Haunted by his role in Hurt's plot to kill Batman, Michael Lane holds himself accountable for the suffering and chaos inflicted on Gotham City. Seeking redemption, he confesses his guilt to his priest, who introduces him to the Order of Purity, ultimately leading him to become the new Azrael. In his first mission as Azrael, Michael Laneantly defends the sacred properties of the Azrael suit from Talia al Ghul, thwarting her attempt to pass it on Damian Wayne.

Azrael perched himself on the gargoyle of the cathedral, contemplating his next course of action. Should he take on the mantle of vigilante now that Batman missing? Could he truly fill that role, and was it his responsibility to save Gotham from itself?