American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

218. The Eagle and the Sparrow.

Bishop's office was shrouded in silence as the two women processed what they had just seen.

The video was short, but like Barton a thousand miles away, they understood the terrifying amount of information it contained—especially for those who had once been superheroes.

"I thought I was the only one..." The blonde woman, whom Kate Bishop had referred to as Lance, stared at the television screen, her expression a mix of complex emotions.

"Do you know him?" Kate, brushing her pale hair behind her ear, asked curiously.

"Yes, he's... well, he's a junior of mine." Lance thought for a moment before replying, "We didn't interact much."

"I remember you mentioning something about the Bat family, not getting along with them," Kate remarked with a small smile, recognizing the distinctive Bat symbol from the video.

Since accidentally rescuing this woman from another universe, Kate Bishop had heard many stories about superheroes from another world. These stories often reminded her of her own youth and the good old days.

"Technically speaking, it seems he was kicked out of the Bat family. Their family dynamics are strange, and I don't fully understand them, but I still can't believe I'm not the only one who ended up in this universe." Lance's expression was a mix of excitement and worry.

She was excited because she hadn't expected that, besides her, other heroes had also arrived in this universe. And more importantly, the ones who arrived were the Trinity of the Justice League!

But she was worried because Red Hood had fallen into Red Skull's hands. Judging by his condition, he had suffered inhuman torment, which filled Lance with rage.

Having had some dealings with the Bat family, Lance knew that the superheroes of that lineage were incredibly strong-willed. Red Hood was no exception. Even if he was captured, he would never divulge any information. This only made it easier to imagine the kind of torture Red Hood must have endured under Red Skull.

"If I recall correctly, you were also a member of the Justice League. It seems you now have an unshakable reason to go," Kate Bishop remarked seriously.

"An auxiliary member... But you're right, Mayor Bishop."

Lance nodded firmly, then looked at Kate Bishop and spoke with conviction.

"Our power alone might be insignificant, but don't worry. Superman is here. There's still a chance to set things right. With the help of Wonder Woman and Batman, this world will find hope again!"

"..." Kate Bishop looked at Lance's determined face. She wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent.

Superman or Wonder Woman, it didn't matter—in her world, there had once been a group of people with tremendous power. But they had all perished in that final battle, without exception. So, for Kate, the despair of the wasteland wasn't what frightened her. What terrified her was someone trying to bring her "hope."

Perhaps sensing Kate Bishop's mistrust, Lance added earnestly, "Trust me, Mayor Bishop, you don't know the extent of their power. I promise you, Red Skull's reign won't last much longer. This world will see true peace."

"I hope so..."

Kate Bishop forced a smile, then turned her gaze out the window, looking out at the sanctuary she had led so many to build. Her heart was in turmoil. Kate Bishop knew all too well what the consequences of her returning to action would be.

Perhaps the villains had forgotten about her, or maybe they had never seen her as a threat. Either way, over the years, after establishing the sanctuary, Kate had not encountered any trouble. But she knew that once she acted again, Red Skull's enforcers and the members of Hydra would investigate her history. They would undoubtedly find this place and slaughter everyone here.

It was a high-stakes gamble—one that Kate Bishop was most reluctant to make because if she lost, all her efforts over the past forty years would go up in smoke.

After a long silence, Kate Bishop finally made up her mind.

"I'll help you deal with these troubles. I've been cooped up here for too long; maybe it's time I stretched my legs." Kate turned to face Lance, her expression resolute.

"Thank you, but this is my mission."

Lance clenched her fists, but soon, a smile appeared on her face.

"You've already helped me a lot, Mayor Bishop. Now, let me handle this on my own. This place... can't be without you."

"No, you don't understand the wasteland. The world outside is even more chaotic than you imagine."

"Don't worry, Kate. I'm a superhero too, remember?" Lance stepped forward and gently hugged Kate Bishop. "I'll be careful, just as you've taught me during this time."

"..."

Kate Bishop wanted to say more, but she knew Lance was right. The sanctuary needed her; she couldn't abandon these people and rush out recklessly.

If she were still the street vigilante from New York, she would have grabbed her beloved bow and joined Lance in fighting back against evil. But now, she wasn't alone—she was responsible for an entire sanctuary.

Gently placing her hands on Lance's back, Kate Bishop returned the hug. No more words were needed. After a moment, Kate Bishop slipped a piece of paper into Lance's hand.

"What's this?" Lance asked curiously.

"This is the contact information of an old friend of mine. While I can't help you directly, he will surely support you with all his might. He's been wandering the wasteland for years; no one knows the outside world better than he does," Kate Bishop replied, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

Noticing the look in Kate's eyes, Lance smiled. "He must be someone very important to you."

"Not really."

Kate Bishop answered without hesitation, then sighed softly.

"I'll be thankful if he doesn't cause me trouble... In any case, go find him. I guarantee he'll help you."

Lance didn't refuse Kate's kindness. Her gaze drifted, finally settling on a photo frame on Kate Bishop's desk. In the frame, a young Kate was smiling brightly. Behind her stood a man in a purple costume, holding a bow. Though his expression was somewhat stiff, the care in his eyes was unmistakable.

For a moment, Lance found herself captivated.

Tightly gripping the piece of paper, Lance understood.

This man must be Bishop's Oliver.

..........

📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
For advance chapters: /Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
219. Neck and Neck.
220. The Next Step.
221. The Manipulated Agatha.
222. The Eerie Town.
223. Seeing with Your Eyes.