wayne: A parallel universe... You take me for a fool?
* Barry Allen: I can move faster than a speeding bullet. You think space and time is unreachable?
* Bruce Wayne: Hmmm go on, what am I in this universe?
* Barry Allen: A hero, a crusader. But someone messed with this universe, made everything wrong.
* Bruce Wayne: Your proof?
Barry gestures to the Batcomputer. Bruce glances at it before walking over.
* Bruce Wayne: I don't know how to use it...
* Batcomputer: Voice recognition accepted. Welcome, Batman.
* Bruce Wayne: Batman?
* Batcomputer: Pulling up files for "Batman".
A series of photographs, videos, and documents appear in front of Bruce, whose eyes widen in shock. He uses his hand to scroll through the images, quickly adapting to the way the computer works as he sees events like Batman meeting Robin, the death of Jason Todd, and Batman's back being broken by Bane. He sees things like the first meeting between Batman and Superman, Wonder Woman's arrival to Man's World, and the formation of the Justice League against Darkseid. He even sees recent events, such as Batman battling his evil counterpart, the Batman Who Laughs during Dark Nights: Metal. When it's all over, a simple image of Batman is displayed, Bruce's reflection staring at it and making it seem like he himself is wearing the costume.
* Bruce Wayne: My god... My life... All of it's ups and downs... It could have been...
* Barry Allen: Could have been... What?
* Bruce Wayne: I don't know. Becoming the Demon's Head was the greatest honor I had ever had. But this... This is something else entirely...
Bruce grits his teeth, very clearly suddenly getting more and more angry as he thinks about it.
* Bruce Wayne: Someone stole my life...
* Barry Allen: So tell me, do you want to get it back?
* Bruce Wayne: I do.
* Barry Allen: Good. Take my hand.
Bruce does as Barry takes them back to their world, at the middle of the woods near Central City.
* Bruce Wayne: So what is your plan?
* Barry Allen: There are other heroes out there, I need to find them. And you?
* Bruce Wayne: I'm going to do what I can...
* Barry Allen: That's good enough for me. And hey, a gift from me to you.
Barry tosses Bruce a Batman mask. Bruce examines it.
* Bruce Wayne: You stole this?
Barry shrugs his shoulders and disappears. Bruce stares at the mask for a moment before a putting it on his head. His opens his eyes, revealing the iconic pure white lenses of he Batman mask. Bruce smiles.
* Bruce Wayne (thinking): I'm Batman...
Back in the base of The Society, CIrce suddenly clutches at her chest and screams, sweat beads forming on her forehead.
* Gorilla Grodd: Circe, what's the matter?
* Circe: I feel... a great disturbance...
* Lex Luthor: What? What're you talking about?
* Circe: Our time... the time of The Society... I feel as though it's about to end...
A caption appears reading "To Be Continued in Absolute Justice #1".