The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IV

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel sees the White House he also sees several armed jets approaching him. Oh great...with all the news about Superman and the crisis in Gateway City everyone seems to be on edge. I can't damage the jets otherwise I'll be in the same boat as Superman...or even worse. The planes suddenly begin to break off and Marvel sees President Ross open the doors to the Oval Office. Marvel then sees President Ross motion for him to enter the Oval Office.

Captain Marvel looks around...Holy Moley! I am standing in the Oval Office...I wonder if Superman ever has this feeling of nervousness. The Secret Service have their guns drawn and Marvel says, "Gentlemen I mean the President or you no harm. If I did would've already done my damage to the jets first." President Ross sitting behind the desk says, " I know that captain Marvel that's why I called off the jets. Gentlemen please holster your weapons and wait outside Captain Marvel and I need to talk privately."

The Secret Service agents holster their weapons and leave. President Ross waits until the door closes and aks, "Can I get you anything to drink Captain?" Marvel replies, "No thank you sir, right now I am just trying to get used to the fact that I am standing in the Oval Office." Ross chuckles a bit and says, "I feel that way myself to this day, but I think I can guess why you are here. The Senate hearing on the registration act would be my guess." Marvel says, "Yes sir Mr. President. I was wondering if there was anything you could do to possibly shut it down." Ross says, "Captain Marvel the best I can do is Veto it, and even then there is no promises that won't get overridden. I see both sides of the issue as does those in the Senate that's why I feel it is important to get both sides of the issue out for the American people to understand what is going on." Marvel looks down and says, "I understand that Sir, but this bill could create more problems than it solves." President Ross replies, "I know that but this is a Govenrment for the people by the people and the people want this issue debated."

He pulls out a folder and hands it to Captain Marvel. He reads it and Marvel says, "Almost 55% of those repsonding to this survey want this issue debated in light of certain events." Marvel thumbs through the folder and closes it leaving it one the desk. He says, "I just hope that the debate is done fairly." President Ross says, "So do I Captain Marvel that's why I am glad that you're here." Marvel looks puzzled and President Ross continues, "Those of you who have extraordinary abilities need a voice in these hearings, and I think yours could be a powerful voice to be certain. You have an air about you, you're powerful but not threatening and you have great wisdom behind what you say, and that is what will win the people over. Not a show of force but a show of intellegence and clarity." Marvel shakes his head slowly and says, "Sir I...I just don't...I...can't someone else like ...like." Ross interupts, "Superman, if he wasn't on trial yes. Even if he is found not guilty it'll be years before the public fully trusts him again. His reputation at best is tainted. Wonder Woman I am sure her voice would be welcomed to the debate in fact I hope she is a part of this process she too has great wisdom with her, however her meeting with the DHS didn't exactly go smoothly today. Batman good luck getting him to come here in the light of day, and I am sure that the Committee would be more welcoming to the Joker than Batman. He was once wanted for treason under Luthor's administration he too has a dubious reputation. You on the other hand I think you could make a solid difference for your colleagues and you can also be a calming pressence to the American People as well." Marvel took a deep breath and said, "Sir I am honored beyond words that you have such an opinon about me, but I think I need sometime to think this over. can you give me 24 hours to consider your offer sir?" President Ross replies, "That's fair enough 24 hours. This is big decision and I undertand that you need sometime to think about it. I'll be looking forward to your decision. Thank you for coming here today Captain Marvel."

The President sticks his hand out and the 2 men shake hands. Captain Marvel says, "Thank you sir for seeing me on such short notice." Captain Marvel turns to leave as President Ross says, "Oh and tell Superman when you see him again that...that..." Marvel says, "Your thoughts and prayers are with him?" Ross smiles and nods. Marvel nods to the President and takes to the skies. HOLY MOLEY! I....I...I have got to get to Superman...he has got to have some kind of advice for me. Marvel flies as fast as he can back to the Metropolis Police Station looking for Superman.

[MaskedManJRK]

I am no god; if such a being existed he would have eradicated the filth of humanity millennia ago. But instead “I” will bring the world back to peace. Ironic isn’t it? mankind will die on the same day it was written to have been created.

I smirk and clench my fist.

"I'm sure if God was half as he's cracked up to be, we'd be having tea and cupcakes right now. But the world you plan to rule?"

I give a hard right in his face.

"You're never going to rule the world, Ra's. I'm going to make sure of that."

I use all my strength and rip out the bowl that I'd wager is used for a toliet and throw it onto him. It hits him square in the torso and throws him to the wall.

I run out of the prison cell and find the room next to it, with my belt inside of it. I run in, grab it and run out. I think I saw some of his goons run in the prison cell with Ra's. I don't have much time.

I run, trying to look for an exit, before I finally get out and look around. Looks like desert--either India/China or Africa. I grab the belt and look for my tracer and grab my comm. I turn my frequency to the Outsiders number I gave to Question and Kord. I hope the bastard's not doing anything important.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means nessesary. Batman out."

I look behind me and find a whole buchel of Ubus standing behind me.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Come and get me."

I almost smile as they collided onto me.

[LibrarianThorne]

Marvel sees the White House he also sees several armed jets approaching him. Oh great...with all the news about Superman and the crisis in Gateway City everyone seems to be on edge. I can't damage the jets otherwise I'll be in the same boat as Superman...or even worse. The planes suddenly begin to break off and Marvel sees President Ross open the doors to the Oval Office. Marvel then sees President Ross motion for him to enter the Oval Office.

Captain Marvel looks around...Holy Moley! I am standing in the Oval Office...I wonder if Superman ever has this feeling of nervousness. The Secret Service have their guns drawn and Marvel says, "Gentlemen I mean the President or you no harm. If I did would've already done my damage to the jets first." President Ross sitting behind the desk says, " I know that captain Marvel that's why I called off the jets. Gentlemen please holster your weapons and wait outside Captain Marvel and I need to talk privately."

The Secret Service agents holster their weapons and leave. President Ross waits until the door closes and aks, "Can I get you anything to drink Captain?" Marvel replies, "No thank you sir, right now I am just trying to get used to the fact that I am standing in the Oval Office." Ross chuckles a bit and says, "I feel that way myself to this day, but I think I can guess why you are here. The Senate hearing on the registration act would be my guess." Marvel says, "Yes sir Mr. President. I was wondering if there was anything you could do to possibly shut it down." Ross says, "Captain Marvel the best I can do is Veto it, and even then there is no promises that won't get overridden. I see both sides of the issue as does those in the Senate that's why I feel it is important to get both sides of the issue out for the American people to understand what is going on." Marvel looks down and says, "I understand that Sir, but this bill could create more problems than it solves." President Ross replies, "I know that but this is a Govenrment for the people by the people and the people want this issue debated."

He pulls out a folder and hands it to Captain Marvel. He reads it and Marvel says, "Almost 55% of those repsonding to this survey want this issue debated in light of certain events." Marvel thumbs through the folder and closes it leaving it one the desk. He says, "I just hope that the debate is done fairly." President Ross says, "So do I Captain Marvel that's why I am glad that you're here." Marvel looks puzzled and President Ross continues, "Those of you who have extraordinary abilities need a voice in these hearings, and I think yours could be a powerful voice to be certain. You have an air about you, you're powerful but not threatening and you have great wisdom behind what you say, and that is what will win the people over. Not a show of force but a show of intellegence and clarity." Marvel shakes his head slowly and says, "Sir I...I just don't...I...can't someone else like ...like." Ross interupts, "Superman, if he wasn't on trial yes. Even if he is found not guilty it'll be years before the public fully trusts him again. His reputation at best is tainted. Wonder Woman I am sure her voice would be welcomed to the debate in fact I hope she is a part of this process she too has great wisdom with her, however her meeting with the DHS didn't exactly go smoothly today. Batman good luck getting him to come here in the light of day, and I am sure that the Committee would be more welcoming to the Joker than Batman. He was once wanted for treason under Luthor's administration he too has a dubious reputation. You on the other hand I think you could make a solid difference for your colleagues and you can also be a calming pressence to the American People as well." Marvel took a deep breath and said, "Sir I am honored beyond words that you have such an opinon about me, but I think I need sometime to think this over. can you give me 24 hours to consider your offer sir?" President Ross replies, "That's fair enough 24 hours. This is big decision and I undertand that you need sometime to think about it. I'll be looking forward to your decision. Thank you for coming here today Captain Marvel."

The President sticks his hand out and the 2 men shake hands. Captain Marvel says, "Thank you sir for seeing me on such short notice." Captain Marvel turns to leave as President Ross says, "Oh and tell Superman when you see him again that...that..." Marvel says, "Your thoughts and prayers are with him?" Ross smiles and nods. Marvel nods to the President and takes to the skies. HOLY MOLEY! I....I...I have got to get to Superman...he has got to have some kind of advice for me. Marvel flies as fast as he can back to the Metropolis Police Station looking for Superman.

OOC: Forgive the small bunny, MST3k!

He heard Marvel's approach, which woke him from his sleep. Sonic booms miles outside of Metropolis. He stirred, and looked out of his window, seeing a flash of gold and red.

"Marvel!" he said. Billy must have heard it, and then appeared outside of his cell window. "I'm not supposed to have visitors, Marvel, but I suppose this is a day for breaking the rules. What do you need?"

[Electro UK]

The woman stood slowly, watching the drama between the two Mob Bosses unfold. Her arms crossed under her breasts she stood like a statue.

The coin...it seemed to be an emblem of some kind, she obviously knew how important coins were to Two-Face, the simple duplicity of a coin reflected his own shattered psyche. However Black Mask’s interest in it caused her to pause.

Her eyes taking in everything, she watched as Two-Face pressed the button, and didn’t blink an eye as the glass raind horizontally into the room, it’s glistening shards spraying out on either side from behind her as dozen’s of armed men landed in the room.

She smiled, how foolish they both were, to think that mere numbers and force would intimidate each other.

"...MY CITY."

That was her cue, whether he liked it or not, she refused to stand here, it was time to level the playing field.

Her limbs moved and her body followed.
The willow branches leading the slender willow’s trunk.

The ones closest were first, a round house kick took three of them out at once, she dodged and dived as all the guns in the room trained on her, yet never had a chance to fire. Rolling on the ground she grabbed a gun from a fallen man, and rolled into a kneeling position before shot a line across the room, taking out the kneecaps of both Black Masks men and Harvey Dent’s, or so it seemed.

She aimed higher up the leg on Dent’s men, decreasing the permanent damage to them. Dropping the spent revolver she spun, catching the group men behind her with a single thrust of her arm. They fell over and she stood, brining her hands down on the back of their necks quickly. Picking up the guns before they warmed the floor she threw them in the corner before running and launching herself from the wall, taking out the last group in a single arc kick.

Scooping up the guns she tossed them in the pile before spinning between the two men and grabbing their guns from them. Releasing the clips she tossed the guns on the floor, to either side of her, and glared at the two standing men through her hair.

50 seconds, not a personal best but it was good. Her lips turned up in a smile.

A moan came from the corner and she quickly dispelled it with a quick hand chop to the back of the head, before walking to the corner and digging through the guns. She pulled out two of the same kind and weighted them in her hand before walking back to the Mob Bosses and held them out, one in each hand.

“They are not swords, yet they are suitable for the way you wish to proceed with this meeting.
Intimidation and ultimately death. ”

Black Mask gave an amused expression. He chuckled as he took a gun from her hand. "My my, where'd you get her? She offer you a good time as you pulled a car up next to her?"

He laughed to himself as he slowly raised his gun at Dent.

[Keyser Soze]

Before Luthor could utter a response, they all turned at the sound of Hunter Zolomon's voice, repeating the Joker's question.

Lex paused and gritted his teeth. He couldn't tell whether he hated the mentally disturbed company he was keeping or if he took pride in pointing out the obvious to their infantile minds. Clenching his fist, he replied, "My friends, in case you've failed to notice, this kingdom on the edge of tomorrow is already firmly in my grasp. Superman will soon have a permanent cell in Stryker's, complete with a series of specialized restraints, courtesy of LexCorp."

Lex turned to look out the floor to ceiling windows and opened his arms wide, taking in the entire city's skyline. Several small droplets of blood fell to the floor from his right hand after clenching it so tightly. "I hold the fates of both Metropolis' human population and her metahuman residents in the palm of my hand. Including Superman. Gentlemen, my kingdom is already won."

Lex Luthor turned back to his associates. He noticed something akin to surprise on their faces. He couldn't quite tell what the expression was precisely. What Luthor would never understand was that his cohorts finally began see the true madness that was boiling in his green eyes.

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/5539/lexcorp3ci.jpg

"Superham in prison? Now that's something I'd pay to see! HA HA!"

The Joker turned to Zoom.

"So, you decimated Gotham City, and Batman didn't even show up to try to stop you? These do-gooders are getting sloppy. Lex-Lax, you're going to have to put that in one of your little press conferences! HA HA!"

[Spike_x1]

Luthor's eye twitched slightly at the Joker's words. "No more press conferences. No more pretending that I wish the Alien were innocent. This is a war, and I am victorious. It's time that I started acting like it."

Lex looked at the Mirror Master and tried his best to focus on Zoom. "But my victory is merely a single battle in the greater conflict. McCulloch, Zolomon; you both know what to do."

Luthor tilted his head downwards, gesturing towards the polished and reflective floor beneath them. "Enjoy yourselves in Keystone, my friends."

[Johnny Blaze]

Luthor's eye twitched slightly at the Joker's words. "No more press conferences. No more pretending that I wish the Alien were innocent. This is a war, and I am victorious. It's time that I started acting like it."

Lex looked at the Mirror Master and tried his best to focus on Zoom. "But my victory is merely a single battle in the greater conflict. McCulloch, Zolomon; you both know what to do."

Luthor tilted his head downwards, gesturing towards the polished and reflective floor beneath them. "Enjoy yourselves in Keystone, my friends."
"Sounds like plan, Lex", said McCulloch with a smile.
The Mirror Master turned to Zoom, "We're makin' a pit stop first. Gotta free Mardon from the convoy. Ye can either help or watch. Doesn't matter much ta me."



After Zoom answered, the pair disappeared into the floor. Next stop, the van housing the imprisoned Weather Wizard, and then Keystone City.


OOC: I left you an opening for a reply inbetween McCulloch's words to Zoom and our exit. :up:

[Batman]

Harvey was speechless as he saw the entire room go down infront of him. Even Two-Face had to admit... He was impressed. His 'agent' was definatley living up to be one of the best, if not the best person in Two-Face's gang. Even if she did shoot his men, aswell. But fair enough. Two-Face would kill them all with the flip of a coin, so he was one to talk.

Black Mask gave an amused expression. He chuckled as he took a gun from her hand. "My my, where'd you get her? She offer you a good time as you pulled a car up next to her?"

He laughed to himself as he slowly raised his gun at Dent.

Two-Face sneered at Black Mask, snatching the gun from his agent's hand. His sneer quickly turned to a smirk.

"Jealously Doesn't Look Good On You, Roman."

Black Mask had to be jealous of him. He had an associate that could take out an entire room of armed men. Harvey wanted to see Roman pull that off.

"Course I'd Be Willing To Let You Prove Me Wrong. But... Oh, Wait... She Took Out All Of Yours Guys, Didn't She?", Harvey said, nearly chuckling sadistically as he raised his own gun.

This 'False Face Society' crap... this 'Holier Than Thou' psychopath that stood infront of him leading it...It was ending. And it was ending fast. Especially if Two-Face was still standing by the end of the night.

[Red]

I smirk and clench my fist.

"I'm sure if God was half as he's cracked up to be, we'd be having tea and cupcakes right now. But the world you plan to rule?"

I give a hard right in his face.

"You're never going to rule the world, Ra's. I'm going to make sure of that."

I use all my strength and rip out the bowl that I'd wager is used for a toliet and throw it onto him. It hits him square in the torso and throws him to the wall.

I run out of the prison cell and find the room next to it, with my belt inside of it. I run in, grab it and run out. I think I saw some of his goons run in the prison cell with Ra's. I don't have much time.

I run, trying to look for an exit, before I finally get out and look around. Looks like desert--either India/China or Africa. I grab the belt and look for my tracer and grab my comm. I turn my frequency to the Outsiders number I gave to Question and Kord. I hope the bastard's not doing anything important.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means nessesary. Batman out."

I look behind me and find a whole buchel of Ubus standing behind me.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Come and get me."

I almost smile as they collided onto me.

Several ninja’s held Batman down as another pulled back his blood stained fist and punch Batman in the mouth. Ra’s entered the room. Batman looked up and matched his gaze with Ra’s.

“I offered to spare your life and save Ibn the pain of losing his father. But you turned your back on my mercy….. Enjoy the sunset tonight Detective, it will be the last you see.”

The ninja’s dragged Batman away as Ra’s looked over at two of his loyal men.

“I suspect the Detective called for aid. Trace the message and double the patrol ,no one can be allowed to stop us now.”

[Nightwing]

"Don't worry about the pants, Ollie. Hub has just as many gay pride parades as any other city. We're used to it."


I climb down what's left of the fire escape and walk into the city. I get to the main part of the destruction, and walk over to one of thefiremen.


"What can I do?"


"....aren't you that Vic Sage guy?"

"Yes. Now, what can I do to help?"


"Well, you can start by helping us dig through the rubble for survivors."

I walk over to one of the damaged buildings and start sifting through the fallen peices of concrete.



Harley is going to pay for this.

"After all that I've seen just now, yeah, I can tell. Just have to becareful no one recognizes these pants are the same ones I wear when I put on that mask. Not like people are going to care about a guy who models himself as a type of Robin Hood...."

"H...H..Help man please!!! Someone please help me!!"

As we walk through the wrecked streets, I here an old lady screaming from the top of her lungs and pointing to a young girl about 10 years old. I get there as fast as I can.

"Oh no, miss what happend here?"

"M..My grand daughter got caught in some of the building rubble when that...That huge monster thing knocked down our apartment building!!"

The last thing I need if for this poor woman to have a heart attack, or collapse on me from all this shock.

"I'll get her to the EMT's, but please have a seat here. Everything is going to be alright."

"A fine gentleman you are sir, but please do hurry. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her, it was my responsibility to look out for her. But I'm so old and fragile, I couldn't do anything to save her..."

I walk up to the girl, and lift the heavy rock blocking her from moving.

"Shes unconscious."

I carry her gently, shes light as a feather. And now it's my turn to yell.

"I need a doctor over here asap! Theres a child here in rough condition, and she needs medical attention!!"

Suddenly two men come running in my direction with a big stretcher for the girl. I lay her nice and slow, and deliver a small prayer just for her. Ever since...Ever since Dinah's death, I decided to renew my faith in God. Somehow, I know she was guiding me towards the right path against Grundy.

The old lady walks with her grand daughter, and holds her hand every step of the way.

"Thanks you so much sir, I wish I could repay you."

"I'm used to saving people, no need. Just promise me she'll be ok."

After I see this huge hover craft fly over me, and for a short time I think it's Bruce with that huge Batwing of his coming to see the damage and might to decide to aid. But I was wrong, no suprise.

"What in the hell? Your city, and it's now that you decide to bring your scrawny ass here. Damn you Kord."

Beetle. Kord soars around whats left of his city, but doesn't see me standing there.

"Hope he'll do more then we could for these people."

I turn around and see Vic helping an old lady of his own, can't even imagine what he's feeling considering he devoted himself to prevent things like this from happening in his town.

I run up to him.

****

"So, where do we go from here?"

[MST3K 4ever]

OOC: Forgive the small bunny, MST3k!

He heard Marvel's approach, which woke him from his sleep. Sonic booms miles outside of Metropolis. He stirred, and looked out of his window, seeing a flash of gold and red.

"Marvel!" he said. Billy must have heard it, and then appeared outside of his cell window. "I'm not supposed to have visitors, Marvel, but I suppose this is a day for breaking the rules. What do you need?"

OOC: A little bunnying is fine as long as it advances the plot along and not along the lines of, "Suddenly he sees a vat of acid and takes a header into it."

Marvel hovers outside of the cell window and says, "Trust me Superman this is big, besides if I was going to break you out I would've done it already. By now you have heard about the Superhero Registration act, and the hearings are set to start within the next couple of days What I was originally going to ask for was advice, but after thinking about it I need you to forgive me. I promised you that I would do everything I could to protect Metropolis & prove your innocence. I heard abut the registration hearings and I went to talk to President Ross seeing if he could do something about it. First off he says you are in his thoughts and prayers, and he did do something about the hearings." Marvel takes a deep breath and says, "He asked me to appear & testify before the committee. He says that I could be very effective and so I asked him to give me sometime to think it over. Well I have decided that I need to do this for all of us. Superman when you are proven innocent and if this thing becomes a law a lot of us are going to be in a world of hurt. This was a case of asking myself how would Superman deal with this, and I feel that you would try and help where it would do the most good. I am sorry that I am leaving you and Metropolis in a bit of a tight spot, but what I am doing now is going to have an impact upon not only us, but anyone else in the future that takes up our cause wearing a mask or a cape. "

Marvel looks Superman in the eye and says, "I hope you understand, and this will probably be the last time I see you for a while, because I need to get ready for this and sooner or later someone could arrest me for seeing you. I am hopeful that other heroes will join me in Washington to fight this insanity. Thank you for everything Superman and I hope that I won't let you or any of the others down."

[The Question]

"After all that I've seen just now, yeah, I can tell. Just have to becareful no one recognizes these pants are the same ones I wear when I put on that mask. Not like people are going to care about a guy who models himself as a type of Robin Hood...."

"H...H..Help man please!!! Someone please help me!!"

As we walk through the wrecked streets, I here an old lady screaming from the top of her lungs and pointing to a young girl about 10 years old. I get there as fast as I can.

"Oh no, miss what happend here?"

"M..My grand daughter got caught in some of the building rubble when that...That huge monster thing knocked down our apartment building!!"

The last thing I need if for this poor woman to have a heart attack, or collapse on me from all this shock.

"I'll get her to the EMT's, but please have a seat here. Everything is going to be alright."

"A fine gentleman you are sir, but please do hurry. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her, it was my responsibility to look out for her. But I'm so old and fragile, I couldn't do anything to save her..."

I walk up to the girl, and lift the heavy rock blocking her from moving.

"Shes unconscious."

I carry her gently, shes light as a feather. And now it's my turn to yell.

"I need a doctor over here asap! Theres a child here in rough condition, and she needs medical attention!!"

Suddenly two men come running in my direction with a big stretcher for the girl. I lay her nice and slow, and deliver a small prayer just for her. Ever since...Ever since Dinah's death, I decided to renew my faith in God. Somehow, I know she was guiding me towards the right path against Grundy.

The old lady walks with her grand daughter, and holds her hand every step of the way.

"Thanks you so much sir, I wish I could repay you."

"I'm used to saving people, no need. Just promise me she'll be ok."

After I see this huge hover craft fly over me, and for a short time I think it's Bruce with that huge Batwing of his coming to see the damage and might to decide to aid. But I was wrong, no suprise.

"What in the hell? Your city, and it's now that you decide to bring your scrawny ass here. Damn you Kord."

Beetle. Kord soars around whats left of his city, but doesn't see me standing there.

"Hope he'll do more then we could for these people."

I turn around and see Vic helping an old lady of his own, can't even imagine what he's feeling considering he devoted himself to prevent things like this from happening in his town.

I run up to him.

****

"So, where do we go from here?"




I set down some rocks I was shifting through and turn to Ollie.

"Well, first, we should get ourselves cleaned up. Then, you're using you money to help pay for releif efforts. Then, we're going to track down Harley, I'm going to bring her to the steps of town hall, gather a croud, throw her to them, and let them decide what happens to her."

Suddenly, my cell phone starts beeping. I take it out and look at it.

I have a message? My phones been on the whole time. How come I didn't hear it ring? I listen to it.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means nessesary. Batman out."

A tiny map of Africa apears on the screen of my phone, woth a little red bat symbol on it.

I turn to Ollie.

"But, before we go clown hunting, it looks like Batman's gotten himself captured by terrorists. Wanna go save him?"

[Nightwing]

I set down some rocks I was shifting through and turn to Ollie.

"Well, first, we should get ourselves cleaned up. Then, you're using you money to help pay for releif efforts. Then, we're going to track down Harley, I'm going to bring her to the steps of town hall, gather a croud, throw her to them, and let them decide what happens to her."

Suddenly, my cell phone starts beeping. I take it out and look at it.

I have a message? My phones been on the whole time. How come I didn't hear it ring? I listen to it.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means nessesary. Batman out."

A tiny map of Africa apears on the screen of my phone, woth a little red bat symbol on it.

I turn to Ollie.

"But, before we go clown hunting, it looks like Batman's gotten himself captured by terrorists. Wanna go save him?"

"Pay for the...."

Does he have any idea how much that'll cost? Eh, what I'm I thinking, I can't be selfish. It's only for the best.

I was right next to Vic when Batman calls him, I couldn't hear everything that was said. But I heard something by the words of a deadly virus...

"Batman's in trouble? Looks like capturing Harley will have to wait, trust me we'll have other chances to get to her. She's just one person, now we have to focus on saving millions. Lets go rescue him."

"Stay here for a second."

I can't go to where ever we're going without my stuff, so I run back to the building as quikcly as I can. The ladder was a short climb, I suit up and pack my bow fast. I was short on arrows.

"Lets just hope 17 will do."

I look down the building and see Vic still waiting there, thats when I jump down. Even with my leg still damaged, I have to keep moving. I flip when I land, and nudge it a little bit. I've been through ALOT worse, so I deal with it.

I turn to Vic.

"What are we waitin for?"

[The Question]

"Well, you really shouldn't b hanging aorund me in full costume. Anyway, get that side ckick of yours. I'll get changed and get Kord. We'll go to your place in Star and stock up on weapons. Then we'll go after him."

I duck into an alleyway and make my change. I climb up to a rooftop, take out my brappling line. shoot it at one of the Bug's legs, and reel myself in. Hopefully, he'll notice and land.

[Nightwing]

"Well, you really shouldn't b hanging aorund me in full costume. Anyway, get that side ckick of yours. I'll get changed and get Kord. We'll go to your place in Star and stock up on weapons. Then we'll go after him."

I duck into an alleyway and make my change. I climb up to a rooftop, take out my brappling line. shoot it at one of the Bug's legs, and reel myself in. Hopefully, he'll notice and land.

"The more backup the better."

As Vic vanishes into the alleyway, I pull out my phone to contact Roy. Now I wish he stuck around after all.

"Roy, Roy are you there? Pick up your god damn phone kid! Cancel what ever you're doing now, Batman's gotten himself into some trouble, and Q and I could use some help. Meet us in Star at the mansion, we're going to gear up first and strategize a plan. I know, I know, I owe you already one bike. But we might need some more to get to where we have to go. If not, then we'll just cook up a damn way. Hurry up, Ollie out"

I close the phone, and wait patiently for Vic.

"Hope he found Kord."

I mumbled....

[Spider-Man9X17]

I barely feel the strike on my back. I appreciate the concern Rayner, but we need to make this look as real as possible.

I create a massive sword. I'm thinking more along the lines of something like this...


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/wiegeabo/24.jpg

"Cute trick."

Kyle floated away from the attack, pulling his energy field in close until it resembled some form of advanced armor, complete with wrist lasers and shoulder-mounted rocket launchers.

"I saw this in a comic book," he chortled, letting go with two energy blasts.

http://www.davedevries.com/Dave/Marvel%20Comics/WAR%20MACHINE.jpg

OOC: Yeah, thats War MAchine, but I'm in a wierd kinda mood tonite. May be the alcohol.

[wiegeabo]

"Cute trick."

Kyle floated away from the attack, pulling his energy field in close until it resembled some form of advanced armor, complete with wrist lasers and shoulder-mounted rocket launchers.

"I saw this in a comic book," he chortled, letting go with two energy blasts.




Excellent. Now it is a convincing fight. I spin out of the way of the laser blasts, and use a shield to block the missles. I will a form of my own and create a creature that strikes at Rayner's shield.

"I saw this in one of your Earth television programs!"

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/wiegeabo/23.jpg

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle stood his ground and let the monster drill into him. Couldn't have this look too coreographed. The force of the impact sent him rocketing to the field below, the impact creating a crater where home base used to be.

The armor retreated back into the ring as Kyle stood up and brushed himself off. Dozens of news choppers flew overhead, trying to catch every minute of the "fight". But that's not caught his attention. He could sense movement in the stadium. Someone was watching them up close. Kyle looked around, tryong to figure out where the positions might be, but with no luck. He walked to the pitcher's mound and looked up at Sinestro, goading him to bring the fight down to the ground.

[wiegeabo]

Rayner sees it too. Movement amoung the seats. When I scouted this area, I had ensured no one was around. And I doubt the now gathered law enforcement would allow anyone access. Logic suggests, these are the people stalking Rayner.

But we still can't let them know that we know. And I can't pin down where they are with just my eyes. Excellent stealth techniques. Meaning they are well trained.

Time to be stealthy myself. As Rayner lands, I streak down at him and fire off a weakened beam. It strikes his shield and the light scatters, filling the stadium. But it's not just a light show because I've now scanned the entire area without them knowing it, and recorded their locations in the stands.

I crash into Rayner and grapple with him physically. "Eight," I say. "Four groups of two hiding at North, South, East, and West ends of stadium twenty rows up."

[Ash Loomis]

This is taking quicker than I thought. Despite the amount of devastation, the amount of people trapped in the wreckage is surprisingly low. And the majority of the people unfortunate enough to be trapped were only mildly injured. For the most part, a week in bed in the company of loved ones should be enough to patch them up. For the first time in a while, I’m starting to feel optimistic.

These dudes don’t really need my help; I’m just speeding up the pace of the end result. To be honest, they kind of look like they resent my assistance. From the looks they’re giving the Bug, they think I’m trying to show off more than help. I can just hear them thinking “well, you’re here now with your fancy plane, but where were you when nutty monsters started tearing up our city?” I recall Vic telling me once that they don’t take kindly to my kind in Hub. (Yeah, “my kind,” as if he’s not one of us.) Maybe he’s right. Maybe it would be best for these people to get back on their feet themselves. I sit and begin to wonder whether or not I should leave. Then an instant message makes the decision for me.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghoul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means necessary. Batman out."

Good god! Batman? They got Batman? Jesus H Christ, that’s damn near impossible. Batman’s held his own against such powerful meta-humans, there’s days I wonder if he’s one of them. But some terrorists got him? I know Ghul is not exactly a rookie, but jeez, this is Batman we’re talking here! If they can defeat him, how can I hope to stop them? Well, the truth is I can’t. At least not alone. I flick on my communicator.

“Yo, Vic! This is Ted. I assume you’ve received Batman’s message? Look, I’m going to land the Bug and you and Oliver and anyone else your with can hop on. I’ll give you a lift, and we’ll try to map out a strategy to get Bruce out of there. Where's the nearest place I can pick you up?”

Suddenly, I see Vic climbing up the side of the Bug. Geez, that was fast.


“Hey, Sonic” I say smiling as I let him in.

[Batman]

Harvey was speechless as he saw the entire room go down infront of him. Even Two-Face had to admit... He was impressed. His 'agent' was definatley living up to be one of the best, if not the best person in Two-Face's gang. Even if she did shoot his men, aswell. But fair enough. Two-Face would kill them all with the flip of a coin, so he was one to talk.

Two-Face sneered at Black Mask, snatching the gun from his agent's hand. His sneer quickly turned to a smirk.

"Jealously Doesn't Look Good On You, Roman."

Black Mask had to be jealous of him. He had an associate that could take out an entire room of armed men. Harvey wanted to see Roman pull that off.

"Course I'd Be Willing To Let You Prove Me Wrong. But... Oh, Wait... She Took Out All Of Yours Guys, Didn't She?", Harvey said, nearly chuckling sadistically as he raised his own gun.

This 'False Face Society' crap... this 'Holier Than Thou' psychopath that stood infront of him leading it...It was ending. And it was ending fast. Especially if Two-Face was still standing by the end of the night.

... And then, He stopped.

Two-Face's concious couldn't let him pull the trigger, even though Black Mask was only a pull away from blowing his brains out. He had to flip on this. His psychosis wouldn't let him kill someone of this caliber without doing that. Two-Face lowered his gun, and slapped Black Mask's away.

"No. We Flip For It. No Exceptions."

Before Black Mask could raise his gun or even offer a witty retort to this, Two-Face flipped the coin.

...Are you serious? He was going to kill you!
I'm doin' this for YOU, Dent. Now shuddup and let me.

The coin landed in Harvey's hand. He looked down, to see the results.

...You're starting to regret that, aren't ya?

The coin landed on good heads. Two-Face couldn't believe it, and it showed through his expression. In the decision to blow away this piece of slime... He couldn't do it. The coin had made up his decision.

Well, we're both dead. Black Mask is gonna kill us, and you're going to rot in a casket because of some stupid coin toss.
...Wait. The coin toss showed that I couldnt kill him, right?
Yes. And?
...
This ain't over yet, Dent.

Just then, Two-Face kicked the gun out of Black Mask's hand, before lifting his armed hand, and slamming the back of the gun into Black Mask's face.

"Maybe I Can't Kill Ya. But That Doesn't Mean I Can't Beat Ya Within' An Inch Of Your Misrable Life."

Two-Face formed a smirk, dropping the gun to the ground. He was going to shame Black Mask in his own office. That'd teach him not to mess with Harvey Dent.

[Electro UK]

... And then, He stopped.

Two-Face's concious couldn't let him pull the trigger, even though Black Mask was only a pull away from blowing his brains out. He had to flip on this. His psychosis wouldn't let him kill someone of this caliber without doing that. Two-Face lowered his gun, and slapped Black Mask's away.

"No. We Flip For It. No Exceptions."

Before Black Mask could raise his gun or even offer a witty retort to this, Two-Face flipped the coin.

...Are you serious? He was going to kill you!
I'm doin' this for YOU, Dent. Now shuddup and let me.

The coin landed in Harvey's hand. He looked down, to see the results.

...You're starting to regret that, aren't ya?

The coin landed on good heads. Two-Face couldn't believe it, and it showed through his expression. In the decision to blow away this piece of slime... He couldn't do it. The coin had made up his decision.

Well, we're both dead. Black Mask is gonna kill us, and you're going to rot in a casket because of some stupid coin toss.
...Wait. The coin toss showed that I couldnt kill him, right?
Yes. And?
...
This ain't over yet, Dent.

Just then, Two-Face kicked the gun out of Black Mask's hand, before lifting his armed hand, and slamming the back of the gun into Black Mask's face.

"Maybe I Can't Kill Ya. But That Doesn't Mean I Can't Beat Ya Within' An Inch Of Your Misrable Life."

Two-Face formed a smirk, dropping the gun to the ground. He was going to shame Black Mask in his own office. That'd teach him not to mess with Harvey Dent.

Roman wiped the blood away from his nose. Who was this fool? He'd had his chance to kill him and not taken it. And now he wanted hand to hand combat? Black Mask was no acclaimed fighter, but he was pretty sure he could take Dent.

He slowly took his jacket off and layed it down on the couch. "You're making a big mistake Dent." he said rasing his fists. "You don't stand a chance." Harvey swung at him, but Black Mask ducked, grabbed his arm and flung him onto the floor.

"I'll give you one chance before I humiliate you even more, take your little **** and get out of here."

[LibrarianThorne]

OOC: A little bunnying is fine as long as it advances the plot along and not along the lines of, "Suddenly he sees a vat of acid and takes a header into it."

Marvel hovers outside of the cell window and says, "Trust me Superman this is big, besides if I was going to break you out I would've done it already. By now you have heard about the Superhero Registration act, and the hearings are set to start within the next couple of days What I was originally going to ask for was advice, but after thinking about it I need you to forgive me. I promised you that I would do everything I could to protect Metropolis & prove your innocence. I heard abut the registration hearings and I went to talk to President Ross seeing if he could do something about it. First off he says you are in his thoughts and prayers, and he did do something about the hearings." Marvel takes a deep breath and says, "He asked me to appear & testify before the committee. He says that I could be very effective and so I asked him to give me sometime to think it over. Well I have decided that I need to do this for all of us. Superman when you are proven innocent and if this thing becomes a law a lot of us are going to be in a world of hurt. This was a case of asking myself how would Superman deal with this, and I feel that you would try and help where it would do the most good. I am sorry that I am leaving you and Metropolis in a bit of a tight spot, but what I am doing now is going to have an impact upon not only us, but anyone else in the future that takes up our cause wearing a mask or a cape. "

Marvel looks Superman in the eye and says, "I hope you understand, and this will probably be the last time I see you for a while, because I need to get ready for this and sooner or later someone could arrest me for seeing you. I am hopeful that other heroes will join me in Washington to fight this insanity. Thank you for everything Superman and I hope that I won't let you or any of the others down."

He nodded. Marvel was, in his own particular way, fighting the superhero registration act as hard as he was fighting it. Maybe, with Marvel and Pete Ross lobbying against it, there was a chance it could fail. Still, it was a slim chance, and Washington was nothing if not a pool of sharks. Marvel would get torn apart there.

"Marvel, before you leave, a word in your ear?" Marvel's face took on a quizzical expression. "Washington is unlike any other city in the world. There you will have enemies and friends, some who will be public, some who won't be. Some of your friends will be enemies and some enemies, friends. Trust should not be given out freely there. I can tell you this much, that you can trust Pete Ross. He's a good man, an honest man. I've known him almost my entire life, and you won't find someone more dependable. If you trust anyone in Washington, trust him."

[Watchman]

Police sirens erupted in the back of Scarecrow's van. He cursed and thought about his two options. He could pull over or he could try to outrun the cop but that would probably bring more. He turned on the signal and pulled over. The cop got out and made his way toward the van.

"You seemed to be alittle too fast...", he looked down at the driver, "JESUS CHRIST!". He fumbled for his gun but he was too late he was sprayed with gas. The cop started to scream. Scarecrow opened the door and force the cop down. Scarecrow pulled out his gun and aimed down.

"wHAt SeEms tOO bE tHE pRoBLEm oFFiCER" he said but before he could fire a shot came from his back hitting the van it was the cops partner.

"Freeze...get down" this one looked scared maybe a rookie.

"What's a matter son are you afraid?" he lifted his gun and fired a few times into the cop. He fell down dead. He looked down at the other cop but ran off the side of the road. Scarecrow followed all he had to do was follow the screams. The cop ran into a barn and closed the doors behind him. A few minutes later Scarecrow opened the doors and the cop peeked his head out from his hiding place seeing the tall lankey figure who was know holding a new weapon a scythe. "NOw OfFIcer wHeRe hAVe yoU RaN OFf ToO?", the cop went back behind his hiding place a small haystack.

He heard the crunching under the Scarecrow's feet and he soil himself. Then after a few minutes it seemed it got darker around him. He looked up and he saw Scarecrow. He raised his scythe and lowered it into the chest of the cop. He walked out of the farm and back to the cop car. He notice the keys were still in them. He threw the scythe in the back and drove off.

[twylight]

The woman stood calmly watching the men as the drama unfolded, her hair over half her face. She flicked her eyes across the room looking for Ricky, hoping he was okay.
Hope? What was that? And why should he matter to her? Nevertheless he was the only one who'd treated her like a human since she'd come under Harvey Dent's employment. He stood in the corner, his back straight, his eyes steady. He seemed to be taking this in stride and her respect for him rose. Maybe that dinner offer wasn't a bad idea.

"I'll give you one chance before I humiliate you even more, take your little **** and get out of here."

The woman's hand twitched at the word '****' She'd taken enough insults from this man who'd insunuated that she was sleeping with Dent. This was not her fight, yet she was not going to take it anymore.

Black Mask stood over Dent and she moved swiftly giving him a stab in the back of the neck, and spinning him around gave him a roundhouse in the face.

“I am not his ‘****.’” She said, her voice low and level.

She stepped back and moved towards the door to leave.

[Hyper Venom]

"Sounds like plan, Lex", said McCulloch with a smile.
The Mirror Master turned to Zoom, "We're makin' a pit stop first. Gotta free Mardon from the convoy. Ye can either help or watch. Doesn't matter much ta me."



After Zoom answered, the pair disappeared into the floor. Next stop, the van housing the imprisoned Weather Wizard, and then Keystone City.


OOC: I left you an opening for a reply inbetween McCulloch's words to Zoom and our exit. :up:

Zoom turned to the Joker.

"I have no idea where Batman is. But when he gets back to Gotham, he'll know I was there."

Hearing McCulloch mention a pit stop, Zoom became intrigued. He nodded at Mirror Master in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan. Take me to him."

With that, Mirror Master and Zoom disappeared into the floor.

[MST3K 4ever]

He nodded. Marvel was, in his own particular way, fighting the superhero registration act as hard as he was fighting it. Maybe, with Marvel and Pete Ross lobbying against it, there was a chance it could fail. Still, it was a slim chance, and Washington was nothing if not a pool of sharks. Marvel would get torn apart there.

"Marvel, before you leave, a word in your ear?" Marvel's face took on a quizzical expression. "Washington is unlike any other city in the world. There you will have enemies and friends, some who will be public, some who won't be. Some of your friends will be enemies and some enemies, friends. Trust should not be given out freely there. I can tell you this much, that you can trust Pete Ross. He's a good man, an honest man. I've known him almost my entire life, and you won't find someone more dependable. If you trust anyone in Washington, trust him."

Marvel nods and says, "I agree President Ross is man of his word and someone who can be trusted. In some ways he is an unoffical ally. You should've seen him the way he talked about this thing. He doens't want it, but as he note he is a servant of the people and he will carry out the will of the people in the end." He takes a deep breath and says, "I'm not totally naive I know that there will be those who will seek to take advantage of my trusting-nature, and this will be one of those times where I rely on the Wisdom of Solomon more than the Strength of Hercules or any of my other powers. Kind of like the small-town kid going into the big city for the first time. Something you can relate to I believe." Superman smirked at that statement

"Well this is it. Superman I wish you success in your upcoming trial and I look forward to us getting back out in the never ending battle. I will do everything I can to fight for you and our colleagues in Washington. God Speed to us both."

Mavel flies away. He speeds back to Washington DC and lands behind his hotel. He says, "Shazam!"

KABOOM!!!

Billy goes back up to his hotel room and sees his message light flashing. He answers the message from Mr. Perkins to call him back. Perkins answers his phone and says, "Hey Billy, this whole registration hearings deal...it is really picking up steam you're of of the Superman trial. Corporate wants you to cover for their radio network news. You up for it kid? This is the big time." Billy replies, "You bet I am." Perkins says, "Great call Ron Samuelson at 555-5555, he's the news director for the network. He'll guide you home from there. Good luck Kid and keep us posted." Billy replies, "Thanks Mr. Perkins." He hangs up and calls Samuelson. He tells Billy to call in about every three hours or as events warrant, and that he is the only media person being granted access to the actual hearings. Billy hangs up the phone and goes outside.

He walks down an alley and says, "Shazam!"

KABOOM!!!!

Marvel takes off to the White House. He sees President Ross standing in front of the Oval Office windows. Ross opens the windows and says, "Come in Captain Marvel. Can I get you anything?" Captain Marvel replies, "Only one thing sir. Any information that might help make my time in the hearings go a little easier." Ross smiles and says, "I think that can be arranged.I am very glad you have decided to take up this challenge." He goes behind his desk and hands Marvel a packet of papers. He says, "This is the names of those on the committee, the bill itself, and a timeline of how we got here. The chairperson is Senator Lyman. She is from your neck of the woods in Fawcett City, and not exactly a huge of superheroes but she is a fair person. The one you need to watch out for is Senator Dennis Newsome. He was Luthor's Chief of staff when he got elected and his re-election bid before the heart-attack. He is very dangerous and from what I understand still has a tight connection with Lex."

Marvel takes the information and puts it in his tunic. Ross says, "I'll call Senator Lyman and let her know that you will be there. The hearings start at 10am sharp two days from now. That should buy you sometime to gather your thoughts. Again I am glad that you are here Captain and if I can do anything to help you please let me know." Ross puts out his hand and Marvel shakes the President's hand saying, "I will Mr. President and I thank you for this opportunity. Good day sir."
Marvel flies back to the hotel changes back into Billy Batson. He goes to his room and begins studying the information that the President gave him.

[TheCorpulent1]

Keystone City
Weeks earlier

Wally walked the halls of the institution with careful deliberation, trying to balance the coffee cups in his hands so they wouldn't spill. People waved or said hello as he walked by. He'd almost reached Linda's room when a frazzled nurse with gray hair accidentally bumped into him, causing the steaming-hot coffee to slop all over his left hand. "GAH, SON OF A--!" Wally's hand convulsed under the heat and down the cup fell, splashing coffee all over the floor.

"Oh!" the nurse squeaked at Wally's outburst. "Mr. West, I'm so sorry!"

"No, no, it's my fault," Wally said as he shook the coffee off his hand. "I'm naturally clumsy. Did I splash you?"

"Oh, no, I'm fine. Thank you."

"Well, hang on, I'll put this one down and clean it up."

"Oh, don't be silly, Mr. West. You go ahead and visit with your wife, I'll have one of the janitors see to it."

"Thanks." Wally went into Linda's room. She was sitting up on the bed watching the TV, which she turned off when she saw Wally. He pulled a chair up to the bed and presented the coffee to her as he sat down. "Here you go," he said with a smile.

"What happened to yours?"

"Oh, I, uh, I didn't get any for myself."

"Yeah, right. You've been coming here for over four weeks and every single day you've had a cup of coffee in your hand."

Wally shook head. "All right, you caught me." He affected a melodramatically grim countenance. "I didn't want to upset you but, you see... well, there's been an accident. My cup of joe, he, uh... he didn't make it." Wally bowed his head solemnly in a mock show of sorrow. "A notice has been sent to his next-of-kin... he will be sorely missed by a wife, two kids, and my drooping eyelids."

Linda smiled and said, "You're such a goof."

Wally's heart skipped as it always did at the sight of Linda's smiling face. Had it really only been a month since she'd trained a stare that could melt steel on him? Yet those first couple of weeks had been pure torture. Linda barely spoke to him, and when she did it was only to remind him of his failures. He still wasn't sure exactly how he'd won her back, but gradually she started opening up during his daily visits. They were still a long way off from renewed marital bliss--Linda still hadn't told Wally she loved him, for one thing--but they were rebuilding the friendship that had led them to it once upon a time.

The doctors told him that Wally's getting her to talk was Linda's first real step towards recovery--that her mind had fractured after the trauma inflicted by Zoom and reformed itself over time into a ball of confusion and anger and rage. Now that he was back, they told Wally, her mind was reorganizing itself to be more like the Linda he knew. It had earned her a room in a less secure wing of the institution, complete with a bed and a window that wasn't bulletproof or set in the door. But Wally knew that Linda's mind would have healed on its own eventually because he knew Linda. He had never known anyone with a strength of will like hers--Hell, she could probably teach Hal or John or even Kyle a thing or two, he thought with a chuckle.

"What's funny?" Linda asked.

Wally must've chuckled out loud without realizing it. "Nothing," he replied. "Just thinking about old times."

Linda's face became concerned, almost mournful. "You miss it, don't you? The rush, the adventure, the whole superhero world--even the tights, I bet."

"Almost as much as I missed you," Wally replied. "Except the tights. I just kept those around just for you," he finished with a wink.

There it was again: Linda's smile. Fleeting this time, and gone in a--well, a flash. "Isn't there something one of your hero friends could do about it?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you know, find some way to... plug you back into the Speed Force, I guess?"

Wally smiled and shook his head ruefully. "I don't think it works that way. Besides, how could I ever go back to that life knowing what it took from me? You, the kids--"

"Wally, please," Linda cut in hurriedly. "I--I can't talk about any of that yet."

"Oh, God. I'm sorry, Linda, I didn't mean--"

"I know, it's just... I just need more time. That's all."

Wally looked away and his eye caught the clock. "Well, I've gotta get back to work anyway." He stood up and walked over to the door, then turned and looked at Linda long and hard. "I'm sorry. For everything. I love you."

"I know." Wally shut the door. Linda let her body slide down until she was laying, then rolled onto her side. Salty tears began to soak her pillow.

[Keyser Soze]

Zoom turned to the Joker.

"I have no idea where Batman is. But when he gets back to Gotham, he'll know I was there."

Hearing McCulloch mention a pit stop, Zoom became intrigued. He nodded at Mirror Master in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan. Take me to him."

With that, Mirror Master and Zoom disappeared into the floor.

"Batman gone AWOL? Well what the hell am I doing here? HA HA!"

The Joker looked at Lex Luthor.

"I hate to tear away from your...enchanting company," The Joker said, putting on a theatrical sad face, "But egads! With no Dark Knight, Gotham City needs me, more than ever! If Batsy won't get that nasty ol' gang-war under control, I will! HA HA!"

The Joker sauntered over to the elevator in Lex Luthor's office. He pressed the button to open the door, and stepped inside. He turned round to face Luthor and his henchman.

"By the way, I'm going to need to borrow your jet..."

[Electro UK]

Black Mask clenched his fist. "You're lucky I'm one of those guys that'll never hit a woman, lady... though stick around, cause I don't have much problem with shooting them."

He let his fist round Harvey again. "Come on Dent! I've been waiting too long for this moment. Don't dissapoint!"

[The Question]

This is taking quicker than I thought. Despite the amount of devastation, the amount of people trapped in the wreckage is surprisingly low. And the majority of the people unfortunate enough to be trapped were only mildly injured. For the most part, a week in bed in the company of loved ones should be enough to patch them up. For the first time in a while, I’m starting to feel optimistic.

These dudes don’t really need my help; I’m just speeding up the pace of the end result. To be honest, they kind of look like they resent my assistance. From the looks they’re giving the Bug, they think I’m trying to show off more than help. I can just hear them thinking “well, you’re here now with your fancy plane, but where were you when nutty monsters started tearing up our city?” I recall Vic telling me once that they don’t take kindly to my kind in Hub. (Yeah, “my kind,” as if he’s not one of us.) Maybe he’s right. Maybe it would be best for these people to get back on their feet themselves. I sit and begin to wonder whether or not I should leave. Then an instant message makes the decision for me.

"Attention: This is Batman. I don't have too much time. I have been captured by Ra's al Ghoul, who is planning to unleash a virus that will kill off most of the human race. I'm transmitting my coordinates to you now. Get here as soon as you can, by any means necessary. Batman out."

Good god! Batman? They got Batman? Jesus H Christ, that’s damn near impossible. Batman’s held his own against such powerful meta-humans, there’s days I wonder if he’s one of them. But some terrorists got him? I know Ghul is not exactly a rookie, but jeez, this is Batman we’re talking here! If they can defeat him, how can I hope to stop them? Well, the truth is I can’t. At least not alone. I flick on my communicator.

“Yo, Vic! This is Ted. I assume you’ve received Batman’s message? Look, I’m going to land the Bug and you and Oliver and anyone else your with can hop on. I’ll give you a lift, and we’ll try to map out a strategy to get Bruce out of there. Where's the nearest place I can pick you up?”

Suddenly, I see Vic climbing up the side of the Bug. Geez, that was fast.


“Hey, Sonic” I say smiling as I let him in.

"Hi. Listen, Ollie and that kid of his aren't that far away from here. You pick them up, and then we're heading to Ollie's place in Star to stock up on supplies. Then, we're going to figure out what we're going to do when we go save Bruce."

[Ash Loomis]

"Hi. Listen, Ollie and that kid of his aren't that far away from here. You pick them up, and then we're heading to Ollie's place in Star to stock up on supplies. Then, we're going to figure out what we're going to do when we go save Bruce."

"Sounds like a plan."

Vic directs me to where Ollie and his former sidekick were hanging out and we pick Ollie I motion for him to take a seat at a nearby table as I return to the driver's seat.

"I can hear you guys fine from over here, so feel free to start planning. I'm just heading over to Star City to get us those supplies Vic said we needed. Oh, and there's a coffee maker and an ice box in the back, so help yourselves."

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis sat alone on one of the benches in the park. No one was out today, it was very strange, and no one had taken down the red paint from the buildings yet. But that wasn't what was bothering him...no..something else much more internal had fixed jervis's attention.

He had found a book of Alice in Wonderland, and had opened it up to one page, in particular one line, which had stopped him cold, on the second page of chapter 8, it read: "I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!"

Who in the world am I? Jervis stared at the line over and over again. He didn't know. He was lost, and there was an aching feeling, deep down inside him. The feeling that something was horribly wrong...that he had gone horribly wrong, but he didn't know why.

"Those serpents! There's no pleasing them!" Jervis jerked around, the little girl. Her heckling little voice had interrupted his thoughts. Her red eyes glowed, framed by her white skin. Why wouldn't she leave!? WHY? But there was something wrong with the girl too, what..what was it?

"Take care of the sense, and the sounds will take care of themselves." The girl replied, stepping closer to him. She wouldn't leave him alone, and it made it so hard to think...so hard....he always felt like there were hundreds of memories, lingering so close to the surface waiting to be found...but...but he could never find them...he felt like he was going mad...

"we're all mad here" the little girl replied. A memory was floating up again. Jervis stared over to the empy swingset, blowing in the wind. Suddenly, it was sunny, Jervis was pushing Alice on the swing. She loved the swing. Everything was better, everything was happy, the way it was before....the bridge. But what happened on the bridge?

"NO," the girl screamed, and all Jervis's thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.

"Your late," she said, her red eyes boring into him.
"I'm late. I'm late. I'm late I'm late I'm late." Jervis muttered, standing up abruptly. Why had he been sitting down anyways? He glanced down at the bench, on the side the brand "Wanyetech" had been marked on it. Wayne...that name was so familiar....

"Time for Tea!"
"Tea, yes....one can always use more tea," Jervis muttered, and walked off.

[Johnny Blaze]

Zoom turned to the Joker.

"I have no idea where Batman is. But when he gets back to Gotham, he'll know I was there."

Hearing McCulloch mention a pit stop, Zoom became intrigued. He nodded at Mirror Master in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan. Take me to him."

With that, Mirror Master and Zoom disappeared into the floor.
The pair moved through the winding paths of the mirror dimension, Mirror Master leading the way.

"Ok, this is the one", McCulloch said as he neared a doorway.
"Let's go", said McCulloch as he entered the portal.

---------------------

The caravan of vehicles were just entering the outskirts of Central City. Two squad cars led the way, lights and sirens flashing to clear a path for the heavily armored van behind them, undoubtedly carrying the Weather Wizard. Behind the armored transport van was a large armored SWAT truck. The truck had to house at least a dozen heavily armored government agents for insurance in case there was a attempted jail break.
They should've brought more men.

Mirror Master and Zoom appeared out of a small pond near the road as the caravan passed them by.
McCulloch looked at the precession and turned to Zoom, "All right, ye take care of them troops in the rear truck. I'll go spring Mardon."

With that said, McCulloch dived back into the reflection on the pond's surface.

OOC: Sorry for the slight bunny, HV. Just wanted to get us there and set it up is all. Hope you didn't mind. :o

[twylight]

Black Mask clenched his fist. "You're lucky I'm one of those guys that'll never hit a woman, lady... though stick around, cause I don't have much problem with shooting them."

He let his fist round Harvey again. "Come on Dent! I've been waiting too long for this moment. Don't dissapoint!"


She glared at him before saying calmly.

"I'll be outside if you need me."
Oh..doesn't she sound like a hire thug. She winced and left, Ricky at her heels.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded.
"Yes" she looked out the window and her breath caught.

"What is that? Red paint?" Ricky asked as he looked past her at what she was staring at.
"'Zoom' Isn't that the Oxy-Clean guy's brand?" He asked as she stayed quiet, her hands clenched at her side.

"It's blood." She hissed, clenching her fists.

Ricky turned and looked at her, he was seasoned being the lackey for a Mob Boss, yet even he looked surprised.

"Why? And what's..."

"Whom, not what. Zoom is a rogue of The Flash’s." She said softly, her voice low yet not harsh. She sunk into a bullet ridden leather chair and bent her head forward, allowing her hair to drape on either side, covering her profile.

Ricky leaned against the wall and looked out the window; the dim light of a neon sign illuminated his chiseled good looks.

“Doesn’t he belong in Keystone City? Why would Batman allowed it?”


“He wouldn’t”

Ricky turned and looked at the beautiful woman seated across from where he stood, he studied her hidden features before looking back out the window and running his fingers along his chin. It was the dead of dawn, the coldest part of the day, right before the sunlight touched the sky, turning it lighter blue.

“Then why…” He trailed off on his own and silence filled the room.






“He’s not here.” She said raising her face.

“Who’s not?” Ricky looked at her questioningly.

“Batman.” She rose and stood next to him, her dark hair framing her face. He could smell the exotic fragrance of its waves.

He looked down at her before glancing back out the window, the graffiti made with the very essence of life the only bright spot in the night.

“He doesn’t care anymore. None of them do. They go off on quests, leaving their cities. Bludhaven is a testament to that.”

“Yeah well…there are only so many of them.” He surprised himself by sticking up for them. After all wasn’t the Batman a thorn in the side of every Mobster in the surrounding area’s of Gotham? Still, he didn’t hate the principle of them, keeping people safe. Just so long as they left the Mob alone.

“It’s mine now.” She whispered.

“What?” She looked up at him and met his eyes. He was surprised by the softness that was in them.

“Gotham is mine.” She turned and walked towards the door.

“Wait...what?” He asked as he spun around.

She paused and motioned to the closed door behind which two men were fighting for the underground of Gotham.

“Tell whom ever walks through that door to watch their back.” she said opening the door.

“What are you doing?” He asked, the general idea worming it’s way into his brain.

“I’m taking Gotham.” She said as she held the door open, her body halfway hidden by it. He looked down and sighed, pressing his fingertips to his forehead. Just his luck Two-Face’s most useful operative was going vigilante on them.

“And Ricky…” He looked up at her.


“You owe me a dinner.” She winked with her visible eye and smiled before slipping through the door and closing it with a soft *click* behind her. Leaving the man standing alone in the dark room, he glanced over at the closed door, his mind working silently, before he picked up a dropped gun and seated himself in a chair opposite of the door.

[Hyper Venom]

The pair moved through the winding paths of the mirror dimension, Mirror Master leading the way.

"Ok, this is the one", McCulloch said as he neared a doorway.
"Let's go", said McCulloch as he entered the portal.

---------------------

The caravan of vehicles were just entering the outskirts of Central City. Two squad cars led the way, lights and sirens flashing to clear a path for the heavily armored van behind them, undoubtedly carrying the Weather Wizard. Behind the armored transport van was a large armored SWAT truck. The truck had to house at least a dozen heavily armored government agents for insurance in case there was a attempted jail break.
They should've brought more men.

Mirror Master and Zoom appeared out of a small pond near the road as the caravan passed them by.
McCulloch looked at the precession and turned to Zoom, "All right, ye take care of them troops in the rear truck. I'll go spring Mardon."

With that said, McCulloch dived back into the reflection on the pond's surface.

OOC: Sorry for the slight bunny, HV. Just wanted to get us there and set it up is all. Hope you didn't mind. :o

OOC: Not at all. All I wanted to do was beat people up, anyway. :D

Zoom watched Mirror Master slip back into his own reflection on the pond's surface. Watching the caravan go by, he took off and found himself running alongside the SWAT van.

He stopped. The van barely moved past him as time slowed down. Clapping his hands toward the front left wheel, he sent a shockwave through the air and skidding across the ground until it hit the van and knocked the wheel off. The van began to skid off the road.

As the driver struggled to regain control of the vehicle, Zoom continued to run alongside of the van. Looking down, he found a small pebble on the road ahead. He reached down and picked up the pebble, and then turned back toward the van. Just as the driver became aware of his presence, Zoom placed the pebble between his thumb and forefinger and plucked it toward the driver's side window. The pebble burst through the glass like a bullet, zipped through the driver's head, continued through the head of his passenger, and finally cracked the passenger's side window.

Zoom watched as the vehicle destroyed the concrete barrier on the side of the road and began to tip over. The villain ran alongside the nearly overturned vehicle and watched as it rolled down a nearby hill. He threw a punch at its underside, building enough inertia to make sure the van flipped over multiple times and disposed of everyone inside. Seconds later, the van would roll down the hill and explode.

Mirror Master probably wanted to do this quietly. Zoom didn't particularly care. The sooner they got this done, the sooner they could return to Keystone City.

[TheCorpulent1]

Keystone City Police Department Garage
Days earlier

Oh, God, Wally thought as images of the Iron Heights breakout flashed across the screen, LINDA! Wally turned and ran out of the garage, straight towards the mental institution. It wasn't far from Iron Heights; the inmates--escapees, now--would reach it long before he did.

"West! Hey, West!" Wheeler shouted.

"I can't talk, Wheeler," Wally shouted back as he ran through the parking lot. "My wife might be in danger!"

"I know that, kid! But don't you think it'd be a hell of a lot quicker to get there in your car?"

Wally's shoes slid along the concrete as he stopped. Stupid! he chastised himself. I ran out of there on pure instinct--didn't even remember that I'm nowhere near as fast as a car anymore, let alone faster. He turned and ran back to his car. Wheeler tossed him his keys when he got close enough. "Thanks, Wheeler. I'll be back as soon as I know Linda's safe."

"Don't even worry about that, West. You just take care of that wife of yours."

Wally nodded and the next moment he was in his car, the key turned in the ignition, and his foot was slapping against the gas pedal. He had customized the car to give himself something to do when he wasn't at work or visiting Linda; he never expected to actually use the retrofitted engine that would've been at home in a race. But now he was using it--redlining the RPMs to build speed faster. He was already in third gear by the time he'd made it out of the lot.

On the road to the institution, Wally didn't pay any attention to the lights and sirens around him. Even if the cops cared about his speeding, they certainly weren't going to spare any officers to write him a ticket while a full-scale prison break was in progress. Finally, after what seemed like hours to the ex-speedster, the Keystone mental institution came into view in Wally's windshield. He slid the car right up to the curb before the front door and hopped out with the keys still in the ignition. He could buy another car if some jerk decided to use a jailbreak as cover for grand theft auto; Linda was irreplaceable.

Wally barged in the double-doors to find total chaos unfolding before him. Doctors, nurses, and other personnel were scrambling, trying to escape the escapees. As much as it pained him, Wally weaved his way through the scene towards the stairs. The rational side of him knew that he couldn't help those people without his powers, but his instincts told him that he should still try. In the end, rationale--with a little help from love--won out; what little he could do, he needed to do for Linda first. The police and Jay could handle the rest. He ran up the stairs as fast as he could, which seemed like the plodding speed of a particularly overweight turtle, and then down the hall to Linda's room. He found the door opened into a room that looked like a tornado had passed through it. No, Wally thought. I can't be too late...

"Wally!" Linda called, appearing from behind the door and spotting him. "Help me, please!" Another figure stepped out from behind the door as Linda backed away--a man, seemingly old but showing none of the signs of old age beyond gray hair and a few wrinkles.

"Cicada!" Wally gasped, recognizing the man.

The villain turned and regarded him with eyes that glowed faintly azure. "Who are you?" he demanded harshly. "Never mind. This woman is a known associate of the Flash. I need her! I must prove myself worthy to worship at the Flash's altar, so that he may bless me with his power!" His brow furrowed. "Don't stand in my way, or I'll kill you!" He brandished a particularly large syringe he must've picked up at the institution--probably used to insert IVs.

Wally acted without conscious thought beyond his need for Linda to be safe. He charged Cicada, grabbing the hand with the syringe by the wrist. The seemingly aged man grappled with surprising strength. He had overpowered Cicada easily before, but he'd had the Speed Force aiding him then. Now he was just plain old Wally West against a bona fide supervillain. But without his dagger to steal energy from others Cicada was just a normal man, and Wally had taken down the likes of Gorilla Grodd before; this should be a walk in the park. No time for doubt, he told himself. Linda needs to be safe, and for Linda to be safe Cicada needs... he held Cicada's wrist tightly... to go... he pulled his other hand back and balled it into a fist... DOWN! Wally swung harder than he ever had before, free to use all his strength now that he didn't have to worry about accidentally taking Cicada's head off. There was a sharp thud! and blood spurted from Cicada's nose. The villain recoiled a half-step and almost fell--almost. But when he turned back to Wally, he still held the syringe. Wally threw another punch, but this time Cicada was ready for him. He ducked and a sharp pain pierced Wally's side. He looked down to find the syringe pinned to his side and a flower of red blooming in his shirt. Wally shrugged it off as he'd done for a thousand earlier injuries and threw another punch, an uppercut this time. It connected with Cicada's chin and actually pushed the villain off his feet an inch or two before he crashed back down to the floor.

Wally still had his fists up but let them drop after Cicada lay still for a few seconds. He turned to Linda, who seemed to be developing a slight layer of peachfuzz. He remembered thinking that was almost as odd as how wet his shirt was getting before the world went black.

* * *

Wally woke up to find a white light shining overhead. Oh crap, he thought when his mind untangled itself and his head stopped throbbing. The memory of pain, a blinding white light... He sat up with a start and managed to yell, "I'm dead!" before banging his head into the rim of the examination lamp perched over his bed. "Ow!" He rubbed his head and looked at the lamp quizzically. "Heaven's got remarkably similar upholstery to the institution," he mused out loud.

"Easy, son. You're not dead just yet, though with that stunt you pulled your day might not be far off,"a friendly voice said from out of the corner of Wally's eye.

Wally turned to find Jay Garrick sitting in a chair a few feet away. "Jay!" Wally smiled.

"Hey there, champ. How are you feeling?"

"Like my head went through a blender set on 'puree.' What happened?"

"Cicada stabbed you. According to Linda, you punched his lights out afterwards--nice job, by the way; he was out like a light for hours--then you passed out from blood loss. The police made their way to Linda's floor a few minutes later, then Bart and I arrived and rounded up the remaining escapees still haunting the building."

"Where is Bart?"

"He was here for a few minutes after the docs fixed you up, but you know Bart: too much energy to stay in one place. He went off to see what he could do to help bring the rest of the escapees in."

"Wow," Wally replied. "Keystone must be in a state of chaos, and all I can do is sit here. I never thought I'd miss metabolizing injuries so much."

"Well, bedrest'll have to do for now. The docs say the syringe didn't rupture any organs. You'll be up and about in a few days. On the plus side, you're still at the institution--they had so many staff injuries that they turned this wing into a temporary triage station--so I believe a certain someone'll be visiting you soon enough." He gave Wally a friendly wink as Linda stepped into the room. "Ah, here she is now. That's my cue to scoot. Don't worry, though, Wally; Bart and I have things well in hand. You just take it easy."

"Thanks, Jay. I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it. Besides, I'm sure you won't be so appreciative when you're up and around again." Jay's face turned from friendly to serious. "You and I are gonna have a talk about manners after that. According to Linda you've been back in town nearing two months now and neither Joan nor I have heard so much as a peep about it until now."

"Yeah, about that... It's just that... I mean, I, uh..."

"Like I said," Jay cut into Wally's stammering, "later. Right now, I've gotta run." He turned to Linda. "Take care of him, will you?" He kissed her on the forehead and then disappeared, leaving only a faint blue and red blur in his wake.

"I can't believe I didn't even bother to call Jay and Joan," Wally mused. "With everything all crazy like it was, it never even crossed my mind."

"I'm sure Jay understands," Linda replied warmly, taking Jay's seat by the bed. "He loves you like a son." She put her hand on Wally's. "What you did was... incredible."

"Ah," Wally shrugged. "I could've pulled it off a lot better if I still had my powers. I certainly wouldn't be holed up in bed because of something as small as this, either." He touched the bandage on his side. "And it looks like I couldn't quite save you completely..." He motioned towards the bandage on Linda's arm.

"Oh, it's nothing. One of the escapees--a normal one, thank God--found another one of those syringes and tagged me with it before Jay showed up and took him down. But that doesn't matter now. About Cicada... I mean it, Wally. You never even thought twice, you just dove right into that madman and the next thing you know he's flat out on the ground. It was the craziest, stupidest, most unbelievably heroic thing I've seen, and we both know I've seen a lot," she said with a smile. "So thank you. Thank you for saving me. For being there when I needed you."

Yeah, well, I would've been here sooner if everything in the world weren't so slow now, Wally thought solemnly. I could've protected you better. Kept you safe from all the psychos who came through here and done more besides.
"I know what you're doing, you know," Linda replied as if in answer to his thoughts. "I've seen that look before. You're beating yourself up, holding yourself responsible for everything, even this little gash on my arm, despite the fact that you were passed out in a pool of your own blood at the time."

"You still know how to read me like an open book," Wally smiled. "I never could hide anything from you."

"No," Linda replied. She rested her hand lightly on his cheek. "And you can't hide who and what you are--what you really are--from anybody. Powers or not, it doesn't matter. You're a hero, Wally West, right down to your bones. And nothing will ever change that." Linda leaned in closer to Wally. Her cheek brushed against his and the next thing Wally knew, the familiar sweetness of her lips touched his own. Both of them closed their eyes and wished that kiss would never end.

[Green Lantern]

"The more backup the better."

As Vic vanishes into the alleyway, I pull out my phone to contact Roy. Now I wish he stuck around after all.

"Roy, Roy are you there? Pick up your god damn phone kid! Cancel what ever you're doing now, Batman's gotten himself into some trouble, and Q and I could use some help. Meet us in Star at the mansion, we're going to gear up first and strategize a plan. I know, I know, I owe you already one bike. But we might need some more to get to where we have to go. If not, then we'll just cook up a damn way. Hurry up, Ollie out"

I close the phone, and wait patiently for Vic.

"Hope he found Kord."

I mumbled....Batman? In trouble? What happened? Someone give him some Prozac so he can't be so broody?

"Ollie, this is Roy, I'm about 60 miles east of Hub, I'll flip a U and head back to you guys if you can wait about twenty minutes, or maybe find another way for me to meet up with you. Roy out."

Roy hit a switch on the dashboard of the cruiser and the lights and siren came blaring on. Not letting up on the gas, he spun the steering wheel vastly to the left and the car literally flew over the median seperating the two directions of the interstate. Upon landing the car skidded sideways across the entire left lane and most of the right, before the tires gripped and laid rubber peel out marks for a quarter mile along the right ditch. He had the police car going 150 in almost no time at all.

Not bad for a POS cop car from Nowhere'sville, Illinois... but still has nothin on my Porsche... err scratch that... my Porsche USED to blow this pile o' crap outta the water, before Grundy played LEGOs with it...

[White_Howling]

Gee why do I have to deliver the bad news. Telling ma and pa that their golden boys going on break.

Can’t Clark just do it himself? It’ll only take him at least a minute to get to Smallville.

Its not like I don’t have enough problems on my hands. I forgot to give Cassie a Valentines day present. Plus Gars been getting on my case about her. Great plan Conner, date a superhero…..

Sigh its going to be a long day tomorrow.

[PFunk2]

(OOC: If I got anything wrong I applogize in advance-Note this is a rewite of my past post because of info I missed in past readings)

John, once landing in Metropolos phashing out of his GL uniform into a well talored dark green bussiness suit. Donned a pair of Blues Brothers-type shades to cover his eyes (which despite being powered down still faintly glowed). And hailed a hailing a taxi headed over to where superman was held. But once there was was told that he wasn't allowed any visitors. Especially any of the superhero kind. And despite taking a few minutes of trying to convince the cop to do so nothing was going to change that. So John turned around and left the building.

"My hunches are telling me something is not what it seems here." John thought to himself. "And in order to get to it I'll have to try another, more unconventional way." he added.

To which after a quick scan with his abilities John quickly found out which cell where superman was held in. And after figuring out the security system used around him made himself desolid and micro jumped to his location away from the camera's covering him.

"Never thought I'll be using Sinestro's tactics just to see a friend. But hey this is one of those times. Still sucks though." John again though to himself with a bit of discust.

"So I took some time off-planet and this happens." A now semi-solid John said as he gave a friendly wave to the man in front of him seperated by bars with a slight smile. "Just came by to, if possible to offer what ever support and help." pausing for a second before continuing. "Judging from what I've heard so far their's alot more to this than what been presented newswise. So, What happened?" John asked.

[SuperFerret]

If you were driving along the interstate that eventually connected Gotham City with the Twin Cities of Central and Keystone, you'd see the strangest sight.

A lone circus wagon, with a familiar red and yellow pattern, driving along under it's own volition. It's occupant, a very angry gorilla, who at regular intervals would struggle against his captor, only to be suffocated into unconsciousness again. You think the sporadic asphyxiation would create some sort of brain damage, but it doesn't.

Oh, well. Plastic Man should be arriving in the Twin Cities shortly, so let's go see what's happening in some other corner of the world, shall we?

[LadyVader]

Brooklyn


"He said... what!?" Cassie shrieked, and then crouched down to aviod an incoming vehicle.
"Something along the lines of... if you don't like it you can always throw a bus at me." Wonder Woman said simply and then lassoed one of the giant mechanoids coming at her. She and Wonder Girl had been fighting two giant robots in down town Brooklyn for the past 15 minutes.

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9243/mech/maraud2.jpg

"Unbelievable" Wonder Girl puffed, flying straight at her robot atacker and slamming him into a nearby wall.
"Cassie, be more careful, there are people inside these mechanical armours."
"What do they want anyway?" She asked looking at her mentor, just as the mechanoid got up and tried to hit her in the face, but she retreated.
"I think I heard something about... free cable. And bring back "Enterprise"" Wonder Woman shouted back as she pulled on the lasso and flew up. She spinned around in the air real fast, hoping the motion would make the driver sick.
"Great Hera, Cassie muttered back on the ground as she was trying to fend off her mechanic attacker, I liked Enterprise too, but no show is worth this much grief. Except maybe Angel."
"Angel SUCKS!" a mechanical voice was heard and Cassie realised it was coming from the robot suit. She suddenly got very angry.
"Alright. No more miss nice amazon!"
She punched a hole straight through the mechanoid's chest plate and reached for the person inside. She found a shirt collar and pulled on it. The person inside hit his head on the dashboard and was knocked unconcious.
Meanwhile Wonder Woman stopped spinning when she heard the mechanoid shriek:
"Alright. Quit it! I think I'm gonna puke".
She placed the robot armour on the ground and waited for somebody to come out. A 15 or 16 year old boy quickly darted out and head for the nearest trashcan. Cassie was just extracting the second child from his mechanoid and helping the paramedics get to him.
"They are just kids" Wonder Woman whispered.
"We are not just kids! We are your arch nemiseseses!" the kid who had been fighting Wonder Woman yelled, while he was being hand cuffed. A policeman pushed his head down into the police car.
"I know" Cassie replied coming up to her. "How could a bunch of kids get their hands on this kind of technology?."
"I think the new Toyman has been auctioning his posessions on ebay again." Diana replied as the two amazons strolled off.
"Isn't he supposed to be a good guy now?"
"Yeah, but the child still likes to cause some ruckus from time to time."
"Some ruckus." Cassie muttered looking around. The three kids and their hi tech toys devastated 3 blocks of downtown Brooklin.
Wonder Woman saw the firemen and paramedics rushing in and stopped.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Cassie asked.
Diana heard the secretary's voice in her head. "It's always us who have to do the cleanup".
"I think I'm gonna stay and help the people clean up this neighborhood."
"Uhm... okay. But... Are you doing this just because of what that creep told you?"
"I'm doing it because people need to see that we care about them.A long time ago I used to feel that an amazon's job is to fight, but fighting is just mindless violence without an adequate cause. Like those kids with their weapons. These people are the reason we fight (She gestured towards the civilians peeking out of their windows) and we have to let them know that we care about them, more then just a few minutes a day"
"I'm staying too..."
"No, you still have school. Don't neglect your life Cassie. And... don't neglect your mother" she added in a bitter tone. "She loves you more then you'll ever know"
She headed back before Cassie could say anything, aproaching firemen and policemen were clearing the rubble.
"Officers, need any help?"

OOC: Ok, so maybe mechanoid isn't the most melodious term ever, but cut me some slack. everything else was taken!

[Keyser Soze]

Black Mask clenched his fist. "You're lucky I'm one of those guys that'll never hit a woman, lady... though stick around, cause I don't have much problem with shooting them."

He let his fist round Harvey again. "Come on Dent! I've been waiting too long for this moment. Don't dissapoint!"

The battle between Two-Face and Black Mask was just getting started, when it was met with the most unexpected of interruptions. Namely, a lear jet crashing through the wall.

The cockpit opened, and The Joker popped out, nimbly leaping out of Lex Luthor's plane and landing in the wreckage of the luxury apartment. He always knew how to make an entrance.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was looking for the nearest Starbucks! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Black Mask was so predictable. The last time he'd tried to instigate a gang-war against Two-Face, he'd attacked his penthouse apartment. And sure enough, both gangsters were here, sprawled on the floor.

"Harv! Blackie McMaskie! Always a pleasure. But why can't you kiddies play nice? Now daddy has to step in and give you both a good hiding! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

[Johnny Blaze]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/HypsterJB/MirrorMaster2.jpg

The transport van shook as the Zoom caused shockwave hit with the force of speeding train. Amazingly though, the driver was able to keep the vehicle on the road.
Still, Mardon was thrown to the ground in the back. And with his manacles on, he had no way to catch himself as the floor came up hard and fast and busted his chin.

"Ahhhhh! Dammit! Where the hell did you retards learn to drive", he shouted as he tried to shake off the blow and right himself. One of the two guards riding in the back with Mardon undid his harness, that held him secure when the wave hit, and roughly helped the prisoner back to his seat.

"Sit down and quit your whining, boy, or I'll give you something to cry about", stated the guard with as mean a look as he could muster given that they were both nervous now after that shockwave hit.

Suddenly, the van came to a screeching stop, sending Mardon and the guards crashing to the floor.
"What the hell", said one of the guards as he made it back to his feet, "I don't like this, Jon."

"It's all right, kid. Just go knock and see what's the matter."

The young guard nodded and slowly moved towards the slide panel that allowed the guards to speak with the driver. Reaching the panel, the guard knocked loudly...but got no reply.
"I don't like this, Jon. I don't...", the guard's words trailed off as he turned and saw that his partner had vanished.
The young guard began to panic. He felt more fear than he ever had his entire life. But, that fear slowly turned to rage as he looked at the Weather Wizard. Mardon was still lying on the ground after being dumped when the van came to it's ubrupt stop. His nose was busted up from the impact and bleeding rather badly, but Mardon was smiling a wicked smile and chuckling to himself.
"What did you do to him, freak!? What did you do", screamed the young guard as he rushed at the prone Mardon and began to punch him repeatedly.
The beating was over as quickly as it started as a glass lance burst through the young guard's chest, caked in fresh blood. The young guard grunted slightly and fell to the van's floor, dead.

"What took you", said a bleeding Weather Wizard to the Mirror Master as he moved in with the keycard he stole from the older guard to remove the manacles.
"Well, the Ranger's game was on the tube, an' I had ta take me Ma shoppin'", McCulloch said sarcastically as he freed the Weather Wizard from his bindings.

Mardon rose to his feet, rubbing his wrists, "Damn, it feels good to get those things off."
"Here", said McCulloch as he handed Mardon a familiar wand, "got it from the older guard."

"Excellent", said Mardon as he felt the power rush over him when he held his wand once again.
"Step back", Mardon said as he turned to face the back doors of the van.
McCulloch complied to his friend's instructions as a hurricane force gust of wind blasted the van's back doors off the hinges and sent them flying.
"Hahahahaha", laughed McCulloch as he slapped Mardon on his shoulder.
"Good ta have ya back, lad."

As soon as the pair set foot on the ground outside they saw Zoom waiting for them.

[SuperFerret]

"Sixty-eight bottles of beer on the wall, sixty-eight bottles of beer, ya take one down, ya pass it around, sixty-seven bottles of beer on the wall!"

"C'mon, Grodd, sing along."

"I hate you."

"Awww, c'mon, you've gotta sing 'Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer" on every road trip. I know I'm bringing you to jail, but try and have some fun while it lasts."

"I'm going to kill you."

"You've tried that before, it didn't work. Remember?"

They drove on, passing a sign which read "Keystone City Next Exit"

[Hyper Venom]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/HypsterJB/MirrorMaster2.jpg

The transport van shook as the Zoom caused shockwave hit with the force of speeding train. Amazingly though, the driver was able to keep the vehicle on the road.
Still, Mardon was thrown to the ground in the back. And with his manacles on, he had no way to catch himself as the floor came up hard and fast and busted his chin.

"Ahhhhh! Dammit! Where the hell did you retards learn to drive", he shouted as he tried to shake off the blow and right himself. One of the two guards riding in the back with Mardon undid his harness, that held him secure when the wave hit, and roughly helped the prisoner back to his seat.

"Sit down and quit your whining, boy, or I'll give you something to cry about", stated the guard with as mean a look as he could muster given that they were both nervous now after that shockwave hit.

Suddenly, the van came to a screeching stop, sending Mardon and the guards crashing to the floor.
"What the hell", said one of the guards as he made it back to his feet, "I don't like this, Jon."

"It's all right, kid. Just go knock and see what's the matter."

The young guard nodded and slowly moved towards the slide panel that allowed the guards to speak with the driver. Reaching the panel, the guard knocked loudly...but got no reply.
"I don't like this, Jon. I don't...", the guard's words trailed off as he turned and saw that his partner had vanished.
The young guard began to panic. He felt more fear than he ever had his entire life. But, that fear slowly turned to rage as he looked at the Weather Wizard. Mardon was still lying on the ground after being dumped when the van came to it's ubrupt stop. His nose was busted up from the impact and bleeding rather badly, but Mardon was smiling a wicked smile and chuckling to himself.
"What did you do to him, freak!? What did you do", screamed the young guard as he rushed at the prone Mardon and began to punch him repeatedly.
The beating was over as quickly as it started as a glass lance burst through the young guard's chest, caked in fresh blood. The young guard grunted slightly and fell to the van's floor, dead.

"What took you", said a bleeding Weather Wizard to the Mirror Master as he moved in with the keycard he stole from the older guard to remove the manacles.
"Well, the Ranger's game was on the tube, an' I had ta take me Ma shoppin'", McCulloch said sarcastically as he freed the Weather Wizard from his bindings.

Mardon rose to his feet, rubbing his wrists, "Damn, it feels good to get those things off."
"Here", said McCulloch as he handed Mardon a familiar wand, "got it from the older guard."

"Excellent", said Mardon as he felt the power rush over him when he held his wand once again.
"Step back", Mardon said as he turned to face the back doors of the van.
McCulloch complied to his friend's instructions as a hurricane force gust of wind blasted the van's back doors off the hinges and sent them flying.
"Hahahahaha", laughed McCulloch as he slapped Mardon on his shoulder.
"Good ta have ya back, lad."

As soon as the pair set foot on the ground outside they saw Zoom waiting for them.

"I assume you're ready to go to Keystone now?" Zoom asked impatiently as he tapped his foot.

Not leaving either of the Rogues enough time to reply, Zoom ran toward Keystone City on foot.

Along the way, he came across a very peculiar looking van. The van was red and yellow, and Zoom could swear that the front window was actually a giant set of sunglasses. Observing the van more closely, he saw a creature that he had grown to loathe.

"Grodd..."

Suddenly Zoom realized what was going on. That was no van. That was Plastic Man.

Turning on his heel, Zoom ran back to the site of the destroyed caravan. Mirror Master and Weather Wizard were right where he left them.

"HdsupPlstcManHdngtKystn."

Zoom paused. He realized he had spoken entirely too fast for either of the men to understand him. He slowed to a halt and stabilized himself.

"Heads up. Plastic Man is heading to Keystone," he repeated.

[Johnny Blaze]

"I assume you're ready to go to Keystone now?" Zoom asked impatiently as he tapped his foot.

Not leaving either of the Rogues enough time to reply, Zoom ran toward Keystone City on foot.

Along the way, he came across a very peculiar looking van. The van was red and yellow, and Zoom could swear that the front window was actually a giant set of sunglasses. Observing the van more closely, he saw a creature that he had grown to loathe.

"Grodd..."

Suddenly Zoom realized what was going on. That was no van. That was Plastic Man.

Turning on his heel, Zoom ran back to the site of the destroyed caravan. Mirror Master and Weather Wizard were right where he left them.

"HdsupPlstcManHdngtKystn."

Zoom paused. He realized he had spoken entirely too fast for either of the men to understand him. He slowed to a halt and stabilized himself.

"Heads up. Plastic Man is heading to Keystone," he repeated.
"Oi, lovely. More damn heroes ta deal with", said McCulloch with a sigh.
"Ok, Mardon and I will head back to the safe house and get the gang t'gether. Since ye seem to be in a bit of a rush, you go on ahead and the Rogues'll be along soon after. We'll meet you at the Flash Museum in an hour."

"Let's go, Mardon", said McCulloch as he leaped into the reflection of one of a part of the van's back door that was lying on the ground a few feet away. Without a word, Weather Wizard followed right behind him.

[Hyper Venom]

"Oi, lovely. More damn heroes ta deal with", said McCulloch with a sigh.
"Ok, Mardon and I will head back to the safe house and get the gang t'gether. Since ye seem to be in a bit of a rush, you go on ahead and the Rogues'll be along soon after. We'll meet you at the Flash Museum in an hour."

"Let's go, Mardon", said McCulloch as he leaped into the reflection of one of a part of the van's back door that was lying on the ground a few feet away. Without a word, Weather Wizard followed right behind him.
Zoom watched the two Rogues disappear, and then he turned back toward Keystone. He thought for a moment; he could destroy Plastic Man if he wanted to, but that would be defeating the purpose of his mission. He would give Plastic Man a chance to stop the siege on Keystone. He would see if the "heroes" were actually worthy of their title.

Zoom ran back toward Keystone City, passing Plastic Man once again and making it to the city far ahead of him. Plastic Man would probably be there in a few minutes. Zoom wouldn't even need that much time.

Zoom stood on the steps of City Hall. He stared up at the building in silence, remembering the time when he had colleagues that worked there. That was a long time ago.

He continued to run around the city with nowhere in particular to go. Eventually he stopped, just out of instinct. He took in his surroundings and realized where he had stopped. Looking down, he found himself in front of a familiar grave.

Ashley Zolomon's grave.

He stared solemnly at the grave and almost allowed himself to shed a tear. Brushing aside that thought, he decided to focus upon the mission. With new resolve, he ran back into the city and headed for a specific destination...

The Flash Museum...

Zoom had destroyed this building once before. It was rebuilt.

He snapped his fingers.

The building crumbled to the ground.

"He should be here to stop this..."

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle glanced around. They were covering all the major exits, but they weren't making a move.

They were trapping them in.

One by one the news choppers in the sky began to disperse, making way for more militarized helicopters.

They were being boxed in.

"It's a trap," Kyle whispered. "They turned the tables on us, and we played right into it."

[MaskedManJRK]

Several ninja’s held Batman down as another pulled back his blood stained fist and punch Batman in the mouth. Ra’s entered the room. Batman looked up and matched his gaze with Ra’s.

“I offered to spare your life and save Ibn the pain of losing his father. But you turned your back on my mercy….. Enjoy the sunset tonight Detective, it will be the last you see.”

The ninja’s dragged Batman away as Ra’s looked over at two of his loyal men.

“I suspect the Detective called for aid. Trace the message and double the patrol ,no one can be allowed to stop us now.”

As the guards start pulling me away, I stick my feet on the ground, making them stop.

"Ra's. If you really are going to kill me, let me...let me see Ibn before you do. Consider it a last request."

[Batman]

The battle between Two-Face and Black Mask was just getting started, when it was met with the most unexpected of interruptions. Namely, a lear jet crashing through the wall.

The cockpit opened, and The Joker popped out, nimbly leaping out of Lex Luthor's plane and landing in the wreckage of the luxury apartment. He always knew how to make an entrance.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was looking for the nearest Starbucks! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Black Mask was so predictable. The last time he'd tried to instigate a gang-war against Two-Face, he'd attacked his penthouse apartment. And sure enough, both gangsters were here, sprawled on the floor.

"Harv! Blackie McMaskie! Always a pleasure. But why can't you kiddies play nice? Now daddy has to step in and give you both a good hiding! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Harvey was just about to send the meanest right hook to Black Mask's face he had ever thrown at another human being, when the jet crashed through the wall. He looked over, shocked as The Joker stepped out of it.

What...
...The...

"...Hell?"

...There was alot to be shocked about. First of all... Who in the hell flies a jet through a penthouse? It was absolutely surreal, on many levels. Second, and most importantly, what was The Joker doing here?

The Joker... The more Harvey thought about their...past confrontations, the more the rage was building up inside of him. Looking at the gun at his feet, Harvey pointed it straight at the clown's face, as he chuckled with a howl that could send a chill down the spine of Hades himself.

Both Harvey and Two-Face were now giving an evil glare to the multi-colored form infront of them.

"Okay, Clowny. I'm Giving You One Chance To Explain WHY IN THE HELL YOU JUST FLEW A JET THROUGH MY PENTHOUSE."

[Nightwing]

"Sounds like a plan."


Vic directs me to where Ollie and his former sidekick were hanging out and we pick Ollie I motion for him to take a seat at a nearby table as I return to the driver's seat.


"I can hear you guys fine from over here, so feel free to start planning. I'm just heading over to Star City to get us those supplies Vic said we needed. Oh, and there's a coffee maker and an ice box in the back, so help yourselves."

I take walks back and fourth while I wait for Vic and Ted to come pick me up, already thinking about how we're going to save Bruce. All this is happening so fast, I forgot about how I'm going to take down Merlyn for what he did to my city...

"Finally."

I hear Kords Beetle thing hovering over me again like it did hours ago, but this time he sees me of course. They pick me up and I kick back in the back seat.

"Well that was quick, how fast does this baby go Kord?"

I grinned as I said that, and grabbed a cup for myself.

"Ahhh, it's been days since the last time I had a good cup of mud."

One thing I always liked about Ted, was that he was always layed back no matter what situation he'd end up in. Aswell as being prepared if he ever had company, which is a good thing, for me atleast.

We begin our route back to Star when my phone rings again.

"Ollie, this is Roy, I'm about 60 miles east of Hub, I'll flip a U and head back to you guys if you can wait about twenty minutes, or maybe find another way for me to meet up with you. Roy out."

It's too late, we had already taken off...

"Roy its Ollie again, I'm with Vic and Ted in his hover craft. We're already on our way back to Star for the supplies I told you about earlier, But we're going to come and pick you up first. I'm already thinking ahead for our little rescue plan to save Bruce. Ra's will probably have the place well guarded, so we'll have to make sure we bring those crionic arrows. Since this is an emergency, a BIG one. Slow down your speed, we're coming to get you, Ollie out."

I take a sip from the hot coffee I just made and put the phone away as I turned back to Vic to let him know whats going on.

"Roy is close to us, so lets go pick him up and then head back to Star."

Ted had leaned over to hear what I was saying, and with that said we moved fast like the Millennium Falcon hitting light speed...

"We'll get there in not time."

Right when I said that, we made a quick shift and my coffee spilled all over me.

"Great......"

[Ash Loomis]

The Bug screeches to a grinding halt. I see Speedy waiting down below for us! Looks like I caused GA to spill his drink.

“Sorry dude, I just saw your old sidekick down there and I didn’t expect to get to him so fast!”

I bring the Bug down so our newest recruit can enter.

“Hey, Speedy,” I greet him. “How’s life been treating ya?”

[Johnny Blaze]

McCulloch did one more check over his gear. He had two of his mirror guns, a dozen mirror grenades, an assortment of illusion casting mirrors, and many other weapons and devices that could be of use. And whatever he couldn't carry on his person, McCulloch would stash in a pocket mirror dimension for easy access later.
As he placed his gun in his holster and stood up from the table, he gazed across the assembled Rogues all in the safe house. All were waiting for the war to begin.
Captain Cold was addressing Plunder, Magenta, the Turtle, Replicant, and Dr. Alchemy. Weather Wizard was planning something with Abra Kadabra, the Folded Man, Tar Pit, and Girder.
And the Trickster was having a laugh with Captain Boomerang and Double Down. Pretty much all of the Rogues were there. Even the unofficial ones like Murmur and Yorkin.
This was going to be an event of epic proportions. One that would rival the Dark Alliance's attack on the twin cities not long ago.

As McCulloch watched his fellow Rogues prepare, Cold walked up to him.

"It's time, Mirror Master."

"Right. Make us a doorway then. A big one."

With a nod, Cold turned and fired his gun at an empty corner of the room creating a thin sheet of ice that covered the entire wall.

"Excellent", said McCulloch as he approached the iced wall. He ran his gloved fingers down the icy surface and smiled wide.

"All right, gents", McCulloch shouted as the gathering of Rogues crowded around him and Cold.
"Let's have some fun", he said with a wicked smile and a motion for the Rogues to enter the portal he had created from the ice's reflective surface.
The gathered Rogues roared in anticipation and walked hastily into the portal, McCulloch following right behind them.

--------------------------------------------

As if the sudden appearance of Zoom and his destruction of the Flash Museum was not enough, the remaining slacked jawed onlookers were driven to panic as dozens of Rogues began to pile out of the windows from business all around the ruined monument.

Murmur pounced on a nearby child and mutter something to the boy under his breath as he sliced the lad's tongue out.

The witch, Magenta tossed a few cars into nearby buildings while Replicant made their gas tanks explode with the powers of the late Heat Wave.

Upon entering the city streets, Weather Wizard immediately floated up to the heavens on a gust of wind. With a wave of his wand, a dark storm began to darken the once sunny skies. Bolts of lightning struck the streets, causing civilians to run in terror.

And this was just the start of it.

The Rogues' war had begun.

[Nightwing]

The Bug screeches to a grinding halt. I see Speedy waiting down below for us! Looks like I caused GA to spill his drink.

“Sorry dude, I just saw your old sidekick down there and I didn’t expect to get to him so fast!”

I reach for the extra napkins in the back next to the coffee maker and start whiping off what was still spilled on my chest. I try not to get ticked, I mean its not like the suit was already ruined from the hell I just went through.

"Dammit, this better come off!"

I keep drying the coffee as we slowly lower ourselves to Roy's level. Kord was right, that was pretty damn fast. I guess I just got my question answered about the speed of this thing.

Roy climbs aboard, and finally joins us all...

[Green Lantern]

"Roy its Ollie again, I'm with Vic and Ted in his hover craft. We're already on our way back to Star for the supplies I told you about earlier, But we're going to come and pick you up first. I'm already thinking ahead for our little rescue plan to save Bruce. Ra's will probably have the place well guarded, so we'll have to make sure we bring those crionic arrows. Since this is an emergency, a BIG one. Slow down your speed, we're coming to get you, Ollie out."



As Roy heard Ollie over his comm, he slammed the brakes and violently spun the steering wheel. The cop car spun in a tight 360 and went from 150 mph down to zero in just a couple of seconds. In the process the rear passenger tire exploded into shards of rubber, and on the remaining three tires the car skidded into the ditch.

Whoops... oh well, not like this hunka junk is any big loss anyway... just gonna be one peeved donut muncher back in Hub...

A slight grin crept its way onto Roy's face, as he looked up and saw a... giant... blue... bug...

And Q told me and Ollie to be inconspicuous?!? How the f**k do you get more conspicuous than THAT?!?

The airship hovered low enough for Roy to get in.



“Hey, Speedy,” I greet him. “How’s life been treating ya?”

Roy winced at hearing his old nickname. Ollie, I may eventually forgive you for the bike... but I will NEVER forgive you for the name Speedy... The memories as to why he got it flooded back to him.

He had foiled thieves after a bank robbery by shooting an arrow into their getaway car's tire... Ollie had been impressed with how quick he had been on his feet, dubbing him Speedy, because "you're as quick with a bow and arrow as you are on the track".

Snapping out of the flashback, Roy focused back on Beetle's question.

"...you want an honest answer?!? I've just spent the past few months wallowing in self pity, because the woman who had been most like a mother to me was killed by a psychopath with a penchant for tight leather suits and a hard on for magic artifacts. THEN when I decide to stop acting like a baby, man up and get back into this hero thing, I have a run in with the best reason to fear clowns since It. And it's just my luck that the bastard now has a pet zombie who trashed my $600,000 custom Porshce Carrella GT. The freak of nature ripped the engine block out, and then threw it back at me. THEN I borrow a kids crotch rocket to try to get to Ollie and your buddy Mr. Faceless here, only to find out that my second favorite ride has also been trashed today... by guess who? The same swamp rat zombie. My Harley... the Harley that Ollie promised would come back without a scratch... and then while I'm on my way to take the two vehicles worth out of Grundy's gray hide, and probably get murdelated in the process... I get a message saying that Mr. "I have no friends, I need no friends" himself, needs our help getting out of something. Then when I do come to help you guys, I get accosted by a guy wearing a BRIGHT BLUE bug suit, calling me a name I quit using years ago. It's been a great day Teddy Bear, how bout you?"

[/color][/font][/color][/size][/font][/size]

I reach for the extra napkins in the back next to the coffee maker and start whiping off what was still spilled on my chest. I try not to get ticked, I mean its not like the suit was already ruined from the hell I just went through.

"Dammit, this better come off!"

I keep drying the coffee as we slowly lower ourselves to Roy's level. Kord was right, that was pretty damn fast. I guess I just got my question answered about the speed of this thing.

Roy climbs aboard, and finally joins us all...

"Hey, Ollie what happened? See some hot blonde in fishnets or something? Must be the great steady hands of an archer, huh? Maybe it's a little karma FOR THE HARLEY! Here let me pour you another cup, since you managed to let your tunic drink most of yours..."

Roy picked up the pot of coffee, and poured out a cup for Ollie, then proceeded to dump the rest on Ollie's head.

"For future reference... you NEVER take another man's Harley."

[Keyser Soze]

Harvey was just about to send the meanest right hook to Black Mask's face he had ever thrown at another human being, when the jet crashed through the wall. He looked over, shocked as The Joker stepped out of it.

What...
...The...

"...Hell?"

...There was alot to be shocked about. First of all... Who in the hell flies a jet through a penthouse? It was absolutely surreal, on many levels. Second, and most importantly, what was The Joker doing here?

The Joker... The more Harvey thought about their...past confrontations, the more the rage was building up inside of him. Looking at the gun at his feet, Harvey pointed it straight at the clown's face, as he chuckled with a howl that could send a chill down the spine of Hades himself.

Both Harvey and Two-Face were now giving an evil glare to the multi-colored form infront of them.

"Okay, Clowny. I'm Giving You One Chance To Explain WHY IN THE HELL YOU JUST FLEW A JET THROUGH MY PENTHOUSE."

The Joker raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Temper, temper!" he exclaimed, "Shucks, someone got up on the wrong side of their face this morning! HA HA!"

The Joker looked back and forth at Two-Face and Black Mask, his grin still gleaming menacingly.

"And forgive me if I'm wrong, Harv, but isn't this his penthouse?" The Joker asked, pointing a thumb at Black Mask, "I mean, that's what you said the last time you invited me here. And then he attacked you, then we all made friends, then we fell out again. Boy, this is more complex than a season of The OC!"

The Joker chuckled to himself. He brushed the rubble a sofa, taking a seat and putting his feet up on the coffee table.

"But back to your question. Why am I here? Actually, I'm on a mission of mercy. I could have just let you two nutjobs (hey, who am I to talk! HA HA!) kill each other, but I came to spread the word instead. Batman is gone. AWOL, missing in action. And instead of making the most of the situation, bringing Gotham City to its knees, you stand here slapping each other around like snot-nosed kids in a playground!"

The Joker paused for a moment. He was sure that at least one of them would take a shot at him after that comment. The fact that he wasn't bullet-ridden yet was surely a good sign.

"So...why can't we all just...get along?"

[MST3K 4ever]

Captain Marvel lands in-front of the Capital Building to a gathered throng of media personel. All of them shoving each other and shouting questions at him ranging from Superman's trial. Batman's disapperance, Wonder Woman's "discussion" with DHS and The Green-Lantern & Sinestro fight. Marvel finally stops and looks at them and says, "I have no comment at the on-going situation with Superman or any of the other heroes at this time. I do not know everything that is going on with them and so it wouldn't be fair t6o comment on their situations. The situation here has far more lasting impact than many of us will ever realize. I am honored that President Marshall has asked me to speak on behalf of my colleagues, and I look forward to a good dialouge with the committee. Thank you all very much."

Marvel walks into the committee room and sees nothing but people in 3 peice suits looking over their papers and greeting one another. No one approaches him Senator Lyman the committee chairperson just stares at Marvel. He smiles at her Senator Lyman nods her head at Marvel and looks away. Senator Newsome has a grin on his face one that convies confidence and someone looking to make a name for themself. Marvel sits in his chair and takes a drink of water. With all of the suits in here I feel almost silly in my costume I am also starting to feel so isolated...alone...if ever I needed a friendly face it would be now. Just then Senator Lyman walks over to him and Captain Marvel stands up. She says, "Captain Marvel thank you for being here today. Your words carry a lot of weight, and I'll admit I am not exactly sure what to think of all of this. However if your previous conduct is any indication of what we are to expect today then I think you just may pull this one out." She sticks her hand out and Marvel shakes it she whispers, "Just remember be yourself and know that for every Senator Newsome in this room there is someone to balance them out. Good luck." Marvel replies, "Thank you ma'mm" She crosses the floor and nods to the Sergeant at Arms who shouts, ALL-RISE! This hearing is now in session...let all who...." Marvel then hears a voice in his head saying...Remember wisdom is the key...those who think they are powerful can be done in by their own words.
Marvel then hears Senator Lyman say, "Captain Marvel please raise your right hand." Marvel raises his right hand and says, "Do you swear to give the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" Marvel replies, "I do." Lyman says, "Please be seated." And so it begins.....

[LibrarianThorne]

(OOC: If I got anything wrong I applogize in advance-Note this is a rewite of my past post because of info I missed in past readings)

John, once landing in Metropolos phashing out of his GL uniform into a well talored dark green bussiness suit. Donned a pair of Blues Brothers-type shades to cover his eyes (which despite being powered down still faintly glowed). And hailed a hailing a taxi headed over to where superman was held. But once there was was told that he wasn't allowed any visitors. Especially any of the superhero kind. And despite taking a few minutes of trying to convince the cop to do so nothing was going to change that. So John turned around and left the building.

"My hunches are telling me something is not what it seems here." John thought to himself. "And in order to get to it I'll have to try another, more unconventional way." he added.

To which after a quick scan with his abilities John quickly found out which cell where superman was held in. And after figuring out the security system used around him made himself desolid and micro jumped to his location away from the camera's covering him.

"Never thought I'll be using Sinestro's tactics just to see a friend. But hey this is one of those times. Still sucks though." John again though to himself with a bit of discust.

"So I took some time off-planet and this happens." A now semi-solid John said as he gave a friendly wave to the man in front of him seperated by bars with a slight smile. "Just came by to, if possible to offer what ever support and help." pausing for a second before continuing. "Judging from what I've heard so far their's alot more to this than what been presented newswise. So, What happened?" John asked.


Superman was awoken from his state of self-induced sleep by the arrival of John Stewart. Groggily, he eyed the Green Lantern, then smiled at him.

"Hello, John. Well, to sum it up, I screwed up and that is why I'm here. We shouldn't be above the law, John."

He stood up off of the steel bench then, revealing his hands still handcuffed. "Because I screwed up, a lot of people were hurt. A very close friend of mine was put into a coma because of what I did. I can't avoid this. After Unity, the people need to know that they can still trust their heroes. That they can trust me and for that to happen, I have to show them that I, and by proxy all of the other heroes are not beyond the reach of justice."

He rubbed his chin for a few moments, thoughtfully. "As to what you can do to help out, without Captain Marvel here Metropolis is in trouble. I can't defend her, though I've asked Steel and Superboy to in my place. She could always use some more help."

It was then that his superhearing picked up something going on in Keystone. Using his microscopic and X-ray vision, he saw the destruction of the Flash Museum and the attack of the Rogues. He gasped at the devastation and cruelty. He could not believe the chaos and devastation the rogues were causing.

"John, what happens to me right now isn't important. Get to Keystone as quick as you can. Go. Now."

[The Question]

As Roy heard Ollie over his comm, he slammed the brakes and violently spun the steering wheel. The cop car spun in a tight 360 and went from 150 mph down to zero in just a couple of seconds. In the process the rear passenger tire exploded into shards of rubber, and on the remaining three tires the car skidded into the ditch.

Whoops... oh well, not like this hunka junk is any big loss anyway... just gonna be one peeved donut muncher back in Hub...

A slight grin crept its way onto Roy's face, as he looked up and saw a... giant... blue... bug...

And Q told me and Ollie to be inconspicuous?!? How the f**k do you get more conspicuous than THAT?!?

The airship hovered low enough for Roy to get in.



Roy winced at hearing his old nickname. Ollie, I may eventually forgive you for the bike... but I will NEVER forgive you for the name Speedy... The memories as to why he got it flooded back to him.

He had foiled thieves after a bank robbery by shooting an arrow into their getaway car's tire... Ollie had been impressed with how quick he had been on his feet, dubbing him Speedy, because "you're as quick with a bow and arrow as you are on the track".

Snapping out of the flashback, Roy focused back on Beetle's question.

"...you want an honest answer?!? I've just spent the past few months wallowing in self pity, because the woman who had been most like a mother to me was killed by a psychopath with a penchant for tight leather suits and a hard on for magic artifacts. THEN when I decide to stop acting like a baby, man up and get back into this hero thing, I have a run in with the best reason to fear clowns since It. And it's just my luck that the bastard now has a pet zombie who trashed my $600,000 custom Porshce Carrella GT. The freak of nature ripped the engine block out, and then threw it back at me. THEN I borrow a kids crotch rocket to try to get to Ollie and your buddy Mr. Faceless here, only to find out that my second favorite ride has also been trashed today... by guess who? The same swamp rat zombie. My Harley... the Harley that Ollie promised would come back without a scratch... and then while I'm on my way to take the two vehicles worth out of Grundy's gray hide, and probably get murdelated in the process... I get a message saying that Mr. "I have no friends, I need no friends" himself, needs our help getting out of something. Then when I do come to help you guys, I get accosted by a guy wearing a BRIGHT BLUE bug suit, calling me a name I quit using years ago. It's been a great day Teddy Bear, how bout you?"



"Hey, Ollie what happened? See some hot blonde in fishnets or something? Must be the great steady hands of an archer, huh? Maybe it's a little karma FOR THE HARLEY! Here let me pour you another cup, since you managed to let your tunic drink most of yours..."

Roy picked up the pot of coffee, and poured out a cup for Ollie, then proceeded to dump the rest on Ollie's head.

"For future reference... you NEVER take another man's Harley."





Christ, and I thought I had anger issues.

"Listen, once we save Batman he can probably buy you a whole fleet of Harlies. But first, we need to save him. You're supposed to be some big weapons expert, right? Because we'll have to be rading you're personal collection."

[Spike_x1]

Lex watched as all three of the lunatics left his office and sighed. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned to the Bodyguard. "Joseph, my friend, you really need to stop spending time with those hooligans. They're a bad influence on you."

Seconds earlier, Luthor had to restrain the urge to jump onto the Joker and beat the clown to within an inch of his life at the words, "By the way, I'm going to need to borrow your jet."

For now, though, Luthor was merely thankful that the only possible jet that was currently available for the Joker to steal was one that could easily be found in any random airforce base. It'd never be traced back to LexCorp, except perhaps as being the manufacturer, but that wasn't exactly a rarity in government vehicles.

Luthor casually strolled towards his desk. "Computer; Für Elise. Loud." As the soft music began to reverberate throughout the large room, Lex sat down in front of his computer and accessed his personal files. One document in particular appeared on the screen that Lex was interested in, titled simply Keystone.

[Green Lantern]

Christ, and I thought I had anger issues.

"Listen, once we save Batman he can probably buy you a whole fleet of Harlies. But first, we need to save him. You're supposed to be some big weapons expert, right? Because we'll have to be rading you're personal collection."
"Uh, yeah, you name it, I probably have it in a closet... I moved all my weapons to NYC though, so we'll have to stop there to get em."

[The Question]

"Fine. Ted, take us to New York. Roy, we're going to need every weapon you have. Guns, explosives, knives, arrows, everything. And, we're going to need back up. This might be easyer if we can call in a meta, but I doubt they'd have their hands free."

[Green Lantern]

"Fine. Ted, take us to New York. Roy, we're going to need every weapon you have. Guns, explosives, knives, arrows, everything. And, we're going to need back up. This might be easyer if we can call in a meta, but I doubt they'd have their hands free.""EVERYTHING? You sure it'll all fit in here?!? And I still have connections to the Titans, I can try to see if we can get somebody from them to help us."

[The Question]

"Fine. Call them in. There's that shapeshifting one. The green guy. He used to be on TV. He wouldn't be a bad choice. And maybe that super kid. As for the weapons, we'll fit on as many as we can. We are about to take on a major terrorist organization."

[Green Lantern]

"Wait... what kind of trouble did Broody get himself into!?!?"

Roy then walked to the back of the Bug and pulled out a comm.

"This is Arsenal, calling any free Titans... Any Titans respond, we are in need of assistance."

[TheCorpulent1]

The Flash Museum...

Zoom had destroyed this building once before. It was rebuilt.

He snapped his fingers.

The building crumbled to the ground.

"He should be here to stop this..."
Keystone City
Now

My name is Wally West. I used to be the Flash... the fastest man alive. Now I'm just another regular joe, trying to get my life back together and do right by the people I love. Speaking of whom: I happen to be walking into the room of the person whom I love the most. Linda Jasmine Park. My wife.

Although you'd never really guess it at the moment. Some pretty bad things happened involving me, Linda, and my former life as a superhero. Things so bad I try not to let myself even think about them anymore. They're the reason that the room I mentioned--Linda's room--is located in Keystone's mental institution. It's not as bad as it sounds. It was actually a lot worse. But Linda's been on a steady road to recovery for the past couple of months and, after a minor lapse in judgment, I've been right there by her side through it all. We've even developed something of a ritual, which you happen to be right in time to see for yourself.

"Coffee! Get'cher pipin' hot coffee here," I say with a smile as the door closes behind me.

"My hero!" Linda declares, grabbing the cup from my hand. "You would not believe how much paperwork getting discharged from one of these places takes. It's like the doctors here think I'm going to get out of here and go all crazy axe-murderer on them, and they'll be liable for the trail of bodies."

"When, in fact, we both know that you favor knives, not axes." It feels great that we're able to be playful like this again. You'd never guess that just over two months ago Linda was looking at me like she wished she could kill me with her bare hands. You'd never guess that, at the time, I almost wished she would.

But that's all in the past now, thank God. We're not quite the happy Mr.-and-Mrs.-West again--if you looked at Linda's release papers, for example, you'd find a home address that's halfway across town from my current digs--but we've managed to regain a lot of the companionship that went along with that. We know each other better than anyone else in the world could ever hope to. Linda's my best friend again, and I can't even put into words how amazing that feels.

"Hey!" Linda's snapping her fingers in front of my face.

"Hey! What? What's going on?" I must've zoned out thinking about everything that's happened.

"Zoned out again, huh?" See what I mean about knowing each other?

"I guess. What did you say?"

"I asked you to turn on the TV so I can catch up on some current events while I go through all this. As bad as being officially committed to a mental institution'll look on my resume, it'll be even worse if I come off as clueless. What good's a reporter who doesn't have the foggiest idea what's going on in the world?"

"About as good as a superhero without powers," I reply jokingly, reaching for the remote on the table nearby.

"Unless you're your best friend Dick, you mean?"

"Well, yeah, there's him." I flip on the TV and start flipping through channels towards Channel Four, the station Linda used to work for.

"Or Batman."

"Him, too."

"Or Robin, or the Question, or Huntress, or..."

I turn my head to look at her, mentally counting the clicks so I stop at the right channel. "All right, all right! I take it back al--" When I look at Linda, my eyes meet a face that holds none of the humor it should; shock and terror mar her beautiful features instead. I turn back to the TV as the sound starts registering in my ears.

"--newsvan luckily happened to be in the area as these events unfolded mere seconds earlier, so we apologize for the reduced quality of our hasty setup. But again, it seems that the Flash Museum has just mysteriously crumbled to the ground with no apparent explanation. Now, the Flash Museum is, of course, a public institution and was open at the time of this disaster; people were, in fact, inside at the time. Rescue crews are en route, but as you can see behind me, civilians have begun combing the rubble in an attempt to help the people trapped underneath." The newscaster turns his face away and touches the earpiece in his left ear; the cameraman takes the opportunity to zoom in and pan over the museum site slowly. A moment later, the cameraman zooms back out to show the newscaster's face again. "It seems we're now getting reports from witnesses who say that a figure in yellow appeared at the Flash Museum just prior to its collapse. It's still too early to speculate on what that means--"

"No, it's not," I say, almost to myself. The mention of "yellow" makes one word repeat in my mind over and over. "Zoom."

"Wally? Whatever you're thinking, just stop."

"What?" I turn to face Linda. I can't believe what I'm hearing. "How can I just sit here and do nothing? If that maniac's set his sights on the city again--"

"It's Jay and Bart's problem now, Wally!"

"I can't accept that! I need to be out there! I need to do something!"

"Like what? You don't have any powers anymore, Wally! If you go back out there, Zoom will tear you apart and I can't--" She stops before she allows herself to finish. I can see tears welling up in her eyes. "Zoom's taken everything from us already, Wally. Our kids. Our marriage. My sanity, for a while. I can't... I just can't watch him take you, too."

I shut my eyes hard and bite back my own tears. I know what she's saying is right, but I can't shake these instincts. I've done my best to help others almost my entire life. It's as much a part of me as my arm, and now I have to put that aside and sit meekly in this place while others shoulder the risk?

"Dear Lord," the newscaster says ominously. "No... this can't... they're everywhere!"

I look back up to the TV screen thinking Zoom is as bad as it could possibly get. And then it gets worse...
As if the sudden appearance of Zoom and his destruction of the Flash Museum was not enough, the remaining slacked jawed onlookers were driven to panic as dozens of Rogues began to pile out of the windows from business all around the ruined monument.

Murmur pounced on a nearby child and mutter something to the boy under his breath as he sliced the lad's tongue out.

The witch, Magenta tossed a few cars into nearby buildings while Replicant made their gas tanks explode with the powers of the late Heat Wave.

Upon entering the city streets, Weather Wizard immediately floated up to the heavens on a gust of wind. With a wave of his wand, a dark storm began to darken the once sunny skies. Bolts of lightning struck the streets, causing civilians to run in terror.

And this was just the start of it.

The Rogues' war had begun.
"AAAARGH!" I barely feel my fist hit the wall, though I've left a pretty big crack on the spot I hit. I'm not a violent person by nature... it's just this helplessness. "This is unbearable," I tell Linda. "How can I just sit here, so... helpless...?"

She puts her arms around and me and pulls my head down to rest on her shoulder. "I know... I know..." she repeats while she strokes my hair. "But Jay and Bart can handle it. They have to."

"And meanwhile, there's nothing I can do..."

"Well, I wouldn't say that." The voice hits me before anything else. It's ethereal, ghostlike; I almost don't believe I'd heard it at first. Then the light--funny, that... you'd expect it to be the other way around. The light glows on the opposite side of the room, just a tiny speck at first, but it gets brighter and brighter. A tiny flash of lightning shoots out of it and my cup of coffee leaps off the table and splashes on the floor. Another flash and a tiny crack appears in the window.

More flashes now, and still more after that. One shoots towards me and Linda, leaving a tiny scorch mark on the tile a fraction of an inch away from our feet. The light is blinding now; it hurts my eyes when I look directly at it. "Linda, get down!" I yell, pushing her down behind the bed into a corner. I huddle over her, trying to use my body to keep her safely out of the lightning's way. "Whatever this is, I won't let it hurt you!" There's a loud whoosh! and suddenly everything stops. The room is quiet and still.

I look down at Linda, speechless and frightened beneath me, and she gives me the strength to steel myself for what I'm about to do. I take a breath and push myself off of her, then stand up to my full height. I see a shape in the corner opposite me. My eyes are still blurry from the brightness of the light; all I can make out is that it's human. "Always gotta show a brave front when you're dealing with scum like this," Barry once told me when he'd frightened a purse-snatcher into running away with just a look. I begin rolling my sleeves up very deliberately and put on my best tough-guy face. "All right. Whoever the hell you are, you just picked the wrong guy on the wrong day, pal!"

"Whoa, sport." The figure gestures for me to calm down with his hands. My eyes are getting better now; I notice the hands are clothed in red gloves for some reason. "Is that any way greet your favorite uncle?"

As if the words are a cue, my eyes finish sliding back into focus and I'm faced with a man I never thought I'd see again. "It can't be..." I murmur with naked astonishment dripping from every word, but I know just by looking at him that it is, beyond a shadow of a doubt. I know the man standing in front of me better than I know myself.

His name is Barry Allen. He's the Flash...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/thecorpulent1/RPG/barryvisit.jpg

[SuperFerret]

As if the sudden appearance of Zoom and his destruction of the Flash Museum was not enough, the remaining slacked jawed onlookers were driven to panic as dozens of Rogues began to pile out of the windows from business all around the ruined monument.

Murmur pounced on a nearby child and mutter something to the boy under his breath as he sliced the lad's tongue out.

The witch, Magenta tossed a few cars into nearby buildings while Replicant made their gas tanks explode with the powers of the late Heat Wave.

Upon entering the city streets, Weather Wizard immediately floated up to the heavens on a gust of wind. With a wave of his wand, a dark storm began to darken the once sunny skies. Bolts of lightning struck the streets, causing civilians to run in terror.

And this was just the start of it.

The Rogues' war had begun.

"Holy Mike and Ike, Batman!" exclaimed Plastic Man as he swerved to avoid a lightning bolt. The once again unconscious Gorilla Grodd tumbled about the interior of the cage that Plas had formed his body into.

"Wait... what?"

He was unable to finish that thought as another lightning bolt came down, striking him. Electricity surged through him, and into Grodd, creating a smell akin to a mix of burning hair and burning rubber. Instinctually, or whatever mental process that passes for instincts in Eel O'Brian's mind, he resumed his humanoid shape and tumbled to the ground alongside the smoking gorilla.

"This sucks."

[Nightwing]

"Hey, Ollie what happened? See some hot blonde in fishnets or something? Must be the great steady hands of an archer, huh? Maybe it's a little karma FOR THE HARLEY! Here let me pour you another cup, since you managed to let your tunic drink most of yours..."

Roy picked up the pot of coffee, and poured out a cup for Ollie, then proceeded to dump the rest on Ollie's head.

"For future reference... you NEVER take another man's Harley."

"Oh very smart kid, really bravo!!"

Now I'm sitting on this heep of an air craft whiping coffee off my head dumped by my old sidekick! Last thing I needed was to get ticked off again, my leg is stil injured...

"Like Vic said, we'll get you a new bike, which YOU can pick out yourself with MY money. But in the mean time, try not getting too upset. I mean it's not like this is the first bike you lose remember?"

I continue to dry my hair off as Roy takes a seat, and mentions how his arsenal of weaponery is stationed up in New York.

"New York? Then looks like we're cancelling heading back to Star, Bruce will have to wait just a little bit longer..." And yeah, we'll need all the stuff we can carry, Ra's carries around the worlds best and deadliest assassins..."

"Fine. Call them in. There's that shapeshifting one. The green guy. He used to be on TV. He wouldn't be a bad choice. And maybe that super kid. As for the weapons, we'll fit on as many as we can. We are about to take on a major terrorist organization."


"Beast Boy? You have a point Vic, Gar could be our little eye in the sky incase we can't see whats coming toward us. Hell, he could even turn himself to the size of a bug to get into corners we all wouldn't even fit in."

I throw away the napkins for my hair in the atomatic garbarge disposal on the side of me.

"I really need to get me one of these, though I wouldn't know where to put it."

"Wait... what kind of trouble did Broody get himself into!?!?"[/FONT]

Roy then walked to the back of the Bug and pulled out a comm.

"This is Arsenal, calling any free Titans... Any Titans respond, we are in need of assistance."


"Ra's Al Ghul captured him, Vic has the coordinates to his location on his phone still I think. All I know is that we should be well prepared for all of it."

Roy gets up and makes the call to the Titans, I can only hope someone comes through.

[Green Lantern]

"Ra's Al Ghul captured him, Vic has the coordinates to his location on his phone still I think. All I know is that we should be well prepared for all of it."

Roy gets up and makes the call to the Titans, I can only hope someone comes through.

Roy walks back up to where Ollie is sitting and plops back down.

"Ra's huh? Had some run ins with some of his thugs back in my Checkmate days. Guy's harder to track down and keep contained than Vandal Savage... Hold on, let me check another of my contacts..."

Roy got back up and went back into a corner for privacy.

"Alan? You there? Yeah, its Roy. Listen, I'm gonna try to keep this short, because I don't think Ollie knows I'm active with Checkmate again, I don't think he'd approve... But what info can you get me on Ra's Al Ghul. Yeah, that Ra's. Yeah, you can call me back."

Roy sat back down again.

[Ash Loomis]

I roll my eyes at Speedy.

"And they say, I'm the immature one." I mutter.

After Roy finishes making his calls to the Titians and the others heroes I get up and walk towards him.

"Look kid, I'm sorry about what's happened to ya, and thanks for making that call to the others. But you are not going to go be going around dumping coffee on people's heads when you're on my ship. I'm all for a good joke here and therem to lighten the mood in situations like this, but that's taking things too far. This is serious. Now either you get your **** together, or you get off right now."

[Green Lantern]

I roll my eyes at Speedy.

"And they say, I'm the immature one." I mutter.

After Roy finishes making his calls to the Titians and the others heroes I get up and walk towards him.

"Look kid, I'm sorry about what's happened to ya, and thanks for making that call to the others. But you are not going to go be going around dumping coffee on people's heads when you're on my ship. I'm all for a good joke here and therem to lighten the mood in situations like this, but that's taking things too far. This is serious. Now either you get your **** together, or you get off right now."

Roy closes his eyes so that Beetle can't see them roll in his head... "I'm sorry, Beetle, I didn't realise that playing a joke on my mentor was such a big deal. Especially considering your reputation with Booster... If you don't want my help, fine, I can leave..." Right then Roy's phone rang. "On that note, I have to take this call." He went back to his corner to answer the call.

"Alan? Yeah, its me. What do you have for me? Virus? Damn. Yeah, we already have the coordinates he's located at. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone where I got the info. Thanks."

He walked back to his seat, and poured himself a cup out of the other coffee pot on the table.

[PFunk2]

Superman was awoken from his state of self-induced sleep by the arrival of John Stewart. Groggily, he eyed the Green Lantern, then smiled at him.

"Hello, John. Well, to sum it up, I screwed up and that is why I'm here. We shouldn't be above the law, John."
"Okay. I can agree with that." John answered. And paused for a second before continuing. "But don't you think you are taking this a little too hard. I mean everyone screws up from time to time."

He stood up off of the steel bench then, revealing his hands still handcuffed. "Because I screwed up, a lot of people were hurt. A very close friend of mine was put into a coma because of what I did. I can't avoid this. After Unity, the people need to know that they can still trust their heroes. That they can trust me and for that to happen, I have to show them that I, and by proxy all of the other heroes are not beyond the reach of justice."
"Oh. I see." John said, going remose for a moment as he remembered his 'mistake' that allowed a planet to be destroyied. The lives lost, and what came after that. "All of a sudden it's becoming clearer now. But you still can't let this keep you down. Take it from experiance that is not the way to go." he turns, looking superman sternly face-to-face before sofening up and asking him. "So what do you want be to do now."

He rubbed his chin for a few moments, thoughtfully. "As to what you can do to help out, without Captain Marvel here Metropolis is in trouble. I can't defend her, though I've asked Steel and Superboy to in my place. She could always use some more help."
"No problem. That I can do.." John responded with a little false bravado, trying to lighten the mood of the room a bit. Then he turned dead serious. "But also know that I and other heros and heroians are working to get to the bottom of this. I mean something about this not quite ri..."

It was then that his superhearing picked up something going on in Keystone. Using his microscopic and X-ray vision, he saw the destruction of the Flash Museum and the attack of the Rogues. He gasped at the devastation and cruelty. He could not believe the chaos and devastation the rogues were causing.

"John, what happens to me right now isn't important. Get to Keystone as quick as you can. Go. Now."
"I'm gone. Stay strong." John briskly answered him as he phased back on his GL uniform and micro-jumped out of jail cell to far above the skys of Metropolos (barely missing a airbus jet jumboliner on finial landing approach).

"Something still anit right here. But I can figure that out later." And in a flash zoomed forward towards Keystone as per superman's request thinking.

[Ash Loomis]

I look down at my feet embarrassed. He’s right, back in the day I was a real goof with Booster. But seeing what the Joker did to that little girl and realizing how useless I was during the Unity crisis changed something inside me. I realized that while it’s OK to horse around here and there I should take this business more seriously. But geez, I almost sounded like Batman when I spoke to Speedy just then! And he is definitely not what I want to become. I’ve noticed he’s done with his call.

“Well, we're here now. Yo Speedy, after we get your toys, are we all just heading to bust out Batman or is there are any place in particular where I should pick these dudes up? I think we'd benefit from meeting somewhere and planning things out first.”

[Green Lantern]

"Well, I heard back from my anonymous contact, it seems Ra's is working on a new virus... I know I know, what else is new... but we should see if any Titans come through on my page. AND I'M NOT SPEEDY!"

Roy glares at Beetle.

[Ash Loomis]

"Heh, sorry 'bout that Speed... Roy!"

I smile appologetically and quickly change the subject.

"Alrighty then. In the mean time, let's head in and see what you've got in here."

I land the Bug, hop out, and wait for Speedy to lead the way.

[Green Lantern]

Roy hopped off the bug behind Beetle, and unlocked the door of the penthouse apartment. "Don't mind all the toys, I swear they're Lian's not mine..." He stepped on a small doll and the toy blurted out "Mommy! Mommy!" as he walked to what looked like a normal dresser. On the dresser sat a small box, Roy flipped it open and pressed a button inside it, as the wall next to the dresser slid open unveiling an armory that the Pentagon would be proud of. Roy went in and started throwing weapons out. Rocket launchers, grenade launchers, machine and sub-machine guns, compound and crossbows, trick arrows and grenade belts, throwing knives and pistols, and finally he took an arrow off of a shelf.

"Made this one myself. Confinscated the tools of a couple of Fleet Feet's baddies. Its a combo fire/ice arrow. It'll burn and then flash freeze you. Nasty little device."

[Nightwing]

I look down at my feet embarrassed. He’s right, back in the day I was a real goof with Booster. But seeing what the Joker did to that little girl, and realizing how useless I was during the Unity crisis changed something inside me. I realized that, while it’s OK to horse around here and there, I should take this business more seriously. But geez, I almost sounded like Batman when I spoke to Speedy just then! And he is definitely not what I want to become. I’ve noticed he’s done with his call.


“Well, we're here now. Yo Speedy, after we get your toys, are we all just heading to bust out Batman or is there are any place in particular where I should pick these dudes up? I think we'd benefit from meeting somewhere and planning things out first.”

"Ra's has trained his army of assassins to vanish into the deep darkness to never be seen and suprise their opponents. Once we enter where ever the hell Bruce is, he'll probably have the place already swarmed with them without us having the slightest clue. After we head to Roys place, we could head to Star and set up our plan there.

I tap Vic on the shoulder.

"You got Bruces call remember? Can't that phone of yours determine where he's being held?"

I take one look at Roy and see him drinking a delightful cup of coffee which I once drank. Right then and there, I felt like accidently knocking it out of his hand just for dumping one on my head. I don't forgive people to easily...



We arrive at NYC, and head down to Roys hideout.

[Ash Loomis]

I take the arrow from Speedy and admire it. I run my gloved finger across it’s sharp blade and smile to myself. I used to be big on Robin Hood when I was a little kid. I suppose it’s part of why I admire with Ollie so much. I always wanted to train myself in a little archery, but never got around to it.

“Wicked…” I whisper under my breath, and hand the arrow back to Speedy. I give Ollie a grin, then Speedy

“Jesus, this thing’s a beaut. One of you guys are going to have to show me how to fire one of these things someday. Hey, maybe I can change my name to Blue Arrow!”

I laugh and look around to see if anyone else is. Let me put it this way: the looks I get from Ollie and Speedy are blanker than the Question’s mask.

“Right, um, well anyway, I think we can use some of these explosives and the stun guns.”

[Green Lantern]

I take the arrow from Speedy and admire it. I run my gloved finger across it’s sharp blade and smile to myself. I used to be big on Robin Hood when I was a little kid. I suppose it’s part of why I admire with Ollie so much. I always wanted to train myself in a little archery, but never got around to it.

“Wicked…” I whisper under my breath, and hand the arrow back to Speedy. I give Ollie a grin, then Speedy

“Jesus, this thing’s a beaut. One of you guys are going to have to show me how to fire one of these things someday. Hey, maybe I can change my name to Blue Arrow!”

I laugh and look around to see if anyone else is. Let me put it this way: the looks I get from Ollie and Speedy are blanker than the Question’s mask.

“Right, um, well anyway, I think we can use some of these explosives and the stun guns.” "Wow, the only way that joke could have been cornier is if you told it in Nebraska... man that was bad... and here I thought you were supposed to be funny... DICK is funnier than that... Heck, even Bats could give that joke a run for its money."

[Ash Loomis]

I angrily lug a few stun guns and explosives into the Bug.

"Yo SPEEDY, why don't you live up to your name, and get to bringing some of that stuff in here?"

[Green Lantern]

I angrily lug a few stun guns and explosives into the Bug.

"Yo SPEEDY, why don't you live up to your name, and get to bringing some of that stuff in here?" "I just DID live up to my name. I showed you my Arsenal. Okay... that was ALMOST as bad as your Blue Arrow one, but not quite. And STOP CALLING ME SPEEDY Bugs for Brains!"

Roy grabbed two grenade belts, a grenade launcher, a composite bow, two quivers of regular arrows, a quiver of trick arrows with the Fire/Ice arrow, and a semi-automatic pistol with a belt of clips.

[Ash Loomis]

I stare at Roy speechlessly for a few moments, searching my mind despretely for anything even slightly comical.

"Well...uh...well...uh...well that really hurt! Now I really am a Blue Beetle? Yeah, that's it! I'm a Blue Beetle because I'm sad! Get it? HUH? HUH? Get it? Huh? Get it?"

I begin motioning my hands to the others with a huge faked grin on my face, prompting them to laugh. I'm nearly ready to get on my knees and beg for some laughter.

[Green Lantern]

I stare at Roy speechlessly for a few moments, searching my mind despretely for anything even slightly comical.

"Well...uh...well...uh...well that really hurt! Now I really am a Blue Beetle? Yeah, that's it! I'm a Blue Beetle because I'm sad! Get it? HUH? HUH? Get it? Huh? Get it?"

I begin motioning my hands to the others with a huge faked grin on my face, prompting them to laugh. I'm nearly ready to get on my knees and beg for some laughter.

Roy breaks out into a little spurt of laughter, then turns to Ted.

"That was so pathetic it was funny. Good job cricket breath, but don't quit the day job."

[The Question]

"Ra's has trained his army of assassins to vanish into the deep darkness to never be seen and suprise their opponents. Once we enter where ever the hell Bruce is, he'll probably have the place already swarmed with them without us having the slightest clue. After we head to Roys place, we could head to Star and set up our plan there.

I tap Vic on the shoulder.

"You got Bruces call remember? Can't that phone of yours determine where he's being held?"


"Probably not. It only gave me a basic location, and I think the call was scrambled before it could give me any more. Our best bet for dealing with the guys doing the disapearing act is too blow up enough of the compound so they don't have anywhere to disapear to. Most people tend to lose their cool when all hell breaks loose around them."

I look through Roy's arsenal.

Damned impressive, if I do say so myself. I pocket some grenades, and I have a shotgun in my hand when I see them.


Two nickle plated 45. automatics.


The Shadow's guns.

I pick them up and hold them in my hands.

My god, they're beautiful.

I turn to Roy.

"Can I keep them?"

[Green Lantern]

"Yeah, sure. Why not? We ready to head out? I got what I need, and grabbed a quiver for Ollie, so we should be good."

[Johnny Blaze]

McCulloch was having a grand old time watching the chaos of the battle from the safety of a mirror dimension. But, his enjoyment was suddenly cut short when a pair of red blurs streaked past.

Jay Garrick and Kid Flash. Figures.

"All right, Cold", said Mirror Master as he appeared in ice reflection near the Captain, "the old and kid Flashes are here. Ye ready?"

"Oh yeah", said Cold as he created a long, icy barrier across the road.
Using his toys, McCulloch concealed the trip wire, making it invisible to the naked eye.

Appearing in the reflection of Girder's chest, McCulloch spoke to him and a few nearby Rogues, "All right, lads. The Flashes are here. Tar Pit, lure the kid to the point we discussed earlier. Girder, you and Double Down keep the old man busy long enough for back up to arrive."

The three Rogues nodded and went about their business.

------------------------------------

Bart raced down the street, still dumbfounded at the destruction that the Rogues were causing on their city.
What could drive them to do this, he thought to himself.
It was then that he saw Tar Pit down a side street as the hulking villain was about to kill a defenseless boy. The kid looked as he was just a bit younger than Bart, and he was scared out of his mind. Tar Pit loomed over the boy, smiling all the while as he toyed with him.

"Don't worry junior", said Bart as he speeded towards the kid to save him, "Kid Flash is here."
Suddenly, Bart bashed into an invisible wall. His momentum carried him through it, but he was covered in ice shards and was sent skidding across the pavement past Tar Pit, and into a store window.
But, Bart did not crash through the window. He simply vanished into it.

Appearing in a warehouse downtown, Bart shook out the cobwebs from his landing and tried to leave.
"What the hell", he said with surprise. He tried to run back to the fight, but he felt his speed was just...gone.
"What's happened? How could---"

"Hello there...son. Nice...day...isn't it", came a voice from the corner of the warehouse.
Bart turned to see the Turtle smiling at him.
"What did you do, you old fart? Gimme back my speed", shouted Bart as he raced at the Turtle with his fist drawn back. But, Kid Flash never made it to him as he suddenly tumbled to the ground, a sharp pain in his right calf.
Looking down, Bart was shocked to see a glass bolt sticking out of his leg muscle.
With a grunt of pain, Kid Flash yanked the dart out. If he had his speed, he could heal this in seconds. But, that damn Turtle had stolen it from him. He had to take him down quick and get his speed back. Jay needed him. God knows what those Rogues were doing to him. They had him out numbered damn near to fifty to one. He had to hurry and...

Bart's thoughts trailed off as a man's shadow loomed over him. Looking up to see who it was, Bart caught the baseball bat right between the eyes as it descended down on him.
Knocked back and nearly unconscious from the blow, Bart was unable to do anything other than scream in pain as the Mirror Master proceeded to break both of Bart's legs.

With the Kid Flash immobilized, McCulloch through the bat across the warehouse floor and wiped a splatter of blood from his forehead.
"All right, Turtle. Ye stay here and keep the tyke company. The old man will be joinin' him soon."

"Sounds...good...to...me...Mirror..."

"Yeah, yeah", interrupted McCulloch, "just make sure the lad stays as slow as a snail."
"Heh, a crippled snail", said McCulloch with a laugh as he dived into a nearby reflection to head back to his fellow Rogues. They'd probably need a hand in taking down the more experienced Jay Garrick and McCulloch aimed to give them one.

[The Question]

"Yeah, sure. Why not? We ready to head out? I got what I need, and grabbed a quiver for Ollie, so we should be good."


I grab one of those strap on holster things that cops wear and place the guns in them. I grab the shotgun and sling it over my shoulder. I grab some shells and pocket them.

"So Roy, when are these friends of yours getting here?"

[Nightwing]

"Probably not. It only gave me a basic location, and I think the call was scrambled before it could give me any more. Our best bet for dealing with the guys doing the disapearing act is too blow up enough of the compound so they don't have anywhere to disapear to. Most people tend to lose their cool when all hell breaks loose around them."

"Dammit. I thought we could transfer the location of where Bruce is being held to a computer, then hook up your phone to the nearest printer we can find and print the coordinates to plan where we should look for him first."

I think back for a second about what Vic said about Ra's assassins dwelling into the shadows for a secret attack on us all. I gaze upon all the trick arrows, and suddenly I'm warmed into a memory of Roy and myself during a training session back in Star years ago. Less then 2 minutes in, I snap out of it and then ask Roy if I could stock up on some. I wasted mostly all of them while facing that whack job of a monster Solomon.

Green Lantern"Yeah, sure. Why not? We ready to head out? I got what I need, and grabbed a quiver for Ollie, so we should be good."

Turns out Roy was thinking ahead of me....

"I was about to ask, though I see you've gotten over that stump of never LENDING me things again hey kid?"

I grab the quiver from Roy and replace it with my old one.

"I think we're all set, now all we need is some more back up."

As the four of us begin to take our walk back to Kords Beetle cruiser, my leg nudges me a bit. I think I should bandage it one last time, nice and tight incase we're caught up in one heck of a danger zone. I want it to be ready for all the running, and dodging I'm about to go into.

"Roy, do you have any leg wraps? My leg is still badly wounded thanks to Grundy, so I want to get it up and running again. Something tells me I'm going to need it."

[TheCorpulent1]

"Barry!" I rush over to hug him, half-convinced that he's not really there--that everything that's happened is finally catching up to me and I've just completely lost it. But sure enough, my arms touch his body and my hands slap that familiar red suit.

"Hey, Wally. It's great to see you again! Iris sends her love."

"I can't believe it's really you! How is this possible?"

"I've come out of retirement to head back to the Crisis. But I decided to make some stops along the way. This is my last one, but it's the first time you've seen me."

"This is crazy... You... You're coming from the future and you've already visited me other times, but this is the first time I've seen you because you're going backwards--?"

"I know, it's kind of tough to wrap your head around," Barry says with a smile.

"Wait... But you die in the Crisis! Why don't you just stay here? Keystone could really use you--" I try to indicate towards the TV screen, but Barry stops me.

"No, Wally. I know all about what the Rogues are doing right now, but I can't interfere. You know as well as I do that history can't be changed that way. I've gotta go back to the Crisis and do what needs to be done." He smiles again and in spite of myself I feel more at ease. "But don't you worry about me. I had my time and it was wonderful; I'm at peace. Now it's your time. Keystone City needs you now, Wally."

"I wish I could help, Barry, but--"

"The Speed Force has abandoned you?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Funny thing about the future, Wally: they've got historical records, too." Barry winks at me and I can't help smiling. Of course--he knows everything that'll happen. "You're wrong, by the way."

"What?"

"The Speed Force. It hasn't abandoned you. It can't abandon you. I've been studying it with Iris during my retirement. That freak lightning bolt in my lab all those years ago? That was just a catalyst, Wally. The Speed Force chose you. Whether it was that lightning bolt or another lightning bolt another year down the line, or five, or ten, or something entirely different; it would always have found its way to you. It's been a part of you your entire life."

"Then why can't I get to it?"

"Because you don't want it enough."

"You're kidding, right? I've been dying inside since news of the Rogues' attack broke. I nearly broke my hand punching that wall, I was so frustrated! Ask Linda!"

"And there it is."

What the hell does that mean? I always hated it when Barry got all cryptic on me. "What do you mean? There what is?"

"Normally I'd want you to work through this on your own, but under the circumstances I think an exception is warranted." His face grows serious. "You're holding back because you feel responsible for what Zoom did to Linda, Wally."

"No..." I say half-heartedly. I try to make my voice more confident. "There was nothing... nothing I could do about that."

"I know that's true, Wally. But you never were a very good liar. You still blame yourself, Wally, and you need to let that go."

I turn and look at Linda almost subconsciously. She's standing by the bed now, not quite sure what to make of all this. I turn back to Barry and I feel my resolve crack. The lie falls away and tears sting my eyes. "How can I, Barry? I am responsible for it. I should've been there... I should've stopped him somehow!"

"Oh, Wally..." Linda's voice is almost a whisper. "No..."

I turn to face her again. "Linda... I've tried... I've tried so hard... but I can't ever make what happened with Zoom right. I can't ever get us past it." I fall onto my knees. "I'm sorry, Linda. I'm so sorry..." I can't stop the tears this time.

"You're wrong, Wally." She's trying to be strong but I can still hear the wavering in her voice: she's crying, too. "No." She steels herself. "Get up, Wally. Get up!"

I can't help myself. All I can say is "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." over and over.

"I will not let you blame yourself for me, Wally. Do you hear me? You need to be strong now. We both do. What happened with Zoom... it was never your fault, Wally. I knew that then and we both know it now. There wasn't anything you could've done." She pulls me up to face her. "Wally. Wally, listen to me. Listen!" She shakes me until I snap out of my daze and stop apologizing. Her words start registering again.

"Listen to me carefully now, Wally. What I said after the jailbreak at Iron Heights, about you being a hero. I meant it, Wally. This life... this crazy, chaotic life of capes and psychos... It's a part of you, and I accept that, Wally. I knew your life was dangerous before. I knew, in the back of my mind, that someday, something like what Zoom did could happen, or I could get a visit from Superman telling me that you'd died fighting bravely, or I could wind up dead myself. I knew all of that, Wally, and I still chose to be with you. I accepted the danger and I chose to love you."

She pulls my face down by the chin so that our eyes meet. Her words are getting through to me, but I still can't help feeling that I should have done more. "Wally... I'm choosing that again now. I love you, Wally West. I always will and--in spite of everything that's happened--I always have. I love you."

And there they are. The words I've been waiting for--longing for for months now. "I love you, too, Linda." We kiss and--I know it's cheesy, but that doesn't make it any less true--my whole world shifts around me. Everything that's happened... everything that might happen if I go out and face the Rogues again... none of it seems quite as bad anymore. Linda Jasmine Park-West loves me, and I know, without reservation, that we can and will make it through this.

Linda pulls her face back and looks me in the eye again. "Now stop using me as an excuse and go save lives."

I can't stop myself from laughing like a giddy schoolchild.

I feel a hand rest on my shoulder. "It's time, Wally."

I turn to see Barry's face beaming warmly. He's happy for me. "Time? For what?"

"To reclaim your birthright. To run your race again."

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel waits for Senator Lyman to finish the formalities of the hearings. He is studying every word she says very carefully...yet there is something more. Why does she look so familiar? I know she is from Fawcett City but there is something more familiar to her than just that...I can't put my finger on it though.

Just then Senator Lyman asks, "Captain Marvel do you have any statements to make before we begin?" Marvel replies, "Yes I do Madame Chairperson." A couple people snicker, while others roll their eyes at his polictically correct statement. He says,"I am here to day not only to speak for myself but for all of my colleagues. The brave men & women of this planet who put their lives on the line consistently. Never asking for payment, fame or glory for our services, and sometimes not even a simple thank you. We do not get involved in the fight for those things that are just and good because we want to, but we do it out of a sense responsiblity and doing what is right. We do not wish to replace the fine men & women in the law enforcement fields, but rather we wish to offer our unique services & talents along side of them in the fight for justice for all of humanity. The only way that we can fight that effectively is if we are allowed to maintain a secret identity for many reasons that I am certain we will get into later in these hearings. Without our secret identities our personal lives would suffer greatly. Our families would become targets for vengence, many of us would be out-casts in our communities, and we would never know a moment's peace. This bill would create far more problems than it would solve. All I can ask is that during our discussion today that you weigh my words very carefully as I will weigh yours well and maybe we can meet on some sort of common ground. Thank you."

Senator Lyman says, "Thank you Captain Marvel. Does anyone on this panel have any statements to make before we begin?" Senator Newsome says, "I do. Captain Marvel,as a Senator from Metropolis I think it is safe to say that I have a vested interest in these hearings in light of certain recent events. In fact I would like for us to take a moment of silence to remember those who suffered in the tragic bus accident." Everyone bows their heads and after a moment Senator Newsome says, "Thank you all now Captain Marvel I have nothing against you or your colleagues personally however I do not see why you all allowed to play fast & loose with due-process. Not to mention the damage many of you cause to property and innocent civilains. Now though I have strong reservations and feeling on this issue I want you to feel free to ask us questions as well and be open and honest with us. For am I sure that we will be open and honest with you as well. Thank you"

Woah! This guy is very crafty...President Marshall was right I have to watch him...but I also need to remember that his words can come back to haunt him.

[LibrarianThorne]

OOC: Sorry for the bunny, Pfunk!

His hands shook, rattling the metal handcuffs. Stewart had gone, hopefully to Keystone to help there. He could hear it as the Turtle stopped Kid Flash. He could hear the alarm bells in the firehouses, the wail of the sirens. It was like some awful radio drama that he couldn't shut out.

Superman held his head in his hands, then slicked back his hair, eyes growing wide. He could hear the screams of the people of Keystone as they called out for heroes, and no Flash came to save them. They could not know that the Flashes were trying so hard. If he could go there, be there, he could stop the Rogues.

His hands clenched and unclenched, a sound like steel scraping together escaping from them.

"My God. Keystone. I... I can move mountains. I can change the course of rivers. I can fly around the world. But... I can't help them. What am I doing here?!" he said, slamming both fists down onto the steel bench. The bench was knocked violently off of the wall, landing in two pieces on the floor of the cell. He stared at the broken bench, then at the iron bars of his cell. He fell to his knees.

"I know what I'm doing. I'm fighting for truth and justice. Why do those words sound so hollow now?"

[Hyper Venom]

Zoom watched the chaos around him. The Rogues were a well-oiled machine, he'd give them that. Kid Flash and Jay Garrick had arrived on the scene, but Kid Flash seemed to vanish during the fighting. Searching through the battlefield, Zoom came to realize that the young speedster was trapped in a warehouse with the speed-absorbing Turtle, with both of his legs broken. He was taken care of. But Garrick would be a problem.

Zoom returned to the battlefield and watched intently as the elder Flash took it upon himself to fight about a dozen Rogues by himself. He had to give it to the old man - he could definitely hold his own in a fight. But Zoom would have to stop him before he got too much of an advantage.

Jay was able to gather six of the Rogues in one spot and run circles around them. As he ran, he built up inertia, kicking up a hurricane as he did so. Each of the Rogues stood helplessly inside of his hurricane, unsure of how to handle him. Whatever Jay had planned, it was something big.

Zoom would not give him that chance.

In a split second, Zoom appeared directly in front of Jay. Jay stood in shock as he ran stomach-first into Zoom's left fist. As he stood, his mind struggling to react to the intense pain, Zoom seethed at him. He was filled with intense rage and he would use it as his weapon. He struck Jay in the jugular with his right fist, sending him into the air. Garrick found himself being caught in his own hurricane, which was slowly beginning to dissipate. He spun around five times in midair before falling back to the ground, head-first. Zoom stared down at the fallen speedster, whose trademark helmet had cracked in half upon impact.

He wasn't finished. He would prove his point. Zoom grabbed Garrick by his shirt and pulled him up to his feet.

"Is that the best you could do? Fight back, old man," demanded Zoom as he punched Jay in the face. "Fight back! Prove yourself, hero!"

Jay struggled to deflect Zoom's punches. The elder speedster threw a couple of punches, but they were no use. Zoom began to punch faster and harder, until Jay stopped hitting him back. Eventually Jay fell back, unconscious and limp, being held up by Zoom's hand on his shirt.

"Pathetic..."

Zoom looked up. There were over a dozen Rogues around him. They all gathered around Jay's limp form like a pack of hungry dogs. Zoom nonchalantly threw him to the ground.

"Do what you wish with him."

Zoom ran to the top of a nearby pile of rubble and stared down at the scene before him. In a matter of minutes, Keystone had been taken over and nearly destroyed. The city's only defense was an old man and a child. He was almost disappointed.

Suddenly, Zoom could hear something strange in the air. Almost as if something were flying toward him.

"Please, let that be Superman..." he wished aloud.

Suddenly, he recognized the sound. He could hear propellors. Four military helicopters converged upon the scene.

"Hm...the military..."

Zoom reached down and picked up a large chunk of concrete. Watching the helicopter fly toward him, he hurled the piece of concrete toward the chopper's front windshield. The concrete crashed through the windshield, crushing the chest of the pilot in a split second. The helicopter began to go into a tailspin, and fell toward a nearby building. The chopper crashed into the building, and seconds later, there were a series of explosions. Every other building on the block crumbled to the ground. The other three helicopters continued to fly toward the chaos on the ground.

"...useless..."

Zoom mearly held his hand in the air and snapped his fingers.

[White_Howling]

Landing softly onto the earth beneath me, I look ahead to see Ma and Pa sitting on the porch.

“This is going to suck.” Rubbing my forehead, I made my way slowly towards them.

“Welcome home Son.” Pa said with a smile.

“Conner dear, are you hungry.” Ma had a concerned look on her face as she looked at me.

“Listen guys.” Taking a deep sigh. “I don’t know how to say this…. So I’ll just say it.” Taking a moment to collect myself, I brace for impact. “Clarks going to take a break, and I’m moving to Metropolis.” Closing my eyes I wait for them to respond. But before they could my communicator goes off..

[Green Lantern]

"I was about to ask, though I see you've gotten over that stump of never LENDING me things again hey kid?"

I grab the quiver from Roy and replace it with my old one.

"See, now these, these I DON'T expect back... And you never know, I may have booby rigged an explosive arrow in there. And not the kind of boobies you take too so easily Ollie, you only wish." Roy winks at Ollie.

"Roy, do you have any leg wraps? My leg is still badly wounded thanks to Grundy, so I want to get it up and running again. Something tells me I'm going to need it.""Jeez... its never enough with you is it? Always asking for more... Yeah, check the bathroom medicine cabinet above Lian's bubble bath. It should be in a Sponge Bob bottle. The Bubble bath that is, not the leg wraps."

I grab one of those strap on holster things that cops wear and place the guns in them. I grab the shotgun and sling it over my shoulder. I grab some shells and pocket them.

"So Roy, when are these friends of yours getting here?""Hopefully soon, Q... if you can't tell, I want to get some of this pent up aggression out. Crippling a few assassins should do the trick."

[The Question]

I begin to load shells into the shotgun.

"Crippling?"

I finish loading the shells and fix the barrel back into place.

"My, aren't we the optimist?"

I grab a shoulder strap holster and put it on. I put the shotgun into it. I then grab a rocket launcher.

"Let's get the bigger equipment stored on the bug."

[Green Lantern]

I begin to load shells into the shotgun.

"Crippling?"

I finish loading the shells and fix the barrel back into place.

"My, aren't we the optimist?"

I grab a shoulder strap holster and put it on. I put the shotgun into it. I then grab a rocket launcher.

"Let's get the bigger equipment stored on the bug.""Optimist? What you expect to be killing them? Sorry, I don't do that. Part of the whole 'hero' thing."

[The Question]

"I expect things to go down the way they go down. More likely than not, some people are going to end up dead if we expect to stay alive. I'm not too thrilled with the idea, but then these guys are psychotic terrorists, so I wouldn't be crying myself a river over it. Although, if we get a few of your metahuman buddies to come along, that should keep the body count low enough. And by the way, calling yourself a 'hero' like that smacks of a highly inflated ego. So, let's quit wasting time and store the gear on the ship, and start coming up with an actual plan besides 'run in and blow stuff up'."

[Green Lantern]

"I expect things to go down the way they go down. More likely than not, some people are going to end up dead if we expect to stay alive. I'm not too thrilled with the idea, but then these guys are psychotic terrorists, so I wouldn't be crying myself a river over it. Although, if we get a few of your metahuman buddies to come along, that should keep the body count low enough. And by the way, calling yourself a 'hero' like that smacks of a highly inflated ego. So, let's quit wasting time and store the gear on the ship, and start coming up with an actual plan besides 'run in and blow stuff up'."Highly inflated ego? ME?!? What nerve... "Listen, pally... who gave you the Psych degree to go around accusing others of having a big ego? Sounds to me like someone has an inferiority complex with all this talk about "metahuman buddies" and getting offended when I refer to myself as a hero. I've been doing this longer than anyone else my age. Hell, I started heroing TWO years before Robin. If anyone deserves to refer to themselves as a hero out of the two of us, I think it'd be me. And in the years I have been doing this, you know how many times I've dealt with "psychotic terrorists" without killing any? Hell, I fathered a child with a 'psychotic terrorist' Couple that with all the times I've taken on HIVE, Brother Blood, Deathstroke, and Vandal Savage, and then compare that to your 'psycho terrorist' count. Then you can talk."

[The Question]

"Fair enough."

I walk towards the door.

"It's just that in MY experiance, things never go as well as we wish they had."

[Green Lantern]

Wait... did I just... I think I did... I won the argument! Holy mother of god!

Roy grabs a rocket launcher and case of rockets and lugs them onto the bug.

[Nightwing]

"See, now these, these I DON'T expect back... And you never know, I may have booby rigged an explosive arrow in there. And not the kind of boobies you take too so easily Ollie, you only wish." Roy winks at Ollie.

"I know every arrow there is too know, I can tell if its rigged or not. Even if you're joking around with me, kid."

There was a certain way Roy would always look at me and he tried to pull a fast one right past me, everytime he would goof around back in the day. This one was no different.

Roy turns away for a second.

I use that to quickly double check the arrows to my advantage.

Always gets away with it, I'm to gullible...

"Jeez... its never enough with you is it? Always asking for more... Yeah, check the bathroom medicine cabinet above Lian's bubble bath. It should be in a Sponge Bob bottle. The Bubble bath that is, not the leg wraps."

I give a slight grin at Roy.

"Never enough? You forget how many times you asked for this and that when I took you under my wing, cause you knew no one else would take the time to give them to you."

I walk over to the bathroom and follow Roy's directions to the med cabinet containing the leg wraps.

"Pfft, Sponge Bob."

I search through the cabinet and what do ya now? It's the first thing that I find when I open it. I start wrapping my leg again while disposing of the old bandage.

"Good as new, and ready to go."

I walk back to the bug and throw in some more useful items we may need for this little venture we're about to take off for, only to see that Vic and Roy were at eachothers throats by the time I got back. I swear, kid can never keep himself out of TROUBLE. It's a trait he's always carried around with him, dammit.

[Green Lantern]

[/font][/font][/color]

"I know every arrow there is too know, I can tell if its rigged or not. Even if you're joking around with me, kid."

There was a certain way Roy would always look at me and he tried to pull a fast one right past me, everytime he would goof around back in the day. This one was no different.

Roy turns away for a second.

I use that to quickly double check the arrows to my advantage.

Always gets away with it, I'm to gullible...

[/color][/font][/color][/font]

I give a slight grin at Roy.

"Never enough? You forget how many times you asked for this and that when I took you under my wing, cause you knew no one else would take the time to give them to you."

I walk over to the bathroom and follow Roy's directions to the med cabinet containing the leg wraps.

"Pfft, Sponge Bob."

I search through the cabinet and what do ya now? It's the first thing that I find when I open it. I start wrapping my leg again while disposing of the old bandage.

"Good as new, and ready to go."

I walk back to the bug and throw in some more useful items we may need for this little venture we're about to take off for, only to see that Vic and Roy were at eachothers throats by the time I got back. I swear, kid can never keep himself out of TROUBLE. It's a trait he's always carried around with him, dammit.

"So Ollie, how long after I turned my back did it take you to check the arrows? And I'm betting you still missed the glue arrow. Didn't you?"

As Roy said that, there was a muffled *Floom* from Ollie's quiver as the aforementioned glue arrow blew up showering Ollie with a sticky yellow substance. All Roy could do was grin.

[TheCorpulent1]

Keystone City Cemetery

Barry and I walk through the graves towards the superhero section. Keystone's such a magnet for heroes that the cemetery contains monuments to a lot of them--Hourman, Hal Jordan, and, of course, Barry. We stop at his monument and he looks it over.

"Bit gawdy for my tastes," he mutters.

"Not gawdy enough for what it represents, if you ask me."

"You didn't have anything to do with this thing, did you?"

"Nope. The people of Keystone just wanted to pay their respects to you. You should be honored."

"Oh, I am, I am, don't get me wrong. It's just... do I really stick my tush out like that when I run?"

We look at each other and break down laughing. First good laugh I've had in a while. After it passes, Barry gets serious.

"All right, Wally. You've put the past behind you. Nothing's holding you back anymore. It's time for you to reclaim your speed."

"I'm ready."

"Run then, Wally. Run and do not stop."

I turn back towards the way we came. There's a clear path from Barry's monument, the central one of the entire graveyard, and the entrance. I put one foot in front of the other and begin to run.

"Run like you never have, Wally; like you thought you never would again," I hear Barry's voice call. I quicken my pace, pushing myself to go faster, faster.

"Run faster and harder than you ever have before and remember, Wally."

My legs begin to speed up almost as if they have a will of their own. My feet burn; my lungs ache. I'm sprinting faster than I ever have without my powers, but I feel my legs keep pushing me faster, faster, faster still. I look down and notice a faint glow rising from my feet.

"Remember what it was like to watch the world slide by between the ticks of a second."

The glow's getting brighter. Suddenly a shaft of lightning arcs out of the yellow trim on my sneakers. More lightning follows and I feel the grass scorching beneath my feet. I'm running faster than any human being can naturally now, and I'm still getting faster.

"Remember what it was like to shift into superluminal speed and experience the Speed Force firsthand."

I clear the sound barrier with a crushing boom that rocks every building within a block of me, and I'm still getting faster.

"Remember everything, Wally!"

I clear another barrier and the entire universe falls away like a snake's shed skin. All around me stands the Speed Force, a shimmering, crackling, infinite well of motion. I am awed by its power as I gave upon it for lifetimes, though I know I've only been here for fraction of a moment. I am surrounded by it until it begins to flow through me and I feel myself renewed, recharged, and slowly drifting into oneness with it. This is Heaven, I think. This must be Heaven! And then fear sets in as I realize that this is my Heaven... and I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not ready to die yet--I've only just begun to live again. I think of all the things I've left unfinished--the Rogues need to be stopped, Bart still needs guidance, Jay needs help protecting the Twin Cities, Zoom needs to pay for what he's done, and Linda... Linda needs me.

I try to push myself away while staying connected to a piece of it, and just like that the Speed Force snaps me back to reality and I come to a screeching halt back where I started. Literally. Barry practically jumps back flailing his arms wildly.

"Whoa, easy there, fella!"

I look behind me and find twin trails of fire on the grass. "No problem," I say to Barry with a smile. I put my arms out and spin them. Two horizontal funnels of air form, outing the fires. I race off to the nearest gardening store, grab a few small plots of sod and a hand shovel, leave the money on the counter of one of the checkout lines, and replant the strips I've burned away. "Dntwrythlbgdsnwnnotme!"

"What was that?" Barry asks puzzled.

I'd forgotten to slow my speech down for Barry's normal-speed ears to hear correctly. "I said, 'Don't worry, they'll be good as new in no time!'"

"Nicely done," Barry replies proudly, "on both the grass and your speed."

"Thanks." I hear screams in the distance and I'm reminded of why we came here in the first place. "And now I've got a city to save."

"Hold on, Wally." I turn back to face Barry, who's retrieved the Cosmic Treadmill from Linda's room. "This is where I take my leave."

My heart sinks, but I knew this moment was coming. "I understand, Barry. I'll do my best to keep Keystone and Central safe."

"I know you will, Wally. But first, I think you'll need this." Barry walks over to his own monument and picks up the ring I'd left there. The Flash ring that holds my costume. He tosses it over to me and I catch it. "Well, let's see it. You've gotta look the part if you're going to be a superhero again."

The ring pops open an instant later I'm dressed in the familiar colors of Keystone's protector. I can't help but smile.

"Much better," Barry declares. "And now I'm off. Take care of the Twin Cities, and take care of that wife of yours."

"Goodbye, Barry. And thanks."

"What are friends for?" Barry steps onto the tradmill and begins running. Just before the lightning envelops him, he looks me right in the eyes. "And when the time comes, Wally... find it in your heart to forgive!" And then he's gone. Forgive? Forgive whom? I wonder what Barry meant, but the screams reach me again and I put it aside. Now's not the time for speculation. Now it's time for action.

[Hyper Venom]

He was growing bored. The police, the military, an old man, and a child. That's the best Keystone could throw at him. Zoom was extremely disappointed.

There was a mountain of bodies in the center of Keystone. Fallen police officers and soldiers who had attempted to defeat the Rogues. The Rogues had gathered there bodies into the center and piled them on top of one another. At the top of the mountain stood Zoom, who watched the chaos below him. He had grown frustrated. Raising his arms into the air, he screamed.

"Is there nobody left?!"

He looked down and was astonished at what he saw - Jay Garrick was back on his feet. The Rogues had been beating him mercilessly for the last hour or so, but somehow the old man was back on his feet and throwing punches in every direction. Zoom watched him fight for his life as a Rogue stood on each side of the old man. He didn't even have time to run. He just turned and punched repeatedly, and somehow he was holding his own.

Leaping from the top of the mountain of bodies, Zoom hammered down upon Jay with both fists, sending a resounding boom throughout the area. Jay's body was implanted into the ground. Zoom crouched over him, cocked his fist back, and proceeded to pound Jay's head into the concrete.

"GiveitupoldmanyourenottheFlashanymore!"

Zoom stood up. His yellow glove was covered in Jay Garrick's blood. The old man could no longer fight back. Zoom was finished with him. He lifted Jay into the air by his throat and cocked his fist back once more.

"In case you didn't catch that, I said you're not the Flash anymore..."

Zoom prepared to drive his fist through the elder speedster.

"The Flash is gone...forever..."

[LibrarianThorne]

There is a difference between right and wrong, and that distinction is not difficult to make.

Or is it?

As he kneel on the floor of his cell, this was the question that ran over and over and over in his mind. He could hear the suffering of the citizens of Keystone. How could he not help them? He'd made that mistake once already, when the Rogues broke out of Iron Heights. Now, millions of people were at risk. Kid Flash and Jay Garrick had fallen. In an instant of revelation, it came to him.

He knew what was right. He knew what he had to do. Slowly, purposefully, he rose to his feet, and looked out at the twinkling night sky of Metropolis. One last fight. One last flight.

Effortlessly, he broke the handcuffs that held him. They snapped with a finality, and he then removed the cuffs around his wrists. They fell to the floor with a clatter, and he rubbed his wrists. A familiar light returned to his eyes, and he smiled.

"Keystone needs a hero. I hope I can suffice." In a blur of red and blue, he flew through the wall of his cell. Bricks exploded outwards in a shower of gray, and sirens pierced the night air of Metropolis. He pushed himself ever faster, and above Metropolis, if you listened closely, you could hear the sound of sonic booms.

Superman was coming to Keystone. But would he make it in time?

[Red]

As the guards start pulling me away, I stick my feet on the ground, making them stop.

"Ra's. If you really are going to kill me, let me...let me see Ibn before you do. Consider it a last request."

Ra’s stroked his beard slowly, he nodded to one of the ninja’s carrying Batman and he stepped toward in front of Batman and punched him in the mouth once more. Ra’s followed behind as his men dragged Batman across the floor then tossed him against his prison’s wall. Ra’s stood calmly at the prison’s entrance.

“Consider this my last act of mercy” Ra’s made a gesture with his hand to one of his men “Bring Ibn.” He ordered.


******

A ninja approached the room and escorted Ibn. Ra’s placed his hand on Ibn’s shoulder and looked down at the shy boy. “Ibn this is your father”

Ra’s began to move out the door, but as he did he looked over his shoulder back at Batman with a sly smile.

[wiegeabo]

Kyle glanced around. They were covering all the major exits, but they weren't making a move.

They were trapping them in.

One by one the news choppers in the sky began to disperse, making way for more militarized helicopters.

They were being boxed in.

"It's a trap," Kyle whispered. "They turned the tables on us, and we played right into it."


Damn, damn, damn!

Very well. I power up my forcefield and prepare for real action.

"If they want a fight, let's give them one!"

I take to the air, aiming my ring at Rayner. A blast of energy shoots out, heading for Rayners head. At the last moment it splits into three beams and avoids the Lantern as two strike at groups of men in the stadium. The third lashes backwards and rips off the tail section of one of the flying craft.

[LibrarianThorne]

He was growing bored. The police, the military, an old man, and a child. That's the best Keystone could throw at him. Zoom was extremely disappointed.

There was a mountain of bodies in the center of Keystone. Fallen police officers and soldiers who had attempted to defeat the Rogues. The Rogues had gathered there bodies into the center and piled them on top of one another. At the top of the mountain stood Zoom, who watched the chaos below him. He had grown frustrated. Raising his arms into the air, he screamed.

"Is there nobody left?!"

He looked down and was astonished at what he saw - Jay Garrick was back on his feet. The Rogues had been beating him mercilessly for the last hour or so, but somehow the old man was back on his feet and throwing punches in every direction. Zoom watched him fight for his life as a Rogue stood on each side of the old man. He didn't even have time to run. He just turned and punched repeatedly, and somehow he was holding his own.

Leaping from the top of the mountain of bodies, Zoom hammered down upon Jay with both fists, sending a resounding boom throughout the area. Jay's body was implanted into the ground. Zoom crouched over him, cocked his fist back, and proceeded to pound Jay's head into the concrete.

"GiveitupoldmanyourenottheFlashanymore!"

Zoom stood up. His yellow glove was covered in Jay Garrick's blood. The old man could no longer fight back. Zoom was finished with him. He lifted Jay into the air by his throat and cocked his fist back once more.

"In case you didn't catch that, I said you're not the Flash anymore..."

Zoom prepared to drive his fist through the elder speedster.

"The Flash is gone...forever..."

OOC: If you want me to edit this post, HV, I will! Corp has okayed this bit, though.

The sky burned in his wake, like the breath of some angry god. Ohio passed underneath him in a moment, then Indiana. Another moment gone by, and he was above Kansas. He paused for a moment, his momentum propelling his cape against him as it blew in a breeze of his making. He scanned quickly, and saw Keystone. Smoke rose from the city like blood. He narrowed his eyes, and saw a figure clad in a costume that was the polar opposite of the Flash's, standing above Jay Garrick. He pointed his body down, and shot downwards.

To those listening, a sound like distant thunder could be heard above Keystone. In a fraction of a second, Superman found himself next to one of the Flash's greatest enemies. Hunter Zolomon. Zoom. He reached out with super-speed, catching Zoom's hand before it could strike the unconscious Jay Garrick. Zoom looked at Superman, his blurry features a mask of hatred.

"Zoom. This ends now."

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis wandered. He recognized nothing around him. Everything was confusing, the buildings seemed to distort themselves, sometimes they seemed to be streching into the sky, and at others Jervis could swear he heard them talking.

"Alice...Alice...Alice.." the message was always the same. As he walked by a small store, he noticed a newspaper vending maching. Next to it were a few tabloids, and the cover of one read, "Batman, hero or masked monster?" Jervis halted...bat? The bat?
"TwInKle TwiNkLe liTtLe bAt..." he said softly to himself. A memory flashed before him.

Jervis was sitting with the big man, the one he had seen at his apartment many days ago. He was chuckling to himself as he watched Alice play with her toys in the living room.
"She's a wonderfull little girl Jervis.."
"Thank you mister way....the memory became fuzzy, why couldn't he remeber the name!? yes she really is such a lovely girl, I found I've been spending more time with her since...since..." He stopped, his voice choking a bit.

The big man leaned forward and patted Jervis comfortingly. Jervis looked at him surprised...this man was his...the fuzziness again, what was this man to him? he didn't expect him to treat him with so much kindness.

"Don't worry Jervis..I have a good amount of....experience with loss. If you ever need to talk, just give me a call."

"Thank you," Jervis replied with a nod. Then with a sigh he leaned back and looked down at the paper he had left on the table.

"Another article on Batman?" the big man asked, noticing the headlines. Jervis nodded.

"They still can't make up their minds if he's a hero or not."

The big man gave Jervis an interested look, "What do you think?"

"I think he means well, but one does wonder what makes a man dress up like dracula and save people," Jervis replied. Alice had wandered up, and noticing the heading on the newspaper replied,

"Twinkle twinkle little bat!" before running off to go play with her dolls again.

"She really knows her alice in wonderland doesn't she?" the big man replied.

"Yes...she's quite an intelligent little girl," Jervis answered.

The memory was gone, and it left Jervis feeling more empty then before, staring at the tabloid.

"twinkle....twinkle....little...bat......"

[SuperFerret]

"Ugh, jeez..." Plastic Man sat up, shaking his head, "anyone get the license plate of that truck?" He stood and looked around, suddenly realizing something horrible.

Grodd was gone.

"Awww.... now I'm gonna have to find him again."

"I don't know who you're lookin' for, but he'll have to wait."

Plastic Man turned just in time to dodge the ice blast, leaving only his right hand to be frozen solid by Captain Cold.

OOC: Johnny, hope you don't mind that I used Cold for this.
"Aaagghhh!" Screaming, Plas lashed out, striking Cold with his frozen hand, knocking the Rogue to the ground.

Cold regained his footing quickly, having rolled with the blow, though a small trickle of blood became visible within the Captain's hood.

"Oh, you're going to pay for that one, hero."

[Watchman]

Gotham City- a charity dinner that is playing host to a number of Gotham Citiy's wealthest.

BANG! A sercurity guard falls down dead. There standing in the doorway holding a smoking gun and a scthye stands a lanky figure.

"Greetings the people of Gotham I am Scarecrow and I will be your host tonight."

Hub City-A while ago

Scarecrow gets into the police car and slams the door. Not one hero in site what a worthless trip he thought to himself. He was tried of getting nothing done and taking orders. Back to Gotham he thought to have some fun.

Gotham City

"Don't you just love hostage situtions? What is he going to next? Is he going to kill me or my friend? We'll we make out it alive? I can feel the fear all around the room" he points his gun a a woman's head who starts to scream. He turns the gun and fires a bullet in the man siting right next to her. She continues to scream, "How I love that sound".

A man at another table whispers to his wife on how he's going to do something. He grabs a knife and sneaks up Scarecrow who has his back turn. Scarecrow pretends not to notice him.

"How about a song until the police showed up someone was bound to call them by now". The man is right next to Scarecrow but he catches him. He puts his scythe into his stomach.

"Well the weather outside looks frightful" gases fills the man's face. Scarecrow kicks him down and the man holds his gut and begins to scream. "WHo dO yOu thInK I Am MaXIe zeUs?" he turned back to the crowd. "Now ladies and gentlemen how much are your lives worth to you?"

[Hyper Venom]

OOC: If you want me to edit this post, HV, I will! Corp has okayed this bit, though.

The sky burned in his wake, like the breath of some angry god. Ohio passed underneath him in a moment, then Indiana. Another moment gone by, and he was above Kansas. He paused for a moment, his momentum propelling his cape against him as it blew in a breeze of his making. He scanned quickly, and saw Keystone. Smoke rose from the city like blood. He narrowed his eyes, and saw a figure clad in a costume that was the polar opposite of the Flash's, standing above Jay Garrick. He pointed his body down, and shot downwards.

To those listening, a sound like distant thunder could be heard above Keystone. In a fraction of a second, Superman found himself next to one of the Flash's greatest enemies. Hunter Zolomon. Zoom. He reached out with super-speed, catching Zoom's hand before it could strike the unconscious Jay Garrick. Zoom looked at Superman, his blurry features a mask of hatred.

"Zoom. This ends now."

Zoom paused and stared at the man who had just grabbed his hand.

Superman. The Man of Steel. The hero of all heroes.

Zoom laughed in his face.

In a split second, he was standing on the other side of Superman.

"Says the man who was recently incarcerated."

Zoom thought for a moment, and then ran away. He came back two seconds later.

"Nope...couldn't find any Kryptonite anywhere. Looks like I'm going to have exercise a little creativity."

Zoom loved the fact that even Superman couldn't move fast enough to keep up with him. He took off, running all the way to Central City. Once there, he turned on his heel and ran back, building inertia as he did so. He drew his arms back as he ran all the way back to Keystone, back to where Superman was standing. Leaving sonic booms in his wake, Zoom continued running until he was standing right in front of Superman. Not even bothering to stop, he finally brought both hands together in a massive thunderclap. The clap caused a massive sonic boom that propelled Superman across the street, through the lobby of a nearby building, through the wall in the back of the building, and finally into the side of a van. Zoom appeared in front of Superman a second later.

"Paaaaathetic Iwouldhaveexpected better from you Suuuuuperman..."

Without warning, the winds around Zoom began to shift. Soon, another window in time had opened up near him. He turned his head to watch it.

The past...

Superman hovered over the streets of Metropolis, his former comrades standing against him.

He was a tool of the Unity. He was the enemy of the Earth. The defender of truth and justice was dead.

The assorted heroes stood ready to fight him. They had even enlisted Zoom to take him down.

Superman was no hero...

The window disappeared. Zoom turned back to Superman and chuckled.

"How the mighty have fallen..."

Zoom turned away from Superman.

"You're not worthy to stop me. What kind of hero throws a bus into a building full of innocent people? You're not what you once were, Superman. I wanted a real hero to stop me..."

[Spider-Man9X17]

"We've been compromised."

"Release secondary weapon."

-

The main helicopter, a cargo carrier, positioned itself over the center of the stadium. Kyle craned his head upwards just in time to see something fall out of the side door. It landed hard just beside the second base area, kicking sand into the air and leaving a huge crater in the field.

Kyle tensed, reforming a shield around himself.

"Well, well, well, you little puke."

Kyle's heart froze. He snarled as the figure walked out of the haze of dust.

"It seems we still have some unfinished business."

The hideous purple face of Major Force twisted into a gnarled grin. Energy lashed from each clenched fist.

"Bring it, you sick b@$tard."

[LibrarianThorne]

Zoom paused and stared at the man who had just grabbed his hand.

Superman. The Man of Steel. The hero of all heroes.

Zoom laughed in his face.

In a split second, he was standing on the other side of Superman.

"Says the man who was recently incarcerated."

Zoom thought for a moment, and then ran away. He came back two seconds later.

"Nope...couldn't find any Kryptonite anywhere. Looks like I'm going to have exercise a little creativity."

Zoom loved the fact that even Superman couldn't move fast enough to keep up with him. He took off, running all the way to Central City. Once there, he turned on his heel and ran back, building inertia as he did so. He drew his arms back as he ran all the way back to Keystone, back to where Superman was standing. Leaving sonic booms in his wake, Zoom continued running until he was standing right in front of Superman. Not even bothering to stop, he finally brought both hands together in a massive thunderclap. The clap caused a massive sonic boom that propelled Superman across the street, through the lobby of a nearby building, through the wall in the back of the building, and finally into the side of a van. Zoom appeared in front of Superman a second later.

"Paaaaathetic Iwouldhaveexpected better from you Suuuuuperman..."

Without warning, the winds around Zoom began to shift. Soon, another window in time had opened up near him. He turned his head to watch it.

The past...

Superman hovered over the streets of Metropolis, his former comrades standing against him.

He was a tool of the Unity. He was the enemy of the Earth. The defender of truth and justice was dead.

The assorted heroes stood ready to fight him. They had even enlisted Zoom to take him down.

Superman was no hero...

The window disappeared. Zoom turned back to Superman and chuckled.

"How the mighty have fallen..."

Zoom turned away from Superman.

"You're not worthy to stop me. What kind of hero throws a bus into a building full of innocent people? You're not what you once were, Superman. I wanted a real hero to stop me..."

He rubbed his chin. Zoom was as fast as the Flash, faster even. And worse, he had absolutely no respect for human life.

He stood up, and surveyed the damage. This needed to end. He needed to think of something, and quick.

"Who is a hero, Zoom?"he said, causing the villain to turn around. "You? Who are you to tell the Flash, or me, or anyone who and what a hero is? You're a pathetic, deluded lunatic. You've killed thousands of people. I may not know what a hero is, but I definitely know what isn't a hero. You aren't a hero, Zoom, and you never will be."

In a blur of red and blue, he was again standing in front of Jay. The old timer's breathing was heavy, labored. Superman could tell by the beat of Jay's heart that the Flash was in danger of a cardiac arrest. Zoom, of course, was already there by the time he got there. Zoom disappeared momentarily, moving too fast for even Superman to percieve. He heard a snap, and then a wall of force slammed into him, knocking him a few hundred feet into the sky.

Superman felt something wet and warm rolling down his lip. He touched his finger to his lip, and looked at it. Blood. This is bad.

He clenched his teeth, and flew back down into the city. He didn't know how he could stop Zoom. The best he could do in the mean time was minimize damage to the city, and hope someone arrived soon who could fight Zoom.

[wiegeabo]

"We've been compromised."

"Release secondary weapon."

-

The main helicopter, a cargo carrier, positioned itself over the center of the stadium. Kyle craned his head upwards just in time to see something fall out of the side door. It landed hard just beside the second base area, kicking sand into the air and leaving a huge crater in the field.

Kyle tensed, reforming a shield around himself.

"Well, well, well, you little puke."

Kyle's heart froze. He snarled as the figure walked out of the haze of dust.

"It seems we still have some unfinished business."

The hideous purple face of Major Force twisted into a gnarled grin. Energy lashed from each clenched fist.

"Bring it, you sick b@$tard."


Who the frak is that?

I don't have time to think about is as a pair of missles explode against my back. I fly through the air, trailing smoke behind me, and slam into the seating area, breaking through a wall.

***

"Chopper 2 to Command, repeat Chopper 2 to Command. Confirm hit on Bogey 2. The traitor has been neutralized."

"Command to Chopper 2, excellent. Report on Bogey 2 location. We may be able to salvage his ring."

"Chopper 2 to Command, bogey downed at...Holy Crap. Evasive action now! NOW!"

***

I slice the aircraft in half and it explodes. The men on board are caught in a field. I spin them around until the g-forces cause them to pass out. I then unceremoniously dump them in the parking area outside the stadium. It's so much easier when you can just kill them.

Two more flying aircraft appear. A number of men take up positions in the seating area aiming weapons at me. Small red laser dots appear all over my body. I lift up my ring.

This will be fun.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/wiegeabo/sin91.jpg

[MaskedManJRK]

Ra’s stroked his beard slowly, he nodded to one of the ninja’s carrying Batman and he stepped toward in front of Batman and punched him in the mouth once more. Ra’s followed behind as his men dragged Batman across the floor then tossed him against his prison’s wall. Ra’s stood calmly at the prison’s entrance.

“Consider this my last act of mercy” Ra’s made a gesture with his hand to one of his men “Bring Ibn.” He ordered.


******

A ninja approached the room and escorted Ibn. Ra’s placed his hand on Ibn’s shoulder and looked down at the shy boy. “Ibn this is your father”

Ra’s began to move out the door, but as he did he looked over his shoulder back at Batman with a sly smile.

When the guards tossed me back into my cell, I started to think up things to say to Ibn when he came in; but, as the kid walked down the corridor, ahead of the biggest of Ra's' assassins, with quick, methodacal steps that shows expierence in personal, mortal combat, I couldn't think of anything to say.

Not that I thought of anything to say. I never thought about it much when I was Ibn's age--hell, besides training and studying, I didn't think much about anything--but I realize now that I am completely and utterly socially enempt. It's not just the fact I go out at night in a Holloween costume and beat up criminals with hardwere that would put James Bond to shame, but looking back at some of the things I've done, I know I have...well...I've been a real ass-hole. With the exception of missions and stragedies, I haven't said that much to interact with people.

Its not that I can't think of them--my introspection clearly shows I can--its putting them to words that is my mortal enemy. When it comes to creating conversation, I'm just about an expert as a Palsy victim doing brain surgery with a pipe wrench.

I hear the lead cage door slam and saw Ibn standing next to the bars, facing me.

Ibn. Ibn al Xu'ffasch, I believe Ra's called him. My son--my natural, birth son. I'm mistaken, he's not facing me--he's glaring at me. Obviously, Ra's told him about me.

I stare back at him, taking him in. Ibn. Ibn al Xu'ffasch. My son. I can see some of him in me, in his features, a little bit of Father, but he mostly reminds me of Talia.

Come on, Bruce, think of something to say. This might be your last chance...

"Uh...hi." I suddenly had the urge to slap myself on the back of my head.

"Hi," he answers back, looking just about as unconfortable as I am. He looks around the bare cell, his eyes finding the broken proclain laying across the side of my cell. "What is that about?"

"I throw the toliet at Ra's to escape." What sounds like a hushed laugh comes out of Ibn's lips, silenced by his hand. "So...uh...Ibn al Xu'ffasch, right? Arabic?"

"Yes, it means 'Son of the Bat.'"

"Really? Hmm, its as though Ra's is practically bellowing out that he has his mortal enemies' son and has raised him as his own."

"Yeah, Father is a bit...proud of this fact."

I knew this was going to happen. I knew that Ibn, most likely being with Ra's for so long, and I only seeing him face to face for the first time, would prefer Ra's over me. I prepared myself for this, told myself this what felt like thousends and thousends of times, but hearing him say the word "father" and not relating it to me tore me apart. Ibn must have seen this--he can see right through me, another trait of his mother--and stood closer to me.

"You know that I only came here because you requested it as your last request before my father executes you. I only have one thing to ask you of, and as soon as I get an answer I'm stasfyed with, you will never see me again. I won't even be there for the execution--the last thing you will see is my TRUE father--The Demon's Head--laugh as you are hung from the noose.

"Now, my question--why? Why did you, my biological father, abandon me, let me be raised by peasants? Was...was I not good enough for you? Or my mother? Why?" His eyes started to water, but he forces them back. I can tell--because I was doing the same.

"I...I didn't know. Talia, your mother, told me she was pregnaut, but she told me she lost it when one of your...your father's enemies attacked him in one of his strongholds. I left after your father and I finished him off. Apparently, Talia lied, had you, and gave you up."

"Why do you think she lied to you?"

"I...I don't know." Probably because I'm an obsessed, depressed psycho who has to use physical violence to make the pain go away, I finish to myself. I would give anything to not have the ability to cry right now.

Seconds turn to minutes, and a silence hangs over us like badly tailored suits. Finally, I find something to say.

"If your mother had not lied to me, I would have been there. I...I honestly think I would have gave up Batman completely, just for the chance to be a father...your father. I would give anything to change things, so that I could have watched you grown. I know it won't change anything but I want you to know that I am really, truely, sorry that things have turned out this way.

"Looking back, seeing me raise other kids: Dick, Jason, Tim, Barbara, Cass--I realize something about me; something, I don't think I could either see or admit to see: my goal in life might have been to help other people, but seeing my...sons and daughters grow up, I know my real ambition, my real goal in life--to be a father, bring someone into this world that had part of me inside, and raise him or her to be the best human being possible, so I'll know that when I'm dead and gone, a part of me will live on.

"I wanted to be someone my Father would be proud of. I...I wanted to be a dad."

He looks at me, passively, indifferently. My voice is hollow, just on the very edge of cracking.

"...You don't belive me, do you?"

He doesn't say anything, he barely even breathes. The corridor is filled again with one of the Ubus.

"Master Ibn, the Demon's Head wishes to speak to you." Ibn starts moving away.

"Wait." He stops and looks back at me. "One last thing, then you can leave me. I...I know I don't deserve it, but...God, this sounds so corny...I...I want to hug you. I...I couldn't be able to stand dying tomorrow if I never held my son once before I passed on."

He looks at me, with eyes so much like her mother's, as though he was looking right through me. He quickly got close to me and I put my arms around him. Its awkward at first, but he sits down on the bed and wraps his arms around me.

For the first time in...God, I don't know how long...ever...I let go. I let the tears fall.

What felt like hours later, he disengaged it, and he stands, about to say something, his lips moving to say it, but I could see it in his eyes.

"I know, Ibn. Good bye." He walks out of the cell, and finally out of the corridor.

I felt...empty, but...I noticed on my shoulder, where Ibn's head was when we embraced for the first and final time, a single, small, wet stain. He cried too...

I laid down on the bed, looking into the plain ceiling. I remembered my signal, and knew that if it got through, that Vic and the others are going to pull off a rescue attempt.

If I survive by the time they get here, I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to let the other superheroes go and save the world from Ra's' latest scheme.

Right now, I am no longer a superhero, I am no longer the last hope for humanity, I am no longer Batman. I am Bruce Wayne, and I am going to show my son that I am his true father, whatever it takes...

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle slammed chest first into the outfield.

"There goes a rib."

Major Force picked him up by the scruff of the neck, and tossed him into the foul pole.

"Make that three ribs."

"C'mon, punk. I remember you being a little tougher than this. Space made you soft?"

Force landed a stiff haymaker across Kyle's cheek.

"And a molar."

"I usually don't hit women, but if you want a fight so bad...," Kyle jabbed a hard-light dagger through his opponents biceps. Major Force let him drop to the ground as a grunt of pain escaped his lips.

"Yeah, that's the runt I remember. Just wouldn't be any fun killing you with a little resistance."

"Wow, that's a three syllable word. You movin' up in the world."

[Hyper Venom]

He rubbed his chin. Zoom was as fast as the Flash, faster even. And worse, he had absolutely no respect for human life.

He stood up, and surveyed the damage. This needed to end. He needed to think of something, and quick.

"Who is a hero, Zoom?"he said, causing the villain to turn around. "You? Who are you to tell the Flash, or me, or anyone who and what a hero is? You're a pathetic, deluded lunatic. You've killed thousands of people. I may not know what a hero is, but I definitely know what isn't a hero. You aren't a hero, Zoom, and you never will be."

In a blur of red and blue, he was again standing in front of Jay. The old timer's breathing was heavy, labored. Superman could tell by the beat of Jay's heart that the Flash was in danger of a cardiac arrest. Zoom, of course, was already there by the time he got there. Zoom disappeared momentarily, moving too fast for even Superman to percieve. He heard a snap, and then a wall of force slammed into him, knocking him a few hundred feet into the sky.

Superman felt something wet and warm rolling down his lip. He touched his finger to his lip, and looked at it. Blood. This is bad.

He clenched his teeth, and flew back down into the city. He didn't know how he could stop Zoom. The best he could do in the mean time was minimize damage to the city, and hope someone arrived soon who could fight Zoom.

Zoom stared up at Superman as he flew back toward the city. It almost made him laugh, watching this man who could obliterate an asteroid if he wanted to, and knowing full well that the man had no hope of beating him. Zoom reached down and grabbed Jay by his ankle, then took off. He ran laps around Keystone, dragging the elder speedster along the ground behind him. After four laps, he stopped at the spot where the pile of bodies was looked over his shoulder at Superman.

"You want to save the old man? Then race me for him!"

With that, he began to run again, dragging Jay behind him.

[LibrarianThorne]

Zoom stared up at Superman as he flew back toward the city. It almost made him laugh, watching this man who could obliterate an asteroid if he wanted to, and knowing full well that the man had no hope of beating him. Zoom reached down and grabbed Jay by his ankle, then took off. He ran laps around Keystone, dragging the elder speedster along the ground behind him. After four laps, he stopped at the spot where the pile of bodies was looked over his shoulder at Superman.

"You want to save the old man? Then race me for him!"

With that, he began to run again, dragging Jay behind him.

Jay can't take that kind of abuse, thought Superman. He'd only had time to take a quck x-ray scan of the old speedster, but even with that he knew that Jay had a punctured lung and couldn't last very long.

As strong as Superman was, he knew he couldn't fight Zoom physically. The only edge he had was that he wasn't insane, and Zoom was. He recalled all the times Wally had told him about Hunter Zolomon, about the sick and twisted individual that was fighting him now. He then remembered that Hunter had a particular psychosis around his wife. The wife that he had killed. The wife buried in Keystone Cemetary.

It was a disgusting plan. If this were anyone else, he would never do it. But he had no other options, and time was short. He could hear Zoom cackling, the crying of the citizens of Keystone. He had one shot to get this right.

Fifty feet above street level, Superman turned into a red and blue blur, arriving less than a second later at Keystone Cemetary. There, he searched the entire cemetary in a nanosecond, eventually finding the grave of Ashley Zolomon. In another nanosecond, he had uncovered the casket of Zoom's wife. Hoisting it up with one arm, he then flew to several hundred feet above Keystone. The stench of death reeked from the casket, but Superman knew he had no other choice. For the good of the city, this battle had to end now.

"ZOOM! Drop the Flash now or I will send your wife somewhere not even you can follow!"

[Hyper Venom]

Jay can't take that kind of abuse, thought Superman. He'd only had time to take a quck x-ray scan of the old speedster, but even with that he knew that Jay had a punctured lung and couldn't last very long.

As strong as Superman was, he knew he couldn't fight Zoom physically. The only edge he had was that he wasn't insane, and Zoom was. He recalled all the times Wally had told him about Hunter Zolomon, about the sick and twisted individual that was fighting him now. He then remembered that Hunter had a particular psychosis around his wife. The wife that he had killed. The wife buried in Keystone Cemetary.

It was a disgusting plan. If this were anyone else, he would never do it. But he had no other options, and time was short. He could hear Zoom cackling, the crying of the citizens of Keystone. He had one shot to get this right.

Fifty feet above street level, Superman turned into a red and blue blur, arriving less than a second later at Keystone Cemetary. There, he searched the entire cemetary in a nanosecond, eventually finding the grave of Ashley Zolomon. In another nanosecond, he had uncovered the casket of Zoom's wife. Hoisting it up with one arm, he then flew to several hundred feet above Keystone. The stench of death reeked from the casket, but Superman knew he had no other choice. For the good of the city, this battle had to end now.

"ZOOM! Drop the Flash now or I will send your wife somewhere not even you can follow!"

Zoom stopped on a dime.

He turned and looked skyward.

His eyes widened with horror.

"Ashley..."

He had the audacity to desecrate Ashley's grave...

Without thinking, Zoom dropped Jay to the ground. He ran in Superman's direction in a split second.

"Pthrdwnyoubstrd!" he said, attemping to say, "Put her down you bastard" but moving entirely too fast to speak coherently.

He looked around at the surrounding Rogues. One of them would have to help him. He stopped when he saw Weather Wizard.

"Weather Wizard!" he yelled. The villain turned to see Zoom pointing up at Superman. "Get me up there, NOW!"

Zoom began running in place in order to build inertia as Weather Wizard complied. He conjured a massive gust of wind, which soon swept up Zoom and launched him into the air. With the inertia pent up in his body, Zoom flew toward Superman like a missile. Flying upwards, he smashed his fist into Superman's jaw with a vicious right hook. He proceeded to throw numerous punches as fast as he could, striking Superman in his face, neck, and stomach repeatedly. He continued to hit Superman until his hands were sore, landing about fourty punches on the Man of Steel in the span of about five seconds. He snatched Ashley's coffin away from Superman and let himself fall to the ground. Once on the ground, he ran back to her grave, placed the coffin back into the ground, and covered it with dirt as fast as he could.

"Baby, I'm so sorry...I won't let him hurt you..."

Zoom arose and turned toward Superman. It had been years since he felt this kind of rage.

"Get down here and face me...now..."

[LibrarianThorne]

Zoom stopped on a dime.

He turned and looked skyward.

His eyes widened with horror.

"Ashley..."

He had the audacity to desecrate Ashley's grave...

Without thinking, Zoom dropped Jay to the ground. He ran in Superman's direction in a split second.

"Pthrdwnyoubstrd!" he said, attemping to say, "Put her down you bastard" but moving entirely too fast to speak coherently.

He looked around at the surrounding Rogues. One of them would have to help him. He stopped when he saw Weather Wizard.

"Weather Wizard!" he yelled. The villain turned to see Zoom pointing up at Superman. "Get me up there, NOW!"

Zoom began running in place in order to build inertia as Weather Wizard complied. He conjured a massive gust of wind, which soon swept up Zoom and launched him into the air. With the inertia pent up in his body, Zoom flew toward Superman like a missile. Flying upwards, he smashed his fist into Superman's jaw with a vicious right hook. He proceeded to throw numerous punches as fast as he could, striking Superman in his face, neck, and stomach repeatedly. He continued to hit Superman until his hands were sore, landing about fourty punches on the Man of Steel in the span of about five seconds. He snatched Ashley's coffin away from Superman and let himself fall to the ground. Once on the ground, he ran back to her grave, placed the coffin back into the ground, and covered it with dirt as fast as he could.

"Baby, I'm so sorry...I won't let him hurt you..."

Zoom arose and turned toward Superman. It had been years since he felt this kind of rage.

"Get down here and face me...now..."

The ferocity of Zoom's blows did not come as a surprise to the Man of Steel. He had prepared his body for the punishment it was about to endure, and even then Zoom's blows still hurt. He had allowed Zoom to take the casket, and while Zoom was distracted, Superman flew down to the still form of Jay Garrick.

"Hold on, Flash. I'm going to get you to a hospital just as soon as I-" There was a sound of pounding feet, Superman looked, and all he saw was a blur of yellow.

[Hyper Venom]

The ferocity of Zoom's blows did not come as a surprise to the Man of Steel. He had prepared his body for the punishment it was about to endure, and even then Zoom's blows still hurt. He had allowed Zoom to take the casket, and while Zoom was distracted, Superman flew down to the still form of Jay Garrick.

"Hold on, Flash. I'm going to get you to a hospital just as soon as I-" There was a sound of pounding feet, Superman looked, and all he saw was a blur of yellow.

He would not allow Superman to get away with this blatant show of disrespect.

He was going to put his fist through him...

Zoom slammed Superman in the face with a hard right hand and kept running.

Through Keystone, through Central, through Gotham, through Metropolis...

Across the Atlantic...

Through England, through Ireland, through India, through Africa, through Japan...

Across the Pacific...

Through Honolulu, through Los Angeles, through Dallas, through Dayton, through the Appalachian Mountains...

All around the world and back to Keystone...

He struck Superman once again in the face. The entire planet was deafened by the most massive sonic boom ever to be created. Glass shattered all around Keystone. A low-level earthquake rocked the town for about ten seconds. The city was blanketed in wind. Superman was rocked back by the massive punch.

Zoom continued to run...

Building up inertia, building mass, just as the Flash had done before...but Zoom was faster...better...he would do it much better than the Flash could.

Around the world in eighty seconds...

He struck Superman again.

He stood still, punching Superman repeatedly. In the face, in the stomach, in the chest, in the throat, in the ribs, in the back, in the kidneys. He didn't count how many times he struck the Man of Steel. He continued to punch him until his knuckles bled. Eventually he stopped. He had relieved much of his anger, and now there was nothing to do but wait for Superman to either retaliate or fall. Zoom waited patiently to see which would happen.

[LibrarianThorne]

He would not allow Superman to get away with this blatant show of disrespect.

He was going to put his fist through him...

Zoom slammed Superman in the face with a hard right hand and kept running.

Through Keystone, through Central, through Gotham, through Metropolis...

Across the Atlantic...

Through England, through Ireland, through India, through Africa, through Japan...

Across the Pacific...

Through Honolulu, through Los Angeles, through Dallas, through Dayton, through the Appalachian Mountains...

All around the world and back to Keystone...

He struck Superman once again in the face. The entire planet was deafened by the most massive sonic boom ever to be created. Glass shattered all around Keystone. A low-level earthquake rocked the town for about ten seconds. The city was blanketed in wind. Superman was rocked back by the massive punch.

Zoom continued to run...

Building up inertia, building mass, just as the Flash had done before...but Zoom was faster...better...he would do it much better than the Flash could.

Around the world in eighty seconds...

He struck Superman again.

He stood still, punching Superman repeatedly. In the face, in the stomach, in the chest, in the throat, in the ribs, in the back, in the kidneys. He didn't count how many times he struck the Man of Steel. He continued to punch him until his knuckles bled. Eventually he stopped. He had relieved much of his anger, and now there was nothing to do but wait for Superman to either retaliate or fall. Zoom waited patiently to see which would happen.

Zoom's first blow snapped his head back. He felt dizzy for a moment as the world went out of focus around him. My God, he just gave me a concussion. He blinked his eyes in an effort to regain balance, but was still unsteady when Zoom punched him again. Too fas-, he thought as the yellow blur smashed his stomach.

The force of it wuold defy categorization for many years. Superman's ribs cracked and broke, one piercing his stomach. Like some obscene ballet, he felt his bones floating in side of his body. He coughed up up blood, and doubled over in pain. Can't fight much longer. Hits harder than Doomsday. Got to end this. Save the city. Got to-, he thought, but was unable to finish thinking before Zoom returned.

The blows fell like rain upon him. Each fist an indisctinct blur of motion, even to him. Jabs, uppercuts, every kind of blow was rained upon Superman, and then suddenly it stopped. He stood shakily for a moment after Zoom's barrage. His pupils wre wide and unfocused. Bruises appeared over his face and hands. Blood began to trickle out of the mouth of the Man of Steel.

Then, a cold wind blew through the city. It was strong enough to lift up his cape, which flapped plaintively in the wind. Superman appeared confused, then, almost like a lost child as his vacant eyes searched for something only he could see. "Lois..."

With an air of finality, Superman collapsed to the ground. His body landed in a heap, and there Superman lay.

This is Flash's city. Where is he...

[TheCorpulent1]

My name is Wally West. For the first time in a very long time, I can once again call myself

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/thecorpulent1/RPG/theflash-logo.jpg

--the fastest man alive. But instead of celebrating the return of my powers, I’m forced to remember why I’ve gotten them back in the first place: the Rogues have declared war on Keystone City and it’s up to me to stop them.

First things first, though. I vibrate myself invisible--no sense wasting the element of surprise--and race through the streets at a comfortable mach 6, suppressing the sonic booms and other physical after effects that should be crowding around my wake; no use trying to save Keystone if I’m just going to be leaving the asphalt and buildings a tattered mess behind me. My mind wanders to things like that when I’m running in speed mode. The relative time that passes is excruciating to me, but finally I arrive at my destination: the Flash Museum. Or at least the site it formerly occupied. Now it’s in ruins because of Zoom.

You may be asking yourself why I’m concerned with the Flash Museum. Rescue crews are already on the scene between the news report on TV and the time I arrive, after all. Here’s the thing about the Flash Museum, though: It’s a huge place, and, worse, it’s a popular tourist attraction. Hundreds and hundreds of people drift in and out of the Flash Museum’s doors every day. Today its doors were open for regular business hours--you do the math. The rescue workers are doing their best, but ultimately I know they’ll never be able to help everyone in time. So that leaves this particular rescue operation up to me. No problem, I tell myself as I get to work.

Five seconds later I’ve pulled four hundred sixty-eight people out of the rubble. There simply aren’t enough gurneys to fit them all, so I’m forced to perform super-speed triage. The three hundred forty-seven who were mildly injured or largely uninjured I just set down near one of the rescue vehicles; all they’ve got to worry about is contacting their loved ones, letting them know they’re all right, and then (hopefully) getting the hell out of here. The seventy-three with minor injuries that’ll require a couple of weeks’ stay in the hospital I keep near the gurneys. The thirty-one who are in critical condition I leave on the gurneys closest to rescue workers. As for the remaining seventeen... dead. Because I was powerless to save them from monsters like Zoom just half an hour before. But there’s no time to mourn now. I focus on the tasks at hand and push away my guilt. Later, I will take payment for each and every one of them out of Zoom and the Rogues in blood. Later.

I finish up at the museum and give it a final once-over. Good thing, too. I missed a survivor--a tabby cat trapped under the wreckage that used to be the museum’s model of Girder. I clear the wreckage and run the cat out of there, but I can’t drop my invisibility to search for her owner so I leave her on top of one of the rescue vehicles. Someone’s sure to find her up there and get her back home. Confident that I’ve done all I can here, I leave the former site of the Flash Museum. Next stop: Rogue central.

I keep pace with a police car to eavesdrop on its scanner; the Rogues have taken the downtown intersection that is the center of the city as their de facto headquarters. I scout the place out first from a radius of about two blocks. It’d normally be tough to see anything, but at the speed I’m going the buildings and the gaps between them form something like a high-speed slideshow. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than charging in and getting killed for the sake of a better view. I can’t see Zoom or some of the Rogues, but I’m horrified by what I do see.

There was a mountain of bodies in the center of Keystone. Fallen police officers and soldiers who had attempted to defeat the Rogues. The Rogues had gathered there bodies into the center and piled them on top of one another.
These butchers have made themselves a monument, I think bitterly. I’m about to head in right then, but caution makes me think twice. The Rogues outnumber me by a lot, and I haven’t even seen Jay or Bart, although I know they must be out there fighting the Rogues somewhere--no way would they stand by and let this happen. I hope they’re all right, but I have to assume that I’m on my own for now. That means I’ll need a distraction. The Rogues don’t know what happened to me--for all they know, I could be dead--so why not use that?

A plan forms in my mind. All I need is a hapless assistant. I run around my two-block radius searching. Most of the Rogues seem to be gathered in the intersection, but some of them are dumb enough to leave the safety of their morbid nest to wreak more havoc. I spot Replicant wandering down the street I’m on, burning buildings. An aging security guard steps out of the office building ahead of him and I witness true heroism in action. This poor old man points his revolver at Replicant and tells him to freeze in a quavering voice. The bastard actually laughs and aims his hand at him; this guard is going to die by immolation if I don’t do something about it. So I do.

“Hey, Gambi,” I call, willing myself visible again. “You looking for a fight? Try me.”

I wait for that satisfying flash of recognition followed by shock in Replicant’s eyes. “You! You’re supposed to be gon--“

He doesn’t get to finish his sentence. I pull out all the stops and let the speed flow through me; time screeches to a halt and Replicant’s freezes with his flabbergasted expression still plastered on his face. I put one foot in front of the other and in a few steps I’m pushing the speed of light. Replicant begins to blueshift as I slam my fist into his face the first time. I shift down to ten times the speed of sound so I can savor the moment. He arcs through the air and lands with a thud, but surprisingly he gets back up. Gambi definitely doesn’t have a glass jaw, I’ve gotta give him that. I jump back up to full speed and punch him a hundred times, pushing him back each time. I deliberately let the effects of my super-speed be felt; the burnt, gutted buildings that Replicant set fire to rumble in my wake. I hit him one last time and he finally falls right in front of the Rogues’ mound of bodies. I shift my perceptions down to normal speed while keeping the Speed Force flowing through me, lightning shooting all over in an attention-grabbing light show. I want all the Rogues watching; they can’t do more damage if their attention’s on me.

“ROGUES!” I shout. “You’ve had your fun, but playtime’s over. Keystone is under the Flash’s protection again!

“Now get out of my city.”

[Hyper Venom]

Zoom's first blow snapped his head back. He felt dizzy for a moment as the world went out of focus around him. My God, he just gave me a concussion. He blinked his eyes in an effort to regain balance, but was still unsteady when Zoom punched him again. Too fas-, he thought as the yellow blur smashed his stomach.

The force of it wuold defy categorization for many years. Superman's ribs cracked and broke, one piercing his stomach. Like some obscene ballet, he felt his bones floating in side of his body. He coughed up up blood, and doubled over in pain. Can't fight much longer. Hits harder than Doomsday. Got to end this. Save the city. Got to-, he thought, but was unable to finish thinking before Zoom returned.

The blows fell like rain upon him. Each fist an indisctinct blur of motion, even to him. Jabs, uppercuts, every kind of blow was rained upon Superman, and then suddenly it stopped. He stood shakily for a moment after Zoom's barrage. His pupils wre wide and unfocused. Bruises appeared over his face and hands. Blood began to trickle out of the mouth of the Man of Steel.

Then, a cold wind blew through the city. It was strong enough to lift up his cape, which flapped plaintively in the wind. Superman appeared confused, then, almost like a lost child as his vacant eyes searched for something only he could see. "Lois..."

With an air of finality, Superman collapsed to the ground. His body landed in a heap, and there Superman lay.

This is Flash's city. Where is he...

Zoom stood before the fallen hero and sighed. Even the great Superman couldn't stop him.

The Society was right all along, and it only confirmed his beliefs. These people were unworthy of calling themselves heroes. If Superman had stopped him, he would have stood down and allowed the heroes to stop the Society. But now, he would remain on their side and would help them destroy the other "heroes".

Zoom was disappointed. He was actually hoping that Superman could have stopped him.

"It's sad, really...I wanted you to win."

Zoom stood over the bodies of Jay Garrick and Superman, and thought about what to do.

"Hm...I guess all I can do now is kill you both..."

[wiegeabo]

The projectiles sting, even through my forcefield, but they still just bounce off. High powered, and yellow. They were obviously designed to take down Lanterns. Right now, I'm glad I'm not one.

I ignore the weapons fire from the men in the seating areas. I just boost my field strength to compensate. The problem are the two flying craft firing their own projectiles at me. And the real problem, are the missiles they have just fired.

I take off into the air, and the missles continue to follow. Very well. Stopping instantly, I streak back down between the missiles. They miss me and cross over to continue tracking me. Two collide with each other in the air and explode. The remaing two still follow. And I let them get closer.

Just as we reach the stadium, I turn and trap the missiles in bubbles. Then I change their course and slam them into the tail sections of the remaining aircraft. They begin to spin out of control as their rear propellers explode.

Reaching in with my ring, I grab the pilots from their craft, and set them and the craft down in the parking areas. There is no one around at all. No curious spectators and, oddly, no law enforcement. Which means these men have some control over the law. What have you gotton yourself into Rayner?

I reenter the stadium and, floating over the center, use my ring to track every lifesign in it. Ignoring Rayner and his opponent below, dozens of beams of light lash out in all directions. I close my eyes to focus my concentration at the task at hand. My beams first strike their weapons, neutralizing them. Then they grab the people who had been using them against me. With a single tug on my ring, I pull them all out into the open, dangling them a hundred feet in the air.

Once again I have to curse this hero rule about never killing. I know if I let these men go, they will just return. And I seriously doubt any law enforcement could or would do anything against them. A sigh heavily, and settle with removing th oxygen from their bubbles. They all pass out, and I set them down in the parking area with the others.

Then an idea strikes me. I shout out to them all, "Do not try reentering the stadium. The Lanter is mine!" If they think I only stopped them because I wanted to kill Rayner myself, they may consider me an ally rather than an enemy. That may come in useful in the future.

I fly back into the stadium and see that Rayner isn't doing very well. So I decide to interfere. A blast of yellow energy rains down and strikes Rayners opponent in the back, slamming into a wall across the stadium.

I lower myself down. "Who is this...man?" I ask Rayner.

[MST3K 4ever]

Captain Marvel sits through what seems like an eternity of questions. Back and forth back and forth things went along. In the grand scheme of things went well for him. Most of the Senators were quick to complement him for his honesty and praise the works of many of his colleagues. Marvel for his part was every-bit the Choir-Boy the media painted him to be.This time though he had an air of confidence about him that made others respect him rather than mock him.

Until finally the moment he knew would eventually come Senator Newsome would get to ask him his series of questions. Before Senator Newsome could ask him his questions he and the other Senators were givne notes to read. Newsome smiled. Oh this can't be a good thing.. Senator Newsome says, "Captain Marvel before we begin I think you should be made aware that Superman, this paragon of virtue that you seem to worship broke out of prison moments ago." WHAT??? What is he thinking? I guess he finally cracked. Newsome began to say, "Now that Superman has shown he is...." Senator Lyman interupts saying, "Ahh Senator Newsome, I think it only fair that you tell Captain Marvel why he broke out rather than take the not of context. If Captain Marvel has to tell the whole truth then so do we." Senator Newsome looks as though he wants to throw up. He composes himself and says, "It seems there is a situation in Keystone city that requires someone of his power and abilitiies. But that doesn't change the fact that he has broken the law." Captain Marvel says, "No Senator it doesn't but it speaks volumes about the man." Newsome looks strange at Marvel and Marvel says, "You see rather than just stand-by and let millions of innocent people suffer Superman is risking his personal freedom, not to mention his life once again, to aid others. Another example of the kind of man he is and what many of us strive to live up to in our fight against evil."
Newsome is almost ready to snarl when he says, "Tell me something Captain Marvel, what about due-process for the criminals you all apprehend? Are they given a chance?" Marvel replies, "Senator if you notice what many of us do is leave a criminal for the police to take in. we do not tamper with any evidence and in many cases many of us testify in open court." Newsome then asks, "What about recently? After all you were the one who brought in Superman so what about that?" Marvel closes his eyes...I should've known that was going to comeback and nail me. The pain of taking a man he admires to jail still hurts Marvel. He opens his eyes and sees Newsome almost smiling and then he takes a deep breath. He says, "Senator I took Superman in as a favor to him. He asked me to do this for him, and I have read the arrest report. He was not deprived of any of his rights and surrendered willingly. I would like to think that many of the criminals that we deal with would follow his example of surrendering so willingly."

Newsome says, "Speaking of the criminals that you all deal with. Has it ever occured to you that you all inspire many of them to a life of crime?" Marvel replies, "It has occured to us yes, but I think it is safe to say that many of these criminals would've comitted their lives to crime with or without us. The schemes and inventions may not be on a world-wide scale but everyone has choices in their lives and these criminals choose to break the law we do not tell them to do that. They choose to terrorize innocent people and we choose to stop them. I wish to point out however that Sinestro a former nemesis of the Green Lantern has joined our fight, so anything is possible."

Newsome nods and says, "Very well so what about the those innocent people? I am sure you all are aware of the property damage that many of you cause and the innocent people in the cross-fire. What about those two factors?" Marvel replies, "We do everything can to ensure that people & property are protected as best as possible. However there are those times when a battle can be dangerous to everything and everyone around us. Given the possiblity of a villian terrorizing or a store window being broken we choose the lesser of two evils. If you notice Senator whenever we can we make sure that we compensate businesses and cities in someway if we damage anything. In terms of the loss of life, nothing I say here today can change the fact that tragically there are times innocent bystanards are caught in the line of fire. We take every can precaution to get them out of the way and do whatever we can to avoid them getting hurt, but in every war since the dawn of time there are always casualties of war."

Newsome chuckled and says, "Casualties of war? You make me sick...you and your kind. These are human beings we are talking abut here and you treat them as statistics. The people have right to know who it is that cost them the lives of their loved ones. Now let me ask you..." Marvel asks, "Senator may I ask you a question sir?" Newsome looks taken aback a bit and then Senator Lyman says, "Senator Newsome you were the one in the beginning of this debate who said it should treated like a dialouge and you opened the door for Captain Marvel saying he could asks us questions as well."

Newsome sighs and says, "Very well Captain Marvel ask away." Marvel asks, "What about your association with Lex Luthor?" The gallery begins to murmur, along with some of the Senators and Senator Lyman bangs the gavel and says, "Order in this chamber please." Newsome replies, "What about it?" Newsome looks cool but clearly he is somewhat shaken. Marvel replies, "Well sir, Lex Luthor has had known associations with the Joker among others, more than once threatened the world with Nuclear destruction, caused millions of dollars in property damage in Metropolis & numerous injuries, tried to kill other heroes, and if it wasn't for a technicality he would've been on trial for dozens of crimes in Metropolis. Yet you are on the board of his company, you are frequently seen taking vacations with him some of them are even at the tax-payers expense, not to mention you got him elected once to the Presidency and tried to get him re-elected. Would you explain that to me Senator?" Newsome is shaken. His left begin to twitch and he growls, "No comment." Marvel replies, "Well then Senator why should I answer any of your questions if you won't answer mine? After all this is a Government for the people by the people, and the people have a right to know what is going on don't you agree Senator?" Newsome begins breathing heavy and says, "I am done with him."

Senator Lyman says, "With that it's time to put this measure to a vote. All in favor of bringing this measure to a vote before the full Senate signify by saying 'aye'." Only Newsome says, "Aye." He looks at his other Senators who are just stairing back at him. A couple of them look as though they could strangle him right there. Senator Lyman says, "Opposed signfy by saying Nay". The rest say, "Nay." Senator Lyman says, "Very well the bill known as the Super-Hero Registration act is defeated. Before we adjourn these hearings I would like to say thank you to you Captain Marvel not only for your testimony here today, but something else. I'll admit I wasn't exactly a fan of you or your collegaues but seeing you sitting there by yourself before these hearings began made me realize how lonely a burden many of you must bear, and to bear it the way you do...now I see why they call you all super-heroes. You see 3 months ago in Fawcett City there was an apartment fire. You saved dozens of people alongside the brave fire-fighters. One of the ones you saved was my 6 month old neice. You tried to save her mother, my sister, but by the time you got her out she was already so badly burned that there was no way she could be saved inspite of the doctors' efforts. However because of your actions saving my niece first and not her mother that litle girl is alive and we are in the final stages of adopting her. Because of you my sister will never know the pain of a parent burying a child. For sparing my family that pain I say thank you. "

Marvel says, "Thank you Senator I am sorry to hear about your sister, but I am relieved that the little girl is fine. Thank you all for the service that you provide to the American People as well." He stands up and says, "Now if you will excuse me there is a situation in Keystone city I must attend to.".

Senator Lyman says, "Of course" She shouts, "Open the Chamber Windows. NOW! And this hearing is adjourned!" Senator Lyman slams down the gavel and the windows are opened. Captain Marvel bows his head to Lyman she returns the head bow. He looks at Newsome who is just stairing at him and Marvel says, "Until next time." Marvel takes flight. He gets back to the Hotel and changes into Billy Batson. He calls in his report to the Network and checks out of the hotel. He changes back into Captain Marvel and heads to Keystone City as fast as he can. I just hope I get there in time to make a difference. As headlines across the world say, "SUPER-HERO REGISTRATION ACT DEFEATED!"

[Spike_x1]

After reviewing his documents and completing his work for the day, Lex descended to the ground floor of the Twin Spires and walked through the lobby. Twenty feet from the transparasteel front doors, Lex could see the crowds of hungry reporters swarming around, waiting for Luthor to come out.

Lex rolled his eyes, and then flashed his perfect, shimmering smile. He swaggered out to the throng of journalists and waved them to quiet down and ask their questions in an orderly fashion. "Please. One at a time."

One of the reporters stood out. "Lex, what do you have to say about Superman escaping from prison not even thirty minutes ago?"

Luthor glared at the cameras. He wasn't going to piss and moan about his "respect" for the Man of Steel. Not this time. "With Superman's escape, his criminal status has now been elevated to being a fugitive from justice. After Keystone City has calmed down, Superman will be escorted back to Metropolis with full security measures in place, as I originally requested after his formal arrest, but was ignored at the time. This is not my personal attitude about the situation. It is the law."

"But Lex," the journalist replied, "Superman's just trying to save the citizens of Keystone City! Can't he be cut a little slack?"

"Mr. Troupe," Lex hissed to the reporter, "If you and your colleagues weren't lurking out here for the past ten minutes, you might have actually seen the most recent footage of the Keystone battle. Superman hasn't done anything except be beaten to a bloody smear by Hunter Zolomon. Now, Ron, how does it affect our nation's spirit when one of her most respected heroes blatantly ignores the laws that he once supported with all his heart, only to be reduced to ham burger? How will our children be able to go to sleep at night, knowing what has happened to their icon; how he brought it unto himself?"

Troupe stepped back several feet, trying to stammer out a rebuttal, but stopped when he noticed the tears running down his cheek. Luthor grinned internally and turned to walk towards his limousine.

Another reporter approached Lex, nervously this time. "Mr. Luthor, what are your feelings about what the superhero, Captain Marvel, said about you in Washington? About your affiliation with numerous known supervillains and committing acts of terrorism against the world?"

Lex stopped and turned towards the small, blond woman. Like Ron Troupe, Lex recognized her too. "Ms. Grant, I'm afraid that our dear Captain has put those events out of context. The Justice League assaulted me and the United States of America first. The Batman was caught trespassing in classified areas and made an assassination attempt on my person in Washington, plus, lest we forget the time when Green Lantern invaded the White House and terrorized me." Cat Grant had to look away. She couldn't bare to look into Luthor's cold eyes. "The media-dubbed 'Injustice Society' offered me protection that the Presidential Secret Service could not provide as I was endangered several times within the Oval Office by members of the JLA and had no other choice but to accept the Society's membership for my own safety." Luthor turned back to the car and began walking again. "The League's attempts to intimidate me were, in fact, caught on camera and only serve to prove my point about not only Superman, but all of his associates. Are we just supposed to sit back and wait for them to abuse their gifts before we do anything about it? And even when they do commit a crime, we seem to treat them as if they're not criminals, instead showering them with sympathy and trying to find an excuse for their offenses. Where are those same feelings for the Joker or Metallo?" As Lex stepped into the back of the limousine, whose door was being held open by the chauffer, he looked back at Cat and smirked. "You can quote me on that."

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom's first blow snapped his head back. He felt dizzy for a moment as the world went out of focus around him. My God, he just gave me a concussion. He blinked his eyes in an effort to regain balance, but was still unsteady when Zoom punched him again. Too fas-, he thought as the yellow blur smashed his stomach.

The force of it wuold defy categorization for many years. Superman's ribs cracked and broke, one piercing his stomach. Like some obscene ballet, he felt his bones floating in side of his body. He coughed up up blood, and doubled over in pain. Can't fight much longer. Hits harder than Doomsday. Got to end this. Save the city. Got to-, he thought, but was unable to finish thinking before Zoom returned. There’s a massive sonic boom that surprises everyone and rattles my teeth. My Speed Force aura keeps me from feeling much of it, but what I see leaves me dumbfounded anyway. Superman and Zoom slide into focus as my eyes adjust themselves to their high-speed fight. I freeze and watch as Zoom pummels Superman, too fast for even Superman to counter.

The blows fell like rain upon him. Each fist an indisctinct blur of motion, even to him. Jabs, uppercuts, every kind of blow was rained upon Superman, and then suddenly it stopped. He stood shakily for a moment after Zoom's barrage. His pupils wre wide and unfocused. Bruises appeared over his face and hands. Blood began to trickle out of the mouth of the Man of Steel.

Then, a cold wind blew through the city. It was strong enough to lift up his cape, which flapped plaintively in the wind. Superman appeared confused, then, almost like a lost child as his vacant eyes searched for something only he could see. "Lois..."

With an air of finality, Superman collapsed to the ground. His body landed in a heap, and there Superman lay.

This is Flash's city. Where is he...Zoom stood before the fallen hero and sighed. Even the great Superman couldn't stop him.

The Society was right all along, and it only confirmed his beliefs. These people were unworthy of calling themselves heroes. If Superman had stopped him, he would have stood down and allowed the heroes to stop the Society. But now, he would remain on their side and would help them destroy the other "heroes".

Zoom was disappointed. He was actually hoping that Superman could have stopped him.

"It's sad, really...I wanted you to win."

Zoom stood over the bodies of Jay Garrick and Superman, and thought about what to do.

"Hm...I guess all I can do now is kill you both..."
Zoom’s words snap me out of my astonished state and I rush towards him, drawing my arm back as I go. My fist connects with his face and knocks him back a few feet. I look down at Superman and Jay, my heart sinking at their states, and then turn back to Zoom with my mind racing. I’m faced with a dilemma: Zoom’s as fast as I am, which means I can’t let him off my radar for a nanosecond, but Superman and Jay clearly need medical attention. If I can’t find some way to occupy Zoom long enough to get them to it, their deaths will be on my conscience along with those poor souls’ in the Flash Museum, and, infinitely worse, the world will have lost two of the best and brightest heroes it’s ever known.

“Your reign of terror has lasted long enough, Zoom. It’s time for us to end this, once and for all.”

[SuperFerret]

Captain Cold was fast, that much Plastic Man was sure of. It made sense, despite his overall human condition, he did fight with men who could run at the speed of light on a regular basis, and therefore learned to move and react just a bit faster than anyone else.

Already it looked as if he was going to defeat Plas, as the rubbery hero's body was frozen in various locations, including the lower half of his face.

"Mmmpphhpllhhgg!"

"I'm sorry, what was that? Did you just say 'uncle'?" Cold taunted, firing another cold blast from his gun. Once again, Plastic Man dodged the blast, all the while silently thanking someone for the dark goggles that were (for the most part) part of his face, which helped him see through the bright flash the cold gun made when it was fired. Wow, that was a long sentence.

Cold fired again, this time peppering the ground in front of Plas with short, quick bursts, forcing Eel backwards or else be frozen. Backwards onto the slick patch of frozen asphalt the previous blast had formed.

"MMMPPPPLLLFFF!!", he screamed as he fell. Upon hitting the ground, Plas threw an extended arm punch at Cold, hitting him in the stomach, but the frosty Rogue got his last shot off before the blow landed.

Plas's arm, the one he used to punch Snart in the gut, was the only part of his body not frozen to the ground.

Chuckling to himself, Captain Cold stood up, dusted himself off, and walked away.

[Spider-Man9X17]

I fly back into the stadium and see that Rayner isn't doing very well. So I decide to interfere. A blast of yellow energy rains down and strikes Rayners opponent in the back, slamming into a wall across the stadium.

I lower myself down. "Who is this...man?" I ask Rayner.


"Old friend from outta town. Haven't seen him in years. Kinda had his head in the clouds last time I remember."

Kyle's ring flared back up, and his tone became more serious.


"He killed her. The heartless b@$t@rd killed her and enjoyed it. Killed her, and he didn't care. Nobody did. They let him go, scott free."

Major Force began charging again.

"He kinda likes to hit things, so feel free to return the favor."

[wiegeabo]

"Old friend from outta town. Haven't seen him in years. Kinda had his head in the clouds last time I remember."

Kyle's ring flared back up, and his tone became more serious.


"He killed her. The heartless b@$t@rd killed her and enjoyed it. Killed her, and he didn't care. Nobody did. They let him go, scott free."

Major Force began charging again.

"He kinda likes to hit things, so feel free to return the favor."


I calmly look at the man we're now fighting and extend my arm. A fist fires from my ring, striking Rayner's 'friend' in the face, driving him back into the wall.

I look back at Rayner. "Like that?" I ask with a smile.

[Hyper Venom]

There’s a massive sonic boom that surprises everyone and rattles my teeth. My Speed Force aura keeps me from feeling much of it, but what I see leaves me dumbfounded anyway. Superman and Zoom slide into focus as my eyes adjust themselves to their high-speed fight. I freeze and watch as Zoom pummels Superman, too fast for even Superman to counter.


Zoom’s words snap me out of my astonished state and I rush towards him, drawing my arm back as I go. My fist connects with his face and knocks him back a few feet. I look down at Superman and Jay, my heart sinking at their states, and then turn back to Zoom with my mind racing. I’m faced with a dilemma: Zoom’s as fast as I am, which means I can’t let him off my radar for a nanosecond, but Superman and Jay clearly need medical attention. If I can’t find some way to occupy Zoom long enough to get them to it, their deaths will be on my conscience along with those poor souls’ in the Flash Museum, and, infinitely worse, the world will have lost two of the best and brightest heroes it’s ever known.

“Your reign of terror has lasted long enough, Zoom. It’s time for us to end this, once and for all.”

Zoom felt a fist hit his face. He skidded back a few feet and then regained his balance. He was ready to destroy whoever it was that had the audacity to strike him.

Until he looked up and saw...him...

"You..."

The Flash was back...

Zoom stared at him in silence, and then he approached the scarlet speedster. He stood directly in his face and snarled.

"You abandoned your city..."

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom felt a fist hit his face. He skidded back a few feet and then regained his balance. He was ready to destroy whoever it was that had the audacity to strike him.

Until he looked up and saw...him...

"You..."

The Flash was back...

Zoom stared at him in silence, and then he approached the scarlet speedster. He stood directly in his face and snarled.

"You abandoned your city..."
I'm burning with rage and hatred as I stand face-to-face with Zoom for the first time in months. This man has taken everything from me, and I will make him pay for it. But there will be time enough for that. Superman and Jay need me now.

"Never," I reply to his accusation. "I always knew Keystone was taken care of. I decided to take some time off and be a hero to my wife after what you did, you sick bastard." Suddenly I see an opening that might very well save Jay, Superman, and a lot of innocent people all at once. Zoom's beef has always been with me personally. If I can get him to focus his attention on me and find some way to buy Superman and Jay some time away from the swarm of Rogues around us, they might stand a chance.

"But you don't care about that. All you really care about is the fact that I'm back now. You've got a brand new chance to 'help' me again." The tone I put on that "help" tells Zoom exactly what I think of his kind of help. "So why not let these two go and focus on me? You've done your job with them. You've shown that they're not true heroes. They're weak--pitiful, really." I turn to look at two of the most courageous and noble men I have ever known and spit on them with a sneer that oozes contempt. As much as it pains me, I've gotta keep the reverse psychology going. His mad quest to build better heroes is the only sure thing I know he'll respond to.

"As pathetic as they are, though, a hero defends the weak--protects the helpless. It's my duty to get them help and you know it." Now the gambit: "So you're faced with a choice, Zoom: either let me be a hero and take these two to a hospital, or destroy everything you believe in by wasting my time while the Rogues kill them like rabid dogs in the street."

I stare Zoom right back in the eye every bit as hard as he's staring at me and silently pray that I've pushed the right buttons. Superman and Jay's lives depend on it...

[Hyper Venom]

I'm burning with rage and hatred as I stand face-to-face with Zoom for the first time in months. This man has taken everything from me, and I will make him pay for it. But there will be time enough for that. Superman and Jay need me now.

"Never," I reply to his accusation. "I always knew Keystone was taken care of. I decided to take some time off and be a hero to my wife after what you did, you sick bastard." Suddenly I see an opening that might very well save Jay, Superman, and a lot of innocent people all at once. Zoom's beef has always been with me personally. If I can get him to focus his attention on me and find some way to buy Superman and Jay some time away from the swarm of Rogues around us, they might stand a chance.

"But you don't care about that. All you really care about is the fact that I'm back now. You've got a brand new chance to 'help' me again." The tone I put on that "help" tells Zoom exactly what I think of his kind of help. "So why not let these two go and focus on me? You've done your job with them. You've shown that they're not true heroes. They're weak--pitiful, really." I turn to look at two of the most courageous and noble men I have ever known and spit on them with a sneer that oozes contempt. As much as it pains me, I've gotta keep the reverse psychology going. His mad quest to build better heroes is the only sure thing I know he'll respond to.

"As pathetic as they are, though, a hero defends the weak--protects the helpless. It's my duty to get them help and you know it." Now the gambit: "So you're faced with a choice, Zoom: either let me be a hero and take these two to a hospital, or destroy everything you believe in by wasting my time while the Rogues kill them like rabid dogs in the street."

I stare Zoom right back in the eye every bit as hard as he's staring at me and silently pray that I've pushed the right buttons. Superman and Jay's lives depend on it...

"Hmmph....pathetic."

Zoom continued to stare into the Flash's eyes. There was obviously no love lost between the two. Each of them stood seething at one another. Zoom could care less about Superman and Jay Garrick at this point. But he would not allow the Flash to leave his sight.

"For God's sake, he's Superman. He'll heal soon enough to get the old man to a hospital. But you're not going to get off that easily. You will not run away from me..."

There was a tense silence. Zoom's arm trembled as he held back the urge to strike the Flash.

"You're the worst of them all. You claim you wanted to be a hero to your wife...well why weren't you a hero to her when it counted?"

[Electro UK]

The Joker raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Temper, temper!" he exclaimed, "Shucks, someone got up on the wrong side of their face this morning! HA HA!"

The Joker looked back and forth at Two-Face and Black Mask, his grin still gleaming menacingly.

"And forgive me if I'm wrong, Harv, but isn't this his penthouse?" The Joker asked, pointing a thumb at Black Mask, "I mean, that's what you said the last time you invited me here. And then he attacked you, then we all made friends, then we fell out again. Boy, this is more complex than a season of The OC!"

The Joker chuckled to himself. He brushed the rubble a sofa, taking a seat and putting his feet up on the coffee table.

"But back to your question. Why am I here? Actually, I'm on a mission of mercy. I could have just let you two nutjobs (hey, who am I to talk! HA HA!) kill each other, but I came to spread the word instead. Batman is gone. AWOL, missing in action. And instead of making the most of the situation, bringing Gotham City to its knees, you stand here slapping each other around like snot-nosed kids in a playground!"

The Joker paused for a moment. He was sure that at least one of them would take a shot at him after that comment. The fact that he wasn't bullet-ridden yet was surely a good sign.

"So...why can't we all just...get along?"

For a second, Black Mask was tempted to grab the nearest gun and put a bullet hole in Joker's head. How dare he show his face again ever since their conflict last time.

But then he stopped to think. Batman was gone, he knew but his hatred had been so fixed on Harvey that he hadn't taken any notice of it. And really, what better way to cause mayhem than with the Joker himself?

This could really work, playing his cards right he'd even have Gotham to himself by the time it was over. He turned to Joker and said "What you're proposing is quite profitable... I'm in."

[Keyser Soze]

For a second, Black Mask was tempted to grab the nearest gun and put a bullet hole in Joker's head. How dare he show his face again ever since their conflict last time.

But then he stopped to think. Batman was gone, he knew but his hatred had been so fixed on Harvey that he hadn't taken any notice of it. And really, what better way to cause mayhem than with the Joker himself?

This could really work, playing his cards right he'd even have Gotham to himself by the time it was over. He turned to Joker and said "What you're proposing is quite profitable... I'm in."

The Joker gave a slow clap.

"Glad to have you on board, Maskie."

The Joker turned his attention to Two-Face.

"And what about you, Harv?" The Joker asked, "I understand you have already declined Lex Luthor's generous offer. Well, I'm giving you another chance to accept. We have had a hand in just about every big event of the past few days. Our Syndicate is fast becoming an unstoppable force. We would be good allies to have on your side."

[TheCorpulent1]

"Hmmph....pathetic."

Zoom continued to stare into the Flash's eyes. There was obviously no love lost between the two. Each of them stood seething at one another. Zoom could care less about Superman and Jay Garrick at this point. But he would not allow the Flash to leave his sight.

"For God's sake, he's Superman. He'll heal soon enough to get the old man to a hospital. But you're not going to get off that easily. You will not run away from me..."

There was a tense silence. Zoom's arm trembled as he held back the urge to strike the Flash.

"You're the worst of them all. You claim you wanted to be a hero to your wife...well why weren't you a hero to her when it counted?"
His words fire every violent impulse in me simultaneously and I find myself desperately struggling not to tear Zoom limb from limb in the next heartbeat. I push those impulses down and control myself, though. I've got to buy time for Superman.

"Congratulations, Zoom. You've found my weakness: I'm not perfect. No hero is. I did my best, I tried to live up to the example others set for me, and ultimately I failed. I turned and ran." I lean in close to Zoom now, our noses almost touching, for emphasis. "But here's the difference between you and me, Zolomon: I came back. I'm owning up to my mistakes and trying to set things right now. You? You made one bad call and never stopped running. You're not trying to help me, Hunter. The truth is... you're a coward."

I turn my back on Zoom and walk over to Superman and Jay to check on them. I know Jay's in serious trouble, but Superman's looking a little better than he did earlier. If I keep Zoom occupied and the Rogues off him for just a few more seconds, he should be able to fly Jay out of here.

[Red]

When the guards tossed me back into my cell, I started to think up things to say to Ibn when he came in; but, as the kid walked down the corridor, ahead of the biggest of Ra's' assassins, with quick, methodacal steps that shows expierence in personal, mortal combat, I couldn't think of anything to say.

Not that I thought of anything to say. I never thought about it much when I was Ibn's age--hell, besides training and studying, I didn't think much about anything--but I realize now that I am completely and utterly socially enempt. It's not just the fact I go out at night in a Holloween costume and beat up criminals with hardwere that would put James Bond to shame, but looking back at some of the things I've done, I know I have...well...I've been a real ass-hole. With the exception of missions and stragedies, I haven't said that much to interact with people.

Its not that I can't think of them--my introspection clearly shows I can--its putting them to words that is my mortal enemy. When it comes to creating conversation, I'm just about an expert as a Palsy victim doing brain surgery with a pipe wrench.

I hear the lead cage door slam and saw Ibn standing next to the bars, facing me.

Ibn. Ibn al Xu'ffasch, I believe Ra's called him. My son--my natural, birth son. I'm mistaken, he's not facing me--he's glaring at me. Obviously, Ra's told him about me.

I stare back at him, taking him in. Ibn. Ibn al Xu'ffasch. My son. I can see some of him in me, in his features, a little bit of Father, but he mostly reminds me of Talia.

Come on, Bruce, think of something to say. This might be your last chance...

"Uh...hi." I suddenly had the urge to slap myself on the back of my head.

"Hi," he answers back, looking just about as unconfortable as I am. He looks around the bare cell, his eyes finding the broken proclain laying across the side of my cell. "What is that about?"

"I throw the toliet at Ra's to escape." What sounds like a hushed laugh comes out of Ibn's lips, silenced by his hand. "So...uh...Ibn al Xu'ffasch, right? Arabic?"

"Yes, it means 'Son of the Bat.'"

"Really? Hmm, its as though Ra's is practically bellowing out that he has his mortal enemies' son and has raised him as his own."

"Yeah, Father is a bit...proud of this fact."

I knew this was going to happen. I knew that Ibn, most likely being with Ra's for so long, and I only seeing him face to face for the first time, would prefer Ra's over me. I prepared myself for this, told myself this what felt like thousends and thousends of times, but hearing him say the word "father" and not relating it to me tore me apart. Ibn must have seen this--he can see right through me, another trait of his mother--and stood closer to me.

"You know that I only came here because you requested it as your last request before my father executes you. I only have one thing to ask you of, and as soon as I get an answer I'm stasfyed with, you will never see me again. I won't even be there for the execution--the last thing you will see is my TRUE father--The Demon's Head--laugh as you are hung from the noose.

"Now, my question--why? Why did you, my biological father, abandon me, let me be raised by peasants? Was...was I not good enough for you? Or my mother? Why?" His eyes started to water, but he forces them back. I can tell--because I was doing the same.

"I...I didn't know. Talia, your mother, told me she was pregnaut, but she told me she lost it when one of your...your father's enemies attacked him in one of his strongholds. I left after your father and I finished him off. Apparently, Talia lied, had you, and gave you up."

"Why do you think she lied to you?"

"I...I don't know." Probably because I'm an obsessed, depressed psycho who has to use physical violence to make the pain go away, I finish to myself. I would give anything to not have the ability to cry right now.

Seconds turn to minutes, and a silence hangs over us like badly tailored suits. Finally, I find something to say.

"If your mother had not lied to me, I would have been there. I...I honestly think I would have gave up Batman completely, just for the chance to be a father...your father. I would give anything to change things, so that I could have watched you grown. I know it won't change anything but I want you to know that I am really, truely, sorry that things have turned out this way.

"Looking back, seeing me raise other kids: Dick, Jason, Tim, Barbara, Cass--I realize something about me; something, I don't think I could either see or admit to see: my goal in life might have been to help other people, but seeing my...sons and daughters grow up, I know my real ambition, my real goal in life--to be a father, bring someone into this world that had part of me inside, and raise him or her to be the best human being possible, so I'll know that when I'm dead and gone, a part of me will live on.

"I wanted to be someone my Father would be proud of. I...I wanted to be a dad."

He looks at me, passively, indifferently. My voice is hollow, just on the very edge of cracking.

"...You don't belive me, do you?"

He doesn't say anything, he barely even breathes. The corridor is filled again with one of the Ubus.

"Master Ibn, the Demon's Head wishes to speak to you." Ibn starts moving away.

"Wait." He stops and looks back at me. "One last thing, then you can leave me. I...I know I don't deserve it, but...God, this sounds so corny...I...I want to hug you. I...I couldn't be able to stand dying tomorrow if I never held my son once before I passed on."

He looks at me, with eyes so much like her mother's, as though he was looking right through me. He quickly got close to me and I put my arms around him. Its awkward at first, but he sits down on the bed and wraps his arms around me.

For the first time in...God, I don't know how long...ever...I let go. I let the tears fall.

What felt like hours later, he disengaged it, and he stands, about to say something, his lips moving to say it, but I could see it in his eyes.

"I know, Ibn. Good bye." He walks out of the cell, and finally out of the corridor.

I felt...empty, but...I noticed on my shoulder, where Ibn's head was when we embraced for the first and final time, a single, small, wet stain. He cried too...

I laid down on the bed, looking into the plain ceiling. I remembered my signal, and knew that if it got through, that Vic and the others are going to pull off a rescue attempt.

If I survive by the time they get here, I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to let the other superheroes go and save the world from Ra's' latest scheme.

Right now, I am no longer a superhero, I am no longer the last hope for humanity, I am no longer Batman. I am Bruce Wayne, and I am going to show my son that I am his true father, whatever it takes...

Ra’s waited outside the prison door, as Ibn approached his disapproving eyes looked down at the slight tears in Ibn eyes.

“Leave us.” Ra’s waited for the ninja to be out of sight and knelt down so he was level with Ibn. He placed his hand on the young boys chin and gently raised his head.

“I can understand your feelings, my son. Your mother loved him too. She devoted her soul to him. And he calmed her cared for her. Yet when she lied to him about losing you, he wasn’t there for her. All those nights she sat alone and wept for him, while he donned his cape and cowl.”

“He said he…he would give it up for me.” Ibn answered softly.

“Lies. No matter what your father has told you, he would never give up his selfish crusade. He has loved so many throughout the years, but they have all left him and the same would be with you.”

He reassuringly placed his hand on his shoulder. “All this.” Ra’s stretched out his hand, “I’m doing for you Ibn. Each day the Lazarus pits dwindle further and a day will come when you will have to rule in my stead. You must be strong and know I will never abandon you.” Ibn glared back struggling to smile. “Go to your chambers and I will alert you when the time is right.” Ra’s arose and placed his hands behind his back. As he watched Ibn walk away a look of uncertainly began to appear on his face.

[Batman]

The Joker gave a slow clap.

"Glad to have you on board, Maskie."

The Joker turned his attention to Two-Face.

"And what about you, Harv?" The Joker asked, "I understand you have already declined Lex Luthor's generous offer. Well, I'm giving you another chance to accept. We have had a hand in just about every big event of the past few days. Our Syndicate is fast becoming an unstoppable force. We would be good allies to have on your side."

Two-Face looked at this from afar. Half of him wanted to puke, and the other half wanted to laugh at them both. These two had been at eachother's throats for so long, and now they were burying the hatchet? What was this... Dr. Phil?

Yet... He found himself considering the offer too. Not out of respect for either of these freaks... But because of what The Joker said, about Batman being, quote, AWOL. No wonder that cape wearing clown hadn't interfered in his operations, as of late.

Batman's abscence was all that Two-Face could hope for, in order to function in Gotham freely. Otherwise, even He had to admit... He would've been back in Arkham by now.

Two-Face looked at the grinning maniac before him, who had just given him one of the biggest offers he had been given in a long time. Even though both he and Harvey Dent hated The Joker with a passion... He was beginning to see the benefits of being apart of this... 'Syndicate'. What was power if it couldn't be expanded, after all?

Harvey Dent, on the other hand, was skeptical.

I don't like it. This is The Joker, we're talking about. Have you forgotten what he did to us?!
You gotta stop livin' in the past, Dent. What are petty arguments in comparison to a large, global amount of power? I say we do it.
I say you're out of your mind to go along with this.
You ALWAYS say that.

Two-Face reached into his pocket. He saw Black Mask advancing for his gun. Two-Face sneered.

"Relax, Sionis. If I Wanted You Dead, You'd Be Dead.", Two-Face said, taking out his coin.

Two-Face turned to The Joker.

"It's No Secret We Hate You, Joker. We Despise The Very Dirt You Walk On. However, Your Offer Intrigues Us. Even Moreso Than When That Clown Luthor Offered It. So Here's What We'll Do. Good Heads, We Decline Your Offer, And You Can Go To Hell. Bad Heads... We Accept Your Proposal."

Before The Joker could respond with a witty retort of any kind, Two-Face tossed the coin into the air, watching at the sides flipped, over and over, before landing back into his palm. Two-Face looked at the coin, and then back at the two men before him, before turning it around, showing them the scarred 'Bad Heads' side of his coin.

http://www.batmantas.com/img/face2.jpg

"We're In."

[taskmaster]

Prometheus

For four long months I've planned. Since my defeat at the hands of Hal Jordan. I was stupid and weak. For weeks I thought of ways to kill him. Shoot through his hands and make him useless. Torture his friends and loved ones but I realized that I was thinking too small. Trying to get back at this one man would ruin all that I have worked for. All that we have worked for. I give Phobos the signal.

The doors of the Juvenile Detention Center in Gotham City are blown open. Phobos leaps in and takes out the guards, while I go to unlock the gates. I look back for a second to watch Phobos fight. It's truly amazing how much he's grown in this short amount of time. I shaken as a guard grabs my shoulder. He turns me around and tries to hit me with a right. I side step him and kick him in his knee cap, forcing his leg to bend backward.

I use the codes that I've stolen to let the children out of their cages. Only certain ones open. Children like Phobos and I, among others. Children the heroes failed to protect. Children who turned to crime because that was the only way they could survive.

"All of the guards are dead, sir."

"Good, gather the ones I've released and bring them to me so we can take them to the phantom zone."

"Yes, Prometheus."

Phobos rounds them up and brings them to me. I take them to the phantom zone where they find many others like them.

"I've brought you all here for one reason. You are like me. Your parents were either killed by police or by other people from other forms of law enforcemt. Either that or you were abused by your parents and they were never brought to justice."

They all look around at each other, then back to me.

"Where were the heroes when you needed them? They were to busy with ' bigger problems' to care about the common man. I am giving you the chance to take your revenge. To take what others have neglected to give. Force them to help. Now, if you want no part in what I've offered you're welcome to leave. Just move to the side. I will not force you to do anything you don't want to. Too many people have taken advantage of you and you should have to go through that again."

A few of them stray for the crowd but the majority of them stay.

"Phobos, you can escort them to the location I told you earlier."

Phobos takes them to a shelter, where they'll be taken care of. They've been through enough nights on the street. Phobos returns moments later.

"Alright, the rest of you, it's time to begin."

[Keyser Soze]

Two-Face looked at this from afar. Half of him wanted to puke, and the other half wanted to laugh at them both. These two had been at eachother's throats for so long, and now they were burying the hatchet? What was this... Dr. Phil?

Yet... He found himself considering the offer too. Not out of respect for either of these freaks... But because of what The Joker said, about Batman being, quote, AWOL. No wonder that cape wearing clown hadn't interfered in his operations, as of late.

Batman's abscence was all that Two-Face could hope for, in order to function in Gotham freely. Otherwise, even He had to admit... He would've been back in Arkham by now.

Two-Face looked at the grinning maniac before him, who had just given him one of the biggest offers he had been given in a long time. Even though both he and Harvey Dent hated The Joker with a passion... He was beginning to see the benefits of being apart of this... 'Syndicate'. What was power if it couldn't be expanded, after all?

Harvey Dent, on the other hand, was skeptical.

I don't like it. This is The Joker, we're talking about. Have you forgotten what he did to us?!
You gotta stop livin' in the past, Dent. What are petty arguments in comparison to a large, global amount of power? I say we do it.
I say you're out of your mind to go along with this.
You ALWAYS say that.

Two-Face reached into his pocket. He saw Black Mask advancing for his gun. Two-Face sneered.

"Relax, Sionis. If I Wanted You Dead, You'd Be Dead.", Two-Face said, taking out his coin.

Two-Face turned to The Joker.

"It's No Secret We Hate You, Joker. We Despise The Very Dirt You Walk On. However, Your Offer Intrigues Us. Even Moreso Than When That Clown Luthor Offered It. So Here's What We'll Do. Good Heads, We Decline Your Offer, And You Can Go To Hell. Bad Heads... We Accept Your Proposal."

Before The Joker could respond with a witty retort of any kind, Two-Face tossed the coin into the air, watching at the sides flipped, over and over, before landing back into his palm. Two-Face looked at the coin, and then back at the two men before him, before turning it around, showing them the scarred 'Bad Heads' side of his coin.

http://www.batmantas.com/img/face2.jpg

"We're In."

"Goodie," The Joker replied, "One big...happy...family!"

Hopping up off the sofa, The Joker walked back over to the plane. He pulled a jack-in-the-box out from the cockpit, flicking a switch. He had, in fact, disarmed the weapon. If he hadn't, a few seconds from now, it would have sprung open, releasing an unhealthy dose of his laughing gas. Of course, The Joker was immune, but it would have killed Black Mask and Two-Face. If they had refused to work with him, he certainly wouldn't have allowed them to live long enough to stand against him!

"Okay dokey, now that's sorted, we should all jump into my snazzy jet. It's time for the next stage of our plan. All aboard! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

[LibrarianThorne]

There was a presence near him. He felt it, slowly, as he regained consciousness. His body burned like fire and he could feel his bones reknitting and healing. Luckily, the fight had not lasted long enough to severely drain the reserves of solar power he had. This was the thought that comforted him as he returned to consciousness.

He looked up, one eye swollen shut, the other half-open, and saw not who he feared would be there, but who he had hoped would be there. Wally West. The Flash. Things had just turned around in Keystone.

He stood up slowly. "Flash. Thank God," he said as he rose. Wally looked at him with something like concern, and Superman waved his hand, dismissing Wally's fears. "I'll be fine. Jay's hurt badly, I've got to get him to a hospital soon or he's going to die. Can you hold off Zoom long enough for me to get Jay some help?"

He was satnding straight up now, but he still looked in bad shape. Bloodstains, bruises, and black eyes covered his face. He looked at Jay Garrick with his X-Ray vision, noting that Jay's superfast metabolism was beginning to reassert itself. That was incredibly bad news for the old speedster, as many of his bones were still free floating in his body.

[Johnny Blaze]

"Well, well", said McCulloch as he watched the events transpire from the reflective surface as Plastic Man's ice prison, "shoulda known that Flasher would return one o' these days."

"Looks like the Big Blue Boy Scout is here as well", said Mirror Master in a depressed tone, "thought that he'd be too busy bein' in jail an' all ta get in our way here. Not a very good example he's settin', is it?"

"And it looks like he's brought some friends along as well", said McCulloch with a smile as he glanced around at the frozen Eel O'Brien.
"What's the matter, lad? Ye look a little blue in the face? Hahahahahahahahaha!"

[TheCorpulent1]

There was a presence near him. He felt it, slowly, as he regained consciousness. His body burned like fire and he could feel his bones reknitting and healing. Luckily, the fight had not lasted long enough to severely drain the reserves of solar power he had. This was the thought that comforted him as he returned to consciousness.

He looked up, one eye swollen shut, the other half-open, and saw not who he feared would be there, but who he had hoped would be there. Wally West. The Flash. Things had just turned around in Keystone.

He stood up slowly. "Flash. Thank God," he said as he rose. Wally looked at him with something like concern, and Superman waved his hand, dismissing Wally's fears. "I'll be fine. Jay's hurt badly, I've got to get him to a hospital soon or he's going to die. Can you hold off Zoom long enough for me to get Jay some help?"
My heart leaps at the fact that Superman's awake again. I watch as he slowly rises to his feet. It's no wonder that this man is the example that all other heroes look to, despite his recent troubles: nothing can keep him down.

Some things can make him wobble, though. I slide his arm over my shoulders to help steady him. "Superman, thank God you're all right. I've been stalling, but I was getting worried that your wounds were as bad as they looked."

Superman pulls his arm away slowly, rising to his full height, and gestures to me that he's all right on his own. "All right. I had the same idea: you take care of Jay--"
He was satnding straight up now, but he still looked in bad shape. Bloodstains, bruises, and black eyes covered his face. He looked at Jay Garrick with his X-Ray vision, noting that Jay's superfast metabolism was beginning to reassert itself. That was incredibly bad news for the old speedster, as many of his bones were still free floating in his body.
I notice Jay's metabolism speeding up, and from the look of concern on his face I can tell Superman does, too. "He's speeding back up. I'll strip away his speed, keep his metabolism down to normal, for as long as you're in range, but after that it'll be up to you. Stay high on the way to the hospital--not many of the Rogues can fly--and don't worry about pouring on the speed; Jay's aura will protect him. Go, Superman."

I turn back to face the man who's haunted my nightmares for so many months now. Finally, I can stop stalling and put a stop to Zolomon's evil once and for all. I steel myself for all the implications that may entail, but I have to commit myself to it. Otherwise, the blood Zoom sheds will be on my hands. "Don't worry about Zoom, either," I tell Superman. "I plan to do a lot more than just hold him off."

No matter what it takes, I add to myself, I'll make sure Zoom never ruins another life after tonight.

[Watchman]

Scarecrow stares out the window looking at the bat signal. He motions at a little boy sitting at a table. The boy looks at his parents but walkes over.

"Look out there see it in the sky" the boy nods his head tears running down his face. "No Batman...he would have been here by now and this would have been all over" he stands up,pushing the kid down, throwing his hands up into the air. "No Batman! I can do anything I want! I rule Gotham" he starts to laugh with glee but then gains back his composure and points his gun back at the crowd.

"Now I asked you eariler how much do your lives now heres what I want from you" he starts walking up and down the rows of tables "credit cards, cash, jewalry, checks made out to cash, bank account numbers and believe me I can tell if your lying, and I'll take the money for the charity" people start to look around the room. "Well whats taking so long hurry up!"

[Spider-Man9X17]

I calmly look at the man we're now fighting and extend my arm. A fist fires from my ring, striking Rayner's 'friend' in the face, driving him back into the wall.

I look back at Rayner. "Like that?" I ask with a smile.

Kyle grinned.

"Yeah, something like. So far, green light seems to be the only thing that can pierce him, but I don't think he's met a yellow Lantern yet."

Kyle shot out with a battering ram.

"Whatever you do though, don't let up."

[LibrarianThorne]

My heart leaps at the fact that Superman's awake again. I watch as he slowly rises to his feet. It's no wonder that this man is the example that all other heroes look to, despite his recent troubles: nothing can keep him down.

Some things can make him wobble, though. I slide his arm over my shoulders to help steady him. "Superman, thank God you're all right. I've been stalling, but I was getting worried that your wounds were as bad as they looked."

Superman pulls his arm away slowly, rising to his full height, and gestures to me that he's all right on his own. "All right. I had the same idea: you take care of Jay--"

I notice Jay's metabolism speeding up, and from the look of concern on his face I can tell Superman does, too. "He's speeding back up. I'll strip away his speed, keep his metabolism down to normal, for as long as you're in range, but after that it'll be up to you. Stay high on the way to the hospital--not many of the Rogues can fly--and don't worry about pouring on the speed; Jay's aura will protect him. Go, Superman."

I turn back to face the man who's haunted my nightmares for so many months now. Finally, I can stop stalling and put a stop to Zolomon's evil once and for all. I steel myself for all the implications that may entail, but I have to commit myself to it. Otherwise, the blood Zoom sheds will be on my hands. "Don't worry about Zoom, either," I tell Superman. "I plan to do a lot more than just hold him off."

No matter what it takes, I add to myself, I'll make sure Zoom never ruins another life after tonight.

Superman nods at the Flash's words, then spares a glance at Zoom. In order to save Jay, Zoom has to not interfere. For a Flash to live, a Zoom must do nothing. He clenches his teeth, then begins moving so fast he's nothing better than a blur to all but the Flash and Zoom. He scoops Jay Garrick into his arms and rockets into the sky. A moment and several thousand feet later, he hovers above Keystone, scanning for the hospital. He finds one, Keystone General Hospital, but the situation is dire. Dozens of ambulances are offloading patients, and hundreds of people are making their way to the overcrowded building. He spares another glance at Jay, the speedster's skin growing paler by the second.

No time. Above Keystone, an observer could see a blue, yelow and red streak appear in the sky, flying downwards like a shot into the ER entrance of Keystone General. Superman slowed down when he was a few dozen feet from the entrance, and glided to the ground. Around him, EMTs, docotrs, and nurses stood with their mouths open. Even some patients struggled to get a look at him. He looked about as he spoke, "Please, someone take him. Zoom attacked him. " A doctor strode up to him, and motioned for a gurney. "Can you tell me what injuries he has, Superman?"
"He's got four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and multiple fractures. There appears to be some bruising on his skull, as well."
The doctor nodded, his black hair plastered to his head with sweat. "We'll take it from here, Superman."
The doctor and attendants wheeled the elderly Flash away, and Superman was left alone amidst a swarm of victims. Some looked at him with fear, others with hope. He nodded at them, and then he was gone, shooting off in to the city.

Great Scott, what's happened here? What happened to bank heists and holding people for ransom? Now it's conquer the world this, destroy a city that. I almost miss the simplicity of the old days.

As he flew, he scanned the city for people who needed his help. A small boy was trapped under a tree that looked like it had been cut in half. Thankfully, he wasn't severely hurt, and once freed from the tree he returned to his home. An infant and her mother were trapped inside of their car by some kind of snot-colored glue that was slowly eating away at it, filling the car with deadly fumes. Superman ripped the door off of the car and got the mother and child to safety only moments before the acidic compound reached the gas tank of the car, and it exploded.

For a brief, shining moment, a blur of red, yellow, and blue worked furiously to help the citizens of Keystone. Near the end of the downtown area, he came upon Captain Cold and the Mirror Master, gloating over an entrapped Plastic Man. He floated down behind the two Rogues, and said, "Hmm. Overall, I'd have to say it's an improvement over Eel's usual behavior. Really too bad that I've got to send you both back to Iron Heights now."

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel sees the mayhem in Keystone City. Holy Moley it looks like a free-for-all I better see what I can do. He decends into the heart of the battle seeing dozens of people standing by watching. These people have got to get out of here NOW!
Marvel swoops just above the crowd and begins shouting, "GET TO YOUR HOMES! CLEAR OUT OF HERE!" As he shouts his warnings he notices that EMS is having problems. He sees an EMT getting frustrated inside of an ambulance sounding the siren and flashing the lights He lands next to the local EMS units. Marvel asks, "What seems to be the problem?" The EMT looks at Marvel and says, "We got more wounded here than ambulances and even if we had enough units here the traffic situation is unreal. We have got to find a way to get these people to the hospital. I know there are at least 4 other units but they are all caught in the gridlock. we have contacted some of our mutual repsonse cities, but once they hit our city limits they too will be in the gridlock. " Marvel says, "Hang on!" Marvel gets under the ambulance and lifts it over his head and begins flying with it. He spots the hospital and lands the ambulance in front. The ambulance driver says, "Thanks Captain Marvel. You think you could pick us up again soon we got a lot of wounded people back there." Marvel repiles, "I'll be back in a few minutes be ready to go."
Marvel enters the E-R many of the personel are watching the events on TV. He finds the charge nurse and she is stunned to see him standing there all she can say is, "Hey you're...you're." Marvel says, "Ma'am you're about to have a mass causualty situation on your hands I suggest you get ready. I'll be ferrying the ambulances between here and there. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Marvel takes to the skies and sees the other units in traffic. He flies underneath one and picks up it up and flies it to the scene and keeps doing this for the other three units. He lands them near the scene and says, "Get these people ready I'll be back soon to fly you all to the hospital."

Marvel flies outside of the city limits and picks up the mutual response units. There are now at least 9 ambulances tending to the wounded. Marvel begins flying full units to the hospital and bringing empty units back.

[Johnny Blaze]

For a brief, shining moment, a blur of red, yellow, and blue worked furiously to help the citizens of Keystone. Near the end of the downtown area, he came upon Captain Cold and the Mirror Master, gloating over an entrapped Plastic Man. He floated down behind the two Rogues, and said, "Hmm. Overall, I'd have to say it's an improvement over Eel's usual behavior. Really too bad that I've got to send you both back to Iron Heights now."

"Hullo, Supes! Nice day, don't ye think", said McCulloch with a laugh. He was still safely inside the mirror dimension looking out through the reflection of Plastic Man's ice prison. Cold though was another story.
Snart was used to dealing with speedsters though, so he was fast to react.
With his gun already in his hand, the Captain loosed a cold field around the entire area.

"Your fast, Superman, but not no more", said Cold as he blasted the ground underneath him with his gun, "well, not more than the rest of us at least. What with the cold field surrounding us now."

"Still, with your other powers, you could still take me down pretty easy. I'm still a regular Joe after all. And I doubt my gun would do anything to hurt you", Snart said as he holstered his weapon.

"But, I wonder how you'll do against him", asked the Captain as he slowly pointed behind the Kryptonian to a very, very angry Gorilla Grodd.

[LibrarianThorne]

"Hullo, Supes! Nice day, don't ye think", said McCulloch with a laugh. He was still safely inside the mirror dimension looking out through the reflection of Plastic Man's ice prison. Cold though was another story.
Snart was used to dealing with speedsters though, so he was fast to react.
With his gun already in his hand, the Captain loosed a cold field around the entire area.

"Your fast, Superman, but not no more", said Cold as he blasted the ground underneath him with his gun, "well, not more than the rest of us at least. What with the cold field surrounding us now."

Still, with your other powers, you could still take me down pretty easy. I'm still a regular Joe after all. And I doubt my gun would do anything to hurt you", Snart said as he holstered his weapon.

"But, I wonder how you'll do against him", asked the Captain as he slowly pointed behind the Kryptonian to a very, very angry Gorilla Grodd.

Grodd. Cold. Mirror Master. This wouldn't be easy.

"Interesting point, Cold. I'm not any faster than you are, now. One small flaw in your plan, though," he said,a small smirk on his face. His eyes glowed red, and two small burn holes appeared in the ice prison containing Plastic Man. "My heat vision is just as fast as ever."

Steam flew from the burn holes, and Superman saw Plastic Man begin wriggling into the holes. In moments, Eel would be free.

However, he was still face to face with three of Flash's deadliest rogues. Already he could feel a pounding in his head. It grew more and more painful, like his head was going to explode. Even from there, it got worse. He gritted his teeth together. Grodd's mental manipulations, he knew it. But he had no defense against it. Plastic Man did, and until he was free, Superman would just have to hold out.

Slowly, achingly, he was forced to one knee. Still, he did not cry out.

Eel, hurry up. I don't know how much longer I can take this...

[SuperFerret]

Grodd. Cold. Mirror Master. This wouldn't be easy.

"Interesting point, Cold. I'm not any faster than you are, now. One small flaw in your plan, though," he said,a small smirk on his face. His eyes glowed red, and two small burn holes appeared in the ice prison containing Plastic Man. "My heat vision is just as fast as ever."

Steam flew from the burn holes, and Superman saw Plastic Man begin wriggling into the holes. In moments, Eel would be free.

However, he was still face to face with three of Flash's deadliest rogues. Already he could feel a pounding in his head. It grew more and more painful, like his head was going to explode. Even from there, it got worse. He gritted his teeth together. Grodd's mental manipulations, he knew it. But he had no defense against it. Plastic Man did, and until he was free, Superman would just have to hold out.

Slowly, achingly, he was forced to one knee. Still, he did not cry out.

Eel, hurry up. I don't know how much longer I can take this...

Even as Superman bent to one knee under the mental assault of Gorilla Grodd, Plastic Man began to wriggle free from his icy prison. In moments, he was free, and facing the three Rogues.

"Uh, hey guys! Think fast!"

Eel shot out three punches (he formed a fist with on of his legs and widened the other leg to keep him standing) at the Rogues, hoping to catch them off guard.

[Johnny Blaze]

Mirror Master let out a sigh and rolled his eyes as Superman's heat vision melted the ice surrounding Plastic Man.
Figured as much.

"Bloody white hats", McCulloch said under his breath as Plastic Man was set free. His face now appearing in every single block of ice that was left, McCulloch watched on as Cold was knocked to the ground with a single punch from the superpowered Plastic Man.
"C'mon, Captain", said McCulloch as he reached up from the ice sheet on the ground Cold had created earlier and grabbed hold of the groggy Snart, "time ta hit the road."
McCulloch dragged Cold through the ice's reflection and they were gone, leaving Grodd to fend for himself for the moment.

------------------------------

McCulloch and Cold walked out of a large mirror in a safehouse outside of Keystone City. Only a select few of the Rogues new about this place. The true Rogues. For McCulloch and the others who knew, this was the fall back location in the event of the attack on Keystone turning south.

McCulloch placed the Captain on a nearby couch. Cold was still woozy from the punch thrown by Plastic Man, and it looked as though his cold gun had been broken by his fall. He was in no condition to return to the fight.

"All right, Captain", said McCulloch as he walked back towards the lone mirror in the room. A room which had no discernable doors.
"Ye just relax and heal up. I'll be headin' off ta collect the others. With all them capes flyin' about, it's time ta cut our losses."

"Jus...just worry about Jesse and Mardon, McCulloch. The rest can take care of themselves."

"Aye aye, Cap'n", said McCulloch with a laugh as he dived back into the mirror and was gone.

[Nightwing]

"So Ollie, how long after I turned my back did it take you to check the arrows? And I'm betting you still missed the glue arrow. Didn't you?"

As Roy said that, there was a muffled *Floom* from Ollie's quiver as the aforementioned glue arrow blew up showering Ollie with a sticky yellow substance. All Roy could do was grin.


"DAMMIT!!"

Now I stood in front of the others covered in crap by a deployed glue arrow. How could I have been so blind, and miss it? You really are getting old Queen....

"Are we going to just keep turning around in circles and playing pranks on eachother like freakin 8 year olds? For all we know Bruce could be dead right now!"

I hope I was wrong when I said that. But knowing me, I probably was. Bruce is a survivor, it would take alot just to bring him down. Still, we've been at Roys pad for close to 2 hours, and half the time we were goofing around.

"Nobody move."

I ran back to the bathroom where I found the leg wraps, and grabbed a fresh towel. Once I did so, I wet it and used it to brush my hair back and fourth. It should get some of the glue out before it completely drys. I swear, if Roy pulls one more of his little tricks, I'm pinning him against a wall.

****

I threw away the towel after a couple minutes and got some of the glue out, I won't let my anger surpass me right now. But that doesn't mean Roy is off the hook, I'm taking charge as of now.

I walked back to Sage, Kord, and Roy. Time to prove why exactly we put on our masks, we're comin' Bruce. I was a bit skeptical at first, knowing I may not come out of this thing alive. It's not every day that you have to go up against some of the worlds greatest assassins, but I've been through ALOT worse....

"Alright, lets get our asses back on the bug. We have enough supply's, and have had ENOUGH fun."

I closed the back of the bug where all the weapons were stashed, and buckled up.

"Kord, get us out of here."

[wiegeabo]

Kyle grinned.

"Yeah, something like. So far, green light seems to be the only thing that can pierce him, but I don't think he's met a yellow Lantern yet."

Kyle shot out with a battering ram.

"Whatever you do though, don't let up."

Excellent.

I rise up and shoot myself along th eground at this new threat. I notice he has the letters MF on his uniform...or is that skin? I recognize those letters from an Earth insult I have heard. "So, I assume you're name is Mother Fu..." he pulls out somekind of weapon from behind his back and shoots me in the face.

The force knokcs me off course and I fly through the wall into the seats. I turn over to lay on my back, then sit up. "Yes, I guess that is your name."

Now I'm angry...

[Spider-Man9X17]

Excellent.

I rise up and shoot myself along th eground at this new threat. I notice he has the letters MF on his uniform...or is that skin? I recognize those letters from an Earth insult I have heard. "So, I assume you're name is Mother Fu..." he pulls out somekind of weapon from behind his back and shoots me in the face.

The force knokcs me off course and I fly through the wall into the seats. I turn over to lay on my back, then sit up. "Yes, I guess that is your name."

Now I'm angry...

"What did I just tell you?" Kyle wrapped Major Force up in a force field. It wasn't going to hold long, though.

"No talky, just fighty. Talking gets you killed."

[wiegeabo]

"What did I just tell you?" Kyle wrapped Major Force up in a force field. It wasn't going to hold long, though.

"No talky, just fighty. Talking gets you killed."

"That had been my plan!" I rise from the ashes, literally, just as MF breaks out of Rayners bubble with his weapon and fists. Impressive.

I use a blast of energy to put our opponent on the ground. Then I create a construct of a massive winged creature that promptly grabs MF in it's mouth and flings him across the stadium.

Following his flight path, I catch up to him just as he begins to stand. I decide to test Rayner's theory. Creating a two pronged device from me ring, I ram the prongs through his shoulders, pinning him to the wall. MF doesn't make a sound, but just looks at me in the eyes like Death itself.

"It appears yellow constructs are just as effective," I yell back to Rayner.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Good, let's finish this."

Kyle formed a new sword in his hand. Charging at Major Force, he lifted it above his head and swung. Force managed to free himself just in time, though a good portion of his shoulder was ripped off.

"Did you think they forgot about you, punk? Nope, we juswt had to work our way back up the ladder. You may be all nicey-nice with the people now, but we don't take orders from the government no more."

Kyle snarled. His nostrils flared.

"I hear there's another lady 'round town that caught yer eye. Some stripper. Trash, just like you. I'll have fun with her, too. Maybe this time I'll try a cupboard."

Kyle let out a yell that was anything but human. His soul itself was screaming as he leapt at Major Force. The two collided in midair, and Kyle let loose with the lefts and rights.

"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU, YOU B@$T@RD!"

[wiegeabo]

"Good, let's finish this."

Kyle formed a new sword in his hand. Charging at Major Force, he lifted it above his head and swung. Force managed to free himself just in time, though a good portion of his shoulder was ripped off.

"Did you think they forgot about you, punk? Nope, we juswt had to work our way back up the ladder. You may be all nicey-nice with the people now, but we don't take orders from the government no more."

Kyle snarled. His nostrils flared.

"I hear there's another lady 'round town that caught yer eye. Some stripper. Trash, just like you. I'll have fun with her, too. Maybe this time I'll try a cupboard."

Kyle let out a yell that was anything but human. His soul itself was screaming as he leapt at Major Force. The two collided in midair, and Kyle let loose with the lefts and rights.

"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU, YOU B@$T@RD!"

As I watch them fight, I realize this is more than just personal. Rayner's not going to stop until he kills this man. Actually kills him.

Good. It's about time we no longer have to hold back.

MF (I must learn what that means) knocks Kyle away with a massive punch. Blood pours down his lip. Rayner screams in fury and rushes his adversary. Damn, he's not thinking clearly now.

I put up a wall, blocking Rayner from his target. The look he gives me is pure death. I then morph the wall, creating a container with spikes inside of it. A device humans call an 'Iron Maiden'. I trap MF inside it and slam it shut with all my will. A massive yell of pain roars from the container, and whimpers away.

I open the device and let MF's limp body fall to the ground. Somekind of blood pours from the number of wounds as he breathes weakly, still alive. Surprisingly, he starts to rise.

What is this creature made off?

[dtorn4]

edit

OOC: they changed the editing since i last did this and i screwed it up somehow

[dtorn4]

Somewhere in the Gotham City sewer system.

A dim light is seen coming from one of the old pump stations. The station has been abandoned for years, or so one would think. One of Gotham’s most notorious gangsters has just set up his new base here. His name is Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, a.k.a. the Penguin, and his whole criminal empire has been laid siege to by the psychopathic former D.A. turned mob boss Harvey Dent, a.k.a. Two-Face. He has taken everything that Oswald has worked for, everything that he has built. Now Oswald is going to take back what is his and nothing will stand in his way.

“Hey boss, how come we just don’t go back to the club?”

“Because you half-wit, Two-Face has taken over all my businesses. My office at the Iceberg Lounge isn’t safe anymore, none of the former hideouts are. Who knows what kind of listening devises Dent may have been planted. I need to know that what I am planning will in no way get back to him.”

“So what’s our next move then boss?” another goon asks

“Currently our dear Mr. Dent is engaged in gang war with Roman Sionis, the Black Mask. If everything goes as planned, I won't have to do anything. Those two will tear each other apart leaving me to swoop in a pick up the pieces. Waugh Waugh.”

“So what’s the plan then?”

“All in due time. First I need you two to go down to the docks. I have a shipment of armaments that is coming in this evening. These weapons are essential to my plans. Do not foul this up. Now get going!"

The two goons leave immediately. Oswald picks up his umbrella and puts on his top hat. Stopping in front of the mirror make sure his appearance is up kept before he takes his leave

"Hello handsome."

Oswald lights the cigarette at the end of his cigarette holder

"My you look good today. Why such a wide grin? Could it be because soon Dent and Sionis will be begging you to spare their insignificant lives? WAUGH WAUGH WAUGH WAUGH WAUGH WAUGH!!!!!!"

[LibrarianThorne]

Even as Superman bent to one knee under the mental assault of Gorilla Grodd, Plastic Man began to wriggle free from his icy prison. In moments, he was free, and facing the three Rogues.

"Uh, hey guys! Think fast!"

Eel shot out three punches (he formed a fist with on of his legs and widened the other leg to keep him standing) at the Rogues, hoping to catch them off guard.

Superman watched as Plastic Man's attack sent the Rogues reeling. Still, Grodd pounded on his mind.

"Eel, a little help here... would be appreciated..."
"Shut up, you infantile fool. Soon your defenses will fail and you, Superman, will belong to me. Body and mind."

[Spider-Man9X17]

As I watch them fight, I realize this is more than just personal. Rayner's not going to stop until he kills this man. Actually kills him.

Good. It's about time we no longer have to hold back.

MF (I must learn what that means) knocks Kyle away with a massive punch. Blood pours down his lip. Rayner screams in fury and rushes his adversary. Damn, he's not thinking clearly now.

I put up a wall, blocking Rayner from his target. The look he gives me is pure death. I then morph the wall, creating a container with spikes inside of it. A device humans call an 'Iron Maiden'. I trap MF inside it and slam it shut with all my will. A massive yell of pain roars from the container, and whimpers away.

I open the device and let MF's limp body fall to the ground. Somekind of blood pours from the number of wounds as he breathes weakly, still alive. Surprisingly, he starts to rise.

What is this creature made off?

"I don't have the power you want anymore," Kyle sneered. "I gave it up, sacrificed it, to help others. Something you wouldn't know anything about."

"It ain't abou that anymore, kid. This is about revenge."

Kyle's ring flared

"Damn right."

[wiegeabo]

"I don't have the power you want anymore," Kyle sneered. "I gave it up, sacrificed it, to help others. Something you wouldn't know anything about."

"It ain't abou that anymore, kid. This is about revenge."

Kyle's ring flared

"Damn right."

Rayner is going to kill this man. And I want him to. Kill him and likely save a lot of people a lot of pain. Do it Rayner, do it!

But...he can't. I can't let him. Apparently, heroes don't kill. They create. They protect.

We protect.

The thought of protection brings to my mind something this...MF mentioned. Something about a friend of Rayner's. I didn't understand the part about a cupboard, but I recognize a threat when I hear one.

"Rayner. Rayner!" I grab his ring hand to get his attention. "Kyle...this man mentioned a friend of yours. Threatened a girl you know. If he knows of her, then those who attacked us know of her. Which means she could be in danger right now!"

[Spider-Man9X17]

Rayner is going to kill this man. And I want him to. Kill him and likely save a lot of people a lot of pain. Do it Rayner, do it!

But...he can't. I can't let him. Apparently, heroes don't kill. They create. They protect.

We protect.

The thought of protection brings to my mind something this...MF mentioned. Something about a friend of Rayner's. I didn't understand the part about a cupboard, but I recognize a threat when I hear one.

"Rayner. Rayner!" I grab his ring hand to get his attention. "Kyle...this man mentioned a friend of yours. Threatened a girl you know. If he knows of her, then those who attacked us know of her. Which means she could be in danger right now!"

"I don't know her. It was a wrong-place-wrong-time deal. They don't care about her, they want me, us, dead."

-

"Our moles in the LAPD have run out of time"

"Pull out. Test run successful."

-

Major Force glared at the two. His eye comm crackled.

"Well, kid, it's been fun. But my part's done...for now."

"NO!"

Kyle leapt forward, but it was two late. Major Force disappeared in a flash of light.

"Dammit! I had him!"

He turned and grabbed Sinestro.

"He killed her, and I almost had him! What do you think you're doing?!"

[wiegeabo]

"I don't know her. It was a wrong-place-wrong-time deal. They don't care about her, they want me, us, dead."

-

"Our moles in the LAPD have run out of time"

"Pull out. Test run successful."

-

Major Force glared at the two. His eye comm crackled.

"Well, kid, it's been fun. But my part's done...for now."

"NO!"

Kyle leapt forward, but it was two late. Major Force disappeared in a flash of light.

"Dammit! I had him!"

He turned and grabbed Sinestro.

"He killed her, and I almost had him! What do you think you're doing?!"


I cross my arms and calmly face Rayner's fury. "What do you think you were doing?" I throw back at him. "Were you going to capture him, take him to prison? Or were you going to kill him? Take another's life. Watch it drain from his eyes. Because, trust me, you don't have what it takes."

I let him contemplate that for a moment. "Now, answer me this. Who the hells was that, and who did he kill? Why were you about to throw everything away?"

[SuperFerret]

Superman watched as Plastic Man's attack sent the Rogues reeling. Still, Grodd pounded on his mind.

"Eel, a little help here... would be appreciated..."

"Oh, shut up, you infantile fool. Your defenses will fall and you, body and mind, will belong to Grodd."

"Huh?" Eel turned to see that Grodd, like Mirror Master, had withstood his punch. "Damn it, how many times do I have to spank this monkey?"

Plas leaped to Superman's rescue, changing his form midair, and connecting with a flying kick on Grodd's chest. He then landed in a feigned martial arts stance.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/superferret/BatPlas.jpg

"Come get some."

[LibrarianThorne]

"Huh?" Eel turned to see that Grodd, like Mirror Master, had withstood his punch. "Damn it, how many times do I have to spank this monkey?"

Plas leaped to Superman's rescue, changing his form midair, and connecting with a flying kick on Grodd's chest. He then landed in a feigned martial arts stance.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/superferret/BatPlas.jpg

"Come get some."

Plastic Man's second attack knocked Grodd off balance, but more importantly for Superman, it broke the Gorilla's mental concentration. With an incoherent bellow, Grodd began attacking Plastic Man, but found out that htting Eel O'brien was a challenge he wasn't up to. Eel changed forms and dodged the attacks, stretching his body out as he did so.

Superman shook his head, throwing off the vesitges of Grodd's mental onslaught. Cold's field was still robbing him of his super-speed, he could feel it. Regardless, he stood up, and shook his head again, finally clearing the cobwebs out of his head.

He flew in to Grodd with a shoulder tackle, knocking the ape to the ground and knocking the wind out of him. They skidded along the ice-covered street for a few moments before coming to a stop at the edge of Cold's field. Superman hauled Grodd up by his fur and delivered a vicious backhand to Grodd's face, knocking the would-be conqueror ape into unconsciousness with a single blow. He threw Grodd to the ground, and turned to Plastic Man.

"Sorry I can't stay for longer, Eel. Duty calls. Take Grodd to Iron Heights as soon as you can. I've heard Captain Marvel's voice, so you might want to have him take care of Grodd."

He gave Plastic Man a nod of thanks before taking off in to the sky. As he soared above Keystone, a thought came to him. Situations like this are why we had the Justice League. This is too much for any of us to handle alone, but together there's nothing we can't do. If the League hadn't disbanded, we could have taken care of this mess in less than an hour. Now, without the League, everything's falling apart at the seams.

[SuperFerret]

Plastic Man's second attack knocked Grodd off balance, but more importantly for Superman, it broke the Gorilla's mental concentration. With an incoherent bellow, Grodd began attacking Plastic Man, but found out that htting Eel O'brien was a challenge he wasn't up to. Eel changed forms and dodged the attacks, stretching his body out as he did so.

Superman shook his head, throwing off the vesitges of Grodd's mental onslaught. Cold's field was still robbing him of his super-speed, he could feel it. Regardless, he stood up, and shook his head again, finally clearing the cobwebs out of his head.

He flew in to Grodd with a shoulder tackle, knocking the ape to the ground and knocking the wind out of him. They skidded along the ice-covered street for a few moments before coming to a stop at the edge of Cold's field. Superman hauled Grodd up by his fur and delivered a vicious backhand to Grodd's face, knocking the would-be conqueror ape into unconsciousness with a single blow. He threw Grodd to the ground, and turned to Plastic Man.

"Sorry I can't stay for longer, Eel. Duty calls. Take Grodd to Iron Heights as soon as you can. I've heard Captain Marvel's voice, so you might want to have him take care of Grodd."

[COLOR=black]He gave Plastic Man a nod of thanks before taking off in to the sky.

Plas watched Superman fly of, and then looked down at the once again unconscious Grodd.

"He's definitely going to get some brain damage from all of this." Eel muttered as he lassoed Grodd with his arm and began to drag the gorilla towards Iron Heights.

[Watchman]

Scarecrow surveyed the crowd he just robbed and looked in his sack.

"Well we did good today and I'm a very rich man". He starts heading for the door but turns back to the crowd "You know what I want to do a little experiment...now breath in deep". he sprays his gas and which hits everyone in the room.

"nOw LiSTen TO mE tHe FeAR wILL StOP BuT yoU MuST DO ExACtly WhAT I SaY" he said this over and over until everyone in the room were nodding their heads. "GoOd vErY gOOd"

[Spider-Man9X17]

I cross my arms and calmly face Rayner's fury. "What do you think you were doing?" I throw back at him. "Were you going to capture him, take him to prison? Or were you going to kill him? Take another's life. Watch it drain from his eyes. Because, trust me, you don't have what it takes."

I let him contemplate that for a moment. "Now, answer me this. Who the hells was that, and who did he kill? Why were you about to throw everything away?"

"You CAN'T kill him. I've been trying for years. I ripped his head off and threw it into space, and he back-talked me the whole time."

Kyle slumped against the outfield wall.

"His name is Major Force. Ex-military. I met him for the first time years ago, when I first got the ring. Some reason, I was a wanted man. I dunno why. Maybe it was because Hal Jordon had been the man up until that point. Fighter pilot, Green Lantern, JLA member. Then he just up and disappears, has a little mental breakdown, and I get the ring from Ganthet. A ring with the power of all 3600 Lanterns and Oa itself. Anyway, some government agency, some sleeper, caught onto me or something. They wanted the power, or the secrets, or maybe thought I killed Jordon. Whatever. They came after me, sent Major Force. While I was out stopping some te,poral disturbance in the city, he breaks into my apartment and kills my girlfriend Alex. I get home, and find her mutilated body shoved in the fridge."

Kyle wiped a tear from his eye.

"I soon discovered that a Green Lantern's ring could hurt him. I was about to end it, when some special teams task force shows up. They bail him out, and try to arrest me. Didn't wanna hear anything about a body in the fridge. At that point in my life, all I had was Alex and my art career, and that was going swirly at the time. She was someone to hold me up, my life line, and he took it away without a second thought. Tried to kill my mom too. And any chance he's gotten since then, he's made my life a living hell"

[wiegeabo]

"Ah, the pieces finally fall into place. The hatred, the revenge. The problem with that is, it clouds ones judgement. Trust me, I know."

I pace for a moment, thinking. "If he is immortal, then there are other ways of handling him. But, just because you haven't found a way to kill him, doesn't mean there isn't a way." I let him ponder that a moment.

"The question is, if you could kill him, if you got that chance, would you? Even after all he has done, could you actually take his life? Do the one thing a hero is never to do?"

I let him think about that for another minute. Then I look up towards the sky, and back at Rayner. "What do you want to do now?"

[MST3K 4ever]

As Captain Marvel sets down one of the ambulances. He hears one of the EMT's say to him, "Captain Marvel, we just got word one of the side streets is now opened, and it is exclusively for rescue personel only. We can get units to the hospital through there, but now we have another issue." Marvel asks, "What issue is that?" The EMT replies, "Well we got plenty of patients & charge staff at the hospital, but we coming up short on doctors & other nurses. We need surgeons, E-R docs, and other nurses. The charge nurse says that they have plenty of them calling to volunteer to help out, but with the side street being used for the ambulances a lot of them, are stranded all over town and outside of the city limits. Word is the gridlock will still be in play for another 2-3 hours, and a lot of these people don't have 2-3 hours. "

Marvel says, "Get the following instructions to the hospital dispatcher and the 911 operators. Tell them to tell the doctors & nurses who are caught in traffic to sit on the hoods of their car and to wear their name badge. I'll get them to the hospital." Marvel takes flight looking around for people sitting on their hoods with name badges He begins seeing several people following the instructions he gave. He lands next to each car and tells them, "Get in and buckle up." With that Captain Marvel begins flying the cars to the hospital. Once he gets the last one there he sees the charge nurse. She walks up to him and says, "Captain Marvel thank you, because of you what you did these people have a fighting chance to live. With the side street now opened the ambulances get in and out freely, and with the people you just brought in we have plenty of help. Each one of you today helped this city in your own way and I promise you no one will ever forget it. Thank you." Marvel replies, "I just get them here you all are the ones making the difference right now. You all deserve all of the thanks today & everyday for what you do. Now if you will excuse me I have one more person to help. Take care and thank you."

Marvel takes to the skies and sees Plastic Man dragging Grodd away. Marvel smirks and flies to Plastic Man and asks, "Could you use a hand?"

[Green Lantern]

"DAMMIT!!"

Now I stood in front of the others covered in crap by a deployed glue arrow. How could I have been so blind, and miss it? You really are getting old Queen....

"Are we going to just keep turning around in circles and playing pranks on eachother like freakin 8 year olds? For all we know Bruce could be dead right now!"

I hope I was wrong when I said that. But knowing me, I probably was. Bruce is a survivor, it would take alot just to bring him down. Still, we've been at Roys pad for close to 2 hours, and half the time we were goofing around.

"Nobody move."

I ran back to the bathroom where I found the leg wraps, and grabbed a fresh towel. Once I did so, I wet it and used it to brush my hair back and fourth. It should get some of the glue out before it completely drys. I swear, if Roy pulls one more of his little tricks, I'm pinning him against a wall.

****

I threw away the towel after a couple minutes and got some of the glue out, I won't let my anger surpass me right now. But that doesn't mean Roy is off the hook, I'm taking charge as of now.

I walked back to Sage, Kord, and Roy. Time to prove why exactly we put on our masks, we're comin' Bruce. I was a bit skeptical at first, knowing I may not come out of this thing alive. It's not every day that you have to go up against some of the worlds greatest assassins, but I've been through ALOT worse....

"Alright, lets get our asses back on the bug. We have enough supply's, and have had ENOUGH fun."

I closed the back of the bug where all the weapons were stashed, and buckled up.

"Kord, get us out of here."


...Geez... what crawled up Ollie's ass and died? I'm guessing some sort of badger, they like nestling in dark places... I spose he's just mad that that glue interferred with his "ruggishly handsome" good looks... Pshaw. I still don't see how the guy gets so much play... he looks like hes starring in an off Broadway play about Robin Hood...

Roy climbed on the Bug, and sat back next to Ollie, picking up his now cold cup of coffee...

"Ah man... its freaking cold!" Roy took the cup over to the door and dumped it onto the roof of the building, then went to pour himself another cup and sat back down.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Ah, the pieces finally fall into place. The hatred, the revenge. The problem with that is, it clouds ones judgement. Trust me, I know."

I pace for a moment, thinking. "If he is immortal, then there are other ways of handling him. But, just because you haven't found a way to kill him, doesn't mean there isn't a way." I let him ponder that a moment.

"The question is, if you could kill him, if you got that chance, would you? Even after all he has done, could you actually take his life? Do the one thing a hero is never to do?"

I let him think about that for another minute. Then I look up towards the sky, and back at Rayner. "What do you want to do now?"

Kyle rubbed his temples.

"I, uh,...I think I wanna go get a burger. You hungry?"

[Ash Loomis]

I give Ollie a solider style salute and a smile. “Aye, aye C’apn!”

As we enter the Bug my eyes meet with Speedy’s. “Some friends you got there, Speedster.” My smile is kind, but my voice overflows with smug sarcasm.

We fly until we get to a huge, desert area. I look around and let out a long whistle.

“Whoop, looks like this where the bus ride ends, boys. Near as I figure it, this is as close as we can go in the Bug without the risk of being spotted. So, grab some weapons, and shove ‘em onto these things.”

I whip out some “Beetle Shells.” Basically, these babies are just fancy nap sacks. Blue metal, and leather, done up to look like my Beetle symbol.

“Sorry about the short notice; I would have tried to get some in the question mark, archery, and emo kid styles!”

Next, I bring out some small blue hover boards. They look a lot like scooters, but without the wheels. In their place is a circular board to stand on, as well as some pedals to get the thing started.

“OK Question, I’m sure you remember how to use these right? We used ‘em to fly through the sewers to get that one gangster once, remember? ‘Cause the Bug couldn’t fit down there? What was his name again? Below-boss or something?”

I shrug and look over to Speedy and Green Arrow.

“For you two, the controls are pretty simple. Pump the peddles to move forward, and use the steering tool to go in the desired direction. Anywhoo, now let’s go kick some arse!”

[The Question]

"I remember. And it was underboss."

I turn to the others.

"Looks like Roy's Titan buddies might not catch up in time. Meaning that we'll have to cause a major distraction if we want to stay alive. I was thinking we fire the rocket launchers into the camps. It'll cause plenty of confusion. Some people might get killed, but I don't see much of an option besides that."

[Hyper Venom]

My heart leaps at the fact that Superman's awake again. I watch as he slowly rises to his feet. It's no wonder that this man is the example that all other heroes look to, despite his recent troubles: nothing can keep him down.

Some things can make him wobble, though. I slide his arm over my shoulders to help steady him. "Superman, thank God you're all right. I've been stalling, but I was getting worried that your wounds were as bad as they looked."

Superman pulls his arm away slowly, rising to his full height, and gestures to me that he's all right on his own. "All right. I had the same idea: you take care of Jay--"

I notice Jay's metabolism speeding up, and from the look of concern on his face I can tell Superman does, too. "He's speeding back up. I'll strip away his speed, keep his metabolism down to normal, for as long as you're in range, but after that it'll be up to you. Stay high on the way to the hospital--not many of the Rogues can fly--and don't worry about pouring on the speed; Jay's aura will protect him. Go, Superman."

I turn back to face the man who's haunted my nightmares for so many months now. Finally, I can stop stalling and put a stop to Zolomon's evil once and for all. I steel myself for all the implications that may entail, but I have to commit myself to it. Otherwise, the blood Zoom sheds will be on my hands. "Don't worry about Zoom, either," I tell Superman. "I plan to do a lot more than just hold him off."

No matter what it takes, I add to myself, I'll make sure Zoom never ruins another life after tonight.

There was a tense silence. Both of these men, whose lives had been intertwined for so long, who once called one another "friend", now stood seething at each other. Fists clenched tightly, teeth gritted, Zoom glared at his former friend. The wind whipped around the two speedsters as they stood in silence, while there was chaos all around them.

Mirror Master and Captain Cold had disappeared. Superman and Plastic Man had just knocked out Grodd. Captain Marvel had just arrived on the scene. A number of Rogues were still running amok. But in the middle of it all, the Flash and Zoom stood perfectly still, staring each other down.

Zoom had imagined this moment for months. Imagined what he would do if the coward ever showed himself again. He used to respect the man known as Wally West, until he turned tail and ran away from his responsibilities. He was the sole reason that Zoom believed that no man deserved to call himself a hero. He was the reason that Zoom aided the Society. And he had to answer for his transgressions.

Sparks flew around Zoom as the wind started to blow harder around them. In a split second, he made the first move. A right cross to the Flash's jaw. The Flash was still standing. Not surprising at all, Zoom thought. But he needed an edge. And just as quickly as he had thrown the punch, he then proceeded to kick the Flash in between the legs. That brought Wally to his knees. Zoom smiled down at him.

"This is quite the dramatic encounter, no doubt. But nobody said it had to be tasteful."

Zoom turned away from the Flash and stared into the distance.

"Case in point: you obviously didn't learn your lesson the last time. So I'm afraid you'll have to retake the course. And in today's class, we have a special guest speaker. Her name is Linda West. Let's see what she has to say, shall we?"

And with that, Zoom ran as fast as he could toward the hospital.

[TheCorpulent1]

There was a tense silence. Both of these men, whose lives had been intertwined for so long, who once called one another "friend", now stood seething at each other. Fists clenched tightly, teeth gritted, Zoom glared at his former friend. The wind whipped around the two speedsters as they stood in silence, while there was chaos all around them.

Mirror Master and Captain Cold had disappeared. Superman and Plastic Man had just knocked out Grodd. Captain Marvel had just arrived on the scene. A number of Rogues were still running amok. But in the middle of it all, the Flash and Zoom stood perfectly still, staring each other down.

Zoom had imagined this moment for months. Imagined what he would do if the coward ever showed himself again. He used to respect the man known as Wally West, until he turned tail and ran away from his responsibilities. He was the sole reason that Zoom believed that no man deserved to call himself a hero. He was the reason that Zoom aided the Society. And he had to answer for his transgressions.

Sparks flew around Zoom as the wind started to blow harder around them. In a split second, he made the first move. A right cross to the Flash's jaw. The Flash was still standing. Not surprising at all, Zoom thought. But he needed an edge. And just as quickly as he had thrown the punch, he then proceeded to kick the Flash in between the legs. That brought Wally to his knees. Zoom smiled down at him.

"This is quite the dramatic encounter, no doubt. But nobody said it had to be tasteful."

Zoom turned away from the Flash and stared into the distance.
I'm sitting here on my knees, panting, amidst the chaos that's overtaken Keystone, and all I can think is, That son of a b**** kicked me below the belt! Funny how one's priorities get jerked around in the middle of a tense situation, huh? I speed up my whole body so the pain subsides quicker, and as it does Zoom's final words register:

"Case in point: you obviously didn't learn your lesson the last time. So I'm afraid you'll have to retake the course. And in today's class, we have a special guest speaker. Her name is Linda West. Let's see what she has to say, shall we?"

And with that, Zoom ran as fast as he could toward the hospital.
LINDA! I scream as Zoom takes off. I shrug off the rest of the pain in my jaw and... elsewhere. Then I'm off after Zoom. He's only got a fraction of a second's lead on me, but when you're talking about speeds like Zoom's and mine, the tiniest fraction of a second can make all the difference in the world. So I run. I run hard and fast and I keep pushing myself for more speed. The Speed Force starts calling me in the back of my mind, but I don't care. If getting sucked into it is the price I have to pay for the boost I need, so be it, as long as it's after I've caught Zoom. I'll die before I let him lay another finger on Linda.

I pull myself out of my less-than-pleasant musings and back to reality. I'm gaining on Zoom--that's good. But will it be enough? I can already see the mental institution in the distance. We'll be there in less a second. I set my jaw and draw on more of the Speed Force. It has to be enough. Lord, let it be enough...

[twylight]

The night sky of Gotham burned a dark burgundy. The breeze caressing the hard edges of the city, the richer sets of Gotham bundled up in their furs and rich wools and made their way to the Opera. While down near the docks the breeze rippled colder still off the water. Atop an empty warehouse a woman crouched, her long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, her right hand pressed against the tar covered roof, she grasped a black bow in her other hand. Here eyes peering intently into the darkness she slowly rose, her long skirt, parted on each side up her legs blew back revealing her legs covered in black leggings. The high neckline of the dress overlapped on one side and an oriental knot closed the two flaps together.

She tilted her head at the sound of a boat motor. It’s large…..she waits.

20 minutes later a small cargo ship hits the docks. And two men emerge from the warehouse she’s on top of. Kneeling on the roof she lays down and watches over the edge. A man comes off the ship and speaks to the two men, for a while, before the ship explodes with action. Crates start to be unloaded as soon as a ramp is made for the ship.
She’ll wait to make her move till the boat is gone, not because she’s out numbered but in Gotham, it’s easier to hit them after they expect it.

The Bat has them trained well. They operate quickly yet quietly. It had taken her more than a few bar’s to find out about this dock, and even then, it took more than she was willing to give to find it.

The last crate unloaded and money quickly passed hands. Her lips curled up in a smile beneath her lower face mask. Penguin paid for it too, it would make this all the more sweeter. She waited till the ship moved off before moving, walking over the roof quietly she leapt off into an alley between two warehouses and eased herself to the window.

“We gonna keep this stuff here?”

“I don’t know da Boss will clue us in after we tell him we got it in.”

“Lady luck smiled on us. The Bat ain’t got no idea.” The first man smirked.

“Don’t say that. You never know till he hits.” The second man said a little jaded.

“Your gonna make me hit the bottle tonight.”

“Yeah? How about a few shots on the way back?” The second man straightened his jacket and stood up from his seat.

“GAH!”

He turned and looked at his partner only to find him pinned to a crate by his clothing. Four black arrows framed him. Two holding the fabric on his shoulders and two on each cuff.

“What da..”
An Arrow whizzed by his face and he took a step back, moving his hand for a gun.

“I wouldn’t.” Came a hoarse voice from the shadows.

He paused and hesitated. Another arrow shot out this time on the other side of his face.

“Who…Who are you…?”

“Where is Penguin?”

The man shook his head, his loose unshaven jowls moving back and forth. His partner’s eyes were wide as he looked at the arrows pinning him down.

“I…I…don’t know.”

A figure stepped from the shadows, the bow drawn and a sharp black arrow glistening.

“Where is Penguin.”

The man squinted trying to make out the outline as he shuddered. This time the voice came as a statement, not a question.

“I don’t…OFH” He doubled over as a foot smashed into his stomach. He looked up, his eyes going wide.

“You’re a dame” He said without thinking, his mind still reeling from not seeing her till he was hit. Her face was covered from the nose down in dark cloth but he could see an outline of her smirking. The bow was crossed over her front and behind her.

She grabbed the hair on the back of his head and yanked it back.

“Where is he.”

“I ain’t tellin’.” He said, his spirit not broken.

Her eyes glazed for a second before she kneed him and let him drop to the ground. Turning she stared at the First man still pinned against the crate. His eyes wide, but not from fear.

Fear wasn’t good. There was too much fear in Gotham.

She walked over to him and placed her hands in his pockets pulling out a box of matches. Returning her gaze to him she jutted two fingers just under his rib. He convolsed slitly and looked at her questioningly.
Tucking the match box into her hand she grabbed a crowbar that was leaning against a crate and pried one open. She smiled, wood shavings lay in it, placing her black gloved hand into the crate she brushed the shavings away revealing matte black metal.

She looked sideways at the men, before striking a match and holding it over the crate, ignoring the vomiting and the groaning.
The match wouldn’t do any real damage…yet she let it drop into the wood shavings and tilted her head.

Sirens sounded in the distance.

She turned and faced the two men, her outline hardly visible in the dim light.

“Hear that? The sound of an anonymous tip.” She smiled and walked to the door.

“Tell Penguin when you get out that next time I won’t be so nice. You caught me on a down day.” She winked and blew a kiss before walking into the night smiling.

No crash and burn operation and no fear, just the truth.

[Hyper Venom]

I'm sitting here on my knees, panting, amidst the chaos that's overtaken Keystone, and all I can think is, That son of a b**** kicked me below the belt! Funny how one's priorities get jerked around in the middle of a tense situation, huh? I speed up my whole body so the pain subsides quicker, and as it does Zoom's final words register:


LINDA! I scream as Zoom takes off. I shrug off the rest of the pain in my jaw and... elsewhere. Then I'm off after Zoom. He's only got a fraction of a second's lead on me, but when you're talking about speeds like Zoom's and mine, the tiniest fraction of a second can make all the difference in the world. So I run. I run hard and fast and I keep pushing myself for more speed. The Speed Force starts calling me in the back of my mind, but I don't care. If getting sucked into it is the price I have to pay for the boost I need, so be it, as long as it's after I've caught Zoom. I'll die before I let him lay another finger on Linda.

I pull myself out of my less-than-pleasant musings and back to reality. I'm gaining on Zoom--that's good. But will it be enough? I can already see the mental institution in the distance. We'll be there in less a second. I set my jaw and draw on more of the Speed Force. It has to be enough. Lord, let it be enough...

Looking over his shoulder, Zoom could see the Flash gradually gaining on him. He smiled at the Flash, then continued to run to the hospital. Entering the building, he ran through each of the halls, opening every door and looking inside for Linda. The Flash was still behind him. He continued to run, and as he ran, he punched the walls every few seconds, sending chunks of the walls flying through the air and striking innocent bystanders. If the Flash stopped to tend to them, there'd be no way for him to catch up to Zoom.

He continued to run, until finally, he made it to a door and recognized the woman inside. She was watched footage of the Keystone attack on TV. He stopped himself, staring intently at her. Then he slowly opened the door and stepped inside wordlessly. The woman looked up at him, and for a second, did not react. Then her jaw dropped to the floor as her mind registered what was going on. Zoom calmly closed the door behind him and approached her.

"Hello, Linda..."

[SuperFerret]

Marvel takes to the skies and sees Plastic Man dragging Grodd away. Marvel smirks and flies to Plastic Man and asks, "Could you use a hand?"

"Um, yeah." Eel said, releasing Grodd, "he's kinda heavy, would it be too much for you to lug this walking tick farm to Iron Heights."

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis stares at the red liquid smeared on the buildings...the liquid that had appeared a few days ago. He had thought it was paint, but he was wrong...this was diffrent...it was....bloo-- A memory.
The bridge, screaming....ALICE!

"TEA TIME!" the little girl...what had he been thinking about again? Everything was so hazy....then a voice spoke up behind him.

"Horrible isn't it? What these madmen do to our city?"

[Green Lantern]

I give Ollie a solider style salute and a smile. “Aye, aye C’apn!”

As we enter the Bug my eyes meet with Speedy’s. “Some friends you got there, Speedster.” My smile is kind, but my voice overflows with smug sarcasm.

We fly until we get to a huge, desert area. I look around and let out a long whistle.

“Whoop, looks like this where the bus ride ends, boys. Near as I figure it, this is as close as we can go in the Bug without the risk of being spotted. So, grab some weapons, and shove ‘em onto these things.”

I whip out some “Beetle Shells.” Basically, these babies are just fancy nap sacks. Blue metal, and leather, done up to look like my Beetle symbol.

“Sorry about the short notice; I would have tried to get some in the question mark, archery, and emo kid styles!”

Next, I bring out some small blue hover boards. They look a lot like scooters, but without the wheels. In their place is a circular board to stand on, as well as some pedals to get the thing started.

“OK Question, I’m sure you remember how to use these right? We used ‘em to fly through the sewers to get that one gangster once, remember? ‘Cause the Bug couldn’t fit down there? What was his name again? Below-boss or something?”

I shrug and look over to Speedy and Green Arrow.

“For you two, the controls are pretty simple. Pump the peddles to move forward, and use the steering tool to go in the desired direction. Anywhoo, now let’s go kick some arse!” "Friggin criminy Beetle! I'm NOT SPEEDY ANYMORE.. Speedy's a little blonde girl now. Heckuva kid, great shot, she'll be a heck of a hero. Do you still call Nightwing, Robin? Or Flash, Kid Flash?"

As Beetle gives him a Shell, Roy sets it down.

"Emo kid?!? What the hell is that supposed to mean? And why do you think I carry a quiver? I don't need the shell. Thanks though."

He walked over to the hoverboards and got on one. "Now this looks like a nifty ride... I mean it's no Harley" He glared at Ollie. "But its probably better suited for this terrain anyway."

[TheCorpulent1]

Looking over his shoulder, Zoom could see the Flash gradually gaining on him. He smiled at the Flash, then continued to run to the hospital. Entering the building, he ran through each of the halls, opening every door and looking inside for Linda. The Flash was still behind him. He continued to run, and as he ran, he punched the walls every few seconds, sending chunks of the walls flying through the air and striking innocent bystanders. If the Flash stopped to tend to them, there'd be no way for him to catch up to Zoom.
He makes it into the institution just ahead of me, and I can see him blasting shrapnel out of the walls, creating makeshift projectiles to harm the people inside. Damn him! He's endangering the lives of everyone in here with his antics, and I can't just do nothing!

I zip around the room, plucking the projectiles out of the air as fast as I can. I get most of them, but a few still strike bystanders. Thankfully, none of them have any major organ damage, though the projectiles' entry points would've resulted in a lot of blood loss in a few. I pluck shrapnel out of a few arms, a few legs, and one or two heads, and I lend a bit of speed to help each person recover. Their nerve impulses won't reach the pain receptors in their brains until Zoom and I are long gone. Those lucky people won't even know how close to major hemorrhaging they came; all they'll feel is a brief burst of pain followed by a rush, then normalcy again.

I speed off, leaving Zoom's would-be victims behind, and head after the man himself again. The thought that I may have just condemned my wife to more horror at Zoom's hands to save a bunch of people who'll never even know they were in danger makes me feel queasy. But then another thought hits me and I actually laugh, it's such good news: Zoom doesn't know where Linda's room is. He's gotta search every room in this place to find her while I can take the direct route. There's still hope that I'll catch him in time...
He continued to run, until finally, he made it to a door and recognized the woman inside. She was watched footage of the Keystone attack on TV. He stopped himself, staring intently at her. Then he slowly opened the door and stepped inside wordlessly. The woman looked up at him, and for a second, did not react. Then her jaw dropped to the floor as her mind registered what was going on. Zoom calmly closed the door behind him and approached her.

"Hello, Linda..." I race to Linda's room just in time to see the door click shut again. "No! ZOOM!" I howl, vibrating through the door. Zoom stands straight ahead of me while Linda sits on the bed, her face a picture of sheer horror. I latch onto Zoom's arm like a vice with my left hand and run for the window, dragging him along. I dive through the window pushing light speed, shattering it instantly, and I grab the side of the windowpane with my right hand. My shoulder nearly tears out of its socket as my momentum twists me and Zoom to my right, using my right arm as a pivot. I release Zoom while lending him as much of my speed as I can, and the combination of momentum and Speed Force energy slingshots Zoom away so fast that even I can't follow him. That maneuver should put him a few states out, at least.

Now it's my turn for some pain: I continue along my arc uncontrollably and crash back into Linda's room through the adjacent window, braking frantically as well as I can. I still bounce across the floor trailing lightning behind me and put a crack in the far wall, but at least my speed didn't send me plowing through the other side of the building. My right hand is covered in shards of glass from the windowpane, but I don't care. All I care about is the beautiful, smiling, and, above all, safe face looking down at me when I open my eyes.

"Hey, you," she says.

"Hey, you," I reply weakly. I'm in a bit of a daze; sue me. Having your head hit a wall at around 40 miles per hour'll make a guy a bit loopy, even with an aura keeping it from splattering everywhere. "I made it this time..."

"I knew you would."

As Linda helps me to my feet, all I can think is: I stopped Zoom. Linda's all right. That's all that matters. In those few moments while Zoom is gone, things really are that simple...

[Ash Loomis]

"I remember. And it was underboss."

I turn to the others.

"Looks like Roy's Titan buddies might not catch up in time. Meaning that we'll have to cause a major distraction if we want to stay alive. I was thinking we fire the rocket launchers into the camps. It'll cause plenty of confusion. Some people might get killed, but I don't see much of an option besides that."

"So while they're running around confused, we go Metal Gear Solid, inside their base? Sounds like a plan to me! What do guys think?"

[Hyper Venom]

He makes it into the institution just ahead of me, and I can see him blasting shrapnel out of the walls, creating makeshift projectiles to harm the people inside. Damn him! He's endangering the lives of everyone in here with his antics, and I can't just do nothing!

I zip around the room, plucking the projectiles out of the air as fast as I can. I get most of them, but a few still strike bystanders. Thankfully, none of them have any major organ damage, though the projectiles' entry points would've resulted in a lot of blood loss in a few. I pluck shrapnel out of a few arms, a few legs, and one or two heads, and I lend a bit of speed to help each person recover. Their nerve impulses won't reach the pain receptors in their brains until Zoom and I are long gone. Those lucky people won't even know how close to major hemorrhaging they came; all they'll feel is a brief burst of pain followed by a rush, then normalcy again.

I speed off, leaving Zoom's would-be victims behind, and head after the man himself again. The thought that I may have just condemned my wife to more horror at Zoom's hands to save a bunch of people who'll never even know they were in danger makes me feel queasy. But then another thought hits me and I actually laugh, it's such good news: Zoom doesn't know where Linda's room is. He's gotta search every room in this place to find her while I can take the direct route. There's still hope that I'll catch him in time...

I race to Linda's room just in time to see the door click shut again. "No! ZOOM!" I howl, vibrating through the door. Zoom stands straight ahead of me while Linda sits on the bed, her face a picture of sheer horror. I latch onto Zoom's arm like a vice with my left hand and run for the window, dragging him along. I dive through the window pushing light speed, shattering it instantly, and I grab the side of the windowpane with my right hand. My shoulder nearly tears out of its socket as my momentum twists me and Zoom to my right, using my right arm as a pivot. I release Zoom while lending him as much of my speed as I can, and the combination of momentum and Speed Force energy slingshots Zoom away so fast that even I can't follow him. That maneuver should put him a few states out, at least.

Now it's my turn for some pain: I continue along my arc uncontrollably and crash back into Linda's room through the adjacent window, braking frantically as well as I can. I still bounce across the floor trailing lightning behind me and put a crack in the far wall, but at least my speed didn't send me plowing through the other side of the building. My right hand is covered in shards of glass from the windowpane, but I don't care. All I care about is the beautiful, smiling, and, above all, safe face looking down at me when I open my eyes.

"Hey, you," she says.

"Hey, you," I reply weakly. I'm in a bit of a daze; sue me. Having your head hit a wall at around 40 miles per hour'll make a guy a bit loopy, even with an aura keeping it from splattering everywhere. "I made it this time..."

"I knew you would."

As Linda helps me to my feet, all I can think is: I stopped Zoom. Linda's all right. That's all that matters. In those few moments while Zoom is gone, things really are that simple...


That was fast. Even for him.

Before he knew it, Zoom found himself flying through the air uncontrollably. Buildings zipped past him, and it wasn't until he was far away from Keystone that he realized that he had neglected to slow himself down, thus making himself fly even farther and faster. He shifted time to be much slower, gradually slowing his fall to the ground. Even as he slowed down time, he was still falling frighteningly fast, and found himself crashing stomach first onto the pavement and skidding across the ground for twelve feet.

Finally standing and brushing himself off, he looked up at a nearby sign.

"Welcome to Philadelphia. The City That Loves You Back."

"You gotta be kidding me..."

*******

Two Minutes Later...

Zoom appeared back in the hospital as Wally and Linda embraced. He leaned against the far wall while munching on a cheesesteak.

"You know, they don't make 'em like this in Keystone..."

Before either of them could react, Zoom planted his fist in the Flash's face. He then turned to Linda.

"Excuse us, darling. Won't be a minute."

He grabbed the Flash by the throat, turned, and ran into the door. Rather, he ran through the door. Not via vibration, as he lacked that particular ability, but by putting the Flash's body through it. He continued to run, putting him through walls, until he burst through the exterior wall of the hospital. Zoom and the Flash were now hurtling through midair, with the former's hands wrapped tightly around the latter's throat.

"That was very good of you, Wally. You saved the girl. Now, onward to lesson two..."

Zoom cocked back his right fist.

"Let's see if you can save yourself..."

Zoom struck the Flash with a thunderous right cross, sending him flying toward the ground.

[Johnny Blaze]

The heroes and other authority figures were running around everywhere.
Most of the Rogues had been beaten or have fled.
There were still a few left fighting though.

In his search for Mardon and Jesse, McCulloch came across Dr. Alchemy as he transmuted a half dozen cops into wooden statues. The deranged Murmur was still skulking around, killing people at random. Girder and Tar Pit were busy fighting off a group of cops.

As McCulloch's visage appeared in a broken store window, he noticed an explosion in the store from just across the street. Two cops came flying out the buildings front, glass shards all around them and imbeded in their flesh.
Out of the building came the Trickster, smiling and laughing and spinning a Yo-Yo.
McCulloch appeared in one of the larger glass shards stuck in an unconscious cop's leg.

"Hullo there, James. Good ta see your havin' a bit o' fun still."

"Hey there, McCulloch. What's up doc?"

"It's time to get out o' town, Jesse. It's all gone south and I'm takin' you and Mardon back ta the safe house."

"What about Cold?"

"He's already there. C'mon...we don't got much time with all the heroes about."

The Trickster nodded walked to a nearby, and whole, store window. McCulloch appeared in the window and stepped out halfway and looked up and down the street.

"C'mon, Jesse. Time to go."

"Yeah, yeah", replied the Trickster as he calmly walked into the mirror and disappeared. With one last glance around for the Weather Wizard, McCulloch disappeared back into the mirror dimension as well.
First he would take James back to the hideout. Then he would resume his search for missing Mark Mardon.

[TheCorpulent1]

That was fast. Even for him.

Before he knew it, Zoom found himself flying through the air uncontrollably. Buildings zipped past him, and it wasn't until he was far away from Keystone that he realized that he had neglected to slow himself down, thus making himself fly even farther and faster. He shifted time to be much slower, gradually slowing his fall to the ground. Even as he slowed down time, he was still falling frighteningly fast, and found himself crashing stomach first onto the pavement and skidding across the ground for twelve feet.

Finally standing and brushing himself off, he looked up at a nearby sign.

"Welcome to Philadelphia. The City That Loves You Back."

"You gotta be kidding me..."

*******

Two Minutes Later...

Zoom appeared back in the hospital as Wally and Linda embraced. He leaned against the far wall while munching on a cheesesteak.

"You know, they don't make 'em like this in Keystone..."

Before either of them could react, Zoom planted his fist in the Flash's face. He then turned to Linda.

"Excuse us, darling. Won't be a minute."

He grabbed the Flash by the throat, turned, and ran into the door. Rather, he ran through the door. Not via vibration, as he lacked that particular ability, but by putting the Flash's body through it. He continued to run, putting him through walls, until he burst through the exterior wall of the hospital. Zoom and the Flash were now hurtling through midair, with the former's hands wrapped tightly around the latter's throat.

"That was very good of you, Wally. You saved the girl. Now, onward to lesson two..."

Zoom cocked back his right fist.

"Let's see if you can save yourself..."

Zoom struck the Flash with a thunderous right cross, sending him flying toward the ground. Aw, crap, I think as I fly towards the ground. This is gonna hurt. More than my entire body already does, I mean. Unless... I've never attempted anything like this, but at this point, with the ground rushing up to meet me, I don't see a whole lot of other options. I vibrate myself intangible and plunge into the ground.

All those times I've ever thought anything was weird? Forget 'em. This... this is weird. I can see the dirt and earthworms and all sorts of other stuff I don't even want to speculate about floating around me. Only I know, somewhere, that they're not floating, I am. Floating while dirt slides through my brain, just a few vibrational frequencies away from it physically being in my brain. I do my best to keep that particular thought subconscious. Ok, I've changed my vibrational frequency around while physically inside of things before. This'll be a cinch. It's just like swimming. Through dirt. In my brain.

I make my way back to the surface and slide my head out of the ground down to my eyes. I look for Zoom. He's not even bothering with the element of surprise; the arrogant psycho is standing right over the spot I fell into. I push myself up out of the ground the rest of the way and run up behind Zoom.

"Nice cross, Zoom." He turns around; my fist is already cocked. "But everyone knows that in a fight, the suckerpunch is the way to go!" I let fly with a super-speed haymaker that takes Zoom off his feet and sends him crashing down a yard away. "Sucker."

Finally, I'm on the offensive. It feels good to take control of the fight. I grab Zoom's costume and pull him along with me, zipping out of Keystone City, through Central, and into Chicago, where I finally let go and watch with satisfaction as his head slams through a brick wall. I pick him back up and drag him to the docks, where I deliver a dozen jabs and crosses to his face and gut, then finish him off with an uppercut that knocks him into Lake Michigan.

"Let's see if you can teach Aquaman anything about being a hero."

[taskmaster]

It's almost time. Phobos has been training the new recruits while I've been getting their equipment. I've also been tracking down certain people in my recruits lives. This one thing, tonight will set everything in motion.

"Alright people, you know what to do. Bring them back here unharmed. Phobos is putting the camera's in place now."

I look into the crowd and feel a sense of pride. I see the look of determination on their face's. It's a look I've felt on my own face many times. I only have to ask them one more time just in case.

"If any of you wish to leave, do so now. I will not tolerate failure while we are out there. You will not be punished if you leave now. If you do not do your job while we're out their, you will be. Understand?"

They all nod, none of them move away from the crowd.

"Good, then grab your weapons. It's time."

[MST3K 4ever]

"Um, yeah." Eel said, releasing Grodd, "he's kinda heavy, would it be too much for you to lug this walking tick farm to Iron Heights."


Marvel kind of chuckles and says, "I think I can handle that one." He scoops up Grodd and looks at Plastic Man and says, "I'll be back." Marvel climbs higher into the sky and is gone in a flash of red & yellow.

He lands at Iron Heights and looks at 2 of the guards. He asks, "Where do you want him?" One of the guards says, "We've been expecting him. We'll take it from here Captain." Marvel sets Grodd down and says, "Thank you take care."

Marvel takes off and heads back to Keystone City looking for Plastic Man. When he finds him he asks, "Now I wonder what else we are needed for here?"

[SuperFerret]

Marvel takes off and heads back to Keystone City looking for Plastic Man. When he finds him he asks, "Now I wonder what else we are needed for here?"

Plastic Man scratches his head, thinking. "Well, I'm too tired to make any stupid jokes now, so..."

He looks around and then notices a bright flash of lighting.

"How about we go and show Weather Wizard that you know a thing or two more about lightning than he does?"

[wiegeabo]

Kyle rubbed his temples.

"I, uh,...I think I wanna go get a burger. You hungry?"


The question surprises me. It also surprises me that I am hungry. "Yes. Yes I am."

Then something else occurse to me. "What is a...burger?"

[Hyper Venom]

Aw, crap, I think as I fly towards the ground. This is gonna hurt. More than my entire body already does, I mean. Unless... I've never attempted anything like this, but at this point, with the ground rushing up to meet me, I don't see a whole lot of other options. I vibrate myself intangible and plunge into the ground.

All those times I've ever thought anything was weird? Forget 'em. This... this is weird. I can see the dirt and earthworms and all sorts of other stuff I don't even want to speculate about floating around me. Only I know, somewhere, that they're not floating, I am. Floating while dirt slides through my brain, just a few vibrational frequencies away from it physically being in my brain. I do my best to keep that particular thought subconscious. Ok, I've changed my vibrational frequency around while physically inside of things before. This'll be a cinch. It's just like swimming. Through dirt. In my brain.

I make my way back to the surface and slide my head out of the ground down to my eyes. I look for Zoom. He's not even bothering with the element of surprise; the arrogant psycho is standing right over the spot I fell into. I push myself up out of the ground the rest of the way and run up behind Zoom.

"Nice cross, Zoom." He turns around; my fist is already cocked. "But everyone knows that in a fight, the suckerpunch is the way to go!" I let fly with a super-speed haymaker that takes Zoom off his feet and sends him crashing down a yard away. "Sucker."

Finally, I'm on the offensive. It feels good to take control of the fight. I grab Zoom's costume and pull him along with me, zipping out of Keystone City, through Central, and into Chicago, where I finally let go and watch with satisfaction as his head slams through a brick wall. I pick him back up and drag him to the docks, where I deliver a dozen jabs and crosses to his face and gut, then finish him off with an uppercut that knocks him into Lake Michigan.

"Let's see if you can teach Aquaman anything about being a hero."

Before he knew it, Zoom was submerged in water. His head was still throbbing from being put through a brick wall, not to mention the aftereffects of a dozen punches. Zoom sank like a brick and floated all the way to the bottom of the Lake. Once he hit the ground, he stood upright and stared upward.

Any other man would be dead at this point. But not Zoom. He wouldn't let the Flash win that easily. Standing on his right heel, he spun himself around repeatedly. He continued spinning, faster and faster, creating a large whirlpool all around himself. He continued to gain speed as the water whipped around him harder and harder. Eventually the winding water lifted him upward as he continued to spin. He almost flew through the water, rising to the top as the whirlpool became stronger. After several seconds, he burst through the top of the water, bringing a massive cyclone of water with him. He loomed several feet over the Flash and glared down at him.

"You think you've beaten me, hero?!"

One second later, the Flash was cast in the shadow of Zoom's titanic tidal wave.

"Think again!" yelled Zoom as he and the water rained down upon the Flash.

The wave splashed onto the Flash, dragging him across the pier. Amidst the wave was Zoom, who had the Flash by the throat and was repeatedly punching him in the face. Zoom forced the Flash's head under the water as they were tossed uncontrollably around the docks. Eventually they were hurled away by the sheer force of the wave and crashed into the ground several feet away. Zoom rose to his feet and approached the Flash, who had lande a few feet away from him.

"It's going to take alot more than that..."

As the Flash rose to his feet, Zoom was on him again. He ran toward the hero and clotheslined him across the throat. He continued running with him as he placed his adversary into a headlock. He ran across states, just as the Flash had done with him. After running for several miles, he turned and hurled the Flash away, sending him flying through a wall of a casino and crashing through several slot machines before finally slamming into one. Zoom ran into the casino and stood in front of the Flash.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, Wally..."

Zoom turned to his left and noticed a young woman staring at him. She was obviously terrified at the sight of him. She held of cup full of quarters in her right hand.

"Can I have a quarter?" he asked.

Her hand shaking, the woman presented the cup to Zoom. He took a quarter and nodded at her.

"Thanks."

Zoom placed the quarter into the machine that Flash was laying against. He then grabbed the Flash's right arm, holding the wrist with his left hand and the elbow with his right.

"Wish me luck..."

Moving his left hand down and his right hand up, he bent the Flash's arm backwards, snapping it at the elbow and consequently pulling down the lever.

The reels began to turn. Zoom watched intently.

JACKPOT

"Oh look, I won..." Zoom said with a grin.

[MST3K 4ever]

Plastic Man scratches his head, thinking. "Well, I'm too tired to make any stupid jokes now, so..."

He looks around and then notices a bright flash of lighting.

"How about we go and show Weather Wizard that you know a thing or two more about lightning than he does?"


Marvel sees the lighting and looks at Plastic Man. He asks, "Why do I have the very bad feeling that he is not just doing that to demonstrate what he can do? It's time someone cancelled his crime spree once and for all. Let's go!"

Marvel grabs Plastic Man and says, "Hang on" and takes flight. The two heroes watch Weather Wizard using the lighting from his wand to blast out windows. As the windows are blasted out Weather Wizard walks into several stores and begins taking jewels and other valubles. The police arrive but are being zapped with lighting. Weather Wizard says, "Do you fools really think you're a match for the power of nature? Oh please."

As he continues zapping Marvel descends with Plas right behind Weather Wizard. Marvel says, "I am certain that we can more than satisfy your need for competition." Wizard whips around and says, "Well well things have just gotten interesting to say the least. You know what you 2 need to take a break. Let me help you." ZAP!!!! He fires at Plas and Marvel shoves him out of the way and is grazed. Marvel staggers...I can take the magic lighting but that is pure lighting. An entirely different story got to cater to his sense of vanity. Marvel gets up and says,"Nice shot, but can you do any better than just lighting. "

Wizard replies, "Oh I can do far better than that." With that Weather Wizard begins to create a blizzard. He says, "come on guys chill out!" Marvel looks at Plastic Man and says, "I think I've had enough of this guy." Marvel takes flight and with the speed of Mercury executes a flying tackle right into the Weather Wizard's chest knocking him to the ground along with the strength of Hercules. "OOOFF!" is all the Weather Wizard says. Marvel hauls Weather Wizard over his head and says, "Shut it down now!" Weather Wizard weakly says, "Okay." The blizzard stops and Marvel grabs his wand. Throwing the wand to Plas he says, "Dipsose of that properly."

He throws Weather Wizard in a nearby trash can and closes it up so only Wizard's head is visible. Marvel says, "You have an amazing power if you could use it for good what a difference you could make in this world." Wizard looks at Plas and says, "If you promise me he won't lecture me anymore I'll let you haul me off to prison."

[Red]

Ra’s elegantly paced out across the suspension bridge above his loyal troops. He rested his hands on the railing

“Tomorrow marks an historic day.” He paused for a moment “Those great few of you who will sacrifice your lives to preserve our planet will be forever remembered. In the coming months, as the Genesis Strain spreads to the men, women and children throughout the world it will be because of your courage.”

“As this impure society falls to it knees, so shall our new utopia rises from the ashes of this dismal populous.” Ra’s clenched his fist.

“Their will be a new order, a world without war or famine one devoid of the filth of human corruption. The world will be pure and at peace one more!”

The legion of ninja’s cheered and raised their fists in the air.

[Spider-Man9X17]

The question surprises me. It also surprises me that I am hungry. "Yes. Yes I am."

Then something else occurse to me. "What is a...burger?"

"To put it simply, cow meat on bread."

Kyle phased out of his uniform and back into civilian clothes.

"C'mon, there's a Burger King just a few blocks down. You'll love it. But,....you might wanna were something a little less, well, wierd."

[TheCorpulent1]

Before he knew it, Zoom was submerged in water. His head was still throbbing from being put through a brick wall, not to mention the aftereffects of a dozen punches. Zoom sank like a brick and floated all the way to the bottom of the Lake. Once he hit the ground, he stood upright and stared upward.

Any other man would be dead at this point. But not Zoom. He wouldn't let the Flash win that easily. Standing on his right heel, he spun himself around repeatedly. He continued spinning, faster and faster, creating a large whirlpool all around himself. He continued to gain speed as the water whipped around him harder and harder. Eventually the winding water lifted him upward as he continued to spin. He almost flew through the water, rising to the top as the whirlpool became stronger. After several seconds, he burst through the top of the water, bringing a massive cyclone of water with him. He loomed several feet over the Flash and glared down at him.

"You think you've beaten me, hero?!"

One second later, the Flash was cast in the shadow of Zoom's titanic tidal wave.

"Think again!" yelled Zoom as he and the water rained down upon the Flash.

The wave splashed onto the Flash, dragging him across the pier. Amidst the wave was Zoom, who had the Flash by the throat and was repeatedly punching him in the face. Zoom forced the Flash's head under the water as they were tossed uncontrollably around the docks. Eventually they were hurled away by the sheer force of the wave and crashed into the ground several feet away. Zoom rose to his feet and approached the Flash, who had lande a few feet away from him.

"It's going to take alot more than that..."

As the Flash rose to his feet, Zoom was on him again. He ran toward the hero and clotheslined him across the throat. He continued running with him as he placed his adversary into a headlock. He ran across states, just as the Flash had done with him. After running for several miles, he turned and hurled the Flash away, sending him flying through a wall of a casino and crashing through several slot machines before finally slamming into one. Zoom ran into the casino and stood in front of the Flash.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, Wally..."

Zoom turned to his left and noticed a young woman staring at him. She was obviously terrified at the sight of him. She held of cup full of quarters in her right hand.

"Can I have a quarter?" he asked.

Her hand shaking, the woman presented the cup to Zoom. He took a quarter and nodded at her.

"Thanks."

Zoom placed the quarter into the machine that Flash was laying against. He then grabbed the Flash's right arm, holding the wrist with his left hand and the elbow with his right.

"Wish me luck..."

Moving his left hand down and his right hand up, he bent the Flash's arm backwards, snapping it at the elbow and consequently pulling down the lever.

The reels began to turn. Zoom watched intently.

JACKPOT

"Oh look, I won..." Zoom said with a grin.
Pain.

That's the only thing my mind can consciously process right now. Zoom broke my arm. I took it easy on him and he broke my arm in return. Well, fine. If that's the way he wants it, the kid gloves are coming off.

Coins are pouring down on me from the slot machine. I speed myself up and they freeze, like silver drops in a waterfall. I start flicking them at Zoom, lending them speed, turning them into projectiles that scorch the air in their wake, just as Zoom did with the debris in the institution (only I'm careful to point the coins along trajectories that won't end in bystanders getting pummeled). They tear through Zoom's costume and his flesh, and blood starts staining the yellow of his costume brownish-orange. I pull my right leg back and kick Zoom as hard and fast as I can, sending him flying across the entire casino and out the hole he used my body to make. That should buy me some time to fix my arm.

I stand up, grit my teeth, and set my elbow back in place the best I can. People stop and stare; I couldn't keep myself from howling in pain. I feel my bones click back into place around my damaged elbow and pour on the speed. Relative weeks pass by in the blink of an eye and my arm is back to normal again. I see Zoom staggering back to the hole, despite his injuries. If he weren't a cold-blooded murderer, I'd admire his perseverance.

I zip over to Zoom, grab his right wrist with my own right hand, and slam my left fist into his face as hard as I can. I watch him recoil and wait... there it is. The satisfying pop of his shoulder dislocating. I switch hands, holding his wrist with my left hand, and I slide my right arm under his elbow. I sweep my foot across Zoom's ankles, forcing him to fall uncontrollably; the bones in his arm snap on the way down. He yelps in pain and I finally let go of his wrist.

"You want to play hardball, Zoom? Fine. I'm done going easy on you. You broke my arm, I break yours. From here on out, it's an eye for an eye."

[Hyper Venom]

Pain.

That's the only thing my mind can consciously process right now. Zoom broke my arm. I took it easy on him and he broke my arm in return. Well, fine. If that's the way he wants it, the kid gloves are coming off.

Coins are pouring down on me from the slot machine. I speed myself up and they freeze, like silver drops in a waterfall. I start flicking them at Zoom, lending them speed, turning them into projectiles that scorch the air in their wake, just as Zoom did with the debris in the institution (only I'm careful to point the coins along trajectories that won't end in bystanders getting pummeled). They tear through Zoom's costume and his flesh, and blood starts staining the yellow of his costume brownish-orange. I pull my right leg back and kick Zoom as hard and fast as I can, sending him flying across the entire casino and out the hole he used my body to make. That should buy me some time to fix my arm.

I stand up, grit my teeth, and set my elbow back in place the best I can. People stop and stare; I couldn't keep myself from howling in pain. I feel my bones click back into place around my damaged elbow and pour on the speed. Relative weeks pass by in the blink of an eye and my arm is back to normal again. I see Zoom staggering back to the hole, despite his injuries. If he weren't a cold-blooded murderer, I'd admire his perseverance.

I zip over to Zoom, grab his right wrist with my own right hand, and slam my left fist into his face as hard as I can. I watch him recoil and wait... there it is. The satisfying pop of his shoulder dislocating. I switch hands, holding his wrist with my left hand, and I slide my right arm under his elbow. I sweep my foot across Zoom's ankles, forcing him to fall uncontrollably; the bones in his arm snap on the way down. He yelps in pain and I finally let go of his wrist.

"You want to play hardball, Zoom? Fine. I'm done going easy on you. You broke my arm, I break yours. From here on out, it's an eye for an eye."

Zoom stared wide-eyed at the ceiling. He hadn't expected the Flash to be so...brutal. Ignoring the pain as best he could, Zoom smiled as he rose to his feet.

"You're getting there, Wally. You're finally starting to do what's necessary..."

In a split second, Zoom was behind Wally. He punched him in the small of his back with his good hand.

"...but you're not quite there yet."

Zoom grabbed the Flash by the back of the head and ran out of the casino. As he ran, his arm slowly began to heal itself. With his good hand, he forced the Flash's face into the ground, grinding it into the pavement as he ran.

After running for several seconds, Zoom now found himself running on water. He held Wally's face under the water as he ran, until once again, they found themselves on dry land. Zoom hauled Wally up to his feet once again.

"Look, Flash. Do you see that?"

What Zoom was referring to was a nearby volcano. They were in Hawaii, running up the side of the volcano as molten lava boiled inside. Before the Flash could react, Zoom struck him with a powerful uppercut to the kidneys. The punch sent him flying upwards and into the mouth of the volcano.

[wiegeabo]

"To put it simply, cow meat on bread."

Kyle phased out of his uniform and back into civilian clothes.

"C'mon, there's a Burger King just a few blocks down. You'll love it. But,....you might wanna were something a little less, well, wierd."
"I am a purple skinned alien on your planet. How 'less weird' can I appear?" Then I remember that we are in L.A., and what I have seen on my previous visits to this city. "I see your point." I disguise my uniform to appear as something I had once seen that I thought was rather distinguished. It was a suit by someone named Armani.

"Is this more appropriate?"

[Spider-Man9X17]

"I am a purple skinned alien on your planet. How 'less weird' can I appear?" Then I remember that we are in L.A., and what I have seen on my previous visits to this city. "I see your point." I disguise my uniform to appear as something I had once seen that I thought was rather distinguished. It was a suit by someone named Armani.

"Is this more appropriate?"

"Yeah...if your walking down the red carpet, But it'll do in a pinch."

Kyle put his sunglasses on as the twp proceeded down the sidewalk. One would have hardly guessed a major fight just happened inside the baseball stadium. Everyone was as calm and relaxed as possible.

"I recommend the Whopper," Kyle said as they reached the restuarant. "But you may wanna hold the mayo. It can get kinda nasty."

"Man, whatta you doin', Kyle. Having lunch with Sinestro. Talking to him like an old friend," he said to himself. "Still though, he's the only one offering you back up right now. He could have had you ass in that fight. Instead, he saved it."

[wiegeabo]

"Yeah...if your walking down the red carpet, But it'll do in a pinch."

Kyle put his sunglasses on as the twp proceeded down the sidewalk. One would have hardly guessed a major fight just happened inside the baseball stadium. Everyone was as calm and relaxed as possible.

"I recommend the Whopper," Kyle said as they reached the restuarant. "But you may wanna hold the mayo. It can get kinda nasty."
[/color][/font][/i]

"Very well, if you say so." We walk into the establishment. Not exactly what I expected. "Is that what you heroes typically do after a battle?"

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Very well, if you say so." We walk into the establishment. Not exactly what I expected. "Is that what you heroes typically do after a battle?"

"Only us ones without a special lady at home."

[wiegeabo]

"Only us ones without a special lady at home."

That simple statement spoke volumes. Today's battle struck Rayner more than I realized. We ate the rest of our meal in relative silence. It was better than i expected, though still not up to the standards of Korugar's cuisine.

After the meal, I realize that I'm desiring more action. Major Force's escape was rather unsatisfying, and we didn't expose the group tracking Rayner like we had set out. I wanted to get something accomplished, and I believed Rayner would be served well by clearing his mind in a fight.

"If you are feeling better now, what do you say to finding out if there is anything happening that we can help with. Something where it may be necessary to break someone's bones."

[Spider-Man9X17]

That simple statement spoke volumes. Today's battle struck Rayner more than I realized. We ate the rest of our meal in relative silence. It was better than i expected, though still not up to the standards of Korugar's cuisine.

After the meal, I realize that I'm desiring more action. Major Force's escape was rather unsatisfying, and we didn't expose the group tracking Rayner like we had set out. I wanted to get something accomplished, and I believed Rayner would be served well by clearing his mind in a fight.

"If you are feeling better now, what do you say to finding out if there is anything happening that we can help with. Something where it may be necessary to break someone's bones."

"Yeah, what the hell. Sounds like fun. Your goofy little self is kinda growin' on me anyway."

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom stared wide-eyed at the ceiling. He hadn't expected the Flash to be so...brutal. Ignoring the pain as best he could, Zoom smiled as he rose to his feet.

"You're getting there, Wally. You're finally starting to do what's necessary..."

In a split second, Zoom was behind Wally. He punched him in the small of his back with his good hand.

"...but you're not quite there yet."

Zoom grabbed the Flash by the back of the head and ran out of the casino. As he ran, his arm slowly began to heal itself. With his good hand, he forced the Flash's face into the ground, grinding it into the pavement as he ran.

After running for several seconds, Zoom now found himself running on water. He held Wally's face under the water as he ran, until once again, they found themselves on dry land. Zoom hauled Wally up to his feet once again.

"Look, Flash. Do you see that?"

What Zoom was referring to was a nearby volcano. They were in Hawaii, running up the side of the volcano as molten lava boiled inside. Before the Flash could react, Zoom struck him with a powerful uppercut to the kidneys. The punch sent him flying upwards and into the mouth of the volcano.
It occurs to me that I may have been a superhero a bit too long. I'm falling into a volcano in the middle of a pitched, no-holds-barred battle with my worst enemy--a psycho who's every bit as fast as I am--and all I can think is a wry Oh no, whatever will I do?

I spin my arms, creating twin turbines to keep myself aloft. I can do this all day. Here's the thing, though: Zoom knows that. He knows I'm better than this. He's testing me, just like he always does, and, to be honest, I'm sick of it. So now it's time to teach the teacher a lesson.

I change my arms' direction and push myself over to the side of the volcano's mouth, and as soon as my feet touch it, I'm off. It's hot as hell in here--if my feet were touching the ground for more than a femtosecond I'd be burned alive. I run the perimeter of the volcano, creating a vortex that sucks the lava out. I direct it over to Zoom, then I stop and smile as it begins raining down around him.

"Hey, Zoom? Do you see that?"

[Ash Loomis]

"Friggin criminy Beetle! I'm NOT SPEEDY ANYMORE.. Speedy's a little blonde girl now. Heckuva kid, great shot, she'll be a heck of a hero. Do you still call Nightwing, Robin? Or Flash, Kid Flash?"

As Beetle gives him a Shell, Roy sets it down.

"Emo kid?!? What the hell is that supposed to mean? And why do you think I carry a quiver? I don't need the shell. Thanks though."

He walked over to the hoverboards and got on one. "Now this looks like a nifty ride... I mean it's no Harley" He glared at Ollie. "But its probably better suited for this terrain anyway."


I try to hide my giggling as I say "Sorry, bud!"

"I know you have your quiver, but are you sure it'll be enough? I mean you brought so much stuff, if ol' George W knew you had that stash, he'd declare war on your house."

[wiegeabo]

"Yeah, what the hell. Sounds like fun. Your goofy little self is kinda growin' on me anyway."


"I'll...take that as a compliment...I suppose." These Lanterns from Earth...always so strange. Except for Stewart. He is properly focused.

"Then I think we should contact your allies. Determine if there are any situations that may require our...abilities."

[Green Lantern]

I try to hide my giggling as I say "Sorry, bud!"

"I know you have your quiver, but are you sure it'll be enough? I mean you brought so much stuff, if ol' George W knew you had that stash, he'd declare war on your house.""Where do you think I got most of my gear? I'm a bonafide governmental operative, remember?"

Roy walked over to the armory they built up and grabbed two M9 Beretta pistols with silencers, and put them both into holsters on his right hip. Then he grabbed an XM-26 shotgun and slipped it into a sleeve on his quiver, followed by a grenade sash draped across his quiver strap. Finally he grabbed a composite bow and and a cross bow, throwing the the composite over his shoulder, and the crossbow into a holster on his left hip.

"Nah, I think I'm good with my quiver and holsters." He winked at Beetle.

[Hyper Venom]

It occurs to me that I may have been a superhero a bit too long. I'm falling into a volcano in the middle of a pitched, no-holds-barred battle with my worst enemy--a psycho who's every bit as fast as I am--and all I can think is a wry Oh no, whatever will I do?

I spin my arms, creating twin turbines to keep myself aloft. I can do this all day. Here's the thing, though: Zoom knows that. He knows I'm better than this. He's testing me, just like he always does, and, to be honest, I'm sick of it. So now it's time to teach the teacher a lesson.

I change my arms' direction and push myself over to the side of the volcano's mouth, and as soon as my feet touch it, I'm off. It's hot as hell in here--if my feet were touching the ground for more than a femtosecond I'd be burned alive. I run the perimeter of the volcano, creating a vortex that sucks the lava out. I direct it over to Zoom, then I stop and smile as it begins raining down around him.

"Hey, Zoom? Do you see that?"

Zoom looked up at the wave of lava that loomed over him and smiled.

"OfcourseIseeit!"

Zoom was able to run out of harm's way in less than a second. He was already a mile away from the splashing lava, watching as the Flash landed safely on the ground not far from where he stood.

The two adversaries stared at each other in another moment of tense silence. They had tested one another far too long, and Zoom was ready for the real fight to begin.

Suddenly appearing at the Flash's side, Zoom held his right hand right next to Wally's ear...and snapped his fingers. He created a sonic boom directly in the Flash's ear...

[Keyser Soze]

Scarecrow surveyed the crowd he just robbed and looked in his sack.

"Well we did good today and I'm a very rich man". He starts heading for the door but turns back to the crowd "You know what I want to do a little experiment...now breath in deep". he sprays his gas and which hits everyone in the room.

"nOw LiSTen TO mE tHe FeAR wILL StOP BuT yoU MuST DO ExACtly WhAT I SaY" he said this over and over until everyone in the room were nodding their heads. "GoOd vErY gOOd"


"Okay, now bark like a dog! Woof woof! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The Joker entered the large function room where the charity gala was being held, Two-Face and Black Mask close behind him. They'd taken the jet, which was now parked on the roof, to this location. All of Gotham's social elite were here - scared out of their minds thanks to Scarecrow. The Joker was tempted to massacre them all now, but he had plans for them. He was going to use them to seize control of Gotham City once and for all.

"Are there any members of the press here tonight?"

A reporter emerged out of the crowd, his fear-addled brain putting him into a trance-like state of obedience. He held a camera under his trembling arm.

"Excellent," The Joker said, turning to face his villainous comrades, "It's time to speak to the nation..."

...

The camera opens on The Joker's grinning visage. Behind him stand Black Mask, Two-Face and Scarecrow. They are all up on the stage, The Joker standing behind the podium.

"Citizens of America, my kindest greetings. As you all of course know, I am The Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime! HA HA! And I'm speaking to you from Gotham Plaza here at Grand Avenue! Lovely place, try the cocktails next time you're here. HA HA!"

The camera panned round along the sea of terrified faces acting as a captive audience.

"And as you can see, the creme de la creme of Gotham society is here with me this evening. And there is nothing I'd like to do more than kill them all! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Actually, there is one thing I'd like more, something I'd like so much that I'd be willing to spare the lives of these rich twits to get it. Gotham City."

The Joker's grin grew wider, more malicious.

"Have you been watching the news today, guys and gals? The demolition of Hub City. The attack on Keystone City. We've had a hand in it all. By we, of course, I mean our little Syndicate. We are tired of these so-called 'superheroes' laying claim to our cities, as if they own them. We are here to take back what's ours. And now, it's Gotham's turn!"

The Joker took out a "Vote For Me" badge, sticking it on his lapel.

"I've decided that, after the... tragic demise of our last Mayor, I'd like to take his place. As Mayor of Gotham, I'll have the influence to rid this city of masked menaces like Batman once and for all. And, of course, these other fine gentlemen will help me as well. As Harvey Dent, Two-Face was the finest District Attorney our city as ever seen. I want him reinstated as DA. Black Mask has shown us all that he makes a strong, decisive leader. So now we should let him lead a different kind of crook. The kind with a badge. I want Black Mask to be made into Commissioner of the GCPD. And as for my good friend Scarecrow, I want him to be made into Governor for Gotham City, in charge of all issues of law and order, including the running of Arkham Asylum."

The Joker threw back his head, letting out a long, maniacal laugh.

"I bet you're thinking I'm crazy. And you'd be right! I'm completely cuckoo! But that's beside the point. The one man with the authority to make such sweeping changes to the running of Gotham City is none other than The President himself. However, I understand our Commander In Chief is feeling a little...dead at the moment! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Hoo-boy! So, Vice President Whatsyourface, you can make it your first act as President to give us the power to rule Gotham City, and save the lives of all your rich golfing buddies."

The Joker walked out in front of the podium, walking forwards until his face was filling the screen of the camera.

"It's time to let the lunatics run the asylum. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

[Spider-Man9X17]

"I'll...take that as a compliment...I suppose." These Lanterns from Earth...always so strange. Except for Stewart. He is properly focused.

"Then I think we should contact your allies. Determine if there are any situations that may require our...abilities."

"Now see, that's the thing. I really don't have an allies anymore, or know how to get in touch with them. Seems they though it would be a good idea to disband the JLA."

There was more than a hint of bitterness in Kyle's voice.

[wiegeabo]

"Now see, that's the thing. I really don't have an allies anymore, or know how to get in touch with them. Seems they though it would be a good idea to disband the JLA."

There was more than a hint of bitterness in Kyle's voice.

"That...is, perhaps, the most idiotic idea I have ever heard. Disbanding the League? How many times have you stopped attacks because there was a League? How maby times has the League stopped me?!?" That gets a strange look from Rayner. "Do not concern yourself, my intentions...are not what they once were."

"Perhaps...perhaps...there is still a need for a League. It just needs someone to restart it..."

[LibrarianThorne]

Keystone was in good hands. The Flash had taken Zoom out of the city, and Captain Marvel and Plastic Man were helping in the rescue efforts. He circled around Keystone one more time, swooping down out of they sky to pull people from rubble, attempting to avoid what he knew he had to do. The Rogues had stopped their onslaught with the defeat of Cold, Mirror Master, and Grodd. Not even his super senses could locate them, which frustrated him.

He hovered above Keystone, sparing a moment for a quick scan of the city with his X-Ray vision. Satisfied that Marvel, Plastic Man, and the Keystone City authorities could handle the rest. Turning away from the city almost sadly, Superman flew away headed towards Metropolis.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"That...is, perhaps, the most idiotic idea I have ever heard. Disbanding the League? How many times have you stopped attacks because there was a League? How maby times has the League stopped me?!?" That gets a strange look from Rayner. "Do not concern yourself, my intentions...are not what they once were."

"Perhaps...perhaps...there is still a need for a League. It just needs someone to restart it..."

Kyle cocked an eyebrow and looked around.

"Wha?.....Who? Not one of us is it?"

[wiegeabo]

Kyle cocked an eyebrow and looked around.

"Wha?.....Who? Not one of us is it?"

"Who else?" He looks at me as if I have lost my mind. But I see everything clearly.

"It's obvious that the League still needs to exists. We are very experienced, but could not bring down a small rouge government operation together. What good will heroes be if they try to act independently against an attack from superpowered enemies. Trust me, I likely would not have survived the Qwardian attack without Superman and Captain Marvel."

"There is always strength in numbers. Maybe it is time we go out and start bringing those numbers back together."

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle looked down at his watch.

"Yeah, I got a couple hours to spare before South Park comes on. This should prove interesting, if nothing else."

[wiegeabo]

Kyle looked down at his watch.

"Yeah, I got a couple hours to spare before South Park comes on. This should prove interesting, if nothing else."

"Either you are very optimistic, or you're just humoring me. And you do not look to be in a very optimistic mood at the moment." The way Rayner looks at me confirms my observation. "Either way, though, I believe you will be surprised by our results."

"The trick is to start with the right person. We need to approach a hero who would be willing to begin reforming the League. When they agree, they can help us sway the next one in line. Eventually, we may just be able to put the entire group back together." Rayner looks at me like I'm an idiot, but I just smile smugly.

"We'll never know if we do not try. You know these people better than I do. So, who should we approach first?"

[Johnny Blaze]

Marvel sees the lighting and looks at Plastic Man. He asks, "Why do I have the very bad feeling that he is not just doing that to demonstrate what he can do? It's time someone cancelled his crime spree once and for all. Let's go!"

Marvel grabs Plastic Man and says, "Hang on" and takes flight. The two heroes watch Weather Wizard using the lighting from his wand to blast out windows. As the windows are blasted out Weather Wizard walks into several stores and begins taking jewels and other valubles. The police arrive but are being zapped with lighting. Weather Wizard says, "Do you fools really think you're a match for the power of nature? Oh please."

As he continues zapping Marvel descends with Plas right behind Weather Wizard. Marvel says, "I am certain that we can more than satisfy your need for competition." Wizard whips around and says, "Well well things have just gotten interesting to say the least. You know what you 2 need to take a break. Let me help you." ZAP!!!! He fires at Plas and Marvel shoves him out of the way and is grazed. Marvel staggers...I can take the magic lighting but that is pure lighting. An entirely different story got to cater to his sense of vanity. Marvel gets up and says,"Nice shot, but can you do any better than just lighting. "

Wizard replies, "Oh I can do far better than that." With that Weather Wizard begins to create a blizzard. He says, "come on guys chill out!" Marvel looks at Plastic Man and says, "I think I've had enough of this guy." Marvel takes flight and with the speed of Mercury executes a flying tackle right into the Weather Wizard's chest knocking him to the ground along with the strength of Hercules. "OOOFF!" is all the Weather Wizard says. Marvel hauls Weather Wizard over his head and says, "Shut it down now!" Weather Wizard weakly says, "Okay." The blizzard stops and Marvel grabs his wand. Throwing the wand to Plas he says, "Dipsose of that properly."

He throws Weather Wizard in a nearby trash can and closes it up so only Wizard's head is visible. Marvel says, "You have an amazing power if you could use it for good what a difference you could make in this world." Wizard looks at Plas and says, "If you promise me he won't lecture me anymore I'll let you haul me off to prison."
Great...capes, thought McCulloch as he sighed and watched his friend, Weather Wizard, captured my the Big Red Cheese and Plastic Man.
He knew he wouldn't be able to take them both down, but...maybe he didn't have too.

Appearing in a reflective metal surface of an apartment building down the street, a building still filled with people, McCulloch looked to make sure nobody was in the room and entered when he saw that the coast was indeed clear. He found himself standing in the basement by the building's furnace.
Immediately McCulloch went to work as carefully set all of his explosives around the room. When the final one was set, McCulloch dived back into the metal surface and into the safety of the mirror dimension.
Barely reach his hand back out, McCulloch pressed the button of the detonator he held setting off all of the explosives.

A great blast could be heard all through the area as the building teetered and quickly caught fire. The people on the bottom floors most likely died in the blast, but there were still dozens of civilians trapped on the building's upper levels. And that was something the heroes could not ignore.
With the Mirror Master secured and his wand broken, he posed no threat at all. And McCulloch was banking on the fact that the heroes realized that as well. Mardon was trapped and was not going anywhere, and would safe and secure there in his trash can prison as the heroes tended to the immediate disaster.
The building was going up quickly and it appeared it's foundations could collapse any second. The heroes didn't have much time.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Either you are very optimistic, or you're just humoring me. And you do not look to be in a very optimistic mood at the moment." The way Rayner looks at me confirms my observation. "Either way, though, I believe you will be surprised by our results."

"The trick is to start with the right person. We need to approach a hero who would be willing to begin reforming the League. When they agree, they can help us sway the next one in line. Eventually, we may just be able to put the entire group back together." Rayner looks at me like I'm an idiot, but I just smile smugly.

"We'll never know if we do not try. You know these people better than I do. So, who should we approach first?"

"Well, we'll probably get the most results with either the Big Blue Boy Scout, or the Big Red Cheese. And seeing as how you've become real good friends with them lately, you can lead the way."

[wiegeabo]

"Well, we'll probably get the most results with either the Big Blue Boy Scout, or the Big Red Cheese. And seeing as how you've become real good friends with them lately, you can lead the way."

"Excellent." I take a few steps forward, morphing my 'suit' back into my uniform. I look over my shoulder with a grin on my face. "Race you to Metropolis."

And I'm gone.

[Ash Loomis]

"Where do you think I got most of my gear? I'm a bonafide governmental operative, remember?"

Roy walked over to the armory they built up and grabbed two M9 Beretta pistols with silencers, and put them both into holsters on his right hip. Then he grabbed an XM-26 shotgun and slipped it into a sleeve on his quiver, followed by a grenade sash draped across his quiver strap. Finally he grabbed a composite bow and and a cross bow, throwing the the composite over his shoulder, and the crossbow into a holster on his left hip.

"Nah, I think I'm good with my quiver and holsters." He winked at Beetle.

A tear rolls down my face as I try to keep back my sobs.

"It was a joke..."

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Excellent." I take a few steps forward, morphing my 'suit' back into my uniform. I look over my shoulder with a grin on my face. "Race you to Metropolis."

And I'm gone.

Kyle's Green Lantern uniform once again appeared on his body, and he was off in a green streak after Sinestro.

[Green Lantern]

A tear rolls down my face as I try to keep back my sobs.

"It was a joke...""Why do people say that you're funny again? I guess you need Booster to be your Larry, Moe and Curly huh? Because if you're a stooge, its gotta be Shemp."

Roy just grinned, making sure to show that he's not being serious about it.

Don't wont the guy going all postal worker on us now... Even I don't have as many guns as them...

[Watchman]

"Okay, now bark like a dog! Woof woof! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The Joker entered the large function room where the charity gala was being held, Two-Face and Black Mask close behind him. They'd taken the jet, which was now parked on the roof, to this location. All of Gotham's social elite were here - scared out of their minds thanks to Scarecrow. The Joker was tempted to massacre them all now, but he had plans for them. He was going to use them to seize control of Gotham City once and for all.

"Are there any members of the press here tonight?"

A reporter emerged out of the crowd, his fear-addled brain putting him into a trance-like state of obedience. He held a camera under his trembling arm.

"Excellent," The Joker said, turning to face his villainous comrades, "It's time to speak to the nation..."

...

The camera opens on The Joker's grinning visage. Behind him stand Black Mask, Two-Face and Scarecrow. They are all up on the stage, The Joker standing behind the podium.

"Citizens of America, my kindest greetings. As you all of course know, I am The Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime! HA HA! And I'm speaking to you from Gotham Plaza here at Grand Avenue! Lovely place, try the cocktails next time you're here. HA HA!"

The camera panned round along the sea of terrified faces acting as a captive audience.

"And as you can see, the creme de la creme of Gotham society is here with me this evening. And there is nothing I'd like to do more than kill them all! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Actually, there is one thing I'd like more, something I'd like so much that I'd be willing to spare the lives of these rich twits to get it. Gotham City."

The Joker's grin grew wider, more malicious.

"Have you been watching the news today, guys and gals? The demolition of Hub City. The attack on Keystone City. We've had a hand in it all. By we, of course, I mean our little Syndicate. We are tired of these so-called 'superheroes' laying claim to our cities, as if they own them. We are here to take back what's ours. And now, it's Gotham's turn!"

The Joker took out a "Vote For Me" badge, sticking it on his lapel.

"I've decided that, after the... tragic demise of our last Mayor, I'd like to take his place. As Mayor of Gotham, I'll have the influence to rid this city of masked menaces like Batman once and for all. And, of course, these other fine gentlemen will help me as well. As Harvey Dent, Two-Face was the finest District Attorney our city as ever seen. I want him reinstated as DA. Black Mask has shown us all that he makes a strong, decisive leader. So now we should let him lead a different kind of crook. The kind with a badge. I want Black Mask to be made into Commissioner of the GCPD. And as for my good friend Scarecrow, I want him to be made into Governor for Gotham City, in charge of all issues of law and order, including the running of Arkham Asylum."

The Joker threw back his head, letting out a long, maniacal laugh.

"I bet you're thinking I'm crazy. And you'd be right! I'm completely cuckoo! But that's beside the point. The one man with the authority to make such sweeping changes to the running of Gotham City is none other than The President himself. However, I understand our Commander In Chief is feeling a little...dead at the moment! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Hoo-boy! So, Vice President Whatsyourface, you can make it your first act as President to give us the power to rule Gotham City, and save the lives of all your rich golfing buddies."

The Joker walked out in front of the podium, walking forwards until his face was filling the screen of the camera.

"It's time to let the lunatics run the asylum. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Scarecrow made his way over to camera and cleared his throat.

"Mr President as my first act as the new head of Arkham it will be to give all the inmates brand new psychoanalytical reports. My thougths on the subject is that I believe that the inmates have been giving unfair treatment there and most need immediate release. Also as governor I hereby outlaw all forms for costume vigilantism... the punishment will be harsher if the person dresses up as a bat. Now excuse me gentlemen but the doctor has much work to do", Scarecrow headed for the door his next stop Arkham.

[Batman]

Two-Face walked forward. At first, when he was told that he was going to have lesser power to The Joker, He was ready to call this entire 'partnership' off. However, When The Joker informed him of his promotion back to District Attorney... Neither Harvey nor Two-Face could resist.

Two-Face now filled the camera's screen, like Jonathan Crane and The Joker before him. He flipped his coin once, before looking at it, and clearing his throat.

"As my first act upon returning to the DA's Office, I, Harvey Dent, hereby declare that all masked vigilantes who aren't goverment officials are to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Two-Face flipped his coin, once more, before continuing.

"And Don't Think For One Goddamned Second That We Won't Prosecute, Either. If Anyone Is Caught Wearing Pointy Eared Cowls In This City, We'll Be Sure To Throw The Book At Them. And Bullets, If Need Be."

Two-Face calmed down, after realising he had just gone on a rant. The unscarred side of Harvey Dent's face showed a smirk.

"It's good to be back."

This was going to be one hell of a comeback, for all of them. Gotham City was theirs, now. And there wasn't one caped cockroach in the entire city who could lift a finger to stop them.

[SuperFerret]

Great...capes, thought McCulloch as he sighed and watched his friend, Weather Wizard, captured my the Big Red Cheese and Plastic Man.
He knew he wouldn't be able to take them both down, but...maybe he didn't have too.

Appearing in a reflective metal surface of an apartment building down the street, a building still filled with people, McCulloch looked to make sure nobody was in the room and entered when he saw that the coast was indeed clear. He found himself standing in the basement by the building's furnace.
Immediately McCulloch went to work as carefully set all of his explosives around the room. When the final one was set, McCulloch dived back into the metal surface and into the safety of the mirror dimension.
Barely reach his hand back out, McCulloch pressed the button of the detonator he held setting off all of the explosives.

A great blast could be heard all through the area as the building teetered and quickly caught fire. The people on the bottom floors most likely died in the blast, but there were still dozens of civilians trapped on the building's upper levels. And that was something the heroes could not ignore.
With the Mirror Master secured and his wand broken, he posed no threat at all. And McCulloch was banking on the fact that the heroes realized that as well. Mardon was trapped and was not going anywhere, and would safe and secure there in his trash can prison as the heroes tended to the immediate disaster.
The building was going up quickly and it appeared it's foundations could collapse any second. The heroes didn't have much time.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!"

Plastic Man acted fast, leaping towards the building before it fell. He stretched his limbs and body into the ground floor of the burning building. Slithering like a snake, Eel swiftly covered the ceilings of the ground floor. His heart sinking as he passed the charred remains of a family, huddled together in death, no doubt seeking refuge from the villains attack when they met their end. Once his entire body covered all of the ceilings, he stretched his arms and legs outside of the smoldering edifice (I have a large vocabulary :D)
creating pillars to stabilize the structure and prevent, or more likely stall, it's collapse.

"Big Red," he called, "you might want to hurry up here."

Where's Superman when you need him?

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom looked up at the wave of lava that loomed over him and smiled.

"OfcourseIseeit!"

Zoom was able to run out of harm's way in less than a second. He was already a mile away from the splashing lava, watching as the Flash landed safely on the ground not far from where he stood.

The two adversaries stared at each other in another moment of tense silence. They had tested one another far too long, and Zoom was ready for the real fight to begin.

Suddenly appearing at the Flash's side, Zoom held his right hand right next to Wally's ear...and snapped his fingers. He created a sonic boom directly in the Flash's ear...
"...!" I open my mouth and scream as Zoom unleashes a sonic boom right in my ear, but of course I can't hear anything. My eyes snap shut and I try to get away from Zoom, but all I can do is stumble awkwardly until I fall onto my knees. It feels like my head is exploding; I can't figure out which way is up, let alone which way Zoom is!

Ok, Wally, keep cool. Don't panic, I tell myself. I speed myself up to make the ringing in my ears go away quicker, then I turn on Zoom, who's still standing in the same spot, watching me. "Eye for an eye, remember, Zoom?" I bring my hands together in a super-speed thunderclap, sending shockwaves that rumble the volcano and knock Zoom off his feet.

"I'm bored of Hawaii, Zoom. You want to teach me anything else, you're gonna have to catch me first." I turn and run for the Pacific.

[Hyper Venom]

"...!" I open my mouth and scream as Zoom unleashes a sonic boom right in my ear, but of course I can't hear anything. My eyes snap shut and I try to get away from Zoom, but all I can do is stumble awkwardly until I fall onto my knees. It feels like my head is exploding; I can't figure out which way is up, let alone which way Zoom is!

Ok, Wally, keep cool. Don't panic, I tell myself. I speed myself up to make the ringing in my ears go away quicker, then I turn on Zoom, who's still standing in the same spot, watching me. "Eye for an eye, remember, Zoom?" I bring my hands together in a super-speed thunderclap, sending shockwaves that rumble the volcano and knock Zoom off his feet.

"I'm bored of Hawaii, Zoom. You want to teach me anything else, you're gonna have to catch me first." I turn and run for the Pacific.

"Bastard!" screamed Zoom as he fell to the ground.

He looked up and saw that the Flash had taken off. Zoom quickly stood up and ran after him.

"Comebackhereyoucoward youuuuuu cantrunfrom me you fuuuuuuucking bastard!"

Zoom continued to run after the Flash until finally he caught up to him. They were running right alongside one another across the Pacific Ocean. Somehow the fight had turned into a race. They zipped across the water faster than anybody could possibly see. Eventually they came onto land, and then stopped, and without a single word, they began to trade blows as fast as possible. After that, they ran off once again.

[twylight]

Scrubbing noises came from a dark alleyway in Gotham City, the night air was warmer than it had been in months and the moon shone brightly, casting shadows across the building logged city.
The woman stepped back from the wall and brushed her hair away from her face with her wrist; her hands covered in pinkish soap foam, and surveyed her progress.
The dark brown lettering on the wall now spelled “OM”, she bent over and dipped her hands into the bucket of warm water, soap and bleach, rinsing off the dried blood that had stuck to her hands and the brush she was scrubbing the wall with. Her jeans and black shirt were splattered with water, and she shook the brush off again before tackling the large ‘O’ on the wall.

She paused, her hands still on the wall and looked down the alley as a man drew near. His silhouette straight from the trench coat he wore, his hand stuffed deep into pockets. His head was bent down and covered by the brim of the hat on his head. She tilted her head listening to the cadence of his steps before resuming her scrubbing as it echoed off the walls of the Alley.

The man stopped next to her as she continued to scrub. Her dark hair pulled away from her face for the first time, yet the shadows hid her features.

“The cops took in Penguin’s men and confiscated the weapons.”

She didn’t pause as the ‘O’ turned into a backwards ‘C’ slowly but surely, her arms flexing with the motion of her hands.

“I know.”

The man watches her before shrugging off his jacket and draping it over a nearby trashcan, taking his hat off he placed it on top and rolled up his sleeves before bending over and grabbing a scrub brush that floated in the red tinted soapy water. He took a place next to her and started to scrub, the noise of the bristles against the bricks the only sound in the alley, accompanied by the water drops hitting the ground.

“Where is Two-Face?” She asks, breaking the silence.

He shrugs.
“I don't know, last I heard he crashed the Gotham Charity event with Joker and Black Mask.”

There is a pause as she leans over and rinses her brush out before continuing her work.

“What are you planning now?”

She pauses for a moment.

“I need to know Penguin’s movements.”

“You can’t stop him you know. You can’t stop any of them. Gotham can’t survive without Mobs.”

“I know.”

“There is more at work than simple mobs…..”

“I know.”

Silence engulfs them.

“What can we ship in and out of Gotham, to gain a foothold?”

He turns and looks at her.

“What are you suggesting?”

She stops and turns from the wall, looking at him.

“Gotham can’t survive without mob’s, it would be an empty vacuum. Instead of stopping mob’s from forming, we’re going to be one.”
She kneels down and plunges her hands into the soapy water swishing them around.

He stares down at the back of her head, covered in long dark locks.

“I thought you were against them.”

“I am. I’ll become them, but I won’t be them.” She said standing and scrubbing again.

He doesn’t bother to ask why, but rather turns back to scrubbing himself.

“Weapons, guns mostly, that’s the shipments that normally run between Gotham and other ports. Drugs to a lesser degree.”

“Guns….”

“You don’t like them?”

“Guns are not the only weapons in the world. They are just the easiest to use, they are shoddily used. Few people who use them can boast mastery of them and they don’t need to. There is no honor in them.”

He stares at her a smile playing on his face.

“You’re a strange one.”

She turns to him and brushes a strand of hair from her face and smiles, the first smile he’s seen since their first dinner meeting.

“So I’m told.”

They stare at each other smiling before he steps back and drops the brush in the bucket, splashing the now brown tinted water on the ground. She steps back with him her brush still firmly In her hand as they stare at the newly cleaned wall. Not a trace of dried blood remaining.

“It’s going to be a lot to clean up.” He said referencing the problem they just cleaned and her own idea.

“I know.”

He turns to her.

“I’ll try to stay in the loop as much as I can to help.”

She smiles at him.

“Thank you, Ricky.”

He picks up his coat and hat. Draping the jacket over his arm and placing the hat on his head.

“Not a problem.” He says flashing her a smile before turning and walking down the alley.

She looks down at her red stained hands and smiles.

“No, it’s not.”







OOC This takes place a day after the events MB, Keyser, Watchman and Electro are doing.

[TheCorpulent1]

"Bastard!" screamed Zoom as he fell to the ground.

He looked up and saw that the Flash had taken off. Zoom quickly stood up and ran after him.

"Comebackhereyoucoward youuuuuu cantrunfrom me you fuuuuuuucking bastard!"

Zoom continued to run after the Flash until finally he caught up to him. They were running right alongside one another across the Pacific Ocean. Somehow the fight had turned into a race. They zipped across the water faster than anybody could possibly see. Eventually they came onto land, and then stopped, and without a single word, they began to trade blows as fast as possible. After that, they ran off once again.
Good, Zoom took the bait. I'm hoping I can wear him down and keep the civilian casualties to a minimum if I force him to focus on following me everywhere. We trade blows while running and the next thing I know we're clear across California in a second, then we're zipping through the midwest in the next, then the Bible Belt, and finally the eastern seaboard.

We race through the streets of Metropolis, still trading blows. Zoom tries to make a break for the Daily Planet but I catch him by the arm and slingshot him away, similar to what I did in Linda's room but with less force. I pick him up off the floor and wrap my arm around his neck and get him in a headlock, then I take off again, punching Zoom in the face periodically to keep him from squirming free. We're out of Metropolis in no time and the familiar sights (and smells) of Gotham City surround me. As we race through the back alleys of one of the most crime-infested cities in the world, I see a female figure standing before a wall that looks freshly cleaned.

I stop in front of her with Zoom still in the headlock and recognition hits me like a fist. "Hey!" I say as she turns to me. "You're--"

I never get to finish because my momentary surprise is enough for Zoom to break out of the headlock. He grabs the arm I was holding him with and slams my face into the wall the woman I recognized was standing beside. Then he grabs me and takes off, pulling me along with him, and we're out of Gotham in moments.

[Hyper Venom]

Good, Zoom took the bait. I'm hoping I can wear him down and keep the civilian casualties to a minimum if I force him to focus on following me everywhere. We trade blows while running and the next thing I know we're clear across California in a second, then we're zipping through the midwest in the next, then the Bible Belt, and finally the eastern seaboard.

We race through the streets of Metropolis, still trading blows. Zoom tries to make a break for the Daily Planet but I catch him by the arm and slingshot him away, similar to what I did in Linda's room but with less force. I pick him up off the floor and wrap my arm around his neck and get him in a headlock, then I take off again, punching Zoom in the face periodically to keep him from squirming free. We're out of Metropolis in no time and the familiar sights (and smells) of Gotham City surround me. As we race through the back alleys of one of the most crime-infested cities in the world, I see a female figure standing before a wall that looks freshly cleaned.

I stop in front of her with Zoom still in the headlock and recognition hits me like a fist. "Hey!" I say as she turns to me. "You're--"

I never get to finish because my momentary surprise is enough for Zoom to break out of the headlock. He grabs the arm I was holding him with and slams my face into the wall the woman I recognized was standing beside. Then he grabs me and takes off, pulling me along with him, and we're out of Gotham in moments.

Zoom ran off, holding the Flash by the back of the neck, and sped back across the Pacific Ocean. He hurled the Flash into the water, but rather then sink, his body skipped across the surface like a rock. Zoom ran across the water and kicked him in the ribs, sending him flying away from the water and crashing onto land. Zoom tackled him and continued running. Eventually the Flash was able to break his hold, and they proceeded to exchange blows.

To the naked eye, all you would make out was a large blur of red and yellow in the middle of Tokyo. Zoom and the Flash stood toe to toe, trading punches at hyperspeed. Shockwaves shook the city as a result, knocking out windows and setting off car alarms. And just as quickly as the two had appeared in Tokyo and began to trade blows, they were gone.

In the span of a few seconds, they were everywhere and nowhere at once. They would appear briefly to the naked eye, seeming to pop up and disappear just like that. All over the world, they chased one another and continued to trade blows.

A man in Australia tended to the fields outside of his home. In a split second, Zoom and the Flash appeared in front of him and swung wildly at one another before disappearing. The man stood there, dumbfounded.

In Finland, a woman prepared to get into her car. That is until Zoom suddenly appeared and kicked the Flash into it. The Flash tackled Zoom, and they vanished again.

The two speedsters appeared at the North Pole and began to rapidly hurl snowballs at one another. Then, they were gone again.

The citizens of Mexico were celebrating the annual Running of the Bulls. Just as the bulls and the people began to run, so too did the Flash and Zoom, who ran so fast the wind behind them knocked the bulls over.

In New York City, they appeared in the home of a young writer named Brian Michael Bendis. Zoom grabbed Bendis by the ankles and beat the Flash over the head with him like a baseball bat.

Finally, they appeared in Keystone, continuing to trade punches. They began to swing so fast that a hurricane formed around them. A swirl of red and yellow electricity surrounded them as the ground beneath them began to crack. They continued to punch one another until Zoom was finally able to hit the Flash with a jab to the throat. The Flash fell to his knees, and Zoom kicked him in the jaw, knocking him onto his back. He stood on top of him and cocked his fist back.

"It's over, Wally. You tried, but once again, it just wasn't enough. Now accept that you've failed and die..."

Just as Zoom began to finish his adversary off, the wind around him began to blow harder as another window in time opened up beside him. He turned to look at it.

It was a familiar scene. A few months earlier. In Keystone City.

Zoom opened the door and approached a woman. No, not just any woman.

Linda West.

She tried to fight him off as best she could. She fired a gun at him, but he was too fast. He took her gun from her and shot her in the leg.

He mounted her. She tried to punch him. He slammed her wrist to the floor and held her down.

She continued to struggle, but it wasn't enough. Zoom stared at her grimly until...

Linda began to cry. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine her husband coming through the door and making this monster go away. Wally would make the pain go away. He would make this maniac pay for hurting her in such a way that he did. Wally would be there to make everything right.

But he wasn't there...

"Wally, where are you?"

Zoom stared at the image before him. His jaw dropped, and he almost forgot where he was for a moment.

"My God...did I do that...? I...what was I thinking...? She didn't deserve...I mean..."

It had never occurred to him before. He was trying to teach Wally a lesson. But he never stopped to think about it. He hurt Linda so much, and she didn't deserve to have that happen to her. He couldn't think of anything but how much he hurt her.

More importantly, what he had neglected to think about was the fact that the Flash had just seen this image as well...

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle pulled up even to Sinestro. The first skyscrapers of Metropolis appeared on the horizon.

"I dunno, this isn't much of a challenge. I could walk the rest of the way and still beat you."

[wiegeabo]

Kyle pulled up even to Sinestro. The first skyscrapers of Metropolis appeared on the horizon.

"I dunno, this isn't much of a challenge. I could walk the rest of the way and still beat you."


I raise an eyebrow. Willing my ring, I create a yellow construct of Kilowog with his hand raised in the air signaling for Rayner to stop. He does. I laugh. "Maybe you're better off walking," I yell back to him.

For the first time in a long time I'm not in a fight, yet I think I'm starting to have fun...

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle willed himself up a bronco and lasso, and began taking off after Sinestro again. As soon as he got to a managable distance, he roped Sinestro's ankles and pulled hard.

"I'll tell Supes you send your regards."

[MST3K 4ever]

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!"

Plastic Man acted fast, leaping towards the building before it fell. He stretched his limbs and body into the ground floor of the burning building. Slithering like a snake, Eel swiftly covered the ceilings of the ground floor. His heart sinking as he passed the charred remains of a family, huddled together in death, no doubt seeking refuge from the villains attack when they met their end. Once his entire body covered all of the ceilings, he stretched his arms and legs outside of the smoldering edifice (I have a large vocabulary :D)
creating pillars to stabilize the structure and prevent, or more likely stall, it's collapse.

"Big Red," he called, "you might want to hurry up here."

Where's Superman when you need him?

OOC: Ferret I did some very minor bunnying....just to advance the plot. Nothing along the lines of "Plastic Man suddenly decides he has had enough and leaves."

Marvel can not believe what he is seeing. I just defeated the Super-Hero act, saved hundreds of people getting them to the hospital, stopped Weather Wizard and now this.WHO DID THIS?????WHY???????

Marvel grits his teeth and locks his jaw. There is no way that we can save those people on the bottom floor, but we can save the rest of them. Marvel see Plas taking action. He won't last too long gotta move fast. I saw a contruction site nearby...gotta try. He shouts, "I'VE GOTTA IDEA! HANG IN THERE!" I find out who did this it won't be pretty for them.
The wisdom of Solomon echoes in his mind as he takes flight. Sometimes holding the line is the best you can do...you must be of clear focus and mind unbridled anger will destroy you focus and concentrate on what you can do. Marvel takes a deep breath and flies with the speed of Mercury to the construction site. He grabs 8 steel construction beams and flies back to the building.

When he lands he sest the pilars down. He tells Plastic Man, "This is going to take exact timing. When I tell you to move a body part move it slowly I am going to put these beams in place. " Marvel grabs 2 beams and presses them together. He then bends the edges so they hold together. He says, "All-right move your right hand inward. Slowly!" Plastic Man begins moving it and Marvel starts to jam the beam in place. He hears the building begin to crek and then settles. He says, "This just might work." He then grabs 2 more beams and does the same thing until the building is supported by the 8 beams.

He tells Plastic Man, "That should do it. You're going to have to hold the ceiling in place for a few more minutes. I am going to try and clear out the building. There's no telling how long the braces will hold and not to mention the ceiling won't hold forever either." Marvel begins flying throughout the building and flying people outside. Some of them are reluctant, but come along eventually. While others come willingly. Marvel sees some are jumping out of the building. He catches them and then hears the familiar wails of EMS units and fire-trucks. Once the Fire-Trucks get settled in they begin getting people out with their ladders

Once the building is cleared he says to Plas, "All-right Plastic Man you can get out the building is clear."

Some of the people are thanking Marvel and Plastic Man while one person says, "See what happens when they around nothing but death and destruction. If Flash wasn't here we wouldn't have villians to deal with in our city. They are curse to humanity."

[SuperFerret]

"See what happens when they around nothing but death and destruction. If Flash wasn't here we wouldn't have villians to deal with in our city. They are curse to humanity."

Eel was tired, he was aching, and after hearing that, he had enough. He stormed over to the man who said those blasphemous words.

"Is that so?" Plas said, poking his finger into the man's chest, "Then maybe you'd like it if we left now, right? That way you can deal with the supervillains all by your lonesome."

The man just stared blankly at Eel.

"Ah, it's like talkin' to a wall. Or Batman." Eel muttered as he walked away, "C'mon, Cap let's go haul that Weather guy to jail."

But when Plas looked back at the garbage can they had left Mardon in, he was gone.

"Aw, frog dammit!"

[dtorn4]

Jervis stares at the red liquid smeared on the buildings...the liquid that had appeared a few days ago. He had thought it was paint, but he was wrong...this was diffrent...it was....bloo-- A memory.
The bridge, screaming....ALICE!

"TEA TIME!" the little girl...what had he been thinking about again? Everything was so hazy....then a voice spoke up behind him.

"Horrible isn't it? What these madmen do to our city?"

Oswald was out for his nightly stroll when he stumbled across a strange looking little man dressed like a character from Alice and Wonderland. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about the man look very familiar.

“What’s your name friend?”

“J-Jervis. Jervis Tetch,” the man replied nervously.

Now Oswald remember who this man was. Jervis Tetch was one of WayneTech’s top scientists. In fact, Oswald had heard that Jervis had created a form of mind control. That could surely prove to be useful in his coming war with Two-Face and Black Mask.

“Don’t worry my Mr. Tetch, I can help you find what you are seeking,”

Oswald put his arm around the clearly disturbed man and lead him to his hideout.

The night sky of Gotham burned a dark burgundy. The breeze caressing the hard edges of the city, the richer sets of Gotham bundled up in their furs and rich wools and made their way to the Opera. While down near the docks the breeze rippled colder still off the water. Atop an empty warehouse a woman crouched, her long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, her right hand pressed against the tar covered roof, she grasped a black bow in her other hand. Here eyes peering intently into the darkness she slowly rose, her long skirt, parted on each side up her legs blew back revealing her legs covered in black leggings. The high neckline of the dress overlapped on one side and an oriental knot closed the two flaps together.

She tilted her head at the sound of a boat motor. It’s large…..she waits.

20 minutes later a small cargo ship hits the docks. And two men emerge from the warehouse she’s on top of. Kneeling on the roof she lays down and watches over the edge. A man comes off the ship and speaks to the two men, for a while, before the ship explodes with action. Crates start to be unloaded as soon as a ramp is made for the ship.
She’ll wait to make her move till the boat is gone, not because she’s out numbered but in Gotham, it’s easier to hit them after they expect it.

The Bat has them trained well. They operate quickly yet quietly. It had taken her more than a few bar’s to find out about this dock, and even then, it took more than she was willing to give to find it.

The last crate unloaded and money quickly passed hands. Her lips curled up in a smile beneath her lower face mask. Penguin paid for it too, it would make this all the more sweeter. She waited till the ship moved off before moving, walking over the roof quietly she leapt off into an alley between two warehouses and eased herself to the window.

“We gonna keep this stuff here?”

“I don’t know da Boss will clue us in after we tell him we got it in.”

“Lady luck smiled on us. The Bat ain’t got no idea.” The first man smirked.

“Don’t say that. You never know till he hits.” The second man said a little jaded.

“Your gonna make me hit the bottle tonight.”

“Yeah? How about a few shots on the way back?” The second man straightened his jacket and stood up from his seat.

“GAH!”

He turned and looked at his partner only to find him pinned to a crate by his clothing. Four black arrows framed him. Two holding the fabric on his shoulders and two on each cuff.

“What da..”
An Arrow whizzed by his face and he took a step back, moving his hand for a gun.

“I wouldn’t.” Came a hoarse voice from the shadows.

He paused and hesitated. Another arrow shot out this time on the other side of his face.

“Who…Who are you…?”

“Where is Penguin?”

The man shook his head, his loose unshaven jowls moving back and forth. His partner’s eyes were wide as he looked at the arrows pinning him down.

“I…I…don’t know.”

A figure stepped from the shadows, the bow drawn and a sharp black arrow glistening.

“Where is Penguin.”

The man squinted trying to make out the outline as he shuddered. This time the voice came as a statement, not a question.

“I don’t…OFH” He doubled over as a foot smashed into his stomach. He looked up, his eyes going wide.

“You’re a dame” He said without thinking, his mind still reeling from not seeing her till he was hit. Her face was covered from the nose down in dark cloth but he could see an outline of her smirking. The bow was crossed over her front and behind her.

She grabbed the hair on the back of his head and yanked it back.

“Where is he.”

“I ain’t tellin’.” He said, his spirit not broken.

Her eyes glazed for a second before she kneed him and let him drop to the ground. Turning she stared at the First man still pinned against the crate. His eyes wide, but not from fear.

Fear wasn’t good. There was too much fear in Gotham.

She walked over to him and placed her hands in his pockets pulling out a box of matches. Returning her gaze to him she jutted two fingers just under his rib. He convolsed slitly and looked at her questioningly.
Tucking the match box into her hand she grabbed a crowbar that was leaning against a crate and pried one open. She smiled, wood shavings lay in it, placing her black gloved hand into the crate she brushed the shavings away revealing matte black metal.

She looked sideways at the men, before striking a match and holding it over the crate, ignoring the vomiting and the groaning.
The match wouldn’t do any real damage…yet she let it drop into the wood shavings and tilted her head.

Sirens sounded in the distance.

She turned and faced the two men, her outline hardly visible in the dim light.

“Hear that? The sound of an anonymous tip.” She smiled and walked to the door.

“Tell Penguin when you get out that next time I won’t be so nice. You caught me on a down day.” She winked and blew a kiss before walking into the night smiling.

No crash and burn operation and no fear, just the truth.

---------

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE DESTROYED IT ALL?!?!"

"J-just what I said boss. She torched everything."

Just then something clicked in Oswald's head. If it had been this woman that destroyed his shipment, where was Batman? Penguin had heard on the street that Batman had been missing for the last few days, but this proved it. If Batman was around, no way he would let this loose cannon of a vigilante run wild in Gotham. I smile appeared across Oswald’s face from ear to ear.

"Waugh Waugh. Boys you may have accidentally stumbled onto something more important than my guns. But before I expose Batman's absense, I need to take care of this woman."

Oswald picked up his phone and dialed an old familiar number

"Hello old friend, this is Oswald. I need you to do me a favor..."

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom ran off, holding the Flash by the back of the neck, and sped back across the Pacific Ocean. He hurled the Flash into the water, but rather then sink, his body skipped across the surface like a rock. Zoom ran across the water and kicked him in the ribs, sending him flying away from the water and crashing onto land. Zoom tackled him and continued running. Eventually the Flash was able to break his hold, and they proceeded to exchange blows.

To the naked eye, all you would make out was a large blur of red and yellow in the middle of Tokyo. Zoom and the Flash stood toe to toe, trading punches at hyperspeed. Shockwaves shook the city as a result, knocking out windows and setting off car alarms. And just as quickly as the two had appeared in Tokyo and began to trade blows, they were gone.

In the span of a few seconds, they were everywhere and nowhere at once. They would appear briefly to the naked eye, seeming to pop up and disappear just like that. All over the world, they chased one another and continued to trade blows.

A man in Australia tended to the fields outside of his home. In a split second, Zoom and the Flash appeared in front of him and swung wildly at one another before disappearing. The man stood there, dumbfounded.

In Finland, a woman prepared to get into her car. That is until Zoom suddenly appeared and kicked the Flash into it. The Flash tackled Zoom, and they vanished again.

The two speedsters appeared at the North Pole and began to rapidly hurl snowballs at one another. Then, they were gone again.

The citizens of Mexico were celebrating the annual Running of the Bulls. Just as the bulls and the people began to run, so too did the Flash and Zoom, who ran so fast the wind behind them knocked the bulls over.

In New York City, they appeared in the home of a young writer named Brian Michael Bendis. Zoom grabbed Bendis by the ankles and beat the Flash over the head with him like a baseball bat.

Finally, they appeared in Keystone, continuing to trade punches. They began to swing so fast that a hurricane formed around them. A swirl of red and yellow electricity surrounded them as the ground beneath them began to crack. They continued to punch one another until Zoom was finally able to hit the Flash with a jab to the throat. The Flash fell to his knees, and Zoom kicked him in the jaw, knocking him onto his back. He stood on top of him and cocked his fist back.

"It's over, Wally. You tried, but once again, it just wasn't enough. Now accept that you've failed and die..."

Just as Zoom began to finish his adversary off, the wind around him began to blow harder as another window in time opened up beside him. He turned to look at it.

It was a familiar scene. A few months earlier. In Keystone City.

Zoom opened the door and approached a woman. No, not just any woman.

Linda West.

She tried to fight him off as best she could. She fired a gun at him, but he was too fast. He took her gun from her and shot her in the leg.

He mounted her. She tried to punch him. He slammed her wrist to the floor and held her down.

She continued to struggle, but it wasn't enough. Zoom stared at her grimly until...

Linda began to cry. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine her husband coming through the door and making this monster go away. Wally would make the pain go away. He would make this maniac pay for hurting her in such a way that he did. Wally would be there to make everything right.

But he wasn't there...

"Wally, where are you?"

Zoom stared at the image before him. His jaw dropped, and he almost forgot where he was for a moment.

"My God...did I do that...? I...what was I thinking...? She didn't deserve...I mean..."

It had never occurred to him before. He was trying to teach Wally a lesson. But he never stopped to think about it. He hurt Linda so much, and she didn't deserve to have that happen to her. He couldn't think of anything but how much he hurt her.

More importantly, what he had neglected to think about was the fact that the Flash had just seen this image as well...
Tears are streaming down my face uncontrollably and I don't care. I've just seen every moment--every excrutiating detail--of Zoom's unspeakable crime against the woman I love more than life itself. I'm not even conscious of the gutteral yell coming out of my mouth until my throat is raw.

Zoom's face turns back to me and his expression tells me that he knows what comes next. My hands slam into the sides of his head at super-speed, sending shockwaves directly into his brain. He recoils and clutches his head, writhing around on the ground in pain. Zoom thought I was going too easy on him before. He was right. I've been playing with him--sparring with him the way Flashes have done with Rogues since the beginning. I've let him determine the rules and I've gone along with it because that's how the game is played.

I'm through playing games now.

I max my speed out and feel the Speed Force tugging at me. I shut it out and deliver a thousand punches to Zoom's face. I feel myself slipping out of control with rage and I don't care. I hear my own voice, alien in its harshness, repeating the same mantra, fading in and out of my ears faster than anyone besides Zoom or I can hear: "--killyouyousonofa*****youhadnorightI'llkillyou--!" I keep punching. His mask tears and I see bruises developing. His left cheekbone and nose both look broken. I hit each of them again a dozen times; they're definitely broken now.

I pull Zoom to his feet and put my hand on his forehead, then pump kinetic energy directly into his brain. It's a trick I learned from the brief time I spent merged with my alternate dimension duplicate Walter West. I swore I'd never use my power in that way--it seemed barbaric to me at the time. Funny; now it doesn't seem nearly bad enough.

I draw both arms back and slam them into Zoom's chest, transferring speed into him through the contact. He flies back, leaving holes in three buildings before crashing into the wall of another. I'm on him before he even hits the ground, punching him some more, not giving him a single instant to recover. I vibrate my hand into the wall behind him, charging it with kinetic energy and watch as it explodes, tearing the back of his costume apart and leaving his back raw and bleeding. I pick him up and hurl him into another wall, then pick up two pebble-sized pieces of rubble from the floor and shoot them through Zoom's legs. I hear the bones in his thighs fracture. It's still not enough. I vibrate my hands into his biceps and break both of his arms, too.

My mind runs through everything I'm capable of, struggling to think of new and brutal ways to use my power. Most people think of us speedsters as pushovers (after all, for all our speed we don't even seem able to handle a few normal-speed Rogues--how tough can we really be?) but they don't understand. They don't know that I and Bart and Jay, and even Barry in his day, hold back 99% of our power at all times for fear that we'd kill someone with an accidental turn of our wrist or a punch that's just one mile an hour too fast. Well not this time. I know Zoom can take it; at least, I think he can. What really frightens me, though, is that right now... I don't think I'd even care if I'm wrong.

I stop suddenly. Zoom is hanging limply from my fist. My other fist is cocked back, ready to throw another punch. He looks so pathetic and powerless that I almost pity him. Almost. Then I see the time window again. It's still there, repeating those horrible images over and over, mocking me. Anger overcomes me again, only this time it's not the passionate heat of rage. It's the barren, seething coldness of fury.

"Look at me, Zoom," I command. I tear off Zoom's ruined mask and snap him back to full consciousness by shaking and slapping him. "Look at me, Hunter!" His eyes slowly lose their glaze and focus. "We used to be friends. We worked together against the Rogues to keep Keystone safe! Then you screwed up your life and decided I suddenly wasn't hero enough, so you took it upon yourself to teach me how to be a better one. WELL, LOOK AT YOUR HANDIWORK, YOU SICK, SADISTIC BASTARD!" I tear off my own mask now and thrust my finger out at the window in time. "I want you to look me in the eye and tell me what that was supposed to teach me, besides the fact that I should kill you where you stand!"

[LibrarianThorne]

Kyle willed himself up a bronco and lasso, and began taking off after Sinestro again. As soon as he got to a managable distance, he roped Sinestro's ankles and pulled hard.

"I'll tell Supes you send your regards."

He had noticed the two ring wearers near Metropolios as he soared above Ohio. He flew in behind Kyle Rayner, his cape snapping in the cool breeze that whipped through the skies above Metropolis.

He tapped Kyle on the shoulder, causing the Lantern to turn around. He was met by the S-shield on Superman's chest. "Kyle. Sinestro. Something I can do for you?"

[Nightwing]

Edit.

[Green Lantern]

...(edited)

[Hyper Venom]

Tears are streaming down my face uncontrollably and I don't care. I've just seen every moment--every excrutiating detail--of Zoom's unspeakable crime against the woman I love more than life itself. I'm not even conscious of the gutteral yell coming out of my mouth until my throat is raw.

Zoom's face turns back to me and his expression tells me that he knows what comes next. My hands slam into the sides of his head at super-speed, sending shockwaves directly into his brain. He recoils and clutches his head, writhing around on the ground in pain. Zoom thought I was going too easy on him before. He was right. I've been playing with him--sparring with him the way Flashes have done with Rogues since the beginning. I've let him determine the rules and I've gone along with it because that's how the game is played.

I'm through playing games now.

I max my speed out and feel the Speed Force tugging at me. I shut it out and deliver a thousand punches to Zoom's face. I feel myself slipping out of control with rage and I don't care. I hear my own voice, alien in its harshness, repeating the same mantra, fading in and out of my ears faster than anyone besides Zoom or I can hear: "--killyouyousonofa*****youhadnorightI'llkillyou--!" I keep punching. His mask tears and I see bruises developing. His left cheekbone and nose both look broken. I hit each of them again a dozen times; they're definitely broken now.

I pull Zoom to his feet and put my hand on his forehead, then pump kinetic energy directly into his brain. It's a trick I learned from the brief time I spent merged with my alternate dimension duplicate Walter West. I swore I'd never use my power in that way--it seemed barbaric to me at the time. Funny; now it doesn't seem nearly bad enough.

I draw both arms back and slam them into Zoom's chest, transferring speed into him through the contact. He flies back, leaving holes in three buildings before crashing into the wall of another. I'm on him before he even hits the ground, punching him some more, not giving him a single instant to recover. I vibrate my hand into the wall behind him, charging it with kinetic energy and watch as it explodes, tearing the back of his costume apart and leaving his back raw and bleeding. I pick him up and hurl him into another wall, then pick up two pebble-sized pieces of rubble from the floor and shoot them through Zoom's legs. I hear the bones in his thighs fracture. It's still not enough. I vibrate my hands into his biceps and break both of his arms, too.

My mind runs through everything I'm capable of, struggling to think of new and brutal ways to use my power. Most people think of us speedsters as pushovers (after all, for all our speed we don't even seem able to handle a few normal-speed Rogues--how tough can we really be?) but they don't understand. They don't know that I and Bart and Jay, and even Barry in his day, hold back 99% of our power at all times for fear that we'd kill someone with an accidental turn of our wrist or a punch that's just one mile an hour too fast. Well not this time. I know Zoom can take it; at least, I think he can. What really frightens me, though, is that right now... I don't think I'd even care if I'm wrong.

I stop suddenly. Zoom is hanging limply from my fist. My other fist is cocked back, ready to throw another punch. He looks so pathetic and powerless that I almost pity him. Almost. Then I see the time window again. It's still there, repeating those horrible images over and over, mocking me. Anger overcomes me again, only this time it's not the passionate heat of rage. It's the barren, seething coldness of fury.

"Look at me, Zoom," I command. I tear off Zoom's ruined mask and snap him back to full consciousness by shaking and slapping him. "Look at me, Hunter!" His eyes slowly lose their glaze and focus. "We used to be friends. We worked together against the Rogues to keep Keystone safe! Then you screwed up your life and decided I suddenly wasn't hero enough, so you took it upon yourself to teach me how to be a better one. WELL, LOOK AT YOUR HANDIWORK, YOU SICK, SADISTIC BASTARD!" I tear off my own mask now and thrust my finger out at the window in time. "I want you to look me in the eye and tell me what that was supposed to teach me, besides the fact that I should kill you where you stand!"


Zoom hung limply, being held up by the Flash's hand on his uniform. He stared at the time window and watched his indecent act replay itself.

"It...taught you to do what's necessary..."

Zoom slapped the Flash's hand away and attempted to stand. He ended up dropping to a knee. Panting, he slowly looked up at the Flash.

"You always went easy against the Rogues...they ended up nearly destroying Keystone...you just used powers that you wouldn't dream of using any other time, and look at me now...you're finally learning..."

Zoom finally stood straight up. His body was slowly beginning to heal.

"It's your destiny to beat me, Wally. I want you to walk as away the winner. I want Keystone City to celebrate you as the hero that you are, and I want you to deserve it."

Zoom stared the Flash directly in the eye, speaking as sincerely as possible with each word.

"But I will not...will not...go easy on you. You have to earn it, Wally. This is the final lesson."

Zoom glanced once more at the time window and watched as it dissipated. He turned back to the Flash.

"For what it's worth, I miss those old times. You were a good friend. I'm..."

Zoom stared at the ground. He didn't want Wally to see it, but he was actually holding back a tear. He looked up at Wally and saw a single tear falling from his eye, and Zoom couldn't hold it anymore. A tear fell from his eye as well.

"...I'm sorry..."

Zoom let the tear roll down his cheek and fall to the ground. Both men stood staring at each other, neither of them moving or making a sound. The wind became eerily calm, as if in the eye of a hurricane. Finally, Zoom broke the silence as he took a three point stance, much like a linebacker.

"Ready to finish this?"

[Watchman]

Arkham was an easy take over especially with Two-Face and Black Mask's men. Scarecrow set up shop really quick gasing the staff to do his bidding. A door opened to a long hallway of cells with a single chair in front of one of the cells. He sits in it and starts flipping through a clipboard.

"Lets see here Killer Croc is it"

"You know who I am Scarecrow now let me out"

Flipping through the clipboard more he looks up at Croc, "I see no reason why you should be locked up you are released" the door opens up releasing him to the outside world. "Now Croc how would you like a job of security here a position has just opened up" he stares at him and nods his head.

"Fine as long as the pay is good"

"Very good then you may go now" Scarecrow slides his chair to the next cell but one the guards came in before he can say anything,

"Boss call for you"

"Alright then.... you release Mr. Clay and prepare Dr. Fries's suit oh and also release Ms. Ivy she will be most useful." Scarecrow left the cells and made his way over to the phone, "Hello Dr. Crane's office". He walked over to the window, "My my that will not do....No that has been outlawed we can no have this viglanties running around.....yes I will take care of it personality" he hung up the phone and may his way over to the door.

"What's going on boss"

"There seems to be someone runnning around in the Bats place", he would not stand for this fool runnig around destroying their great plans. He should be locked away up in Arkham and thats exactly where Scarecrow is going to put him. "Up the security I have manners to attend to"

[MST3K 4ever]

Eel was tired, he was aching, and after hearing that, he had enough. He stormed over to the man who said those blasphemous words.

"Is that so?" Plas said, poking his finger into the man's chest, "Then maybe you'd like it if we left now, right? That way you can deal with the supervillains all by your lonesome."

The man just stared blankly at Eel.

"Ah, it's like talkin' to a wall. Or Batman." Eel muttered as he walked away, "C'mon, Cap let's go haul that Weather guy to jail."

But when Plas looked back at the garbage can they had left Mardon in, he was gone.

"Aw, frog dammit!"


Marvel looks over and sees Weather Wizard has escaped. He begins to rub his forehead as though he is trying to lose a headache. He says, "Oh great. I should've taken off to jail right after I put him in the can. Well it looks like our work is cut out for us Plas, let's say we go find him before he gets anymore bright ideas."

Marvel prepares to leap into the air when he hears the loud-mouth say, "Bravo guys." He begins a slow mocking clap and he asks, "So what's next guys? Gonna let them finish off the other half of the city they haven't already wiped out yet? Or are you just gonna tell us how everything is all well and good and you'll take care of it?"

Marvel looks at Plas already knowing that things are tense with him and this person. He says, "Hold your cool Plas. This calls for a little bit of Solomon like wisdom." He turns to the man and says, "Sir what all have you lost today in these attacks?" The man says, "I just work in the city I live in Central Heights. So far today I have lost my job and I have no idea what I am going to do about that." Marvel walks over to a stretcher he looks at a family standing near by. He looks at them and puts his hand on the sheet covering the body. The wife looks at Marvel and nods slowly. He pulls the sheet off of one of the bodies that was pulled out of the building. The victim's family turns away and huddles closer together. He says, "I am sure that this gentlemen's family would gladly be able to say that all he lost was his job. The only way we can get through this is together." He puts the sheet back on the body and looks at the victim's family he walks over. He says, "I am truly sorry for your loss but I needed to make a point as well that there are far more important things in this situation." The victim's wife nods her head slowly. She then buries her head in Marvel's chest and weeps openly. Marvel puts his arms around her as her children gather around them. Once she recomposes herself she gathers her family and walks off.

Marvel looks back at the loud mouth and asks,"What is it you do for living?"He replies, "I'm a logistic supervisor for a computer firm." Marvel says, "Well then I can see where you can be useful now. Your supervisory skills can help organize food and shelter for these people. Who are now homeless and have no idea where their next meal is coming from. Or you can help organize the work detail to help clean this place up. You can either be part of the solution or part of the problem. It's your choice."

Marvel looks at Plastic Man and asks, "Care to add anything Plas?"

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom hung limply, being held up by the Flash's hand on his uniform. He stared at the time window and watched his indecent act replay itself.

"It...taught you to do what's necessary..."

Zoom slapped the Flash's hand away and attempted to stand. He ended up dropping to a knee. Panting, he slowly looked up at the Flash.

"You always went easy against the Rogues...they ended up nearly destroying Keystone...you just used powers that you wouldn't dream of using any other time, and look at me now...you're finally learning..."

Zoom finally stood straight up. His body was slowly beginning to heal.

"It's your destiny to beat me, Wally. I want you to walk as away the winner. I want Keystone City to celebrate you as the hero that you are, and I want you to deserve it."

Zoom stared the Flash directly in the eye, speaking as sincerely as possible with each word.

"But I will not...will not...go easy on you. You have to earn it, Wally. This is the final lesson."

Zoom glanced once more at the time window and watched as it dissipated. He turned back to the Flash.

"For what it's worth, I miss those old times. You were a good friend. I'm..."

Zoom stared at the ground. He didn't want Wally to see it, but he was actually holding back a tear. He looked up at Wally and saw a single tear falling from his eye, and Zoom couldn't hold it anymore. A tear fell from his eye as well.

"...I'm sorry..."

Zoom let the tear roll down his cheek and fall to the ground. Both men stood staring at each other, neither of them moving or making a sound. The wind became eerily calm, as if in the eye of a hurricane. Finally, Zoom broke the silence as he took a three point stance, much like a linebacker.

"Ready to finish this?"
I can't believe what I'm hearing. After what I've seen... what Zoom's done... he's actually apologizing? Maybe he's right about me. Maybe I don't deserve to be called a hero. Because a hero--a true hero, like Superman--would give Zoom a second chance. Me? I still want to grind his skull into powder.

"You actually... have the gall... to stand there and tell me you're sorry? For everything you've done... for everything you will do if I let your mad quest continue... you're beyond redemption. You stand there wearing the face of my friend, but Hunter Zolomon is long gone. You are Zoom. You're a rabid animal. And I'm finally ready to do what's necessary to put you down."

I plant my feet and get ready for whatever Zoom's going to throw at me. "Am I ready, Zoom?" We stand there staring at each other and the world falls away around us. "I've been telling myself that there must be another way. That maybe both of us can survive this night. But I'm finally letting myself see the truth, and the truth is... I've been waiting to end this for a long time." Our unique forms of speed envelop us and our eyes begin meeting the light instead of taking it in. No one can get in our way now. From here on out it's solely between me, Wally West, and Hunter Zolomon, the monster called Zoom--the two fastest men alive.

[Johnny Blaze]

"'Bout damn time", said McCulloch as Captain Marvel finally flew off to help Plastic Man in the disaster at the apartment building.
He had been waiting for the two heroes to leave Mardon unattended and they finally did. He had to move quick though. No telling how long it would take them to stop the disaster.

Leaping out of a store window right next to the trapped Mardon, McCulloch smiled and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at his helpless friend.
"Well now, ain't this a pretty picture."

"McCulloch?"

"Aye. Just stopped by ta admire the scene. Ye look so cute in that trash can."

"Christ, McCulloch", said Mardon as he was getting really annoyed, "quit with the damn jokes and get me hell out of here!"

Mirror Master sighed and slowly shook his head as he walked up and grabbed trash can by the handles. "Some people. Gettin' so ye can't poke a little fun anymore."

McCulloch began to half carry, half drag the trash can into the mirror world through the store window, "Oi, fer Pete's sake, Mardon. What in God's name have ye been eatin'?"

"Just shut up and get me outta here", said Mardon with a bit of embarrassment.

Soon the two Rogues had disappeared back into the safety of the mirror dimension. And it was just in time too as the heroes had finally returned.

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis was confused, but he followed the man. He was funny looking, short and stocky, and dressed in a nice suit wearing a large monocle. He reminded Jervis of a penguin...

He followed the man for what seemed like a long time, and they went through many twisted passage ways until they finally ended up in a place that looked closer to an ungerground cave then anything. As they walked through the complex, Jervis noticed hundreds of machines....and suddenly a memory flashed before him.

The table again, talking to the big man.

"So, I've been hearing about your latest project Jervis...some say it's almost akin to mind control."

"No, no, it's really not like mind control at all," Jervis replied leaning forward, "I constructed a machine that emits certain frequencies that invoke impulses in the human mind. Quite by accident really, but it doesn't control your mind, you just feel a compelling urge to do one certain task....Unfortunatley....it always seems to invoke violent urges."

The big man nodded his head, waiting for an explanation.

"Well...the first time the frequencies were emitted, one of my coworkers....tried to....gouge his own eyes out. I quickly shut off the machine before he could do any more harm but....well it's still very dangerous. We tried turing it on a few times after with simmilar results, but for some reason it doesn't affect me...I'm not quite sure why, maybe it's because of the way my brain functions....or maybe people who suffer a great loss...." Jervis trailed off staring into space for a moment.

"maybe those who suffer a great loss are immune to it's effects," he finished quitely.

The big man nodded his head, "Do you want to continue working on the machine?"

"It has promise, I mean, what if I could do further work on it so it didn't invoke violent reactions. Maybe I could get it to envoke loving reactions, it could be used to rehibilitate criminals even...."

"No...," the big man replied, "I don't think so. It only invokes urges, and like you said, it's not mind controll. Even if it was, I don't believe that would ever work, trying to force control over another has never worked out well. No Jervis, I don't think I want you trying to work on this anymore. It would be better if we just destroyed it...."

Jervis suddenly came back to the present. He bird man staring at him with a funny look. Jervis must have stopped as he remebered....but that wasn't what was improtant now. This man seemed to want to help him...so maybe...

"Do...do you know where to find alice?"

[Spider-Man9X17]

He had noticed the two ring wearers near Metropolios as he soared above Ohio. He flew in behind Kyle Rayner, his cape snapping in the cool breeze that whipped through the skies above Metropolis.

He tapped Kyle on the shoulder, causing the Lantern to turn around. He was met by the S-shield on Superman's chest. "Kyle. Sinestro. Something I can do for you?"

Kyle turned to Sinestro as he caught up to the two other heroes.

"Let's call that a tie, huh?"

Turning back to Superman, a broad smile crossed his face.

"Yeah, you can do something for us. Is there somewhere we can go to talk?"