Then came the fall.

Her name is Helena Wayne.

Her head tilted and for a second, she could sense that something was not correct with the ropes.  It affected the performers, but only momentarily before adjusting and continuing.  It was the kind of error that might not be noticed by the general audience.  It could be the kind of thing that could start an argument after the show.  Helena has a public persona of a well meaning, but socially awkward socialite who is lucky to have Julie Madison on her arm.  In public, Helena Wayne’s eyes are always wide with fake wonder.  Then the eyes pierced.  Something was wrong.  Another buckle and this time, there would be no recovery.

Then came the fall.

His name is Dick Grayson.

He was the proud son of John and Mary Grayson.  He was the third member of the Amazing Flying Graysons.  He was the “Boy Wonder” as is friends teasingly called him.  All he could do was stand there and blink as the ropes finally snapped.  All he could was the look of helplessness in his mother’s eyes.  He was powerless.

Then came the fall.

Her name is Zatanna Zatara.

She is a magician, following in the footsteps of her father, the Great Zatara.  This was a night she looked forward to every year.

Then came the fall.

Her name is Duela Dent.

She is the District Attorney in Gotham City, just as her father Harvey had been before his assassination years ago.  She sees the moment and immediately calls for action.  She sees the E.M.T.’s rush in and makes another call, this time to Commissioner Jim Gordon.

Her name is Vicki Vale.

She knew the war was coming.  She was warned that she would not know how it would start, but she would know when.  The fall was the start.  Tears streaming down her face, she knew this was the beginning.

Her name is Sandra McLane.

The leads had brought her to Gotham City.  She was there to talk with Detective Renee Montoya and Commissioner Jim Gordon during a time when most of the rest of the city would be occupied watching the show.

Then came the call.  The D.A. was on the line and at night, that was never good.

His name is Oswald Cobblepott.  He is known by his nickname, “the Penguin.”

The fall has occurred.  There is panic.  Calmly, he sits in his office as his phone rings as expected.

Penguin “Yes.”

He listens while lighting up a cigar.

Penguin “The war has started.  We’re going to find out a lot about how this world works.”

Metropolis.

Even those with super powers can gasp in horror.  With sister Karen sitting beside her, she can sense the shock from her.  This was not supposed to happen.  Clara knows that Lois is in the middle of that nightmare.  She looks at Karen who is visibly fighting back tears.  All of the hope and inspiration that she has looked to provide to Metropolis and now the moment gives her pause.  She can hear the panic all around her from those in the city also watching on their televisions or computer monitors.  This nationally broadcasted moment has just inspired fear throughout the country.

Clara “This is the start of their war…”

It will be the war that started with the fall.