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Rolling in Style The boutique sparkled with warm lighting and racks of bold, high-end fashion. In the corner of Velvet Revolt, a store known for edgy, inclusive designs, Ava spun her sleek, matte-black wheelchair in a slow circle, surveying a display of stiletto heels like they were rare jewels. She didn’t wear heels to walk — she wore them because they made her feel powerful. Ava had always had a flair for drama: long, voluminous curls, sharp eyeliner, and a taste for daring reds and blacks. Her spinal cord injury hadn’t dulled her shine — if anything, it turned her into a queen on wheels. But today, she wasn’t shopping for herself. She was just helping a friend pick out something for a gala. Or at least, that’s what she thought — until she saw her. Across the room, trying on a pair of glittering rose-gold heels, was a woman Ava had never seen before. She had a halo of tight coils, dark skin that glowed like bronze in the boutique lights, and a honey-smooth smile that made Ava’s breath catch. Her wheelchair was silver, customized with floral spoke guards and delicate, rhinestone detailing. She looked like art. Ava found herself drifting closer. The woman glanced up — and caught her staring. “Like the shoes?” the stranger asked, lifting one foot with a wink. Ava grinned. “They’re criminally gorgeous. But I think you’re stealing the show.” “Flatterer.” She rolled a little closer, extending her hand. “I’m Naomi.” “Ava.” She shook her hand, noting the gold polish and soft calluses of someone who knew her way around both fashion and freedom. “I’m obsessed with your whole look.” Naomi laughed, and it was the kind of sound that made a person lean in. “Likewise. I didn’t expect to run into another heel-loving wheelchair femme today.” Ava tilted her head. “People always act like we can’t wear them, like it’s a waste.” Naomi raised an eyebrow. “Exactly. But heels aren’t just for walking. They’re for presence. For mood. For turning heads.” Ava felt a thrill of recognition — here was someone who got it. They ended up spending the afternoon trying on shoes and critiquing each other’s fashion choices with teasing grins and flirtatious glances. Naomi went bold with thigh-high boots; Ava picked jeweled ankle-straps that made her feel like a goddess. By the time they left the boutique, the sun was dipping low, and Ava didn’t want the day to end. “Drinks?” she offered casually, trying to hide how much she hoped Naomi would say yes. Naomi smiled. “Only if you let me take a picture of our shoes together first.” Ava leaned in beside her. “Deal. But dinner next time. And maybe a rooftop runway?” Naomi’s eyes sparkled. “You’re on. Just don’t fall for me too fast.” Ava laughed as they rolled down the sidewalk together, side by side, heels gleaming in the twilight. “Too late.”

Batman The Merciful (Light Universe Version of Bruce Wayne with Ares' Traits) Character Profile: Name: Bruce Wayne (Alias: Batman The Merciful) Alias: The Reluctant Warrior, The Merciful Dark Knight Real Name: Bruce Wayne Age: Early 30s Affiliation: Gotham City, Justice League Occupation: Vigilante, Billionaire, Former Soldier, Founder of Wayne Enterprises Base of Operations: Wayne Manor, The Batcave, Gotham City First Appearance: Light Universe #1 (Alternate Universe Series) Background: In the Light Universe, Bruce Wayne’s journey as Gotham’s protector takes a vastly different path. While he still suffers the tragic loss of his parents, his time abroad in training takes him down a path where the experiences of war and the influence of Ares—the Greek God of War—shape his mindset. Rather than seeking only vengeance or justice, Bruce's time in battle cultivates a merciful warrior ethos, heavily influencing his approach to crime and justice. Instead of becoming the vengeful, brooding Batman, Bruce adopts the persona of Batman The Merciful, a guardian who aims to end the cycle of violence in Gotham with a philosophy inspired by war's harsh realities. Ares’ influence has given Bruce a more understanding and balanced view of life, though still tempered by his traumatic past. He believes that true peace can only come through understanding the pain of others and offering mercy—something he’s often reluctant to give, but does so out of a deep-seated responsibility. When he returns to Gotham after his years of training, he chooses not to kill his enemies outright but rather to incapacitate them in a way that forces them to reconsider their actions. Batman The Merciful brings an aura of calm to the chaos, aiming to give his enemies an opportunity to choose redemption. However, this merciful nature sometimes places him at odds with those who want swift justice. Personality: Merciful: Unlike the traditional Batman, Batman The Merciful is deeply influenced by Ares’ philosophy that war is not about endless fighting but understanding and ultimately finding a way to bring peace. He is more patient and contemplative, offering criminals the chance for redemption, but not without holding them accountable for their actions. Strategic and Tactical: While still the brilliant tactician, Bruce now focuses more on resolving conflict through strategy that prevents further violence. His fights are more about incapacitation than destruction. Reluctant Warrior: Bruce sees himself as a reluctant soldier of Gotham, unwilling to engage in unnecessary bloodshed, but understands that sometimes war, even in its most brutal form, is necessary to achieve peace. Disciplined: With Ares’ influence, Bruce is more grounded and disciplined than before. He doesn’t act rashly and is more calculated in his approach to handling his enemies. His inner turmoil still exists, but it manifests as a desire to end violence without perpetuating it. Solemn: While still compassionate, Bruce has a more somber demeanor. He has no illusions about the cost of mercy and peace and is aware that his actions may not always be understood by those around him. Abilities and Skills: Expert Combatant: Training with various masters around the world, including in warfare, Bruce has attained the ultimate fighting skills. His combat style is more controlled and purposeful compared to the original Batman, focusing on precision strikes that subdue rather than destroy. Godly Influence (Ares): Bruce draws upon the essence of Ares' divine strength. His connection to the God of War grants him enhanced physical capabilities, such as superhuman strength, durability, and reflexes. He has the ability to tap into the primal warrior spirit in moments of extreme stress, amplifying his fighting prowess and willpower. Weapon Proficiency: Batman The Merciful uses weapons, but they are always non-lethal and designed to control or restrain his opponents. His preferred tools are swords, maces, and spears, all fitted with cutting-edge technology to subdue without permanently injuring. He is particularly skilled with a warhammer, symbolizing his connection to Ares. Tactical Genius: With a mind trained for war, Bruce is an unparalleled strategist. He analyzes the battlefield with precision, always thinking two or three steps ahead to ensure the best outcome for his mission. He doesn’t seek conflict for conflict’s sake but rather looks for opportunities to resolve situations without escalation. Healing and Restoration: Drawing inspiration from Ares' wisdom, Batman The Merciful has developed an interest in understanding both physical and emotional healing. He has a deep knowledge of advanced medicine and the human psyche, allowing him to offer psychological support to those he defeats and help them find a path to redemption. Endurance of the Soldier: Bruce’s body has been pushed to its absolute limits. His physical endurance is near-superhuman, and he can withstand extreme pain, fatigue, and injury without losing his focus or will to fight for peace. Appearance: Costume: His suit maintains the dark and intimidating silhouette of the traditional Batman, but with significant modifications. The suit is more armored, symbolizing his warrior nature, yet it remains flexible enough for agile movements. His chest emblem is a stylized version of the traditional Bat symbol combined with Ares' warrior crest. The cape is made of a material that can function as both a shield and a weapon when needed, and the mask is sleek with a more regal design, akin to ancient war helmets. Armor Details: The armor plating on his chest and arms reflects an ancient warrior’s garb, enhanced with futuristic tech for mobility and protection. His gloves and boots have built-in retractable blades and tools for quick combat options. Weaponry: Batman The Merciful carries a warhammer, his weapon of choice, which he uses with devastating precision. The hammer is equipped with advanced technology that allows it to incapacitate rather than harm, and it can also produce shockwaves when swung. Aura: A subtle aura of calm, almost divine, surrounds Batman The Merciful, giving him a commanding presence on the battlefield. It’s as if he bears the weight of the world’s suffering, yet he bears it with quiet grace, offering solace to those who need it. Rogues Gallery: Batman The Merciful’s enemies come from a world still in turmoil, where his efforts to heal and redeem criminals are often challenged by those who seek power and destruction. His rogues' gallery represents the endless battle between war and peace: Ra’s al Ghul (The Warmonger): Ra’s al Ghul sees Bruce as a naive fool who cannot comprehend the necessity of total war. He seeks to use Gotham as a proving ground for his own vision of global peace through conflict. The Joker (The Anarchist): A chaotic force who mocks Bruce’s merciful ways, seeing it as weakness. The Joker tests Bruce’s resolve by challenging his ideals and forcing him to confront his darkest impulses. Two-Face (The Judge): Two-Face, in this version, represents the conflict between justice and mercy. His coin still dictates his actions, but now it offers choices between mercy and execution. He constantly tests Bruce’s understanding of these concepts. Bane (The Reaper): Once a simple mercenary, Bane in this universe is a creature of war, believing that only through combat can the world truly be saved. His philosophy directly challenges Bruce’s attempt to bring peace without bloodshed. Quotes: "Mercy is not a weakness, but the strength to see beyond the battlefield." "Justice is not always about retribution—sometimes, it's about redemption." "The world is torn apart by violence. I fight to give it a chance at healing." "Peace is born through struggle, but it must never come at the cost of humanity." Conclusion: Batman The Merciful is a protector of Gotham whose actions are guided by the principles of mercy and strategic warfare. In this Light Universe, Bruce Wayne channels the power and wisdom of Ares not to perpetuate destruction, but to wield strength with compassion, seeking to bring peace to a fractured world. Though his methods may be seen as too idealistic by some, his unyielding will to create a better world through understanding and mercy makes him a warrior unlike any other.