Chapter 2
Blueblood stood off to one side, idly sipping a glass of wine, watching as the other members of Trottingham’s elite went about their business. Some would give a nod or flash a smile, and being the courteous guest, Blueblood would return such gestures before moving on. It was just like work: address the problem and move on as quickly as possible. The extra posturing and white lies were just another aspect of life, one that Blueblood was highly adept at.
And ponies say that they know the real Blueblood... Wish I could meet him; he certainly sounds like an interesting pony.
“Ah, there you are.” Blueblood turned as he was approached by Fancy Pants, the Canterlot unicorn followed by a mare, a white unicorn with a two toned pink and white mane. “Fleur, I want you to meet Blueblood, the Prince of Trottingham.”
“Oh, you are royalty?” the mare, Fleur, asked, and Blueblood could detect the smallest hints of an accent in her voice. Foreign... might explain her lack of knowledge of Equestria’s government.
“Well, the title’s just a nickname, although my family has had ties to the Princesses since before the Nightmare Moon incident.” Blueblood countered before offering his hoof to the mare. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Fleur.”
“Likewise.” Fleur replied. As Blueblood thought over what he was going to say, he took a moment to analyse Fleur and see just who she was; her body language was rather reserved, so she was not a hard-partying type, and the hint of a blush that formed whenever she looked to Fancy Pants. Spoke of a relationship more than just platonic friends. So that’s why Fancy Pants went to Prance... “So, how exactly do you know Fancy Pants?” She asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.
“We’ve collaborated on a few projects in the past.” Blueblood took a sip from his wine. “A charity here, a research project there, things like that. I’d do more, but distance is a bit of an issue.”
“Well, you could always come to Canterlot if you wanted.” Fancy Pants said. “We’ve got a few contacts that you can’t reach in Trottingham, and none of the... less than stellar conditions.”
“I’m sure you do,” Blueblood said evenly. “But I think I’ll stay in Trottingham for a few more years; I don’t think Mane Enterprises is ready for a complete shift in locations.”
“Suit yourself. But still, you should at least visit more often; with all the time you spend here in Trottingham ponies are beginning to say you’ve turned into a brooding shut-in.” Fancy replied, shrugging slightly.
And they would be only half right. Blueblood mused before speaking.
“Well, you’ll just have to tell them that their worries are completely unfound. I’m just dealing with a few business issues right now and can’t really get away.”
“Oh?” Fleur raised an eyebrow. “What kind of business deals?”
“Nothing you’d be interested in, I’m sure,” Blueblood took a sip from his wine. “Industrial products, contracts, things that most ponies might find to be rather boring. Even I think it’s boring, and I run the company.”
“Oh...” Fleur said, a small hint of disappointment in her voice. Perhaps her interest in Equestria goes beyond Fancy Pants... “Have you considered choosing a different line of work?”
“Well, there’s only one other possible job for somepony like me in a city like this, but the end result would most likely be me in jail.” Blueblood responded, taking another sip from his drink. “To be quite frank, Miss Fleur, I think I’d look absolutely terrible in orange.” this drew a chuckle from the other two, and even made Blueblood almost smile. Almost. “At any rate, I’m sticking to the family business for the foreseeable future.”
Fleur smiled. “I’m sure your family must be very proud of that.”
It was intended as an innocent statement, Blueblood knew that, but he could still feel a chill down his back as he was drawn back to that night, sitting in the snow and watching his parents die. He pulled himself back to reality as quickly as possible, giving a small frown and taking another drink.
“Yes... I’m sure they would be.” He replied darkly. Fortunately for him Fleur seemingly got the message and made no further comments. “Anyway, how long will you two be in Trottingham?”
“Just for a few days before heading back to Canterlot.” Fancy Pants answered. “I’d stay longer, but I can’t say that Trottingham is my favorite city.”
“Guessing that’s why you moved away.” Blueblood took another drink, noticing that Fleur had given Fancy Pants an odd look.
“You never told me you lived here.” she said, more surprised than anything.
Obviously not a sticking point... Blueblood noted.
“I just didn’t think it was all that important.” Fancy Pants countered, giving the mare a more reassuring glance. “After all, why worry about minor things that happened in the past?”
Because those minor things might come back to have major consequences, Blueblood thought, but did not say anything until he finished off the last of his wine. “Now, I’d love to stay and chat, but I best be getting home. Do you know where I can find a phone?”
“There should be one down that hall.” Fancy Pants said, pointing to the hall in question. Blueblood nodded his thanks and departed, navigating through the crowds with surprising grace. A few more ponies tried to speak with him, but Blueblood quickly and politely turned them away until he reached the phone, and older rotary phone with slightly faded finish. Fortunately for Blueblood, he did not have to wait long for an answer.
“Hello?” he heard Pennyworth answer.
“Pennyworth, it’s me.” Blueblood said.
“I suppose you would like me to bring the carriage over now, sir?”
“If it’s reasonable. If not I’ll just see myself back to the manor.”
“I’ll be down in a few minutes, sir.” there was a pause before Pennyworth spoke again. “Interesting, it’s only 8:45. Usually you leave engagements such as that one at 8:30.”
“And there’s a problem with that?”
“Of course not, sir.” Pennyworth replied, still as professional as ever. “But if you’d like to maintain your reputation as the mysterious, aloof Blueblood, then you might want to make sure that consistency isn’t an issue.” Blueblood rolled his eyes.
“Just get over here as soon as you can.”
“Yes sir.”
...
It was raining by the time Braeburn left the police station. Trottingham was a bigger city, so there was a tram service available, but Braeburn had come to learn that it was reasonably safer to walk than it was to ride the tram. Still, even with the idea that he was safer walking Braeburn found himself looking from alley to alley, just to make sure that nothing illegal was in the process of happening. that was one thing Braeburn had noticed; ever since joining the Trottingham police force, he had become more attuned to “illegal operations”, and it became harder and harder for him to really let his guard down. And Granny Smith said I was lazy.
Braeburn pulled his overcoat a little tighter, in a vain attempt to stay warm. Fortunately, he could see the apartment building where he lived looming out of the darkness, two of the local drunks already passed out in front of the steps. Braeburn gave a little sigh before stepping over them and making his way up to the door. He had to give the door an extra shove to prevent it from jamming, and his natural Earth Pony strength meant he almost tore the door off its hinges. Braeburn would have filed a complaint, but he was too tired and wet to worry about that.
After drying himself off as best he could, Braeburn took his overcoat off and started up the stairs, idly flicking bits of trash off the stairs. He stopped only to get the occasional piece that stuck to his hoof, which he cast aside for somepony else to deal with. Before he had come to Trottingham, he would have made sure that trash like that was taken care of, but now he really didn’t care.
He had other, more serious forms of trash to deal with.
Braeburn made his way to his apartment, a small, cluttered thing with an old sofa and a brick-like mattress. After setting aside the last of his things, he shuffled over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of light cider, just something to help him relax after a rough day. Braeburn did not make a habit of drinking, but after dealing with several “mistrials”, a small scuffle with a few bankrobbers, a thinly veiled bribe attempt, and a complaint from Arkham concerning “4479”, whatever that meant, he felt that he needed a drink or two.
Braeburn sighed, taking a drink of cider before sitting down on the couch, staring out the nearby window at Trottingham. It was a terrible view, but it was better than just staring at a blank wall for a few hours. He took another drink, watching as if something would change.
No, this is Trottingham, he thought. Nothing ever changes.
...
Throughout Trottingham’s underworld, there was one name that was both respected and feared by all: the Falcon. A grey and white feathered griffon, born to a successful crime family, he had come to Trottingham almost ten years prior to make his fortune and expand the family business, his ruthlessness and manipulative nature allowing him to take control of Trottingham’s major criminal organizations in a few months. Criminals respected him, cops and politicians feared him, and he held the reins to many businessponies.
Blueblood might have been the Prince of Trottingham, but the Falcon was its king.
“Boss,” the Falcon was drawn from his drink by one of his subordinate, a thin Earth Pony that the Falcon had temporarily promoted in light of Diamond Hoof’s imprisonment. “Someone’s here to see you.”
“What did he say he wanted?” the Falcon asked, his voice rough from several years of smoking.
“Dunno. Looks like some kinda business type.” The subordinate replied. The Falcon sighed and set his drink aside.
“Tell the boys to keep watch. Hopefully this won’t take long.” He ordered and the pony nodded before exiting. the Falcon took another sip from his drink as the visitor entered, and he recognized the newcomer as a member of the Mane Enterprises board of directors. The Falcon did not usually try to get close to Trottingham’s “Golden Boy”, but having one of his board show up was a surprise to say the least.
“So, you’re the Falcon.” the board member said as the Falcon finished off his drink.
“And you’re either stupid or desperate, if you don’t know who I am.” he replied. “What do you want?”
“I have come to ask... a favor.” Wonderful.
“If it’s money you want I’m sure that a stuffed shirt like you has more than enough.” the Falcon chuckled before continuing. “So what do you really want, that you come directly to me?”
“I need you and your operation to eliminate someone.” the businesspony replied.
“Who? Ex-wife? Mistress? Mistress’ boyfriend.”
“I need you to get rid of Blueblood Mane.” at this, the Falcon laughed.
“You’re joking, right?” the Falcon said through his laughter. “I don’t like the guy myself, but I’m not stupid enough to try and kill him. The last guy that tried that got a one-way ticket to the chair for his troubles. You’re better off asking one of those freelance nutcases that’ve been showing up.”
“I never said you had to kill him.” the businesspony stated, pawing at the ground slightly.
“Then what am I supposed to do with him? Lock him up here?” the Falcon set his drink aside before continuing on. “I might own half the cops in this city, but that doesn’t mean I am one.”
“Listen, me and some of my associates already have a plan in place to replace Blueblood Mane.” the pony managed to compose himself rather well before continuing. “The important part is getting rid of him, and that is where we need someone of your... talents.” the Falcon was beginning to see a better picture of what this pony wanted; get rid of the Golden Boy, and then get a stooge to take his place.
“Okay, say we do go ahead with this.” the Falcon produced a cigar from his desk, turning it over a few times in his to check the quality. “We get rid of the Golden Boy for you, you do whatever it you’ve got cooking, then what? What’s in it for me?”
“I can offer you ten million bits, plus an extra five once our plan is fully complete.” the Falcon took a moment to make sure that the businesspony was leveling with him; fifteen million bits was a lot of money, and nopony sane would throw around that kind of cash unless they were really desperate. I’ll squeeze him for a little more if this works out.
“Make sure it’s in cash.” the Falcon said before lighting his cigar. “I’m not well liked enough to just walk down to the bank and drop off a check.”
“I’ll see what I can arrange.”
“Great. Come back whenever you want me to do this, and we’ll get the Golden Boy for you.” the pony gave a curt nod and turned to leave before the Falcon spoke again. “Oh, and make sure to turn over whatever cash you’ve got on you to the guys outside. They don’t just stand there to look pretty.”
“I have already offered you enough.” the businesspony countered, glaring at the Falcon. There was a pause before the griffon chuckled.
“You know what? Keep the change; it’ll help pay for your cast once the boys find out you’re not paying them.” the pony did seem to pale at that, and the Falcon found himself smirking as the stuffed shirt scurried from the room. There was a pause before he heard the “thanks” of his boys as the pony paid them, and with another chuckle he too a few puffs of his cigar and leaned back.
He always loved it when a good deal came through.
Finally updated it. Well it seems your writers' block has vanished.
So, I've got several guesses on who the main baddy is for Batsy. It's a tie between Bane, Joker, Riddler, and Two-Face.
Also, you have CONTINUITY with Mare of Steel.
4554175 Two face would be an interesting one.
4554175 YAY CONTINUITY!
I'll try to get this updated more often.
And I do have a plan for who the main villain will be (hint: it's one of the characters you mentioned)
4554175 Joker, he's prisoner 4479 mentioned by Arkham to Braeburn.
So Blueblood is not yet Batmane, right?
4555548 No, not yet. That happens after he gets impersonated
4479, eh? Well, looks like the Joker's going to be joining the fun. Or it could just be a red herring, who knows?
I like Braeburn as the commissioner Gordon of this fic, I'm assuming that since this is seven years before Mare of Steel he moves to Appleoosa sometime in the future.
And now I'm wondering, if you haven't mentioned this already, are we going to have a Robin?
4555717
As for Braeburn, he might go to Appleoosa, or he might stay in Trottingham. He is definitely Jim Gordon, though
As for Robin, I have a few ideas, but they probably won't come to pass in this fic
Hmm, any plans for Fleur? Maybe as Black Canary?
Also, I'm curious to find out what the plan of Mane Enterprises' board is. Sounds like it goes beyond the corporate world; maybe we're seeing the first stages of our villain's plan?
4554175 I wouldn't bet on Joker; considering he seems to be the chess master behind the Clayface fight in Adventures of Supermare, I'm guessing that his role comes later.
Also, I love that song.
4556286 I'm hoping the main villain is Ra's al Ghul, and since Blueblood is leaving for several years in a semi-similar manner to what happened in thee first of the Dark Knight Triology, Iowa might choose to parellel that.
4556283 if I ever do Fancy Pants as Green Arrow, Fleur will be my Black Canary
4556286 Personally, I'd prefer Bane as the main bad guy. Be a departure from the norm of having the mob/league of Shadows or Joker as the Starter villain for Blueblood. Plus, in the comics he is technically the only villain to actually outsmart batman (Bane's one of the few that have actually defeated batman through strategy). Again, this is personal preference.
I just think Joker/Two-Face and the Like should be held back for part/the next bat fic in the verse. Hell, my own version of Mister Freeze(I call her Victoria Freeze/Miss Freeze. Her son is my verses' Captain Cold, and the Bastard and Bitch who made her the ways she is is Icicle and her 10 year Daughter, "Killer" Frost.) is being held back for my verses' Batstallion story when I get to it.
Also, I been looking for a reason to use that song for a while. This Chapter gave me the excuse I needed.
4556482 Yay!
4556677 Yeah, I can definitely understand wanting to reference that song.
4556391
4556677 Personally, I think either Bane of Ra's would be likely candidates, considering they've both pulled the sort of chess master schemes that would result in the Mane/Wayne Enterprises board trying to off Blueblood/Bruce. I hope he saves Bane, though. I've always felt his impact on the story was best saved for when taking down the Batman has been built up to be a really impressive feat.
4556482 You know, it would have been interesting if you made Trottingham Green Arrow's city, because Trottingham was based off Nottingham and Green Arrow was inspired by Robin Hood.
Why do I get the feeling that that was Zod meeting with the Falcon?
It's taken me a while, but I finally got around to read this story. Now I can say I've fully caught up with your Justice League of Equestria series, and I'm glad for it.
Getting excited to read a story where Blueblood is the protagonist is a pretty hard thing to do. Even in the current two chapters this story has, reading about Blueblood is still just an okay thing - not something I feel very excited to do. It's a hard sell, painting this character in a good light. Making him Bruce Wayne is fitting, more so than any other male character in MLP for sure, but as is the case with any Batman origin story, it's hard to get excited for something most people already know about. It got me to think about Mare of Steel, and how that origin story played out to the point where Rainbow Dash is hardly recognizable as the Rainbow Dash most fans know about. I'm hoping that this can happen with Blueblood too, but that of course means writing more chapters. Seeing as it's been nearly six months without an update... well again, it's hard to get excited over this.
Not that I'm one to talk ^^;;
I will say that I can't see where this story is going, or any obvious path that gets Blueblood to suit up. That I certainly am excited for, along with how he might interact with Diana. I always thought that shipping her and Bruce was a great thing the cartoon series did, and I like it a lot more than shipping Diana and Clark.
I don't know where you stand with this series or what chapters you're working on now, but I sincerely hope you're writing something. I think of all the superhero pony stories I've read on fim, you still have the standout series that tells a great story with a strong cast that makes readers want to come back and read more, as well as eagerly anticipate new chapters. I really hope you update some stories soon.
Nice update, but whomis the Falcon in your story ?
Is he the Falcone Family of Batman mythos ?
Or is he the Penguin of the Batman mythos ?
Either way please do keep up the good work upon such a great story.
6089143 Good news: Someone else thought that was a good idea
5356884
Um, dude. Either BlueBlood disappeared and Zod took his place or he's dead, as Zod implied in Made Of Steel. So I think he screwed up a bit there.
Either way that leaves no fun and we know he won't be around for mare of steel. Unless he's got ideas from batman v superman I have no idea what he put the stories on hiatus for to.
4569247
Once again likely he is dead.
4554175
Batboy ain't in the story yet.
Ok, let's see after reading adventures of Supermare and this story, i saw this; so, zod impersonated blueblood after his supposed death 5 years ago, when he was actually spending his time in a prison in the middle of nowhere, training to fight, then he came back to trottingham, where he became a vigilante. Hmmmm... nope that does not sound like Arrow
And now I will simply wait.