The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IV

[Electro UK]

"Comissoner of GCPD." Black Mask said to himself. Boy did he like the sound of that. Ironic how it wasn't long ago when Black Mask slaughtered everyone inside the police station, now he was incharge of them. That gave him the edge though. The police would fear him knowing what happened to the last force.

He knew Joker had tried to kill him... but that kind of hate for him had almost vanished. His plans were brilliant, outstanding even. With the combined forces of Shadow Mask and the police, Black Mask had a neat little army under his belt.

A smile spread across his face. And think about the buisness. Drugs rolling into the city, not even one policeman searching around for it. He'd gotten power like he'd never had before. and he liked that idea alot.

[Green Lantern]

...(edited)

[Hyper Venom]

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.

There wasn't anything else to say. Zoom focused squarely upon the Flash with quiet resolve, preparing to end the battle once and for all.

Moving within ticks of a second, Zoom ran toward the Flash, leapt upward, and kicked him under the chin. The kick lifted the Flash's body into the air. Zoom grabbed him by the ankles and began to spin. He turned faster and faster until a cyclone formed around him. After spinning twenty times, he finally released the Flash, sending him flying toward a nearby building.

Before Wally could hit the wall, Zoom pounded the ground with both fists, sending a shockwave toward his opponent. The wave hit the building even before the Flash could, knocking it over and forming a huge pile of rubble in his way. Now, instead of going through a wall, he would go through a pile of bricks, and then into the wall of the building behind it.

[Darth Wolverine]

It had been a long while since he had returned here.

A lot of work had been done.

He hadn't slept since he'd arrived.

His muscles ached as he pushed yet another aged block into place, and rivulets of sweat, drained from his tanned flesh, soaked his body. Pain seared through him as he gripped the edges of a second ancient brick and, withotu a groan, lifted it up and slotted it into place beside the others. He coughed, a ragged splutter that split his lungs and brought him to his knees.

The throbbing ache in his limbs subsided in a wonderful moment as the strain put upon them finally lessened. His cough finally stopped, his irritated throat calmed as he fell backwards, the sizzling sand moulding itself to his head. The oppressive heat of the sun hammered down upon him, beating him savagely with heat as his eyes drifted closed...

No! he shouted mentally. His muscles screamed in protest as he forced himself upwards. I will not sleep until Khandaq is rebuilt, brick for brick!

He secured his hands around yet another block and pulled it upwards, utilising all of his remaining strength to do so. It lifted...and then his body gave way. The block dropped with a thud as he fell, finally succumbing to the weariness slowly eating away at him.

Black Adam slept.

[SuperFerret]

Marvel looks at Plastic Man and asks, "Care to add anything Plas?"

"Ummm... nope. Not really." Eel was surprised by Marvel's wisdom, and by the fact that he just showed off a dead guy.

It began to seem as if the Rogues were falling back, and that they had the villains on the run.

They were winning.

[TheCorpulent1]

There wasn't anything else to say. Zoom focused squarely upon the Flash with quiet resolve, preparing to end the battle once and for all.

Moving within ticks of a second, Zoom ran toward the Flash, leapt upward, and kicked him under the chin. The kick lifted the Flash's body into the air. Zoom grabbed him by the ankles and began to spin. He turned faster and faster until a cyclone formed around him. After spinning twenty times, he finally released the Flash, sending him flying toward a nearby building.

Before Wally could hit the wall, Zoom pounded the ground with both fists, sending a shockwave toward his opponent. The wave hit the building even before the Flash could, knocking it over and forming a huge pile of rubble in his way. Now, instead of going through a wall, he would go through a pile of bricks, and then into the wall of the building behind it.
Zoom's put me through so many buildings already that I half-expected it this time. I vibrate myself intangible and slide through the pile of bricks Zoom has set up for me. I come out the other side and turn tangible again, touching my hand to the ground and somersaulting to change my direction so I hit the wall feet-first, effectively turning my momentum around. I spring off the wall and hit Zoom in the face with both fists. I land roughly but it barely fazes me; I'm up in an instant. So is Zoom.

We stare at each other, each trying to guess the other's next move. Then we both start running simultaneously. We crash into each other and the flurry of punches begins again. This time we manage to stay within Keystone while trading blows.

We stop for an instant and I hurl a bunch of broken glass at Zoom at light-speed. I notice Captain Marvel and Plastic Man nearby, surrounded by a group of people but arguing with one man in particular. I consider calling out to them, but there'd be no point. They'd be lucky to even catch a glimpse of Zoom and me before we're gone again, and besides, this fight is Zoom's and mine alone. Zoom hits me with a right cross and we're off again, racing around the rest of the city, matching each other blow-for-blow.

[MST3K 4ever]

"Ummm... nope. Not really." Eel was surprised by Marvel's wisdom, and by the fact that he just showed off a dead guy.

It began to seem as if the Rogues were falling back, and that they had the villains on the run.

They were winning.

"All-right then I think it's time we do a sweep through the city and if it comes up clear I think the police can take it from there. Good luck to all of you, and if there is anything we can do please contact us. We'll help where we can," Marvel says.

Just then "loud-mouth" says to the crowd, "Hey I can put up two families at my house. I got a finished basement and a pretty good size garage." Another person chimes in, "I can put some people up at my place." And then another and another. Marvel and Plas are watching people come forward saying they are willing to house a family. Marvel looks at Plas and smiles he says, "I think they're going to be okay." The "angry man" looks around and says, "Since it looks like none of us will be at work for the next couple of weeks I say we meet back here tomorrow at 8am with shovels and any other tools we might need. We got a city to clean up." He then looks at Marvel & Plas with a half a smile and says, "Well what you guys waiting for I thought you were gonna go on patrol." He sticks his hand out to Marvel and says, "I'm sorry and thank you both for being here."

Marvel and Plas each shake his hand and walk away. Marvel says, "Well it sounds like we better get to it. I figure two sets of eyes are better than one. Do you want me to carry you or do you think you can get around on your own?"

[LibrarianThorne]

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?"

He hovered for a moment. "Why am I suspicious about this, Kyle?" he said with a grin. "I'm rather short on time, to be honest. Whatever you need me to do, tell me now."

[twylight]

The woman crouched on top of a roof, her eyes trained on Arkham Asylum. She squints in the night, her body covered in a black body suit blending into the darkness, the lower part of her face covered by a mask, around her waist a black belt rests, holding her collapsible Bo staff.

It wasn’t looking good for Gotham. Word had gotten out over the news wires and reached across to Metropolis.

Gotham was taken.

Gotham was over.

If you cared for the life of yourself or your family you’d have left already.

Her mask moved slightly as she swore under her breath.
Zoom’s bloody mess had no more than just been cleaned up when Joker, Black Mask, Scarecrow, and Two-Face combined forces to overthrow the leadership of Gotham. Not to mention Penguin’s rampant deals.

She had to stop them, one way or another. The Penguin problem was easily remedied. Force him out of business through his own means.
The Joker problem was a bit larger and had to be faced slowly, weeding out each and everyone of them. If she was lucky she wouldn’t have to call for help. If.

[MaskedManJRK]

Edit

[wiegeabo]

He hovered for a moment. "Why am I suspicious about this, Kyle?" he said with a grin. "I'm rather short on time, to be honest. Whatever you need me to do, tell me now."

"Very well. Rayner and I just fought off a trap by a rouge government agency with unknown motives who attacked us using rather advanced weapons and Major Force." The Kryptonian's eyes widen at the mention of that name. Rayner apparently filled them in at some time.

"It is apparent that situations exists where no one hero can fight alone. So, to put it bluntly, we are here to reform the Justice League."

"Are you in?"

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Very well. Rayner and I just fought off a trap by a rouge government agency with unknown motives who attacked us using rather advanced weapons and Major Force." The Kryptonian's eyes widen at the mention of that name. Rayner apparently filled them in at some time.

"It is apparent that situations exists where no one hero can fight alone. So, to put it bluntly, we are here to reform the Justice League."

"Are you in?"

"Yeah, what he said."

[LibrarianThorne]

"Very well. Rayner and I just fought off a trap by a rouge government agency with unknown motives who attacked us using rather advanced weapons and Major Force." The Kryptonian's eyes widen at the mention of that name. Rayner apparently filled them in at some time.

"It is apparent that situations exists where no one hero can fight alone. So, to put it bluntly, we are here to reform the Justice League."

"Are you in?"

He sighed, and gave a sad sort of smile. "The debacle in Keystone that I helped deal with drove me to the same conclusions. But I'm afraid that I can't help reform the League. Not now. I've got... other matters I have to take care of. If you really want to reform the League, I suggest you find J'onn as quickly as possible."

[wiegeabo]

He sighed, and gave a sad sort of smile. "The debacle in Keystone that I helped deal with drove me to the same conclusions. But I'm afraid that I can't help reform the League. Not now. I've got... other matters I have to take care of. If you really want to reform the League, I suggest you find J'onn as quickly as possible."

What?

"What?" I can't believe what I am hearing. "What other matters could be more important then rebuilding the League?"

That's when I notice the sad look in Superman's eyes. Almost a look of defeat. "You are not telling us something. What did we miss? And what Keystone debacle?" Obviously, Rayner and I have fallen behind on current events trying to stop the group tracking him. One more reason a League is necessary.

[LibrarianThorne]

What?

"What?" I can't believe what I am hearing. "What other matters could be more important then rebuilding the League?"

That's when I notice the sad look in Superman's eyes. Almost a look of defeat. "You are not telling us something. What did we miss? And what Keystone debacle?" Obviously, Rayner and I have fallen behind on current events trying to stop the group tracking him. One more reason a League is necessary.


"Ah, don't keep up with the news much, do you? I'm on trial for several dozen counts of battery amongst other things, and recently broke out of prison to deal with the Rogue attack on Keystone City. As of, oh right about now, I'm probably the most wanted man in the country and I'm on my way to Stryker's Prison to await my trial. What all this essentially means is that you probably don't want me helping to reform the League, even if I could help you. Besides, I'm not the most important Leaguer for this kind of thing. J'onn's been with the League longer than even I can remember. He's the rock the team is built on. Find the Martian Manhunter, and you'll get the Justice League back."

[dtorn4]

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?"

“I’m sorry Jervis, but I do not.”

Tetch was obviously deranged and would be easily manipulated. Oswald needed him to get to work right away on recreating his mind control devise. If this devise actually worked, the Gotham underworld would fall at Oswald’s feet.

“Rest assured that I, Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot will not rest until I have found her for you. But I need you to do something for me. I have heard you created a devise that can manipulate people’s thoughts. We could use this in our search for Alice.”

“I’ll do anything for Alice.”

“Good, then get started right away. The sooner you finish, the sooner we will find her.”

Oswald showed Jervis to where he would be working.

“Anything you need, just ask and I will provide it for you. If you need me I will be watching the Gotham Nightly News in my study.

Oswald switched on the television to catch up on today’s current events. When he did, he saw the psychotic grin of the Joker. He was declaring himself mayor, and his first acts were to make Two-Face district attorney, Black mask GCPD commissioner and the Scarecrow the head of Arkham.

“This could be bad for business. With those four maniacs running amok and Batman having gone missing, Gotham will surely tear itself apart in mere days. I’ll have to have a talk with them. And if things don’t work out in my favor, I’ll use Tetch’s mind control to make them see my point. Waugh Waugh Waugh.”

Oswald picked up his phone to call the Joker…

[Keyser Soze]

There were whole SWAT teams commissioned outside Gotham Plaza, where The Joker was holding some of the most important people in Gotham City, possibly some of the most important people in America. But they could do nothing. The Joker had informed them that he had rigged the place full of his laughing gas, and any attempt at a rescue would result in him releasing it, and killing everyone inside. Stalemate.

A chopper landed nearby. Out of it emerged a Secret Service detail, a wave of dark suits and sunglasses. And following them out of the chopper was Tom Keller, Chief of Staff to The President. He'd flown all the way over here from Washington D.C. to deal with this matter himself. It was just another disaster in a long day full of them.

After the assassination of The President a couple of days ago, The White House had been plunged into chaos. Vice President Hodges had been sworn into office, despite the fact that he was a weak-willed man, paralysed with fear at the prospect of having to make a major decision. He depended on his advisors. Sometimes, that meant Keller. But other times, it meant relying on his old friends. And one of those friends was Lex Luthor.

Luthor had The President's ear, a fact Keller didn't like one bit. And in this case, Hodges had listened to Luthor's advice. Give The Joker what he wants. It was for the greater good. Lives were at stake, after all. And so The President had signed the documents, despite Keller's protest, and now Keller was here now, those same documents in hand, ready to hand them over to a monster.

And just at that moment, the doors to Gotham Plaza opened, and the monster emerged. The Joker took a bow as he looked around at the sea of police officers. Arrogantly, he raised the trigger he was holding in his hand. Nobody was going to try anything. Not unless they wanted to see Gotham's favourite sons die. But still, the guns were all trained on him as he approached Chief of Staff Tom Keller.

"Hello there, Mr. Keller," The Joker said, "I recognise you from TV!"

"I was going to say the same thing," Keller said, disgusted to be in such close proximity to a subhuman abomination such as this maniac.

"Well, now that the formalities are out the way, let's see what Mr. President sent me from Washington."

Reluctantly, Keller handed over the legal documents. The Joker snatched them away, opening them up to have a read. With a click of his fingers, he summoned a group of 4 men and women from the crowd of people outside Gotham Plaza. Out of everyone in the world, these were the four people he'd never dream of killing. After all, these were the talented individuals who got him into Arkham Asylum time and time again, saving him from the death penalty.

They were his lawyers.

"Have a look over these documents," The Joker said, "Tell me if they're legally binding."

For what felt like an eternity, The Joker's legal team read over the contract. The whole time, The Joker kept his eyes locked on Keller, making him decisively uncomfortable. Of course, The Joker wasn't going to kill him. It would be far more satisfying to send The Chief of Staff packing back to Washington, humiliated, defeated.

"It's legally binding," one of his lawyers finally said.

"Excellent," said The Joker, taking back the legal document, "That means I am now officially Mayor of Gotham City. Maybe I should arrange a parade! HA HA!"

The Joker spoke into his walkie talkie. A few moments later, Black Mask and Two-Face emerged from Gotham Plaza. Scarecrow had already left for Arkham. All three of them signed the documents at the necessary places.

"Commissioner Black Mask, order your men to stand down. Not a good idea to have guns trained on your bosses. Those snooty rich twits are all alive and (kinda) well. Feel free to go in and get them once we're gone. Mr. Keller, tell The President it was a pleasure doing business with him. Catch!"

The Joker threw the trigger, and Keller just managed to catch it. But it was too late to strike at these psychos now. They were legally untouchable. All the SWAT teams could only stand and watch as they left the scene in the black stretch limo they had demanded be waiting for them.

The best thing to do was retrieve the hostages and get them out of Gotham City. This city wasn't safe anymore...

[Spike_x1]

40 Hours Ago

"No. No, I was opposed to it when the government did it the first time, and I'm opposed to the idea of reintroducing the act again!!" As Luthor was practically yelling into the small headset cellular telephone, his secretary, Katrina, watched with facination. "Hodges, I swear, if the No Man's Land act is put into action for Gotham City again, both your political and personal lives will be over. There are human beings' lives at stake, afterall. What do you think will happen to the residents of that city if you piss off those nutcases? How many innocent people will be killed before the authorities drive them back?"

Katrina nervously approached Lex. He was one of the kindest and gentlest men she had ever met and she had even had a crush on him as a little girl, but whenever he was in this kind of mood, she would rather chew on broken glass and rusty screws than talk to him until he had calmed down. Unfortunately, she was told that the news she had to tell him could not wait.

"M-Mr. Luthor...?"

Lex decisively brought up his hand with his index finger extended to silently tell his assistant to shut up for a minute while he was talking to the President.

"Yes Mr. President," the way he said the title; Luthor made a point to Hodges that the label meant nothing to him, "I understand that leaving the city in control of those lunatics is a ticking timebomb, but until a better solution presents itself, we have no choice... Yes, of course it will only be temporary, hopefully as brief as possible, but for the moment, give the clown what he wants. It's for the greater good, Hodges."

Lex tapped a button on the side of the earpiece to hang up and dropped the phone onto his desk. His anger at being interrupted seemed to instantly wash away as he turned to his secretary. His warm smile turned her to putty. "Yes, Katrina?"

Without fear this time, Katrina replied, "Dr. Killam in R&D told me to tell you that 'all communications and equipment are go, but the subject is making a ruckus.' He said that you'd know what all of that meant."

Luthor nodded graciously. "Thank you dear. That's good news."

Taking her cue to leave, Katrina walked out of the office as Luthor sat back down to his computer and accessed a document titled 'Gotham.'

[Infinity9999x]

“I’m sorry Jervis, but I do not.”

Tetch was obviously deranged and would be easily manipulated. Oswald needed him to get to work right away on recreating his mind control devise. If this devise actually worked, the Gotham underworld would fall at Oswald’s feet.

“Rest assured that I, Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot will not rest until I have found her for you. But I need you to do something for me. I have heard you created a devise that can manipulate people’s thoughts. We could use this in our search for Alice.”

“I’ll do anything for Alice.”

“Good, then get started right away. The sooner you finish, the sooner we will find her.”

Oswald showed Jervis to where he would be working.

“Anything you need, just ask and I will provide it for you. If you need me I will be watching the Gotham Nightly News in my study.

Oswald switched on the television to catch up on today’s current events. When he did, he saw the psychotic grin of the Joker. He was declaring himself mayor, and his first acts were to make Two-Face district attorney, Black mask GCPD commissioner and the Scarecrow the head of Arkham.

“This could be bad for business. With those four maniacs running amok and Batman having gone missing, Gotham will surely tear itself apart in mere days. I’ll have to have a talk with them. And if things don’t work out in my favor, I’ll use Tetch’s mind control to make them see my point. Waugh Waugh Waugh.”

Oswald picked up his phone to call the Joker…

Mind control....? Jervis stared for a moment confused, then a part of his old self returned, and he almost considered explaining to man helping him that it wasn't technicially mind control, but he decided the man would rather have him get started.

Something wasn't quite right though. In the corner of his mind, he felt wrong. There was something about this man...something...

"Alice," the little girl again, she was staring at him. But she was right...he had to find Alice...he must help the man...

Jervis walked over to one of the men standing around and started listing off the materials he would need. The man looked slightly confused, and glanced at the bird man.
"Penguin...? This little weird guy he..."

The Penguin just waved him away, his shoulder holding a phone to his ear. The lackey shrugged and walked off to their supply of machines.

"You can use any of this stuff," He said before walking away. Jervis seated himself infront of the generous supply of technology and began working....

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Ah, don't keep up with the news much, do you? I'm on trial for several dozen counts of battery amongst other things, and recently broke out of prison to deal with the Rogue attack on Keystone City. As of, oh right about now, I'm probably the most wanted man in the country and I'm on my way to Stryker's Prison to await my trial. What all this essentially means is that you probably don't want me helping to reform the League, even if I could help you. Besides, I'm not the most important Leaguer for this kind of thing. J'onn's been with the League longer than even I can remember. He's the rock the team is built on. Find the Martian Manhunter, and you'll get the Justice League back."

"Bummer," Kyle sighed, turning away from Superman. He had been out of touch for longer than he thought. Maybe the League wasnt' supposed to exist.

No, it had to exist. For reasons just like this.

"We'll find J'onn, and then start putting the other players together. Things like this can't be allowed to go on, or pretty soon every damn hero and metahuman will be tagged and persecuted by the government."

He turned back to Superman.

"You go do what you have to do, but if you could give us any idea where J'onn is, it'd be greatly appreciated."

[Nightwing]

We reach closer to our destination, and thats where the planning begins.

“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.

"Beetle shells eh? Might come in handy, even though I have my quiver already, along with my bow around my neck."

I grab one of the beetle shells Kord was giving to all of us to stash our extra weaponary, and walk to the back to begin packing. When I get there I see all the weapons we picked up from Roy's arsenal back in New York, sometimes I wonder how exactly he gets all of them. I spot a few items I think I'll need.

"Now these could be of some good use, especially this baby."

I pick up a long ranged crossbow, and load up some of the cartridges containing the arrows need to fire it. Next, it's all prepped and in the shell. After I see a couple of explosives set next to where I found the crossbow, and decided to pack 'em in aswell. Incase we end up fighting something...BIG. I close the shell and put it over my shoulder, I hope thats all I'll need....

I turn back to Kord and now he's giving us, what looks like to be some kind of flying scooter?

“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!”

"Got it, shouldn't be to hard at all."

I carry one across to the end of the bug and lay down my other gear to tell the others of I plan I was already thinking of for when we landed.

"Alright everyone, listen up!! I have a plan for us to infiltrate Ra's lair and go in to rescue Bruce without causing any damage that we don't need to carry over our shoulders."

I walk closer to the others so that can hear every word coming out of my mouth.

"First, we'll need a proper approach aswell as a decent distraction so that we're able to sneak in with the scooters. We won't be able to get there on foot as quick, and I doubt these things can move without someone hearing them."

Thats when I look directly at Vic and grinned slightly.

"Vic, I was kinda hoping you had an idea as to how we'd do that. Considering how good a strategist you are, I'm sure theres something on this heep that we could use. After we're in, you're going to be the one going after Bruce. You ok with that?"

Silence filled the air for about a minute as I took a small walk back and fourth to gather my thoughts on what I was about to say next.

"Roy and Ted, you two along with myself are going to be the ones who go after Ra's and who ever he has with him while Vic finds his way back to us after he finds where Bruce is being held. There should be enough time for one of us to go in and rescue him after the distraction has taken it's effect."

It sounded like a decent plan, even though I didn't like the odds of only three of us going up against Ra's and his men. We'll have to work quickly if we want it to go as planned, and in order to make it out all FIVE of us.

"What do you all think?"

[Ash Loomis]

"Sure thing Ollie. After we get out, I'm punch in our coordinates into the Bug, and we can make our escape there."

The sand scatters across the hot desert ground as the four of us whiz through the air. Despite the situation, I can’t help but grin. I feel kinda sentimental and excited right now. Our first mission! The Outsiders are going to fight some bad guys! And this time, I’m not stuck on monitor duty or being treated like a kid. This time I’m making something of myself!


I hear a soft beeping noise, telling me that we’re practically there.


I take a small Uzi out of my Bug Shell and grin. “Party’s on boys.”

[Green Lantern]

The sand scatters across the hot desert ground as the four of us whiz through the air. Despite the situation, I can’t help but grin. I feel kinda sentimental and excited right now. Our first mission! The Outsiders are going to fight some bad guys! And this time, I’m not stuck on monitor duty or being treated like a kid. This time I’m making something of myself!

I hear a soft beeping noise, telling me that we’re practically there.

“OK guys, we’re two minutes away on foot. For now, I say we duck behind the rocks and sneak up. Speedy, Arrow, since you two are best at the weaponry I vote that you two start the distraction. Question, you’re the stealthiest of us all. So you go in after Batman. I’ll tag along and watch your back if that’s OK. After we get Batman outside I’ll punch our rough coordinates into this little machine I got here, and we’ll get the hell out of here.”

I take a small Uzi out of my Bug Shell and grin. “Party’s on boys.”

"Hey, Ollie, don't worry about the distraction, I got that covered."

Roy pulled his grenade belt off, and took two of the twelve grenades off of it. Those two he clipped to his other belt. Then he ran an arrow through the cloth of the grenade belt, unslung his bow from his back, pulled one of the pins off of one of the remaining ten grenades, and launched the arrow and belt far in the opposite direction of the entrance they were going to use.

As the arrow hit the ground and the grenades exploded in a bright orange and yellow ball of flame, ninjas started pouring out of the complex like ants out of a hole.

"I'd say that should do it, no?"

[The Question]

"Well. Looks like it's time to go. We go in, we split up. I find Bruce, you stop the psychopath. And remember, try and use the rocket launcher. No way in hell are we taking on a terrorist camp and not using a rocket launcher. Now, let's go."

I take out the shotgun, load it with some rocksalt shells, and jump on one of the floaters.

[Johnny Blaze]

The four Rogues sat around their secret hideout in silence as they watched the local news reports on the TV of their attack on Keystone City. And of their defeat.
Cold was still a bit woozy from the fight, and was minus a cold gun.
Weather Wizard was out of the trash can, and was without his wand.
Trickster was lounging back and chewing a piece of bubble gum as he watched the news.
McCulloch calmly sat back with his arms crossed over his chest as he stared at the TV.

"We should never have taken Luthor's deal", said Mardon with a bummed out expression on his face.

"Hey, it wasn't that bad of a deal."

"You moron, James", shouted Mardon as he turned to look at the Trickster, "all we got out of this whole damn thing was getting our asses kicked by the capes!"

"But, I--"

"Mardon's right", said Cold as he turned off the TV via the remote control, "we went in to this deal expecting big things. But all we got to show for it is having our entire organization destroyed."

"Maybe Luthor can--"

"**** Luthor", said Cold through gritted teeth.
"His whole deal's brought us nothing but grief. Any ties we had with him and his little group are cut."

"What's the plan then, Snart", asked McCulloch after a small moment of silence fell onto the group.

"We rebuid, McCulloch...we rebuild the family again. But this time we do it better. Make the Rogues stronger by not making the same mistakes as we did last time."

"Not gonna be easy. Gonna have ta round up all o' the others who got caught today."

"We ain't getting them all out. Just a select few. We're not just gonna take any costumed schmuck that works in these cities into our circle. They have to prove themselves. It should be an honor to be a member of the best organization in superpowered crime today, and they're damn sure gonna have to earn the right to be called a Rogue."

"Damn right."

"Sounds good."

"Aye, it sure does. Though I doubt some o' the others won't take too kindly ta being left out."

"If they want in, they gotta show us they have what it takes to be part of the family. If they got a problem with that...screw 'em. If they want to start some trouble over it, we'll gladly take them down."

Cold stood up from his seat and moved towards a small mini fridge in the corner. Opening the fridge's door, Cold grabbed four beers and turned towards his fellows. The Captain tossed each of them a brew and he twisted the cap from his. Silently, he looked at his peers. He looked at them all dead in the eye, making sure that they saw the fire that burned in him. The determination that he had to make things right again.
"The old Rogues are dead. From this day on, a new and stronger Rogues run this city."
"Let all those who get in our way beware", said Captain Cold as he raised his beer to the sky in a toast. Weather Wizard, Trickster, and Mirror Master all rose to their feet and raised their bottles as well.

"To the new Rogues", said McCulloch as he and his partners...his family clanged their bottles together in a cheers and quickly downed their contents.

A new era in the history of the Twin Cities had just began.

[Hyper Venom]

Zoom's put me through so many buildings already that I half-expected it this time. I vibrate myself intangible and slide through the pile of bricks Zoom has set up for me. I come out the other side and turn tangible again, touching my hand to the ground and somersaulting to change my direction so I hit the wall feet-first, effectively turning my momentum around. I spring off the wall and hit Zoom in the face with both fists. I land roughly but it barely fazes me; I'm up in an instant. So is Zoom.

We stare at each other, each trying to guess the other's next move. Then we both start running simultaneously. We crash into each other and the flurry of punches begins again. This time we manage to stay within Keystone while trading blows.

We stop for an instant and I hurl a bunch of broken glass at Zoom at light-speed. I notice Captain Marvel and Plastic Man nearby, surrounded by a group of people but arguing with one man in particular. I consider calling out to them, but there'd be no point. They'd be lucky to even catch a glimpse of Zoom and me before we're gone again, and besides, this fight is Zoom's and mine alone. Zoom hits me with a right cross and we're off again, racing around the rest of the city, matching each other blow-for-blow.

The two speedsters raced around the city, trading punches as they ran, stopping momentarily to grapple and punch each other up close, and then turning to run once again. They did several laps around the city before finally stopping and trading blows once again.

After each man threw several dozen punches, Zoom tackled the Flash and continued running until he put him through a wall. They found themselves in an abandoned warehouse. Zoom continued to carry the Flash, smashing him through walls, until he finally struck him with a right cross to the face and sent him flying through another wall. Zoom ran into the room and prepared to stomp his opponent into the floor, but stopped when he realized there was someone else in the room. Two other people, to be exact. One was the Rogue known as the Turtle. The other was Bart Allen, known otherwise as Kid Flash. He lay on the ground writhing in pain. Zoom looked down at him and saw that his legs were twisted in an inhuman fashion. They must have been broken.

"Mirror Master...broke his legs...told me to...drain his speed..." the Turtle slowly explained.

For Zoom, listening to him talk was excrutiating. Everybody was already very slow to him as it was, and with the Turtle's excessively slow speech, it was taking an eternity to hear him finish a sentence.

The Turtle turned to the fallen Flash.

"I'll...slow him...down...for you..." he said with a malicious grin.

Grinning as he was, the Turtle moved entirely too slow to avoid having all of his front teeth kicked out of his mouth by Zoom. The kick sent him flying into a wall. He slid down the wall and to the floor, and lay there unconscious.

"No..."

Zoom watched as the Flash stood back up.

"This is our fight..."

Zoom ran toward the Flash and punched him in the face, though the scarlet speedster managed to stay on his feet. The punch sent him skidding backwards, through the exterior wall, and back outside. Zoom ran toward him and held both arms to his side. He brought them back together in a massive thunderclap, blasting the Flash far away and sending him flying through the air. Zoom continued running, building up inertia, and then leapt into the air toward his opponent. He flew twenty feet into the air before grabbing the Flash and turning downward. They began to freefall toward the ground, and after a second of falling, they crashed into a large pile of rubble, creating a creater within the pile. Shockwaves shook the city and knocked out the few windows that were still left. Zoom stood up wearily and stared down at the Flash.

"Do you know where we are, Wally?"

Zoom looked up, taking in his surroundings.

"This is the Flash Museum. Or at least, what's left of it. This is the perfect venue for our final..."

Before he could finish, he felt a familiar wind and heard a crackling sound behind him. Zoom slowly turned to see another time window opening.

"Now what is it...?"

He turned toward the window and then stopped in his tracks. He stood, jaw agape at the image before him.

"Ashley...?"

[Watchman]

Scarecrow left Arkham and headed outside where a man was waiting for next to a manhole.

"Follow me we have to go down" said the man lifting the manhole cover off.

"You must be joking"

"No..c'mon he's waiting" the man started to go down the ladder. Scarecrow followed into the murkey sewer below. "This way" the man motioned him to follow him. The walked down some corriders and finally made it to there destination.

"You have ten minutes tell me about your intruder"

[TheCorpulent1]

The two speedsters raced around the city, trading punches as they ran, stopping momentarily to grapple and punch each other up close, and then turning to run once again. They did several laps around the city before finally stopping and trading blows once again.

After each man threw several dozen punches, Zoom tackled the Flash and continued running until he put him through a wall. They found themselves in an abandoned warehouse. Zoom continued to carry the Flash, smashing him through walls, until he finally struck him with a right cross to the face and sent him flying through another wall. Zoom ran into the room and prepared to stomp his opponent into the floor, but stopped when he realized there was someone else in the room. Two other people, to be exact. One was the Rogue known as the Turtle. The other was Bart Allen, known otherwise as Kid Flash. He lay on the ground writhing in pain. Zoom looked down at him and saw that his legs were twisted in an inhuman fashion. They must have been broken.

"Mirror Master...broke his legs...told me to...drain his speed..." the Turtle slowly explained.

For Zoom, listening to him talk was excrutiating. Everybody was already very slow to him as it was, and with the Turtle's excessively slow speech, it was taking an eternity to hear him finish a sentence.

The Turtle turned to the fallen Flash.

"I'll...slow him...down...for you..." he said with a malicious grin.

Grinning as he was, the Turtle moved entirely too slow to avoid having all of his front teeth kicked out of his mouth by Zoom. The kick sent him flying into a wall. He slid down the wall and to the floor, and lay there unconscious.

"No..."

Zoom watched as the Flash stood back up.

"This is our fight..."

Zoom ran toward the Flash and punched him in the face, though the scarlet speedster managed to stay on his feet. The punch sent him skidding backwards, through the exterior wall, and back outside. Zoom ran toward him and held both arms to his side. He brought them back together in a massive thunderclap, blasting the Flash far away and sending him flying through the air. Zoom continued running, building up inertia, and then leapt into the air toward his opponent. He flew twenty feet into the air before grabbing the Flash and turning downward. They began to freefall toward the ground, and after a second of falling, they crashed into a large pile of rubble, creating a creater within the pile. Shockwaves shook the city and knocked out the few windows that were still left. Zoom stood up wearily and stared down at the Flash.

"Do you know where we are, Wally?"

Zoom looked up, taking in his surroundings.

"This is the Flash Museum. Or at least, what's left of it. This is the perfect venue for our final..."

Before he could finish, he felt a familiar wind and heard a crackling sound behind him. Zoom slowly turned to see another time window opening.

"Now what is it...?"

He turned toward the window and then stopped in his tracks. He stood, jaw agape at the image before him.

"Ashley...?"
I notice the time window opening behind Zoom with dread. What awful new images will this one replay? I decide not to wait and find out. While Zoom's attention is diverted I tackle him and we roll to a halt next to the window with me sitting on top of Zoom. I start punching Zoom across the face repeatedly, determined to make the most of his distraction...

[Hyper Venom]

I notice the time window opening behind Zoom with dread. What awful new images will this one replay? I decide not to wait and find out. While Zoom's attention is diverted I tackle him and we roll to a halt next to the window with me sitting on top of Zoom. I start punching Zoom across the face repeatedly, determined to make the most of his distraction...

Zoom frantically pushed the Flash off of him and turned to look at the time window. He didn't even care about the fight anymore. He stared in horror as the image in the window played before him.

Blood dripped slowly to the ground, like water from a leaky faucet.

Her body hung there as she gasped for breath.

Crucified...

Ashley Zolomon was crucified...

And Zoom was to blame...

No, not Zoom...

Hunter Zolomon...

Zoom reached out to the window, almost as if he could pull Ashley out of it and undo what he had done. But it was too late. Zoom stared helplessly at the image in the time window.

"Ashley...what have I done...?"

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom frantically pushed the Flash off of him and turned to look at the time window. He didn't even care about the fight anymore. He stared in horror as the image in the window played before him.

Blood dripped slowly to the ground, like water from a leaky faucet.

Her body hung there as she gasped for breath.

Crucified...

Ashley Zolomon was crucified...

And Zoom was to blame...

No, not Zoom...

Hunter Zolomon...

Zoom reached out to the window, almost as if he could pull Ashley out of it and undo what he had done. But it was too late. Zoom stared helplessly at the image in the time window.

"Ashley...what have I done...?"
I pick Zoom up and run over to a nearby wall, slamming him into it, and I resume my lightning-quick punches. Zoom's face gets bloody and he flinches every time I hit him, but other than those unconscious responses I can't see anything in his face. None of the anger or hatred that boiled in it just a few moments ago. It's like I'm fighting a dummy.

I look at the time window and see what he's seen: Ashley Zolomon, his own wife, murdered by his hand. The scene just stirs my anger even more--it wasn't enough to brutalize my wife; this sadistic monster even killed his own wife! I go back to beating Zoom, throwing punches across his face and knees to his gut, flailing almost like a child. But again my blows are met only with blankness.

I stop punching him in mid-swing, my fist still cocked back as if I'm going to beat Zoom all the way to death--Lord help me, I don't know that I won't. But I look at Zoom now and I can't find anything of the monster I know in him. It's as if the fight has spontaneously left him--in fact, it's as if life itself has left his limbs. He looks for all the world like a corpse, dead inside though blood still pours from his wounds over the remnants of his costume, which is now just a mass of yellowish-orange tatters, and still his face holds nothing but that blank expression.

No... not just blankness, I realize. I look into Zoom's eyes, which are still locked on that time window, and I see something... something familiar... something I saw for months every time I looked in the mirror: remorse. It boggles my mind, but somehow Zoom may actually regret what he did to Ashley.

And then it hits me. I tore Zoom's mask off earlier, but it wasn't my friend I saw; it was the same homicidal lunatic who'd dogged my every waking moment since the beginning of his existence. Now--finally--the real mask has come off. I realize I'm not looking at Zoom anymore. I'm staring into the eyes of Hunter Zolomon, ex-Rogue profiler turned misguided soul. He'd buried himself so deeply in Zoom that I thought he was lost forever, but the time window--the conscious recognition of what he'd done to his own wife--must've triggered Hunter's release. Hunter Zolomon is in control now, not Zoom, I realize.

I realize something else, too: Hunter Zolomon is no murderer. Hunter Zolomon is no criminal. Hunter Zolomon didn't... didn't rape Linda. I look at the situation and suddenly I'm shocked at myself. I drop Hunter and he collapses onto his knees. My hands, bloodstained and bruised, shake as I stare at them in horror. I was actually... seriously... trying to kill this man with my bare hands. God help me... I nearly let Zoom turn me into the very thing I swore I'd never let myself become.

In that brief moment, everything becomes clear to me. I've been so lost, trying to destroy Zoom by destroying the man. Hunter Zolomon is the man; Zoom is just a sickness--a cancer on his mind. Hunter needs my help, not a death sentence.

"Hunter?" I approach him cautiously. The living madness we both call Zoom could assert itself again at any moment. "Hunter, it's me... it's Wally. Your friend..." I wait tensely, hoping, praying for some sign of recognition--something to tell me this nightmare is finally over.

[Infinity9999x]

*takes place after the Penguin's call to the Joker*

Jervis didn't think, he just acted. his fingers moved through the machines like fish in water. It was his second home, and for the first time, he didn't have to think. His mind was blank, and his deamons didn't haunt him. That was the closest to happy Jervis tetch experienced in the past few days, this man who had enclosed himself in his own hell could only be happy if he returned to something that came as natural to him as throwing a ball did to a baseball player. Science.

He didn't know how long he worked, probably a few days. Oswald (for that's what he had told Jervis to call him) checked on him regularly. Jervis's question was always the same to him.

"Did you find Alice?"

The man would always say that, regretfully he had not, but he was searching, and then he would tell Jervis to work a little harder on his machine. Sometimes flashes of memory would come to him in bursts, a bridge, water, but the girl would always stop him. She lurked in the shadows, Jervis could always see her. The red eyes peering out at him...always watching...

Finally, Jervis finished. He brought it to Oswald, and he seemed very excited.
"Show it to me."

"Cover your ears," Jervis replied. The penguin firmly clamped his hands over his ears and backed away a bit. There was only one other person by them, one of Oswalds..."associates" as he called them. The man was idly twirling a knife. Jervis flicked on the machine.

The man immediatley tensed, his eyes bulged and he let out a strangled yell, before toppling out of the chair. He writhed on the ground like a hurt animal, clawing at himself, before staggering to his feet. His hand was clamped firmly around the knife, and slowly he brought the knife towards his throat.

"B...BOSS!" The lackey yelled, but Oswald didn't move. He stared transfixed, and pressed his hands tighter to his head. No doubt he was feeling the effects of the frequency emitted by the machine also.

The man let out one last desperate yell as he drove the knife into his throat, and hacked at himself, until he fell to the floor, his head a blody mess. Jervis flicked the machine off, and dropped it, appaled.

"That...that man....he....what...my machine...what have I?" For a second Jervis experienced some clairity, but his physche was already too shattered and he turned away from the corpse, staring at his surroundings as if he had just walked into the room.

"Do you have any tea?" Jervis asked, looking pointedly at Oswald.

[Green Lantern]

"Well. Looks like it's time to go. We go in, we split up. I find Bruce, you stop the psychopath. And remember, try and use the rocket launcher. No way in hell are we taking on a terrorist camp and not using a rocket launcher. Now, let's go."

I take out the shotgun, load it with some rocksalt shells, and jump on one of the floaters."Stop an immortal psychopath hell bent on ruling the world. Got it. Heh, last time I did that was with a different Green Arrow by my side... and Dinah..." The sparkle momentarily left Roy's eyes as he thought of Dinah. Man do I miss that woman... She'd be quite the asset for this type of thing...

"So, uh... did someone GRAB the rocket launcher? That could make a good secondary distraction once we get in the door..."

[LibrarianThorne]

"Bummer," Kyle sighed, turning away from Superman. He had been out of touch for longer than he thought. Maybe the League wasnt' supposed to exist.

No, it had to exist. For reasons just like this.

"We'll find J'onn, and then start putting the other players together. Things like this can't be allowed to go on, or pretty soon every damn hero and metahuman will be tagged and persecuted by the government."

He turned back to Superman.

"You go do what you have to do, but if you could give us any idea where J'onn is, it'd be greatly appreciated."

Superman rubbed his chin in thought. He hadn't seen the Manhunter in quite a while. "I'm afraid I don't know where J'onn is, Kyle. I know he appeared in Gotham some time ago, but as to where he is now I couldn't tell you. He typically operates out of Denver, so you might want to check there."

[Ash Loomis]

"Stop an immortal psychopath hell bent on ruling the world. Got it. Heh, last time I did that was with a different Green Arrow by my side... and Dinah..." The sparkle momentarily left Roy's eyes as he thought of Dinah. Man do I miss that woman... She'd be quite the asset for this type of thing...

"So, uh... did someone GRAB the rocket launcher? That could make a good secondary distraction once we get in the door..."


I grin and produce the small rocket launcher from my Bug Shell.

"I brought it just in case there were any sheep in here!"

[Green Lantern]

I grin and produce the small rocket launcher from my Bug Shell.

"I brought it just in case there were any sheep in here!"

"So... what you're saying is that sheep have two reasons to fear you?"

Roy grinned as he said that, and then turned to the entrance that all the ninjas had filed out of.

"Anyway, we don't have much time before they realise that that was a decoy, so we better hurry and get in there unnoticed."

Roy took off towards the entrance, ducked inside the conclave and then waited for the others in a darkened nook in the entryway.

[The Question]

I turn on the scooter, and zoom into the compund.

"So, Roy, which way do you think we should head?"

[Hyper Venom]

I pick Zoom up and run over to a nearby wall, slamming him into it, and I resume my lightning-quick punches. Zoom's face gets bloody and he flinches every time I hit him, but other than those unconscious responses I can't see anything in his face. None of the anger or hatred that boiled in it just a few moments ago. It's like I'm fighting a dummy.

I look at the time window and see what he's seen: Ashley Zolomon, his own wife, murdered by his hand. The scene just stirs my anger even more--it wasn't enough to brutalize my wife; this sadistic monster even killed his own wife! I go back to beating Zoom, throwing punches across his face and knees to his gut, flailing almost like a child. But again my blows are met only with blankness.

I stop punching him in mid-swing, my fist still cocked back as if I'm going to beat Zoom all the way to death--Lord help me, I don't know that I won't. But I look at Zoom now and I can't find anything of the monster I know in him. It's as if the fight has spontaneously left him--in fact, it's as if life itself has left his limbs. He looks for all the world like a corpse, dead inside though blood still pours from his wounds over the remnants of his costume, which is now just a mass of yellowish-orange tatters, and still his face holds nothing but that blank expression.

No... not just blankness, I realize. I look into Zoom's eyes, which are still locked on that time window, and I see something... something familiar... something I saw for months every time I looked in the mirror: remorse. It boggles my mind, but somehow Zoom may actually regret what he did to Ashley.

And then it hits me. I tore Zoom's mask off earlier, but it wasn't my friend I saw; it was the same homicidal lunatic who'd dogged my every waking moment since the beginning of his existence. Now--finally--the real mask has come off. I realize I'm not looking at Zoom anymore. I'm staring into the eyes of Hunter Zolomon, ex-Rogue profiler turned misguided soul. He'd buried himself so deeply in Zoom that I thought he was lost forever, but the time window--the conscious recognition of what he'd done to his own wife--must've triggered Hunter's release. Hunter Zolomon is in control now, not Zoom, I realize.

I realize something else, too: Hunter Zolomon is no murderer. Hunter Zolomon is no criminal. Hunter Zolomon didn't... didn't rape Linda. I look at the situation and suddenly I'm shocked at myself. I drop Hunter and he collapses onto his knees. My hands, bloodstained and bruised, shake as I stare at them in horror. I was actually... seriously... trying to kill this man with my bare hands. God help me... I nearly let Zoom turn me into the very thing I swore I'd never let myself become.

In that brief moment, everything becomes clear to me. I've been so lost, trying to destroy Zoom by destroying the man. Hunter Zolomon is the man; Zoom is just a sickness--a cancer on his mind. Hunter needs my help, not a death sentence.

"Hunter?" I approach him cautiously. The living madness we both call Zoom could assert itself again at any moment. "Hunter, it's me... it's Wally. Your friend..." I wait tensely, hoping, praying for some sign of recognition--something to tell me this nightmare is finally over.

Zoom slowly stared up at the Flash. He stared him in the eye, and then looked back to the ground. When he looked back up at Wally, he looked through Hunter Zolomon's eyes.

"Don't call me Hunter, Wally...I haven't deserved to use that name in a long time..."

Hunter sat back against a wall and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.

"You've always been the best thing that ever happened to this city. Me...look what I've contributed. I lost everything...I don't think I could ever admit it before but...it's my fault that my life is ruined. It's my fault Ashley's father died. My fault that I lost my job. It's my fault...that Ashley's dead..."

Hunter opened his eyes and turned to look at Wally.

"I almost made you make the same mistakes that I did, and I had no right to do that. I'm truly sorry, Wally. I know that probably sounds like a load of bull coming from me, but it's the truth."

Hunter lay his head back and closed his eyes again. He continued to think of Ashley.

"I miss her so much..."

[TheCorpulent1]

Zoom slowly stared up at the Flash. He stared him in the eye, and then looked back to the ground. When he looked back up at Wally, he looked through Hunter Zolomon's eyes.

"Don't call me Hunter, Wally...I haven't deserved to use that name in a long time..."

Hunter sat back against a wall and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.

"You've always been the best thing that ever happened to this city. Me...look what I've contributed. I lost everything...I don't think I could ever admit it before but...it's my fault that my life is ruined. It's my fault Ashley's father died. My fault that I lost my job. It's my fault...that Ashley's dead..."

Hunter opened his eyes and turned to look at Wally.

"I almost made you make the same mistakes that I did, and I had no right to do that. I'm truly sorry, Wally. I know that probably sounds like a load of bull coming from me, but it's the truth."

Hunter lay his head back and closed his eyes again. He continued to think of Ashley.

"I miss her so much..."
I've faced down angels, gods, aliens, demons... everything you could ever imagine and more besides. I've weathered all those storms without incident. But now I'm here, crouching in front of one broken man, and for the first time... I have no idea what to do. Hunter has done terrible things... committed atrocities and performed horrors so unspeakable that I considered executing him for them just a few minutes ago. But he's also my friend. How do I reconcile those two sides? How do I make sense of what I saw earlier in that time window between Zoom and Linda and this hollow shell of a human being, horrified and nearly catatonic with remorse for what he'd done?

"Hunter... it's not a load of bull. Those things that Zoom did... they weren't your fault. You have to believe that." Images of Linda flash through my mind... the look of helplessness and humiliation plastered across her face... "We have to believe that. Ever since the accident with the treadmill, you've been sick; you looked as shocked as I was when you saw what you--what Zoom did to Ashley.

"That doesn't excuse what you've done, and you can never take that back. But maybe--just maybe--you can accept that you weren't in control of your actions and start working towards making things right. Others have done it--Piper, Black Adam--but first you've gotta make your own mind right, Hunter. I can help, if you'll let me."

I stand and offer my hand to help Hunter up. "Come on, Hunter. I'm offering you a chance at redemption, but you've gotta take the first step."

[Hyper Venom]

I've faced down angels, gods, aliens, demons... everything you could ever imagine and more besides. I've weathered all those storms without incident. But now I'm here, crouching in front of one broken man, and for the first time... I have no idea what to do. Hunter has done terrible things... committed atrocities and performed horrors so unspeakable that I considered executing him for them just a few minutes ago. But he's also my friend. How do I reconcile those two sides? How do I make sense of what I saw earlier in that time window between Zoom and Linda and this hollow shell of a human being, horrified and nearly catatonic with remorse for what he'd done?

"Hunter... it's not a load of bull. Those things that Zoom did... they weren't your fault. You have to believe that." Images of Linda flash through my mind... the look of helplessness and humiliation plastered across her face... "We have to believe that. Ever since the accident with the treadmill, you've been sick; you looked as shocked as I was when you saw what you--what Zoom did to Ashley.

"That doesn't excuse what you've done, and you can never take that back. But maybe--just maybe--you can accept that you weren't in control of your actions and start working towards making things right. Others have done it--Piper, Black Adam--but first you've gotta make your own mind right, Hunter. I can help, if you'll let me."

I stand and offer my hand to help Hunter up. "Come on, Hunter. I'm offering you a chance at redemption, but you've gotta take the first step."

Hunter stared up at his friend, who offered his hand even now...even after all he had done. Slowly, Hunter took his friend's hand and stood up. He stood there, shaking Wally's hand and nodding. He stared down at the ground, a somber tone enveloping him.

"You're a good friend, Wally. I don't deserve your friendship..."

Without warning, Hunter struck Wally with a hard right cross to the temple, flooring him. He stared down at the stunned hero.

"...which is why I can't accept it."

Hunter turned and gazed into the horizon.

"It's too late for me. Redemption is no longer an option...but you..."

Hunter looked back over his shoulder at Wally.

"You're a hero, Wally. Despite any feelings of self-doubt you may have, despite anything anybody tries to tell you..."

Hunter ran off, leaving nothing but his words trailing behind him.

"...you're a hero..."

One Minute Later...

Linda sat in her room, gazing intently at the television for any sign of her husband. Then, without warning, she felt a presence in the room, as well as a gust of wind. She looked up at the figure who stood before her.

Zoom.

Hunter raised his hand, motioning for her to be calm.

"I'm not here to hurt you. And don't worry, Wally is fine."

Hunter stepped aside, revealing a battered Kid Flash in the seat behind him.

"But Bart isn't. The Rogues left him in a warehouse with his legs broken. I brought him here for medical attention."

Hunter stared down at the floor, his eyes slowly but surely trailing upwards until he met Linda's gaze.

"I also came here...to apologize."

Linda stared blankly at Hunter. He struggled to tell what could be going through her mind.

"I know...it probably means nothing to you. After what I did, a thousand apologies wouldn't be enough to make amends. I'm not even asking you to forgive me. But...Linda...you didn't deserve that. I just needed to tell you...I'm sorry for what I did...I only hope you can live the rest of your life in happiness.

Hunter walked to the door, but then stopped with his back to Linda.

"Just...please, do me one favor, Linda..."

Hunter sighed, his shoulders heaving under the pressure of his immense guilt. Not even turning back to face Linda, he spoke.

"Tell Wally not to forget the last thing I said to him. Ever."

With that, Hunter was gone, leaving Linda and Bart alone in the room. But, unbeknownst to him, he had left something else: A residual wave of time energy, invisible to the naked eye, which went completely unnoticed by both Bart and Linda. But they would notice it in due time...

*******

Hunter stood at Ashley's grave, staring down at the headstone as tears rolled down his cheek. He didn't even bother to wipe them away.

"I don't deserve your forgiveness...I don't even deserve my life..."

In a matter of seconds, a light rain began to fall. After a few more minutes, that rain turned into a downpour. Hunter continued to stare at the headstone, his tears mingling with the rain, until finally the rage inside of him reached its boiling point. He spread his arms, his hands clenched tightly into fists, and screamed at the heavens.The skies darkened, and thunder began to strike all around as Hunter unleashed the inhuman rage within him. Hunter screamed until his voice was hoarse, and then he collapsed to his knees.

"What am I supposed to do, Ashley?" he asked aloud. "What more can I do?"

Suddenly, that familiar presence made itself known. That familiar wind. A window in time...

Hunter stared at the window.

"Hunter, what's this?" asked Ashley as Hunter produced a small box from his pocket.

She became even more baffled when he dropped to a knee in front of her. Her friends and family stood around her, watching and smiling. She smiled an embarrassed smile and looked down at him.

"What are you doing?" she asked, chuckling. Hunter stared back at her, looking more serious than she had ever seen him.

"Ashley, I love you..." he said.

"I love you too, baby..."

"I don't ever want to lose you..."

"What are you talking about, Hunter? You're not going to lose me..."

"What I mean is...I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, Ashley. I want to hold you and protect you from all the monsters out there...I want to wake up every morning and have your beautiful smile be the first thing I see...Ashley..."

Hunter opened the small black box in his hand. In it was a diamond ring.

"Will you marry me?"

Ashley was visibly stunned by the question. Everybody in the room became instantly quiet. You could hear a pin drop. Ashley stared at the ring as Hunter slowly took it out of its box and slipped it onto her finger. Tears rolled down her cheek, and then she began to laugh and cry all at once. She nodded and wiped the tears away from her face.

"Yes, Hunter..."

"Yes?"

"Yes..."

"For real...?"

"Yes, for real, dummy!"

Hunter and Ashley began to laugh and cry together.

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

Hunter stood up and wrapped his arms around Ashley, and she returned the embrace. They shared a long, passionate kiss, each of them anticipating the long lives they would spend together as husband and wife.

This one moment stood as Hunter Zolomon's happiest memory...


Hunter stared at the window, smiling as he watched his happiest memory replay itself before him. He held his hand toward the window, almost as if he were trying to grasp the memory itself. He slowly walked toward the window.

As he walked, he thought about his life. It had become so complicated. At one time he stood as the Flash's deadlist enemy. But now...he began to embrace a much simpler time in his life. He thought about his friend, the Flash, the protector of Keystone City. He thought about their final battle, in which Wally was able to reclaim his role as Keystone's protector.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b2/TheFlashCVR199.jpg

Hunter paused for a minute and smiled.

"So long, Flash..."

And with that, he walked toward, and finally into, the time window. The purple energy of the window slowly enveloped him, until his whole body ceased to move. He stood perfectly still. Though he was comatose on the outside, his mind continued to work. He stood in the time window, replaying his happiest moment over and over again.

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

He was content. He was at peace. Nothing at all mattered in the world. Keystone City could rest, for the nightmare was finally over. It would seem that the world had finally seen the last of Zoom...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/91/FlashZoom.jpg

[TheCorpulent1]

Hunter stared up at his friend, who offered his hand even now...even after all he had done. Slowly, Hunter took his friend's hand and stood up. He stood there, shaking Wally's hand and nodding. He stared down at the ground, a somber tone enveloping him.

"You're a good friend, Wally. I don't deserve your friendship..."

Without warning, Hunter struck Wally with a hard right cross to the temple, flooring him. He stared down at the stunned hero.

"...which is why I can't accept it."

Hunter turned and gazed into the horizon.

"It's too late for me. Redemption is no longer an option...but you..."

Hunter looked back over his shoulder at Wally.

"You're a hero, Wally. Despite any feelings of self-doubt you may have, despite anything anybody tries to tell you..."

Hunter ran off, leaving nothing but his words trailing behind him.

"...you're a hero..."

One Minute Later...

Linda sat in her room, gazing intently at the television for any sign of her husband. Then, without warning, she felt a presence in the room, as well as a gust of wind. She looked up at the figure who stood before her.

Zoom.

Hunter raised his hand, motioning for her to be calm.

"I'm not here to hurt you. And don't worry, Wally is fine."

Hunter stepped aside, revealing a battered Kid Flash in the seat behind him.

"But Bart isn't. The Rogues left him in a warehouse with his legs broken. I brought him here for medical attention."

Hunter stared down at the floor, his eyes slowly but surely trailing upwards until he met Linda's gaze.

"I also came here...to apologize."

Linda stared blankly at Hunter. He struggled to tell what could be going through her mind.

"I know...it probably means nothing to you. After what I did, a thousand apologies wouldn't be enough to make amends. I'm not even asking you to forgive me. But...Linda...you didn't deserve that. I just needed to tell you...I'm sorry for what I did...I only hope you can live the rest of your life in happiness.

Hunter walked to the door, but then stopped with his back to Linda.

"Just...please, do me one favor, Linda..."

Hunter sighed, his shoulders heaving under the pressure of his immense guilt. Not even turning back to face Linda, he spoke.

"Tell Wally not to forget the last thing I said to him. Ever."

With that, Hunter was gone, leaving Linda and Bart alone in the room. But, unbeknownst to him, he had left something else: A residual wave of time energy, invisible to the naked eye, which went completely unnoticed by both Bart and Linda. But they would notice it in due time...
Ow. I open my eyes and my head is still throbbing. What happened? I was talking to Zo--no, Hunter now. But then he suckerpunched me. Could Hunter's re-emergence have been nothing more than a brief moment of remorse, gone as quickly as it had come? Was Zoom back? If he was, he could've gotten anywhere by now. How the hell am I gonna find--

Oh no. Linda!

I take off and by the next tick of the second hand I'm in Linda's room again. She's sitting on the bed, staring at the wall with unfocused eyes.

"Linda?" I walk over to her. "Linda?" I repeat as I put my hands on her shoulders. "Linda, honey, talk to me. Please, Linda. I need you to talk to me, honey. Tell me nothing happened." I'm shaking her softly now. "Linda, please. Please, honey, I need you to tell me nothing happened! I need you to tell me I wasn't too late again!"

"Wally?" Linda's eyes focus on me. "Wally--you're hurting me."

I realize my grip has been getting tighter the whole time. My hands snap off of her shoulders. "I... I'm sorry, Linda. I just... You weren't answering, I didn't... I thought..."

"Hey, hey," she says soothingly. She stands, wraps her arms around me, and pulls my head down onto her shoulder. "Hey, it's ok. It's ok, I'm fine."

I pull my head off her shoulder and look at her. "Zoom... Did he--?"

"He was here."

"Oh God. What happened? Did hehurt you? Lindatellme, ifhelaidsomuchasafingeronyouI'll--"

"Wally, calm down!" My jaw clicks shut. "Calm down, everything's fine. He didn't do anything to me. In fact... he apologized. That's why I was so dazed when you came in, I couldn't... I was still trying to take it in."

"Hunter... It was Hunter."

"Yeah. He also brought Bart."

Bart? "Oh no, Bart! I saw him in that warehouse, but I was so caught up with Zoom that I couldn't help him. Is he--?"

"He's fine. Well, not fine--both his legs were broken. But the doctors--the few MDs here--set them and his super-speed metabolism is taking care of the rest. He should be back on his feet in just a few hours."

I exhale in a rush, relieved. Bart may be a pest, but he's always come through when the chips were down. "What else did Zoom say?"

"He said not to forget the last thing he said. What does that mean? What did he say?"

"He said... that I'm a hero." I gently pull Linda's arms off of me. "I've gotta find him, Linda. I know he's done horrible things to us--to you. But I think he may actually have a chance at redemption. He could turn his life around, Linda. I can't just let him give up on himself."

"I know. Go." I turn to leave. "Wally--" I turn back to Linda. "He's right, you know. You are a hero. It's all you know how to be."

I put my arms around Linda this time, and I kiss her softly. We touch our foreheads together and I close my eyes, feeling Linda's soft breath on my face. "I love you."

"I love you," she replies.

I race out the door and begin searching Keystone. I have to find Hunter. He could make something of his life, be as good a man as he was before. But I saw the look in his eye just before he hit me. I have to find him before he does something crazy. I run along the city’s perimeter and begin working my way inward in a spiral pattern. It’s a police search pattern that Uncle Barry taught me.
Hunter stood at Ashley's grave, staring down at the headstone as tears rolled down his cheek. He didn't even bother to wipe them away.

"I don't deserve your forgiveness...I don't even deserve my life..."

In a matter of seconds, a light rain began to fall. After a few more minutes, that rain turned into a downpour. Hunter continued to stare at the headstone, his tears mingling with the rain, until finally the rage inside of him reached its boiling point. He spread his arms, his hands clenched tightly into fists, and screamed at the heavens.The skies darkened, and thunder began to strike all around as Hunter unleashed the inhuman rage within him. Hunter screamed until his voice was hoarse, and then he collapsed to his knees.

"What am I supposed to do, Ashley?" he asked aloud. "What more can I do?"

Suddenly, that familiar presence made itself known. That familiar wind. A window in time...

Hunter stared at the window.

"Hunter, what's this?" asked Ashley as Hunter produced a small box from his pocket.

She became even more baffled when he dropped to a knee in front of her. Her friends and family stood around her, watching and smiling. She smiled an embarrassed smile and looked down at him.

"What are you doing?" she asked, chuckling. Hunter stared back at her, looking more serious than she had ever seen him.

"Ashley, I love you..." he said.

"I love you too, baby..."

"I don't ever want to lose you..."

"What are you talking about, Hunter? You're not going to lose me..."

"What I mean is...I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, Ashley. I want to hold you and protect you from all the monsters out there...I want to wake up every morning and have your beautiful smile be the first thing I see...Ashley..."

Hunter opened the small black box in his hand. In it was a diamond ring.

"Will you marry me?"

Ashley was visibly stunned by the question. Everybody in the room became instantly quiet. You could hear a pin drop. Ashley stared at the ring as Hunter slowly took it out of its box and slipped it onto her finger. Tears rolled down her cheek, and then she began to laugh and cry all at once. She nodded and wiped the tears away from her face.

"Yes, Hunter..."

"Yes?"

"Yes..."

"For real...?"

"Yes, for real, dummy!"

Hunter and Ashley began to laugh and cry together.

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

Hunter stood up and wrapped his arms around Ashley, and she returned the embrace. They shared a long, passionate kiss, each of them anticipating the long lives they would spend together as husband and wife.

This one moment stood as Hunter Zolomon's happiest memory...


Hunter stared at the window, smiling as he watched his happiest memory replay itself before him. He held his hand toward the window, almost as if he were trying to grasp the memory itself. He slowly walked toward the window.
I’ve been searching for what feels like forever, but I know it’s been less than a second. Then, as I’m passing the cemetery, I see him: a familiar figure clad in yellow tatters.

“Hunter!”
As he walked, he thought about his life. It had become so complicated. At one time he stood as the Flash's deadlist enemy. But now...he began to embrace a much simpler time in his life. He thought about his friend, the Flash, the protector of Keystone City. He thought about their final battle, in which Wally was able to reclaim his role as Keystone's protector.

Hunter paused for a minute and smiled.

"So long, Flash..."

And with that, he walked toward, and finally into, the time window. The purple energy of the window slowly enveloped him, until his whole body ceased to move. He stood perfectly still. Though he was comatose on the outside, his mind continued to work. He stood in the time window, replaying his happiest moment over and over again.

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

"Yes, Hunter, I will marry you..."

He was content. He was at peace. Nothing at all mattered in the world. Keystone City could rest, for the nightmare was finally over. It would seem that the world had finally seen the last of Zoom...
“Hunter, no!” I yell as I arrive next to Ashley’s headstone, an instant too late. I see Hunter’s body freeze up as he enters the time window, just as it did the first time we fought. He’s trapped again, just as he was before. I look at the images in the window. He broke free before, but he was struggling against the memory of the worst day of his life. This time the memory is a happy one--possibly the happiest. It dawns on me that this may be Hunter’s final resting place. I think about that, then I place my hand on Hunter’s shoulder and smile. “Rest well, my friend.”

[Green Lantern]

I turn on the scooter, and zoom into the compund.

"So, Roy, which way do you think we should head?"

Roy grabs Question and pulls him into the shadows as two straggling ninjas run by. After they pass the two heroes, Roy steps out and takes them both down with tranq darts from his crossbow.

"I'd say that directions a good start for finding Ra's and what members of his army didn't bail after the explosion, the other way probably leads to Bats. But we best hurry. Go on while I provide one last distraction. But I have to wait for Bugman to get in here first."

[Ash Loomis]

I follow Question and Speedy into the compound, and leapt into the Shadows as the ninjas pass by. I hear Speedy whisper to Question.

"I'd say that directions a good start for finding Ra's and what members of his army didn't bail after the explosion, the other way probably leads to Bats. But we best hurry. Go on while I provide one last distraction. But I have to wait for Bugman to get in here first."

"Here bud, what do you need?"

[Nightwing]

The three of us shift on the scooters and use our first distraction to our advantage. Once in, we hide from some of the ninjas guarding surrounding the place. Too many to count or make an estimate, no way in hell can we get caught now.

"Roy's right, looks like we found which way Ra's and his boys are. Better hurry and surprise him before he leaves where ever he is now and we miss our only shot at catchin' him of guard."

[Green Lantern]

I follow Question and Speedy into the compound, and leapt into the Shadows as the ninjas pass by. I hear Speedy whisper to Question.

"I'd say that directions a good start for finding Ra's and what members of his army didn't bail after the explosion, the other way probably leads to Bats. But we best hurry. Go on while I provide one last distraction. But I have to wait for Bugman to get in here first."

"Here bud, what do you need?""That nifty little rocket launcher you brought. You have at least two rockets?"

[Spike_x1]

"Lex?"

The Bodyguard emerged out of his hidden bunker and into the cathedral-esque office belonging to his employer. The lenses in his mask helped him to better see the more darkened corners of the place of business, but even with the night vision, he couldn't see his boss anywhere in the massive room.

Suddenly a monitor of hard light materialized in front of the Bodyguard. On the screen, Lex Luthor appeared, wearing a set of safety goggles on his forehead, as if he were taking a break from using them, and peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Behind him, various lab workers and security personnel could be seen busying themselves. From the monitor, Luthor spoke, "What is it, Joseph?" Lex took a sip from a teacup of fine china that had, in all probability, been brought to his lab especially for him, despite how much it contrasted with its surroundings.

"We just got word from our sources in Keystone. Zolomon is finished, Lex. The Rogues are out of the game too," said the Boydguard.

Luthor yawned into the monitor and put down his tea. "They served their purpose. Thanks to the damage that our former associates have caused, hundreds of properties in Keystone and Central city have now been signed over to LexCorp subsidiaries for dreadfully low prices." Lex grinned at his own accomplishment. Now that Metropolis was his and Gotham was out of the running, Keystone was next in line for a powerful foothold. It may have been a regular Hicksville as far as Lex Luthor was concerned, but its position as the leading North American automotive manufacturer meant that there was serious power to be held in the area. Not just power in the form of money, but with LexCorp's expansion into the Twin Cities to help rebuild after the supervillains had just destroyed hundreds of professional and personal lives, Lex Luthor would be their savior.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Lex focused back onto his Bodyguard. "Even with the success of Project Red Lightning in Keystone, it means that we're now lacking in firepower with the loss of Zoom and the Rogues." Lex paused, contemplating what his next move would be. "Listen Joseph, I'm about to finish with the lab boys here and our work on The Subject, but I want you to have a call placed to an old friend of mine. I believe you know the one. We could definitely use him right about now." With that, the monitor of hard light disappeared, leaving the Bodyguard alone in the dark and silent office of Lex Luthor to do his job.

[Hyper Venom]

Lex paused, contemplating what his next move would be. "Listen Joseph, I'm about to finish with the lab boys here and our work on The Subject, but I want you to have a call placed to an old friend of mine. I believe you know the one. We could definitely use him right about now." With that, the monitor of hard light disappeared, leaving the Bodyguard alone in the dark and silent office of Lex Luthor to do his job.

A penthouse in London...

He had built himself quite a fortune, doing whatever jobs were necessary. After making a substantial amount of money, he decided to purchase a nice home for himself in London. Not that it mattered. He could live out in the wilderness, if need be.

He had been doing pushups on the floor for four straight hours when he heard the phone ring. Rather than stand straight up, he lifted himself into a handstand, vaulted forward, and then landed on his feet. His exercise was extremely regimented. He refused to ever take the easy road, even if it were something as seemingly insignificant as standing up from a set of pushups.

He walked toward the phone and picked it up.

"Hello? Yes...yes, that can be arranged. What's the job? Hm...of course. I wouldn't expect him to divulge that information to you, Joseph. Tell him I'll be on the first plane to Metropolis."

He placed the phone back on the receiver and stared out of the window. He had been out of action for far too long. He needed to get back to the work that made him feel alive. A few feet away sat a suitcase. He opened the suitcase and pulled out its contents. A very familiar uniform. His uniform.

"It's been a while since I got to wear this. Looks like it's time to get back in the game."

He couldn't wait to get back to the United States. The various heroes had been given quite a hard time as of late. He smiled, thinking to himself that they had no idea that things were about to get much worse for them. They had much reason to fear...

...for Deathstroke the Terminator was back.

http://pc59te.dte.uma.es/cdb/series/dc/bitmaps/deathstroke.jpg

[Ash Loomis]

"That nifty little rocket launcher you brought. You have at least two rockets?"

"I had three but one broke."

[The Question]

"Ted? Did I ever mention that you're not funny? Because you're not. At all. Nor do you properly understand that there is a time and place for humor (or in your case bad humor), and storming a terrorist training camp is most certainly not one of those times. So, cut the crap and get the rocket launcher."

[Ash Loomis]

"No, really! It broke!"

I take a busted rocket out of my Shell and show it to Question.

[The Question]

"Fine. Whatever. And don;t yell. Just do what you can with it and give the others to Roy. Roy? Time to do your thing."

[Green Lantern]

"Alright, just give me the launcher and the two shells. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up."

Roy took the launcher from Beetle along with the rockets.

Well this makes it a little harder... But I still have an idea.

He ran back to the entrance, pulled the two remaining grenades off his belt, pulled their pins and threw them in the opposite direction of the other grenades. As they exploded and the ninjas once again diverted their attention to the commotion, Roy aimed the rocket launcher straight at the ceiling of the subterrainian entrance.

He pulled the trigger and then ran like hell, as the roof collapsed, sealing that entrance off to both sides. As he ran down the hallway, he caught up with Ollie and Ted.

Breathing hard he spoke, "Kay, I'm pretty sure they know we're here now... I saved a rocket in case we need to make an exit of our own... cuz I kinda took out the one we came in by..."

[The Question]

"Fine. You threenkeep the ninjas buisy. If anything I've read about Ra's Al Ghul is true, he's old fasioned. Swords. Knives. Hand to hand. His thugs don't usually have any guns or weaposn of that nature. But still, be very careful. You have two friends here. Stealth and eplosives. Just make sure you get to Ra's and stop the virus. I'll find Bruce."

With that, I zoom off down the hallway to look for Bruce's cell.

[Ash Loomis]

"Hit any shee..."

Suddenly I remember that the Question's right beside me.

"Uh, I mean...good job..."

[Nightwing]

Ted and I ran up ahead to where we guessed Ra's may have been, while doing so I heard this huge BOOM and I knew exactly what Roy had done.

After about two minutes, Roy came running back to us.

Breathing hard he spoke, "Kay, I'm pretty sure they know we're here now... I saved a rocket in case we need to make an exit of our own... cuz I kinda took out the one we came in by..."

"Now thats we're done with that, time to go get Ra's. Vic, this is where you go find Bruce and make sure he's alright, after hurry back and rejoin us. We'll need all the help we can get if Ra's is carrying more men with him then Ted, Roy, and myself can handle.

Vic then left off with his scooter to go find Bruce, while we began preparing ourselves.

I open my shell to start loading the arrows on to the crossbow, and saving my other bow for more accuracy along with all my trick arrows.

"Better safe then sorry I always say." I wispered to myself as I said that.

"Now lets quick wasting time and get moving."

We make our way down the passage to where we guessed Ra's might have been keeping base while all this commotion was going on. I turned back as I heard some ninjas yelling in some language I couldn't understand, probably cause of Roys second distraction. Or, they could be coming for us right now.

Suddenly, I pause as we reach this big door with a panel next to it.

"Must be it, get your gear ready boys..."

It had all these symbols on it, and what looked like a hand print where someone had to place in order to get it open. I took a deep breath, and placed my right hand after that the door opened as quick as someone could say, open says me.

SWOOOOOOSH.

The door opened fully and we all took calm steps in, being redy for anything that could've been thrown behind us, in front of us, or to the left and right of us. All I could say was....

"HOLY ****."

And there stood Ra's, with his back turned as is he was expecting us the whole time. Oh, and did I mention the army he was carrying with him?

[Green Lantern]

"SON OF A!"


Thats one hell of a lot of ninjas... Oh well... time to get to work.

Roy first unslung his bow, nocked three arrows, and let fly. Three ninjas fell to the ground. One with an arrow in his knee, one with it jutting out of his thigh, and the other's shoulder pincussioned. He nocked another arrow and took aim at Ra's' cheif henchman, a gigantic bald dude to his right.

"So Ra's is your future abiltiy to father children as big a deal to you as Bat's? Because you don't call this off, and your bait and tackle will look like a kid meeting a porcupine."

[Ash Loomis]

I look down at my Uzi and then up at the army and then down at my Uzi again.

"Crap...I knew I should of brought the Bushmaster."

[Nightwing]

I shout to the others.

"Remember, we're not here just for Ra's. We've got to stop him from deploying that virus!!"

[MaskedManJRK]

I guess I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, I jolted up and off of my bed.

I look out of the window in the cell and see a little smoke cloud near the facility.

The calvery is here. The Outsiders.

And their first mission is to save their own leader from terrorists.

With the company I'm keeping, I will never hear the end of this...

[Ash Loomis]

I begin blasting my Uzi, aiming for the legs of the ninjas. These guys are pretty agile and I miss more than a few times, but these bullets get hurled out hard and fast and I have a good shot. I bring many of them down. I consider tossing down a smokescreen to confuse them, but that would probably throw Speedy and Green Arrow off as well.

I don't fare so well in hand-to-hand combat against them. I get the odd punch in, but other than that, these guys own me. However, they're also very showy. You'd think they learned Kung-Fu (or whatever fighting technique they're using) from watching action movies. While they're doing their fancy sword movements before striking me again, I blast their legs. This must be how Kurt Russel felt in Big Trouble in Little China.

I'm glad Green Arrow and Speedy are here to watch my back, I'm not sure how well I'd be doing if they weren't. We should be through these goons pretty quickly; what I'm really worried about is Ra's.

[The Question]

I zoom down the hallway. No gaurds. The others must be doing their jobs. I finally find what looks like jail cells. I find the one with the lights on, and look inside.


Bruce.


I tap on the glass.

[Red]

“Infidels!” Yelled Ra’s. He looked over to several of his men standing towards the end of the walkway

“The Detective! This is merely a distraction.” As the ninja’s sprinted down the bridge Ra’s removed his dark green cloak and tossed it to the floor. He placed his hands on the railed and launched himself forward landing on the ground in a crouched position. He then arose and slowly matched towards the invaders.

[Spider-Man9X17]

Superman rubbed his chin in thought. He hadn't seen the Manhunter in quite a while. "I'm afraid I don't know where J'onn is, Kyle. I know he appeared in Gotham some time ago, but as to where he is now I couldn't tell you. He typically operates out of Denver, so you might want to check there."

Kyle turned to Sinestro.

"Well, I guess we're off to Denver, though I am more of a Pittsburgh man myself."

[wiegeabo]

Kyle turned to Sinestro.

"Well, I guess we're off to Denver, though I am more of a Pittsburgh man myself."

"Very well. Lead the way."


I look back at Superman. "We'll be back for you."

[Ash Loomis]

These clowns are all but defeated, leaving a clear path from me to Ra's. He does some fancy jumping crap, looks like he's just as much a showoff as his lackies are. Meh, I don't care. I dash over firing my Uzi , aiming for his arms and legs, my fist is ready bash his skull in.

"Sorry Pai Mei, party's over."

[Red]

These clowns are all but defeated, leaving a clear path from me to Ra's. He does some fancy jumping crap, looks like he's just as much a showoff as his lackies are. Meh, I don't care. I dash over firing my Uzi , aiming for his arms and legs, my fist is ready bash his skull in.

"Sorry Pai Mei, party's over."




Ra’s grabbed Beetles arm that held the Uzi he twisted it until it he let go because of the pain. Ra’s stretched out his hand and grabbed Beetles throat, he rammed him against the near by wall “insect, you think you can stand against me.”

Ra’s pulled back his fist and began to punch Beetle in the face continuously. He smirked “fool”. He pulled him back from against the wall and tossed him across the room.

[Green Lantern]

Ra’s grabbed Beetles arm that held the Uzi he twisted it until it he let go because of the pain. Ra’s stretched out his hand and grabbed Beetles throat, he rammed him against the near by wall “insect, you think you can stand against me.”

Ra’s pulled back his fist and began to punch Beetle in the face continuously. He smirked “fool”. He pulled him back from against the wall and tossed him across the room.Smooth Beetle... good job getting his attention off of me.

As Ted's face was getting bloodied by Ra's fist, Roy let his arrow, reaimed, fly. There was the sickening sound of ripping flesh and a splattering of blood as the arrow found its mark, into and through Ra's' right shoulder blade. The arrow stuck, lodged in the hole that it had made.

[Ash Loomis]

Blood oozes down my face. Thank God my mask provides me with a bit of a shield or I'd be unconscious right now. As Ra’s recoils from the pain of Speedy’s arrow, I dash across the room and land a hard punch right in his stomach.

[MaskedManJRK]

I zoom down the hallway. No gaurds. The others must be doing their jobs. I finally find what looks like jail cells. I find the one with the lights on, and look inside.


Bruce.


I tap on the glass.

I look up and see Sage standing outside of the cell.

"Sage. Welcome to the first mission of the Outsiders. The objectives are to save my ass and then save the rest of the world's asses. Think you can do that?"

He doesn't say anything.

"Of cource, stupid question--mine, not you. Got any ideas to get me out?"

[The Question]

"Just one."

I pull a grenade out of my pocket.

"I would strongly suggest standing back."

[MaskedManJRK]

"Just one."

I pull a grenade out of my pocket.

"I would strongly suggest standing back."

I grab the bed, push it up to shield myself from the blast. When the smoke clears, I step out of the cell.

I give a nod of thanks to Question as I start off from the cell block to find my gear.

[Nightwing]

Ninjas start swarming the three of us, and each carrying any fighting style weapon imaginable. Flipping and dodging almost every arrow that left my had, and reacting back by throwing shurikens or very very sharp knives. One came up to me out of the sky and delivered one lethal kick, that almost knocked my out unconscious.

He comes back to swipe another shot at me, but I block it and trip with my bow. Then, I put an end to it by driving an arrow directly at his chest with the crossbow. Two MORE come at me swinging their swords while doing so, nearly chopping off my damn head off all at once. I jump out of the way, and grab my bola arrow.

"Lets see how fast Ra's really made you S.O.B.'s."

The bola leaves my hand as fast as the other arrows did, it hit one of the ninjas knee and deploys. Next, the rope wraps against one leg and the other ends up catching the other ninjas leg next to him. Just what I was aiming for, both crashed into eachother and now layed plain on the floor.

"Dammit, we've got to stop that virus from being spread."

I look over my shoulder and see Kord getting knocked down by Ra's.

"Ted!"

I run over to where Kord and Ra's were and knock down all the ninjas that were coming my way while doing so. I even pulled back three arrows, which ended up landing right through four of the ninjas legs and arms. Suddenly, Roy comes out of nowhere and launched an arrow that ends up tearing right through Ra's.

"Nice shot kiddo, that shot was like when we practiced aiming for the drips of water back at Star before they landed on the ground..."

Even with all the crap that was going on, I couldn't help but grin at the thought of that memory. I quickly snapped out of it, and pulled back another arrow. This time, I was aiming directly at Ra's...

[dtorn4]

“No answer from the Joker. I think I’ll head down to city hall to see him in person, but first there is something I need to finalize.”

Oswald put on his top hat and grabbed one of his many umbrellas. He made his way through the maze of tunnels that took him from his underground lair to the streets of Gotham City.

--

Oswald’s first stop was to finalize payment for his new base of operations. The Rolls Royce pulled up in front of an old rundown warehouse at the docks.

“Keep the car running. I shall return post haste.”

Oswald entered the warehouse and was greeted by a man dressed like a long shore man.

“Is everything all arranged?”

“Go out back and see for yourself.”

Oswald walked over to the window in the rear of the warehouse and what he saw sticking out of the water pleased him greatly.

“Waugh Waugh Waugh. It’s perfect. Well done. I shall have the money transferred to your account immediately.”

Oswald shook the man’s hand, exited the building and got inside his limousine.

“Take me to the mayor’s office and then I want you and the rest of the boys to load up all our equipment, we are moving into a new facility."

--

Oswald waddled his way through the revolving door of city hall. Stopping to look at the building map, he saw the mayor’s office was located on the top floor. Oswald got inside the elevator and rode it to the top. When he got off the elevator he was greeted by the lovely, yet sinister grin of Harley Quinn.

"Welcome to Mr. J - I mean Mr. Mayor’s office. How may I help you?”

“Harley my dear I need to see the Joker.”

“He’s out on official city business, but he should be back soon.”

“Then I shall wait here for him…”

[Red]

Ra’s slanted his head to the left to avoid the arrow heading towards him. He pulled the other arrow from out his shoulder, clenched his fist and stabbed Beetle in the leg with it. As Beetle looked up Ra’s smashed him away with the back of his hand.

Ra’s kicked a sword to his hand from the floor and paced towards Green Arrow.

[Keyser Soze]

Oswald waddled his way through the revolving door of city hall. Stopping to look at the building map, he saw the mayor’s office was located on the top floor. Oswald got inside the elevator and rode it to the top. When he got off the elevator he was greeted by the lovely, yet sinister grin of Harley Quinn.

"Welcome to Mr. J - I mean Mr. Mayor’s office. How may I help you?”

“Harley my dear I need to see the Joker.”

“He’s out on official city business, but he should be back soon.”

“Then I shall wait here for him…”

The limo drew to a halt outside the City Chambers. The Joker's new base of operations. He had been situated in many, many hideouts over the years, but he was already beginning to think this one was the best. Because it wasn't a hideout. It was right here in the open. Oh, it was so deliciously ironic!

The security detail were already positioned outside. The hired goons of Two-Face and Black Mask, now working together, and armed with GCPD equipment. One of them opened the limo door for The Joker.

"Welcome to City Chambers, Mr. Mayor," the lackey said.

The Joker grinned, patting him on the head as if he was a child. Black Mask and Two-Face followed him out of the limo, and the three of them made their way up to his new office. Harley Quinn, now his secretary, was waiting there.

"Ah, Harley," The Joker cackled, "I see you managed to slip away from our good friend Solomon Grundy."

"Yeah, Mr. J," she replied, "He took me off on one of his rampages, but I managed to slip away from him. I hope he doesn't come back here lookin' for me!"

"Any calls for me, by any chance? Congratulations from The President, possibly?"

"Nope. But someone's here to see you."

The Joker walked ahead into his office. There, sitting in his new chair, was none other than Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin.

"Ozzie!" The Joker exclaimed, "Long time no see! What brings you down here to The Mayor's office? Business? Pleasure? A bit of both? HA HA!"

[Green Lantern]

Ra’s slanted his head to the left to avoid the arrow heading towards him. He pulled the other arrow from out his shoulder, clenched his fist and stabbed Beetle in the leg with it. As Beetle looked up Ra’s smashed him away with the back of his hand.

Ra’s kicked a sword to his hand from the floor and paced towards Green Arrow.

Man, what the hell am I? Chop liver? I'm the one that put the arrow through his shoulder, and he goes after OLLIE?!? I don't know whether to be happy, or disappointed...

Roy runs over to where Ted is on the ground.

"You ok, Cockroach?" He sees the familiar red arrow jutting out of Beetle's thigh, and winces. "Ya know I'd tell you this is gonna hurt me more than you, but thatd be a lie... so here's a bullet to bite down on while I pull this out..."
My arrows have barbed tips... so it would do less damage to him if I push it all the way through, rather than pull it out... but its still gonna hurt him like a b**ch...

Roy tossed him a sent bullet shell from the ground, and started to push the arrow further in, untill the barbed tip poked through the other side, then snapped off the barb and pulled the rest of the shaft out of the leg.

[SuperFerret]

"All-right then I think it's time we do a sweep through the city and if it comes up clear I think the police can take it from there. Good luck to all of you, and if there is anything we can do please contact us. We'll help where we can," Marvel says.

Just then "loud-mouth" says to the crowd, "Hey I can put up two families at my house. I got a finished basement and a pretty good size garage." Another person chimes in, "I can put some people up at my place." And then another and another. Marvel and Plas are watching people come forward saying they are willing to house a family. Marvel looks at Plas and smiles he says, "I think they're going to be okay." The "angry man" looks around and says, "Since it looks like none of us will be at work for the next couple of weeks I say we meet back here tomorrow at 8am with shovels and any other tools we might need. We got a city to clean up." He then looks at Marvel & Plas with a half a smile and says, "Well what you guys waiting for I thought you were gonna go on patrol." He sticks his hand out to Marvel and says, "I'm sorry and thank you both for being here."

Marvel and Plas each shake his hand and walk away. Marvel says, "Well it sounds like we better get to it. I figure two sets of eyes are better than one. Do you want me to carry you or do you think you can get around on your own?"

"I can get around on my own, thanks."

Plas turns the lower half of his body into a spring and bounces away.

[TheCorpulent1]

After visiting Hunter at the cemetery, I return to Linda. Bart's awake by then, and he wheels himself into the room to say hi. I thank him for his bravery and tell him I'm proud, then I see about completing Linda's discharge and getting Bart out of there while I'm at it. Both discharges are approved and we head to the crowded hospital, where Joan Garrick sits at her husband's bedside.

"Wally, Bart!" Jay says as we enter. He's nowhere near 100% again, but even I'm surprised by how well he seems after the near-lethal beating Zoom gave him.

"Hey, Jay. How are you feeling?"

"Pretty great now that I've seen you back in that costume for myself, son. I've been following the news, but I didn't really believe it until now. You and Zoom really went at it, huh? News cameras weren't fast enough to follow you to the end, though. What happened?"

"I won. Zoom's gone, Jay, and I don't think he's coming back this time."

Jay's brow furrows and Bart looks up at me curiously.

"No way, Wally. You didn't... he's not dead, is he?"

"It's all right, son, we won't judge you. Sometimes things happen and you're forced to make a tough call--"

"No, no, nothing like that--although I'll admit, I was tempted for a while there. No, Zoom was defeated by none other than Hunter Zolomon. Something made Hunter realize that everything he'd done since the accident was a mistake. Something more powerful than even Zoom could contend with."

Bart and Jay look at me with confusion, but Bart, impatient as always, speaks up first. "Well? What are you talking about, already?"

I put my hand in Linda's and she holds it tightly. "Love. Hunter saw what he'd done to Ashley Zolomon as Zoom and it somehow gave him the strength to regain control of himself." I fill them in on the rest of the night's events and they silently take it in.

"Well, at least it's over."

"Yeah, except for all the other Rogues still loose in the city."

"Actually, that's over, too."

"What?"

"It's true. It's been all over the news. Plastic Man and Captain Marvel have managed to beat back the key Rogues--Captain Cold, Mirror Master, the Weather Wizard, that bunch--and the other Rogues are being rounded up or have already escaped. The Rogue attack is over, Zoom's gone... looks like things'll be quiet in the Twin Cities for a while."

"Famous last words, Jay," I say with a smile. "But if what you say is true, then I think I've still got some work cut out for me. I'd better help the police round up the more dangerous Rogues that are left, and I owe Plas and Captain Marvel a great deal of thanks."

"I'll help!" Bart says, struggling to get out of his wheelchair.

"You certainly will not!" Joan replies. "You'll stay right in that chair until those legs are fully healed, young man!"

"Aw, Joan!" he protests weakly, but he's already slumping back down into his wheelchair. Still rushing into things without thinking, but I have to admire Bart's tenacity. The kid's shaping up to be one hell of a man, and suddenly I wonder if this is anything like what Barry felt as he watched me grow up.

I turn to Linda. "Hey, I want you to get checked out. I know you said you were fine, but I don't want to take any chances."

"I don't think--"

"Please? For me? I've just got this feeling, and given what we've already been through, I'd rather be safe than sorry.""All right."

"Don't you worry, dear, Jay, Bart, and I will make sure she's well taken care of."

"Thanks, Joan. Thank you all, for everything." I speed out of the hospital and set out to help the other heroes, both super and normal alike.

[MST3K 4ever]

"I can get around on my own, thanks."

Plas turns the lower half of his body into a spring and bounces away.


Marvel watches Plas bounce away. He takes flight and sees all of Keystone City. When you see it from up here it looks pretty peaceful actually. He watches the rescue crews in action and sees no sign of the Rouges making trouble.

I think it's time to get back to Metropolis. He swoops down and loks at Plas and says, "Well looks like things are pretty peaceful I think I'm gonna head back to Metropolis. Thanks for your help Plastic Man...see you around." Marvel flies upward and heads back to Metropolis.

[LibrarianThorne]

"Sorry to disappoint Sinestro, I really am. But I just can't help you reform the League. Not now."

He gave a curt nod to both of the ringbearers, then flew off in to Metropolis. It comforted him to see the copper globe of the Daily Planet and the towering skyscrapers that made up the steel canyon the defined Metropolis' skyline. It was mid-morning, and the sight of the sunlight reflecting off of the city's buildings was absolutely breathtaking. He breathed in deeply the air of Metropolis, and smiled. He loved his city, and that's why he couldn't stay free.

He felt a presence behing him, and turned to see Steel following him, his boots sending columns of flame behind him.
"I feel terrible doing this, Superman, but I've been asked by the Mayor to escort you to Stryker's." A small fleet of SCU helicopters appeared behind Steel, and Superman could see that they came armed with the heaviest possible artillery.
"I was planning on going to Stryker's regardless, but I understand the escort, Steel."

He slowed down marginally, allowing Steel and the SCU helicopters to flank him. The people of Metropolis looked to the sky to see the familiar red and blue of Superman surrounded surrounded by SCU helicopters and the gray and red blur that was Steel. Superman heard some people cheer, but most remained silent. In minutes, they were past the steel canyon and heading into Metropolis Bay, where upon an isolated island sat Stryker's Penitentiary. Superman saw that the yard was empty save for the warden and a few of the prison guards. Superman landed, and Steel landed beside him. One of the guards walked forward with a pair of handcuffs, but the warden stopped him. The guard, a man in his early '20s looked at him with a quizzical expression. "Sir, procedure clearly says-"
"Son, this isn't covered by procedure. Those cuffs wouldn't have held him any way. Superman, will you walk with me?" The guard stepped back to the warden's side and Superman strode forward. He looked behind him to see Steel take off, but the SCU escort remained. The warden turned and strode into the prison and the guards in turn flanked around Superman as he followed.

Superman was awed by the enormity of the prison, once he reached the first cell block. Thousands upon thousands of inmates were held here, and all stared at him silently.
"Now, when you broke out of the precinct house we were appraised of the situation, Superman. Your trial date has been moved up tomorrow, and for your safety and the safety of the general prison populace you're to be put in solitary confinement."
"Pardon my frankness, warden, but I assume you're referring to the specially constructed holding device the JLA designed?"
"Afraid so, Superman. We're on our way right now to the, um, supercriminal wing of the penetientiary. You do have a bit of good luck on your side, though."
"Oh?"
"Prosecutor wanted to add escape attempt to your list of charges, but the judge turned it down citing what you did out there in Keystone. Caused something of a stir, I believe."
"I should be thankful for every small miracle at this point, I think."

Just as he finished speaking, they arrived at an odd looking door. It was pressure-sealed, with keycard only access. The warden produced a key card from the pocket of his jacket and swiped it. The door swung open, and in the warden strode. Superman followed him in. This wing was noticeably different from the standard cell blocks. Each cell was solitary, and there were nameplates in gold stamped with names like "Blackrock" and "Brainiac". They looked like simple, padded cells, but a quick scan with his x-ray vision showed him that each cell was specially designed to hold its occupant. At the end of the long, lit hall was an empty cell, much like the others but with one notable difference. In the center of the cell was an x-shaped metallic platform that gleamed as the light hit it. At the ends of each point of the X were metal clamps. As he walked towards it, Superman remembered.

It was just after the first time he'd been posessed by Eclipso. Upon coming out of the posession, he and the League had decided that Metropolis needed a way of restraining him in case he ever went berserk like that again. They had tapped Mr. Miracle to build it, as who better than the greatest escape artist in ten galaxies to build a device to hold a Superman? It was made of an unbreakable metal so rare every scrap yet discovered had been used in its construction. The metal device couldn't be melted by his heat vision, and so strong were the bonds that not even his strength could break them. After Miracle had made the plans, LexCorp had been decided as the best company to build it, and he recalled the happiness and zeal with which Lex Luthor had created the device. As a test of its durability, Hal Jordan had sent it along the surface of the sun. Even against the greatest temperature test possible, the metal hadn't melted, or even been phased. Embedded in the ceiling of the cell was a power suppressor, designed by Batman and built by WayneTech that would prevent Superman from accessing his powers while in the cell as well as providing a security camera for the cell.

Silently, the group made their way to the cell. The door to the cell, like the door at the entrance to the supercriminal wing could only be opened by a key card, and again the warden swiped his card. With a hiss, the clear, bulletproof and flameproof door opened. Superman gulped, and felt a great sense of worry, but still marched on. He stepped into the device, placing his arms and hands at the proper points. With a final clang, the metal bonds snapped over his wrists and ankles. The warden and guards gave Superman one last look before exiting the cell, leaving the Man of Steel alone with his thoughts.

[Ash Loomis]

I try to hold back my screams of pain, which I manage to reduce to a soft hissing sound. The second Speedy gets the arrow out, both of my hands clasp around the wound. I guess it's just a natural reflex since the next thing I do is dig into my utility belt for some first aid gear. Until recently, it just contained my BB gun, but now I've equipted it with some small tools that could come in handy. I begin to operate on myself.

"Thanks buddy. I think I'll be OK here. Now, since Ra's seems to be more interested in Ollie that he is in you, why not send another arrow through 'im while he's distracted? C'mon, give him one for me..."

My lips curl into a warm smile.

"...Roy."

[Green Lantern]

I try to hold back my screams of pain, which I manage to reduce to a soft hissing sound. The second Speedy gets the arrow out both my hands clasp around the wound. I guess it's just a natural reflex since the next thing I do is dig into my utility belt for some first aid gear. Until recently, it just contained my BB gun, but now I've equipted it with some small tools that could come in handy. I begin to operate on myself.

"Thanks buddy. I think I'll be OK here. Now, since Ra's seems to be more interested in Ollie that he is in you, why not send another arrow through 'im what he's distracted? C'mon, give him one for me..."

My lips curl into a warm smile.

"...Roy."
Wait... did he just... call me Roy? Nah, I must be hallucinating from a lack of sleep.... Its naptime when we get back to the bug...
"Thats the plan, Cockroach, thats the plan, but I fix up my fri... uh allies first."

Roy turned from the injured hero, and nocked another arrow. "Hey Ghouly! Ya know, not all arrows come from Mr. Green Tights there. The one that poked the hole in your shoulder was from me, and I'm deeply offended that you take out my old timer buddy there first."

[Watchman]

Scarecrow headed backed towards Arkham. He has learned that somebody has come and replaced the Bat in his absences. He was not going to allow some replacement come and destroy everything. This person was to be brought to Arkham and lock away in the deepest and darkest cell. Left there for them to be forgotten and rot. He enter Arkham and went into his office where one of his assitants was waiting for him.

"Please inform Mr. Dent, Black Mask, and the Joker about our sitution conserning the masked mence and also tell our newly freed associates to meet me in the next room"

"Yes..ssir" the man walked out of his the office. A few minutes later Scarecrow went into the next room where Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, and the Ventriloquist.

"Now gentlemen and lady it's been said that Batman has disappear from this city and we our free to roam the streets again. Me and my assiociates have taken this opportunity to seize control of all of Gotham but somebody has try to disturb are power", Scarecrow takes his scythe and drags it across the wall, "this will not do. We must eradicate the force that has appear. We must place him where they have placed us time and time again. Now go...go and cause chaos get this mence out into the open and bring them back alive." They start to leave but Scarecrow grabs Croc by the arm, "I said you're working security", he stops and stays behind.

[TheCorpulent1]

I race around Keystone City, searching for anywhere I can help. Girder is still tearing up the industrial sector. I help the cops trying to contain him out by dumping a few hundred gallons of quick-drying cement on him. Crude, but it should hold him until the cops can get him to Iron Heights, at least. A few miles away, yet another new Chillblaine is freezing everything in sight. Two punches and he's out like a light. The last one gave me more trouble. Across town, Kadabra's causing trouble again. This time he's turned a high-rise apartment building into a giant top hat that (of course) coughed up a matching giant bunny to terrorize the residents. I vibrate through the bunny's mechanical joints, causing them to explode, then I take down Kadabra himself with his own magic wand. He'll spend his next stay at Iron Heights in the form of a toad.


So the night drags on as I clean up Keystone. After the last Rogue is finally in custody or out of the city, I set my mind on a more constructive enterprise. I head to the Central City College Engineering Library and read every book I can find on urban engineering, architecture, structural safety, and anything else I can think of related to building things. Then I kick into high speed, raid City Hall for blueprints of the entire city and the industrial sector for materials, and set out to rebuild Keystone.


I start at the end of the city that's been hit the worst. Best to tackle the big stuff while I've still got all of the library's information still floating around in my head. Buildings that were totally leveled are just like new again in a matter of seconds, rebuilt exactly as they were according to those blueprints I mentioned. I've got the knowledge (for a time) to design new buildings--rebuild them better than they ever were--but I don't. It's not because the people of Keystone don't deserve it; they do, and much, much more besides. But these are people's homes, their families' homes, businesses they built from the ground up. The people of Keystone already had a city long before I ever got here and, God willing, they'll have one long after I'm gone. Who am I to say that that city wasn't good enough just as it was?


I work my way across town, rebuilding everything as close as I can to its original specifications. Where I can, I put the knowledge I've absorbed to use by bringing neglected buildings up to modern regulations, reinforcing things that sleazebag slumlords cut corners on, and upgrading the utilities connections to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. About half an hour later, I race up a skyscraper in Central and gaze out onto Keystone as power is restored and lights twinkle on like newly minted stars. It's as if Keystone is slowly resuscitating itself and coming back to life. It's one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.


There is one building I go out of my way not to rebuild, however: the Flash Museum. The victims of its collapse have been removed, the survivors are getting medical attention, and I repair and polish off the monuments to Jay, Barry, Max, Johnny, and all the other speedsters from throughout time who've contributed to the safety of Keystone, the world, and even the entire universe, but as for the building itself... Bits of the argument I overheard between Captain Marvel and Plastic Man and that bitter citizen still ring in my ears. He blamed me for bringing the Rogue attack down on Keystone, and right now, recalling the damage that Zoom caused trying to get to me, I can't say I entirely disagree with him. I've always been billed as "the people's hero"--well, now it's time to put that to the test. So I'm leaving the Flash Museum in ruins, a memorial to the tragedy that my mere presence can bring to Keystone's citizens. I'm leaving it up to the people to decide whether they agree with that justifiably angry man... or if they truly want the Flash to be their champion again.


* * * * *


When I make it back to the hospital, I'm surprised to find it relatively calm. Just about all of the people with minor injuries have been treated and discharged by now, leaving only the critical patients, who turned out to be surprisingly few, in the hospital. I knock on Jay's door and find him sitting up in bed giggling with Joan and looking even better than before, and Bart actually back on his feet already.


"You made the news again, Wally. Rebuilt the entire city in just one night, eh? You tryin' to put this old man to shame? I shudder to think how long it would've taken me to rebuild Keystone back in my day--"


"You'd have done it twice as well in half the time, Jay," I finish with a smile.


"I could've helped, you know," Bart says sourly, dangling his feet off the side of the empty bed next to Jay's. "My legs finished healing like five minutes after you left, but Joan still wouldn't let me go."


"I'll not have it on my conscience if you rush out there and break your legs all over again running like a madman," Joan replies coolly.


"Well, I appreciate the thought, Bart. Next time Keystone gets half-leveled, you'll be the first person I call."


Bart sticks his tongue out at my sarcasm.


"All joking aside, though... Has there been any word on Linda?"


Jay, Joan, and Bart all become slightly awkward. Their faces darken but they struggle to hide it behind forced reassuring smiles.


"I'm sure it's nothing, Wally--" No good sentence has ever started with that phrase inside of a hospital. "--but the doctor came in looking for you earlier. He said he had news, but he wouldn't tell us what it was. Said Linda told him it was for your ears only." Oh no. Something's wrong, I know it.


"Don't put on that face, dear. I'm sure it's nothing serious. Linda said she felt fine, after all." Yeah, well, I've felt fine before, too--right up until alien spores colonized my body on a JLA mission or Kadabra's fake magic nanites started aging me to death.


"I'd better go see her," is all I can muster.


"She's up in the MRI room. Just a routine scan, Wally, I'm sure--"


"Thanks," I cut Jay off as I turn to leave. I'm not in the mood for reassurances. One question keeps ringing in my ears as I walk up the stairs: what could Zoom have taken from us this time?


I will my Speed Force costume away and knock at the door to the MRI room. A doctor opens it. "Ah, Mr. West! Come in, come in. We've just completed our second scan, to double-check the results of the first." Dear Lord, whatever it is has them so spooked that they felt the need to rescan her? "Oh, don't worry, Mr. West, the results should be back shortly. In the meantime, why don't you go right in and see her? She's been asking for you ever since the--well, since we found... what we found."


I walk into the MRI room, bracing myself for horror. Linda greets me with a smile from the bed of the MRI scanner, but I can't shake this feeling of dread I have. Could she just be putting up a brave front to try and spare me pain? I stand next to her and slip my hand into hers. "Hey, honey. I hear the docs, um... well, I haven't heard much, to tell you the truth."


"I know, Wally. I wanted you to be here with me when you found out." She turns to the glass wall between us and the doctor. "Oh, it looks like the second scans have printed out." She waves for the doctor to come in.


"Well, here we are," he says. "There's no mistaking it. No, sir, there can be absolutely no doubt this time. We've checked it and rechecked it and, unbelievable as it sounds--"


"Would you just tell us already?!" I burst out. I can't take this suspense! My wife could be dying before my very eyes and this guy's taking his sweet time telling me what the hell's going on with her!


"Wally, calm down!" Linda says, gripping my hand tighter. "What's the matter with you?"


I compose myself a bit. "I can't help it! Something's wrong--you could be dying!--and Dr. Dumbfounded here is taking forever to get to the point!" Okay, I obviously didn't compose myself much. Give me a break, I think my wife is dying!


"Oh, Wally!" Linda looks at me and her face contorts. She's going to cry. Linda's tougher than I am; she never cries! God, this must really be bad! "Pffffhahahahahahahahahahaha!" There it is! She's... laughing?


"Wuh... Um... Did I miss something here?" I stammer.


"Just... Just the whole... point!" Linda says, failing to suppress a bunch of snickers along the way. She tries to get serious, cracks up laughing again, and then clears her throat and gets very quiet. "Doctor, may I?" She reaches out and the doctor hands her the scan. "Look at this." I comply, but I can't figure out up from down on it.


"I don't... What am I looking at?"


"Geez, hon, do you really not see them?"

"Them?! How many problems did the scan show?"

"Not problems, you dope. Babies."

"B-babies?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. West," the doctor confirms. "Two, to be exact."

"T-two?!"

"I'm not sick, Wally. I'm pregnant!"

I choke back tears of joy and try to keep myself from laughing uncontrollably. "You're pregnant?" I can't help myself; I start laughing. When I can breathe again, I scoop Linda up in my arms and spin her around. "You're pregnant!" Then reality sets in again. "But how? How is that even possible?"

"When Zoo--Hunter left me and Bart, I felt something... a strange tingling sensation. I didn't know what it was at first, but I've been thinking about it ever since and I think I've figured it out. You said Zoom's powers are time-based, right? That sometimes he even opens windows to the past or present uncontrollably?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, I think some kind of freak accident happened with his powers and it somehow shifted time around. The doctor says that the babies are right on track as if they've been growing the whole time. Whatever Hunter did... I never lost the babies, Wally!"

"This is... This is..." I search and search, but I can't find the words.

Linda saves me, as always: "A miracle."

I kiss Linda and then look in her beautiful, ebony eyes, still shellshocked from the startling revelation. "We're gonna be parents."

"We're gonna be parents."

[dtorn4]

The limo drew to a halt outside the City Chambers. The Joker's new base of operations. He had been situated in many, many hideouts over the years, but he was already beginning to think this one was the best. Because it wasn't a hideout. It was right here in the open. Oh, it was so deliciously ironic!

The security detail were already positioned outside. The hired goons of Two-Face and Black Mask, now working together, and armed with GCPD equipment. One of them opened the limo door for The Joker.

"Welcome to City Chambers, Mr. Mayor," the lackey said.

The Joker grinned, patting him on the head as if he was a child. Black Mask and Two-Face followed him out of the limo, and the three of them made their way up to his new office. Harley Quinn, now his secretary, was waiting there.

"Ah, Harley," The Joker cackled, "I see you managed to slip away from our good friend Solomon Grundy."

"Yeah, Mr. J," she replied, "He took me off on one of his rampages, but I managed to slip away from him. I hope he doesn't come back here lookin' for me!"

"Any calls for me, by any chance? Congratulations from The President, possibly?"

"Nope. But someone's here to see you."

The Joker walked ahead into his office. There, sitting in his new chair, was none other than Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin.

"Ozzie!" The Joker exclaimed, "Long time no see! What brings you down here to The Mayor's office? Business? Pleasure? A bit of both? HA HA!"

Oswald got up from the Jokers desk and moved around front to converse with the sadistic clown. Normally he hated to lower himself to work with such monsters, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“I am here because as you probably know by know Batman has been missing for some time. And with Sionis and Dent here running the law and order divisions respectively, I am worried about where I fit in this mad house you've assembled. Gotham needs the mobs in order to survive economically and who better to run them then myself. Make no mistake, I will take control of the mobs whether you want me to or not, but I came to you first in order to avoid a gang war. With Batman gone we can bleed this city dry and all become richer than our wildest dreams. Waugh Waugh. I do have one condition though. Dent must return control of the Iceberg Lounge to me. What do you say?”

Oswald stretch out his hand to shake on the deal.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"You ever heard the term 'needle in a haystack'?" Kyle asked Sinestro as the landed in Denver. He had never been in the city before, which was going to make their little endeavor all the harder. Assuming, of course, J'onn was even here.

"I don't suppose he'd be listed."

[wiegeabo]

"You ever heard the term 'needle in a haystack'?" Kyle asked Sinestro as the landed in Denver. He had never been in the city before, which was going to make their little endeavor all the harder. Assuming, of course, J'onn was even here.

"I don't suppose he'd be listed."

"Listed in what?"

This was going to be a problem. Denver was apparently another very large city with a massive population. We could always try to scan for the Manhunter's lifesign, but that assumes he would scan differently then humans when he is in human form. It would just be a waste of time if that were true.

Ah, of course. it's so obvious. I turn to Kyle. "The Manhunter is a telepath. So, try opening your mind to him. Call him to us."

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle closed his eyes and thought hard.

"J'onn, you out there? It's Kyle. We need your help."

[Nightwing]

Ra’s slanted his head to the left to avoid the arrow heading towards him. He pulled the other arrow from out his shoulder, clenched his fist and stabbed Beetle in the leg with it. As Beetle looked up Ra’s smashed him away with the back of his hand.

Ra’s kicked a sword to his hand from the floor and paced towards Green Arrow.

"Now worries Roy, I like being the center of attention. I'm actually honored Ra's chose me, we're both old men."

I have a little problem with getting cocky in every dangerous situation I end up in, Ra's was drawing near me swinging his sword in all directions. I'm no swordsman, so hopefully I want get anything chopped off...

"Wheres the virus Ra's??"

I yelled to him asking for the virus even though it wouldn't help me, I have to slow down his pace. He gets to me, and swings at my chest.

"GAH!!!"

He gutted me directly across my chest, and the sword ripped right through my suit. I started bleeding forcefully, as I grabbed my wound in order to stop it from drawing more blood, he took another swing but this time I rolled out of the way. I've also trained with my bow incase all my arrows run out on me and I'm defenseless, it's pretty hard hitting. Now would be a damn good time to use it.

I grab it, and we start dueling and exchanging blows. When I went for a a block, Ra's cut the string to my bow and chipped some of it's wood off.

"Jesus! This is only about the 70th bow I go through. Hey Ra's, quick question, how do you fair against grenades?"

I pulled the pin of one of the grenades in my shell, and threw it at him. Also, jumping out of the way so I don't get caught in the explosion...

[Red]

"Now worries Roy, I like being the center of attention. I'm actually honored Ra's chose me, we're both old men."

I have a little problem with getting cocky in every dangerous situation I end up in, Ra's was drawing near me swinging his sword in all directions. I'm no swordsman, so hopefully I want get anything chopped off...

"Wheres the virus Ra's??"

I yelled to him asking for the virus even though it wouldn't help me, I have to slow down his pace. He gets to me, and swings at my chest.

"GAH!!!"

He gutted me directly across my chest, and the sword ripped right through my suit. I started bleeding forcefully, as I grabbed my wound in order to stop it from drawing more blood, he took another swing but this time I rolled out of the way. I've also trained with my bow incase all my arrows run out on me and I'm defenseless, it's pretty hard hitting. Now would be a damn good time to use it.

I grab it, and we start dueling and exchanging blows. When I went for a a block, Ra's cut the string to my bow and chipped some of it's wood off.

"Jesus! This is only about the 70th bow I go through. Hey Ra's, quick question, how do you fair against grenades?"

I pulled the pin of one of the grenades in my shell, and through it at him. Also, jumping out of the way so I don't get caught in the explosion...

Ra’s lunged forward avoiding the grenade’s explosion. As Ollie backed away and reached for his bow, Ra’s darted behind him, grabbed him at the neck and stiffened his fingers then drove them into Ollie’s spine.

Ra’s released his grip on Green Arrow, letting him collapse on the floor. He made a gesture to his men to finish him off and gracefully strolled away.

[Green Lantern]

Ra’s lunged forward avoiding the grenade’s explosion. As Ollie backed away and reached for his bow, Ra’s darted behind him, grabbed him at the neck and stiffened his fingers then drove them into Ollie’s spine.

Ra’s released his grip on Green Arrow, letting him collapse on the floor. He made a gesture to his men to finish him off and gracefully stroll away."Ollie!!" Crap, Roy, think! Thats two of us he's gone through with no problem. Gotta stall and wait for Bats...

Roy looked up and saw massive light fixtures hanging over Ra's' head, held up by a massive chain. That looks promising, what can I use?
Roy dug through his quiver until he found one of the few trick arrows he still carried; a highly explosive grenade arrow. He nocked it, pretending to aim it at Ra's but angling the arrow up just enough to not go noticed and still be on his alternate target.

He let it fly and as Ra's moved to dodge the arrow it flew well over his head, exploding at contact with the chain and bringing the fixture down on Ra's.

[TheCorpulent1]

Keystone City
The home of Jay and Joan Garrick

The hours crawled by at the hospital, but Jay and Bart are now fully recovered and Joan invited us to the house to regroup after the craziness of the day. Sitting here on the couch in the Garricks' living room, surrounded by my wife and friends... I finally feel like I've come back home. But even now I can't quite wrap my head around Linda's mysteriously restored pregnancy. It's still kind of surreal... my wife and I will soon be bringing two new lives into this world.

Jay, Joan, and Bart all congratulated us after overcoming their own shock.

"Well, it is theoretically possible," Jay admitted after hearing Linda's scenario. "Maybe I can run some tests and see if there's any residual chronal energy..." Ever the scientist.

Joan, on the other hand, took a different approach: "Oh, hush, Jay! It's a miracle, you two, plain and simple. So long as the baby's healthy, why not just leave it at that and be happy?"

"Can't argue with that," I say.

"So, like, do you know what they are yet?"

"Um... yeah, Bart. They're babies."

"I know that!" Bart says impatiently. "I mean, are they two boys, a boy and a girl, what?"

"We don't know yet," I begin.

"And we're not going to until they're born. We want it to be a surprise," Linda finishes. She looks at me. "Right?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I think a surprise would be good. It's already been what must be the most surprising pregnancy ever; why not keep the theme going?" I smile and kiss Linda.

"Spew," Bart mutters. "We got any food, Joan? I'm starving." He wanders off to the kitchen.

"So, have you two decided where you're going to be living now?" Jay asks.

"Well--" Linda begins, unsure.

"Our old apartment."

She turns her puzzled face to me. "What?"

"Yeah. The whole building was leveled and, while I was rebuilding it just as it was before, I realized how many memories the place brought back. I thought it'd be good for us, and I took a quick peek at the records--it's still vacant. Has been since we moved out."

"You rebuilt it just as it was?"

"Every detail. I was going to surprise you, but since Jay brought it up... well... Surprise!"

"Oh, Wally, that's wonderful!"

"I'm glad you like it." I stand up and Speed Force energy surrounds me, forming my costume. "Why don't you get some rest now, hon? It's been a long day."

"Where are you off to?"

"Keystone City is safe again, but it wasn't my doing. I owe a big 'thank you' to some friends."

"Oh. All right, then."

I kiss her on the forhead and turn to leave. "Take it easy, Jay. Bye, Joan. Make sure Bart stays out of trouble."

"I heard that!" Bart yells from the kitchen.

"Tell Superman I said hi," Linda says as I walk to the door.

"Will do."

"And--" I turn back to Linda "--that I think it's terrible what they're putting him through."

"Got it." I start leaving again and make it as far as the door this time.

"Oh, and tell Captain Marvel to say hi to Billy Batson for me. It's been ages since I saw him last at that press convention..."

"Okey-doke." I just wait by the door this time.

"Well?"

"Well?"

"What are you waiting for?"

"Just making sure you're really done this time."

"I am. Go."

"Gone."

[SuperFerret]

Scarecrow headed backed towards Arkham. He has learned that somebody has come and replaced the Bat in his absences. He was not going to allow some replacement come and destroy everything. This person was to be brought to Arkham and lock away in the deepest and darkest cell. Left there for them to be forgotten and rot. He enter Arkham and went into his office where one of his assitants was waiting for him.

"Please inform Mr. Dent, Black Mask, and the Joker about our sitution conserning the masked mence and also tell our newly freed associates to meet me in the next room"

"Yes..ssir" the man walked out of his the office. A few minutes later Scarecrow went into the next room where Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, and the Ventriloquist.

"Now gentlemen and lady it's been said that Batman has disappear from this city and we our free to roam the streets again. Me and my assiociates have taken this opportunity to seize control of all of Gotham but somebody has try to disturb are power", Scarecrow takes his scythe and drags it across the wall, "this will not do. We must eradicate the force that has appear. We must place him where they have placed us time and time again. Now go...go and cause chaos get this mence out into the open and bring them back alive." They start to leave but Scarecrow grabs Croc by the arm, "I said you're working security", he stops and stays behind.

I wait until everyone else, aside from Croc and the Scarecrow leave, only then I move from my spot in the corner. Throughout Crane's speech I've made a disgusted face. Imagine, me; Edward Nigma; the Riddler; the man who fooled the world's finest heroes, Batman and Superman, and poisoned half of Metropolis; doing grunt work. Preposterous.

"Dr. Crane, I believe I'm not very cut out for the whole smashing of heads deal, nor am I very willing to engage in base violence. So, if you don't mind, (not that that matters to me either way) I'll be on my way."

I tip my hat to them and leave, whistling a tune and twirling my cane.

[Electro UK]

Oswald got up from the Jokers desk and moved around front to converse with the sadistic clown. Normally he hated to lower himself to work with such monsters, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“I am here because as you probably know by know Batman has been missing for some time. And with Sionis and Dent here running the law and order divisions respectively, I am worried about where I fit in this mad house you've assembled. Gotham needs the mobs in order to survive economically and who better to run them then myself. Make no mistake, I will take control of the mobs whether you want me to or not, but I came to you first in order to avoid a gang war. With Batman gone we can bleed this city dry and all become richer than our wildest dreams. Waugh Waugh. I do have one condition though. Dent must return control of the Iceberg Lounge to me. What do you say?”

Oswald stretch out his hand to shake on the deal.

What did this fool think he was doing? The mobs of Gotham was Black Masks game, not this fat idiots. How did he expect to even think of opposing Roman if he had the police and shadowmask on his side? Not waiting for Joker's reply, he let out.

"You'll do no such thing. The mobs arn't your game fat man. That's my job, and my job alone." he shot a quick look at Dent through his words. "Joker won't put in the mobs under the control of you, he's crazy, but he's not stupid." he signaled two police men to stand behind him. In a sense, it made him look more powerfull.

"Seriously Joker, what job do you have for this idiot? He driving in the ice-cream van around Gotham?"

[TheCorpulent1]

I speed through the streets of Keystone until I spot one of the three heroes I'm looking for. I race up beside him.

"Heya, Plas."

"Bwaah--Flash?! Geez, you scared the bajeezus out of me. Gettin' so a guy can't even bounce around town without someone sneakin' up on him."

"Good to see you haven't changed, Eel."

"Me? Never! It'd disappoint the ladies too much, know what I'm sayin'?" Plastic Man's cartoonish eye extends out of his sunshades and winks.

"Yeah, I'll bet."

"But enough about me, what about you? You're lookin' sharp in the company colors again! I hear you and Zoom tore it up just like the good old days while us slowpokes were muckin' around on this side of the light barrier."

"My powers finally came back to me thanks to... thanks to an old friend. I'm back and Zoom's gone, and hopefully this time it's for good on both counts."

"Glad to hear. I've missed ya. Capes with a decent sense of humor are so hard to find." He shifts his body into a cartoonishly muscular Superman form. "They're all, 'No time for jokes, good citizen, I'm here to protect and serve and be boring beyond belief!'"

He returns to normal. Well, normal for Plas. "So, what can I do ya for? If you're worried I'm hornin' in your turf, don't worry, I'm on my way out of Keystone. I was just here to see that the main monkey got to Iron Heights when all the craziness broke out. And believe you me, I know a thing or two about craziness."

"On the contrary, I saw that you and Captain Marvel were in the area during the Rogues' attack. I wanted to say thanks. With Zoom taking all my attention, the Rogues could've done a lot more damage if you hadn't been here."

"Aw, shucks, 'tweren't nothin'. Cut it out, you're gonna make me blush!"

"Seriously, Plas... and I know how rare it is to catch you in that kind of mood... thank you. If there's ever anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. I and all of Keystone owe you, big time."

Plas' proportions become more human and less cartoonish. He's actually getting serious. "Listen, Wally... don't mention it. The League may be gone, but that doesn't mean you don't still have friends."

Wow. I'm touched. Plastic Man--Plastic Man--has me nearly tearing up, and not because he managed to superglue Hal's ring to his finger this time! As if Eel feels the emotion of the moment getting a little too close at the same time I do, we both clear our throats roughly and trip over each other's words for a couple of seconds, trying to fill the silence. "Yeah, well, you know, I just really appreciate it and stuff--"

"Yeah, no problem there, champ--"

"--just wanted to, y'know, let you know--"

"--what're friends for and all that jazz, right?"

"Well, feel free to stick around the city, if you like. You helped save it; couldn't hurt to enjoy it for a while, right? I'm sure the Garricks would make some room for you in their house."

"No, no, that's all right. You know what they say: 'no rest for the wicked.' And Plastic Man--" He reshapes himself into his usual cartoonish form. "--is as wicked as they come."

"Okay, then. Hey, you know where Captain Marvel took off to? I made a few sweeps of the city looking for both of you, but I couldn't find him."

"He's been hanging around Big Blue's town lately. Metropolis."

"Thanks, Eel." I turn towards Metropolis. "For everything!" I speed off, leaving Plastic Man to resume bouncing as a giant spring again.

OOC: Hope I didn't screw Plastic Man up too badly after SuperFerret's portrayal.

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel circles around Metropolis he sees 3 armed men surrounding an old couple in an alley. Ahhh duty calls.

"Don't hurt us PLEASE!" the old man cries out.

One of the muggers says, "Hey just give us your walet and her purse and we'll walk away. No one has to get hurt."

The old woman says, "But that's all the money we've got, we're on vacation. Where will we stay, how will we eat?"

One of the other muggers says, "Lady we don't care just give us the money and we're on our way."

Marvel hovers just above the muggers and says, "Actually you should care. These people are guests in this city and you gentlemen are setting a bad example for them."

All 3 muggers turn around and their jaws slowly open. One of them says, "Awww man I thought all of the capes we're out of town!" The one in the middle says, "So what he ain't Superman shoot him." Marvel uses the speed of Mercury and gets behind the muggers. He grabs a drain pipe and wraps it around all three muggers. They struggle but can't break free, and Marvel grabs their guns and bends the barrels.

He sees a police car approaching and looks at the old couple. He says, "These men won't trouble you anymore, and I hope you do not judge the city of Metropolis by their standards. Metropolis is a very hospitable city and welcomes those who come to see it's many outstanding features. The police should be able to take over from here. Take Care." The old man replies, "Thank you Captain Marvel. We will keep you in our prayers." Marvel smiles and takes to the skies. Well after all I have seen the last few days a simple mugging is kind of refreshing to deal with. Although I wish there was still a Justice League...I kind of miss the comradery we all shared...maybe someday it'll come back.

[TheCorpulent1]

Ah, Metropolis. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful this city is. Keystone'll always be my home, but Metropolis is the city people see when they think of America, due in no small part to Superman's influence.

It took me a few minutes to get here. I was taking it slow at around 15,000 mph, enjoying the view, waving at the cars as I passed. Now I run through the streets, searching the skies for a familiar sight. Not Superman this time, but Captain Marvel, who's kind of been filling in for the big man around here, according to Jay. It doesn't take me long to find him--I just follow the sound of sirens and look up. A 6'2" red giant with a big lightning bolt on his chest tends to stand out, even in this town. He's floating upward from between two buildings--a quick check in the alleyway reveals two tourists and a trio of muggers, handily bound by the thick pipe looped around their torsos.

"Hey, Cap!" I call up to him. He doesn't hear me. No problem, I'll just have to get closer.

I race up the side of one building and stop on the roof. "Yo, paging the Big Red Cheese!"

[wiegeabo]

Kyle closed his eyes and thought hard.

"J'onn, you out there? It's Kyle. We need your help."

We stand there and wait for a while. I start to get impatient. Crossing my arms I say, "This isn't working. Either he isn't here, or he doesn't want to respond. I think we're waisting out ti...wait. Do you feel that?" It's like a tickle in my mind through my ring's mental shields.

"I think the Manhunter is trying to respond. Probably trying to determine if he can trust me." I boost the shielding on my mind. I don't like telepaths in my head. Never have. Especially now.

"You talk to him. I...have a thing about telepaths."

[MST3K 4ever]

Ah, Metropolis. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful this city is. Keystone'll always be my home, but Metropolis is the city people see when they think of America, due in no small part to Superman's influence.

It took me a few minutes to get here. I was taking it slow at around 15,000 mph, enjoying the view, waving at the cars as I passed. Now I run through the streets, searching the skies for a familiar sight. Not Superman this time, but Captain Marvel, who's kind of been filling in for the big man around here, according to Jay. It doesn't take me long to find him--I just follow the sound of sirens and look up. A 6'2" red giant with a big lightning bolt on his chest tends to stand out, even in this town. He's floating upward from between two buildings--a quick check in the alleyway reveals two tourists and a trio of muggers, handily bound by the thick pipe looped around their torsos.

"Hey, Cap!" I call up to him. He doesn't hear me. No problem, I'll just have to get closer.

I race up the side of one building and stop on the roof. "Yo, paging the Big Red Cheese!"

Marvel is flying when he hears a familar voice. He looks down and sees the Flash standing on a roof top. He smiles and lands on the roof. He says, "Well well nice to see a friendly face around these parts. What brings you here to Metropolis Flash?"

[SuperFerret]

Ah, this is more like it. The Gotham Museum of Natural History, one of the few places in Gotham not yet touched by the rampant vandalism that's been the norm since Arkham was unleashed. Here is where I will begin to build my own group of followers.

What? Were you thinking that I'd be more inclined to join up with the Joker's little cabinet? Well, let's just say that, unlike my clownish colleague, I do not have any political aspirations. Of course, I will still find them to be useful allies to have, but I won't be revealing my true intentions at this point in time, that'd be too easy, as well as uncharacteristic of me to do so.

After I've laid claim to the Museum (I take a cue from Gotham's days as a No Man's Land and spray paint a large ? on the door to mark my territory), I head over to the GCPD headquarters, now the base of operations of one Roman Sionis, the Black Mask.

[MaskedManJRK]

I grab the bed, push it up to shield myself from the blast. When the smoke clears, I step out of the cell.

I give a nod of thanks to Question as I start off from the cell block to find my gear.

I look to the other rooms and find my cape, cowl, and belt. I slip all off them back on and tap on the comm system in the cowl.

"Attention, Outsiders. This is Batman. Handle Ra's and take out the virus anyway you can."

I look around and see Sage still with me. This might make things difficult. How am I going to explain my situation? "Oh, yeah, by the way, I need to kidnap my illeginamate child from Ra's daughter and bring him with us." Espically with Sage here--he has a worse black and white perspective with these things than I do. Finally I got it.

"I discovered that Ra's has a hostage within the building. Question and I will get him to safety and then join you. Batman out."

I don't like lying to them like this, but I have to, at least until this situation is over.

I turn back to Sage and look him in the...mask-covered eyes.

"I'm afraid you're not done with me yet, Sage. Do you mind giving the 'old man,' as you once put it, a hand?"

[The Question]

I look to the other rooms and find my cape, cowl, and belt. I slip all off them back on and tap on the comm system in the cowl.



"Attention, Outsiders. This is Batman. Handle Ra's and take out the virus anyway you can."

I look around and see Sage still with me. This might make things difficult. How am I going to explain my situation? "Oh, yeah, by the way, I need to kidnap my illeginamate child from Ra's daughter and bring him with us." Espically with Sage here--he has a worse black and white perspective with these things than I do. Finally I got it.



"I discovered that Ra's has a hostage within the building. Question and I will get him to safety and then join you. Batman out."

I don't like lying to them like this, but I have to, at least until this situation is over.



I turn back to Sage and look him in the...mask-covered eyes.



"I'm afraid you're not done with me yet, Sage. Do you mind giving the 'old man,' as you once put it, a hand?"



"Of course. Lead the way."

We walk through the coridors, until we're stopped by a group of Ra's' ninjas.

"So. How do you want to handle this?"

[MaskedManJRK]

"Of course. Lead the way."

We walk through the coridors, until we're stopped by a group of Ra's' ninjas.

"So. How do you want to handle this?"

"You take the four on the left, I'll take the four on my right."

I rush towards my targets, batarangs at hand.

[The Question]

"Allright then."

I charge at our atackers. At the last second, right before I hit one of them, I reach back and pull out the shotgun. I shoot one of the ninjas in the chest, and spin around and shoot the other one in the stomach. The two others grab onto me, one grabbing the barrel of the shotgun. I pull out one of my 45.s, shoot one of the ninjas in the knee, and twist my hand to shoot the other in the leg. I smack one across the face with the shutgun and kick him in the stomach, slamming him into a nearby wall headfirst. The other, though injured, charges at me. He punches, I dodge. I punch, he dodges. He's good. They're all good, and the only reason I'm not dead right now is because I did something unexpected. I guess I should do something else unexpected.

"I give up."

He pauses for a breif moment. In that moement, I smack him over the head with the shotgun and kick him in the nads.


That was fun.


I reload the shotgun.

[Red]

"Ollie!!" Crap, Roy, think! Thats two of us he's gone through with no problem. Gotta stall and wait for Bats...

Roy looked up and saw massive light fixtures hanging over Ra's' head, held up by a massive chain. That looks promising, what can I use?
Roy dug through his quiver until he found one of the few trick arrows he still carried; a highly explosive grenade arrow. He nocked it, pretending to aim it at Ra's but angling the arrow up just enough to not go noticed and still be on his alternate target.

He let it fly and as Ra's moved to dodge the arrow it flew well over his head, exploding at contact with the chain and bringing the fixture down on Ra's.


Ra’s lifted the lighting fixture off himself. He ran up the near by wall then jump kicked Roy to the ground. “

Finish them” ordered Ra’s to his men and he scaled up the railed and headed down the corridor.

[Nightwing]

Ra’s lunged forward avoiding the grenade’s explosion. As Ollie backed away and reached for his bow, Ra’s darted behind him, grabbed him at the neck and stiffened his fingers then drove them into Ollie’s spine.

Ra’s released his grip on Green Arrow, letting him collapse on the floor. He made a gesture to his men to finish him off and gracefully strolled away.

I layed there while Ra's made quick work off me, and it felt like he had seriously broken my back. Not a chance in hell am I going on a wheelchair, I heard silent but deadly footsteps drawing closer to me. Ra's had ordered the rest of his remaining men to do the deed he could have done, but chose not to.

"I'm not going out like this."

Two of the ninjas jumped in the air each holding their own pairs of sais, aiming right for my already damaged chest. I rolled out of the way, and pulled out four arrows from my quiver. With my bow broken, all I have are those and whats left of the crossbow I borrowed. I managed to trip the one on my left, and twisted his ankle with my legs. Next, I finished him off with plunging an arrow straight to his stomach. The other ninja blindly attacked me, and landed one of his sais in my knee.

DAMMIT.

It hurt like hell, and I didn't have any bandages in my beetle shell nor my quiver. I loaded the crossbow as he went around to take another shot, this time my other knee. I turned sideways and shot one directly at his neck, it's not my style to do such a thing and it's not like I enjoyed it either. My only focus now it getting to that virus.

More came out behind me, and I tried as best I could to get my ass up but it was no use. About two mintues after, I succeeded in doing so and hid in a corner wall. Reloading the crossbow again and throwing the remaing arrows I had to the ninjas coming my way.

"Hope you get here soon Bruce..."

[TheCorpulent1]

Marvel is flying when he hears a familar voice. He looks down and sees the Flash standing on a roof top. He smiles and lands on the roof. He says, "Well well nice to see a friendly face around these parts. What brings you here to Metropolis Flash?"
"I wanted to say thanks for helping out in Keystone. Both I and the city owe you a debt, and I intend to pay it in kind. So, got anything you could use an extra pair of hands on?"

[Johnny Blaze]

"Idiot", shouted Eiling to Major Force as the pair, along with a dozen heavily armed soldiers stood face to face in a dimly lit room. Save for a small table and two chairs, the single-door room was bare.
"I give you all the tools, all the man power you need, and you can't take down two metas!? What the hell good are you, Major, if you can't complete such a simple mission?"

"It wasn't my fault, sir", answered Major Force, "they were no ordinary metas, and the kid's gotten better at using the weapon."

"I don't want to hear excuses, Major. You failed. Plain and simple. Now...get out of my sight."

"Yes sir", said Force as he straightened himself up and gave the General a salute before turning and leaving the room.

As the Major left, along with half of the armed men in the room, General Wade Eiling sighed and massaged his temples.
"Jesus, help me...I'm surrounded by incompetence."

Just then, an orderly burst into the room carrying a small phone. Giving a salute to the General, the man handed Eiling the phone.
"It's the lab, sir. They say it's urgent."

"Thank you, soldier", said Eiling as he took the phone from the young man, "that will be all."
With a salute, the orderly turned and left the room.

"This better be good news, Professor..."

"...really..."

"...yes..."

"Excellent! How many are ready for field testing?"

"Good...I'm twenty minutes away, so I'll be there in five. I want them ready for inspection."

Eiling turned off the phone and immediately turned to one of the soldiers in the room.
"Go tell them to bring the jeep around. I want to be out of here and on the road in sixty. Understood?"

"Yes, sir", said the soldier with a salute before running out of the room.

Good help was so hard to find these days. Especially with more and more metas being discovered every day. The balance of power on this planet had shifted, and Eiling did not like the direction it was headed in. The metas could not be controlled anymore, and they had to be stopped. One way or another.
And, if this new project was successful, they would be. And then the world would belong to him.

Eiling moved through the hallways of the complex, lost in thought and giving half salutes to all of the soldiers he passed.
Making his way outside the building, Wade Eiling found that his jeep was already running and waiting for him.
"Sir", said the driver as he opened the General's door for him, and closed it after Eiling entered the vehicle.
"Let's go, son, and be quick about it", said Eiling as the soldier sat down in the driver's seat.

"Yes sir", answered the soldier as he stepped on the gas.

The jeep sped off into the night, heading towards the research labs down the road.
He may not show it on the outside, but, inside, Eiling was nervous. His entire future was hanging on the outcome of this project. If it should fail, he would fail.
And that was something Eiling could not tolerate.

[twylight]

The dark figure stood atop a high building in the business district of Gotham City, across the street the GCPD headquarters burned in the night, every window lit and movement inside each one. A stark contrast to the rest of the city which had plunged it’s self into darkness. Doors were locked, curtains were drawn, and even during the day the City was a ghost town. The population that had stayed while most had fled lived in fear, not even vandals strayed out to loot the empty shops and houses.

The soft sound of shoes caused the woman to turn.

“They’ve been busy.” Ricky’s voice came from behind her.

“Your boss is quite high up now.”
She said staring at the black figures through the curtained window. She’d been watching this building for a while and an hour ago Penguin had entered.

“Yes, but what’s happening, it’s not good for Gotham.”

“Not good for the mobs.”

A slight little laugh came.

“True.”

Silence envelopes them.

“I want every shipment that comes into the city taken. Whoever handles the operation, I want them separated at all times. Each operation will be compartmentalized, air-tight. No sharing of information.” She said.

“The ‘taken’ shipment’s will be divided up through Gotham, guns in several places, ammo in another. The people who handle the taking will not converse or know the people who are ‘seeding’ the products through the city. Likewise people within the seeding won’t know where the other stashes are.”

She said not turning, her voice low and level. It had taken her some time to figure out her fights. She’d fight from two fronts, the Mob’s and the Joker.
The mobs were an easier battle, simple usurp mob control which would still be useful after the Jokers scheme had blown over.
The Joker was harder, she’d have to hunt them down, one by one, make it look like they were cheating each other.

“I’ll get right on it.” Ricky said turning

“Jimmy’s diner, Friday, 7:00” He stopped and turned around.

“What?”

She turned halfway to him and smiled, a smile only showing in her eyes the rest covered in a black mask.

“Our date?” She said lightly.

Ricky smiled and raised his eyebrows.
“Oh, right. Sorry I can’t take you someplace more refined.”

“You don’t like hamburgers and swing music?”

“Hey, I can swing with the best of them.”

They studied each other grinning before he flipped a jaunty little salute and turned.

“Good night.”

[Batman]

Oswald got up from the Jokers desk and moved around front to converse with the sadistic clown. Normally he hated to lower himself to work with such monsters, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“I am here because as you probably know by know Batman has been missing for some time. And with Sionis and Dent here running the law and order divisions respectively, I am worried about where I fit in this mad house you've assembled. Gotham needs the mobs in order to survive economically and who better to run them then myself. Make no mistake, I will take control of the mobs whether you want me to or not, but I came to you first in order to avoid a gang war. With Batman gone we can bleed this city dry and all become richer than our wildest dreams. Waugh Waugh. I do have one condition though. Dent must return control of the Iceberg Lounge to me. What do you say?”

Oswald stretch out his hand to shake on the deal.

Two-Face wanted to blast Oswald's head off. Harvey Dent... Well, had something similar in mind. Either way, this was pathetic. Why keep the bird around anyway? He was an annoyance, at best. Two-Face was proud of taking everything that mattered away from The Penguin... There was no way he was willing to give it back.

...Yet, at the same time, The Joker had given him power. And not just any power. Power as District Attorney over Gotham City... something he wouldn't have been able to seize, without the Joker's help. The citizens of Gotham would've never stood for a DA with two halves of a mind... or a face... but now, they didn't have a choice. Two-Face not only had power... He had immunity.

Well? What do you think?
I don't like it. Oswald can go to hell, For all I care. But we're under Joker, now. We're following the clown's decision.
That may be something you'll regret.
I know, I know... But for now, what choice do we have? If we turn against the clown, He'll have the entire police force ontop of us before we can say anything. He calls the shots now, Dent... Just like WE call the shots in the courts. Do you really wanna lose that?
...No. I... I suppose not...

Two-Face looked at The Joker.

"Well? You're The Mayor. You Make The Damned Decision."

[MaskedManJRK]

"Allright then."

I charge at our atackers. At the last second, right before I hit one of them, I reach back and pull out the shotgun. I shoot one of the ninjas in the chest, and spin around and shoot the other one in the stomach. The two others grab onto me, one grabbing the barrel of the shotgun. I pull out one of my 45.s, shoot one of the ninjas in the knee, and twist my hand to shoot the other in the leg. I smack one across the face with the shutgun and kick him in the stomach, slamming him into a nearby wall headfirst. The other, though injured, charges at me. He punches, I dodge. I punch, he dodges. He's good. They're all good, and the only reason I'm not dead right now is because I did something unexpected. I guess I should do something else unexpected.

"I give up."

He pauses for a breif moment. In that moement, I smack him over the head with the shotgun and kick him in the nads.


That was fun.


I reload the shotgun.

I hear the large buckshots of a shotgun in the distance as I break a ninja's arm and throw him to the wall.

Me and Sage will have a little talk about that when we're done here.

Another ninja comes towards me with his sword. I grab the blade with my hands and break the sword. I use the broken sword to stab him straight through his foot. Stuck on the ground, I give him a good right cross and then a high kick to the stomach.

The other two gang up on me, one on my front, the other on my back, throwing me to the ground. I find the last ninja's broken sword and stab the one at my front in the hand with it. I grab his sword out of his scabbard and bash him in the face with the handle.

The one on my back grabs at my at the throat, attempting to choke me. I stand up and start ramming him at the walls. He eventually drops to the floor.

I grab the sword and point it right towards his neck, I crouch down to his level and get close to his face.

"Where is he?"

"The Demon's Head--"

"No. Where is HE?"

I almost see a smile under his black material mask.

"Who?"

"You know who I'm talking about, pawn." The blade goes farther towards the ninja's neck. "Where. Is. He?" He gets closer to me--though still minding the blade near a vital place--and whispers to me.

"Are you afraid, Detective? Are you afraid what your friends might say if they find out that you aim to kidnap your own s--"

I give him a paper cut-like slice at the throat, silencing his mockery and giving a howl instead.

"You think I won't finish you off?!" I start poking through the skin with the blade. "WHERE IS IBN?!!?"

"HE'S IN THE MASTER'S QUARTERS! It's the top level..." I take the blade away from his neck and stand up.

"See? That wasn't so hard."

I give him a cheap shot below the belt and then kick him in the face, knocking him out.

I look back to see Sage looking at me, but I'm not sure how.

"Let's go."

[The Question]

I relode the shotgun.

"After you, fearless leader."

I begin to walk up behind Bruce.

"And before you get into a moral hissy fit, the gun's loaded with rocksalt. Nobody's dead. Yet."

[MaskedManJRK]

I relode the shotgun.

"After you, fearless leader."

I begin to walk up behind Bruce.

"And before you get into a moral hissy fit, the gun's loaded with rocksalt. Nobody's dead. Yet."

"I was actually going to wait until the situation is over before going into a 'moral hissy fit,' but thank you for letting me know."

We get to a huge lift that looks like it takes us to the top. Now, I have to figure out a way to get Ibn without Question noticing anything funny.

"Sage, stay here and look-out. If anyone comes our way, warn me and fend them off."

I get on the lift and press the button to go up.

[The Question]

Before I can say 'but Batman, wouldn't it be safer if we stuck together', he's gone.


Joy.

[Green Lantern]

Ra’s lifted the lighting fixture off himself. He ran up the near by wall then jump kicked Roy to the ground. “

Finish them” ordered Ra’s to his men and he scaled up the railed and headed down the corridor.The kick caught Roy momentarily off guard, and Ra's had already vanished in the seconds it took Roy to get up. He was now surrounded by ninjas, closing in on him. He saw that Ted was in the same situation, and couldn't see Ollie. Hope the old codger's alright. Already had one funeral for him, don't need another.

Roy pulled out his crossbow, and scanned the ground for his long bow, four ninjas stood in the way. "Cockroach! You alright? We need to find Ra's or someone who knows about the virus!" Just then he spotted the big bald guy who had been with Ra's. Dick told me about these guys... Ubus a tribe of bodyguards for the Demon. If anyone in here knows, its him.

He was closing in on Roy with about another dozen ninjas. Roy shot two that were near his bow in the knees, clearing a gap to the bow as they fell. He used their bodies to spring board and deliver a split kick to the other two to their sides. He rolled into his landing, and picked up the bow, the seven remaining ninjas now approaching from one side. He started aiming bolts and firing them into shoulder blades. With two ninjas and Ubu left, he reached for a bolt, and found only air. S**t! Just my luck! He started swing the long bow like a staff and knocked the two regular ninjas out with concussions.
Roy stared into the chest of the bald man. A good seven feet, he towered over Roy.

"Come on big boy! You know the old saying... The bigger they come..."

He swung his bow, only to have it splinter on contact.

"Uh the harder your weapon has to be?"

Ubu threw Roy into the nearby wall, and started walking over to Roy's slumped body to finish the job.

Thats it.... keep coming.... I'll play maimed for you buddy.

Roy was palming his two pistols as Ubu got within point blank range. Two shots rang out and Ubu's knees exploded in mists of red. "YAAAAAAAARRRGH!"

"Now. Ubu, is it? Tell me where the virus is being held and how to destroy it, or I start breaking things."

"I tell infidel nothing!"

"Suit yourself." Roy snapped the pinky of Ubu's right hand in three pieces. The giant let out a blood curdling scream. "Next goes something more painful." Roy leveled a pistol onto the flesh of Ubu's shoulder. "The force from the shot would not only rip through the muscle, at this range it would shatter your shoulder blade, and trust me that hurts. After that its somewhere important to continuing your line. The choice is yours."

"I tell infidel nothing!"

Through the muffled sound of the shot, you heard bones shatter, followed by another blood curdling scream. Roy leveled the gun to Ubu's groin.

"Fine! Fine! Virus is down that tunnel. Heat vulnerable." Ubu pointed down the tunnel that Ra's had gone down. Roy kneeed Ubu in the face to knock him out, then for good measure stepped hard where the gun had been aiming.

"Smart choice big guy. GUYS! VIRUS IS THIS WAY! FOLLOW ME!"

Roy turned and ran towards the hallway.

[MaskedManJRK]

I go up the lift before Sage can say anything. I look down and see that I still have the sword in my hand. Odd that I didn't notice that. I sheth it in-between the costume and the belt.

I get to the top level and see the massive room around me--he may talk about bringing things back to simplacity, but Ra's always seems to walk around in luxury.

I see no movement, so I walk further into the room to look for Ibn. After a few seconds, I see the absurdity of that and stand still.

"Do you think I'm that stupid? Do you honestly believe that Ra's wouldn't have Ibn protected by some Ubu's? Just come out of the shadows already and let's get this over with."

Before I even finish my last sentence I hear feet leaping behind me. I glance and see an Ubu gunning towards me, I grab him by the arm and throw him over a few dozen feet away, landing on a shelf with a crash.

By the time I glance back around the room, there are at least fifteen Ubus and ninjas all surrounding me. I grab some shroukin Batarangs out of my belt and hold them between all of my fingers on both hands.

"Who's first?"

They all walk towards me.

"Fair enough, but it's still not fair enough for you."

I throw the shroukins at the two nearest ninjas, stabbing them in their arms, causing them to drop their swords. I bang their heads together and sweep them off their feet, grabbing one of the other swords and ****hing it on the other side of me.

I throw a flash-bang granade and quickly grab one of the ninjas and holding him near as the explosion knocked most of them off their feet. The ninja I have gets most of the concussion and I calmly drop him to the floor, quickly giving him a kick to the back of his head.

I go quickly, knocking more and more of them into complete unconsciencous. I don't make it fast enough, for the last of the ninjas grab my foot and throw me down on the ground. As he's about to strattle me, I grab him and throw him to the ground, knee him below the belt, and jab him in the solar plexus. The last moments of consciousness was my final, jabbing comment.

"Next time, you can be on top."

I stand up and look around. Still no Ibn, where...

Suddenly I feel a dagger at the base of my spine.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving the world from dangerous, zealot terrorists. Yourself?"

"Holding my false father at knifepoint."

"Interesting. You do know that my costume is triple-weave kevlar, and your dagger wouldn't even tickle me, right?"

Suddenly, my knee is kicked in, I'm dropped to the ground, and Ibn puts the blade towards the top of my mouth.

There was a reason why I left my mouth exposed, I know there was; I just don't remember it right now...

"Don't play games with me, 'father,' you were coming for me."

"I would say something about the saving the world part still being true, with you being part of my world and such, but that would sound really cheesy, wouldn't it?"

"Extremely. What makes you think I want to leave with you?"

"Actually, the thought didn't cross my mind. But, you are my son, and I'm going to take you away from these people."

"You're too late to start acting like a real father, Detective--"

"First off, don't call me that--call me Batman, Bruce, hell, even call me ass-hole, if you want, but don't call me 'Detective.'

"Second...I know I screwed up. I know I haven't been a father to you. All I'm asking is for you to let me try. Please, leave this horrorible people and let me try."

Despite the starlight lenses, I can see him looking me square in the eyes. He looks down for a moment and I see his hand loosening his grip on the dagger.

"...No."

The grip becomes tighter and and he looks me square in the eye. He doesn't look me his mother, or my father, or even me.

He looks like Ra's.

That almost makes what I have to do easier. Almost.

"I'm so sorry, son, but...but that wasn't a request."

I quickly use one hand to take the dagger away and the other jabs into the back of his neck, hitting the nerve endings and making him pass out.

I'm sorry, Ibn. I'm sorry, but I have the responciblities of a father now, and that includes taking you away from where you're not safe.

I put him over my shoulder and start walking back to the lift. I press down on the lever and we're brought back to the ground level, where Sage stands still. He turns and sees me, and I'm barely able to look him in the eye.

"We'll get him to safety--wherever your transport is will suffice--then we'll get back here and help the others."

[The Question]

"Who'a the kid? Some politician's son?"

[MaskedManJRK]

"Who'a the kid? Some politician's son?"

"Something like that. Let's just get him to safety and...and I'll tell you on the way back to help the others."

I start walking down the corridor to get out of the facility. I hope he'll understand when I lay down the atom bomb...

[MST3K 4ever]

"I wanted to say thanks for helping out in Keystone. Both I and the city owe you a debt, and I intend to pay it in kind. So, got anything you could use an extra pair of hands on?"

Marvel replies, "I was honored to help out when I could. You and the good people of Keystone city owe me nothing. Everything is kind of quiet right now. I am just doing standard patroling stuff right now." He takes a bit of a deep breath and says, "Although to be honest with you. I know this going to sound like a cleche, but it's too quiet. I don't expect it to stay this quiet for long. Luthor is behind everything that has happened to Superman. It can't be proven yet, but I fully expect some of Superman's rouges to show themselves sooner or later. I just have a feeling with him out of the way that sooner or later they're going to try & take advantage of the situation."

Marvel looks at flash and says, "You know what though. I'd hate to think you came all this way for nothing. So why don't I take the North & East end of town. You cover the South & West end we'll meet back here. Deal?"

[dtorn4]

Oswald just ignored what Black Mask and Two-Face had said. Their opinions meant nothing; he knew Joker was running the show.

“This wasn’t a request. As we speak I am taking control of Gotham Harbor. I have recently acquired a fully-armed, nuclear submarine and have blocked off all ships from entering the docks. And if you two sociopaths,”

Oswald pointed his umbrella in the direction of Two-Face and Black Mask,

“Don’t quiet down I will launch a full scale assault on both of you that you will never recover from. Now gentleman, you can either cut me in on the dividing up of Gotham or we can have a long bloody war, that you have no chance of winning. It’s your decision.”...
http://www.keystar-r-s.com/reviews/pics/comics/dc/Villian_Penguin.jpg

[Spider-Man9X17]

"J'onn, is there somewhere we can talk, in private...No, not your apartment, too risky....OK. Five minutes."

Kyle turned to Sinestro.

"Mile High. Five minutes. He'll be waiting."

[Green Lantern]

Roy ran down the deserted hallway, and something didn't feel right. It ended in a dead end.

There's nothing HERE! That bastard lied to me. I oughta...

"HA INFIDEL! MY BROTHER TRICKED YOU!"

Roy turned around and got a fist the size of a brick delivered straight to the kidney. He coughed up blood as he fell to the ground. He was staring up at another Ubu.

Great just my luck... why is it I always run into the ones built like apartment complexes? Why can't I just run into someone built like a house, or better yet, a straw hut?

Roy pulled one of his pistols and fired up at the man. It just clicked. The chamber was empty, the cartridge spent...

S**t on a stick... this is gonna suck.

Ubu's leg swung out, sending Roy into the back wall and the gun from Roy's hand.

"AHAHAH. NO WEAPONS INFIDEL!"

"Swhat you think, ya lummox."

Roy unholstered the other gun from his side and dumped the clip out of it.

Only half spent. Damn. Why didn't I try this one first? Oh well.

He got a spare clip off his belt and reloaded the gun. Then he tossed the partial above Ubu's head, and fired two shots at it. The ceiling fell in pieces on the brute.

"...you may have won against me, infidel, but you are too late to stop the master's plans."

[wiegeabo]

Rayner stands with his eyes closed for a few moments. Obviously in contact with the Martian. I have no idea what they are saying, but there is no way I am dropping my mental shields to find out.

Rayner turns to me.

"Mile High. Five minutes. He'll be waiting."

"Excellent. If the Martian joins, our mission will become much easier. Shall we go?"

[Spike_x1]

"Why are you all willing to risk your lives? How many more times does this creature have to turn against humanity before we finally take precautions? First harassing and threatening various ambassadors of the United Nations, then bringing the Unity menace to our planet, and now he callously and randomly decides to endanger innocent citizens in the streets? Where do we draw the line?"

The courtroom murmured loudly. Over half of the people could be seen nodding to varying degrees. The others were practically glaring at Lex Luthor for daring to tarnish their precious Alien's reputation.

Superman stared back at Luthor from his containment unit. His eyes were a blend of subtle anger, but heavy with grief. Could it be possible that the all mighty "Superman" was actually starting to believe the words coming out of Luthor's mouth? The expression on the Alien's face was more than worth all of the trouble it took to get to this point. Superman was doubting himself, and that alone gave Lex Luthor a more valuable feeling of success than he could ever ask for.

"If it were any of the more usual supercriminal threats that had caused these attacks on our fellow man, such as Nathaniel Tryon or Alexander Trent," Lex looked at the African American judge, knowing that the mention of Alex Trent, aka the murderously racist supervillain Bloodsport, would likely strike a nerve in Luthor's favor, "would we really be so leery of sending them to Strykers Island for these crimes? Yes, I will be the first to admit that Superman has saved us hundreds of times. I will also admit that, until recent years, I loathed Superman pure and simple. But he helped me to get through the nightmares of my haunted psyche and now it's my turn to help him, whether he wants it or not."

Lex gestured first to the crowd in the courtroom, then out the window, to the vast Metropolitan city before them. His city.

"How many times does our Superman have to betray us before we decide to stand up and start fighting for ourselves against the kind of threat that he has become?" Luthor pointed at Superman with an unwavering hand. Pure, unbridled hate was screaming from his eyes, as if the two men were the only ones in the room. The only ones in the world. The only ones in the whole damn universe. "By definition, Superman is also now a supervillain. Stryker's Island Penitentiary is where he belongs."

[LibrarianThorne]

"Why are you all willing to risk your lives? How many more times does this creature have to turn against humanity before we finally take precautions? First harassing and threatening various ambassadors of the United Nations, then bringing the Unity menace to our planet, and now he callously and randomly decides to endanger innocent citizens in the streets? Where do we draw the line?"

The courtroom murmured loudly. Over half of the people could be seen nodding to varying degrees. The others were practically glaring at Lex Luthor for daring to tarnish their precious Alien's reputation.

Superman stared back at Luthor from his containment unit. His eyes were a blend of subtle anger, but heavy with grief. Could it be possible that the all mighty "Superman" was actually starting to believe the words coming out of Luthor's mouth? The expression on the Alien's face was more than worth all of the trouble it took to get to this point. Superman was doubting himself, and that alone gave Lex Luthor a more valuable feeling of success than he could ever ask for.

"If it were any of the more usual supercriminal threats that had caused these attacks on our fellow man, such as Nathaniel Tryon or Alexander Trent," Lex looked at the African American judge, knowing that the mention of Alex Trent, aka the murderously racist supervillain Bloodsport, would likely strike a nerve in Luthor's favor, "would we really be so leery of sending them to Strykers Island for these crimes? Yes, I will be the first to admit that Superman has saved us hundreds of times. I will also admit that, until recent years, I loathed Superman pure and simple. But he helped me to get through the nightmares of my haunted psyche and now it's my turn to help him, whether he wants it or not."

Lex gestured first to the crowd in the courtroom, then out the window, to the vast Metropolitan city before them. His city.

"How many times does our Superman have to betray us before we decide to stand up and start fighting for ourselves against the kind of threat that he has become?" Luthor pointed at Superman with an unwavering hand. Pure, unbridled hate was screaming from his eyes, as if the two men were the only ones in the room. The only ones in the world. The only ones in the whole damn universe. "By definition, Superman is also now a supervillain. Stryker's Island Penitentiary is where he belongs."

Luthor. It always came down to Luthor. And now the question that weighed most heavily on Superman's mind was a simple one. Was Lex Luthor right about him?

They'd battled so many times over the years. When he was President, when he wasn't. When he was his own son, and when he gave up that charade. Even when they were dead, they fought, their ideas perpetually locked in an endless battle. The reality of humanity against the ideals of humanity.

Then he thought, as he often did, of Lois. Of the League. Of the Daily Planet and the friends he'd made over the years.. Where he'd misstepped, they had caught him. When they needed him, he had been there for them. And now, in his darkest hour, they were all there for him. He had seen them as he was brought into the chamber. The Justice Society, heroes to him and his adoptive father. Members of the Titans, like Starfire and Cyborg. Representatives from at least a dozen nations. All come to show their support for him.

But did he deserve their respect? That question, too, ran through his mind. He thought of the past, then. He thought of Keystone, and the lives he'd saved there. Then he thought of the work he'd done in drought weary Africa and India, work that had saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Millions across the globe would be dead now if not for him. Even he had lost count of how many times he'd saved the planet itself. Mageddon, Brainiac-13, Imperiex, he'd played key roles in saving the entire world.

The judge, an older gentleman with a fine mustache and neatly trimmed gray hair, leaned forward. "The defense may now cross examine," he said.

Superman looked up, determination shining in his eyes. These twelve people were going to decide his fate. But before they did, he'd have one last sparring match with his old rival.

He addressed Luthor from the device that constrained him. "Mr. Luthor, would you please define what a super villain is?"

[Keyser Soze]

Oswald just ignored what Black Mask and Two-Face had said. Their opinions meant nothing; he knew Joker was running the show.

“This wasn’t a request. As we speak I am taking control of Gotham Harbor. I have recently acquired a fully-armed, nuclear submarine and have blocked off all ships from entering the docks. And if you two sociopaths,” Oswald pointed his umbrella in the direction of Two-Face and Black Mask, “Don’t quiet down I will launch a full scale assault on both of you that you will never recover from. Now gentleman, you can either cut me in on the dividing up of Gotham or we can have a long bloody war, that you have no chance of winning. It’s your decision.”...
http://www.keystar-r-s.com/reviews/pics/comics/dc/Villian_Penguin.jpg

The Joker grinned knowingly at The Penguin. He had listened to the arguments of Two-Face and Black Mask. And then he had listened to The Penguin's threats. Now, it was time to make a decision. Boy, being The Mayor was fun!

"Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie," he cooed, "We're old friends! There's no need to make threats. You have a nuclear submarine, good for you. I too have a little weapon of mass destruction. Remember the device that wiped out Bludhaven? That was the miniature prototype version of the real thing! HA HA!"

The Joker hopped up nimbly onto the table, sitting on it cross-legged. Then, he slid along the table and plopped down onto The Penguin's lap. He put his arm around his shoulder, and took the cigarette out his mouth, taking a few puffs.

"But as much fun as a long, bloody way would be, we both know it's pointless. Neither of us want to waste these weapons we have acquired on each other. Bad for business, you see. No, for once, I'm aiming for more than random chaos, my porky friend. Oswald, I have a dream. A dream of a world without superheroes. And you just might be able to help make my dream come true! HA HA!"

The Joker stood up, walking over to Black Mask.

"Roman, you shouldn't be so greedy. I've made you The Commissioner of GCPD. Judging by the stress it put on old man Gordon, that's a full-time job.
Cobblepot makes a good point. Gotham needs a mob to operate. It always has. But it also needs a police force to negotiate with. I'm sure the two of you will be able to come to a mutually profitable arrangement."

The Joker patted Black Mask on the back, and walked round to Two-Face.

"Harv, you and I both know you already have what you want. This whole crime boss business, it was all a means to an end. It was a pale substitute for your post as DA, which you were unceremoniously ejected from. Well, now you not only have it back, but this time, you have the power to convict whoever the hell you want - with my approval, of course. That's what you always wanted. You don't need to run the underworld anymore!"

The Joker walked back over to his desk, circling round on the spot to make eye contact with everyone.

"So, by the power invested in me, as Mayor of Gotham City, I declare you, Oswald Cobblepot, the new Kingpin of Crime! HAHAHAHAHA! And The Iceberg Lounge? It's yours. So long as we're all granted free VIP membership..."

Yep, being The Mayor WAS fun...

[TheCorpulent1]

Marvel replies, "I was honored to help out when I could. You and the good people of Keystone city owe me nothing. Everything is kind of quiet right now. I am just doing standard patroling stuff right now." He takes a bit of a deep breath and says, "Although to be honest with you. I know this going to sound like a cleche, but it's too quiet. I don't expect it to stay this quiet for long. Luthor is behind everything that has happened to Superman. It can't be proven yet, but I fully expect some of Superman's rouges to show themselves sooner or later. I just have a feeling with him out of the way that sooner or later they're going to try & take advantage of the situation."

Marvel looks at flash and says, "You know what though. I'd hate to think you came all this way for nothing. So why don't I take the North & East end of town. You cover the South & West end we'll meet back here. Deal?"
"Sounds like a plan, big guy." I race off towards southern Metropolis.

[MST3K 4ever]

"Sounds like a plan, big guy." I race off towards southern Metropolis.

Marvel looks as though he wants to say one more thing but Flash is already gone. Well he is enthusiastic I'll give him credit on that.

He takes to the sky and begins his patrol over the city. I just hope things are going well for Superman right now...I still have that uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach that something is bound to happen I wish I could figure out what it was.

[dtorn4]

The Joker grinned knowingly at The Penguin. He had listened to the arguments of Two-Face and Black Mask. And then he had listened to The Penguin's threats. Now, it was time to make a decision. Boy, being The Mayor was fun!

"Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie," he cooed, "We're old friends! There's no need to make threats. You have a nuclear submarine, good for you. I too have a little weapon of mass destruction. Remember the device that wiped out Bludhaven? That was the miniature prototype version of the real thing! HA HA!"

The Joker hopped up nimbly onto the table, sitting on it cross-legged. Then, he slid along the table and plopped down onto The Penguin's lap. He put his arm around his shoulder, and took the cigarette out his mouth, taking a few puffs.

"But as much fun as a long, bloody way would be, we both know it's pointless. Neither of us want to waste these weapons we have acquired on each other. Bad for business, you see. No, for once, I'm aiming for more than random chaos, my porky friend. Oswald, I have a dream. A dream of a world without superheroes. And you just might be able to help make my dream come true! HA HA!"

The Joker stood up, walking over to Black Mask.

"Roman, you shouldn't be so greedy. I've made you The Commissioner of GCPD. Judging by the stress it put on old man Gordon, that's a full-time job.
Cobblepot makes a good point. Gotham needs a mob to operate. It always has. But it also needs a police force to negotiate with. I'm sure the two of you will be able to come to a mutually profitable arrangement."

The Joker patted Black Mask on the back, and walked round to Two-Face.

"Harv, you and I both know you already have what you want. This whole crime boss business, it was all a means to an end. It was a pale substitute for your post as DA, which you were unceremoniously ejected from. Well, now you not only have it back, but this time, you have the power to convict whoever the hell you want - with my approval, of course. That's what you always wanted. You don't need to run the underworld anymore!"

The Joker walked back over to his desk, circling round on the spot to make eye contact with everyone.

"So, by the power invested in me, as Mayor of Gotham City, I declare you, Oswald Cobblepot, the new Kingpin of Crime! HAHAHAHAHA! And The Iceberg Lounge? It's yours. So long as we're all granted free VIP membership..."

Yep, being The Mayor WAS fun...

Something about the sadistic clown touching him made Oswald feel uneasy. But what he said was a completely different story. That was music to Oswald’s ears. He was now Gotham’s kingpin of crime and was also getting his beloved Iceberg Lounge back as well.

“Waugh Waugh. Marvelous. Our partnership will most beneficial to us all.”

Oswald turned to were Two-Face and Black Mask were standing.

“No hard feelings gentlemen.”

Oswald turned back to the Joker.

“So tell me Joker, how exactly do you plan on riding the world of costumed crime fighters, because I most assuredly would like to be a part of that?”…

[Logan Howlett]

Beta Quadrant, Unknown Space

In the deepest reaches of space you will find nothing but silence and cold. Many areas have never even been touched by a life form in centuries or in some cases not at all. It is strange how things can change from one extreme to another.


BOOOOOOOOM!...........BOOOOOM!.........KABOOMKACRA SH!

"HEY! GET OFFA MY FRAGIN ASS YOU BASTICH!"

I can't believe these guys! I frag one little bitty weapons facility and they chase me all through deep space! What a bunch of sausage jockeys!

"Hey pal I told ya, I’m just doin a my job!"

SWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEWCRASH!

"TORPEDOS! FAGIN TOPEDOES! THAT ALL YA GOT!"

I flip my bike around and aim right at em'. Their weapons are weak, they aint got no idea what’s about to hit em'! I spring of my hog and land on their windshield, or cockpit whatever!

"Can I see yur license and registration please?"

He pulls hard to the right, tryin to throw me!

"HEH HEh! Sir do you no how fast your were goin back there? Don't worry I'll just give you a warning!"

I toss the chain through his window, suckin all the oxygen out, and hookin him in the back of the head.

"DONT TRY TO BREATH WITHOUT AIR!"

I pull him out and unhook him, tossin his puny corpse back into space, that’s one less guy on my ass, but I still gota few more. I jump inside his ship, weird controls, goofy language scribbled on the inside, looks like.........WELL I'LL BE A TIGHT WEARIN BASTICH! It’s KYPTONIAN! Well how bout that! I knew somethin was strange about that asteroid colony, I mean who keeps red lamps anyway, TACKY! Let’s find the weapons..........BINGO! And Bobs my Uncle! Lets see how ya like it when I show yur own Kraptonite down yur throats! I unleash a barrage of plasma torpedoes and other nifty gadgets on em.

"YAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Well aint they all blown at hell now. UH OH! My legs vibratin, ah it’s just my phone. HEHE, felt kinda good, maybe I'll lets it just ring for a few............................................... .................................................O K,

"Hellooooo!"

"LOBO! WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?"

"Eh, I dono chief, maybe the five pissed off Kryptonians tryin to smoke my sausage!"

"Did you get what you were paid for?"

"Ya, ya, I got yer dooamahicky right here. What is it anyways?"

"Don't worry about that my crude friend, just bring it to me!"

"Ya, ya whatever ya say."

"GOOD! I will meet you in approximately 06:00 hours."

"Yur the boss.......as long as ya pay me."

"The rest of your money will be waiting for you pending your arrival. I will see you soon. Goody bye."

"Good fragin bye!"

[twylight]

A black car pulled up outside of an abandoned warehouse by the docks and a figure slipped out, the door shut with a dull thud and the figure made for the fire escape. Hoisting himself up his feet hit the metal with a clang, and his black trench coat ballooned out from him in the slight breeze from the harbor.

He reached the top of the roof and walked quietly towards the dark figure standing at the edge of the roof.

“You’ve heard.” He spoke.

“I’ve seen.” the other figure said, lowering binoculars and turning slightly to reveal a feminine figure.

Ricky walks and stands next to her.

“Makes it somewhat harder.”

She shook her head.
“No, just more of a challenge. Joker has conceded the Mob’s to Penguin and given him back the Lounge. All that does is make him a larger target, the more power and places he has the easier it is to hit him. The operations will go as planned. Even with the Harbor shut down, shipments have to get to Gotham somehow, either onshore, or off shore.”

“I’ve got most of the frame work set up. Wasn’t easy, most are afraid to work against someone who’s part of the ‘owners’ of Gotham.”

“I wasn’t expecting it to be easy.” She turned towards him and he noticed with a start that instead of her plain body tight lower face mask she was wearing a black beaded face veil. It’s jet black beads sparkling in the night. He stepped back and noticed that she had on a familiar skirted outfit, her leg’s covered in black leggings and boots.

“You’re dressed up.”

She nodded, the beads making a slight twinkly noise in the night, the lights from the harbor making them sparkle like black diamonds.

“I have a house call to make.” She said walking off.

[Spider-Man9X17]

Rayner stands with his eyes closed for a few moments. Obviously in contact with the Martian. I have no idea what they are saying, but there is no way I am dropping my mental shields to find out.

Rayner turns to me.



"Excellent. If the Martian joins, our mission will become much easier. Shall we go?"

"Nah, I was thinking we should just stand around here for a while now. Here's your sign," Kyle said mockingly, before taking off.

The flight to the stadium took juts under four minutes. Still J'onn was already there, waiting for him.

"Greetings, my friend. It has been too long. But, I sense a companion with you during our conversation..."

"Yeah, he'll be here in just a second. And, uh, try to keep an open mind when you meet him. You're gonna find it as wierd as I do."

[wiegeabo]

"Nah, I was thinking we should just stand around here for a while now. Here's your sign," Kyle said mockingly, before taking off.
I look around. "What sign?" Rayner didn't even make one with his ring. I shake my head. Humans.


The flight to the stadium took juts under four minutes. Still J'onn was already there, waiting for him.

"Greetings, my friend. It has been too long. But, I sense a companion with you during our conversation..."

"Yeah, he'll be here in just a second. And, uh, try to keep an open mind when you meet him. You're gonna find it as wierd as I do."
"Manhunter," I say as I arrive.

The Martian takes up a defensive stance, his eyes blazing with energy. "Kyle! What is this? The last I saw of Sinestro..."

"Was when I broke into the Watchtower and copied your databases. Yes, yes," I say dismissively. "Aren't we passed that by now?"

From the look in his eyes, it seems not. I sigh. "Very well, you can check with the Lantern here. Since arriving on this planet I have been working towards reclaiming my place as a hero. I even fought Unity beside the others."

"So what is it you want?" the Manhunter says suspiciously.

"Ah, I can see that you do not like the fact that my mind is shielded," I say. "Here's the thing...I don't do telepathy. I don't like the idea of others in my head. So if it's fine with you, I'll think I'll keep my ring's shielding active."

The Martian nods. "I understand. Most non-telepaths have similar feelings. I would never purposely intrude when not wanted."

"You'll forgive me if that doesn't change my attitude. I don't even want 'accidental' intrusions."

We stare at each other for a few moments more. Then the Manhunter turns back to Rayner, ignoring me. Fine.

"Again I will ask, why did you seek me out?"

[Spike_x1]

Luthor. It always came down to Luthor. And now the question that weighed most heavily on Superman's mind was a simple one. Was Lex Luthor right about him?

They'd battled so many times over the years. When he was President, when he wasn't. When he was his own son, and when he gave up that charade. Even when they were dead, they fought, their ideas perpetually locked in an endless battle. The reality of humanity against the ideals of humanity.

Then he thought, as he often did, of Lois. Of the League. Of the Daily Planet and the friends he'd made over the years.. Where he'd misstepped, they had caught him. When they needed him, he had been there for them. And now, in his darkest hour, they were all there for him. He had seen them as he was brought into the chamber. The Justice Society, heroes to him and his adoptive father. Members of the Titans, like Starfire and Cyborg. Representatives from at least a dozen nations. All come to show their support for him.

But did he deserve their respect? That question, too, ran through his mind. He thought of the past, then. He thought of Keystone, and the lives he'd saved there. Then he thought of the work he'd done in drought weary Africa and India, work that had saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Millions across the globe would be dead now if not for him. Even he had lost count of how many times he'd saved the planet itself. Mageddon, Brainiac-13, Imperiex, he'd played key roles in saving the entire world.

The judge, an older gentleman with a fine mustache and neatly trimmed gray hair, leaned forward. "The defense may now cross examine," he said.

Superman looked up, determination shining in his eyes. These twelve people were going to decide his fate. But before they did, he'd have one last sparring match with his old rival.

He addressed Luthor from the device that constrained him. "Mr. Luthor, would you please define what a super villain is?"Luthor froze. Not because of fear or the lack of an answer, but because the Alien had the audacity to ask the question. He knew that the attorneys would be fully willing to jump in at a moment's notice, but they knew their place. Despite this being a courtroom, it was still Metropolis. They would not interfere unless Lex Luthor invited them into the debate.

"A supervillain, my friend, is a being or entity who chooses to use their unique talents and gifts to hurt other, innocent, people. They will lie, kill, or even go so far as to alter their opponents' minds to get what they want." Lex winked to Superman at the mention of the last act, but kept himself from smiling and maintained his calm stare. "But let's all hope that even the most vile of supervillains have enough respect for their enemies to avoid committing that final act of cruelty, eh Superman?"

[LibrarianThorne]

Luthor froze. Not because of fear or the lack of an answer, but because the Alien had the audacity to ask the question. He knew that the attorneys would be fully willing to jump in at a moment's notice, but they knew their place. Despite this being a courtroom, it was still Metropolis. They would not interfere unless Lex Luthor invited them into the debate.

"A supervillain, my friend, is a being or entity who chooses to use their unique talents and gifts to hurt other, innocent, people. They will lie, kill, or even go so far as to alter their opponents' minds to get what they want." Lex winked to Superman at the mention of the last act, but kept himself from smiling and maintained his calm stare. "But let's all hope that even the most vile of supervillains have enough respect for their enemies to avoid committing that final act of cruelty, eh Superman?"

Lex was caging his answer carefully. Superman nodded in agreement with Lex's last statement. "Speaking as a victim of that final act of cruelty, I find myself in agreement with you, Lex. Now, if you could, please tell me who you consider to be a super villain?"

Superman was not willing to give much away. Despite being restrained, he maintained his gaze at Lex Luthor. If he was going to be free, he would have to play this as carefully as possible. Lex posessed a powerful intellect, one that, as Superman, he had underestimated too many times. No more. He was laying a very careful trap for Luthor, one that he hoped would end in his acquittal.

[Spike_x1]

Lex was caging his answer carefully. Superman nodded in agreement with Lex's last statement. "Speaking as a victim of that final act of cruelty, I find myself in agreement with you, Lex. Now, if you could, please tell me who you consider to be a super villain?"

Superman was not willing to give much away. Despite being restrained, he maintained his gaze at Lex Luthor. If he was going to be free, he would have to play this as carefully as possible. Lex posessed a powerful intellect, one that, as Superman, he had underestimated too many times. No more. He was laying a very careful trap for Luthor, one that he hoped would end in his acquittal.Lex Luthor laughed. All of the members of the court would surely take the evil cackle along with them to hell one day. That arrogant alien bastard actually thought that Lex was only referring to him.

"I'm not completely sure, Superman. Keep in mind that I'm not the one on trial here. Perhaps you would be so kind as to lend your opinion on the subject. With all of your expertise and experience in the world of Good versus Evil, you above all should know how to distinguish the two." Lex's stare bored into Superman's eyes. "Come to think of it, the events from the so-called 'Injustice Society' have never been properly documented. Could you please tell us what exactly happened to its leader? How did you, and several other members of the Justice League, manage to defeat the Society's head honcho, hm? Did you pound him into submission? Rangle a surrender out of him? Or did you do something that heroes are never supposed to do? Something that violates everything that humanity stands for? Please," Luthor waved his hand expectantly, "elaborate for the court."

[LibrarianThorne]

Lex Luthor laughed. All of the members of the court would surely take the evil cackle along with them to hell one day. That arrogant alien bastard actually thought that Lex was only referring to him.

"I'm not completely sure, Superman. Keep in mind that I'm not the one on trial here. Perhaps you would be so kind as to lend your opinion on the subject. With all of your expertise and experience in the world of Good versus Evil, you above all should know how to distinguish the two." Lex's stare bored into Superman's eyes. "Come to think of it, the events from the so-called 'Injustice Society' have never been properly documented. Could you please tell us what exactly happened to its leader? How did you, and several other members of the Justice League, manage to defeat the Society's head honcho, hm? Did you pound him into submission? Rangle a surrender out of him? Or did you do something that heroes are never supposed to do? Something that violates everything that humanity stands for? Please," Luthor waved his hand expectantly, "elaborate for the court."

Damnation, thought Superman. I walked right in to this one. Stupid mistake, Clark.

Superman sighed, hoping for an intervention from the judge, but none came. It seemed as though the prosecutors, the judge, and the audience for the trial were playing silent witnesses to their battle.

"You bring up a good point, Lex. Would heroes kill? I cannot answer for Wonder Woman or Batman or any other hero; I can only answer for myself. I'm sure that you, Lex, and many people in this audience will remember when I left Earth many years ago. There was much speculation about why I did it, and to my detriment I did not clear it up upon my return. This is a hallf of justice, a hall of truth, and it is time this truth was told."

He closed his eyes. This would be difficult, but it had to be said. He couldn't give ground to Luthor. "I killed three people." There were gasps from many people, but what galled Superman the most was Luthor's smug look of victory. "Through a happenstance, I was pulled into an alternate dimension where three Kryptonian criminals had laid waste to all life on Earth, save a few. One of the last living humans on that world was Alexander Luthor, and he brought me there in the hopes that I could stop the criminals. I... failed him, and in front of me the Kryptonian named General Zod killed that Luthor. I discovered a type of Kryptonite soon afterwards that I used to rob the Kryptonians of thier powers, and in an act of vengeance I killed them slowly with green Kryptonite radiation."

He moved his head, looking as many people in the eye as possible. "I consider that moment of cold-blooded murder my greatest failure. I have thought about whether or not heroes should kill since I committed the act, and I swore to never do so again. But the question still remains. How many thousands of people would be alive now if Batman or I had killed the Joker? I can't tell you. What I can say is that we won't do it. We won't do it because we believe in the justice system. We believe that the guilty will be punished and the innocent acquitted. If we didn't, we couldn't do what we do."

"Lex, you asked me who I consider to be a super villain. I've fought many, many disturbed people in my time. Prankster, Toyman, the Parasite, Gog, Bizarro, and more. But I don't consider them evil. Only a few do I consider truly evil, Lex. I'm sure that, with our history, you know whom I am referring to." He smirked at his last statement, keeping a level gaze on Luthor. His voice had remained calm, but the trial was draining him. Luthor wasn't ready yet, but just a few more questions and he would be positioned.

"Lex, what do you believe in?"

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel begins his patrol over the city. Hardly a soul is out and about...seems as though everyone is interested in the Superman trial.
He sees something that catches his attention on the steps leading to the police station. Marvel hovers in low and quiet. He sees a man in a trench coat.. A trench coat in this weather? And the coat doesn't look like it's fitting right...Holy Moley it's a..... Marvel uses the speed of Mercury to swoop in.
The man reaches inside his coat and he pulls out a detonator switch. He screams, "DEATH TO THIS JOKE WE CALL JUSTICE....AHHHHH!!!!!" He presses the button and Marvel rips out the wires leading to the detonator.

The man is standing there with his eyes closed waiting for the explosion. When it doesn't happen he opens his eyes slowly and sees Marvel standing there. He says, "what the???? You guys aren't supposed to be here...you...you're." Marvel interupts saying, "I know I get that a lot today. Why in the world would you want to do this?" The would-be bomber replies, "Because this is whole thing is a joke. You and I both know Superman is guilty as sin and he'll probably get off the hook. Face it there is no real justice in this world." Marvel says, "Why don't you let the jury decide that. There is a lot of things that may come out in this trial that might surprise you. Luckily for you, you now get to experience the justice system first hand."

Two bomb squad officers walk towards Marvel and they take the man into custody. Marvel hands them the detonator and he says, "There you go officers." They thank Captain Marvel and he takes off into the skies. I wish I could believe that is the worst that will happen today...I just have a bad feeling that the worst is yet to come.

[Logan Howlett]

Alright! Earth. Aint been here in a while, guess I can check in on a few a my gals while I'm own there. Betty, Katrina, Star, Sugar, Kitty, Kathy, Katie, Laura, Krystal, Bethany, Angelina, Jennifer, Mary, and Sue. I don't wana go over board. I set my course and flip on the radio, ya get good reception when ya pass by a satalite! ALRIGHT! METALICA!

"Hush little baby don't say a word, and never mind that noise you heard. Its just the beast under your bed, in your closet in you HEEEEEEEEEAD! EXiiiiit Light, EEENteeer NIGHT! GRAAAAIN of SAND! We're of to never never land! BOOM!"

I lower down through the earths atmosphere. Metropolis! Big city, a little to clean for me but it still has a few holes in the wall. I land smack dab in the center of downtown. Some dub ass freaks out and runs himself off the road.

"LEARN HOW TO DRIVE BASTICH!"

People start freakin out all over the place, like they never seen a bike before! I pull up the block and park it this is about where I'm meetin him. I wait for a couple a minutes but I'm gettin impatient. Finaly a black limo pulls up beside me, and rolls down the back window slightly.

"Do you have what I asked for?"

"Right here pal!"

[Spike_x1]

Damnation, thought Superman. I walked right in to this one. Stupid mistake, Clark.

Superman sighed, hoping for an intervention from the judge, but none came. It seemed as though the prosecutors, the judge, and the audience for the trial were playing silent witnesses to their battle.

"You bring up a good point, Lex. Would heroes kill? I cannot answer for Wonder Woman or Batman or any other hero; I can only answer for myself. I'm sure that you, Lex, and many people in this audience will remember when I left Earth many years ago. There was much speculation about why I did it, and to my detriment I did not clear it up upon my return. This is a hallf of justice, a hall of truth, and it is time this truth was told."

He closed his eyes. This would be difficult, but it had to be said. He couldn't give ground to Luthor. "I killed three people." There were gasps from many people, but what galled Superman the most was Luthor's smug look of victory. "Through a happenstance, I was pulled into an alternate dimension where three Kryptonian criminals had laid waste to all life on Earth, save a few. One of the last living humans on that world was Alexander Luthor, and he brought me there in the hopes that I could stop the criminals. I... failed him, and in front of me the Kryptonian named General Zod killed that Luthor. I discovered a type of Kryptonite soon afterwards that I used to rob the Kryptonians of thier powers, and in an act of vengeance I killed them slowly with green Kryptonite radiation."

He moved his head, looking as many people in the eye as possible. "I consider that moment of cold-blooded murder my greatest failure. I have thought about whether or not heroes should kill since I committed the act, and I swore to never do so again. But the question still remains. How many thousands of people would be alive now if Batman or I had killed the Joker? I can't tell you. What I can say is that we won't do it. We won't do it because we believe in the justice system. We believe that the guilty will be punished and the innocent acquitted. If we didn't, we couldn't do what we do."

"Lex, you asked me who I consider to be a super villain. I've fought many, many disturbed people in my time. Prankster, Toyman, the Parasite, Gog, Bizarro, and more. But I don't consider them evil. Only a few do I consider truly evil, Lex. I'm sure that, with our history, you know whom I am referring to." He smirked at his last statement, keeping a level gaze on Luthor. His voice had remained calm, but the trial was draining him. Luthor wasn't ready yet, but just a few more questions and he would be positioned.

"Lex, what do you believe in?"His eye twitched. He wasn't going to answer the freak's question. He wasn't the one on trial afterall. "I didn't ask you who you consider to be a supervillain. I didn't ask you if you had ever killed before. I asked you what became of the leader of the Injustice Society? Answer the question now! Tell the court what you did to ME!"

[LibrarianThorne]

His eye twitched. He wasn't going to answer the freak's question. He wasn't the one on trial afterall. "I didn't ask you who you consider to be a supervillain. I didn't ask you if you had ever killed before. I asked you what became of the leader of the Injustice Society? Answer the question now! Tell the court what you did to ME!"

Superman clenched his jaw. He had been hoping to avoid this, thus the deflection earlier. But now Luthor was forcing the matter. For the first time since he began questioning Luthor, he couldn't meet Luthor's eyes.

"We, meaning myself and the Justice League... mindwiped you, Lex. In my moment of weakness then, I did that unspeakable act to you."

Gasps around the courtroom again, but Superman raised his head to look Luthor in the eye. "It's meaningless to say this now, but I apologize for that, Lex. There were many, many ways I should have handled that situation, and I failed you. Don't think that it hasn't weighed heavily on my mind, because it has."

Superman sighed to himself. That was it, then. No way he was going to escape Stryker's now.

[Spike_x1]

When the bailiff's hand landed on Luthor's shoulder, he actually jumped with shock. "With all due respect, Mr. Luthor, would you please leave the courtroom?" Lex had exposed himself to having an unfair bias against Superman and could therefore no longer hold the floor, even with his influence over the court.

"Wha-?!" On instinct, Lex let his primal urges take over, twisting around and grabbing the officer's wrist, easily snapping it with a sickening crunch. As the bailiff screamed in pain, Lex ran to Superman's containment cell while more court officers poured onto the floor. With his Neron-granted strength, Luthor fought off the men and women and managed to slam his fists into Superman's compartment in rage. "You alien bastard! You think they'll trust you now?!" With great difficulty, the bailiffs hooked their arms around Lex and began to slowly haul him out of the court. "You think you've won?! This is only the beginning!"

It took fifteen officers to finally escort Lex Luthor out of the courtroom, with several others left on the tiled floor grasping various wounds and groaning in pain. Those fifteen men and women struggled to bring Lex Luthor to a private holding cell in the basement, but somewhere along the way, all of them disappeared without a trace.

[Electro UK]

Something about the sadistic clown touching him made Oswald feel uneasy. But what he said was a completely different story. That was music to Oswald’s ears. He was now Gotham’s kingpin of crime and was also getting his beloved Iceberg Lounge back as well.

“Waugh Waugh. Marvelous. Our partnership will most beneficial to us all.”

Oswald turned to were Two-Face and Black Mask were standing.

“No hard feelings gentlemen.”

Oswald turned back to the Joker.

“So tell me Joker, how exactly do you plan on riding the world of costumed crime fighters, because I most assuredly would like to be a part of that?”…

Black Mask cursed under his breath. He'd have to let this idiot play in the game... for now. Besides, he was probably more powerfull with the police at his command. However, he was interested in the Joker's plan and so he decided to listen in.

OOC: Short but I haven't posted in a while.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Again I will ask, why did you seek me out?"

"I want to put the Justice League back together. I tried Supes first, but he's out. Kinda got himself wrapped up in something big. He told us to come find you and, well, here we are."

"The world does not seem to want a Justice League anymore, nor do they really seem to need it."

"But they do. We do. What about that whole Unity thing. In the end, the only way we could beat it was together. What about Superman. If there was a league, I'm sure we could help him. And me, I have a bullseye on my back and I don't know why. And the governments finger seems to be on the trigger."

"The Watchtower has been destroyed..."

"The League isn't about the Watchtower, or somekind of meeting hall, or anything like that. The League is about us."

The Manhunter let Kyle's words soak in.

"I can see you are passionate about this, my friend. If you can gather a group, a willing group of participants, I will be more than happy to help you reorganize the group."

"So, you're in?"

"Let's just say at this point, I'm along for the ride, as it were on Earth."

[LibrarianThorne]

When the bailiff's hand landed on Luthor's shoulder, he actually jumped with shock. "With all due respect, Mr. Luthor, would you please leave the courtroom?" Lex had exposed himself to having an unfair bias against Superman and could therefore no longer hold the floor, even with his influence over the court.

"Wha-?!" On instinct, Lex let his primal urges take over, twisting around and grabbing the officer's wrist, easily snapping it with a sickening crunch. As the bailiff screamed in pain, Lex ran to Superman's containment cell while more court officers poured onto the floor. With his Neron-granted strength, Luthor fought off the men and women and managed to slam his fists into Superman's compartment in rage. "You alien bastard! You think they'll trust you now?!" With great difficulty, the bailiffs hooked their arms around Lex and began to slowly haul him out of the court. "You think you've won?! This is only the beginning!"

It took fifteen officers to finally escort Lex Luthor out of the courtroom, with several others left on the tiled floor grasping various wounds and groaning in pain. Those fifteen men and women struggled to bring Lex Luthor to a private holding cell in the basement, but somewhere along the way, all of them disappeared without a trace.

The judge was visibly disturbed by Luthor's outburst and Superman's confessions. He wrapped the gavel on his desk. "I think that's quite enough chicanery for today," he said, his voice attempting to remain calm. "The preosecutors will meet me in my chambers. Bailiffs, please take Superman back to his cell in Stryker's. The jury is to discount all of Lex Luthor's testimony."

For his part, Superman couldn't disguise his shame and humiliation. What had he wrought when he and the League mind wiped Lex? What had he been thinking? More worrisome than his troubles, Superman now knew for certain Lex was up to something. Something big. His mind travelled back, many weeks, to when he had fought Luthor's bodyguard. Had Lex's plan started then? When did it start? Did Keystone play a role in his plans? Was he reforming the Secret Society or the Injustice Gang? What was Lex Luthor going to do?

Even more horrifyingly, Superman realized there was nothing he could do about it. He was shackled and powerless. Steel and Captain Marvel didn't know Luthor, they didn't know what kind of threat Luthor is. Whatever Luthor was going to do, Metropolis would be at his mercy.

It was this final, chilling thought that entered Superman's mind as he returned to his cell.

[wiegeabo]

"I want to put the Justice League back together. I tried Supes first, but he's out. Kinda got himself wrapped up in something big. He told us to come find you and, well, here we are."

"The world does not seem to want a Justice League anymore, nor do they really seem to need it."

"But they do. We do. What about that whole Unity thing. In the end, the only way we could beat it was together. What about Superman. If there was a league, I'm sure we could help him. And me, I have a bullseye on my back and I don't know why. And the governments finger seems to be on the trigger."

"The Watchtower has been destroyed..."

"The League isn't about the Watchtower, or somekind of meeting hall, or anything like that. The League is about us."

The Manhunter let Kyle's words soak in.

"I can see you are passionate about this, my friend. If you can gather a group, a willing group of participants, I will be more than happy to help you reorganize the group."

"So, you're in?"

"Let's just say at this point, I'm along for the ride, as it were on Earth."

Damnation! While it is good to have the Manhuner's support, it would be better if he were to join us now. With him, our visits to other heroes would have more sway, be more likely to convince them to join. True, his name alone may be enough to change their minds, but his presence would definitely make them think twice about the offer.

"If you won't join us now, perhaps you can still help us. Can you look into the minds of other heroes and tell which would be most likely to join a new League?"

"I do not violate the privacy of the minds of others," he says to me, suspicion still in his eyes. Shields are still up. Good.

I sigh. "Very well. You likely know the members of the League better than anyone. Can you tell us which members are most likely to rejoin without reading their minds?" I say with a slight touch of sarcasm.

"You may want to speak to Captain Marvel and the Flash. Both are in Metropolis right now. Marvel has always believed in the League, and the Flash may be favorable to working in a group again after the recent events Keystone City faced."

"Excellent." Something occurs to me. "How did you know where they were?"

"I could detect their mental impressions." Now it's my turn to have the suspicious look. "I did not invade their minds. I only read the surface impressions that emminated from them," he said, trying to ease my concern.

"That's a fine line you walk."

"Indeed."

And that's why I don't do telepathy.

[Watchman]

Scarecrow sat in his office signing more and more release forms for the inmates when suddenly the door burst open. An amorphous shape entered and reform and there stood Clayface.

"Ah so you finally arrive" Scarecrow said

"Well what do you want Crane Croc contacted me hurry up I was having too much fun"

"Well be that as it may we have more important matters to discuss"

"And that would be"

"Well as you know we now have full control of Gotham but yet their are some percautions I have to take. Let me say this I do not trust Joker, I do not trust Two-Face, and I do no trust Black Mask but yet we work together. The best way to take care of this is to stay a few steps ahead of the game and have an insurance policy. I'm setting up a small group of some people that I freed from Arkham think of it as the Gotham City chapter of the Rogues. We'll be here to take of the inevitable return of the Bat and just in case things get messy here in Gotham" he outstreched his hand "so what do you say the rest are in how about you"

Clayface made an ugly smile "Oh I'm in" he hand turned into a human hand and shook his hand.

[Spike_x1]

The concealed door on the wall of Lex Luthor's office slid away, revealing the elevator that was used to go to and from the secret series of tunnels that ran alongside the Metropolis sewer system. Mr. Luthor stepped out of the elevator and scowled at his Bodyguard who was waiting for him at attention. Lex's face was lacerated and lined with dripping blood, much of which probably wasn't his. In one hand, he was gripping a single police issue Glock 21 that had long ago run out of ammunition, having spent it fighting off the officers who were trying to restrain him. In the other hand was a nightstick with bloody bits of scalp sticking to it. It was times like this that Lex found himself thankful for his extensive combat training from Hope and Mercy, and also the peak physical perfection granted to him years ago by that Neron freak.

Lex dropped the weapons and panted. He struggled to focus on his employee through the blood in his eyes. "Joseph, I have bullet wounds that need immediate treatment. Page my doctor." While the Bodyguard was dialing into his phone, Lex shook off his nausea and made his way to his desk. He sat down and Joseph approached him, putting his phone away.

"The doctor is on her way, Lex."

"Good." Lex would have smiled if he hadn't have made a fool of himself an hour ago. At least the bodies would never be found, he thought, and there were no news reporters in the courtroom either. The news of his actions would still get out, of course, but at least it would all be word-of-mouth instead of actual footage. He preferred the lesser of two evils in this instance. "Joseph, come here. I have something to show you."

Lex stood up and activated a hard light computer console in midair. "My friend, these are hard times. The masses are still poor and straining to recover from their depression. Supervillains are running amock and killing whomever they please, their bodycount rising into the hundreds of thousands by this point. Superheroes are too busy looking down on us like ants to bother protecting us until we hit them in the face with our problems and make them theirs as well. It's time we gave them a dose of their own medicine." Lex punched a sequence of keys, bringing up a set of blueprints. "When you're looking for criminals who know how to warp and mold their enemies' minds, pushing the right buttons and inducing fear into the people, you go to Arkham Asylum for the soldiers you want."

A long list of names appeared on the monitor beside the blueprints. "If you're seeking followers who know how to work together and coordinate their attacks effectively, you pay a visit to Iron Heights Penitentiary."

"But," The names on the list began to zip across the screen, matching up with specific rooms on the blueprints. Names like Riot, Barrage, Metallo, and dozens of other labels branched off to the building plans that now became a full glowing 3D model. "If you're building an army of warriors with enough concentrated brute force to crack this plane of existance in half, you journey to Stryker's Island Institute of Meta-Human Corrections and you tell the little boys and girls that they've been good all year long and now they don't have to play nice anymore."

Luthor clicked on the name 'Carl Draper' on the holographic model and spoke, "Master Jailer?"

Draper's face appeared on a screen over the model. "Yes Luthor?"

"Enjoy on your parole, Draper, for it is time for us to cry 'havoc!' and let loose the dogs of war upon this world." Lex sighed through gritted teeth, turned off the monitor, and sat back down to his desk as the doctor rushed into his office. The Bodyguard stood back and watched as Lex Luthor began to heal. He wasn't certain, but he could have sworn that he heard his employer whisper the final words of the quote, "This foul deed shall smell above the Earth with carrion men, groaning for burial." Luthor then looked his protector in the eye, "And I will laugh."

[LibrarianThorne]

The concealed door on the wall of Lex Luthor's office slid away, revealing the elevator that was used to go to and from the secret series of tunnels that ran alongside the Metropolis sewer system. Mr. Luthor stepped out of the elevator and scowled at his Bodyguard who was waiting for him at attention. Lex's face was lacerated and lined with dripping blood, much of which probably wasn't his. In one hand, he was gripping a single police issue Glock 21 that had long ago run out of ammunition, having spent it fighting off the officers who were trying to restrain him. In the other hand was a nightstick with bloody bits of scalp sticking to it. It was times like this that Lex found himself thankful for his extensive combat training from Hope and Mercy, and also the peak physical perfection granted to him years ago by that Neron freak.

Lex dropped the weapons and panted. He struggled to focus on his employee through the blood in his eyes. "Joseph, I have bullet wounds that need immediate treatment. Page my doctor." While the Bodyguard was dialing into his phone, Lex shook off his nausea and made his way to his desk. He sat down and Joseph approached him, putting his phone away.

"The doctor is on her way, Lex."

"Good." Lex would have smiled if he hadn't have made a fool of himself an hour ago. At least the bodies would never be found, he thought, and there were no news reporters in the courtroom either. The news of his actions would still get out, of course, but at least it would all be word-of-mouth instead of actual footage. He preferred the lesser of two evils in this instance. "Joseph, come here. I have something to show you."

Lex stood up and activated a hard light computer console in midair. "My friend, these are hard times. The masses are still poor and straining to recover from their depression. Supervillains are running amock and killing whomever they please, their bodycount rising into the hundreds of thousands by this point. Superheroes are too busy looking down on us like ants to bother protecting us until we hit them in the face with our problems and make them theirs as well. It's time we gave them a dose of their own medicine." Lex punched a sequence of keys, bringing up a set of blueprints. "When you're looking for criminals who know how to warp and mold their enemies' minds, pushing the right buttons and inducing fear into the people, you go to Arkham Asylum for the soldiers you want."

A long list of names appeared on the monitor beside the blueprints. "If you're seeking followers who know how to work together and coordinate their attacks effectively, you pay a visit to Iron Heights Penitentiary."

"But," The names on the list began to zip across the screen, matching up with specific rooms on the blueprints. Names like Riot, Barrage, Metallo, and dozens of other labels branched off to the building plans that now became a full glowing 3D model. "If you're building an army of warriors with enough concentrated brute force to crack this plane of existance in half, you journey to Stryker's Island Institute of Meta-Human Corrections and you tell the little boys and girls that they've been good all year long and now they don't have to play nice anymore."

Luthor clicked on the name 'Carl Draper' on the holographic model and spoke, "Master Jailer?"

Draper's face appeared on a screen over the model. "Yes Luthor?"

"Enjoy on your parole, Draper, for it is time for us to cry 'havoc!' and let loose the dogs of war upon this world." Lex sighed through gritted teeth, turned off the monitor, and sat back down to his desk as the doctor rushed into his office. The Bodyguard stood back and watched as Lex Luthor began to heal. He wasn't certain, but he could have sworn that he heard his employer whisper the final words of the quote, "This foul deed shall smell above the Earth with carrion men, groaning for burial." Luthor then looked his protector in the eye, "And I will laugh."

The first thing he noticed was the lights going out. In every room that he could see, the lights were simply gone. Even the birght hallway lights were out, submerging his section of Stryker's in pitch blackness.

Then came the noise, loud even to his currently normal senses. It was like the sound of a wave crashing on the shore. Then came the tinkle-sound of glass shattering. The lightbulbs.

Then came the feeling. Strength returned to his limbs. Fire to his eyes. He felt... super. For the first time since he'd been incarcerated at Stryker's he could feel his powers again. Which meant one thing. The power scrambler had no power, and he knew that heralded something even worse. My God, no. The power.

The inmates were getting restless. He could feel what was coming, but even though he strained against his bonds, he douldn't break free. He saw the flashlights of the guards, moving in a panic. He tried to shout a warning, but it was too late.

The explosion at Stryker's could be seen throughout Metropolis. For Superman, near the epicenter of the explosion, it was liike a bomb had gone off. The building shook, as if struck by some terrible sword, and then light returned to his section. The light of a fire. He then saw dozens of his worst villains breaking out of their cells, laughing and free. A few made for the armory.

He tried again and again, but his bonds held fast. With sudden horror, he realized that he was in a prison break that he couldn't stop. "NOOOOOOOOO!" he bellowed, straining ever harder, but the device was built too strongly. He could crack an asteroid in half with his bare hands, but he couldn't escape this prison.

There was a hiss as the door to his cell opened. Their faces were lit up by the strange device the Toyman was holding, and Superman knew that now he faced the greatest danger he had ever faced. Blackrock, the Toyman, and the Prankster walked into the room. If he was going to make it out alive and help his city, he would have to play this as coyly as he could. He couldn't let on that his power scrambler was deactivated. His superhearing picked up another set of footprints, but he couldn't tell who it was.

"What have we here, gents? Looks to me like the feds were nice enough to gift wrap the boyscout for us," said Prankster.
"A-and the j-JLA have the p-power scrambler in here, t-too," stuttered the Toyman.
"Whuzzat mean?" asked Blackrock.
The Prankster smiled. "It means, my asphalt friend, that Big Blue here is just as normal as me or Winslow. In fact," Loomis said as he strode up to Superman and put his hands on his hips, "now I can do something I've wanted to do for a very, very long time." He drew back his fist, and punched Superman in the jaw. Clark's head whipped to the side, and he appeared dazed. Prankster laughed. "See? 'Powers above and beyond mortal men' my aunt Fannie! Superjerk's completely vulnerable."

Superman bit down hard on the inside of his mouth, forcing blood into his mouth. He then spit the blood out onto the floor. "And that's the only way you can fight me, isn't it Oswald?"
The Prankster sneered.
"You and your little clique here, you're all pathetic. Everyone wants to say they were the one to kill Superman, right? Think about it. I'm powerless in this room, and I'm restrained. What kind of credibility is that?"
Prankster scoffed. "We still get to say that we killed Superman, and that's enough cred for anybody."
"Is it? Everyone here will know, Oswald. Know that you couldn't really beat Superman. He had to be restrained and powerless for you to have a shot. Do you really want that? Blackrock, how about you? Winslow? Let me free, then at least you can say you got me in a fight."
Loomis sneered. "Schott, do it."
The Toyman looked at him, the firelight reflecting off of his glasses oddly. He looked almost comical a pear-shaped man in an orange prison jumpsuit. "A-alright, Oswald," said the meek man. He walked to behind Superman's containment unit and produced a bloodstained keycard from his jumpsuit. He swiped it. With a clack, the bonds restraining Superman opened and he stepped off of the platform that had restrained him.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2532/smos1255uo.jpg

Superman smiled at Oswald as he rubbed his wrist. "Feels much better, Oswald. Thank you," said Superman with a half-smile. "Oh, before I forget, I should apologize. I was lying earlier."
Loomis' eyes widened. Reacting quickly, he punched Superman hard, in the gut. There was a loud crack, as the bones in his hand broke. He gasped in pain. The Toyman and Blackrock stared at Superman.
"You ever wonder what a sonic boom at mach ten feels like?" said Superman as he snapped his fingers. The incredible force of the miniature sonic boom knocked the Prankster and the Toyman unconscious. The invisible guest was then revealed, slumping against the wall of Superman's cell unconscious. It had been Blindspot.

That left Blackrock, who then charged at Superman. He grabbed the Man of Steel and drove him through the rear wall of the cell. The pair exploded out of Stryker's in a cascade of concrete and mortar. Blackrock's hammer blows hurt Superman, but Superman replied in kind with fierce strikes of his own. They landed in a heap outside the prison, but Superman was the first to stand. He looked up at the massive prison, smoke leaking from it like a wound. Fire leaked out from various parts of the building. Superman didn't have any more time than that to think, as Blackrock grabbed him from behind and threw him bodily into a pile of rubble. An idea came into Superman's head, and he picke dup the largest chunk of rock he saw.
"Blackrock, meet rock."

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/3918/supes4mw1tb.jpg

He hurled the rock at supersonic speeds, and it collided explosively with Blackrock, shattering as it did so. Blackrock stood for a moment, seeming dazed. He swung drunkenly against the air before collapsing into unconsciousness.
"Rock, meet Blackrock," he said to himself. Superman then took to the sky, intending to put out the fires that raged in Stryker's, but then he looked across Hob's Bay and saw Metropolis. His city was engulfed in flame. Gritting his teeth, Superman shot off like a rocket into the heart of Metropolis.

[MST3K 4ever]

The first thing he noticed was the lights going out. In every room that he could see, the lights were simply gone. Even the birght hallway lights were out, submerging his section of Stryker's in pitch blackness.

Then came the noise, loud even to his currently normal senses. It was like the sound of a wave crashing on the shore. Then came the tinkle-sound of glass shattering. The lightbulbs.

Then came the feeling. Strength returned to his limbs. Fire to his eyes. He felt... super. For the first time since he'd been incarcerated at Stryker's he could feel his powers again. Which meant one thing. The power scrambler had no power, and he knew that heralded something even worse. My God, no. The power.

The inmates were getting restless. He could feel what was coming, but even though he strained against his bonds, he douldn't break free. He saw the flashlights of the guards, moving in a panic. He tried to shout a warning, but it was too late.

The explosion at Stryker's could be seen throughout Metropolis. For Superman, near the epicenter of the explosion, it was liike a bomb had gone off. The building shook, as if struck by some terrible sword, and then light returned to his section. The light of a fire. He then saw dozens of his worst villains breaking out of their cells, laughing and free. A few made for the armory.

He tried again and again, but his bonds held fast. With sudden horror, he realized that he was in a prison break that he couldn't stop. "NOOOOOOOOO!" he bellowed, straining ever harder, but the device was built too strongly. He could crack an asteroid in half with his bare hands, but he couldn't escape this prison.

There was a hiss as the door to his cell opened. Their faces were lit up by the strange device the Toyman was holding, and Superman knew that now he faced the greatest danger he had ever faced. Blackrock, the Toyman, and the Prankster walked into the room. If he was going to make it out alive and help his city, he would have to play this as coyly as he could. He couldn't let on that his power scrambler was deactivated. His superhearing picked up another set of footprints, but he couldn't tell who it was.

"What have we here, gents? Looks to me like the feds were nice enough to gift wrap the boyscout for us," said Prankster.
"A-and the j-JLA have the p-power scrambler in here, t-too," stuttered the Toyman.
"Whuzzat mean?" asked Blackrock.
The Prankster smiled. "It means, my asphalt friend, that Big Blue here is just as normal as me or Winslow. In fact," Loomis said as he strode up to Superman and put his hands on his hips, "now I can do something I've wanted to do for a very, very long time." He drew back his fist, and punched Superman in the jaw. Clark's head whipped to the side, and he appeared dazed. Prankster laughed. "See? 'Powers above and beyond mortal men' my aunt Fannie! Superjerk's completely vulnerable."

Superman bit down hard on the inside of his mouth, forcing blood into his mouth. He then spit the blood out onto the floor. "And that's the only way you can fight me, isn't it Oswald?"
The Prankster sneered.
"You and your little clique here, you're all pathetic. Everyone wants to say they were the one to kill Superman, right? Think about it. I'm powerless in this room, and I'm restrained. What kind of credibility is that?"
Prankster scoffed. "We still get to say that we killed Superman, and that's enough cred for anybody."
"Is it? Everyone here will know, Oswald. Know that you couldn't really beat Superman. He had to be restrained and powerless for you to have a shot. Do you really want that? Blackrock, how about you? Winslow? Let me free, then at least you can say you got me in a fight."
Loomis sneered. "Schott, do it."
The Toyman looked at him, the firelight reflecting off of his glasses oddly. He looked almost comical a pear-shaped man in an orange prison jumpsuit. "A-alright, Oswald," said the meek man. He walked to behind Superman's containment unit and produced a bloodstained keycard from his jumpsuit. He swiped it. With a clack, the bonds restraining Superman opened and he stepped off of the platform that had restrained him.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2532/smos1255uo.jpg

Superman smiled at Oswald as he rubbed his wrist. "Feels much better, Oswald. Thank you," said Superman with a half-smile. "Oh, before I forget, I should apologize. I was lying earlier."
Loomis' eyes widened. Reacting quickly, he punched Superman hard, in the gut. There was a loud crack, as the bones in his hand broke. He gasped in pain. The Toyman and Blackrock stared at Superman.
"You ever wonder what a sonic boom at mach ten feels like?" said Superman as he snapped his fingers. The incredible force of the miniature sonic boom knocked the Prankster and the Toyman unconscious. The invisible guest was then revealed, slumping against the wall of Superman's cell unconscious. It had been Blindspot.

That left Blackrock, who then charged at Superman. He grabbed the Man of Steel and drove him through the rear wall of the cell. The pair exploded out of Stryker's in a cascade of concrete and mortar. Blackrock's hammer blows hurt Superman, but Superman replied in kind with fierce strikes of his own. They landed in a heap outside the prison, but Superman was the first to stand. He looked up at the massive prison, smoke leaking from it like a wound. Fire leaked out from various parts of the building. Superman didn't have any more time than that to think, as Blackrock grabbed him from behind and threw him bodily into a pile of rubble. An idea came into Superman's head, and he picke dup the largest chunk of rock he saw.
"Blackrock, meet rock."

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/3918/supes4mw1tb.jpg

He hurled the rock at supersonic speeds, and it collided explosively with Blackrock, shattering as it did so. Blackrock stood for a moment, seeming dazed. He swung drunkenly against the air before collapsing into unconsciousness.
"Rock, meet Blackrock," he said to himself. Superman then took to the sky, intending to put out the fires that raged in Stryker's, but then he looked across Hob's Bay and saw Metropolis. His city was engulfed in flame. Gritting his teeth, Superman shot off like a rocket into the heart of Metropolis.

Out of the corner of his eye Marvel sees a familiar Red & Blue rocket shooting through the sky. Holy Moley! If Superman is out of Stryker's then something has to be up. I better go see what it is.

[Darth Wolverine]

Sometimes I wonder why the hell I do this.

I'm just a man. Nothing more. Nothing less. That's where Bruce always got it wrong. He thinks that just because you prance around in a stupid costume all night long, you're invincible. I know the truth. Superheroes are just as vulnerable as the average guy...especially if they think they're something that they're not. I speak from experience.

Once, when I was young, Bruce took me skydiving.

I was thirteen at the time. I was having trouble with the whole 'City Tarzan' thing. He thought jumping from a plane at twenty-five-thousand feet would help me out. He drilled me for months in the proper techniques. I still thought he was crazy. Flinging myself across tightropes and the like was one thing...but jumping from a plane? Still, I thought I could handle it. I thought I could do anything. But I was pretty much trembling as that damned door slid open in front of me.

I froze.

Yep, that's right. I couldn't move a muscle. So Bruce, being the eccentric old git he is, pushed me. My survival instincts kicked in, but a little toolate. I ended up with a broken shoulder. Granted, I could have been pavement pizza, but I resented Bruce for that. I still do, in a way. Because, even though he had his back broken and everything...he still thinks he's invincible. It was that dive that taught me that I'm not. And neither's he.

He's just cocky.

Of course, he's amazingly good at his 'job' too. Which means he's allowed to be cocky. He's allowed to be arrogant and think he's better than you...because it's most likely that he is. But that doesn't stop me from trying to succeed him. I may never do so, but hey...you gotta have one goal in life that you can't achieve, right? At least, that's what Bruce always told me. It doesn't take a master detective to work out what his is.

Avenge his parents.

He thinks he failed them. He was eight years old when he learned his parents weren't invincible. Maybe that's why he thinks he is.

Anway, story time is officially over.

I'm approaching Metropolis' Stryker prison at full speed on my...er...'borrowed' speedboat. My foot is pinned on the accelerator as I race towards the ruins of the island. Two familiar figures are poised in the wreckage, slapping emergency service officers every which way. One of 'em is Silver Banshee, a white-skinned chick with a scream with a higher pitch than Tim Drake's singing. The second is Encantadora, the girl who put Superman in a coma.

The way Bruce taught me to fight metas is simple, yet affective.

You see, I may not be invincible...but if you treat the bad guys as if they were, then you're pretty much guaranteed a win. Oh, and a surprise attack also helps.

I hit the brakes as the two figures grow ever closer, their silhouettes dancing against the flames. I'm catapulted into a controlled somersault over the handlebars, launched towards my opponents. My feet strike Banshee's back, sending her sprawling with a cry. A chop to the neck makes sure she stays down long enough for me to place a small electro-pin on the back of her neck. She tries to move, she gets fried...as she just found out. I swivel into a jab from Encantadora which sends a stinging pain across my cheek. I twist with the blow and extnd my leg, sweeping hers from beneath her. She drops with a shriek and falls silent as I bring down my fist lightly on the back of her head.

Invincible? No. Nobody's truly invincible.

Before the Doomsday saga, before the Bane debacle, maybe.

Not anymore. The times have changed. I had to change with them.

I'm not a kid anymore. I don't freeze up when I face my fears.

I fight them.

I am Nightwing.

[LibrarianThorne]

He streaks across the sky. My city is in flames. My city is in flames. This will not be tolerated. This isn't Gotham or Star or Keystone. This is Metropolis. And I will not allow this to happen. Superman is back on the job.

Out of the corner of his eye Marvel sees a familiar Red & Blue rocket shooting through the sky. Holy Moley! If Superman is out of Stryker's then something has to be up. I better go see what it is.

He spies Captain Marvel ouit of the corner of his eye, and floats over the boy from Fawcett. "Marvel! Thank God!" said Superman as he flew over. He quickly scanned Metropolis, looking for danger spots. That was when he saw two supervillains tearing through Miracle Street, using unnaturally grown plants to wreak havoc along the famous scientific avenue. One was dressed like a cowboy, the other looked for all the world like a walking tree. Superman turned his head to face Marvel's eyes. "No time to talk, Billy. Floronic Man and Terra-Man are destroying Miracle Street. Floronic Man's magic, I can't take him down without help. I'll take care of Terra-Man, you hit Floronic Man as hard as you can."

Marvel nodded, and the pair streaked into Miracle Street.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/86/book2med2vw.jpg

[twylight]

The slim figure clad in black and red bobbed between desks of the 5th level of Gotham City's City Hall. Harley Quinn hummed as she went poking in drawers, her right hand carrying a watering can; she sprinkled water in few plants that occupied various desks.

“Oh, aren’t you cheerful today!”
She smoothed the leaves of one large one.
“If only Ivy could see you. Better water you. Don’t want Puddin thinkin’ we ain’t taken care of the place.”

She doused it with water, flattening the leaves down and spilling water all over the desk.

“Oopsee.”
She said, touching her finger to her mouth. Shrugging she skipped over to the next desk, she leaned over to open a drawer before her head was yanked back and her body yanked to the wall. A slight *twang* singing in the air, barely discernable. She looked down, her red and black clad feet inches from the ground. Looking up she found her Harlequin hat was pinned to the wall with a black arrow.

She reached up to remove it only to have another instantly appear on the other side. She shook her head back and forth however it only served to tighten her costume around her neck.

“What the..” Her voice high from stress.

She reached both hands up and pulled at the arrows, wiggling.

“Ooff…OOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFF” She said, trying to pull the arrows from the wall. Two more arrows emerged from the dark hallway and pushed her hands against the wall with a thud.

“OOOOWW!” The harlequin called as her knuckles were smashed against the wall. Her hands pinned at the wrist by two black arrows in her fluffy white cuffs.
She wiggled again trying to get lose.

She stopped when a form stepped from the hallway into the dim light of the room.

Her eyes went wide in her mask.

“What’s the big deal?” She said.

As the form stepped closer Harley recognized it as female. Her outfit was black and the lower part of her face was covered in jet black beans that sparkled in the light.

"Hey sister! Lend me a hand? Hehehe." Harley giggled nervously as she tried to kick her feet behind her and pry herself from the wall.

The woman didn’t speak, yet made her way towards the wiggling figure in red. Pulling out two arrows she shoots two more. Harley closed her eyes feeling a dull thud near her feet. Peeking her eyes opened one at a time as she looked down. Her feet pinned to the wall by the little flap on the back of her shoes.

“Heh..heh heh..Should go with more skin tight accessories.” Harley Quinn laughed nervously as the woman drew closer.

“Look!” She said more insistent as the Woman in black stopped in front of her.
“Mistah J ain’t gonna stand for this! My Puddin’ is gonna walk through those doors and…”

Her word was cut short as the woman pressed two fingers to Harley’s neck. The woman’s body instantly relaxed and hung limp on the wall. Her arms up and over her head pinned to the wall. Her head would have fallen forward except for the two arrows in her hat.

The woman stepped back, pulling a knife from a holder on her leg. Lifting it she quickly formed a little slash on Harley’s stomach, just deep enough to cut the fabric and the skin. The blood flowing out and mixing with the red and black of Harley’s costume. The woman knelt over and swabbed up the blood with her black gloved hands. She touched the white walls, the red liquid stark against the white walls, it dripped down slowly. She repeated this process over and over, through the course of 25 minutes, achieving her goal. Stepping back she surveyed it. Her face grim under her beaded mask. She looked at the limp figure on the wall. Rips and cuts all over her body, with only little marks of dried blood. She quickly slashed some more, the leg’s, stomach, chest and arms. Allowing the blood to flow freely, dripping from the hanging figure on the wall. Yet not enough blood would be lost to cause death.

The woman wiped her knife on a nearby chair before sheathing it. Turning the woman left the room, merging into the darkness of the hallway. Leaving the empty office floor, Harley’s bloodied, limp figure pinned to the wall. Three words stained the wall above Harley Quinn's head. Three letters painted in blood dripped down the white wall.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8370/hahaha16ob.png

[MST3K 4ever]

He streaks across the sky. My city is in flames. My city is in flames. This will not be tolerated. This isn't Gotham or Star or Keystone. This is Metropolis. And I will not allow this to happen. Superman is back on the job.



He spies Captain Marvel ouit of the corner of his eye, and floats over the boy from Fawcett. "Marvel! Thank God!" said Superman as he flew over. He quickly scanned Metropolis, looking for danger spots. That was when he saw two supervillains tearing through Miracle Street, using unnaturally grown plants to wreak havoc along the famous scientific avenue. One was dressed like a cowboy, the other looked for all the world like a walking tree. Superman turned his head to face Marvel's eyes. "No time to talk, Billy. Floronic Man and Terra-Man are destroying Miracle Street. Floronic Man's magic, I can't take him down without help. I'll take care of Terra-Man, you hit Floronic Man as hard as you can."

Marvel nodded, and the pair streaked into Miracle Street.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/86/book2med2vw.jpg

Marvel sees Floronic Man using pants to rip open the street and tear down buidlings. Oh I gotta stop this guy.

With that Marvel swoops in from behind and nails him right in the back knocking him off of his his feet. Once he is on the ground Marvel stand s over him and says, "Give it up now Woodrue." Floronic Man replies, "There is no Woodrue anymore only Floronic Man." As Marvel feels several vines grab ahold of his arms and legs. He struggles to break free but can't Floronic Man says, "You see Captain Marvel the more you struggle the tighter my plants grip you until..." then he feels one around his throat and chokes him, "you never see the one with your name on it. Rest in peace Captain." He walks way.

Marvel relaxes as much as he can with a plant choking him. The plants begin relaxing until...NOW! Marvel summons up his Herculeian strength and Mercury speed and takes to the sky. Now attacking the plants themselves will do me no good...or will they...I think I have an idea...it's time to attack the root of the problem as it were. His vision...take it out and he is done

Marvel flies to a near-by greenhouse grabs several sacks of weed killer and cable then flies back to the scene staying out of Floronic Man's line of sight. He then begins pouring the weed killer on top of the plants Floronic Man turns and sees that his plants are dying. he yells, "NO! WHAT'S HAPPENING?"
Marvel replies, "This is what's happening" as he throws a handful of weed killer right into his eyes. Floronic Man screams in agony and Marvel keeps doing it over and over as the other plants being withering and dying. Floronic Man falls over unconcious holding his eyes and Marvel grabs him. He ties him up with the cable and wraps several peices around his eyes so he can't see. I know that the weed killer is only temporary, but you can't control what you can't see. He throws him in a dumpster and uses his strength to seal the dumpster shut.

Marvel goes skyward and sees Metallo knocking over several banks with the police being less than effective against him. Looks like he's next...

[Watchman]

"Well...um...everything seems inplace...", the man didn't know what they were going to do to him. He was sleeping and and picked from his bed and brought ot Arkham.

"Everything?" Scarecrow asked

"Yes..yes all the cameras are in place and they are hooked up to the monitors in there"

"What about the speakers"

"Yes everything is in place you have full control of everything in that room" he pointed to Scarecrow's office. "Now can I please leave?"

"Fine Croc take him away" Croc picked him up and carried him away to the outside. "On second thought take him to where the other prisoners are"

"NO!" the man screamed "you can't do this!". Croc started going down another hallway Scarecrow waving him goodbye. He went into his office and stared at all his monitors. Many of hallways contain traps of either his gas or something from Posion Ivy's plants

"That's right I'm ready for you Bat whenever you decide to come back"

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis sat leaning back against a wall in the underground chamber. Oswald had left to talk to some people Jervis didn't know. Jervis really didn't care much, as long as Oswald came back and helped him find Alice like he had told him.

He wasn't really alone though...well...he was never alone, not with her. Jervis turned and could make out her eyes gazing upon him in the shadows. She never left him. And then there was the sleeping man, he didn't talk much.

Jervis turned back to the mangled corpspe of one of the Penguin's lackeys.

"Would you like some more tea?" he asked, pushing the plastic cup towards the corpse. The dead eyes stared back at him.

Hmph...well no one had good taste in tea these days.

[Johnny Blaze]

"Idiot", shouted Eiling to Major Force as the pair, along with a dozen heavily armed soldiers stood face to face in a dimly lit room. Save for a small table and two chairs, the single-door room was bare.
"I give you all the tools, all the man power you need, and you can't take down two metas!? What the hell good are you, Major, if you can't complete such a simple mission?"

"It wasn't my fault, sir", answered Major Force, "they were no ordinary metas, and the kid's gotten better at using the weapon."

"I don't want to hear excuses, Major. You failed. Plain and simple. Now...get out of my sight."

"Yes sir", said Force as he straightened himself up and gave the General a salute before turning and leaving the room.

As the Major left, along with half of the armed men in the room, General Wade Eiling sighed and massaged his temples.
"Jesus, help me...I'm surrounded by incompetence."

Just then, an orderly burst into the room carrying a small phone. Giving a salute to the General, the man handed Eiling the phone.
"It's the lab, sir. They say it's urgent."

"Thank you, soldier", said Eiling as he took the phone from the young man, "that will be all."
With a salute, the orderly turned and left the room.

"This better be good news, Professor..."

"...really..."

"...yes..."

"Excellent! How many are ready for field testing?"

"Good...I'm twenty minutes away, so I'll be there in five. I want them ready for inspection."

Eiling turned off the phone and immediately turned to one of the soldiers in the room.
"Go tell them to bring the jeep around. I want to be out of here and on the road in sixty. Understood?"

"Yes, sir", said the soldier with a salute before running out of the room.

Good help was so hard to find these days. Especially with more and more metas being discovered every day. The balance of power on this planet had shifted, and Eiling did not like the direction it was headed in. The metas could not be controlled anymore, and they had to be stopped. One way or another.
And, if this new project was successful, they would be. And then the world would belong to him.

Eiling moved through the hallways of the complex, lost in thought and giving half salutes to all of the soldiers he passed.
Making his way outside the building, Wade Eiling found that his jeep was already running and waiting for him.
"Sir", said the driver as he opened the General's door for him, and closed it after Eiling entered the vehicle.
"Let's go, son, and be quick about it", said Eiling as the soldier sat down in the driver's seat.

"Yes sir", answered the soldier as he stepped on the gas.

The jeep sped off into the night, heading towards the research labs down the road.
He may not show it on the outside, but, inside, Eiling was nervous. His entire future was hanging on the outcome of this project. If it should fail, he would fail.
And that was something Eiling could not tolerate.

Eiling walked down the hallways of the R&D building a few feet ahead of his escorts. He was in a hurry.
It had been over a year since the project had been given the green light, and, since then, they had met with one setback after another. It was getting to the point that Eiling thought he'd have to terminate it. Or at least terminate the staff and start over from scratch.
But, the sun was apparently beginning to shine through the gray clouds...finally.

Entering the access code into the wall console, Eiling burst into the main lab where he was greeted by a trio of scientists.
All throughout the colossal lab was scattered pieces of technology and cables. And towards the back in the shadows stood dozens of huge glass tubes. Tubes big enough to hold a large man comfortably.

"Well, Saunders? Show me what you've got", said Eiling as he walked up to the three scientists.

"Right this way, General", replied the head scientist, Dr. Saunders, as he led the General deeper into the room.
"As you know we've been having problems with the genetic sequencing, but we've finally found a way around that. My assistants and I discovered that if---"

"You can spare me the technical jargon, Doctor. All I care about is the end results."

"Uh...yes sir. We're still having problems finishing up a few subjects, most notably K-20 and M-33, but the rest are ready for field testing."

"Excellent news", said Eiling as he and his entourage stopped in front of the large tanks in the back.

"Magnificent", said Eiling as he gazed at the fruits of his labors.
"I trust you've been integrating the specific programs into their cerebral cortex?"

"Yes sir, they will have the experience of a fully trained and seasoned super soldier."

"And they'll be totally loyal to me?"

"Yes sir."

"Good", said Eiling as he smiled at the creations as they floated in the tanks.
"Well...let's see them, Saunders."

"Yes sir", replied Doctor Saunders as he moved to a control panel and flicked a switch. With a loud gurgle, the liquid in a few of the tanks quickly drained away. As soon as the liquid was gone the Doctor pressed a black button, and the glass tubes slowly slid down and out of sight.
Groups of men rushed towards the beings in the tanks and began to strip them of all the remaining tubes and other devices still attached to them. When the men had finished their job and moved away, Eiling stepped forward.

"Good evening, gentlemen. My name, as you should be aware, is General Wade Eiling. I am the head of this military division and your commanding officer. From now on, you will answer to nobody but me."

"Now, step down."

Eiling looked on with wide eyed delight as the four ready for operation subjects stepped down from the slightly higher platforms they were on to the floor in front of him.
There was a deafening silence in the room as the four figures slowly walked towards the General and stopped just a dozen feet away. Eiling looked upon them and smiled wide.

They looked perfect.

"You certainly look the part", said Eiling as he approached the group with his hands clasped behind his back, "but, I think it's time for a test run."

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman saw Terra-Man tearing up the street on Miracle Avenue with enormous, unnatural tree roots. The insane environmental activist was cackling as one root impaled a Humvee. Looking like a blur of red and blue, Superman grabbed Terra-Man and hauled him to the top of a nearby fifteen story building, Superman himself landing fifteen feet away from the escaped supervillain.

"Manning, I don't have time to deal with you, so I'm going to make this quick," said Superman as he began to walk towards Terra-Man.
"Aw, now 'at's just a shame, Blue. Ah had s' many ideas while I was in the pokey, an' ah really wanted you ta see 'em." Toby Manning, Terra-Man, still in his orange prison jumpsuit, whistled. With blinding speed and from seemingly nowhere, two enormous roots shot up through the roof of the building and entwined themselves around Superman's forearms, stopping the Man of Steel in his tracks.

Superman looked down at the roots with his X-ray vision, seeing that the roots had actually come up from the sewer system underneath the building. Terra-Man laughed, again. Superman always hated it when supervillains laughed. "Those're mah special roots, Supes! Stronger 'n tensile steel, 'ey are!"

Superman scowled almost dismissively. His arms began shaking, faster and faster, until they were just a blur of blue. With a sudden motion, Superman pulled his hands through the roots. The roots stayed motionless for just a moment, before shattering like glass. Terra-Man stared dumbfounded at the Metropolis Marvel. "H-how'd ya do that?"
"A trick I learned a long time ago from a dead friend. Now, Toby, are you going to come quietly or are you going to make things difficult?"
Manning looked around, furtively searching for aid as Superman began purposefully walking towards him again. When he saw that none was coming, he drew an oddly shaped metal gun from the inside of his jump suit. "D-don't come any closer, Superman!"
"Or what, Toby? You'll shoot me with your organ-liquifying gun? You've already tried that and it didn't work too well last time, remember?"
A strange look came over Toby Manning then, and he put the gun against his chest. "Naw, Superman, this here is a new plan. You come any closer, an' I'ma gonna kill someone with this here gun."

Superman stopped, and began considering his options at a dizzying speed. Manning continued talking. "What I jes don' get is why I'm a villain an' yer the hero. How many times've you threatened the whole blasted planet, huh? Sure, the media said it was mind control or body posession or some new excuse o' th' week, but I know it was differnt. I love all th' plants, Superman, an' I'ma gonna kill you one of these days cause I know that if'n I don't, yer gonna kill all the plants."

Superman sighed. "Toby, I just want you to know, I'm apologizing now for what I'm about to do." Then Superman simply... vanished. In another instant, he was in front of Toby and holding Toby's gun, crumpled up, in his hands. Manning looked bewildered for a moment, and then yelped out in pain as the bones in his hand broke and his ribs cracked. He crumpled to the ground and began weeping. Superman looked at the recumbent form of his pathetic foe, and sighed to himself. If only they knew how dearly he wished he didn't have to fight them.

Regret still filling his heart, he heard a loud boom overhead, and looked up to see a purple blur. In an instant, Superman recognized it.

"Bizarro."

Wasting no more time on Terra-Man, the Man of Steel shot into the sky.

[Spider-Man9X17]

Damnation! While it is good to have the Manhuner's support, it would be better if he were to join us now. With him, our visits to other heroes would have more sway, be more likely to convince them to join. True, his name alone may be enough to change their minds, but his presence would definitely make them think twice about the offer.

"If you won't join us now, perhaps you can still help us. Can you look into the minds of other heroes and tell which would be most likely to join a new League?"

"I do not violate the privacy of the minds of others," he says to me, suspicion still in his eyes. Shields are still up. Good.

I sigh. "Very well. You likely know the members of the League better than anyone. Can you tell us which members are most likely to rejoin without reading their minds?" I say with a slight touch of sarcasm.

"You may want to speak to Captain Marvel and the Flash. Both are in Metropolis right now. Marvel has always believed in the League, and the Flash may be favorable to working in a group again after the recent events Keystone City faced."

"Excellent." Something occurs to me. "How did you know where they were?"

"I could detect their mental impressions." Now it's my turn to have the suspicious look. "I did not invade their minds. I only read the surface impressions that emminated from them," he said, trying to ease my concern.

"That's a fine line you walk."

"Indeed."

And that's why I don't do telepathy.

"That's a good enough start for me," Kyle said, powering up. "You coming with?"

"I will come along, for appearences, but I believe you should do the talking. Your determination has inspired me today, and I belive it will convince the others as well."

[wiegeabo]

"That's a good enough start for me," Kyle said, powering up. "You coming with?"

"I will come along, for appearences, but I believe you should do the talking. Your determination has inspired me today, and I belive it will convince the others as well."

"Excelent! Then let us go to Metropolis."

We rise into the air...

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel swoops in against Metallo. He nails him in the back, picks him up and begins flying to a salvage yard. Metallo turns his head around and sees Marvel and says, "Well if it ain't Captain Boy-Scout. Nothing like a little warm-up before the main-act." Metallo's eyes glow greener and fire two Kryptonite beams right into Marvel's eyes. "ARRGHHHHH!!!!!!!", Marvel screams as they plumet to the ground and slam into the salvage yard.

They land on top of a car and roll off. Marvel is dazed and blinded. Marvel hears several people yell and scurry away. He tries to shake it off, but all he can see is a darkness with periodic flashes of white light. He rubs his eyes again and tries to shake it off, but before he can do that Metallo kicks him in the chest. Marvel goes flying across the yard and slams into a stack of cars. Metallo says, "I know that your blindness is temporary but by the time it wears off the only thing you'll be seeing is a bright light. Go to it!" He nails Marvel in the jaw twice Marvel staggers backwards. Okay time to use my other senses. He feels around and grabs fender and swings around blindly. He hears it hit something. Maybe that did some damage and then hears Metallo say, "Give it up Marvel if nothing else that tickled me. Face it Captain you're as blind as a bat, and nothing you do can change that. A blind super-hero like that will ever catch on." Metallo jerks the fender out of Marvel's hands he says, "Oh Marvel you are so boring me right now. It's time to end this game." He nails him twice in the chest with it.

Marvel collapses to the ground and Metallo wakls over and picks him up by the throat. He asks, "Any last words from the world's mightiest mortal?" I can see something....a little sliver of a green blur...got one chance better make this count. Marvel replies, "Yeah....lights out" Marvel uses his speed and rips the Kryptonite out of Metallo's chest. Metallo staggers back and says, "No give that back!" Marvel crushes it in his hands as he hears Metallo fall to the ground. He hears the workers coming back and they applaud. Marvel asks, "Will you gentlemen please help me?" One of the workers replies, "You got it Cap." Marvel says, "Let's get his body somewhere where he won't cause anymore trouble." The workers pick-up the body as one of the workers say, "We'll keep him in a storage unit until the SCU shows up. We called them as soon as you two dropped in. Are you okay Cap?" Marvel replies, "It's still very hazy and double-visioned, but I should improve over time." The sounds of sirens are coming and Marvel says, "The police can take it from here. Thank you gentlemen for your help."

Marvel takes to the sky very slowly...can't go right back into battle yet...otherwise I am a sitting duck...but Superman and the others will need my help soon.

[SuperFerret]

Gotham City was never a place to traverse on foot. I've always known that, but tonight, it's different.

Of course, with the Joker in charge the streets haven't been more deadly, and most of the GCPD weren't doing anything, no doubt under orders from their new Commissioner. But, I have an advantage that most of Gotham's populace don't that allows me to wander these streets freely and unhindered.

I am a "supervillain" or something akin to that. Nevertheless, my multiple lengthy stays in Arkham Asylum have bestowed upon me a degree of "street credibility" that caused all but the boldest of Gotham's human scum to give me wide berth. Those who did dare to look me in the eye only nodded politely and stepped aside with a smile. Being a gentleman, I returned their grins with a tip of my bowler.

Finally, after nearly an hour of strolling, I've made it to my destination. Gotham City Police Department Headquarters. It was quieter than the other areas here, most likely because the police felt that they had to at least defend their territory even if the rest of Gotham goes to the ninth layer of Hell.

Well, whatever the reasons for the quiet surrounding this edifice, I need to get in there and speak with Black Mask, or at the very least, I need to get my "toys" from the GCPD's lockdown.

I have uses for that old Neural Impactor Rifle.

[The Question]

"Something like that. Let's just get him to safety and...and I'll tell you on the way back to help the others."

I start walking down the corridor to get out of the facility. I hope he'll understand when I lay down the atom bomb...



Something like that? Not saying I know him that well, but he's never been cryptic in regards to completely harmless information. Usually, you can't get him to shut up when you ask a question like that.

"Why not tell me now?"

[LibrarianThorne]

Slow. He was too slow. Bizarro was faster than he was, he knew. The Joker had made him that way.

He heard the mad being's laughter as he approached his target. The Daily Planet. Superman clenched his teeth and poured on the speed. He couldn't let Bizarro make it to the Planet. Even now, he could hear Perry's screaming.

"DO I PAY YOU TO REPORT RUMORS, JOHNSON?! HM?! Everyone and their mother can see what's happened to Stryker's, you need to get me the story! Now get outta here! Hey, what was that noise?"

While Perry had been talking, Bizarro had reached the Planet, and grabbed the enormous brass globe that sat atop the Planet. He laughed maniacally as he hurled the immense symbol at Superman.

It slammed into Superman with such force that the Man of Steel's body dented the ball as he caught it. He flew downwards and gently set the massive globe onto the street before flying up to confront Bizarro.

Scowling, Superman said "Bizarro! Why are you doing this?!"
The mockery just laughed again, before replying. "Why me do this? It not easy to forget, Superman. Bizarro build Metropolis because stupid hairy man tell Bizarro to. Short, short time ago, Bizarro and hairy man. Hairy man not know Bizarro much weaker than Superman. Bizarro not think it funny that Superman hear 'Me am weakest one of all!' So, because Bizarro am Superman's number one fan, Bizarro not help hairy man. Hearing interest Bizarro, fight time is not now," said the backwards-thinking creature as it flew in a zig-zag line and slammed into Superman with enough force to send out a shockwave.

Superman's mind was elsewhere, trying to figure out what Bizarro was saying. Stupid hairy man? What could he mean? Bizarro thinks that stupidity is intelligence, but what does he mean by hairy?

He had no more time to think before Bizarro hit him again. A vicious right uppercut landed squarely on Superman's jaw, causing the Last Son of Krypton to grunt in pain. "Why Superman fight Bizarro? Superman admit that Bizarro weakest one now?"

Superman grabbed Bizarro's fist before another blow could land. "Yes, Bizarro. I'm still the weakest one here, and you're going up." With that, Superman launched a thunderous right hook that caught Bizarro off guard and sent the deranged duplicate smashing into a building. Not giving the maniacal monster a chance to recover, Superman flew into him at super speed, grabbing him and hauling him skyward. Bizarro kicked and struggled against Superman's grip, but the Man of Steel wouldn't let him go. "Bizarro, don't tell me who hairy man isn't," said Superman, trying to work his way around Bizarro logic.
"Bizarro not like Superman, so Bizarro not tell. Man who heard with Bizarro was not Luthor."

Bizarro's odd announcement took Superman off guard. That left an opening that Bizarro took advantage of and broke free of Superman's grip, punching the Metropolis Marvel with savage force. He impacted the ground like a rocket, and lay still.

[MaskedManJRK]

Something like that? Not saying I know him that well, but he's never been cryptic in regards to completely harmless information. Usually, you can't get him to shut up when you ask a question like that.

"Why not tell me now?"

Damn it. He caught it. Sage is a stubborn bastard, so the only way to get him to get Ibn to safety is to tell him.

"Alright...this is Ibn Xu'ffasch. I just found out that...that he's my son."

[LibrarianThorne]

Bizarro landed next to him. He looked at the still form of Superman curiously, like a child who had broken his toy. He picked Superman up by the tatters of his cape, and slapped him in the face twice. The blows were of mythic force, each one producing micro sonic booms. Superman stirred at the feeling of pain.

"Sleep, Superman! You no wake up now."
Superman's eyes glowed a bright red, and like twin beams of light his heat vision speared into Bizarro's chest, knocking the deranged duplicate into the side of the Daily Planet. Bizarro appeared astonished at the ferocity of Superman's attacks, but it took the insane impostor a moment to unleash his own powers. From his mouth came a gout of mystical fire, driving back Superman's heat vision. Superman countered by adding his freeze breath to the duel of powers, which Bizarro countered with his own ice vision. The clash of the four powers resulted in an explosion that threw both titanic combatants to the ground.

Both struggled to their feet. Superman was breathing hard, and there were small cuts on Bizarro's face. Wasting no time, Superman sped into Bizarro, gripping the diamond-skin of Bizarro's hands with his own and attempting to force Bizarro to the ground in surrender. Bizarro strained with effort, but he still managed to let out a laugh as he fought against the might of the Man of Steel. "Superman smart. Superman not know that Bizarro is not magic. Bizarro always lose. Or did Superman forget?"

Slowly, inexorably, Bizarro gained the upper hand, forcing Superman to one knree. "Luthor no say to Bizarro, 'Bizarro, me no want you to fix Superman. Fix him with all your love and kindness.' Bizarro hate Luthor's idea, think it boring and uninteresting. Now, Bizarro fix Superman," said Bizarro as he wrenched Superman's arm around. With a crack like thunder, Superman's left arm broke. The last Son of Krypton let out a yelp of pain and fell to his knees. "Different like Bizarro hear, Superman. Bizarro am stupidest, weakest in whole world."

Pull yourself together, Clark. You can't lose to Bizarro. Not now. The world is depending on you. The city is depending on you. Lois... Superman's next attack couldn't be seen, not even by Bizarro. Such was the speed and strength of Superman's punch that his arm was invisible to the naked eye. Superman's steel-hard punch impacted onto Bizarro's jaw with the sound of cannon fire, catapaulting Bizarro into the sky.

Superman was nothing more than an insubstantial blur as he shot past the still shocked Bizarro, appearing above him. Just as Bizarro reached his height, Superman unleashed a second thunderous blow to his duplicate's chest. Bizarro hurtled back into Metropolis, impacting Hob's Bay like a bomb. He did not come up out of the water.

"Bizarro was right about one thing. He will always lose." Superman floated down to the Daily Planet and leaned against it. Just a moment of rest was all he needed, he thought as he slowly slipped into unconsciousness slumped against the Planet.

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel is still floating slowly trying to give his vision time to heal when suddenly he feels something hot nail him in his back making all his muscles lock up. ARRRGH!!!! He drops to the ground and hears someone laughing. He can see a vague sliver and blueish blur. Live-wire great right now I have barely any vision what so ever and I am dealing with villian that if she gets off one good shot not only is what is left my vision toast but so am I.

Live-Wire says, "Awww Captain Cheese-ball did you fall down and get hurt let me help you up." She grabs and Marvel feels hundreds of volts coursing through his body. ARRRGH!!!!. Marvel lifts his foot up and kicks her in the stomach and Live-Wire goes flying across the street. He staggers as he hears her impact on a near-by wall. He shakes his head realizes something...my vision it's actualy improving granted it's still a little blurry and doubled...but I can actually see some distinct shapes and colors... Oh yeah....this gives me a great idea...time for a little blind man's bluff and I see something that can help me short out Live-Wire. He hears Live-Wire approaching and she says, "All-right Marvel I took it easy on you but now...you're gonna fry!" She fires a bolt at Marvel and he allows it to graze him as he dives away.

He picks up a rock and throws it missing badly. He does the same with another one and another then he throws one more and he falls down.He gets to his knees and begins groping around on the ground. He hears Live-Wire approaching and say, "Rocks is that the best you can do? Boy the bigger you guys are the dumber you are." She sees Marvel squniting and says, "Oh I get it now...you're blind. Well I guess I should let you live and walk away. Considering this isn't a fair fight and all of that, but you know what it's not often one gets a golden opportinuty to kill a hero so...see you in the obits Captain. Don't feel bad once I am done with you Superclod is next. Any last requests?" Marvel repiles squinting, "Yes...hold still" he then opens his eyes wide and says, "Peek-a boo." He moves out of the way revealing a fire hydrant and punches the plug before Live-Wire can react. Water bursts out knocking Live-wire back as she screams, "AHHHHHH!!!!"

Live-Wire falls to the ground and Marvel stands over her smoldering body and says, "Gotcha." She groans slightly and tries to get up but collapses unconsicous.

[Logan Howlett]

I pick the package up offa my bike, and say to the guy

"Money first pal, you know how I work!"

"Of course my friend, did you think I was an unfair employer? Its not in my nature."

I can't see his face in the darkness of the limo, matter fact I don't reckon ever seein his face at all. **** it, like I care who the guy is as long as he pays me. He slips a brief case through the window.

"Its all here right? You aint gona try and stiff are, cuz I'm warnin ya, I rip yur head offa yer body and spit down yur neck ya tryin stiff ME!"

"How.......artisticaly spoken, but have no worries, your payment is exact."

I hand him the package, but now I'm startin to wonder........why aint he tryin to stiff me? I mean, if hes big buisness than that usualy means greedy, but this guys just so cool, so calm, I wana frag him just for NOT havin an attitude! But.....hes payin the bills.

"You didn't tell me that I would be goin up against Kryptonians!"

"Kryptonians? Why certainly you must be mistaken, that.........Superman, is all that is left of their race."

"Thats hog****! I saw em' man, they had Krypto tech all over the place, their ships, the buildings, ALL OF IT! At least they kept their asses close to a red sun, or I would have REALY been in trouble."

"Just becuase someone poseses technologies does not make them of that species. If you attach a missile launcher to a dog, does that make him human?"

"I don't care who they are, but it better not happen again, if I'm told that I'm doin a smash & grab on some pirate drifters, THATS WHAT I EXPECT TO FIND! Not fragin pissed off Kyptonians!"

"I assure you it will not happen again."

"WHATEVER! I'm on my vacation, I'll see ya in a week. Till then I think I'm gona hit a titty bar. To bad these chicks only got two on this planet. Hehehehe."

"Than I expect to see you in a week Lobo, and BE punctual."

"Whatever, later bastich."

[The Question]

Damn it. He caught it. Sage is a stubborn bastard, so the only way to get him to get Ibn to safety is to tell him.

"Alright...this is Ibn Xu'ffasch. I just found out that...that he's my son."


......son?

I look down at the kid. Then I look up at Bruce.

"With YOUR reputation? Not suprising."

[MaskedManJRK]

......son?

I look down at the kid. Then I look up at Bruce.

"With YOUR reputation? Not suprising."

I'll let the comment slide for now. We're running out of time as it is.

"Let's get him to your transport as soon as possible, just in case he wakes up."

I realize as I finish my statement that might bring further questions from...the Question, so I start running out towards the outside.

"Lead the way, Question. Take us to the transport."

[The Question]

He's certainly acting stranger than usual.

"This way."

I lead him over to the bug, which is parked a few yards away from the camp.

[wiegeabo]

Before we even get to Metropolis we see the smoke. It only makes us move faster.

Rayner, the Manhunter, and I arrive in the midst of absolute chaos. All hells are breaking loose and we have no idea why or how. But there is not time to wonder or debate.

"We should scatter. Split up and help out where possible."

"Agreed. We should also join up with any others that may shed light on the situation."

The Martian's eyes glow momentarily. "Captain Marvel is in that direction," he points. "That way is the Flash." He points in a third direction. "Superman is that way, and is injured!"

Damn! If the Kryptonian is hurt, then the situation is even more dire than it appears. Time to be the leader I used to be in the Corps.

"Rayner, assist the Flash. Manhunter, help Superman however you can. I'll find Marvel. I've got some...questions for him. Remember, as much as we want to help the other heroes, if civillians need help, or an enemy intervenes, they're top priority. As much as we can't afford to be distracted, we may have to let ourselves be."

"Hey, no need to state the obvious," Rayner says with a determined smile. He gives a mock salute and takes off.

The Manhunter stares at me, I check my shields. "I do not yet trust you."

"Obviously."

The Martian nods and heads off. Immediately he drops to the street to stop a group of thugs from destroying property amidst the chaos.

I check my ring's charge. Nearly full. Good.

I take off to see if Captain Marvel needs any help...

...and to get my questions answered.

[LibrarianThorne]

He felt cold water splash onto his face and stirred. Opening his eyes felt like moving a planet out of its orbit, but the sight that greeted him made his struggles worthwhile. Lois stood above him, handing a bucket to someone he couldn't yet see. When she saw his eyes flutter open, she looked at him clinically for a moment before reaching down and hugging him like she would never let go. Superman, caught off guard by this, hugged her in reply.

"Oh thank god you're alright, Superman! I-I thought you'd died again."
"It will take more than Bizarro to put me down for the count, Lois. What's the news?" he said, attempting to keep his voice calm. He would have tried to smile, but in his current condition that gesture wouldn't come off as very relaxing.

Perry White, hands on hips and the nub of a cigar still clenched in his teeth, looked down on the Man of Steel and Lois. "News, Superman? It's like the damned apocalypse on the streets, from what we've gathered. At least four dozen supercriminals are still on the loose, and gangs are pushing out of Suicide Slum and Hob's Bay, looting as they go. We've got unconfirmed reports of Steel engaging Bloodsport, and eyewitnesses have Captain Marvel taking down Metallo and Live Wire. Other reports have the Flash engaging Riot and Shrapnel simultaneously, and we just recieved word that Sinestro, Green Lantern, and the Martian Manhunter flew into town. The police are having enough trouble holding their own precincts and haven't been able to send anyone to Stryker's, but we've got unconfirmed reports that there's someone in there, trying to restore order."

Superman nodded at the Chief's words, and then stood up slowly. Lois stopped hugging him, and looked into his eyess. "You're coming back from this, right?" she said.
"No amount of bad guys in the universe could stop me, Lois." He nodded to Perry,saying "Thanks for the update, Mr. White. Don't worry about Metropolis, not while I'm on the job." He floated into the air, waving goodbye to the assembled Daily Planet staff. He hadn't noticed before, but there had been dozens of his coworkers out there to help him. The gesture from the Planet hardened Superman's resolve. No matter what happened, he would end this. He soared into the air, looking for more criminals to take down. As he searched with his X-Ray Vision, he felt a familiar presence enter his mind.
Superman? This is J'onn.
I figured that out, J'onn. What are you doing here? What's this about Kyle and Sinestro?
It seems they want to reform the League. I believe they would have wanted me to convey sincere apologies for arriving so late. I don't believe I've ever seen Metropolis in such a state.
It is pretty bad, but the city's made it through worse. Doomsday, for one.
True.
J'onn, meet on the corner of Siegel and Shuster. I've found Neutron, but in my current state I don't think I can fight him alone.
Understood, Superman.

A moment later, the two heroes landed in the middle of a scene of carnage. Cars had been flung into buildings, and fires raged uncontrollably. There was a bank, with its doors lying in shattered pieces in front of it. "At least he makes himself easy to find," said Superman lightheartedly. The Manhunter cocked an eyebrow at the joke. Superman sighed. "Let's get this over with, J'onn."

[Spike_x1]

Chaos. It flowed through the streets like the blood that now lined them. The breakout was having the exact effect that Lex Luthor had calculated. Given enough time, the number of supercriminals that were now running amuck was virtually the equivalent of six nuclear bombs marching around and exploding with a will of their own.

"Sir, Livewire and Bizarro are down," said the Bodyguard. If his employer heard him, he didn't show it. Lex merely stared unwaveringly out his window, his back to Joseph.

Even with those two taken out of the fight, plus Terra-Man and Metallo, with his freshly supplied kryptonite heart, and the others who were defeated before even leaving Stryker's, there was still plenty of murder and mayhem to go around. Lex had only just finished reading the reports of the SCU already beating Anomaly and were now engaging both Thaddeus Killgrave and Barrage at the same time, but the police force was being overpowered by the two supervillains. 'It's a shame that Rampage, too, will soon be added to the onslaught against our dear Boys in Blue,' Luthor thought as he pressed a button on a keyboard of hard light. The switch, in turn, remotely overrode the collar that S.T.A.R. Labs' Doctor Katherine Faulkner wore to prevent herself from transforming into her evil superpowered alter ego of Rampage, and allowed her to involuntarily absorb all of the necessary ambient radiation to mutate her body and mind. She and Captain Marvel were both near the scene of the SCU's battle. Both of whom would likely join the fray, by Lex's estimates.

Luthor activated his comm. link to the Master Jailer. "Draper, come in. Where are you?"

After a moment, the Jailer responded. "I'm in the lead bunker that you set up on Shuster Avenue, behind the soundproof glass."

"I take it you're watching Superman and the Martian on the surveillance cameras as we speak?"

"Just as you told me to. They're heading into the bank after Neutron right now."

Lex smiled to himself. "Good. Mr. Tryon has been instructed to disable the Martian by any means necessary. Nuclear fire is his specialty after all. When Superman emerges from the bank, do what you do best, Mr. Draper. Luthor out."

Lex Luthor turned off the equipment floating around him and resumed his reverie, staring thoughtfully out his window.

http://img417.imageshack.us/img417/2728/lex9pb.jpg

[Watchman]

Scarecrow stood over Gotham on top of a balcony. Looking down he could see fires spread over the place. He went back inside and made his way into the cell area. He walked up to a door with an ex-patient standing by it holding a bag.

"Do you get them?" Scarecrow asked

"Yup took them all from the zoo" he said

"Very good" he opened the door and gazed upon the doctors.

"Please let us out...please!" one yelled

"Time for you medicine doctors" he gased them all and the screaming commenced. He took the bag from the patient and threw the bag into the cell. Snake slithered out of it and Scarecrow slammed the door and pressed his ear against the door and he smiled under his mask. He walked away from the door and started to head for his office.

"S-s-s-so what next" asked the patient

"Well so far there is no new news on our little intruder in Gotham and I decided to expand our territory" he walks into the office and and press a button on a large control panel.

"What are y-y-y-you doing?"

"Well as you know I can control many things from here mostly security manners like the front gates and every single patients' cell doors" he presses another button and hundred of doors swing open. The patients shuffle out like zombies heading for the front gates. Scarecrow picks up a microphone and begins to speak into it.

"Listen to me" all the patients twisted their heads up to the speakers. "For too long you have been trapped here it is time my friends. Time for you to spread fear across Gotham. Cause terror to the people that have locked you up. Now go my friends reek havoc spread the fear". The patients started to move faster heading for the outside. They left the gates spreading into the streets of Gotham. Scarecrow goes back to his balcony looking over Gotham. Freeze, Croc, Clayface, and Ivy appear over Gotham looking over their city.

[LibrarianThorne]

Chaos. It flowed through the streets like the blood that now lined them. The breakout was having the exact effect that Lex Luthor had calculated. Given enough time, the number of supercriminals that were now running amuck was virtually the equivalent of six nuclear bombs marching around and exploding with a will of their own.

"Sir, Livewire and Bizarro are down," said the Bodyguard. If his employer heard him, he didn't show it. Lex merely stared unwaveringly out his window, his back to Joseph.

Even with those two taken out of the fight, plus Terra-Man and Metallo, with his freshly supplied kryptonite heart, and the others who were defeated before even leaving Stryker's, there was still plenty of murder and mayhem to go around. Lex had only just finished reading the reports of the SCU already beating Anomaly and were now engaging both Thaddeus Killgrave and Barrage at the same time, but the police force was being overpowered by the two supervillains. 'It's a shame that Rampage, too, will soon be added to the onslaught against our dear Boys in Blue,' Luthor thought as he pressed a button on a keyboard of hard light. The switch, in turn, remotely overrode the collar that S.T.A.R. Labs' Doctor Katherine Faulkner wore to prevent herself from transforming into her evil superpowered alter ego of Rampage, and allowed her to involuntarily absorb all of the necessary ambient radiation to mutate her body and mind. She and Captain Marvel were both near the scene of the SCU's battle. Both of whom would likely join the fray, by Lex's estimates.

Luthor activated his comm. link to the Master Jailer. "Draper, come in. Where are you?"

After a moment, the Jailer responded. "I'm in the lead bunker that you set up on Shuster Avenue, behind the soundproof glass."

"I take it you're watching Superman and the Martian on the surveillance cameras as we speak?"

"Just as you told me to. They're heading into the bank after Neutron right now."

Lex smiled to himself. "Good. Mr. Tryon has been instructed to disable the Martian by any means necessary. Nuclear fire is his specialty after all. When Superman emerges from the bank, do what you do best, Mr. Draper. Luthor out."

Lex Luthor turned off the equipment floating around him and resumed his reverie, staring thoughtfully out his window.


http://img417.imageshack.us/img417/2728/lex9pb.jpg

Tellers and bank customers were cowering under desks, and Neutron had torn his way into the bank vault. Superman nodded to J'onn J'onzz and the Martian phased into invisibility. Calmly, confidently, Superman strode into the vault, wherein he saw the atomic-powered Neutron stuffing money and valuables into a large sack.

"Please, Neutron. A sack? Where do you think you are, Gotham?" The powerful villain turned on him, a smile crossing the face of his containment suit. "Naw, Superman. I know where I am, but there ain't a lotta options when ya jus' bust outta prison, you know?" He raised his right hand, and red energy shot from it, smacking into the center of Superman's S, knocking him out of the vault room. Superman lay for a moment, eyes open in barely contained pain.

"Had some time while I was in prison to figure out my powers some more, Blue. What I just hit you with? Condensed red sun radiation. Figure it hurts you more than my normal blasts. Oh, and you might want to tell your green buddy that I've got mental powers o' my own, and I can make fire. Word on the street is, Martians don't much like fire. Care to confirm that, Manhunter?" said Neutron as his hand shot fire at seemingly empty air. A moment later, flame washed over the air, and an inhuman scream could be heard as the Martian Manhunter materialized, covered in Neutron's unnaturally created fire. J'onn, smoldering, fell to the ground. Neutron snickered. "That bum's supposed to be the heart of the Justice League? Pathetic, 's what I say."

Superman was on his feet. Many observers were shocked at the Man of Steel's condition. Bruises covered his arms, and his cape was mere tatters behind him. Small cuts adorned his face, as well as a massive purple bruise covering his left cheek. "No more holding back, Neutron. You don't get to hurt my friends."

"Oh really, Blue? I thought that's what us supervillain types did. Cause you cape and spandex types as much pain as possible." The previously still vault door shook for a moment, then hurtled at incredible speed towards Superman. Such was the size of the door that it obscured Superman from Neutron's sight as it impacted the Man of Steel with an enormous klang. Neutron laughed again, and began filling up his sack with money and valuables.

"What part of 'no holding back' didn't you understand, Neutron?" The supervillain turned, and was astonished at the sight. Using his bare hands, Superman crumpled the massive vault door into steel ball, which he then flung at awesome speeds into Neutron's head. It hit the villain's containment suit with a thud, knocking Neutron momentarily off balance. He then became a red and blue blur as he rushed forward, grabbed the stunned Neutron, and in the space of less than a second flew outside the bank and hurtled Neutron into high orbit above the Earth. After tracking him with his microvision for a moment, Superman then ran back in to the bank to check on the Manhunter, who had just recovered from the attack by Neutron. "You alright, J'onn?"
"I am fine, Kal-El, though saddened that I was of no use."
"Don't talk like that, J'onn. If you hadn't been there to take that hit, Neutron would probably have killed one of the civillians."
"You make an excellent point, Superman, as always. There must be something I can do to help, however."
"I was actually thinking about that on the way here, J'onn. Do you think you could co-ordinate our efforts now like you used to do for the Justice League? We're not going to win this thing if you can't keep us all in contact, J'onn."
"I will... try, Superman."
"While you get that setup, I'm going to head outside. There's looting down the street, and I think I can put a stop to that."

The Martian Manhunter nodded, and Superman strode out of the bank.

[Spike_x1]

When Superman stepped out of the bank, the sight before him put everything else he had seen today to shame. Barbed wire, chains, bars, diamond plating. The cold metallic restraints flowed in every direction like a wild river, covering the buildings and the people, ever expanding. In the center of it all, a single man stood atop a pile of chained people. The man was laughing.

Suddenly columns of stone and metal shot out of the ground around Superman, so fast that not even he had much time to realize what had happened before it was too late and his cell had already taken shape.

"I'm sure that you recognize my personal touch, old pal," said the laughing man. "You know as well as I do that once something's been laced my nanotechnology, it not only attains a state of superdensity, but even if you manage to punch your way through it, it'll reform itself instantly. So says the Master Jailer!"

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3937/masterjailer7nn.jpg

[MST3K 4ever]

Captain Marvel is still moving slowly along. Although he can see better he is still having some trouble focusing. I may not be able to do much in terms of combat but there are other ways I can help. He sees the familiar shape of an ambulance stuck in traffic.

Once again it looks like the Marvel Ambulance express is back in service, and maybe without the strain of combat my eye-sight should be back to normal in no time.

With that Marvel begins carrying ambulances to and from the hospital.

[twylight]

The East End lay in tatters, doors stood splintered and crooked in their frames. The streets were littered with broken glass and looters trash. However the inhabitants of Gotham City’s East End were not the ones to blame in this case.
The woman crouched on a rooftop, her long dark hair flowing behind her in the breeze as she watched another vignette brought on by the City’s new Mayor, DA and Police commissioner. Three thugs were busily trying to break down a door. She recognized them as affiliated with Black Mask’s gang.

“COME ON OPEN THE **** UP!”

“We just want a little…”

“We can break it down..” One said pulling his gun out and aiming it at the door lock. He fired one shot; it passed through the wood unhindered

Their voices overlapping in the night. Through a window the woman could see a young mother with two sons. Her eye turned to slits as she stood up. Tonight she’d opted for something that gave her freedom of movement. Her arms and leg’s Bare, she wore something like a short tennis skirt and a tanktop.. Her ever present face mask covered her lower face before going down her neck and blending with the neckline of her tanktop.
She grasped two escrima in her black gloved hands, and shoved them back into her belt.. Stepping back she took a flying leap off the roof, shooting out a cable she swung effortlessly to the ground landing in a crouching position. Her black boots making a *thump* sound as they hit the broken and stained cement. She stood as the three men turned towards her.

“Well…looks like we’ve got somethin’ better..” One said as he stepped back from the door. He rested his gun on his shoulder.

“Where’ve you been hidin’ lil’ lady?”

She smiled under her mask and ran towards them. Leaping into the air she too out two with a kick before dropping into a crouch and taking the legs out from under the other. He fell dropping his gun in surprise. Catching the falling gun, from she fired three shots, resulting in a crimson stain in each man’s right knee, before flicking the clip from the gun and tossing it away. Bending over she delivered a quick hand movement to each of the men’s necks and their bodies went limp.

Working quickly she dragged them out into the street and lashed them to a working lightpost. The yellowish light from the light making their faces look sickly. She stood back and smiled satisfied. Leaning over she pulled a knife out and pushed their sleeves up, making two quick slashes in each man’s forearm. She wiped the blade on their clothes and sheathed it before shooting a line up and taking to the rooftops again.

Throughout the night the sound of fists hitting flesh was heard all over the East End and dawn brought the sight of a dozen men lashed to light posts. Each one with bloody red “x”s on their forearms.

[twylight]

The woman stepped into her tiny little apartment, its peeling walls brown in the dim light. Her bare arms and legs adorned with brown spots of dried blood and bruises, though the blood was not her own. She walked slowly into the kitchen and pulled down a wooden bowl, placing it in the sink she turned on warm water, the vapor from it hitting her face and rising like steam. She gingerly reached out and turned the water off.

The woman walked slowly into the living room and set the bowl on the floor and taking three small glass bottles from a shelf. Sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the bowl she gently and slowly unscrewed the tops of the bottles, pouring small amounts of the contents into the steaming water.

The smell of herbs hit the air and rose with the steam, bathing the apartment with spices.
The woman breathed in deeply as she dipped her black gloved finger in it and stirred the herbs around. She withdrew her hand and looked at it before undoing the strap around the wrist.

She grimaced slightly as the tight leather glove released its grip. Putting her finger under the lose flap she peeled the glove off revealing bruised and bloodied hands. The blood coated her hands in tones ranging from brown to crimson, the blue and purple bruises covering the knuckles. She slowly moved to the other hand and repeated the process. Her jaw working as she peeled the thin leather from her hand.

Flexing both hands she held them above the water. Her jaw tightened as she plunged her hands into the hot water. Her mouth opened in a soundless cry and tears rimmed her eyes as the pain swept up through her arms and into her body.
She relaxed and her straight shoulders slumped forward, her dark hair falling forward to drape her face, darkening it in the already dim light.

*Vvvvvvvv…VVVvvvvvvvv*

She looked up her face painted with pain, and stared listlessly at the phone as it vibrated on the table. Its screen light the only light in the place, it dimly lit her, casting a haggard look over her face.

She stood slowly, her hands at her sides dripping with warm water, steam rising from them. The water in the bowl was tinted pink and all that remained on her hands were cuts and bruises. Picking up a towel she dried her hands slowly and carefully before reaching for the phone.

“Yes.”


The voice on the other end spoke hurriedly.

“Handle the other end.”

The voice said something it’s tone worried.

“I’ve got it. Thank you.” She said, her voice warm with the last two words. Closing the phone she looked absently at the wall, her brain formulating plans. Her head bent, her hair again draped on either side. The light on the phones screen died, plunging the room into darkness.

She sat the phone down and silently walked to her room.

[Watchman]

The door flung opened to Scarecrow's office and woke Scarecrow up from his sleep. He hasn't sleep in days and they say going without sleep for a long period of time can drive a person mad he smiled at the though. He looked up at the amorphpus creature suddenly shaped itself...Clayface.

"I heard you wanted to see me"

"Oh yes. It seems your talents need to be put to good use"

"Well what is it Crane?"

"What's going on with the outside world reminds me when Gotham was declaired a No Man's Land. Everybody split up into different gangs trying to survive and destroying one another. This led me to believe that our intruder is doing the same thing. Even back then Batman had a gang what makes this one any different. I want you to infiltrate their gang, disguise your self as some kind of common thug, and find out what you can about their operations"

"And how do you know about all of this?"

"Let's just say a little birdie told me" he was refering to Penguin who called him eariler.

"Fine and what do I get for all of your dirty work" he transformed into a man about 6'5 feet tall.

"Oh anything you want. Just one more thing once you do find out the information give the leader a giant scare". Clayface nodded and left Arkham and headed for the city.

[Keyser Soze]

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8370/hahaha16ob.png

For a long time, The Joker stood there, staring at the bloody message on the wall. Written in Harley Quinn's blood. Things had been going so well. He had taken control of Gotham City. Batman was nowhere to be found. He had succeeded in uniting Gotham's warring gangs into one cohesive unit. And then, he returned to his office at City Hall, and was confronted by this.

Harley Quinn was pinned to the wall. Somebody had slashed her to ribbons, leaving the mocking message for The Joker to find. And it was meant for him. Oh, how ironic, somebody was playing a prank on The Joker.

But for once, he wasn't laughing.

The Joker approached Harley Quinn, pulling her down from the wall. He placed a finger to the side of her neck. She was still alive, barely. He pressed her limp body close to his, holding her blood-stained hand. Slowly, he waltzed down the corridor.

"Oh, Harley, dear Harley. We've been through a lot, you and I. I've beaten you up, strangled you, launched you in a rocket. I shot you in the stomach and killed our unborn child. But that's all water under the bridge, snookums. I'm allowed to do that to you because you're mine. Nobody else has any right to touch you."

The Joker stopped dancing. But still, he held Harley in his arms. Somewhere, deep down in his twisted, hateful mind, he did carry some affection for Harley Quinn, in his own demented way. And he was going to find out who had done this to her.

"Of course, my newfound friends are all-suspects. Black Mask chops up girls for fun. But I don't think they did this. They're not that stupid. And I know it isn't Batty. He wouldn't go this far. No, I think there is a new thorn in my side, a new scourge to Gotham City. And I'm going to find this menace, and make them pay for what they did to you, pumpkin. Every drop of blood will be repaid, and more. I won't just write "HA HA HA" on the walls. I'm gonna write up the whole first Act of Hamlet!"

The Joker planted a long, enduring kiss on Harley Quinn's lips, before letting her drop in a heap to the ground.

"I am The Mayor, after all. I'm here to keep the peace. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

[Batman]

Justice Is Served.

Harvey Dent stood in the empty courtroom of Gotham City. Alot of memories were held here. Alot of truimphs. Alot of defeats. Alot of things.

Back when he was Assistant District Attorney, He had won his first case here. This place was also where he had lost his last big one. Salvatore Maroni was on the stand, armed with a bottle of acid in his jacket for a supposed 'ulcer' he had. The bottle ended up burning half of Dent's face.

That was the first time Two-Face really let loose.

You remember that, dont'cha? The screaming... the burning... The taunting... You didn't think you were gonna live through that, did'ya Dent?

Harvey ignored Two-Face's words as they pounded through his brain. He paced the floors, slowly, feeling the various desks along the way. It brought back so much... Yet it accomplished so little. Harvey still didn't know when, if any, cases would be brought to him. The Joker had promised alot... But Harvey still didn't put his full trust into the clown.

After all... The Joker's first meeting with Dent wasn't nessacarily a pleasant one. He still remembered that night... Seeing Gilda's face with happiness as he brought her into their new home... Only to discover an univited guest. As Harvey fought to protect his wife, who was recovering from an earlier injury, The Joker beat him and taunted him in his own home.

'You're good, Dent... But you're no Batman!'

Harvey was still unsure if he could ever forgive Joker for that, despite what he had done for him, recently. It was still a lasting memory.

But that was over ten years ago. Now, Harvey Dent was District Attorney again in a time when it was damned near impossible. No one would've elected him as Two-Face... No one. But The Joker had given him the role he had worked so hard for. And for that, Harvey was going to let the clown live.

Two-Face, however, was ready to blow the clown's brains out at the drop of a hat. Whereas Harvey's psyche included forgiveness, Two-Face's only had two emotions: Anger and hatred. These lead to death in destruction. Which, led to chaos and panic. Set's of two's. It was an unintentional pattern, yet it fit both Harvey Dent and Two-Face all too well.

Harvey walked up to the front of the courtroom, looking up at the tall statue that represented justice in Gotham City. Their justice. The statue might aswell should've had pointy ears and a cape, considering that was the only sign of real justice Gotham City believed in. Harvey took out his coin, and flipped it.

Good heads, we leave it.
Bad heads, we show them REAL justice.

Harvey let the coin land back in his hand, before looking at it. The scarred side of the coin came up. Reaching into his pocket, Two-Face pulled out a magnum and aimed it at the right side of the statue's head.

*BLAM*
*BLAM*
*BLAM*
*BLAM*

Two-Face heard the gun click as it ran out of bullets. He looked up at the statue, to see that he had made an impression. Half of the statue's face was now covered in cracks and holes... Scarred, like Two-Face himself. Two-Face turned, looking around the entire room.

He would show them what real justice in Gotham City was. He lit a cigarette in the right side of his mouth, and smoked it. It was his courtroom... He could do whatever he damned well pleased in it, now.

http://popcultureshock.com/timm/gallery/1455.jpg

Justice is served.

[LibrarianThorne]

When Superman stepped out of the bank, the sight before him put everything else he had seen today to shame. Barbed wire, chains, bars, diamond plating. The cold metallic restraints flowed in every direction like a wild river, covering the buildings and the people, ever expanding. In the center of it all, a single man stood atop a pile of chained people. The man was laughing.

Suddenly columns of stone and metal shot out of the ground around Superman, so fast that not even he had much time to realize what had happened before it was too late and his cell had already taken shape.

"I'm sure that you recognize my personal touch, old pal," said the laughing man. "You know as well as I do that once something's been laced my nanotechnology, it not only attains a state of superdensity, but even if you manage to punch your way through it, it'll reform itself instantly. So says the Master Jailer!"


http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3937/masterjailer7nn.jpg

Superman sighed, and used his X-Ray vision to quickly scan his prison. Regenerating nanite construction, as the Jailer had said. Scenarios began running through Superman's head, variations on how he could effect a breakout with minimal damage to the city itself. Dozens of citizens were trapped along with him, and Superman had to factor them into his plans. No solution readily presented itself, and Superman knew that he had to buy time to think.

"Tell me, Jailer, who put you up to this? Why this elaborate scheme? Did you have anything to do with what happened at Stryker's?"

[wiegeabo]

"C'mon Jerry, hurry the hell up!"

"You slow the hell down, Joey! This damn thing is heavy."

"Oh stop your damn whining. We're on the roof."

"Well then take this thing off my back! I don't know how to ****ing use it."

"Damn, why the boss let you in I'll never figure out. Gimme it and I'll set the damn thing up." In just a couple of minutes, the rocket launcher was ready to use.

"Now stand the hell back when I get ready to fire this thing. When their cars pass by underneith, we're only gonna get time for one shot."

"I know, I know," Jerry says. He then points down the street. "But ain't that the car there?"

Joey looks over the side as the vehicle turns the corner and disappears. "Aw, **** me! The boss is gonna kill us."

"Not if we take somethin' else out."

"Like what, moron?" Joey asks.

Jerry points into the air. "Like Superman."

Joey looks and sees a man flying across the sky carrying what looks like an ambulance. "****, you finally had a good idea, Jerry. 'Cept that ain't Superman. Superman wears blue, not red."

"Who the **** else could it be?!? It's a flyin' man carrying a freakin' ambulance. If it ain't Superman, it's still a cape."

"You're finally makin' some sense." Joey gets in position and takes aim at Captain Marvel. A steady tone indicates a solid lock, and Joey presses the trigger. One of the two rockets launches out, heading right at the distracted Captain.

The rocket gets closer, and closer, and then explodes. "**** YEAH!!!!" they scream, laughing. Then they notice Marvel is still flying and a yellow wall is between him and them. "What the..."

"Nice try, but today is just not your day," I say, floating over them.

They look up and see me. "Son of a..."

"Do not finish that phrase. You know nothing about my mother."

"Waste him! Waste him!" one of them says.

The other takes aim and launches a rocket at me. I catch it in a bubble and spin around, redirecting the rocket back at them. They jump to the ground, covering their heads. After a few seconds of nothing happening to them the look up to see the rocket still firing, aimed right at them, held in place by my bubble.

"Maybe I should let it go. Who'd miss a couple of nothings like you?"

I see the fear in their eyes and savor it...

[batnkevlar]

"****" I yelled, smashing into the wall behind me. I changed into a Rhino and charged. "Who the **** are you? You're not Bette!"

"Such detective skills. Such language. Who am I is a base question," she said, still looking like Bette. She grabs me with her long arms and smashes me on the ground, over and over again until i turn into a cockroach to get out. I fly and land on the TV.

SMASH! She aims for the TV and misses me, electricity sparking around. I fly over her and turn into an anaconda. I wrap her up and start squeezing.

"Who are you?" I ask.

"Don't you remember? Green monsters, stars dying, fear, loathing."

"Yeah, I remember," I replied, the thought suddenly striking me. I squeeze harder and she sifts out of my grip, like liquid, kinda like honey. She oozes onto the floor and forms a new body.

She's a girl, my age, more or less. She has black hair and she wears all black. SHe reminds me of her mother.

"Of course you remember," she replied. "I'm Gemini."

I stare at my opponent. I don't know what she wants. Titans Tower has been entrusted to me for safe keeping. If she wants me, she can come and get me. If she wants anythign here... Cyborg'll kill me.

"What the hell do you want?" I ask her, panting.

"My mother," she said.

"I don't know where Madame Rouge is," I try to explain.

"Yes you do. You've met with her. Her, and Ravager, and Gizmo..." Gemini says, before wrapping my throat in her elongated fingertips.

I know what she's talking about. But I can't bring her back.

"Let me refresh your memory," she said, punching me in the gut. "Kid Eternity..." she kicked me "...chains of Heaven and Hell..." she head butted me with a unicorn horn "Raven was there."

"I haven't seen Raven in a while. True I saw your mother, but she was dead, and can't be brought back."

"Liar!" she yells, choking me to death.

"Your mother's... your mother's dead. Deal with it," I manage to squeeze out, before stomping on Gemini with a T-Rex foot. She groans and goes unconscious.

"I know I have."

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel sets another ambulance down near the Daily Planet offices. He hears one of the drivers tell him that a side street for emergency vehicles is now open.

Marvel nods to the driver and says, "All-right then you all should be fine now. good Luck and let us know if you need any assistance." He takes to the sky and he blinks twice and realizes...my vision is finally back. Now I'm ready to get back into the game. Let's see who is next to get a free-trip back to Stryker's.

He spots a hotel on fire...looks like that'll have to wait. He flies to the scene and lands next to the fire truck. He asks, "Is there anything I can do?" The Chief replies, "Yeah we got several people trapped on the 20th floor and the penthouse suite." It'll be another 3 minutes before our other units can get here to help, and those people may not have that kind of time."

Marvel takes off and begtins bringing people down from the 20th floor.

[Spike_x1]

Superman sighed, and used his X-Ray vision to quickly scan his prison. Regenerating nanite construction, as the Jailer had said. Scenarios began running through Superman's head, variations on how he could effect a breakout with minimal damage to the city itself. Dozens of citizens were trapped along with him, and Superman had to factor them into his plans. No solution readily presented itself, and Superman knew that he had to buy time to think.

"Tell me, Jailer, who put you up to this? Why this elaborate scheme? Did you have anything to do with what happened at Stryker's?"The Jailer chuckled again.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8219/masterjailer10019dr.jpg

"Superman, you know that it's not proper to address your warden in such a fashion. Especially for an inmate on death row like yourself. But as your last request is for me to tell you about what's going on, I might as well watch that dumbfounded expression wash over your face, huh? Sound like fun? I'll even show you."

Suddenly, both Superman and the Master Jailer were elevated into the air by wire and chains that sprouted out of the ground beneath them, forming a throne for Draper and only further strengthening the cage around the Man of Steel. They rose above the surrounding buildings on the block until they could get a clear view over Hob's River and see the smoldering remains of Stryker's Island.

"Does the name Lex Luthor ring any bells? HAHA!! He did it all! Luthor smuggled my equipment into Stryker's and gave me the task of spreading the word to the other guys and gals in there. He told us that when the time was right, we'd be given a 'get out of jail free' card and could do whatever the hell we wanted. Luthor's Syndicate's offered us protection as well. Even if we're slapped back into the pen, I'm sure you'll find that we'll mysteriously disappear from our cells without a trace after a few days of laying low and letting the pigs forget about us. The health benefits are real sweet too." The Jailer crossed his arms, pleased with himself. "First they sent Gotham on a constant spiral down crap-creek, then Keystone and Hub get the piss kicked out of 'em. Yeah, you heard me right. Everything that's happened recently to those cities has been set up by Lex Luthor and the Syndicate. We're in the carpool lane on the sweet road to success, my big blue-costumed friend."

[LibrarianThorne]

The Jailer chuckled again.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8219/masterjailer10019dr.jpg



"Superman, you know that it's not proper to address your warden in such a fashion. Especially for an inmate on death row like yourself. But as your last request is for me to tell you about what's going on, I might as well watch that dumbfounded expression wash over your face, huh? Sound like fun? I'll even show you."

Suddenly, both Superman and the Master Jailer were elevated into the air by wire and chains that sprouted out of the ground beneath them, forming a throne for Draper and only further strengthening the cage around the Man of Steel. They rose above the surrounding buildings on the block until they could get a clear view over Hob's River and see the smoldering remains of Stryker's Island.

"Does the name Lex Luthor ring any bells? HAHA!! He did it all! Luthor smuggled my equipment into Stryker's and gave me the task of spreading the word to the other guys and gals in there. He told us that when the time was right, we'd be given a 'get out of jail free' card and could do whatever the hell we wanted. Luthor's Syndicate's offered us protection as well. Even if we're slapped back into the pen, I'm sure you'll find that we'll mysteriously disappear from our cells without a trace after a few days of laying low and letting the pigs forget about us. The health benefits are real sweet too." The Jailer crossed his arms, pleased with himself. "First they sent Gotham on a constant spiral down crap-creek, then Keystone and Hub get the piss kicked out of 'em. Yeah, you heard me right. Everything that's happened recently to those cities has been set up by Lex Luthor and the Syndicate. We're in the carpool lane on the sweet road to success, my big blue-costumed friend."

Superman appeared perfectly calm, his face giving away no insight to his thoughts. If, however, the Jailer could see into the mind of the Man of Tomorrow, he would recoil in horror. A rage that could shake the mountains and bring the stars down from the sky was finally boiling over inside Superman. He clenched his fists so tightly ithat it sounded like steel scratching on steel. A small smirk crossed his face momentarily, and he gazed at the Master Jailer.

"All you villains think you're something, don't you? You're all out to see who can cause the most damage, kill the most people, and if you're really lucky, even take me down in the bargain. You all want to be remembered as the next Nero or Ghenghis Khan, and the only people standing between you and the decimation of humanity are people like me."

He paced around his cell as he continued. "But you want to know what's really funny, Jailer? Most of you are dependent on us to hold back. Do you have any idea what Zatanna could do if she wanted to? Can you even conceieve of the kind of irreperable damage Firestorm or Plastic Man could do? It would be a laughably simple thing for the 'heroes' to kill the 'villains'. It would be so easy for me to kill you."

To most, it appeared almost like Superman's head didn't even move, but the front of his cell was soon covered in thick sheets of ice. "Ice breath. Right now, the walls of this pitiful cage are about ten degrees kelvin. You know what that means, Jailer? That means your nanites are moving too slow to stop me from doing this."

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/4594/superman1697eo.jpg

The wall exploded outwards at the force of Superman's punch, showering the Jailer with bits of ice and concrete. The Jailer moved his hands to shield his face, and when he brought them down, Superman was hovering in front of him with his arms crossed. For the first time, the Jailer's face showed fear. Twin beams of red fire shot out of Superman's eyes, hitting the Jailer's key ring. The Master Jailer, unable to hold on to the superheated ring dropped it onto his lap. Superman didn't stop, continuing to superheat the metal until it melted onto the Jailer's legs. The Jailer looked down dsibelievingly at first, then began screaming in agony.

"Thank whatever God you pray to that you aren't Lex Luthor," said Superman as he turned and flew away, rocketing towards LexCorp tower.

[MST3K 4ever]

As Marvel is flying survivors from the 20th floor he sees something in the distance. Explosions, mayhem and people screaming...that can usually only mean one thing...someone is trying to get my attention...well they got it.

Marvel gets another to the ground and sees the other fire-truck arriving on the scene. He says to the Chief, "I think that's everyone, but you may wnat to check to be sure. Now if you'll excuse me I..." The Chief replies, "Yeah I just heard that Rampage is causing all kinds of fun we'll have to clean up later. You go ahead and take care of her we got it from here. Thanks for your help Captain Marvel."

The two men shake hands and Marvel leaps into the sky. He sees Rampage and begins to fly at her when he remembers hearing stories about her from Superman. He alters his flight path and lands in front of the 8 foot monster as she is throwing cars, breaking walls and scaring the people . Holy Moley! She is much bigger than I expected and the energy she is giving off is unreal.

He looks at her and says, "Dr. Faulkner listen to me. You can fight through this you need to..." Rampage screams, "RAAAAARRRRR!!!!"She nails Marvel in the jaw. "AHHHHH!"Marvel is thrown back against a wall and lands with a thud. He shakes it off but is still a bit woozy. He flies in front of here again and says, "Dr. Faulkner I don't want to hurt you. In fact I hate the idea of hitting a woman, but you're not leaving me a lot of...." She hits him again and he slams against another wall.

All-right that's it! Woman or not she has to be stopped! He sees her getting ready to throw a Gas Truck at a burning building. Holy Moley if that truck hits the building....Marvel quickly rips a light post out of the ground and flies at Rampage. He hits her in the back of the legs, and she falls to the ground with the truck on top of her.

That might do the trick...Just then she springs up flinging the truck off of her...well at least it didn't hit the burning building. She now turns her attention to Marvel and dives at him. Marvel dives away. Her energy level in just her punches are painful enough if she gets me in a bear-hug that's it for me. Maybe if I can lure her away from here...get her say to...Metropolis Harbor. A quick dip in the harbor might do the trick. At the very least a creture that hot meeting up with water that cold is bound to have some kind of effect on her. Now to get her to follow me.Marvel quickly using the speed of Mercury begins beating Rampage all over. Finally Rampage screams, "RAAAAARRRRR!!!!". Marvel begins heading to the harbor...that's it follow me...that's it. Hope this works.

She begins picking up speed...oh great I may be faster but I failed to realize one thing..she has got some speed as well. Just then Rampage leaps into the air and grabs Marvel by the ankle. "AHHHHH!". Marvel screams. He kicks her in the face and she hits the ground...ahhhh that is gonna leave a mark. He sees her preparing to jump again...got to get to the harbor. He stops and hovers over the bay. Come on...come and get me.
Rampage leaps at Marvel and he moves out of the way as he does he pushes her. She begins falling right towards Metropolis Harbor and then SPLASH!. The water in the harbor begins to bubble and boil. I better get down there and make sure that it worked.

Marvel hovers towards the water to see if Rampage has been beaten or not.

[Electro UK]

Black Mask took another puff of his cigar. He was in his new office at GCPD, of course there was no time to change the lettering on the glass payne so he'd spray painted his name on. He looked out of his window to see a grim police force.

They remembered. They remembered what Black Mask had done to their friends. Slaughtered them all where they stood. In the long run, it set them in order though, no one dared make a move on him. Damn this was good fun.

He walked out into the buzz of it all. Two police officers walked in, holding a man who was kicking and screaming. "What is this man guilty of?" Black Mask asked.

"We found him mugging a woman in an alley. We apprehended him just in time to save the woman's life."

Black Mask tutted. "No no no, this will not do, you have to be made an example of." Black Mask said, seemingly to the mugger. "You're fired."

"Wh-what? But we..."

"You appreheneded and innocent citizen, you wasted valuable resources and this good man's time."

"I don't believe this!"

"Pack your things and leave, I never want to see you again." Black Mask replied with a huge grin spread wide across his face. The mugger laughed at the officers as they went to pack their things.

"Well now we need someone to take their position... such a hard job trying to choose who will take all the bribes and put fear into people's lives." Black Mask said eyeing up the mugger. "Welcome aboard the team son."

[Watchman]

Down in a bar in Gotham only the lawless now enter sat a giant of a man drinking his beer. Of course this was no a regular man but it was the one known as Clayface. He was on the hunt for this new gang that was giving his new asociates problems. If he did find them he would be given anything he wanted. A conversation caught his attention.

"I'm telling you man this is where you want to be" one of the guys said

"I...I don't if the boss finds out I'll wake up in the river"

"Don't worry she will take care of you"

"Wel..." their table was thrown across the room smashing against the wall

"Where can I find them" Clayface picked him up and pinned him against the celling.

"Oh..Oh god don't kill me" he screamed. While this was happening the bartender took out his shotgun and fired. It hit Clayface in the head knocking him down. He face formed back to his human diguise and stared down the bartender.

"That wasn't very nice" his arm streached out and his hand turned into some sort of sphere. He hit the bartender in the face knocking it into the wall. He looked back down at the man. "Now tell me where I can find them or am I going to have to smash your body into pieces"

"Here man this is the address now don't hurt me". He smiled and knocked him out of the way and walked outside. This was it he now knew where to find this new gang.
******
"Fear can make people due highly irrational things from maybe striking somebody close to them" he straps something to the back of one of the fear induced doctors "Or charging the enemy's base with a bomb strapped to your back." He looks at the three doctors that have been bent to his will.

"Make it stop...please"

"Yes it will end very soon as soon as Mr. Clayface comes back from his little mission". Inside each little back was large quanities that he made in Arkham once he found out the location of the new gang he was going to show them what true fear is.

[Spike_x1]

"Sir, the restraints couldn't hold him," exclaimed the lab technician standing in Luthor's office. "He broke free from the sub-basement cell and, by our calculations, is heading straight towards the surface now."

Lex grimaced. "You're trying to tell me that It broke free from restraints made from Nth metal, metallo, and titanium?"

"Without any noticable effort." The technician couldn't bring himself to meet Lex Luthor's hateful glare.

Lex exhaled with anger and reached toward the smaller man. He grabbed both sides of the man's head, pulling with one hand and pushing with the other. He let the limp piece of meat fall to the floor and rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance. This was a stressful time to be approaching Lex Luthor with bad news.

'I suppose we were going to release it anyway,' Lex thought to himself as his eye twitched. 'The only difference now is that the city will feel his wrath much sooner than we would've liked. And judging by the ease with which he escaped, he's stronger than ever. Nothing can be done about it now though, except to prep the counter measures as quickly as possible.'

[Watchman]

Back at Scarecrow's office a brown tenticle slithered under the door holding a small piece of paper. The tenticle dropped the paper on the desk on went back to wherever Clayface is. Scarecrow picked it up and smiled.

"Oh you came through you giant pile of goo" he left and went to the cells holding the three doctors. He took the piece of paper and showed the three. "Go here and press the button on your packs the fear will stop". All three nodded and left Arkham heading for the destination. This was it time to take down their competition. After Clayface laid waste to their operation those three doctors will unleashing large amounts of fear gas finishing off any remaining survivors. He smiled at the though of it and still he could be there when it all happen.
*****
Clayface made his way from the bar and onto the streets of Gothom. The streets were running with the crazies and criminal not a single normal person insight. After some time he made his way to the location. Checking in a window that he didn't look a thing like himself he made his way inside. He looked around and didn't see anyone.

"Hello anyone home" he shouted "I'm looking for some work"

[MaskedManJRK]

He's certainly acting stranger than usual.

"This way."

I lead him over to the bug, which is parked a few yards away from the camp.

We run out to Kord's Bug. I lower Ibn down to one of the chairs and walk out, closing the door and pressing a combination to lock the doors. Before Sage can ask, I answer.

"Ra's brainwashed him, so I'm technically kidnapping him. If you have a problem, you best do something about it right now."

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman's mind was filled with rage as he rocketed across the Metropolis sky. Luthor. Always Luthor. I was blind to see it before. Thousands have died for his vanity. For his ego. No more. After today, the best anyone will say about Lex Luthor is that he ended up a red smear on the end of my fist.
Superman, please listen to reason. If Luthor is guilty of the crimes accused, he will be found guilty by the courts. It is how your system functions, is it not?
Not with him, J'onn. He's got too much money and power in this city. No matter what atrocities he committs, as long as the trial is in Metropolis Lex Luthor will be acquitted.
You cannot do what is in your thoughts, Superman. If you kill Alexander Luthor, you will be betraying everything you have ever fought for.
Well, maybe it's time I did that, J'onn. Playing by the rules has cost millions of people their lives, and I can no longer stand for it.

It was then his superhearing picked up a pounding sound, and the crack of ground. It sounded akin to an earthquake. In a second, he had found the point of origin for the sound. Without a second thought, Superman flew to the point. It was an intersection five blocks from LexCorp towers, the heart of Metropolis. He used his X-Ray vision to peer downwards, but found it blocked by one of Luthor's lead-lined sewer systems. His ears picked up a word, and with a start, Superman realized it wasn't an earthquake that was coming. "Soo-per-man."

It burst out of the ground with such force that the street underneath Superman exploded outwards, throwing Superman off balance. He landed in a heap, and stared up at the monstrosity that now towered above him.

http://www.upperdeckentertainment.com/dc/common_images/gallery/doomsday.jpg

"Doomsday."

[The Question]

We run out to Kord's Bug. I lower Ibn down to one of the chairs and walk out, closing the door and pressing a combination to lock the doors. Before Sage can ask, I answer.

"Ra's brainwashed him, so I'm technically kidnapping him. If you have a problem, you best do something about it right now."


"I'd say growing up with an international terrorist is more damaging for a child than growing up with you. I mean, at least Nightwing turned out somewhat sane. Now, I suggest we head back and engage in the excessive violence that's currently going on without us."

[MaskedManJRK]

"I'd say growing up with an international terrorist is more damaging for a child than growing up with you. I mean, at least Nightwing turned out somewhat sane. Now, I suggest we head back and engage in the excessive violence that's currently going on without us."

"Don't get too eager, Question. I think I have an idea that will get us to escape and get Ra's to stop his plan at the same time..."

I run back into the base, looking for Ra's.

[LibrarianThorne]

J'onn! This is Superman! Doomsday has just broken out of the street underneath me, and I need any support you can gather!

It took him a picosecond to compose the thought and send it to the Martian Manhunter. His body became a blur of motion as he flew into Doomsday, accelerating quickly enough that people in Metropolis heard five sonic booms. Driving his fists into the creature's stomach, he flew upwards, gaining altitude at astonishing speed. The creature uttered a grunt of confusion when it realized it was several thousand feet above the ground, It wasted no time in launching its own counter assault. One massive, clawed hand swept into Superman's face so fast that the Man of Steel didn't have time to defend himself. The large, bony claws pierced and cut the skin on his face, drawing blood. The impact knocked Superman back down into Metropolis, his head still reeling from the savage blow. He impacted like a small bomb in the ruins of Suicide Slum. Shellshocked denizens of the destroyed tenemants looked on the fallen Superman with horror, then with fear-filled eyes they looked to the sky. An almost cartoonish whistling sound could be heard, and a moment later the gray skinned armageddon monster landed on Superman, shattering the street beneath them and plunging the battling titans into a sewer.

Doomsday grabbed Superman's head and drove him face first into a nearby steel wall. The metal cracked, buckled, and finally broke as Doomsday shoved Superman into the wall repeatedly. Continuing its assault, Doomsday grabbed the remnants of Superman's cape and hurtled him skyward through dozens of feet of steel and concrete. Superman broke through he ground with a cascade of rubble, and Doomsday leapt after him, punching the still-dazed Superman through three apartment apartment buildings.

Superman landed in a heap on 65th Street. He struggled to his feet, finally regaining his senses after Doomsday's near-lethal attacks. He stood up shakily, one eye swollen shut and blood running down his face from multiple cuts. He could hear Doomsday jumping after him, and prepared himself. He could feel bones reknitting, a feeling that still felt odd even now. Bruising was healing up, but he knew he wouldn't be in top shape when Doomsday came back. His fears were rewarded when, only a few seconds later, Doomsday landed in front of him.

Superman ran towards the enormous monster and hit him in the stomach with a gut punch of amazing force. Superman's onslaught didn't end there, as he followed that punch with another one, then another, until his arms were a blue blur of speed. Each punch rang like thunder. Seismologists around the globe detected the sheer power of the hits. Doomsday was caught off guard by the speed and strength of Superman's attack, and couldn't defend itself when Superman attacked it with a hammer blow that knocked it in the air. Not letting up, Superman shot into the air and planted both of his feet against Doomsday's chest, kicking him through another building. With a yell that couldn't be heard by many due to the speed he was moving at, Superman followed Doomsday, impacting him with such force that the ground began to crater underneath them. Superman began punching Doomsday again and again, forcing the gray behemoth ever further into the ground.

"NEVER AGAIN, DOOMSDAY! Do you understand me, monster?! NEVER! AGAIN!"

Doomsday began laughing, then, his chest covered in blood. Superman realised then, with growing horror, that the blood wasn't the creatures. It was his. He'd beaten his knuckles raw against Doomsday's unyielding hide. Doomsday backhanded Superman, sending him flying. Superman landed in heap, and the monster stood up out of the crater. Its feet fell, sounding like the end of everything.

[wiegeabo]

Captain Marvel continues on carrying the ambulance. Either he did notice the explosion, or could not take the time to be concerned with it. Either way, these two human were going to pay for what they tried to do.

I wait for the missle to run out of fule and die. Then I disarm it and lay it on the roof. I grab the two criminals by the back of their shirts with yellow claws and hold them in the air.

"Wh..what are you...gonna do with us?" one of them asks in a pathetic voice.

"I had though about killing you."

"Bull****, man! You're a hero. You don't kill."

I bring the human's face right up to mine. "Who said I was a hero?" The fear in his expression is more than worth it. I toss them over my should and off the building.

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" they scream as they fall story after story. Inches from impact and my ring stops them. One of them passes out.

"Pathetic," I say to myself. I quickly find a police car driving down a street and stop them. I drop the two idiots at their feet. "These men tried to kill Captain Marvel. Do with them what you will." I take off before the police officers even respond. I've got a red clad hero to find.

An explosion and scream get my attention. I follow the trail of fighting and arrive just in time to see Captain Marvel trick a rather large and angry woman into a harbor. Floating over him I say, "Seems like you don't need my help, this time."

That's when I hear a massive sonic boom. No, not just massive. My ring indicates there are several off them. Then I hear a voice in my mind, even through my sheilding. It is faint, but unmistakable.

"Any hero who can hear my thoughts! Emergency! Doomsday has reappeared and is engaging Superman! All heros are directed to assist!"

I increase my mental shielding. Can't let that happen again. Then I look at Marvel. "Looks like my questions will have to wait. You coming?" I'm gone in a yellow flash without waiting for an answer.

[wiegeabo]

"NEVER AGAIN, DOOMSDAY! Do you understand me, monster?! NEVER! AGAIN!"

Doomsday began laughing, then, his chest covered in blood. Superman realised then, with growing horror, that the blood wasn't the creatures. It was his. He'd beaten his knuckles raw against Doomsday's unyielding hide. Doomsday backhanded Superman, sending him flying. Superman landed in heap, and the monster stood up out of the crater. Its feet fell, sounding like the end of everything.

The monster that terroized planets, and had once killed Earth's greatest hero, stood there, fury burining through it, ready to kill that hero once again. Until a bright yellow bubble encased it.

"...huh..."

***

I float above the crater with the creature trapped. I see Superman at the bottom and have to wonder if he's still alive. My ring confirms he is, but he's just holding on. I begin to rise into the air, dragging the monstrosity behind me.

"That is enough of that," I say to it. "I'll just park you in a stable orbit until we work out what to do with you." We continue to rise. "Honestly, these Earthlings always have to do things the hard way."

Hundreds of feet in the air it begins roaring and punching the bubble. "Please, you do not have what it takes to overcome my will." It punches again and again. I shake my head. Then it strikes again and the vibration carries all the way up the beam to my ring. I stop and look down out of curiosity. What was that?

I think the creature smiles as he slams his fists again and again. The strain is enormous. I grunt as I force the bubble to remain intact. I try to rise higher, but it takes too much effort. Another blow cracks the bubble.

"No...you...don't..." I grunt through gritted teeth. I hold onto my ring hand with my other hand on focus. His fist punches through with another blow. Then he completely destroys the top of the sphere. "Inconceivable!" I yell. Using the remaining bottom half of the bubble, Doomsday leaps up at me. "Oh hells!" I fire a blast into its chest, but it doesn't slow and is able to grab onto me.

We fall.

I take two blows to the face during our quick journey down. Even through my forcefield, the strikes are devistating. We smash through the roof of a small building, and debris explodes out through the windows when we hit the ground.

All is quiet for a few moments. Then there is a bright flash of yellow light and Doomsday goes flying through the sky, smashing into the side of another building, and falling to the ground.

I limp outside of the structure we fell through just before it decides to collapse. I barely notice it. My nose is broken, my jaw dislocated. My kneecap seems to not quite be where it should be. "AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" I reset both into place with my ring and can't hold back the yell. I spit a good bit of blood onto the ground, then notice that the ground is vibrating.

I look up to see Doomsday charging at me. I stand my ground. Long before he reaches me, a giant armored gold fist bursts from the ground and uppercuts him in the jaw. He goes flying again, landing hard. I create a giant axe and drive it home to cut the creature in half. Dust explodes outward from the impact. I breath heavily.

It takes me a few seconds to make my way to the crater Superman lies within. Then I hear it. A scraping from behind. I look over my shoulder as a large form rises. Without even waiting I fire a massive blast into it, incinerating everything in its path. The blast fades but the form remains. A howl of pure rage fills the air as loud footsteps ring out.

I look back into the crater. One chance. Superman killed this thing before, he better do it again. I rise into the air over the crater and will my ring to focus an intense blast of yellow sunlight into the Kryptonian's body. I look back to see Doomsday roar again as he leaps at me.

The charge on my ring is draining with my effort to recharge the Kryptonian. Doomsday soars through the air right at me.

This is going to hurt...

[LibrarianThorne]

The monster that terroized planets, and had once killed Earth's greatest hero, stood there, fury burining through it, ready to kill that hero once again. Until a bright yellow bubble encased it.

"...huh..."

***

I float above the crater with the creature trapped. I see Superman at the bottom and have to wonder if he's still alive. My ring confirms he is, but he's just holding on. I begin to rise into the air, dragging the monstrosity behind me.

"That is enough of that," I say to it. "I'll just park you in a stable orbit until we work out what to do with you." We continue to rise. "Honestly, these Earthlings always have to do things the hard way."

Hundreds of feet in the air it begins roaring and punching the bubble. "Please, you do not have what it takes to overcome my will." It punches again and again. I shake my head. Then it strikes again and the vibration carries all the way up the beam to my ring. I stop and look down out of curiosity. What was that?

I think the creature smiles as he slams his fists again and again. The strain is enormous. I grunt as I force the bubble to remain intact. I try to rise higher, but it takes too much effort. Another blow cracks the bubble.

"No...you...don't..." I grunt through gritted teeth. I hold onto my ring hand with my other hand on focus. His fist punches through with another blow. Then he completely destroys the top of the sphere. "Inconceivable!" I yell. Using the remaining bottom half of the bubble, Doomsday leaps up at me. "Oh hells!" I fire a blast into its chest, but it doesn't slow and is able to grab onto me.

We fall.

I take two blows to the face during our quick journey down. Even through my forcefield, the strikes are devistating. We smash through the roof of a small building, and debris explodes out through the windows when we hit the ground.

All is quiet for a few moments. Then there is a bright flash of yellow light and Doomsday goes flying through the sky, smashing into the side of another building, and falling to the ground.

I limp outside of the structure we fell through just before it decides to collapse. I barely notice it. My nose is broken, my jaw dislocated. My kneecap seems to not quite be where it should be. "AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" I reset both into place with my ring and can't hold back the yell. I spit a good bit of blood onto the ground, then notice that the ground is vibrating.

I look up to see Doomsday charging at me. I stand my ground. Long before he reaches me, a giant armored gold fist bursts from the ground and uppercuts him in the jaw. He goes flying again, landing hard. I create a giant axe and drive it home to cut the creature in half. Dust explodes outward from the impact. I breath heavily.

It takes me a few seconds to make my way to the crater Superman lies within. Then I hear it. A scraping from behind. I look over my shoulder as a large form rises. Without even waiting I fire a massive blast into it, incinerating everything in its path. The blast fades but the form remains. A howl of pure rage fills the air as loud footsteps ring out.

I look back into the crater. One chance. Superman killed this thing before, he better do it again. I rise into the air over the crater and will my ring to focus an intense blast of yellow sunlight into the Kryptonian's body. I look back to see Doomsday roar again as he leaps at me.

The charge on my ring is draining with my effort to recharge the Kryptonian. Doomsday soars through the air right at me.

This is going to hurt...

Sinestro's ring helps, but Superman's energy stores are too depleted for the ring to fully charge him, but the ring helps Superman recover quicker. He stirs and awakes in time to see Doomsday heading towards Sinestro. Without thinking, the Man of Steel is up, and punches Doomsday hard in the temple, sending the monster into a building.

"Sinestro! Thanks for the help, but I don't know how we can stop it. Doomsday can't be killed the same way twice, and he's already been killed by energy blasts, physical death, and it even survived the end of time itself. I... don't know how to beat it."

"And that's why we're here, Superman!"

Superman looked up to see the Martian Manhunter, Steel, and Captain Marvel descend from the sky. With a roar and crash, Doomsday emerged from the building. "Leave Doomsday to us, Superman. The Flash and Green Lantern will join us shortly. You know what you have to do."

Superman nodded, and rockeyed away into the sky.

I may not be of much use against Doomsday in my current condition, but this new Justice League should be able to fight it without my help. Now, one last loose end to take care of.

[twylight]

The silent air of Gotham City was oppressive. It hung forced in the air, tainted with fear. Those who hadn’t fled or joined forced with the new owners of Gotham had barricaded themselves away. Hoping against hope and praying to all God’s that this would pass.

A black figure slipped onto the roof of Gotham City Police Department Headquarters. Her small frame wearing a bow, a quiver of arrows, a bo staff and a slender belt. She pressed herself against the Roof entry, her eyes taking in the large dark signal light on the other end of the roof. Her eyes turned into slits above her black mask. She pulled an arrow back and aimed down it’s shaft. It’s black point lining up with the center of the large bat symbol. She held the position for a second before dropping her arms and sliding the arrow back into the quiver in one quick movement.

Turning she slipped through the door and into the building. Walking silently down the stairs she pressed her back to the walk at the sound of footsteps. Peeking around she saw two thugs walking down the hallway. Pulling her head back she leaned against the wall and waited as the footsteps and voices came closer. She waited till they were past her before sliding in behind them and pressing two fingers into each of there necks. Catching them as they fell she lowered them softly to the floor and pulled them to the side before lightly walking down to the next floor, encountering another twosome. Obviously Black Mask was protecting his turf. Hiding behind a hallway wall she reached her hand into a pouch on her belt and pulled out a small thin tube. Inserting a small metal barb into it she raised it to her lips before peeking around the corner and blowing. The man hit brought his hand up to his neck and felt the small barb in his neck, he turned to his partner only to see the same thing in his neck before they both saw grey and then black. The woman leap silently from behind the wall and caught them before the fell. She lowered them to the floor and gentle pulled the small poisoned darts from their necks, placing them in a separate pouch on her belt. Bending over she felt their pulses, making sure they were steady before moving on. She had a lot of ground to make and very little time.

Slowly but surely she worked her way from the top of the building to the floor level. She only found herself removing ‘obstacles’ a few times after the first two. She pressed her back against a wall and peeked out at the floor level. It was occupied by about a dozen of Black Mask’s men. They lounged around, cleaning their guns, watching TV.

“HEY! YOU!”

The woman swung her head around at the yell. A man stood in a nearby doorway, his gun raised. The woman raced towards him and he pulled the trigger, the automatic belting out round upon round of bullets, none of them aimed. She leapt into the air and twisted, kicking him, spinning she crouched as the Large hallway was flooded with the other dozen men from level. They raised their guns and fired. She ducked and twisted, spinning into the air, back flipping across the floor, bringing her feet us she pushed herself off the wall using her momentum she crouched and took out two of the men’s legs, they hit the ground with a thud. She picked up their dropped guns as the other ten continued to shoot off rounds even towards their downed teammates.

*twap twap twap*

She released the clicks from both guns before crossing them over her body and racing towards the other men. Uncrossing her arms she hit two more across the face with the large guns. Blood flying into the air and two sharp cracks accompanied the motion. Dropping the guns she pulled out her escrima.

*twap twap twap*

The men backed up, continuing to fire off rounds, she advanced towards them, her sticks twirling in front of her and to her side in intricate patterns. She smiled beneath her mask at the rising look of terror on their faces. She stopped moving and in surprise they stopped firing.

She tilted her head before ducking through a doorway.

“Hey! Stop her!”

“What the H..”

“Where does that go?”

“The Basement!”

She raced down the stairs, turning only slightly at the sound of heavy feet thumping behind her. She reached the bottom and shoved the door open shutting it behind her with a clang. Locking it she glanced around frantically, her eyes wide and taking in every detail. It was a daylight cellar, one of the weak area’s of the building that dated back to the turn of the century. She ran through the extensive basement dodging around the stored items and support beams.
At certain ones she’d slap what looked like a metal matchbox. The door flew open and she turned at the sound of boots flooding into the room. She glanced around and pulled out what looked like a small marble, tossing it towards the men gas was released and filled the air.

In seconds they were all down. She stood from the large piece of equipment she’d ducked behind, and two by two she dragged them up the basement stairs and out the back door of the HQ, dumping them unceremoniously in the alley behind the building. The woman glanced at her matte black watch on her slender wrist, before racing up the stairs. She grabbed the two groups she’d met before and pulled them to the roof, placing them on the roof of the building next to the GCPD. She looked at her watch again, the second ticking down. Pulling another little ball from her belt she tossed it at the Bat Signal. It exploded in a burst of orange and red, shards of glass rising into the air, glinting from the flames that soon engulfed it. Leaping onto the other roof adjoining the building the woman pulled out a small thin remote. Pressing the button a muted *boom* came followed by smoke and dust from the bottom of the GCPD HQ, in seconds the upper levels of the building fell on top of each other, like a compressed accordion. Leaning over the roof she looked at the settling rubble as a large cloud of smoke and dust rose into the Gotham City night air. A gas tank went and a large explosion followed, flames licking the dry wood and brick of the large rubble pile.

She leaned her arm on one knee and smiled before flipping backwards and into the night.
The smoke and flames rising into the dark Gotham sky.

[twylight]

Ricky sat at his desk and sighed. He rubbed his face with his hands.

The Penguin was being elusive. Again. Somehow he’d bartered a deal with Black Mask, Joker and Harvey Dent. Not to mention this…woman..he smiled…she was beautiful, nothing to question about that. However Ricky wasn’t stupid. There was no way he was going to blindly follow someone, no matter how solid their methods were. Not to mention the proactive stance she’d adopted recently…

*Riiing riiiing*

He raised his head and looked over at the phone before picking it up.

“Hello”

“Yes, I have information on your woman.”

There was a pause and Ricky asked impatiently.

“Yes, and?”

“Why do you want to know about her?”

Ricky’s face turned hard.

“What does it matter to you?”

The male voice on the other end spoke levelly and a bit impassionate.

”I’m in the business of gather information. And when I get a request as unusual as your’s..”

“You said you did this kind of thing all the time.” Ricky cut him off.

“Oh yes, I do. However the results I got from your information, it…interests me.”

Ricky raised a fist and touched his forehead before placing it on the desk. He’d contacted this Calculator in need of information and now he was suddenly the one in inquisition.

“You know why. Or have you not been watching what’s going on in Gotham City?”

”Ah, yes I am. However the extent of your description. It sounds more than just a business partnership.” He paused
“But I guess such things are outside of my information.”

“Did you get any matches?” Ricky asked impatiently.

“More than a few, none of this woman’s methods are consistent enough to match any one person. However there are a few interesting possibilities.”

Ricky pulled a sheet of paper to him and his hand was poised with a pen to write.

“Okay..” He said, writing as the man listed off the possibilities.

The list was short, but with startlingly different women.

“That’s all?”

”You expected more?” The man asked an amused little laugh in his voice.

“No, just, something not so spread out.”

“Ah...about that…have you ever heard of.…..”

[Logan Howlett]

I had a pretty good time hangin round Metropolis, searchin for the dirt under the spik and span, but now its time to head somewhere a little less.......comfortable. Gotham City! I wont have to look more than two feet to find trouble there. Finaly a place where my Unique talents can be apreciated. I stick a hundred dollar bill in the G string of the dancer in front a me. She looks down smilin, and then her eyes open wide! I grab her by the back of the head and lay on right one her.

"SMOOOOOCH! Oh yea! the main man loves him some sugar!"

Now of course every time I pull a stunt like that some bastich has to go and get all jealous......

"HEY! NO TOUCHIN THE DANCERS!"

"OH REALY? Well I guess that means you aplyin to take her place!"

I grab hold of the back of his head and toss him through the wall. Leaves on hell of a hole and a **** load a debree! I look back at that perty lil' stipper danglin from the pole and say,

"Gota feelin ya might find them rules changin darlin."

I blow her kiss and walk outa the hole. I look down at the guy I tossed. He's wearin a fragin Superman T-shirt! Hmmmmm......Got me a few ideas of who ta look for on my way back in town. I look down at the poor bastich and say,

"Thats what ya get ya fragin fan boy!"

I walk over his body, don't know if hes dead or not.......don't much care. I hop on my hog sittin outside and roll off into the sun set.



************************************************** **************

[Twenty Minutes Later, Gotham City]


Fragin speed limits, who actualy uses those? I'm blastin into Gotham doin about a hundred and twenty, and what would ya know the one goody two shoes cop in the whole town starts flashin his lights at me! Now usualy I would turn around, pop two in his chest and keep on drivin, but I'm on vacation.......and I can realy use some entertainment. I pull my bike over, spin around in my seat, and look dead at the cop as he exits and walk over towards me.

"There a problem officer?"

"Do you have any idea how fast you were goin back there?"

"Bout 120, 130 maybe? Why.....did I make you feel incompantent?"

"Licencs and registartion please."

"Sure thing.........here ya go."

I pull my wallet outa my pants and hand it to him.

"What the F**k is this? you think this is a joke? Handin me this crap, it writen in giberish!"

"No actualy its Czarnian, I got another there from the universal starship commision, and then theres always my Convict identification card I picked up through a stent in a Lantern based pen."

"...................What.....the hell did you just say?"

"I aint from this planet ya God damn Bastich!"

"Alright I heard about enough, I'm gona have to haul ya in for a DUI. Please stand up nd put your hands on your head while I pat ya down."

OHHHHHHHHH! I just gota see this! I put my hands on my head and wait...

"Alright pal ya have any weapons on ya? Anything I might hurt myself on?"

"Well.......maybe these?"

I open up my vest and reveal two guns, four grenades, and a rely long knife.

"What the f**k! GET ON THE GROUND! NOW!"

"......um......NO!"

I grab the guy by the throaght, wrap my chain around his neck, and hop back on my bike and drive into town. The poor bastich drags across the ground the whole way. Bout fifteen minutes later I arive in the city square. Guy behind the bike Is scraped down to skeleton and meat, a few parts of the uniform still showin through. Now its about time I start havin some real fun! What could I do.............blow s**t up? YEA! Lets start there, then I can work my way up. What should I use? Grenade? Mini rocket? Naw.......Hows about I launch therm right into one a those buildings? YA! This will be GREAT publicity for the Main Man! This will get my name out to all the big spenders in Gotham.........well..........at least the ones NOT in that building! I flip a switch and launch a therm into the skyscraper across the street.

"NOW THAT SHOULD GET SOME ATTENTION!"

[Watchman]

Clayface looked around and heard the explosion outside. He ran out the door saw the explosion. He streched out both his hands and attached them to the roof. He pulled himself to get a better look at it. GCPD was in flames whcih put a smile on his face. Although a shadowy figure leaping away caught his attention. He jumps into the air creating a giant stream of clay across the roof tops. He splashes onto the rooftop where the person was. He begun to reform right infront of them and then just stare at them.

"You know you've been making alot of people angry" he looks closer at her and begins to laugh "HAHAHA a girl this is going to be easier than I thought." One of arms formed a giant blade and held it up, "C'mon sweetie let's dance" he shot out the blade arm straight at her.

[twylight]

Clayface looked around and heard the explosion outside. He ran out the door saw the explosion. He streched out both his hands and attached them to the roof. He pulled himself to get a better look at it. GCPD was in flames whcih put a smile on his face. Although a shadowy figure leaping away caught his attention. He jumps into the air creating a giant stream of clay across the roof tops. He splashes onto the rooftop where the person was. He begun to reform right infront of them and then just stare at them.

"You know you've been making alot of people angry" he looks closer at her and begins to laugh "HAHAHA a girl this is going to be easier than I thought." One of arms formed a giant blade and held it up, "C'mon sweetie let's dance" he shot out the blade arm straight at her.

The woman stared at him as he reformed in front of her. Her mind racing for a plan.
Whatever her plan had been was now changed. She tilted her head, while this was an unfortunate diversion, at least it meant people were taking notice.

He shot a Blade arm at her and she flipped back dodging it landing in a crouch. He was the one known as "Clayface" and a very formidable opponant.

"For a being that can slip through anything they seemed to have leashed you quite well." She said, her voice low and muffled through her mask.
She'd let him make the next move.

[Watchman]

The woman stared at him as he reformed in front of her. Her mind racing for a plan.
Whatever her plan had been was now changed. She tilted her head, while this was an unfortunate diversion, at least it meant people were taking notice.

He shot a Blade arm at her and she flipped back dodging it landing in a crouch. He was the one known as "Clayface" and a very formidable opponant.

"For a being that can slip through anything they seemed to have leashed you quite well." She said, her voice low and muffled through her mask.
She'd let him make the next move.

"Leashed? more like unleashed after I finish you Crane promise anything I want" One of his fingers streached out wrapping around her foot and tripping her. His stomach seemed to turn into a mouth like structure with sharp fangs. He begun to reel her in. "Feeding time" he said.

[twylight]

"Leashed? more like unleashed after I finish you Crane promise anything I want" One of his fingers streached out wrapping around her foot and tripping her. His stomach seemed to turn into a mouth like structure with sharp fangs. He begun to reel her in. "Feeding time" he said.

She reached down to her thigh and pulled out her knife, arcing it she cut the clay and sprang back.

She pulled two pellets from her belt and threw them at him. A smoke screen flew into the air allowing her the time to leap to another rooftop. She looked up powerlines stringing over the roof. She looked back down as the smoke screen cleared. She pulled out a handful of metal barbs, careful not to let them pierce her glove with their poisoned tips. She threw them at him.

"And what do you want?"

[Watchman]

Clayface fealt the things go inside of them and through the other end. Pathetic he thought he could help but laugh, "Hahaha...." suddenly he found it harder to concentrate and harder to keep himself together.

"What the hell did you to me!" he screamed. He lifted his arm up and shot it at her but before it reached her the arm falls off and goes crashing to the streets below. He concentrates very hand and a new arm regrows. Spikes form along his chest and fires them at her.

[twylight]

Clayface fealt the things go inside of them and through the other end. Pathetic he thought he could help but laugh, "Hahaha...." suddenly he found it harder to concentrate and harder to keep himself together.

"What the hell did you to me!" he screamed. He lifted his arm up and shot it at her but before it reached her the arm falls off and goes crashing to the streets below. He concentrates very hand and a new arm regrows. Spikes form along his chest and fires them at her.


The woman dodged them, twisting her body around and flipping through the air. she felt her hair being tugged and pain in her right arm. She landed crouched on the ground and glanced down. A thin trail of blood was coming from a skin cut in her arm.

The poison effected him...suprising...She pulls out a tiny ninja star from her belt and throws it towards the electric line. It cuts it easily and the two pieces fall. SHe looks back down, getting the trajectory. Unless he moves the loose end should come in contach with him. She pulls out a few pellets in case it fails.

[Watchman]

The wire came down smacking Clayface in the chest. Sparks flew and lite up the rooftop. Clayface screamed in agony. He stumbled and fell off the roof making a huge splash in the streets below. Little globs of clay slithered away fleeing the scene.
****
Back at Arkham Scarecrow was speaking into a walkie talkie to some more inmates.

"Now is everything going according to plan"

"What are we doing listening to him I can run this show" shouted the voice over the wakie talkie

"Now Mr. Scarface he let us free and now I think we should listen to him" a clicking sound came over the walkie talkie.

"Shut your fat mouth before I make another one". Scarecrow changed the frequencies.

"Freeze what about you"

"Everything is set" he said in his cold tragic voice.

"Excellent" he turn it off the walkie talkie and turned to Posion Ivy who sat seductivly in the chair his office. "Now Ivy my dear do you think your over doing it with the..."

"Crane!" Scarecrow turned around a looked down at the ground. A small version of Clayface was running around. "Crane help me I need..." a vine came down a slammed a bucket down on Clayface.

"Thank you for that" he turned back down to Ivy

"How about a kiss for a reward" she says

"I don't think so". He walks out of the office and walks down the hallways. He underestimated his opponent what a bad move. Now it was war. War against this person who did not know what they were up against.

[twylight]

The woman stood up, placing the pellets back into her belt.
That was interesting. She looked over her shoulder at the smoke still billowing into the air.

A fruitful night. She sheathed her knife into it's thigh holder and turned towards Arkham. Scarecrow was over due for a visit...

[Spike_x1]

OOC: Bump.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"I couldn't find Flash, but I saw the explosions and figured I should....Holy Mother of God!"

Kyle had only seen Doomsday once before. On the news, when they were announcing Superman's death. Way before he got his ring.

"You guys know how to throw the best parties, don't you?"

Kyle's rign crackled with energy, and he fired at the brute full force.

[Spike_x1]

They could hear the thundering cracks as clear as if it were happening directly in front of them both instead of blocks away. Lex Luthor stood in the office that was becoming far too cramped for his liking at this time. Throughout the confines of the massive walls of the large room, the information and control of all Metropolis was running through the microcomputers, creating dozens of floating monitors and keyboards made of glowing hard light. Beside Lex stood the Bodyguard. His arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes narrowed beneath his full mask. This was it. Both men watched as Superman left the heart of the battle and flew straight in the direction of LexCorp Towers. They both noticed that the Man of Steel was considerably slower than usual and his face shown in the monitors was covered in bruises and caked with blood.

"He's weak, Joseph." Lex pressed a switch on one of the keyboards. Suddenly, the floor-to-ceiling windows slid away, the upper half receding out of sight and the lower half of the glass retreating downward. He turned to look at his employee. "Take him down."

The Bodyguard nodded and walked forward. At last he made the step that took him over the open ledge of the headquarters. After almost a minute of falling, the man landed on the front steps of the Towers, leaving a large crater around him. The Bodyguard brushed the dirt off of his suit and stood tall. He cracked his knuckles as he watched the blue and red monster fly towards him.

[LibrarianThorne]

They could hear the thundering cracks as clear as if it were happening directly in front of them both instead of blocks away. Lex Luthor stood in the office that was becoming far too cramped for his liking at this time. Throughout the confines of the massive walls of the large room, the information and control of all Metropolis was running through the microcomputers, creating dozens of floating monitors and keyboards made of glowing hard light. Beside Lex stood the Bodyguard. His arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes narrowed beneath his full mask. This was it. Both men watched as Superman left the heart of the battle and flew straight in the direction of LexCorp Towers. They both noticed that the Man of Steel was considerably slower than usual and his face shown in the monitors was covered in bruises and caked with blood.

"He's weak, Joseph." Lex pressed a switch on one of the keyboards. Suddenly, the floor-to-ceiling windows slid away, the upper half receding out of sight and the lower half of the glass retreating downward. He turned to look at his employee. "Take him down."

The Bodyguard nodded and walked forward. At last he made the step that took him over the open ledge of the headquarters. After almost a minute of falling, the man landed on the front steps of the Towers, leaving a large crater around him. The Bodyguard brushed the dirt off of his suit and stood tall. He cracked his knuckles as he watched the blue and red monster fly towards him.

Superman landed a block away from LexCorp towers. That fight with Doomsday has depleted me too much. I've got to conserve what energy I have left. No telling what Luthor has in his tower. Oh, and J'onn?
Yes, Superman?
I'm asking you as a friend to leave me out of the telepathic link now. I don't want you or anyone else endangered because of my next few actions. Am I clear, J'onn?
Superman, you can't-
Can't what? Kill Luthor? Of course I can. Now get out of my head.

It was an odd sensation, the feeling he got as the Martian Manhunter left him alone to his thoughts. He sighed as he looked around at the destruction that Metropolis had become. Firefigters and policemen were everywhere, lessening the damage and trying desperately to stem the loss of life. None of them seemed to notice him as he walked amongst them, or at least none tried to stop him.

In a few minutes, he found himself in front of the LexCorp towers. On the remains of the steps leading into the building was Luthor's mysterious, black clad body guard.

"You aren't going any further, monster," said the bodyguard. His voice sounded odd to Superman, but before he had any more time to think the bodyguard had raised his hands and fire leapt from them. The coruscating energy enveloped Superman and pushed him back. He found himself embedded against the marble wall of Metropolis' Chase Manhattan bank, the bodyguard still pouring flame into him.
"You... don't have to do this," said Superman as he began walking forward, the immense force of the fire lighting the remains of his cape on fire. "But I will take you down if I have to... Atomic Skull."

The torrent of fire ceased for a moment, and the two combatants stood face to face, Superman's cape still burning. The bodyguard reached up and pulled off his mask, revealing the flaming head of Joseph Martin, the Atomic Skull.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6688/theatomicskull7gx5jl.jpg

The man was mentally unstable, Superman knew, and easily twisted by Luthor. If he wanted to minimize the damage a battle between them would cause, he had one chance.
"How did you know?"
"Super hearing, Joe. It was your voice that did it."
"You know I'm not gonna let you hurt Mr. Luthor."
"You aren't? That speaks of a great devotion on your part. And you and I both know that if we did fight, you could beat me with the state I'm in now. But before we have our inevitable battle, I want to tell you a story."
"Consider your last wish granted, Superman. Go on."
"There was a woman in Metropolis. She was seventy six years old, and moved to Metropolis from California to be closer to her son. Her name was Asa Martin. I heard her, every now and then, talking to her friends. She kept a scrapbook for herself and for her son. The people at Stryker's wouldn't let her see him because as far as their psychiatrists could tell her son was lost in a deep psychosis. His movie personality, the Atomic Skull, had taken root in his mind. They told her that her son, Joseph Martin, was essentially dead. She was a strong woman, and never let on how much those words hurt her. The subtle differences in heartbeat can't be picked up by most people, but when you've got super hearing it's hard to miss. Sometimes, she would cry herself to sleep and pray to God that her son could find his way back to her. No matter what the doctors told her, or the news when they talked about the Atomic Skull's latest battle against Superman, she held out hope that one day the Atomic Skull would die and her son Joe would come home."

The last ashy embers from Superman's cape fluttered vainly to the ground as Superman continued. "She loved her son, Skull. She loved him even though the rest of the world hated him, and that was fine with her. Things continued like this, much the same, for years after she moved to Metropolis. Do you want to know why today was different for her?"
Skull's face remained dispassionate, but Superman could see signs of something changing within the Atomic Skull. "Go on."

"Today, around ten thirty in the morning, Asa Martin was still sleeping in her home when Stryker's exploded. She didn't have time to do much except look out the window at the burning prison. I heard her cry out when she saw what came for her. She'd read the news about the monster, same as everybody else. Bizarro. At ten forty this morning, Asa Martin and everyone in her apartment building were incinerated by Bizarro. The remains of Joseph Martin's mother are buried under tons of steel and concrete. I could have stopped Bizarro. I could have stopped the dozens of other supercriminals that broke out of Stryker's, too. I wonder, Skull, how many sons lost their mothers? How many wives lost their husbands today? Do you think about that? I do. Every single time a super villain attacks Metropolis, I get hailed as a hero when I stop it. But no accolades will make up for my failures. No accolades I recieve will make up for the deaths I couldn't stop. Deaths like Asa Martin. Deaths like George Bromley, a retired father of four who died when Terra-Man liquidated his organs. Deaths like Martina Narone, who was simply working at her job when Doomsday brought down the building she worked in."

Superman locked eyes with the Atomic Skull, and in those eyes shone a furious light. "Now we come to a point. Thousands of people have died so far today. Hundreds died in Keystone. No one knows how many lie dead in Gotham. All because of one man and his hatred for me. Now, will you stand aside and let me deal with Lex Luthor or will you stand against me, Skull?"

As Superman watched, something changed in the Atomic Skull then. His shoulders hunched, and if Skull was able to Superman knew that the Skull would have been crying. "M-my name isn't the Atomic Skull, Superman. My name is Joseph Martin, and I'm sorry."

Superman nodded a thanks to the Skull and walked up the stairs to LexCorp towers. For the thousands that had died in their battle, today it would end. One of them would die, that much Superman knew.

[twylight]

The woman stood on a rooftop at the edge of Gotham City, her dark hair tied up tightly, strands of it catching in the cold wind and streaming behind her in the night.
The dark night sky covering Gotham almost oppressively, as she looked into the distance through binoculars at a large building, fenced in by a large fence, the large metal gate arched over the driveway declaring in cold letters “Arkham Asylum”

She lowered the binoculars, folded them and tucked them into her belt. Raising her right arm she shot a line out and swung down onto the ground. She landed silently, an admirable feat for a woman as armed as she was. Two seis attached to her tights, a collapsed Bo Staff at her hip, her belt pouches were full of darts, some dipped in poison. On her back her quiver was full of arrows and her bow was slung across her torso. She stood up gracefully. He body covered from nose to foot in black, only a small part of her cheeks showed below her eyes.

20 minutes later she stood in front of the Iron gates, pushing them open she walked towards the building. This was a head on attack, there was no time for stealth. He’d be back any day and she had so much to do.

[Watchman]

Scarecrow was in his office watching each screen when the last one caught his eye. He had the whole place rigged up to his office where he could control lights, locks, and the sound system. He started to speak into the intercom system as he begun turned off some of the lights.

"Welcome my friend, welcome to the madhouse. I hope you enjoy are funhouse of fear". He got up from his chair it was time to rid their city of this pest. Outside his office was Killer Croc just standing there.

"Croc please let are friend in" he nodded and left towards the front. He picks up the walkie takie and speaks into it "Everybody ready?"

"Everything is..."

"Everything is set you son of a gitch" screamed Scarface

"Yes" said Freeze

"Ok then I'm going to invite one more guest to this party." he enter a hall full of cells and goes to one that is still occuipied. "I didn't let you out intially because I couldn't trust you. Your are too unpredictable at least the others could be control but right now I need you to spread the fear" he opens the cell door "Go out spread the fear and spill their blood Mr. Zsasz" the man jumps out of his cage and runs to somewhere into the asylum.

"And finally Miss. Ivy all these plants that you have grown will finally come to use. Use them to stop are intruder any way possible" Scarecrow went back into his office and took out his secret weapon that he has been working on whenever he came in here. A fear toxin that has such strong concentrations of chemicals that it will even make the strongest minds breakdown in fear. He looked at the screens and saw Croc and Zsasz looking for the intruder. This was their last stand after this no one would stand up to their power. They would be too afraid.

[Batman]

Two-Face stands infront of the Judge's platform, flipping his coin. The more that time passes, the more he flips. Every one of them lands on tails. Finally, The coin lands on heads, just as the doors to the court room burst open. Two-Face watches as two of his goons, now sporting Gotham City Police Uniforms, courtesy of Black Mask, enter the room, dragging in an elderly man.

Two-Face places his coin in his pocket, and addresses his men. The man they hold struggles, looking around.

"What the hell is the meaning of this?! I demand a lawyer!"

Two-Face steps forward.

"I'm A Lawyer."

The man immediatley pauses, looking at Two-Face in fear. Two-Face sneers.

"Didn't Think So. Balifs, If You Would Be So Kind, Show The Defendant To The Stand."

The man continues struggling as Two-Face's men carry him to the Witness stand.

"This isn't right! You're not fit to be DA! And The Joker sure as hell isn't fit to be may-"

The barrel of a large magnum stops the man in his words as it is pressed against his nose. Two-Face leans forward, looking the man straight in the eye.

"You'll Talk In Our Court Room When We TELL YOU To Talk."

Two-Face turns around, as if addressing an entire room of people. Instead, He's merely addressing his pawns.

"Court Is Now In Session. The Honorable Judge..."

Harvey stops. In all of this, Joker never appointed a new judge. The clear side of Harvey's face then smiles, as he turns his head, slightly.

"...The Honorable Judge Two-Face Is Proceeding In The Case In The People Of Gotham Versus..."

Two-Face takes his magnum back out, and presses it against the man's temple.

"State Your Name For The Court."

The man gulps, nervously, before answering.

"-Faden. Joseph Faden. I'm acting as Gotham City Justic-"

Two-Face hits Faden across the face with his free hand.

"I Said State Your Name. Not Your Goddamned Life Story."

Two-Face addresses his 'balifs', once more.

"In The People Versus Joseph Faden. We Will Now Proceed."

Two-Face turns his head, looking back at Faden.

"Unless You've Got A Problem With That."

Faden shakes his head, nervously. Two-Face smirks.

"Proceed, District Attorney Dent."

Two-Face then turns around, and begins pacing. It's a bizzaire sight, but... no one says a word, as he stops infront of the witness stand.

"Now, Mr... Faden, Was It? Please State What You're On Trial For."

"I... I don't know!"

Two-Face hits him again. Faden looks at him, appauled.

"I answered honestly!"

"That One Was For Incompitence. That Won't Be Tolerated In My Courtroom."

Two-Face turns to his balifs.

"Well?"

"He was caught breaking and entering, Your honor." One of them answers, loyally.

"Oh? And Where Was Such An Act Committed?"

"The Judge's Chambers.", The balif answers.

"Those are my chambers! I was never stripped of authority!", Faden shouts, angered.

Two-Face then smirks.

"Well, You Are Now, Aren't You?"

Faden's jaw nearly drops.

"You can't do this to me! I've worked for this city for over twenty years! You're not an official!"

Well, Someone Obviously Doesn't Watch The News...
His mistake, Dent. You know what to do.

Harvey turns to Faden.

"Is It Not True That Once An Official Is Stripped Of Rank, That The Said Person No Longer Has Legal Access To His Or Her Workplace? Is That Not Apart Of The Worker's Act, Mr. Faden?"

"That isn't fair! I wasn't taken from my position until after I tried to get into the office!"

"So You Admit To The Crime?"

"What?! No! I just told you! I had no idea that-"

Two-Face hits him once more.

"Didn't I Just Tell You A Little Something About Incompitence, Faden?!"

"I have rights!"

Two-Face punches Faden in the nose. Faden grips his now broken nose in pain, as it starts to bleed.

"I Didn't Tell You To Talk."

Two-Face turns back to his balifs.

"Has The Jury Reached A Verdict?"

"We have, your honor. We find the defendant guilty in the charges of Breaking and Entering, aswell as insulting the judge. Both in the first degree.", The other balif answers. Havrey smirks, at that last charge.

"NO! I didn't-"

"SHUT UP. I'm Deliberating."

Two-Face removes his coin from his jacket, and flips it. The coin lands on the scarred side. 'Bad Heads'. Two-Face turns to Faden, still gripping his bloodied nose.

"Joseph Faden, I Hereby Sentance You To The Second Highest Penalty Possible. Death."

Faden's eyes widen.

"Second highest?", one of the balif's ask.

Harvey looks back.

"You Don't Wanna Know The First."

The balif nods, almost in fear.

"NO! You can't!"

Two-Face takes the magnum, and shoots Faden, at point blank range. Faden falls to the ground, dead.

"I Believe I Just Did."

Two-Face sneers at Faden, once more.

"Balifs, Remove The Defendant From My Courtroom."

The two men rush up, and drag Faden's body out. Two-Face flips his coin once more, as it lands on Heads.

Court is ajurned

[Spike_x1]

He watched the monitors with excitement as Joseph Martin unleashed a fury of atomic rays on Superman. He watched the bystanders scamper away like frightened children. He watched as his Bodyguard stopped his assault and walked away from the fight. He watched as his world fell down around him.

The scream of anger and rage coming from the center of the Twin Spires of LexCorp Towers could be heard and felt by thousands of the insects below, but Lex Luthor himself was deaf to it all. He staggered and tried to adjust his eyesight as it clouded and shimmered. He rubbed his eyes and attempted to control his breathing. He wiped his nose and looked down to find dark blood smeared on his hand. 'The stress, I-' Lex's thought was cut off as sharp pains began stabbing through his chest. His breathing was getting too heavy and a ringing tone sounded in his ears. He fell to the floor as things grew dark.

NO!

'I only fainted. It's nothing!' Lex opened his eyes and slowly pushed himself off of the floor. He threw his right hand numbly onto his desk to pull himself into the large leather chair behind it. Groaning in pain, he finally settled down and took a deep breath of the fresh air that was coming in through the vast open window next to him. "Lena... I can't..." he gasped incoherently. "Mercy... Where are you?"

Then he saw it on one of the smallest monitors. The Alien was coming up the steps of the Towers. Coming in through the very front door of the building. "This is my castle, Alien. And you have no place in it." Lex swallowed a copper-tasting lump in his throat and reached out to one of the keyboards. He had to hold onto his wrist to steady his shaking hand, but he managed to punch in the correct code to access the Subject's command list. That's when he focused his blurry vision passed the semi-transparent computer screen in front of him and saw the Enemy in the doorway on the other side of the room. Superman stood still in the shadowy office, with glowing red eyes and the symbol of mocking hope adorning his chest. Lex Luthor stared at the creature for an eternity and it stared right back, wondering how this lowly human should be punished.

"You should have killed me when you had the chance." Lex sighed with exhaustion. "You brought this unto yourself. You thought you were above us. You come from the stars and you try to tell us how to live our lives the way you think we should live them. Now, what happens when you say 'jump' and we say 'no'? Do you alter our minds? Do you enslave humanity? Or do you beat us into the pavement, shake the dust off your hands and fly up, up, and away? 'All in a day's work, ma'am'?" Lex shook his head and let his eyelids fall. "Tell me Goliath, with your Holier-than-thou act of bending humanity to your will," Lex opened his eyes and looked at this monster from another world, "is it lonely up there on your pedestal?"

Lex Luthor turned his head to look over his city, letting the wind flow over him and cool the stitched lacerations on his face, and taking in the sheer scope of his beacon of achievement. His Metropolis. Then he spit blood into his beacon. None of it meant anything if it could be taken away so easily by a scorned Alien with an itchy triggerfinger for mindwipes. "You are not above me, Monster."

[LibrarianThorne]

He watched the monitors with excitement as Joseph Martin unleashed a fury of atomic rays on Superman. He watched the bystanders scamper away like frightened children. He watched as his Bodyguard stopped his assault and walked away from the fight. He watched as his world fell down around him.

The scream of anger and rage coming from the center of the Twin Spires of LexCorp Towers could be heard and felt by thousands of the insects below, but Lex Luthor himself was deaf to it all. He staggered and tried to adjust his eyesight as it clouded and shimmered. He rubbed his eyes and attempted to control his breathing. He wiped his nose and looked down to find dark blood smeared on his hand. 'The stress, I-' Lex's thought was cut off as sharp pains began stabbing through his chest. His breathing was getting too heavy and a ringing tone sounded in his ears. He fell to the floor as things grew dark.

NO!

'I only fainted. It's nothing!' Lex opened his eyes and slowly pushed himself off of the floor. He threw his right hand numbly onto his desk to pull himself into the large leather chair behind it. Groaning in pain, he finally settled down and took a deep breath of the fresh air that was coming in through the vast open window next to him. "Lena... I can't..." he gasped incoherently. "Mercy... Where are you?"

Then he saw it on one of the smallest monitors. The Alien was coming up the steps of the Towers. Coming in through the very front door of the building. "This is my castle, Alien. And you have no place in it." Lex swallowed a copper-tasting lump in his throat and reached out to one of the keyboards. He had to hold onto his wrist to steady his shaking hand, but he managed to punch in the correct code to access the Subject's command list. That's when he focused his blurry vision passed the semi-transparent computer screen in front of him and saw the Enemy in the doorway on the other side of the room. Superman stood still in the shadowy office, with glowing red eyes and the symbol of mocking hope adorning his chest. Lex Luthor stared at the creature for an eternity and it stared right back, wondering how this lowly human should be punished.

"You should have killed me when you had the chance." Lex sighed with exhaustion. "You brought this unto yourself. You thought you were above us. You come from the stars and you try to tell us how to live our lives the way you think we should live them. Now, what happens when you say 'jump' and we say 'no'? Do you alter our minds? Do you enslave humanity? Or do you beat us into the pavement, shake the dust off your hands and fly up, up, and away? 'All in a day's work, ma'am'?" Lex shook his head and let his eyelids fall. "Tell me Goliath, with your Holier-than-thou act of bending humanity to your will," Lex opened his eyes and looked at this monster from another world, "is it lonely up there on your pedestal?"

Lex Luthor turned his head to look over his city, letting the wind flow over him and cool the stitched lacerations on his face, and taking in the sheer scope of his beacon of achievement. His Metropolis. Then he spit blood into his beacon. None of it meant anything if it could be taken away so easily by a scorned Alien with an itchy triggerfinger for mindwipes. "You are not above me, Monster."

He was a blur of movement. A Blue, yellow, and red streak as he grabbed Lex Luthor by the neck and held him with one hand in the open air.

"Yes, Lex. I am above you."

Luthor looked down, then looked at Superman, his gaze level with the Kryptonian's.

"And yes, some times I am lonely. When things are their darkest, and all around me is fire and death. When I know that the greatest heroes in the universe are looking to me to know what to do. When I know that billions die by fire if I am weak. I am lonely then, but I will be lonely before I will be weak."

He gritted his teeth. His heat vision came effortlessly to him, making his pupils glow a fierce red. It was like the concentrated solar energy was begging to scream forth and incinerate the man who had given him so much pain.

"I've waited for this day for a very long time, Lex. Since the Kryptonian invasion you fabricated, I knew that it would come down to you and me. I've fought ancient gods and evils that would make a mockery of most men's sanity, but none of them have surprised me like you, Lex. Your depth and capacity for evil know no limits, and it's time someone put you down."

Luthor remained calm, though Superman could hear the hammering of his foe's heart. The tightening of his muscles. He was tensing. Superman stood, feeling the wind against his skin, and looked out on Metropolis. Fires raged throughout the city. Struggling thousands uttered his name, hoping that just this time their savior from the sky would come for them.

But Superman knew what needed to be done.

"I've thought about it, when I had spare time. How, when it came down to it, I would kill you. With these powers I have, I can kill so easily. But you know that, don't you? You know me, or at least you think you know me, better than anyone else on this planet. So I bet you've wondered, too. How I would kill you, I mean. Would I parbroil your brain? Or would that be too quick? Heat vision your limbs off one at a time? Dissect you piece by piece until nothing is left of Lex Luthor? Or something more esoteric, perhaps. Exile in the Phantom Zone, or a one-way Boom Tube to the pits of Apokolips. Have Doctor Fate send you to hell, even."

His grip tightened around Lex Luthor's throat, ever so slightly. Still Luthor did not utter a sound. Superman didn't think that Luthor would allow him the pleasure of knowing how terrified he was.

"And some days, days like these, I want to be the man to kill Lex Luthor. I know that you will escape every form of justice I know of, all except that final one. And here, now, I could escape all blame. I can make it look like you simply jumped when I made it past the Atomic Skull, taking your own life rather than face me one last time."

His teeth grated against each other with a sound like continents moving. His eyes had become pools of red fire. Frost blew from his mouth, and Superman sighed.

"But I believe in truth and justice, Lex. With all of my heart and all of my soul. And I know, in that same heart and soul, that I am not the man who will kill Lex Luthor. Killing you would make me as weak as all of the other 'heroes' that seek justice in the taking of a life. And as I said, I would rather be lonely than weak."

Superman stepped back from the edge of the windowsill, and placed Lex at his desk. He turned away from Luthor then, and looked as if he was about to fly away, but he turned his head and regarded Luthor one last time.

"You think that I am stronger than you, Lex. But, strong as I am, I could never do something like this. Metropolis lies in flame and ruins because of you, Lex. Because this is what you want. Thousands are dead because of this petty feud between us, and I know that I cannot be the one to end this. You want to prove me wrong, Lex Luthor? You want to prove yourself better than me? Then make this world a better place than I could ever dream of."

And then he was gone, the roar of his departure echoing around Lex Luthor's office for what seemed like an age.

[Spike_x1]

He brought his hands up to his eyes and watched the shakes. He tightened his leg muscles and stood up, looking out at the world that had turned on him.

The fires blazed and the gunmen thrived. The explosions roared and the families cried. The lightning cracked and the people died. And the Goliath had left his David alive.

Lex Luthor fell to his knees and wept. Even as his heart muscles tightened and slowed the pumping of blood, letting the excruciating pain return to his chest, he wept. His eye was blinking uncontrollably, blood was flowing freely from his nose, and he ignored the feeling of his nails cutting into his palms. He couldn't even hear the agony in his own bellows over the ringing in his eardrums.

"You are not above me, Superman." Luthor was having some sort of arrest. "You set these events in motion. You stole humanity from me. MY humanity!" He had pushed himself too far, too hard. The stress was too much of a strain on his body and mind. He was only human after all. To feel this pain was something that Superman could only dream about. "If you were above me, you would have put me out of my misery. You would have given me what I wanted; the end of you. It would be the last straw, and the ants would finally see you through my eyes. They'd see you for the horror that you really are." He needed a doctor fast.

As if on cue, a touchscreen monitor floated to Lex Luthor as he cried on the bloody carpet. It was an angel of relief in its illuminating glory. On its screen was still the menu that he had opened just before Superman had arrived in the office: the selection of commands for the Subject.

"You want me to make this world a safer place, Superman?" His finger lingered over the icon on the screen. "I'll make Metropolis the safest place of all!" With that, he pressed his finger onto the glowing display.

Suddenly the R-1 canon at the top of the Twin Spires crackled to life. Every lightbulb in the city went out as its electrical energy was absorbed and converted through LexCorp Towers' sub-basement. The canon's blast would also draw in any ambient energy inside of a twelve-block radius of the intended target, incapacitating or killing anyone within range. Death was all but guaranteed for even the most invulnerable of targets. The canon would only get one shot before its "power converter" would burn out and die, but that single shot was all that David would need to prove Goliath wrong.

"My sling is cast."

The R-1 canon's aim was true, reducing the target to dust and bones with a flash. Doomsday was defeated. The nearby citizens who were watching the battle with awe merely moments before were now completely vaporized, and the heroes at the scene would need immediate medical attention.

When the authorities would finally arrive at the main office of the Twin Spires, they would find no trace of Lex Luthor, and analysis of the computer systems would uncover "evidence" of the equipment being overridden, most likely by Metallo or the Cyborg.

[wiegeabo]

I smash Doomsday across the face with a fist, from a safe distance obviously. I then have to duck as the Manhunter goes flying over my head from a massive backhand from the creature. That's all the time I need.

Two beams lash out from my ring, one shoots out to the nearby rooftop where I happened to stop those pathetic criminals from attacking Marvel. The second grabs Doomsday by the mouth and wrenches it open.

I pull the first beam back, complete with the rocket I left on the roof, and stuff it down the creatures throat. The explosion clouds my vision for a second. My vision clears in time to witness Doomsday run up and put his fist into my gut. I fly back into a building, surviving only through the grace of my forcefield.

I sit up and spit blood. Something doesn't feel right inside, but I do not have time to worry about it.

"Need...a recharge," I say to Rayner, Marvel, or whoever the hells is listening why they also try and tackle the beast. Then I notice all the lights in the area begin to flicker as I limp my way into the open, gripping my abdomen. "What in the hells...?"

There is a blinding flash of light, I'm flying backwards again, into the very same building, and then nothing...

...

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...

Hells...

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...

...

...

...I open one eye.

"Really...need...recharge..."

nothing...

...

...

..

.

[twylight]

The woman walked towards the large building, her steps self assured, when the large root unearthed it’s self she was ready for it and reacted with a flip backwards, landing with her legs bend she pulled out two darts and waited for the plants mistress.

The Mistress herself soon arrived, the vines creating a canopy over her as a large leaf was her platform on which she sat primly.

She rose, her long red hair hung down her back with leaves intertwined in it.

“What’s this? A weed?” She asked lightly, her shoulder rising in mock surprise.

“We must do something about it...”

The woman in black straightened up.
“Old line Ivy.” she said, her hair now loose fell across her face.
“You’d think with all the time in Arkham you’d be a bit wittier.”

Poison Ivy’s green flesh tinted a rose color for a split second before she rose her arms and the dropped them, the vines moving and twisting around her before springing at the woman. The woman flipped sideway’s pulling out darts and throwing them at the oncoming vines, causing them to pause.

Ivy laughed. “You can’t stop them that w…” She paused, a look of horror crossing her face as brown veins showed on the vines smooth green surface. The brown veins becoming bigger and spider-webbing out from where the darts had hit them…

“What…My….My Plants!” She shrieked.

The woman held up her hands, two darts in each hand, between her fingers.

“Weed killer.” She said simple before releasing them at the rest of the vines as Ivy sent them at her. The woman leaped away from the crashing vines as Ivy called more and more up. Leaping and twisting she dodged the roots as they sprang up from the ground, grabbing at her ankles. Reaching for more darts she let them fly, before she crossed her arms over her chest and landed with a soft thud to the ground, her feet planted firmly.

“You can’t dodge them forever” Ivy said her voice tinged with hate, her hair disheveled.

The woman raised her head and raised and eyebrow.
“No..I can’t”

She pulled out a gun, from a shoulder holster, it’s black matte finish making it unseen till then. Aiming it at Ivy she squeezed off two rounds, catching the woman in each shoulder.

The villainess gasped as red blood flowed from her green skin….

“You…you shot me.” She took a step back stunned as she crumbled to the ground, her body wracked with convulsions.

The woman walked through the dead vines and roots to the green woman and leaned over her.

“You’re…. not…like…….him……” Her green eyes rolled into her head as her body went limp.

“No..I’m not..” The woman whispered, checking Ivy’s pulse.

She stood up.
“Sweet dreams.” She said before walking away.

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman smiled as he flew away from LexCorp. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally gotten through to Lex. Maybe their long war could know peace, if just for a little while.

He flew to his apartment, entering from the balcony. There, he saw Lois typing away furiously at her computer. She turned as she heard the balcony doors open, and she saw him. He was covered in caked blood and bruises, but even through that she still saw the only man who had taken her heart.

Her Superman.

She rushed over and embraced him with such ferocity that he didn't think she would ever let go. They kissed then, deep and full and passionate. The moment would have stretched to eternity, but Superman pulled away.

"Clark, my God I've missed you."
"I know, Lois."
She followed him as he went to his closet and began putting on one of his spare uniforms. Their windows rattled with the sound of the battle still raging outside their home.
"You're not going back out there, are you Clark? You can't!"
He pushed his foot into a bright red boot as he replied. "I've got to, Lois. And you know why I've got to."
"Because the city needs you," she said with a tone of regret. She grabbed one of his long, red, regal capes and affixed it to his shoulders. before her very eyes, many of the bruises and cuts that Superman had healed. "Clark, I know I don't say this much, but I'm scared. Scared for you. Doomsday is out there, and last I heard from the office before I left he was manhandling the other heroes."
"I know, and I made a promise to you earlier, remember? No matter what, I'm going to come back to you."
"Oh, Clark I-"

He stood and kissed her then. It was just as passionate as the last time, and in that moment they were simply two people in love.

Then the lights began to flicker. They stopped their embrace, and Lois looked around. "What's going on?"

He heard it, of course. The electricle sizzle as ozone burned. The surprised exclamations as hundreds of people lost power. "My God..." he said, and then he was gone, out the balcony doors, and praying to God that he could be fasted than just this one speeding bullet.

When he saw the massive charge, he was astonished. The energy discharge wasn't coming for him. Before he could react, it impacted. Wasting no time, he flew to the scene of the impact and was rewarded with a scene of total devastation. Green Lantern, Sinestro, Captain Marvel and the Flash were scattered like tenpins. J'onn was a puddle of goo. In the center of a massive crater laid Doomsday's still smoking skeleton. Superman saw no other indications of survivors. He heard Sinestro groan in pain, and with a sudden clarity knew what had to be done. He was a blue and red blur of motion. Flash, Captain Marvel and Green Lantern he took to an overwhelmed Metropolis General Hospital. There, the overworked staff took the two injured heroes the second he landed. Superman nodded his thanks, and like a rocket flew off. He wasted a few precious moments getting J'onn into his familiar Martian shape, and then he took Sinestro and the Manhunter to S.T.A.R Labs. A rushed Emil Hamilton greeted him, two assistants with white gurneys accepted the patients. Superman met eyes with Emil Hamilton. "Emil, I'm counting on you. The world needs them."

His longtime friend nodded, and Superman was gone again. The next few hours he was all over Metropolis, saving as many lives as he could. He rushed to sites of destruction, helping emergency workers clear rubble and with his X-Ray vision he found pockets of survivors. Their first sight was always him, the bright shield on his chest giving them hope that light could still shine in darkness.

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5458/supermandayofdoom1pg13kj.jpg

There was looting and chaos, and he was there, too. A woman on her way back from work was threated by a desperate band of people wanting to get out of the burning Metropolis. Guns fired, their miniature sonic booms a clarion call to his ears. In a flash, he was there, the small caliber bullets bouncing off of his chest

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2241/action6006gy.gif

He faced down the fifteen people. Dockworkers, an accountant, a call girl, three boys no older than sixteen, and all of them looked at him with something like awe. "Stop this, and go to your homes. If your homes have been destroyed, please go to one of the many shelters still operating. And don't worry, I'm back."

He was gone again, and he would work for many hours. He was a hurricane of primary colors around the city, putting out fires, stopping looting, and saving people from nearly certain death.

He is Superman and Metropolis is his city. It would make it through this dark day because of his presence and his help. But as he committed great acts of good, he would know that without the help of Lex Luthor many more people would have died at the hands of Doomsday. He hoped, then, that Luthor would one day soon return, and be a better man than he was before.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2549/advofsupermancv6480lr.jpg

[Red]

"Don't get too eager, Question. I think I have an idea that will get us to escape and get Ra's to stop his plan at the same time..."

I run back into the base, looking for Ra's.

Ra’s arrived at his chambers accompanied by a small army of followers. He stood silent, still, not even the cold breeze through the corridor did anything but faintly shiver his hair. His eyes contemptuous they tightened and searched every inch of the room.

“Detective” he muttered under his breath with disgust.

A single ninja ran down the hall and halted at Ra’s presence, “Master the invaders have retreated to the North West site of the complex, and it would seem they are attempting to escape”

“Order every man to that position. I want my son back.”

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel lays on a hospital gurney unconscious. He finally wakes up the aches and pain from the battle with Doomsday are unreal. Where in the world am I? I vaguely remember moments of the battle with Doomsday....and I think Superman flew me to the hospital... If it wasn't for all of us working together Doomsday would've totaled the city...at least I think that's what happened...I don't remember much else

Taking a deep breath he rises up...there's still much work to be done...I AHHHH!! My right leg...I don't know if it's broken or what...but it hurts...can't let that slow me down...still have to help.. He notices also his left arm is in a sling. He throws the sling off...AHHHH my shoulder...that can't be good...can't be helped right now....need to get to work...the city needs my help.

He limps out of the E-R...he grits his teeth and leaps into the sky...Well on the bright side flying doesn't put too much pressure on my leg. Need to get to work....need to...I...I.

With that Marvel blacks-out. He falls from the sky and lands on top of a car smashing the roof in. SMASH!!!!!!

[Watchman]

Scarecrow watched the fight outside on the screen. He watch Ivy go down and this person shot her. This person was much different then the bat.

"Croc collected Miss. Ivy and if you run into our visitor rip their heart out." He grunted and left. He picked up his walkie takie and spoke into it. "Scareface Freeze they are coming your way be ready. Scarface the doctors will do anything they tell you to" he press a few buttons locking many doors around the asylam. The only ones that do open led to rooms containing either Scarface, Mr. Freeze, or the asylum staff bent to do what Scarecrow tells him. He grabbed the mircophone and begun to speak

"My my I did not expect you to beat Ivy so easily. Now it's time to run the gauntlet and test how brave you really are. Step inside don't be afraid"

[twylight]

Scarecrow watched the fight outside on the screen. He watch Ivy go down and this person shot her. This person was much different then the bat.

"Croc collected Miss. Ivy and if you run into our visitor rip their heart out." He grunted and left. He picked up his walkie takie and spoke into it. "Scareface Freeze they are coming your way be ready. Scarface the doctors will do anything they tell you to" he press a few buttons locking many doors around the asylam. The only ones that do open led to rooms containing either Scarface, Mr. Freeze, or the asylum staff bent to do what Scarecrow tells him. He grabbed the mircophone and begun to speak

"My my I did not expect you to beat Ivy so easily. Now it's time to run the gauntlet and test how brave you really are. Step inside don't be afraind"


The woman stopped as a voice filtered through the night air. She smirked.
This was becoming more and more like a carnival fun house every moment.

She looked up at the building, it's gothic style making it look like a Horror house during Halloween.

"My bravery isn't in question. However yours is." She said pushing open the doors of Arkham. They swung in easily and crashed into the wall.

Her shadow from the moon light raced across the dark and empty hallway. She turned at the sound of feet, and caught sight of a few of Arkham's more harmless mental patients. She brought her fingers up to either side of her head and smiled as she made the profile of the Batman out of her shadow. There was a slight squeak and then the shuffling of running feet. She smiled and lowered her hands, pulling a gun out she quickly changed clips and reholstered it before taking a step.

[Watchman]

Killer Croc made his way down towards the entrance when suddenly he stoped. He sniffed the air and smiled. He carefully made his way into some shadows. The person, who took down Ivy, passed him holding a gun. He licks his lips and pounces. First he swips knocking the gun down the hall. He picks them up and throws them into a wall. He lets out a growl and looks down at his what will be his new kill.

"You should have never come here. I'm going to rip you into pieces and scatter your remains across Gotham"

[twylight]

Killer Croc made his way down towards the entrance when suddenly he stoped. He sniffed the air and smiled. He carefully made his way into some shadows. The person, who took down Ivy, passed him holding a gun. He licks his lips and pounces. First he swips knocking the gun down the hall. He picks them up and throws them into a wall. He lets out a growl and looks down at his what will be his new kill.

"You should have never come here. I'm going to rip you into pieces and scatter your remains across Gotham"

The woman looks up at the huge mutated being over her, his breath heavy on her face. She reached her hands down and pulled up her sais, stabbing him in the stomach, twisting the blades

He roared in pain and arched backwards. Withdrawing them she rolled out from under him onto her feet, the blood rolling down the silver blades and dripping onto the floor.

Killer Croc stands up, blood dripping from his side and pooling on the floor.
”You’re gonna pay for that you little *****”

The woman flipped her seis and held them in front of her face on guard.

“Make me.”

He charged her swinging his fists. The woman dodged them and slashed at his arms with her blades. A few moments later Killer Croc stopped, his breathing was heavy and the womans own chest rose and fell rapidly, blood rolled off of both of them as it oozed from the cuts on Killer Crocs arms.

”You’re fast, but you cant do it forever.” The woman nodded.

“And we won’t She flipped, Killer Crocs fists crashing into the floor behind her, the air from the movements brushing her cheek She scoops up the gun and holsters it, the other one not far off. Pulling out two stars she throws them at him, catching him in the neck. Running she picks up the other gun and fires off four rounds.

Four little darts appear on Killer Crocs chest. He looks down at them and pulls them out, on hand on his neck as blood gushs from it.

”Heh…heh heh…HAHAHA…” His rough laughter sounds gurgled and the blood on his neck bubbles.

“You think four little tranquilizer darts are going to knock me out?”

The woman lowers her blood splattered arm, the gun resting on her thigh, her two seis in her left hand.

“NOTHING CAN STOP ME!” He bellowed charging her. She dodged to the side as he stumbled past her and kept going before falling with a thud to the ground. She holstered her gun and wiped her sais off on her legs before sheathing them. She walked over to him, his body rising and falling with breath, barely perceptible. Leaning over she retrieved her throwing stars and wiped them on her pant legs before placing them back into her belt.

[wiegeabo]

"Someone get me his vitals!"
...
"Where's his heart?" "Over here."..."Hook him up..."
"...charge....."
*beep* *beep* *beep* *beep*

"Is this normal." "...no idea..." *beep* *beep*
"...re...."

"...get an IV!" "Don't know...do to him..."
"...charge......" so...weak...hurt......tired.......
...
"Someone...get...ring off."

"NO!" I snap my head up and shove off the man trying to grab my ring. Every cell in my body burns and screams in agony. "I. Need. A. Recharge!"

I pick up my arm, noticing it looks broken, but slam it into a piece of equipment anyway. I bite into my tounge with pain, blood filling my mouth. I spit out the blood as the electricity in the device flows into my ring. Those around me gasp. It likely looks as if I'm being electrocuted, but that is not a problem at the moment. I've got too many other things to worry about.

The device sputters out and I fall back into the bed. I check the charge on my ring. Pathetic. It will fade out soon. So I must work fast. A quick scan describes a variety of minor burns, broken bones, deep bruises and cuts, and some lost blood.

First things first. I don't have the energy to expend blocking pain receptors, so I create something simple in my mouth to bite down on. Then, I will my ring to reset all the broken bones.

"MMMMMGGMRRRMMHHHMHRRRRRRRRMMMHGGHGHGHHHGRRRR!!!!!!"

I scream through clinched jaws. The world goes gray, blackness beginning to envelop my vision. Through sheer will alone I force myself to remain conscious. My ring still has power, and I am not about to let these Earth...doctors...work on me since it is unlikely thet have ever seen a Korugarian before.

Through the burning, the sheer searing pain, I continue my self-scan. Bruising, but no damage to my organs...which are about the only things relatively undamaged.

It's getting difficult to concentrate, hard to think...vision is getting blurry. I notice one of the humans in the room using a computer terminal. With the last of my reserves, I lash a beam of energy out and interface witht he terminal, downloading my anatomy and recent scans into the system in a manner the humans can interface with.

Before the download completes completely, my ring's power gives out. I statre at a man who I think is leading the group. "This ring...is not...to be...removed......ever..." he nods his head.

Good...

I let the blackness come...

[Infinity9999x]

Jervis made his way towards the large building in his slow ambling manor. The little girl...she always was there, whispering things in his ear, but everytime he turned she darted into the shadows....she never left him alone. Never...

But it didn't matter, he had to show the device to the...who was it again? Oh yes the Mayor..he had heard Osward talking to him...and he figured the Mayor would want to see his device. Besides, who better then the Mayor to help him find Alice? A Mayor was almost as good as a Hatter.

Jervis pulled his large trenchcoat around himself as he entered the large establisment. Almost immeadiatley two big men converged upon him. They wore bright clothes, red and black mostly.

"Do you work for the Queen?" Jervis asked tenitively.

One of the big men laughed nastily, "no shorty, we work for the Mayor, what buisness do you have round here?"

"Machine," Jervis muttered, showing the men the small box, "Penguin...had me build it, I figured the Mayor might want to look at it. Do you like tea?"

One of the men raised his eyebrow, he turned to his companion and whipsered a few quick words...
"seems crazy..."
"don't look too dangerous..."
"boss could be mad if it's somthin he wants..."

Finally they turned and faced Jervis again.
"Down the hall, first door on the right."

Jervis nodded, then walked forward. He noticed many of the walls were scratched, and seeme to have paint smeared over them in a haphazard manor. One even had the words Ha Ha Ha smeared on it in an ugly brownish color.

"hmm...odd...strange taste many have..."

Jervis found the named room, and was momentarily startled by the odd assorments of numerous toys and brightly colored posters plastered over the wall, along with many other unusual items. Jervis stared for so long he forgot what he was here for, so he was momentairy startled when a man sitting in a large chair opposite him spoke up.

"Can I help you my short friend?"

Jervis jumped a bit, then turned towards the man, who was just as unusual as the room he resided in. His face was pearly white, whith dark green hair, and a purple suit to top it off. But what caught Jervis were the eyes....his eyes....there was...something...something there, something Jervis new. Something Jervis new very well, because he had been living with it every day of his life the past few weeks.....

Jerivs walked forward quickly, staring directly into the odd man's eyes. The last remaining humane part of Jervis Tetch that still resided in the Hatter's body stirred, recognizing the pain and loss, and insanity in the other's eyes, the same feelings that Jervis had been consumed by.

"You....you're there....you're there too aren't you?" Jervis muttered quickly....

"You....you've lost someone too....that's why you're there....there in Wonderland....it's where we all go when we loose.....when...when..." Jervis trailed off, the breif moment of revalation passed. The tall man simply stared coldly back at him, Jervis had no way of knowing that most would be simply killed by this individual if they talked to him this way, but it probably wouldn't have made any difference if he had.

Looking around, he noticed a small stuffed rabit with it's head partially ripped off seated at a small table, seating himself opposite of it, Jervis pulled out his small china cups, and began an avid conversation with the toy.

[Watchman]

Scarecrow watched as she took down Killer Croc.Rage filled inside of him. Soon he might have to take care of this pest himself. How could this be two of his heavist hitters brought down by one person? Although they were nothing like the bat. The use of the gun was the easy way out. Scarecrow watched as she ran down hallways getting closer to the heart of Arkham Scarecrow's room. Scarecrow suddenly realized where she was though and he smiled. He picked up the microphone again.

"Getting a tad bit chilly in there?" he asked her. Then came what could only be describe as some sort of cackle.

She opens a door and walks inside the dark room. She slips but catches her balance. She looks down at the floor and realizes it is covered in ice.

"Do you know what pain is?" the voice comes from the darkness "The pain of losing someone dear to you can leave you cold inside" the moon illuminates a small part of the room revealing Mr. Freeze looking out of a window. He aims his freeze gun and a giant beam of blue shots out toward her.

OOC: Sorry Twy for ths small bunny just wanted you to get to the next fight.

[Green Lantern]

"Don't get too eager, Question. I think I have an idea that will get us to escape and get Ra's to stop his plan at the same time..."

I run back into the base, looking for Ra's.Arsenal heard voices as he left the second unconscious Ubu. Sounds like Bats and Q. Bout damned time... He ran towards the voices. "Boy, am I glad to see you two! Ra's took out Ted and Ollie... I tried to follow the rat as he ran off but I lost him."

[twylight]

Scarecrow watched as she took down Killer Croc.Rage filled inside of him. Soon he might have to take care of this pest himself. How could this be two of his heavist hitters brought down by one person? Although they were nothing like the bat. The use of the gun was the easy way out. Scarecrow watched as she ran down hallways getting closer to the heart of Arkham Scarecrow's room. Scarecrow suddenly realized where she was though and he smiled. He picked up the microphone again.

"Getting a tad bit chilly in there?" he asked her. Then came what could only be describe as some sort of cackle.

She opens a door and walks inside the dark room. She slips but catches her balance. She looks down at the floor and realizes it is covered in ice.

"Do you know what pain is?" the voice comes from the darkness "The pain of losing someone dear to you can leave you cold inside" the moon illuminates a small part of the room revealing Mr. Freeze looking out of a window. He aims his freeze gun and a giant beam of blue shots out toward her.

OOC: Sorry Twy for ths small bunny just wanted you to get to the next fight.

No problem

She caught her balence just as the beam of blue ice shots towards her, relaxing her body she slides forward, pulling her bow off her body and firing off an arrow. Hitting the Freeze Gun in Freeze's hand, it yanked it from him and hit the wall. He turned moving for it.

The woman stood up slowly, careful of her footing.

"You're a good man and I don't want to hurt you." She said softly causing him to pause. She looked down the long black shaft at him.

He smile through the glass dome over his head.
"Nothing can hurt ice."

He dove for the gun and she let lose the arrow as he turned, a beam of Ice racing towards her, the arrow hit it's mark and the horizontal ice beam stopped inches from her face, she stepped to the side and observed the man, his right arm pinned by the sleeve to the wall, she quickly let lose another arrow, pinning his left arm. He tugged trying to get himself lose, and she shot off four more, two for each leg, his feet firmly on the floor.

She stepped forward, removing a tiny little needle from a pouch.
She thrust it into the arm of his suit, and compressed the contents before looking at him, her face concealed by hair on one side, she looked at him with one eye.

"I do know." She said softly.

" You can't stop us!" He said.

SHe stayed quiet.


"The others?" He asked as he watched her. He looked at her confused as she pulled out duct tape and taped the around the openings her arrows had made in his containment suit.

She stood up and looked at him, her eye peeking from behind her hair.
"They're all alive..."

"The shots...." He said refering to the gunfire.

Her smile only evident by the one revealed side of her mouth turning up.

"Poison, in the form of heavy sedatives. Like I just injected into you."

He looked at her oddly.

"I....I feel..... warm..."

He said his voice waning and the frost on the glass dome fading away, his frosty eyelids shut and the woman stepped back carefully on the ice, the cold had reached it's way up her legs, through the soles of her shoes, numbing them.

"Enjoy it while it lasts." she said turning.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Uhhhhgh.....feel like....had....building dropped...on me...."

Kyle stirred, much to the dismay of his body. His head pounded each time he took a breath.

"Some kinda flash...weapon, probably. Cheap shot."

He opened his eyes. It was immediatley evident where he was.

"Hate hospitals," he groaned. "Food sucks."

He managed to lift his head a bit. His costume was still on, as was his ring. He tried to energize it, but it was dead.

"Perfect," he muttered. "Gotta find the others...gotta find Sinestro... gotta get a quick jump...gotta go to the bathroom. NURSE!"

[Watchman]

Scarecrow slammed both his fist on the desk. How could she beat Freeze so easily. It was time for him to finish this. He got up and checked that he had a full supply of fear gas and grabbed his scythe. He left and to where the only location that wasn't locked off or blocked off by plants, the mess hall. He went down the hall and opened a door and inside was the the hospital's stuff bent to do his will because of fear toxin and the criminal dummy Scarface.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" he screamed

"Plans have changed we end this here do not let the intruder leave here alive". Suddenly a scream from the back caught both of there attention. A knife was sticking out of one of the staff and blood was pouring out. Zsasz stood over his new victim cutting a mark on his arm. "Stop killing them and get over here!" shouted Scarecrow

"Or what" Zsasz give and evi grin

"Or I'll pump ya fully of lead!" Scarface seemed to jerk Ventriloquist's arm toward Zsasz. He ready his tommy gun and pointed it at him.

"Fine have it your way" he wipe of his knife and walked toward them. The door cracked opened and she walked through. About twenty drugged up zombies looked at here and begun shuffling toward her. The three were standing on a platform near the back. Zsasz jumped off the platform with knife in hand racing toward her while Scarface ready his tommygun. Scarecrow lifted his scythe into the air and then pointed it at her.

"Welcome my friend. Welcome to hell"

[Spike_x1]

The meeting would never be announced in the business section of the Daily Planet, it would never be talked about by the watercooler, and it would never be kept on any record.

Lex Luthor swallowed several pills dry and stood up. From the head of the table, he looked around the boardroom at all of the Stryker's refugees. Many of the ones who were apprehended earlier were now in the lushly decorated room underneath the streets of Metropolis, having either broken free from police custody with outside help or by their own hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the end of us." Lex controlled his breathing. He couldn't risk another attack. Not in this crowd. "We were closer than any of us have ever come before. I blame no one for our failure, but I do blame all of us for our success. Yes, we did succeed. We succeeded in teaching this city, this world, a lesson that they will not soon forget. Their heroes are no better than the rest of us. Breaking out of prison, destroying their enemies' lives, putting themselves above humanity," his gaze bore into hundreds of eyes throughout the room, "their lives will never be the same after this. The quivering masses of this mudball may still call out to them for help, but the people will never look at their false idols in the same way ever again. After this day, there will always be that hint of fear in their eyes when they see a blue and red blur swooping down from the skies; in the backs of their minds, they'll always wonder if they're next in line for a magical lobotomy."

Luthor was startled when his cellphone rang. Only three people on earth knew the number to the phone. One of those people had a neck broken by Lex's own hands less than two hours earlier. With a scowl on his face from being so abruptly interrupted, Lex answered the call.

"Lex! He's escaped! The Subject has escaped!!!"

Luthor's eyes widened and his breath grew short. This was impossible. "what?"

"After firing the R-1 canon, procedure dictated that a team of us go down to the sub-basement and check the status of the Subject, to make certain that the feedback killed him as per your calculations. It didn't kill him! All it did was fry his restraints!" The shakey voice on the other end of the line almost seemed to break down and cry, judging by the tone of it. "He's gone! We found several smoldering skeletons leading towards the emergency elevator, and... oh God... Lex, he left a message for you, scrawled in blood all over the walls. He's coming for you!"

The phone dropped from his hand and shattered into a myriad of plastic shards at his feet. His hands were shaking, but he managed to keep his vision focused clearly and his ears from ringing this time. He swallowed hard and studied the crowd before him. "Which one of you is he?" The crowd all looked at him with confusion. Some of them were sweating in fear of the state that Lex Luthor appeared. "I KNOW YOU'RE HERE!! LAUGHING AT ME!! SHOW YOURSELF!!" Not a soul in the room moved a muscle.

After a lifetime, Loophole nervously raised his hand, reduced to quivering child in a classroom. "M-Mr. Luthor, sir, w-who are you talking to?"

Something snapped. A rubber band stretched far beyond its limit. Lex hammered his fist down onto the control panel at his place on the boardroom table. Suddenly, Loophole fell through the floor, passing through solid matter, his powers of intangibility spiraling out of his control at Lex Luthor's command. Loophole would fall until he reached the center of the earth where he would die.

Lex Luthor's eyes returned to the people who he once thought were his followers. "I will ask only once more: Which one of you is it? WHICH ONE OF YOU IS THE PARASITE?!"

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel finally regains his senses as he looks at the crowd of on-lookers who approach him.

He says, "Whoever owns this car...I am sorry about the damage." He climbs off of the roof and still stumbles a bit, but he is starting regain some of his strength. He closes his eyes and taps into the stamina of Atlas. He stands a little taller and says to the crowd, "I think I'm all-right now. What you all could do is take a look around and see where you can help one another. That's the best thing you can do right now."

He leaps into the air and begins taking flight. Now its time to get back to work.

[batnkevlar]

DEO agents everywhere. Can't actually let them into the Tower (the new UN regulations on the Tower prohibits any government entity on the inner grounds without prior approval from the UN), so I drag Gemini's body outside after slappin one of Cyborg's inhibitor collars on her.

Agent Madd came with a helisquadron. Damn, sometimes I hate big parades.

"Gemini, I see," says Madd.

"Yeah. Keep care of your prisoners. I have a date," I said.

"Will do. A cape?" asked Madd.

"Sorta," I replied.

* * *

I walk into this italian restaraunt. I'm wearing my black and white tux with a bowtie. It seems to work well with my green skin. Sometimes the stares get to me. But I figure, if i had normal skin, girls would still stare at me. 'Tis my gift, 'tis my curse. Why do I have to be so good looking?

I talk with the guy in the front and slip him a benjamin and a toothpick. There was something in his teeth, so I figured I'd be a nice guy. He led me to one of the best seats in the house. It was there that I played the waiting game.

It wasn't too long after that a leggy blonde wearing a red dress appeared a the entrance and was escorted to the seat at my table.

"How's it going Bette?" I asked, pulling her seat out.

"I'm doing fine. How are you Gar?" she asked me. I smiled.

"Same old, same old. Defeated an egotistical super baddie. Calls herself Gemini. You know her," I said. She nodded.

"Yeah, last time," she answered. "Oh, sorry I'm late, it's just there was a burglary on the Star City border, and I had to get Green Arrow's a-okay to enter the city. You know how the Arrows are, especially with Star being Queen's city now."

"Yeah. So why are we in an italian restaraunt in Coast?" I asked her.

"Well, you can fly. I can't, so I figured me going all the way out to San Fran would be a bad idea," she explained.

"I have a moped now," I added.

"Huh?" she asked.

"Uh, a moped. I had to sell my cars in order to pay for some damages to the Tower," I explained.

"Oh."

We chatted for a long time, until we finished our food and the restaraunt closed.

"What should we do now?" I asked her, winking.

"I have an idea," she answered, smiling.

[Spike_x1]

Every single person in the room froze. They knew the name that came out of their benefactor's lips and each of them knew the danger that they were in if Lex Luthor so much as suspected any of them of being the monster in disguise.

The Parasite.

He was one of the most sadistic of the Stryker's Crew. He wasn't out for revenge, or money, or world domination, but he merely did what he did for power and a good time, and he killed anyone who got in his way. But the Parasite was dead. He died fighting in the Unity War after discovering that the alien entity was manipulating his mind. The entire world had watched the destruction of the Unity's ship that killed the Parasite. Not one person in the crowd was a friend to Raymond Jones. He wasn't respected among their ranks, but he was feared by them all.

And they all knew the nature of the relationship between the Parasite and Lex Luthor. For years, the two men had used each other to fight Superman, then they had teamed together with other villains to form the Injustice Society, even going so far as to call one another friends. After that, the feud began. Lex Luthor's mind had been splintered by the heroes while Rudy Jones came into the control of the Unity. The Parasite had ended up taking over LexCorp and caused an economic apocalypse while Luthor had been drugged and kept imprisoned in a warehouse of all places. As far as the public knew, the story ended when the Parasite betrayed the Unity and drained the extradimensional being's powercore, the resulting explosion rippling over the globe, and Lex Luthor's return brought America out of its depression, making him stronger and more powerful than ever. Secretly though, Lex Luthor had found the body of Rudy Jones and used him to power the City of Tomorrow. And the R-1 Canon.

Now the Parasite was free.

"I will proceed to kill every man, woman, and child in this room until I discover which one of you is Rudy Jones!" Lex Luthor's pupils were pinholes firing hatred at anyone who dared move a muscle.

A soft laughter echoed throughout the chambers. Many of the villains braced themselves for the worst. They knew that few of them actually stood a chance of walking away from a fight with Rudy Jones if he was really alive and in the room, hiding amongst them, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Then a sharp SNAP reverberated around the room. The entire army turned to look at the source of the noise. There stood the dwarf of a man known as Dr. Thaddeus Killgrave, twiddling his thumbs and standing over the fallen body of the giant supervillain, Rock. Rock's head was at an odd angle to the rest of his body, his neck having obviously been twisted and the bones utterly shattered.

Dr. Killgrave grinned at the crowd. "My finger slipped."

Before anyone even had a chance to scream in terror, Dr. Killgrave grew into a horrifying purple behemoth and literally tore through the first five people unfortunate enough to be in his path. Jones' body looked sleeker and darker. He seemed to move faster and have more agility rather than relying on brute force with no finesse as he had for so many years before.

Barrage managed to fire off a single blast of energy from his arm, but as it hit the Parasite's chest, it seemed to simply flow into him as if it were stones falling into water. That was the last thing Barrage remembered before a massive purple fist sent him careening across the room. A fire broke out as dozens of other villains experienced similar crippling circumstances. Finally only Lex Luthor stood at the head of the table, staring down the Parasite, who now stood over the fallen army, half of which was now reduced to smoking ashes.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7417/kaplah3rh.jpg

"Like the new look, Lex? I call it 'Parasite 3.0'. The next stage of evolution is here!"

[TheCorpulent1]

Metropolis General Hospital

Huh... I never noticed that the sky had ceiling tiles before...

"Bwah!" I wake up with a start and look around. I'm in a hospital room. There's a confused nurse in the corner. My name is Wally West--the Flash--and wow, does my head hurt.

I speed up my metabolism and the pounding in my head mercifully dies down. Then I put a foot down on the ground and test it out. Seems stable enough. I put my other down and heave myself out of bed... and now I'm kissing the floor.

"--goodness, sir, you really shouldn't be out of bed!" The nurse's voice starts coming through to my brain. "Here, let me help you up."

"No, no," I assure her, scrambling up on wobbly legs. "I'm good!"

I'm really not good.

Sure, it would've been easier to let her help me up, but come on! I'm the Flash! What good am I if I can't even stand on my own, let alone run? I hobble around a bit, letting the sleepiness go out of my legs, and in a couple of seconds I'm feeling more like my spry old self.

"Mr.--um, Flash. Please, I must insist that you get back in bed. You've been unconscious for the last several hours. I'll get a doctor to look you over before you put anymore strain on yourself." She buzzes the intercom.

"Hours?! No way, pretty lady, I've gotta get back out there. Give the doc my regards!"

She opens her mouth again, but I'm out the door and down the hall before the first sound comes out. I zip past the other hospital rooms, looking in each as I go. One familiar figure catches my eye and I back up to pop my head in.

"Heya, Kyle! Still laid up from that little popgun? Well, I'd wait around but I don't have all day. See ya back out there... unless you want to call in sick or something. Hey, no judgments here!"

I zip out of the room again before Kyle can get his retort in. That's five seconds I could've been assessing the situation, but I just couldn't resist razzing Kyle a little. I've barely seen him since the League split.

I race out the main doors of the hospital and look around the streets. My eyes lock on Superman, still doing his best to manage the situation, and I head for him. "What'd I miss, Big Blue?"

[LibrarianThorne]

Metropolis General Hospital

Huh... I never noticed that the sky had ceiling tiles before...

"Bwah!" I wake up with a start and look around. I'm in a hospital room. There's a confused nurse in the corner. My name is Wally West--the Flash--and wow, does my head hurt.

I speed up my metabolism and the pounding in my head mercifully dies down. Then I put a foot down on the ground and test it out. Seems stable enough. I put my other down and heave myself out of bed... and now I'm kissing the floor.

"--goodness, sir, you really shouldn't be out of bed!" The nurse's voice starts coming through to my brain. "Here, let me help you up."

"No, no," I assure her, scrambling up on wobbly legs. "I'm good!"

I'm really not good.

Sure, it would've been easier to let her help me up, but come on! I'm the Flash! What good am I if I can't even stand on my own, let alone run? I hobble around a bit, letting the sleepiness go out of my legs, and in a couple of seconds I'm feeling more like my spry old self.

"Mr.--um, Flash. Please, I must insist that you get back in bed. You've been unconscious for the last several hours. I'll get a doctor to look you over before you put anymore strain on yourself." She buzzes the intercom.

"Hours?! No way, pretty lady, I've gotta get back out there. Give the doc my regards!"

She opens her mouth again, but I'm out the door and down the hall before the first sound comes out. I zip past the other hospital rooms, looking in each as I go. One familiar figure catches my eye and I back up to pop my head in.

"Heya, Kyle! Still laid up from that little popgun? Well, I'd wait around but I don't have all day. See ya back out there... unless you want to call in sick or something. Hey, no judgments here!"

I zip out of the room again before Kyle can get his retort in. That's five seconds I could've been assessing the situation, but I just couldn't resist razzing Kyle a little. I've barely seen him since the League split.

I race out the main doors of the hospital and look around the streets. My eyes lock on Superman, still doing his best to manage the situation, and I head for him. "What'd I miss, Big Blue?"

He had just finished digging out a group of fifteen people from the ruins of a devastated office building when he picked up the distinctive high-pitched sound of the Flash running, and by the time he turned around the Flash was in front of him.

He took a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow before responding. "I'm not sure I can tell you, Wally. I... well, I think Lex Luthor killed Doomsday."

Superman turned around, and helped a struggling young woman out of the pile of rubble. Then, he addressed the Flash again.

"I've been thinking about a great many things, Flash, and I think you should know one of them. I think that it's finally time we reformed the Justice League."

[TheCorpulent1]

He had just finished digging out a group of fifteen people from the ruins of a devastated office building when he picked up the distinctive high-pitched sound of the Flash running, and by the time he turned around the Flash was in front of him.

He took a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow before responding. "I'm not sure I can tell you, Wally. I... well, I think Lex Luthor killed Doomsday."

Superman turned around, and helped a struggling young woman out of the pile of rubble. Then, he addressed the Flash again.

"I've been thinking about a great many things, Flash, and I think you should know one of them. I think that it's finally time we reformed the Justice League."
Superman's words are like a dream come true. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" I say with a smile. "I couldn't agree more, Supes. Seeing all the death and destruction around the world lately--first the Rogue attack on Keystone, then Zoom's return, now Doomsday... and God forbid anything like the Unity shows up again! The world needs the Justice League, and the Justice League needs you, Superman. You can count on me whenever you're ready to put it back together."

[twylight]

Scarecrow slammed both his fist on the desk. How could she beat Freeze so easily. It was time for him to finish this. He got up and checked that he had a full supply of fear gas and grabbed his scythe. He left and to where the only location that wasn't locked off or blocked off by plants, the mess hall. He went down the hall and opened a door and inside was the the hospital's stuff bent to do his will because of fear toxin and the criminal dummy Scarface.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" he screamed

"Plans have changed we end this here do not let the intruder leave here alive". Suddenly a scream from the back caught both of there attention. A knife was sticking out of one of the staff and blood was pouring out. Zsasz stood over his new victim cutting a mark on his arm. "Stop killing them and get over here!" shouted Scarecrow

"Or what" Zsasz give and evi grin

"Or I'll pump ya fully of lead!" Scarface seemed to jerk Ventriloquist's arm toward Zsasz. He ready his tommy gun and pointed it at him.

"Fine have it your way" he wipe of his knife and walked toward them. The door cracked opened and she walked through. About twenty drugged up zombies looked at here and begun shuffling toward her. The three were standing on a platform near the back. Zsasz jumped off the platform with knife in hand racing toward her while Scarface ready his tommygun. Scarecrow lifted his scythe into the air and then pointed it at her.

"Welcome my friend. Welcome to hell"

The woman entered the room, and planted herself. A gun in each hand she squeezed off rounds of darts full of sedatives at the zombies walking towards her. Pulling her mask back up over her face she waited. Her legs spread at shoulder width as she stared at Scarecrow, she turned at Zsasz as he came at her with a knife. Wordlessly she pulled out her gun and shot off two darts full of sedatives. He continued to run, his marked and scarred body looking eerie in the dim light. His running slowed down and he collapsed at her feet.

She looked down and brought her face up to stare at Scarecrow, her eye burning from behind her hair.

“I’ve been to hell and this isn’t it.” She unholstering her guns and letting the clips slide out before tossing them to the side.

“Don’t send serial killers after me.” The woman said, taking out a metal rod. Flicking her wrist it extended into a Bo Staff.

“To afraid to face me alone?” The eyebrow not curtained with hair arced gracefully.

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman's words are like a dream come true. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" I say with a smile. "I couldn't agree more, Supes. Seeing all the death and destruction around the world lately--first the Rogue attack on Keystone, then Zoom's return, now Doomsday... and God forbid anything like the Unity shows up again! The world needs the Justice League, and the Justice League needs you, Superman. You can count on me whenever you're ready to put it back together."

"My thoughts exactly. There are simply too many threats, too many villains in this world for us to fight alone. We need organization. We need to work together."

Superman peered into the distance, seeing something only he could see, and he smiled that one smile that let you know he wasn't really from here. "After I clean up Metropolis, I'm going to find Batman. Gotham needs his help but right now that is a city full of vipers and I know something's happened to him. While I take care of things here, I want you to scout out Gotham as best you can. Before we can do anything, we need to know exactly what's happened, and I think only you can do that. When you think you've got enough information, contact me with your Justice League signal device. I kept mine, and you can reach me on the usual frequency."

He floated up into the sky, then looked down on Wally and smiled. "Good luck, Flash, and god speed."

[wiegeabo]

"How can he be up already? With his injuries..."

"It must have been his ring. It looks like he reset his bones and boosted his healing factor with the last bits of power it had."

"That doesn't make sense. Once his ring was depleted, the increased healing should have ended."

"I agree, Professor Hamilton. But his ring never completely depleted. It still retains a minor charge."

"Strange," Hamilton says thoughtfully.

"More than that. The charge is constant, yet we can't determine why. It doesn't appear to be pulling energy from anything."

"That's much more than strange. That violates the laws of thermodynamics! How can that be possible?"

"That's a question I'd like answered myself. And I think I know who to ask, but I cannot do so here." I limp out of my room using a set of crutches I found to take the stress of my legs.

"Sir, I must insist you lay back down and rest!" the nurse says. I give her a withering glare, and she backs down.

"There is no time. I need to find out what is happening."

"It seems that Doomsday has been destroyed," Hamilton replies. "You and the others...heroes...were injured. Superman brought you and Captain Marvel here..."

"Marvel is here!?! Where?!?" I try to push through them. They hold me back.

"He left sometime ago."

"Then I have to go too."

"You're in no condition..."

"Out. Of. My. Way." They back off and I limp towards an elevator and they follow. We pass by a band of wires running along the wall from floor to ceiling. I stop and backup. "These tie into your powergrid?" I ask

"Yes..." Hamilton says, confused.

I look at the wires, then put my ringed fist into one of the wires. The lights flicker as electricty pours around me and into my ring. I will the new power to begin healing my body. It's slow, but working. Odd, I never could do that before. Just another question to ask. And this time, I will.

Dropping the crutches, I rise up and phase through the building until I can take to the air. No sign of Marvel or anyone else. I don't have the charge to scan or search the entire city, and pulling weak charges will take forever.

So I have to use a different strategy. As quickly as I can, I make my way to the Daily Planet. Landing on the roof, I point my ring into the air and create an impressive light show. It doesn't take long for the charge to dissipate again. Time to wait and see if anyone notices my signal.

[Watchman]

The woman entered the room, and planted herself. Pulling her mask back up over her face she waited. Her legs spread at shoulder width as she stared at Scarecrow, she turned at Zsasz as he came at her with a knife. Wordlessly she pulled out her gun and shot off two darts full of sedatives. He continued to run, his marked and scarred body looking eerie in the dim light. His running slowed down and he collapsed at her feet.

She looked down and brought her face up to stare at Scarecrow, her eye burning from behind her hair.

“I’ve been to hell and this isn’t it.” She unholstering her guns and letting the clips slide out before tossing them to the side.

“Don’t send serial killers after me.” The woman said, taking out a metal rod. Flicking her wrist it extended into a Bo Staff.

“To afraid to face me alone?” The eyebrow not curtained with hair arced gracefully.

After all this time he heard the voice. And after all this time a woman had dare opposed their power. One thing he was not afraid of was her. He was going to teach her something about fear. He slammed down the handle of the his scythe to get everyone's attention.

"I am the master of fear" he said in a sinister voice. He voice got quiet "No more games I am going to kill you tonight"

"No way I'm going to waste her". With out saying anything or looking Scarecrow pushed Scarface to the ground smashing his head open.

"Mr. Scarface" the Ventriloquist screamed and dropped to his knees. He looked back up at Scarecrow "You..you murderer". Ignoring him he picks up the tommy gun and points it at her.

"First I want to see who's behind the mask. I want to see who's been the cause of these problems"

[LibrarianThorne]

"How can he be up already? With his injuries..."

"It must have been his ring. It looks like he reset his bones and boosted his healing factor with the last bits of power it had."

"That doesn't make sense. Once his ring was depleted, the increased healing should have ended."

"I agree, Professor Hamilton. But his ring never completely depleted. It still retains a minor charge."

"Strange," Hamilton says thoughtfully.

"More than that. The charge is constant, yet we can't determine why. It doesn't appear to be pulling energy from anything."

"That's much more than strange. That violates the laws of thermodynamics! How can that be possible?"

"That's a question I'd like answered myself. And I think I know who to ask, but I cannot do so here." I limp out of my room using a set of crutches I found to take the stress of my legs.

"Sir, I must insist you lay back down and rest!" the nurse says. I give her a withering glare, and she backs down.

"There is no time. I need to find out what is happening."

"It seems that Doomsday has been destroyed," Hamilton replies. "You and the others...heroes...were injured. Superman brought you and Captain Marvel here..."

"Marvel is here!?! Where?!?" I try to push through them. They hold me back.

"He left sometime ago."

"Then I have to go too."

"You're in no condition..."

"Out. Of. My. Way." They back off and I limp towards an elevator and they follow. We pass by a band of wires running along the wall from floor to ceiling. I stop and backup. "These tie into your powergrid?" I ask

"Yes..." Hamilton says, confused.

I look at the wires, then put my ringed fist into one of the wires. The lights flicker as electricty pours around me and into my ring. I will the new power to begin healing my body. It's slow, but working. Odd, I never could do that before. Just another question to ask. And this time, I will.

Dropping the crutches, I rise up and phase through the building until I can take to the air. No sign of Marvel or anyone else. I don't have the charge to scan or search the entire city, and pulling weak charges will take forever.

So I have to use a different strategy. As quickly as I can, I make my way to the Daily Planet. Landing on the roof, I point my ring into the air and create an impressive light show. It doesn't take long for the charge to dissipate again. Time to wait and see if anyone notices my signal.

Superman sees the discharge, and in another moment is hovering above the Daily Planet, looking down on Sinestro.

"Good to see you up and about, Sinestro. Something I can help you with?"