The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IV

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex paced in his office tower looking out over Metropolis. I still can't believe everything that has gone on over the last few weeks. My polling numbers are through the roof, and it looks like I can go ahead and start picking the drapes for the Oval Office once again.

He cuts on his TV and most political experts agree that Lex has all of the momentum going into the Presidential Race. His press secretary Angela Chen has basically been running the campagin for him, and really played up what has now been dubbed "The Fenway Fakeout." About how Lex was ready to lay-down his life for everyone there. Richard Marshall is under intense scrutiny for the campaign murders....Newsome has handled much of the appearances as the V-P candidate.

My dealings with Ras are near an end...we slowed down the virus progress as much as possible...but now we have to continue with it. I let the word slip through our connections that the virus should be ready by election day. Regradless I suspect Ras has an Ace up his sleeve...I'll carry out my end of the deal, but I think he will find that this President is far more difficult to deal with than Pete Ross ever was if he double-crosses me....sooner or later the Rogues are going to raise their ugly heads at some point...no matter I'm ready for them. I need to make a note: once I get in the White House again...the CIA & the FBI are to make them priority one...I might even call on the Military.

[Spike_x1]

Clark rubbed his forehead in thought. The Parasite is a father. My God.

"Rudy, before I do anything else, you're going to tell me why the military was after you. I can take you and your daughter somewhere safe, somewhere you'll be protected, but I can't take you there if you're not telling me the truth. The whole truth, Rudy. If you've committed any crime that you're wanted for right now, tell me."

Clark knew that Rudy Jones needed his help, and he knew that the Fortress of Solitude would be shelter enough for them. He also knew that Rudy Jones tended to be dangerously psychotic at times, and could be a real threat to everyone in Metropolis, including him. If Jones really had turned a new leaf, a massive weight would be off Clark's shoulders. If this was another ruse, part of some grander scheme Jones had in mind, Clark had to know.Jones needed to shift this conversation back to his advantage. If Kent found out that Rudy had killed Jessica's mother, or any of the other jerks that he'd dusted over the last few weeks, then Superman's help would be one hundred percent out of the question.

"I'm surprised you're not curious as to how I'm still alive, Kent. That was a pretty damn big explosion that I was in when I killed the Unity, huh? Before its cloaking field came offline, I don't think any of us would've guessed that that freak's ship was actually covering the whole planet like a big net. Were the fireworks fun to watch?"

Rudy turned and gently laid Jessica back into the duffle bag which was cushioned with folded blankets. He stood up straight and transformed into his true self, his head slouched slightly to avoid hitting it on the ceiling. He pivoted and looked back at Superman. Rudy knew that he had to be in this form in order to successfully tell a lie to Superman, because Clark could hear heartbeats and could distinguish when someone is lying to him. But in this form, because the Parasite's body didn't rely on pumping blood any longer, he had no heartbeat. He thanked whatever maker he had that Superman didn't know the extent of the biological changes that the Unity made in his body.

The Parasite stared down into Superman's eyes. "No lies," he said, gesturing with his head down to the rest of his body, showing Superman that he wasn't disguising himself any longer, and hoping that Superman didn't suspect the ulterior motive behind his shapeshift. "I haven't killed anyone since I came back. But God, I really want to kill these jerks. They," Rudy faked a slight stutter to sell the performance, "they killed Jessica's mother." He pounded his massive fist into the opposite palm and slight bolts of energy seemed to crackle on impact.

[LibrarianThorne]

Jones needed to shift this conversation back to his advantage. If Kent found out that Rudy had killed Jessica's mother, or any of the other jerks that he'd dusted over the last few weeks, then Superman's help would be one hundred percent out of the question.

"I'm surprised you're not curious as to how I'm still alive, Kent. That was a pretty damn big explosion that I was in when I killed the Unity, huh? Before its cloaking field came offline, I don't think any of us would've guessed that that freak's ship was actually covering the whole planet like a big net. Were the fireworks fun to watch?"

Rudy turned and gently laid Jessica back into the duffle bag which was cushioned with folded blankets. He stood up straight and transformed into his true self, his head slouched slightly to avoid hitting it on the ceiling. He pivoted and looked back at Superman. Rudy knew that he had to be in this form in order to successfully tell a lie to Superman, because Clark could hear heartbeats and could distinguish when someone is lying to him. But in this form, because the Parasite's body didn't rely on pumping blood any longer, he had no heartbeat. He thanked whatever maker he had that Superman didn't know the extent of the biological changes that the Unity made in his body.

The Parasite stared down into Superman's eyes. "No lies," he said, gesturing with his head down to the rest of his body, showing Superman that he wasn't disguising himself any longer, and hoping that Superman didn't suspect the ulterior motive behind his shapeshift. "I haven't killed anyone since I came back. But God, I really want to kill these jerks. They," Rudy faked a slight stutter to sell the performance, "they killed Jessica's mother." He pounded his massive fist into the opposite palm and slight bolts of energy seemed to crackle on impact.

The lack of Rudy's heartbeat had always been the telltale sign that he was dealing with the Parasite. The sudden absence of the heartbeat as Rudy shifted form unnerved Clark, though he gave no sign of it.

Soldiers killed the child's mother? American soldiers? That doesn't make any sense. There has to be something Rudy isn't telling me.

Regardless, none of that matters. This THEY matter, the Congress, the League, the rebuilding of Gotham, much too much is going onfor me to deal with Parasite right now. You've got to make a choice, Clark. Take him to the Fortress now, or likely deal with violent repercussions in the heart of your city. It doesn't feel right, but I can't deal with the Parasite's problem right now.

He mulled over his options for a few more moments, always keeping his eyes on the child cradled in the massive purple arms of the Parasite. On top of all his other concerns, the Parasite was in a new body, and doubtless more powerful than his previous incarnations. That drastically diminished his options.

"Alright Rudy, I think I have a solution to your problem. You still have my memories, so you know about my Fortress of Solitude. Steel recently finished rebuilding it after the battle with Unity, and very few even know that it exists. It will be a safe place for you and your daughter, if you're willing to go there."

[Spike_x1]

This caught the Parasite by surprise. The Fortress? Truth be told, it was one of the last places on Earth he wanted to be; surrounded by memorabilia showing him everything that he wasn't, couldn't, or ever wanted to be. A haunting opposite reflection of his life was not something that the Parasite wished to be surrounded by unless absolutely necessary.

Rudy breathed another heavy sigh and shrunk back down to his human form. He picked Jessica back up and just looked into her big dumb eyes. "Sure," he said without looking away from his daughter, "we'll go to the Tesseract until this crap is over and those prickfaces are toast... er... I mean behind bars. But before this is over, I wanna have a nice chat with one of 'em, ask what the hell all of this is about."

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor is on the phone with a union leader in West Virginia as Mercy is standing in doorway with orders to kill anyone who walks in the room.

He says, "Well I am glad I was able to help end the dead-lock among you all. Your Union deserves everything it asks for as far as I am concerned. Growing up in less than ideal conditions I know how every break along the way helps."

The Union rep says, "Well thank you again Mr. Luthor or should I say Mr. President you certainly justified our faith in giving you our endorsement."

Luthor replies, "Again for that endorsement and remember once I am in The White House you and your members will have a constant open door to the Oval Office. Now if you will excuse me I have some more pre-election details to tend to."

The Union reps says, "All-right sir thank you again and good luck tomorrow."

Luthor, "Thank you and tell your members to keep the faith."

He hangs up the phone and Mercy says, "It would shatter his world if he knew that you actually had a hand in causing that strike."

Luthor replies, "I doubt it. The union got more than they were asking for and the managment side knows that they will be take care of in other forms of compensation. It's win-win and best of all...it's perfectly legal....well most of it."

Mercy nods and says, "Lex what will happen if you lose?"

Lex looks semi-stunned and says, "I won't things are going far too well for me, and most of the real competition is out of the way. Most papers are predicting a land-slide of epic purportions. If I can just get Ras out of the way and keep the Rogues at bay for a little longer then once I am in the White House all the rules change."

His secretary Brenda calls in and says, "Mr. Luthor you have a call on line two Prime Minister Blair wishes to speak to you."

Lex takes the call.

[LibrarianThorne]

This caught the Parasite by surprise. The Fortress? Truth be told, it was one of the last places on Earth he wanted to be; surrounded by memorabilia showing him everything that he wasn't, couldn't, or ever wanted to be. A haunting opposite reflection of his life was not something that the Parasite wished to be surrounded by unless absolutely necessary.

Rudy breathed another heavy sigh and shrunk back down to his human form. He picked Jessica back up and just looked into her big dumb eyes. "Sure," he said without looking away from his daughter, "we'll go to the Tesseract until this crap is over and those prickfaces are toast... er... I mean behind bars. But before this is over, I wanna have a nice chat with one of 'em, ask what the hell all of this is about."

Clark was relieved. Getting the Parasite out of Metropolis was the best thing that could be done, at least right now. He wouldn't be missed in the few hours it would take him to transport Rudy and his... daughter to the Fortress.

"Rudy, I can take you to the Fortress myself. We can avoid the spy satellites and other tracking devices that would otherwise pick you up, but you can't use your powers on me. You've got to trust me, and I know with our history that isn't going to be easy. But I know that it will be the best thing for your daughter. I understand if you don't trust me, but you have to trust in her future."

He clenched his teeth, setting his jaw. This next part would be difficult to get across to Rudy. "As to what those soldiers were doing chasing you, leave that to me. Between me and Batman, we can get to the bottom of this mystery soon. At least, I hope we'll be able to."

[Keyser Soze]

I grit my teeth and drive my fingers further into the wheel--the clown was getting worse. Suddenly, an idea drifted into my mind.

"You know, Joker, if you remain silent for the rest of the ride, I might just find you a cell in Arkham with a view--it'll probably be less that six inches long and wide, but a view nevertheless."

The Joker just laughed.

"Thanks for the offer, Brucie, but I have all the wonderful views I need...right here."

The Joker pressed a finger into his temple. He'd have plenty of glorious mental images to entertain him until he escaped again. He was quiet for about a minute or so, before piping up again.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

[Spike_x1]

Clark was relieved. Getting the Parasite out of Metropolis was the best thing that could be done, at least right now. He wouldn't be missed in the few hours it would take him to transport Rudy and his... daughter to the Fortress.

"Rudy, I can take you to the Fortress myself. We can avoid the spy satellites and other tracking devices that would otherwise pick you up, but you can't use your powers on me. You've got to trust me, and I know with our history that isn't going to be easy. But I know that it will be the best thing for your daughter. I understand if you don't trust me, but you have to trust in her future."

He clenched his teeth, setting his jaw. This next part would be difficult to get across to Rudy. "As to what those soldiers were doing chasing you, leave that to me. Between me and Batman, we can get to the bottom of this mystery soon. At least, I hope we'll be able to.""No friggin' way, Kent!" Rudy exclaimed. "I ain't about to hide while someone else does all the dirty work. Jess an' I will go to the Fortress to get some time away ta think things through, but the second you hear a word about what's goin' on, I wanna be part of it."

That was probably the first thing he had said to the Boyscout so far in the conversation that was completely honest.

"And leave Wayne outta this. I don't want that jerk in my affairs."

[wiegeabo]

"...Need I bring up who wore Daisy Dukes until well into his late teens? The short shorts have NEVER been a part of my costume, Legs. Not only that... then you decided to channel Travolta from Saturday Night Fever for your next uni. You have NO room to criticize our clothes buddy."

"...Do we go in now? Do we go in NOW? F**K yes, oh brilliant leader, we go in now!"

As the smoke cleared and the woman disappeared, Arsenal wiped his eyes. Not from the smoke, but from disbelief. P... no... it couldn't be her. It just couldn't be. I had to have been seeing things. Seeing what I wanted to, not what was really there. But that face... even with the mask, I'd know it anywhere. And I've seen that hair before. I know I have. Somehow it has to be her. I definitely need to talk to Grayson. He'd know.

"I don't know, Pinky... I thought I did. But I'm not sure. And with the gas, I'm even more doubtful..."

"Then we should take stock of our situation." I cross my arms and cup my chin with my hand, taking a few moments to think. "Batman has captured the Joker and is taking him back to prison, despite the potential legal issues. The Joker's weapon is destroyed. This 'Mystery Woman' has escaped and we cannot hope to find her, for now. Superman is likely still engaging the Lobo's, but we do not know where they are, and since neither has returned, our help is likely unneeded. The criminal elements of both Gotham and Star City are ripping their respective cities apart. And of the group standing here, only Rayner and I have any powers."

I look over the others. "Did I miss anything?"

After I few moments, I continue. "The way I see it, we have two options: We wait for Batman to return with any ideas he may have, or we leave and help out where ever we can."

[Trigger]

"Then we should take stock of our situation." I cross my arms and cup my chin with my hand, taking a few moments to think. "Batman has captured the Joker and is taking him back to prison, despite the potential legal issues. The Joker's weapon is destroyed. This 'Mystery Woman' has escaped and we cannot hope to find her, for now. Superman is likely still engaging the Lobo's, but we do not know where they are, and since neither has returned, our help is likely unneeded. The criminal elements of both Gotham and Star City are ripping their respective cities apart. And of the group standing here, only Rayner and I have any powers."

I look over the others. "Did I miss anything?"

After I few moments, I continue. "The way I see it, we have two options: We wait for Batman to return with any ideas he may have, or we leave and help out where ever we can."


Rose sat upright and looked around. Her whte dress had been ripped by Joker and her was a slight mess. She straightened out what was left of her white skirt and blouse before approaching the heroes.

"Well, Mr. Lavender skin, the way I see it, we might as well find something fun to do. I was been dead for far too long and after being revived, the last thing I want to do is sit around longer."

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex is watching the results from the polls. He is leading by a huge margin and starting to smoke a cigar.

Mercy is watching with him from his offices and says, "Soon you're going to have to go down to the Excelsior hotel and meet everyone."

Lex replies, "Patience my dear. I want to wait for a certain phone call from a certain politcal rival saying, 'I give up'. Then will I go down and address everyone. I don't want it to seem like it was too easy for me."

Just then the phone rings and Mercy answers it. She says, "It's Mitchell and he doesn't sound happy."

Lex takes then phone and says, "Hello Richard."

Mitchell says with venom in his voice, "I am calling to congratulate you Mr. President. You ran a solid campaign and you won. Congratulations Lex."

Lex says, "Why thank you sir you and your staff have nothing to be ashamed of you were a worthy competetor."

Mitchell says, "Off the record Lex I know you played dirty. You rewrote the book on dirty politics with this election. I may never be able to prove it but know this for a fact one day you will have many sins to answer for...one day."

Lex replies, "Mitchell if you have an evidence i suggest you bring it forward otherwise it's time for you to hit the lecture circuit and get your job as a politcal analyst on the Sunday talk shows. Besides I don't have to take this from you I am the President of the United States the people have spoken. And now I will say to you 'good evening.'"

With that Lex hangs up the phone and says to Mercy, "Let's go to the hotel we have a party to attend. I'll call Angela in the limo to tell her the good news."

Within moments the news wires had the headline MITCHELL CONCEDES TO LUTHOR!

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex strolls back into the Lexcorp towers by himself. Mercy is standing guard outside the door.

Lex opens a bottle of scotch and pours a drink. He holds the glass up and sees his reflection in the glass. He says, "Here's to you...you pulled it off once again."

Lex then senses he is not alone as he says, "Hello Ras."

[Red]

Lex strolls back into the Lexcorp towers by himself. Mercy is standing guard outside the door.

Lex opens a bottle of scotch and pours a drink. He holds the glass up and sees his reflection in the glass. He says, "Here's to you...you pulled it off once again."

Lex then senses he is not alone as he says, "Hello Ras."

“I hope you don’t mind, but it seemed fitting that our partnership end as it began.” He noticed the bottle of scotch in Luthors grasp. “Perhaps wine is a better suited to celebrate such occasions.” Ra’s poured two glasses and passed one to Luthor as he approached him.

“Did you know that the toast originated from the Vikings? Warring tribes would drink from the same chalice because they feared their cups had been poisoned.” Ra’s leaned in close and raised his glass.

“A simple tap is a sign of trust.” Ra’s eye’s showed a hit of treachery and he sipped his glass, in response Luthor did the same.

“To the matter at hand then, my scientists have produced 25 gallons of the virus and they also managed to improve it as we agreed. It will now come into affect immediately and kills those infected within a matter of hours. Once my relocation to Washington is complete I will have the cargo transported to you, in the mean time perhaps this will interest you.” Lex stretched his hand into one of the draws of his desk and pulled a small lead box, which he presented to Ra’s. Ra’s opened the box to reveal a sample of the virus, and a smile found its way to his face.

“I believe this concludes our business.” Luthor’s hand crawled under the table and rested upon the panic button. He gave Ra’s a reassuring smile that everything was fine.

“Not quite.”Ra’s pocketed the box then cleared his throat and began to pace around Luthor’s desk. “Tell me Alexander have you ever read the Bible?

“Once, why do you ask?”

“It has always fascinated me how it is regarded as such a hallowed text and yet humanity disregards its teachings, tossing them aside in favor of their own selfish pursuits. They are willing to sin against the laws in which they believe.”

“Is their any point to th…?”

Before the last word could leave his mouth, Ra’s lunged forward with the virus and stabbed Luthor in the shoulder and he stumbled to the floor.

“Do you know what your sin is Alexander…Greed. You had the worship of the people, their respect and allegiance. But that was not enough for the King of Metropolises. You wanted more didn’t you?”He paused. “It’s almost ironic; you cower and hide within this castle in the sky from the very people you wish to rule.”

Ra’s felt an immense sense of power as he stood over the convulsion body of Luthor. He didn’t feel any remorse in his twisted mind for what he had done. Ra’s had performed unspeakable acts throughout his life, but he would always try to keep a sense of honor. In the past those he had deceived had been innocents, but this was different.

Lex’s body began to contract and his hand scrambled to his chest.Ra’s knelt down beside him. “Do you know what amused me the most Alexander?” He spoke as if he expected an answer.

“Did you honestly think I would let you have a place in my new empire? A petty street urchin who believes himself to be something more.” Hissed Ra’s. “As I speak my men are acquiring the canisters of the Genesis Strain from your laboratory and within the day it will be leaked into Metropolis’s water supply. Your kingdom is mine Alexander. Metropolis will be the first to fall. The world’s greatest city will be a beacon of a new age.”

Ra’s gave Luthor one last glace before he fell unconscious then draped his cloak back over his shoulders and exited the room.

[MST3K 4ever]

“I hope you don’t mind, but it seemed fitting that our partnership end as it began.” He noticed the bottle of scotch in Luthors grasp. “Perhaps wine is a better suited to celebrate such occasions.” Ra’s poured two glasses and passed one to Luthor as he approached him.

“Did you know that the toast originated from the Vikings? Warring tribes would drink from the same chalice because they feared their cups had been poisoned.” Ra’s leaned in close and raised his glass.

“A simple tap is a sign of trust.” Ra’s eye’s showed a hit of treachery and he sipped his glass, in response Luthor did the same.

“To the matter at hand then, my scientists have produced 25 gallons of the virus and they also managed to improve it as we agreed. It will now come into affect immediately and kills those infected within a matter of hours. Once my relocation to Washington is complete I will have the cargo transported to you, in the mean time perhaps this will interest you.” Lex stretched his hand into one of the draws of his desk and pulled a small lead box, which he presented to Ra’s. Ra’s opened the box to reveal a sample of the virus, and a smile found its way to his face.

“I believe this concludes our business.” Luthor’s hand crawled under the table and rested upon the panic button. He gave Ra’s a reassuring smile that everything was fine.

“Not quite.”Ra’s pocketed the box then cleared his throat and began to pace around Luthor’s desk. “Tell me Alexander have you ever read the Bible?

“Once, why do you ask?”

“It has always fascinated me how it is regarded as such a hallowed text and yet humanity disregards its teachings, tossing them aside in favor of their own selfish pursuits. They are willing to sin against the laws in which they believe.”

“Is their any point to th…?”

Before the last word could leave his mouth, Ra’s lunged forward with the virus and stabbed Luthor in the shoulder and he stumbled to the floor.

“Do you know what your sin is Alexander…Greed. You had the worship of the people, their respect and allegiance. But that was not enough for the King of Metropolises. You wanted more didn’t you?”He paused. “It’s almost ironic; you cower and hide within this castle in the sky from the very people you wish to rule.”

Ra’s felt an immense sense of power as he stood over the convulsion body of Luthor. He didn’t feel any remorse in his twisted mind for what he had done. Ra’s had performed unspeakable acts throughout his life, but he would always try to keep a sense of honor. In the past those he had deceived had been innocents, but this was different.

Lex’s body began to contract and his hand scrambled to his chest.Ra’s knelt down beside him. “Do you know what amused me the most Alexander?” He spoke as if he expected an answer.

“Did you honestly think I would let you have a place in my new empire? A petty street urchin who believes himself to be something more.” Hissed Ra’s. “As I speak my men are acquiring the canisters of the Genesis Strain from your laboratory and within the day it will be leaked into Metropolis’s water supply. Your kingdom is mine Alexander. Metropolis will be the first to fall. The world’s greatest city will be a beacon of a new age.”

Ra’s gave Luthor one last glace before he fell unconscious then draped his cloak back over his shoulders and exited the room.


Lex opens his eyes slowly at first. He is having trouble focusing them and when he finally does he sees Dr. Moore & Mercy standing over him.

Very groggy he asks, "What....Ras...Mercy?"

Mercy repiles, "You were right the deal with Ras did come back on you. I thought it was interesting that there was never any mention of an antidote to the virus. So they day we got it I told Dr. Moore to start working on the anitdote. By all accounts you should be dead by now that much pure toxin in your blood-stream. knowing Ras though he may have already made off with the toxin that we had in our storage area."

Lex sits up slowly and says, "Dr. Moore we must get more of this anitdote ready right away."

She replies, "Mr. Luthor most of the compounds and elements in the anitdote are rare. We are making as much as we can right now, but it's taking time to find the right components. I have got crews working on it right now but it's gong to take time."

Lex starts to stand up and staggers. Mercy and Dr. Moore grab him.

Mercy says, "Easy depsite the fact that you have been cured it's going to take at least a day or two for the anitdote to run through your system."

Lex says, "That's it! Dr. Moore within the next hour I want you to take a blood sample from me and synthasize a cure."

She replies, "I can't do that in your condition. Right now you are too weak it'll take some time. Right now you need rest."

Lex says, "But I have appearances to make...and a score to settle."

Mercy says, "Leave the appearances to me I'll come up with something. Right now you need to get ready for a war with Ras."

[Watchman]

Keystone City goes by with another day of battle. The Rogues are in hiding while everything from citizens with guns to small armies are looking for them...They also wonder where the Flash has been. The tv states, surprised that Keystone still has power, the Luthor has just one the presidency this does not bode well. The Rogues will be hunted down by some Luthor backed hit squad. Cold has been planning a way out of Keystone. They couldn't stay here any longer not with Luthor in the White House. Cold now just keeps to himself. A sound breaks him out of deep thought. Something by the main entrance. He readies his gun and heads over.

"Alright scumbag I'm going to freeze your insides and shatter them". With lighting fast speed he finds himself on the ground and disarmed. Well this is it Luthor hands over his first billion. Instead of a gun or knife coming Cold finds a hand.

"Captain Cold that is what they call you right?" Cold looks up at his attacker

"My name is Ubu and I come on the behalf of Ra's al Ghul"

[Charlie No-One]

Catwoman watched from afar as the Batmobile drove away. She had lost all respect for the man known as Batman. He left his city and his friends for dead. He may have made her understood why he had done what he did, but it didn’t excuse him. She felt a deep emotion growing in her heart. Selina couldn’t pin-point it, but she knew it wasn’t good. Was it more guilt for what she had done…who she had killed, or was it love? A love for Bruce, but a hate for Batman? Whip in hand, she walked out on the road and looked around. The Princess of Plunder needed space and time. This city couldn’t provide that anymore. She was going to need a new life.

“Metropolis is a nice big city. I can relax there. Maybe met someone, get married, have kids…no. Selina, you did not just say you wanted to get married…or have kids. This city must be affecting you,”

Then a cold smack of realism hit her in the face: she had zero money.

“I think I can fix that though,” A small grin ate her frown.

[LibrarianThorne]

"No friggin' way, Kent!" Rudy exclaimed. "I ain't about to hide while someone else does all the dirty work. Jess an' I will go to the Fortress to get some time away ta think things through, but the second you hear a word about what's goin' on, I wanna be part of it."

That was probably the first thing he had said to the Boyscout so far in the conversation that was completely honest.

"And leave Wayne outta this. I don't want that jerk in my affairs."

"Alright, Rudy, calm down. I'll inform you when I find some leads, alright? Until then, our main concern is getting you and your daughter somewhere safe. I can carry the both of you at speed to the Fortress, but only if you don't drain me. If I lose any power, I can't guarantee your safety or your daughter's safety."

[Spike_x1]

"Or I could just get a little juice from ya and fly for myself." He raised an eyebrow slightly. "No?" Kent wasn't amused.

Rudy let a popping sound out from his lips and shrugged his heavy shoulders. "Fine."

[Red]

Keystone City goes by with another day of battle. The Rogues are in hiding while everything from citizens with guns to small armies are looking for them...They also wonder where the Flash has been. The tv states, surprised that Keystone still has power, the Luthor has just one the presidency this does not bode well. The Rogues will be hunted down by some Luthor backed hit squad. Cold has been planning a way out of Keystone. They couldn't stay here any longer not with Luthor in the White House. Cold now just keeps to himself. A sound breaks him out of deep thought. Something by the main entrance. He readies his gun and heads over.

"Alright scumbag I'm going to freeze your insides and shatter them". With lighting fast speed he finds himself on the ground and disarmed. Well this is it Luthor hands over his first billion. Instead of a gun or knife coming Cold finds a hand.

"Captain Cold that is what they call you right?" Cold looks up at his attacker

"My name is Ubu and I come on the behalf of Ra's al Ghul"

“My master requests an audience with the Rogues of Keystone. He has an offer that will most interest you. If you will accompany me to Metropolises I will take you to him.”

[Watchman]

“My master requests an audience with the Rogues of Keystone. He has an offer that will most interest you. If you will accompany me to Metropolises I will take you to him.”

"You'll have to forgive me for being so hesitant to accept your offer due to the thousands of people out there looking to put a bullet in our skull" he grabs his other gun and points it at Ubu "so what makes me believe that you're after the same billion that Luthor put on all our heads"

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex using a cane stands on the roof of Lexcorp Towers.

Mercy brings him a bag and says, "I just spoke to Dr. Moore the neutralizer for the toxin is begin pumped into the water and air supplies of Metropolis."

Lex replies, "Excellent that should hold Ras at bay for a time. Maybe even make him think that it actually doesn't work."

Mercy says, "Lex the neutralizer is temporary fix it won't cure anyone it'll keep it bay for few days at most after that people will get sick even faster."

Lex says, "I am aware of that Mercy anyword on how long before the cure is ready?"

Mercy says, "No and it doesn't look good either."

Lex closes his eyes and shakes his head. He says, "I can comfort myself with thinking that I did what was best for all invoved, but in reality I know that making a del with Ras is the greatest mistake I ever made. The time has come though to deal with that mistake."

Mercy says, "The FBI director and the CIA director are on-board having called in the favors they owe you, and here are the schematics you requested."

Lex takes the folder from Mercy and says, "Thank you now please leave. I am about to swallow my pride in front of the one man I swore I would never do that too."

Mercy says, "Lex there is no guarantee that he'll show."

Lex replies, "I have no choice I have to take the chance."

Mercy nods and leaves. Lex then pulls out four cans of red spray paint. He spary paints on the roof a giantS.

All-right Superman it may not be the bat-signal but I hope you can see this.

[MaskedManJRK]

The Joker just laughed.

"Thanks for the offer, Brucie, but I have all the wonderful views I need...right here."

The Joker pressed a finger into his temple. He'd have plenty of glorious mental images to entertain him until he escaped again. He was quiet for about a minute or so, before piping up again.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

Damnit--I was starting to enjoy that silence.

"Shut. Up."

We drive out of Gotham and start in the country road, heading towards Arkham.

[Red]

"You'll have to forgive me for being so hesitant to accept your offer due to the thousands of people out there looking to put a bullet in our skull" he grabs his other gun and points it at Ubu "so what makes me believe that you're after the same billion that Luthor put on all our heads"

Ubu causally rested his palm on the freeze gun and lowered it to the Captains side.

“Because you and my master share a common foe in the new President of America. What you must ask yourself is do you honestly believe you can stand against him now he as so much power, he could have you on FIB’s within the hour and within the day broadcast around the world.

"The choice is a simple one meet my master or live the life of a caged beast."

[Trigger]

Rose didn’t wait for the purple man to respond. Instead she walked out of the building. What point was there to staying? She wobbled down the street aimlessly. Meeting the Batman didn’t give any more purpose to her borrowed existence. If only she had a sign…

“Hey, why the glum look? The Batman didn’t give you the big scoop you needed?”

Startled by the sudden attention, Rose looked around in confusion. She spotted the escaped prisoner from earlier in a fancy sports car. He had slowed down to keep up with her walking.

“Oh, it’s you…”

He smirked, “That’s all I get? No greeting?”

“Why would I be happy to see you?”

“I gave you a big scoop!”

Rose’s memory of their first meeting didn’t vaguely contain a moment in which he told her to head to the Gotham Theatre. She didn’t meet Batman until later, but he did help her; that much was certainly true.

“Whatever.”

“Do you need a ride somewhere?”

“No.”

“You headed anywhere n particular?”

“No.”

“Then why don’t I take you back to your hotel?”

Rose stopped walking and glared at him. He obviously wouldn’t stop talking unless she went along with him. She climbed into the car, and he drove towards the Gotham Four Seasons. They drove in the silence of the night, and Rose enjoyed not having losers in tights arguing around her.

“Do you have any relatives?” he asked suddenly.

She didn’t respond right away. She let the question dangle around in her head before she answered.

“A brother, a mother, and….”

“And?”

“A father, but he’s in the past.”

“You seem like someone who has put a lot of things in the past.”

“I have. Keep your eyes on the road.”

“I will. Do you have any friends?”

“Friends?”

Rose closed her eyes, and let the word dangle around in her head. She faintly remembered the image of a tall building; a tower. She felt like a puzzle piece that had fallen out of the box. She felt disconnected, but from who? Rose didn’t answer, instead she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Zauriel pouted, what more could he have done? He pointed her in the direction of proven heroes. He even adopted a form that resembled an attractive man. He couldn’t fail his mission, fail to help her. The car they were riding in began to float in the air and they drifted into the horizon. There was still one place he could take her to help her remember all of her past.

* * * * * * * * * *
The t-shaped tower entered Zauriel’s view hours later. Rose had fallen to sleep and hadn’t noticed the car flying in the air. Nor did she feel Zauriel gently place her on the steps of the Titan Tower. It was the sound of the car driving away that brought Rose back into consciousness. She shot up on to her feet and watched as he drove away into the distance. When she turned around, she found herself staring at the familiar building that stood as a home for all teen superheroes.

“Am I at the Titan’s Tower?” she wondered aloud.

[Green Lantern]

Roy turned to Ollie.

"Ollie, if you don't mind, I'm gonna stick around here. I've got something I need to discuss with short pants here. You should get back to Star with everything that happened there... I'll come as soon as I can."

Then he turned his attention to Dick.

"Hey, Dick I gotta talk to you bout our 'mystery lady,' she reminded me of someone, but we should talk about that in private."

[Watchman]

Ubu causally rested his palm on the freeze gun and lowered it to the Captains side.

“Because you and my master share a common foe in the new President of America. What you must ask yourself is do you honestly believe you can stand against him now he as so much power, he could have you on FIB’s within the hour and within the day broadcast around the world.

"The choice is a simple one meet my master or live the life of a caged beast."

He...he was right. With Luthor in the White House they official turned into public enemy number one. With Keystone a warzone around them and it seemed his leadership was falling barely able to hold the Rogues together.

"Ok Ubu take us to Ra's"

[Batman]

Roy turned to Ollie.

"Ollie, if you don't mind, I'm gonna stick around here. I've got something I need to discuss with short pants here. You should get back to Star with everything that happened there... I'll come as soon as I can."

Then he turned his attention to Dick.

"Hey, Dick I gotta talk to you bout our 'mystery lady,' she reminded me of someone, but we should talk about that in private."


Nightwing looked at Roy, with an eyebrow raised. Roy must've seen more of her than he did.

Eventually, He nodded.

"Fine by me. The sooner we can get some answers, the better."

As they turned, Nightwing looked at Roy again.

"And one more 'short pants' comment and I'm sticking one of those arrows of yours up an inconvieant area."

[Green Lantern]

"Geez Legs, don't get your short panties in a twist. Just because you have appaling and remarkably flaming taste in clothing ya don't have to get hissy about it. Mallah and Brain would be proud, bud. I mean come on Dick, you went from the hot pants to the disco collar to the mullet. Whats next rhinestones and pearls?"

Roy just grinned, knowing that this had to be grinding his buddy's gears. As they walked away from the crowd, Roy's tone got more serious.

"The reason I need to talk to you is that you know more than anything why the mystery lady couldn't be who I think I saw. But I still think it's her. Even so, I think we should make it our perogative to figure out who she is."

[Batman]

"Geez Legs, don't get your short panties in a twist. Just because you have appaling and remarkably flaming taste in clothing ya don't have to get hissy about it. Mallah and Brain would be proud, bud. I mean come on Dick, you went from the hot pants to the disco collar to the mullet. Whats next rhinestones and pearls?"

Roy just grinned, knowing that this had to be grinding his buddy's gears. As they walked away from the crowd, Roy's tone got more serious.

"The reason I need to talk to you is that you know more than anything why the mystery lady couldn't be who I think I saw. But I still think it's her. Even so, I think we should make it our perogative to figure out who she is."


Nightwing didn't know how to react to that. Either Roy had lost it... Which, honestly, wouldn't have surprised him at all... Or there was alot more to this that met the eye.

Since it was obvious Roy was still in doubt, Dick decided not to ask who it was. He could be wrong. And by his teachings with Bruce, long ago...

'Never make your suspicions known without the right amount of evidence. I did, once. It costed me a friend in Harvey Dent. Don't make my mistake.'

"Don't have to tell me twice. I still have some concerns about the incident with Killer Croc and Arkham. Whoever she is, we need to make damned sure we find out before she can hurt anyone else...", Nightwing said, as they walked out of the building.

Outside, Nightwing looked around at the vehicles in the area. One of Bruce's Batmobiles, and a motorcycle. Nightwing looked over.

"Remind me to never leave my cycle back at the Batcave again."

[LibrarianThorne]

"Or I could just get a little juice from ya and fly for myself." He raised an eyebrow slightly. "No?" Kent wasn't amused.

Rudy let a popping sound out from his lips and shrugged his heavy shoulders. "Fine."

"Best to just get going, then,"said Superman as he picked up the Parasite. Rudy cradled his daughter in his arms, and Clark marveled at the change the baby had brought about in the Parasite. When Rudy was with this little girl, Clark could almost believe that Rudy had changed, and for the better.

They were five miles outside of Metropolis when he heard the sound of helicopters. He had been going well under the speed of sound while in and near Metropolis, both for the safety of the girl and his city. When he looked behind him, he saw five US Army helicopters bearing down on them.

Not good. Very not good. Have to set Rudy and his daughter down and deal with these 'copters.

By now, Parasite could hear the helicopters heading towards them. He looked inquisitively at Superman. "You got a plan?"
"I always have a plan, Rudy."

He found a hilly clearing after a few seconds of searching, and set the Parasite down there. The helicopters were getting closer. "Rudy, I need you to drain some of my power. These copters are just setting up an ambush, and I'm not going to risk harm falling either you or your daughter."

[Purple Man]

Where the heck did Clark go? Why did he leave Conner with Lobo? Conner wasn't scared though.

"Know what your problem is Lobo? You are such a product of the nineties, with your macho muscle man (or triple 'm') attitude, and lousy haircut."

Superboy was leading Lobo back to where they were supposed to go before Superman went 'up up and away'.

"I admit I used to be the same way, but look at me now! A thousand years later and I'm still the hottest thing with heat vision. My advice: Lose the jacket. It will make you look less dated."

Kon-El didn't care if he was physically able to beat Lobo, he would drive him into the ground with his words.

"And what's the fraggin' deal with fraggin'? Is that like your 'Smurf' word? Frag the fraggin fragger."

Conner was walking along merrily, laughing at the brute. Though he had his back to Lobo, super sensitive ears picked up every foot step.

[Logan Howlett]

Where the heck did Clark go? Why did he leave Conner with Lobo? Conner wasn't scared though.

"Know what your problem is Lobo? You are such a product of the nineties, with your macho muscle man (or triple 'm') attitude, and lousy haircut."

Superboy was leading Lobo back to where they were supposed to go before Superman went 'up up and away'.

"I admit I used to be the same way, but look at me now! A thousand years later and I'm still the hottest thing with heat vision. My advice: Lose the jacket. It will make you look less dated."

Kon-El didn't care if he was physically able to beat Lobo, he would drive him into the ground with his words.

"And what's the fraggin' deal with fraggin'? Is that like your 'Smurf' word? Frag the fraggin fragger."

Conner was walking along merrily, laughing at the brute. Though he had his back to Lobo, super sensitive ears picked up every foot step.


"Listen kiddo! Seein as how big blue nocked be hundreds of miles out into the middle of no where, I doubt that us try to WALK back is gona do much good! Might wana take a note from yer pal and give us a big up, up, and get the **** outa here! And who do you think you are to have a big mouth with me? HUH?! I could turn yer brains into a Superpaste! You think I give a frag about what you think? Huh? Why don't you try bein a smartass a little longer and I'll forget all about this lil' deal we have goin on! I'll just say that Supershrimp was bein to much of a dick for me to be inspired to do the right thing! And with that goes Gotham, and all the knowledge that I have bout them Kryptonian war ships!"

"Ya! You can't talk to the main man that way! Keep in mind pal, yur way outnumbered, we all decide to tear you a new ******* and give you a Krptonite colonic, than yer perty much screwed!"

"Better listen to Slobo, he knows what he's talkin about. So you gona fly us back, or do I have to kick you in the ass and grab on to your cape to ride the rest of the way in?"

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing didn't know how to react to that. Either Roy had lost it... Which, honestly, wouldn't have surprised him at all... Or there was alot more to this that met the eye.

Since it was obvious Roy was still in doubt, Dick decided not to ask who it was. He could be wrong. And by his teachings with Bruce, long ago...

'Never make your suspicions known without the right amount of evidence. I did, once. It costed me a friend in Harvey Dent. Don't make my mistake.'

"Don't have to tell me twice. I still have some concerns about the incident with Killer Croc and Arkham. Whoever she is, we need to make damned sure we find out before she can hurt anyone else...", Nightwing said, as they walked out of the building.

Outside, Nightwing looked around at the vehicles in the area. One of Bruce's Batmobiles, and a motorcycle. Nightwing looked over.

"Remind me to never leave my cycle back at the Batcave again.""As long as you remind ME never to let Ollie borrow mine. Oh wait, I didn't. He just kinda took it. Thats right. And I know you think I'm crazy, and I see that turn in your smile that makes me know you know who I think I saw. God, Dick, I know what you saw that day, but dammit, isn't there any way something else could have happened? Anything at all?"

[Spike_x1]

"Best to just get going, then,"said Superman as he picked up the Parasite. Rudy cradled his daughter in his arms, and Clark marveled at the change the baby had brought about in the Parasite. When Rudy was with this little girl, Clark could almost believe that Rudy had changed, and for the better.

They were five miles outside of Metropolis when he heard the sound of helicopters. He had been going well under the speed of sound while in and near Metropolis, both for the safety of the girl and his city. When he looked behind him, he saw five US Army helicopters bearing down on them.

Not good. Very not good. Have to set Rudy and his daughter down and deal with these 'copters.

By now, Parasite could hear the helicopters heading towards them. He looked inquisitively at Superman. "You got a plan?"
"I always have a plan, Rudy."

He found a hilly clearing after a few seconds of searching, and set the Parasite down there. The helicopters were getting closer. "Rudy, I need you to drain some of my power. These copters are just setting up an ambush, and I'm not going to risk harm falling either you or your daughter."The Parasite looked down at his daughter cradled in his arms, then returned his gaze to Kent. He bared his teeth and shifted Jessica into only his left arm, leaving his right arm to do what needed to be done. He reached toward Superman, his hand open.

"Put 'er there, Partner!"

Superman grabbed his hand and energy quickly flowed forth into the Parasite, invigorating him and bringing renewed strength.

All at once, he regained focus and broke contact with Kent. He took several steps back and began his transformation. The energy swirled around him, ambient static making Superman's cape and Jessica's clothes cling to their wearer. Within the time span of less than half a second, the human form of Rudy Jones erupted into the massive hulking body of the true Parasite.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6425/potential29ik.jpg

"Feel's good to be back in the saddle!" laughed the monster as heat vision began to pour from his eyes at the oncoming assailants and jetpack-equipped soldiers were let loose from the helicopters.

[Johnny Blaze]

"Cheers to you, Mr. President", exclaimed Eiling as he watched CNN and raised his glass of brandy to the sky in a salute. The news channel had been going on about the newly appointed President of the United States, Lex Luthor, pretty much all day.

"Real shame you won't get to finish your term though", smiled Eiling as he took a sip of his drink.

The general's cellphone began to ring, and Eiling quickly answered it.

"Eiling."

"Wait, the Boyscout is there too?"

"Helping? Why in God's name would he be helping the freak?"

"No, it's a rhetorical question, son", said Eiling as he rubbed his temples and sighed, "I don't give a damn if they're on the same side or not."

"I don't care! You complete your mission and bring back that ****ing child, or don't come back at all", Eiling screamed as he hung up the phone.

Eiling took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"I guess it's true what they say about good help", thought Eiling to himself.

Still, not all was bad. All of Eiling's super soldiers were ready and a fully functioning military strike force. They were being trained in team-oriented battlefield tactics at this very moment. When the time came to use them against the heroes, they'd be more than able to bring them down.
Jones' little child would eventually fall into his grasp as well. And then think of what all his scientists could learn about the power absorbing ability that seems to run in the family. They could create all kinds of weapons with that power. Weapons that would allow even the average soldier to take down a being as powerful as Superman.

And the creature's body was almost prepared for the transfer. Soon Eiling would be out of this cancer-plagued body and into a form of pure power. One befitting a person of Eiling's stature. And when that time came he would lead his soldiers into battle, and personally wipe out the heroes once and for all. And, from the ashes of the battlefield, his new world order would rise.

The thought brought a smile to the general's face. He turned off the television, and leaned back in his chair. Eiling took another sip of his drink as he stared out into the darkness of his office, thinking about the future.

[LibrarianThorne]

The Parasite looked down at his daughter cradled in his arms, then returned his gaze to Kent. He bared his teeth and shifted Jessica into only his left arm, leaving his right arm to do what needed to be done. He reached toward Superman, his hand open.

"Put 'er there, Partner!"

Superman grabbed his hand and energy quickly flowed forth into the Parasite, invigorating him and bringing renewed strength.

All at once, he regained focus and broke contact with Kent. He took several steps back and began his transformation. The energy swirled around him, ambient static making Superman's cape and Jessica's clothes cling to their wearer. Within the time span of less than half a second, the human form of Rudy Jones erupted into the massive hulking body of the true Parasite.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6425/potential29ik.jpg

"Feel's good to be back in the saddle!" laughed the monster as heat vision began to pour from his eyes at the oncoming assailants and jetpack-equipped soldiers were let loose from the helicopters.

"NO!"

He poured on the speed, barely intercepting the heat vision from the Parasite before it would have seared a soldier in half. The awesome force of the heat vision sent him tumbling through the air. His super-hearing picked up a muffled voice yelling "Fire!" and then the sound of missiles being launched. Before he could right himself, he felt the impacts of five missiles. All was sound and fire for a moment, black smoke obscuring his vision and filling his lungs. When the smoke cleared, he saw ten of the jet soldiers lined up in front of him, their strange guns held at the ready. One of the soldiers, with a sergeant's stripe on his sleeves, barked, "Stand down, Superman!"

Superman gazed at them blankly for a few moments, then turned and saw the Parasite attacking one of the army helicopters. What have I done? I... gave him enough power to do do this. Stupid, Clark. Gotta stop him before he kills more soldiers.

Clark began flying towards the Parasite, but the soldiers opened fire. Lances of light shot from their weapons and struck the Man of Steel, sending him hurtling earthward. He crashed through a stand of trees before coming to a stop.

Wonderful job of saving the day so far, Clark. I gave a madman my powers and now I'm fighting the military. When this is over, Rudy and I are going to have a talk.

[Spike_x1]

A sidewinder missle screamed through the air, pushing itself closer and closer to a dazed Superman from behind, attempting to take him by surprise while he's distracted. Suddenly, a dark purple blur came between the warhead and the alien. Superman spun around when he heard the soft sound of flesh quickly and tightly grabbing metal.

The missile was held firmly in the Parasite's free hand, its exhaust sputtering out of fuel. He had absorbed the weapon's kinetic energy and brought it to a safe hault in his hand. He turned to Superman and smiled, "We're in this together, buddy." Rudy promptly froze the rocket with his arctic breath and tossed it aside.

"An' before ya get too ticked off, lemme tell ya that none of them fruitcakes are dead. I just gave 'em a few bruises and some small first degree burns. Nothin' life threatening. Check 'em yourself with X-ray visio- ARRGH!!"

The Parasite stumbled forward and tried to reach his shoulder blades where a laser blast had stealthily struck him. He roared in pain as the purple skin on his back began to rip and shred itself into tatters. The Parasite turned around to see his attacker, fury burning red hot in his eyes.

"PISS OFF, F**KO!"

The soldier then proceeded to fall down, screaming in the worst pain he had ever felt in his life as the metal fillings in his teeth were liquefied with heat and began sloshing around in his mouth.

'He'll live,' thought the Parasite.

[LibrarianThorne]

A sidewinder missle screamed through the air, pushing itself closer and closer to a dazed Superman from behind, attempting to take him by surprise while he's distracted. Suddenly, a dark purple blur came between the warhead and the alien. Superman spun around when he heard the soft sound of flesh quickly and tightly grabbing metal.

The missile was held firmly in the Parasite's free hand, its exhaust sputtering out of fuel. He had absorbed the weapon's kinetic energy and brought it to a safe hault in his hand. He turned to Superman and smiled, "We're in this together, buddy." Rudy promptly froze the rocket with his arctic breath and tossed it aside.

"An' before ya get too ticked off, lemme tell ya that none of them fruitcakes are dead. I just gave 'em a few bruises and some small first degree burns. Nothin' life threatening. Check 'em yourself with X-ray visio- ARRGH!!"

The Parasite stumbled forward and tried to reach his shoulder blades where a laser blast had stealthily struck him. He roared in pain as the purple skin on his back began to rip and shred itself into tatters. The Parasite turned around to see his attacker, fury burning red hot in his eyes.

"PISS OFF, F**KO!"

The soldier then proceeded to fall down, screaming in the worst pain he had ever felt in his life as the metal fillings in his teeth were liquefied with heat and began sloshing around in his mouth.

'He'll live,' thought the Parasite.

"This ends now, Rudy," said Superman, a tint of anger darkening his voice. He shot into the sky, putting himself between the Parasite and the soldiers. The helicopters and jet pack wearing soldiers readied their weapons, all targeting the Man of Steel.

"Look, I don't know what this is about, but I'm asking you men to stand down. For God's sake, the Parasite has a child with him!"
"That's why we're here, Superman. You think the government is going to let a... thing like the Parasite take care of a child?" said the sergeant, his laser cannon still aimed at Superman. "Fact is, you aiding him makes you a felon. Bad way to repay the Presidential pardon you earned in Metropolis."
"What crime has the Parasite committed? He just wants to live in peace and raise his daughter."
"You don't know?"
"Know what?"

[Purple Man]

"Listen kiddo! Seein as how big blue nocked be hundreds of miles out into the middle of no where, I doubt that us try to WALK back is gona do much good! Might wana take a note from yer pal and give us a big up, up, and get the **** outa here! And who do you think you are to have a big mouth with me? HUH?! I could turn yer brains into a Superpaste! You think I give a frag about what you think? Huh? Why don't you try bein a smartass a little longer and I'll forget all about this lil' deal we have goin on! I'll just say that Supershrimp was bein to much of a dick for me to be inspired to do the right thing! And with that goes Gotham, and all the knowledge that I have bout them Kryptonian war ships!"

"Ya! You can't talk to the main man that way! Keep in mind pal, yur way outnumbered, we all decide to tear you a new ******* and give you a Krptonite colonic, than yer perty much screwed!"

"Better listen to Slobo, he knows what he's talkin about. So you gona fly us back, or do I have to kick you in the ass and grab on to your cape to ride the rest of the way in?"

"You think Superman never permanantly shut you up because you could beat the crap out of him."

Conner turned around, looking up at Lobos ugly mug.

"Heat vision through the skull will instantly fry anyones brain. No matter how small their brain may be. I'm only half like Superman, you don't want to see my other half."

Superboys eyes flared red as he grabbed Slobo and threw him towards Gotham.

"I'll try and catch him after we arrive."

Grabbing Lobo by his jacket, Conner flew them back to Metropolis at supersonic speeds. Once arriving back in the city, Kon-El let go of Lobo about twenty five feet up in the air. And no sooner did they arrive then Slobo came falling back to Earth. Conner motioned like he was going to catch his fellow clone, but let him fall between his outstretched arms.

"Clumsy me."

[Logan Howlett]

"You think Superman never permanantly shut you up because you could beat the crap out of him."

Conner turned around, looking up at Lobos ugly mug.

"Heat vision through the skull will instantly fry anyones brain. No matter how small their brain may be. I'm only half like Superman, you don't want to see my other half."

Superboys eyes flared red as he grabbed Slobo and threw him towards Gotham.

"I'll try and catch him after we arrive."

Grabbing Lobo by his jacket, Conner flew them back to Metropolis at supersonic speeds. Once arriving back in the city, Kon-El let go of Lobo about twenty five feet up in the air. And no sooner did they arrive then Slobo came falling back to Earth. Conner motioned like he was going to catch his fellow clone, but let him fall between his outstretched arms.

"Clumsy me."


"Oh thats real nice HERO! Maybe you wana key my car, **** in my pudding, kick my dog while analy raping my mother?........you gota alot of nerve! And what else...you leave the other six clones back there to rot?! Oh man are they gona tear you up when the get hold of you! You know what, I'm gettin tired of you!......We can save the world later right now..."

I walk up close to him, look him in the eye, and say,

"Gime the best ya got pretty boy!......C'mon! PUNK! LETS GO! You and me, mano eh tight wearin queer bait! Gime yer best shot, so I have reason to nock yer Kryptonian head off!"

[Purple Man]

"Oh thats real nice HERO! Maybe you wana key my car, **** in my pudding, kick my dog while analy raping my mother?........you gota alot of nerve! And what else...you leave the other six clones back there to rot?! Oh man are they gona tear you up when the get hold of you! You know what, I'm gettin tired of you!......We can save the world later right now..."

I walk up close to him, look him in the eye, and say,

"Gime the best ya got pretty boy!......C'mon! PUNK! LETS GO! You and me, mano eh tight wearin queer bait! Gime yer best shot, so I have reason to nock yer Kryptonian head off!"

Conner knew that the time would come when Lobo wanted to throw down. The clone of Superman may not be able to win this, but he would teach Lobo not to stare down someone with kryptonian D.N.A. Though he couldn't talk as much trash as Lobo, Conner figured one word would be enough to get his point across.

"Burn.."

Never breaking eye contact with the mammoth monster, twin beams of red heat shot from the boy of steels eyes.

Clark probably wouldn't approve of burning an opponents eyes out, but Lobo would heal...right?

[Logan Howlett]

Conner knew that the time would come when Lobo wanted to throw down. The clone of Superman may not be able to win this, but he would teach Lobo not to stare down someone with kryptonian D.N.A. Though he couldn't talk as much trash as Lobo, Conner figured one word would be enough to get his point across.

"Burn.."

Never breaking eye contact with the mammoth monster, twin beams of red heat shot from the boy of steels eyes.

Clark probably wouldn't approve of burning an opponents eyes out, but Lobo would heal...right?


The little f**kers tryin to burn my eyes out! Hehehe.......at least he took that bait a mine, I been waitin to kick his ass for a while! As I cover my eyes with one hand I swipe at the burnin flesh and boilin blood nocking several drops to the ground, with the other I throw out my hook chain and yank him by the legs onto the ground. The pools of blood on the ground start formin new clones.

"Now boy.....your gona get it! NO MORE MISTER NICE CZARNIAN! I may have promised Supes that I would help him, but YOU drew first blood.....so I'll draw last!"

I uncover my eyes as they have now fully healed. I look at the puny runt on the ground, then at the clones now finished and say,

"ARIGHT BOYS! Its bleeding time.....hehehe....GET THAT BASTICH!"

"OOOOOH YEA!"

"YUR MINE FAN BOY!"

"TIME TO DIE!"

"Bigest mistake you ever made......last one too!"

"WAIT!.....I get first shot! hehehe...."

Slowbo walk up to him as the other grab his arms and legs,

"Thought that was pretty funny, kickin me and then lettin me hit the street!"

*BAM!*

He plants a nice one right in his stomach!

"NICE JOB!.....hehe, my turn, strech him out!"

I see the panic in his eyes, can't have that,

"Here, this'll make ya feel right at home!"

I grab another Red sun UV grenade offa my belt, same as the one I used on Supes a few hours ago, made him realy weak for a few minutes, almost human....hehehe....this'll be fun! I pull the pin and throw it in his face, bounces off the bridge of his nose and explosed in a red light,

"Now.....I'm gona find out how human you Kryptonian types can be!"

I start goin to town, punch to the face, kick in the chest, kick across the face, punch in the eye.....

"Mmmmm, how does that taste? I always told ya to watch your MOUTH!"

I reach way back and plant one in his jaw,

"Hehehe....hey Slowbo, what was the name of that guy Batman use to face, the one with the gas, ya know that fear stuff?"

"Scarecrow, why?"

"Cuz were about to make our own scarecrow........heheheheheheheHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I pick him up by his scrawny little neck and throw him up against a steet lamp, then I strech out his arms and have the clones hold em up. I walk over to another street lamp, rip it out of the ground, and bend it to wrap his arms around the pole.

"Now.....got my own Kryptonian punchin bag. And ya know the best part, even if Superman did wana help yer trecherous little hide, he's half way across the planet helpin someone else!"

I reach back and lay on in his gut, bending the pole. He's tied up and bleedin from the mouth, his costume ripped, and his face swolen,

"Wait till I start realy tryin!"

http://theages.superman.ws/History/miniJurgens.gif

[Spike_x1]

"This ends now, Rudy," said Superman, a tint of anger darkening his voice. He shot into the sky, putting himself between the Parasite and the soldiers. The helicopters and jet pack wearing soldiers readied their weapons, all targeting the Man of Steel.

"Look, I don't know what this is about, but I'm asking you men to stand down. For God's sake, the Parasite has a child with him!"
"That's why we're here, Superman. You think the government is going to let a... thing like the Parasite take care of a child?" said the sergeant, his laser cannon still aimed at Superman. "Fact is, you aiding him makes you a felon. Bad way to repay the Presidential pardon you earned in Metropolis."
"What crime has the Parasite committed? He just wants to live in peace and raise his daughter."
"You don't know?"
"Know what?""Shh!" Rudy held up his hand to stop the conversation. "Do you hear that?" Jones could tell that Superman was now trying to listen just as he was.

With super hearing, both superpowered men looked down at the lead soldier in front of them and could hear the dialogue being spoken in the man's headset radio."I don't care! You complete your mission and bring back that ****ing child, or don't come back at all"Rudy's mouth was gaping in shock. "They're not after me. They're after Jess!" He gasped in a whisper as his eyes rested on the crying child in his arms.

After what seemed like hours to him, Jones finally looked back up at his "partner." "We gotta go to S.T.A.R. Labs to find out what this is all about." Kent seemed to be weighing his options very heavily. "Please, Superman."

[Watchman]

He...he was right. With Luthor in the White House they official turned into public enemy number one. With Keystone a warzone around them and it seemed his leadership was falling barely able to hold the Rogues together.

"Ok Ubu take us to Ra's"

"Very well, gather your men and follow me" Ubu went back to the outside as Cold turned around and headed where the rest of the Rogues were talking.

"So Len who were you talking to?"

"Listen we're getting out of here. It's hell up there and I'm not sure if we can wait it out unless we make Luthor drop the bounty"

"How are we going to that he's the president"

"A war has started. We're going to meet with are new partner he's in Metropolis."

"And who's that?"

"Ra's al Ghul" there was silence among the group. "That's what I thought now c'mon we have to get going"

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor's patience is at it's end. Mercy joins him on the roof-top and she says, "I'm sorry he never showed Lex."

He replies, "Not half-as-sorry as he is about to be when all he** breaks loose in his beloved city and he is nowhere to be seen. I like to believe that he is off saving a life or something like that, and he is not coming here strictly because of our relationship."

Lex hobbles on his cane off of the roof and into the tower. He says to Mercy, "Get Governor Richmond and Warden Elliot at Striker's on a conference call in my office. Tell them if they refuse this call then they alone will suffer the consequences."

[Purple Man]

The little f**kers tryin to burn my eyes out! Hehehe.......at least he took that bait a mine, I been waitin to kick his ass for a while! As I cover my eyes with one hand I swipe at the burnin flesh and boilin blood nocking several drops to the ground, with the other I throw out my hook chain and yank him by the legs onto the ground. The pools of blood on the ground start formin new clones.

"Now boy.....your gona get it! NO MORE MISTER NICE CZARNIAN! I may have promised Supes that I would help him, but YOU drew first blood.....so I'll draw last!"

I uncover my eyes as they have now fully healed. I look at the puny runt on the ground, then at the clones now finished and say,

"ARIGHT BOYS! Its bleeding time.....hehehe....GET THAT BASTICH!"

"OOOOOH YEA!"

"YUR MINE FAN BOY!"

"TIME TO DIE!"

"Bigest mistake you ever made......last one too!"

"WAIT!.....I get first shot! hehehe...."

Slowbo walk up to him as the other grab his arms and legs,

"Thought that was pretty funny, kickin me and then lettin me hit the street!"

*BAM!*

He plants a nice one right in his stomach!

"NICE JOB!.....hehe, my turn, strech him out!"

I see the panic in his eyes, can't have that,

"Here, this'll make ya feel right at home!"

I grab another Red sun UV grenade offa my belt, same as the one I used on Supes a few hours ago, made him realy weak for a few minutes, almost human....hehehe....this'll be fun! I pull the pin and throw it in his face, bounces off the bridge of his nose and explosed in a red light,

"Now.....I'm gona find out how human you Kryptonian types can be!"

I start goin to town, punch to the face, kick in the chest, kick across the face, punch in the eye.....

"Mmmmm, how does that taste? I always told ya to watch your MOUTH!"

I reach way back and plant one in his jaw,

"Hehehe....hey Slowbo, what was the name of that guy Batman use to face, the one with the gas, ya know that fear stuff?"

"Scarecrow, why?"

"Cuz were about to make our own scarecrow........heheheheheheheHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I pick him up by his scrawny little neck and throw him up against a steet lamp, then I strech out his arms and have the clones hold em up. I walk over to another street lamp, rip it out of the ground, and bend it to wrap his arms around the pole.

"Now.....got my own Kryptonian punchin bag. And ya know the best part, even if Superman did wana help yer trecherous little hide, he's half way across the planet helpin someone else!"

I reach back and lay on in his gut, bending the pole. He's tied up and bleedin from the mouth, his costume ripped, and his face swolen,

"Wait till I start realy tryin!"

http://theages.superman.ws/History/miniJurgens.gif






Superboy had never taken a beating like this before. Blood wouldn't stop coming out of his mouth, his costume was in tatters and that grinding he felt meant that a few of his ribs were broken.

During the beating, Conner never managed to get a word in edge wise. Though he did catch a moment to whistle. Lobo didn't have the chance to laugh at Kon-El trying to whistle while getting his head kicked in because it was on a frequency that only a very few could hear.

And one of them was right behind Lobo and his legion of clones.

http://www.electricferret.com/battle/contenders/cd_krypto_1.jpg

[Purple Man]

Superboy had never taken a beating like this before. Blood wouldn't stop coming out of his mouth, his costume was in tatters and that grinding he felt meant that a few of his ribs were broken.

During the beating, Conner never managed to get a word in edge wise. Though he did catch a moment to whistle. Lobo didn't have the chance to laugh at Kon-El trying to whistle while getting his head kicked in because it was on a frequency that only a very few could hear.

And one of them was right behind Lobo and his legion of clones.

http://www.electricferret.com/battle/contenders/cd_krypto_1.jpg

Krypto the super dog was hovering a few feet in the air, growling with ruby eyes ablaze, baring his sharp teeth.

There would be no time to react. With the speed of a mutt of steel, Krypto clamped his jaws down on Lobos' crotch.

"Good boy...let's see if he can regrow that."

Conner smiled with blood stained teeth.

[Logan Howlett]

Krypto the super dog was hovering a few feet in the air, growling with ruby eyes ablaze, baring his sharp teeth.

There would be no time to react. With the speed of a mutt of steel, Krypto clamped his jaws down on Lobos' crotch.

"Good boy...let's see if he can regrow that."

Conner smiled with blood stained teeth.


"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHH!"

THAT DAMN MUT! I'M GONA RING HIS FRAGING NECK BY HIS COLAR!

".......urrrrrrr.......Cute kid......reeeeeeal cute!......."

I grab my nuts, their bleedin all over the place.....

"But ya realy aint that bright though!"

The freshly spilled blood pours onto the ground, forming 10 new clones. Hell, that dog did more damage than Supershrimp ever did!

".......oh yea......hehehe.....time for puppy chow! I WANT YOU CLONE BASTICHES TO GIVE SUPERBOY A NICE FAREWELL! Unfortunatly wherever he goes we won't ever see him again....ya see, we've been baned from both heaven and hell....so either way, we won't be seeing each other again fan boy, SO GOOD RIDANCE! TAKE HIM BOYS!.......I got the pooch......"

I stand up, my jollys are just about healed up. The dog start growlin at me, so I start growlin back.....

"RRROOOOOOAAAAAAARR!!"

I swing my chain at him, but he duck under it. Luckily he moved closer to me, I slam him in the head and he hits the ground, leaving a crater, but pops back up just as pissed off!

"I aint ever eatin dog before, but I hear it good to try new things!"

I lunge at him, he lunges to, we collide, and he sinks his fangs into my arm,

"YAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOW!.....YOU BASTICH!...."

More blood hits the ground. About another 10 or fifteen clones start formin.....the dog looks scared......I look over to the other clones, they've been doin a number of the "Boy of Steel" who now looks like the "Boy of Aluminum!" Hehehe, thats a good one! I look at the dog, then at the new clones, then back at the dog,

"Someones in troooooouble! Hehehe."

I almost see the damn dog tuck his tail between his legs before he flys off,

"HA! How ya like that? Yur loyal pooch aint nothin but a scardy cat! HAHAHAHAHA!........Wait.....what the hell was that?"

I hear something faintly in the distance.....sounds like a syren.....or....waitaminute, its, its a.......howl!

"AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"OH sonofa bastich!"

"AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Why do I have a feelin we're about to have big blue company?"

[wiegeabo]

I look around as the heroes begin to leave the room. What started as a mission to bring the League back together is turning into chaos. I've had enough of chaos.

"Everybody just STOP!!!"

Everyone turns to look at me. That got their attention.

"Rayner and I came here with a mission. And by hells, one way or another, we're going to finish it. Just look at us. No direction. No idea what to do next. The Joker could have killed millions more than he already has because we are disorganized. Rayner and I came here for a purpose. We're going to put the Justice League back together."

Everyone just keeps looking at me. But now they are looking at me like I am insane. "The Manhunter has already joined us. And Superman has stated he plans on returning as well." At the mention of those two members, some of the faces become more receptive to what I am suggesting. "I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage of this grouping of heroes to ask the question. Who what's in? Who wants to work with a team and have direction in their work, a group backing them up, heroes to help them whenever they need it?"

"Who wants to join the Justice League?"

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex is sitting in his office talking to Warden Elliot & Governor Richmond.

He says, "As I told you from the beginning gentlemen this virus was part of a new bio-weapon Lexcorp was preparing to sell to the D-O-D. The current location of the virus is unknown and through several of my contacts all I am able to say is that Ras-Al-Goul is apparently in possession of it. Who knows when and where he plan on releasing it, however the same sources have told me that the Flash's Rogues have joined with him which can lead to only one possible conclusion, and that is they are targeting Metropolis."
The Governor asks, "How do you know this Luthor?"

Luthor replies, "Because of my previous dealings with them, and the bounty I placed on their heads."

Warden Elliot says, "That explains the rogues, but why does Ras want you out of the way?"

Lex says, "I am the new President. He eliminates me after such a decisive victory the country is in turmoil and he is free to move virtually undetected. Also I am rather hesitant to say this because of National Security reasons, but I feel it is time to lay my cards on the table."

Lex pulls out two forms and faxes them to both men. He says, "The forms that you just recieved are from the director of the FBI & CIA. Ras approached me sometime back about entering into a partnership with him. I informed the FBI & CIA of this and they authorized me to go through with it because they wanted to try and catch him. Ras suspected this and tried to kill me after I was elected President, so it is obivious that he has revenge on his mind as well."

They read the faxes and look suspiciously at Lex, but they both know Lex has covered his tracks and the chances of nailing him on this are non-existant.

Warden Elliot says, "All-right Lex what is it you want?"

Lex says, "For starters I am soon to be the new President you two will not refer to me by my first name if you want to keep your jobs. Secondly, I need Superman's rogues released to fight the upcoming war."

Both men look at Lex like he has lost his mind.

Lex says, "Face it gentlemen without Superman, or Superboy for that matter, we need help unconventional help. While I have a great deal of confidence in our armed forces we are fighting an enemy that will not play by conventional rules. We need these people to help us, and I can control them."

He holds up a micro-chip and says, "These micro-chips are controlled by me and by a panel that recognizes only my DNA. If they step out of line these chips will...well let's just say the tax-payers will no longer have to worry about them."

Both the Governor and Warden say they will be in-touch with Luthor within the hour and end the call.

Mercy says, "Interesting way you turned the tables and made yourself look like an innocent victim."

Lex smirks and says, "Yes it was. One of my better ones besides who will the people believe me or an ego manical madman who is not above killing billions of people for his own twisted sense of how the world should look. Who even Batman comes out of hiding to fight? Who, according to the security logs and cameras, has never set foot in Lexcorp. He was very careful to avoid contact with anyone and that was his undoing. Sooner or later things will get ugly and I am not above doing things that many Presidents would not even think about doing if it means ridding our planet of Ras."

[batnkevlar]

Rose didn’t wait for the purple man to respond. Instead she walked out of the building. What point was there to staying? She wobbled down the street aimlessly. Meeting the Batman didn’t give any more purpose to her borrowed existence. If only she had a sign…

“Hey, why the glum look? The Batman didn’t give you the big scoop you needed?”

Startled by the sudden attention, Rose looked around in confusion. She spotted the escaped prisoner from earlier in a fancy sports car. He had slowed down to keep up with her walking.

“Oh, it’s you…”

He smirked, “That’s all I get? No greeting?”

“Why would I be happy to see you?”

“I gave you a big scoop!”

Rose’s memory of their first meeting didn’t vaguely contain a moment in which he told her to head to the Gotham Theatre. She didn’t meet Batman until later, but he did help her; that much was certainly true.

“Whatever.”

“Do you need a ride somewhere?”

“No.”

“You headed anywhere n particular?”

“No.”

“Then why don’t I take you back to your hotel?”

Rose stopped walking and glared at him. He obviously wouldn’t stop talking unless she went along with him. She climbed into the car, and he drove towards the Gotham Four Seasons. They drove in the silence of the night, and Rose enjoyed not having losers in tights arguing around her.

“Do you have any relatives?” he asked suddenly.

She didn’t respond right away. She let the question dangle around in her head before she answered.

“A brother, a mother, and….”

“And?”

“A father, but he’s in the past.”

“You seem like someone who has put a lot of things in the past.”

“I have. Keep your eyes on the road.”

“I will. Do you have any friends?”

“Friends?”

Rose closed her eyes, and let the word dangle around in her head. She faintly remembered the image of a tall building; a tower. She felt like a puzzle piece that had fallen out of the box. She felt disconnected, but from who? Rose didn’t answer, instead she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Zauriel pouted, what more could he have done? He pointed her in the direction of proven heroes. He even adopted a form that resembled an attractive man. He couldn’t fail his mission, fail to help her. The car they were riding in began to float in the air and they drifted into the horizon. There was still one place he could take her to help her remember all of her past.

* * * * * * * * * *
The t-shaped tower entered Zauriel’s view hours later. Rose had fallen to sleep and hadn’t noticed the car flying in the air. Nor did she feel Zauriel gently place her on the steps of the Titan Tower. It was the sound of the car driving away that brought Rose back into consciousness. She shot up on to her feet and watched as he drove away into the distance. When she turned around, she found herself staring at the familiar building that stood as a home for all teen superheroes.

“Am I at the Titan’s Tower?” she wondered aloud.

I've been drinking alot. I just have all these things on my mind, that I can't sort through. Drinking helps. I never drank a drop until now. Nowadays, it's like there isn't any hope. None at all.

I traipse through the Tower, holding a pizza in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other. I'm a confused individual. I just can't figure a goddamn thing out.

I see in the security cameras a young girl. I know her, I think. I really just wanna go to sleep...

I press the button clumsily to open up the front doors for Rose. And then I sit on the couch and wait.

[Trigger]

I've been drinking alot. I just have all these things on my mind, that I can't sort through. Drinking helps. I never drank a drop until now. Nowadays, it's like there isn't any hope. None at all.

I traipse through the Tower, holding a pizza in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other. I'm a confused individual. I just can't figure a goddamn thing out.

I see in the security cameras a young girl. I know her, I think. I really just wanna go to sleep...

I press the button clumsily to open up the front doors for Rose. And then I sit on the couch and wait.

The doors to the tower opened ominously before Rose. She looked upon them and contemplated how safe it was to walk into the strange tower. Gathering her courage, she straightened out her white mini skirt and brushed off any dust on her white blouse. She walked up the steps leading to the entrance and kept her eyes wide open. She felt like a little kid discovering an old toy again. A certain itch in her brain, like the one you got in your head when you remember the sight of a familiar face, formed in the back of her head.

Rose stepped through the front door and the first thing she noticed was the green guy sitting on the couch to her left. He had a bottle of some un-identifiable alcoholic drink in one hand, and a box of pizza in the other. The sight of him was quite disgusting, but Rose fought her instinct to vomit and approached the green guy.

“Is this….is this really the Titan’s Tower? Where is everybody?”

[Batman]

"As long as you remind ME never to let Ollie borrow mine. Oh wait, I didn't. He just kinda took it. Thats right. And I know you think I'm crazy, and I see that turn in your smile that makes me know you know who I think I saw. God, Dick, I know what you saw that day, but dammit, isn't there any way something else could have happened? Anything at all?"


Nightwing looked away. He didn't want to say anything about it. It was a hard day, for him.

"I've wished that every day. Believe me."

Dick looks back, knowing if he took the Batmobile, certain people would be pissed. Namely The Question, and Robin. Nightwing looks down at the motorcycle next to his feet. The one Green Arrow threw down. He picks it up, and puts it on, looking back at Arsenal.

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/tnba/bios/nightwing/44.jpg

"The Batmobile can seat four people. Sinestro can carry anyone else with one of those ring buttons the Lantern's always travel in. Can you say... Road trip?", Nightwing says, with a smirk, as he eyes the motorcycle.

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing looked away. He didn't want to say anything about it. It was a hard day, for him.

"I've wished that every day. Believe me."

Dick looks back, knowing if he took the Batmobile, certain people would be pissed. Namely The Question, and Robin. Nightwing looks down at the motorcycle next to his feet. The one Green Arrow threw down. He picks it up, and puts it on, looking back at Arsenal.

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/tnba/bios/nightwing/44.jpg

"The Batmobile can seat four people. Sinestro can carry anyone else with one of those ring buttons the Lantern's always travel in. Can you say... Road trip?", Nightwing says, with a smirk, as he eyes the motorcycle.Yeah, it's a long shot, but one worth looking into. At the very least I getta hang out with Grayson..

"Fine, but I'm driving. Ollie owes me a bike anyway. Now which way?"

[wiegeabo]

I look around as the heroes begin to leave the room. What started as a mission to bring the League back together is turning into chaos. I've had enough of chaos.

"Everybody just STOP!!!"

Everyone turns to look at me. That got their attention.

"Rayner and I came here with a mission. And by hells, one way or another, we're going to finish it. Just look at us. No direction. No idea what to do next. The Joker could have killed millions more than he already has because we are disorganized. Rayner and I came here for a purpose. We're going to put the Justice League back together."

Everyone just keeps looking at me. But now they are looking at me like I am insane. "The Manhunter has already joined us. And Superman has stated he plans on returning as well." At the mention of those two members, some of the faces become more receptive to what I am suggesting. "I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage of this grouping of heroes to ask the question. Who what's in? Who wants to work with a team and have direction in their work, a group backing them up, heroes to help them whenever they need it?"

"Who wants to join the Justice League?"

Those that remain look about as they think over the offer. The white-haired girl had alredy left. As had the Batman's apprentice and his friend. It's a motley group that remains, but any of them would likely be an asset to the League.

As we wait, a sound rings out that sounds like a cross between an alarm and a...howl? I rise into the air high enough to see what's happening. A white dog is floating (floating?), howling into the air. I look down and see why. It is a sight I had hoped to never witness after our first encounter. Superboy is currently facing off against Lobo, and around two-dozen mini clones.

"Dammit to hells." I look to those below me and call out. "Whatever you decide, you assisstance is required now. We have a Lobo problem to deal with. Unless, of course, you want to see Superboy die." That gets a reaction out of them. "Just remember," I warn, "do not let them bleed."

I take off, not waiting to find out who is with me or not. I dive down to ground level and smash the two Lobo's holding Superboy in the back of the head with two armored fist constructs. I land and blast the real Lobo in the chest with energy, knocking him across the street. Five Lobo's jump on me, but a bubble keeps them at bay, extended to also protect the young Kryptonian. Shouts and curses fly at me as the entire group of clones claws at my bubble. I smile. "Oh, frag me!" one of them says as he sees me smile. "My pleasure."

My bubble waivers, then splits, wrapping around each clone in a number of bubbles. Electric energy blasts each clone until the fall down, black and smoking. "That was satisfying."

[Logan Howlett]

Those that remain look about as they think over the offer. The white-haired girl had alredy left. As had the Batman's apprentice and his friend. It's a motley group that remains, but any of them would likely be an asset to the League.

As we wait, a sound rings out that sounds like a cross between an alarm and a...howl? I rise into the air high enough to see what's happening. A white dog is floating (floating?), howling into the air. I look down and see why. It is a sight I had hoped to never witness after our first encounter. Superboy is currently facing off against Lobo, and around two-dozen mini clones.

"Dammit to hells." I look to those below me and call out. "Whatever you decide, you assisstance is required now. We have a Lobo problem to deal with. Unless, of course, you want to see Superboy die." That gets a reaction out of them. "Just remember," I warn, "do not let them bleed."

I take off, not waiting to find out who is with me or not. I dive down to ground level and smash the two Lobo's holding Superboy in the back of the head with two armored fist constructs. I land and blast the real Lobo in the chest with energy, knocking him across the street. Five Lobo's jump on me, but a bubble keeps them at bay, extended to also protect the young Kryptonian. Shouts and curses fly at me as the entire group of clones claws at my bubble. I smile. "Oh, frag me!" one of them says as he sees me smile. "My pleasure."

My bubble waivers, then splits, wrapping around each clone in a number of bubbles. Electric energy blasts each clone until the fall down, black and smoking. "That was satisfying."


"Hey. its the lantern wanabe again! What the hell do you think yer doin? You don't even know whats goin on here! I got every right to rough this punk up after what he did! Don't think you can come in here and play boss man fan boy! I don't wana hurt ya, I made a deal with Supes, I'm suposed to help him take down mister J and then he's gona help me out, but then this blue bleedin bastich over here decided to get attitude and burn my eyes out my skull after kickin my clone just fer fun! You tryin to tell me YOU wouldn't lay a smack on him?......THATS JUST LIKE YOU HERO TYPES! Always jumpin in head first, no questions asked! Ya know what....I'm realy startin to rethin this deal......you bastiches flippin out just cuz ya saw this sack of dirt strapped to a pole bleedin!...........Hey waitaminute! Where the hell is mister Joker man now anyway?"

[Batman]

Yeah, it's a long shot, but one worth looking into. At the very least I getta hang out with Grayson..

"Fine, but I'm driving. Ollie owes me a bike anyway. Now which way?"


Nightwing shrugs.

"You're the one with the big clue, here... You tell me."

[batnkevlar]

The doors to the tower opened ominously before Rose. She looked upon them and contemplated how safe it was to walk into the strange tower. Gathering her courage, she straightened out her white mini skirt and brushed off any dust on her white blouse. She walked up the steps leading to the entrance and kept her eyes wide open. She felt like a little kid discovering an old toy again. A certain itch in her brain, like the one you got in your head when you remember the sight of a familiar face, formed in the back of her head.

Rose stepped through the front door and the first thing she noticed was the green guy sitting on the couch to her left. He had a bottle of some un-identifiable alcoholic drink in one hand, and a box of pizza in the other. The sight of him was quite disgusting, but Rose fought her instinct to vomit and approached the green guy.

“Is this….is this really the Titan’s Tower? Where is everybody?”

"They'll be coming. You're room's the first door on the right, after goin up the stairs," I say, taking another swig.

I curl up in the couch like a dog.

"Now let me get some sleep."

[Trigger]

"They'll be coming. You're room's the first door on the right, after goin up the stairs," I say, taking another swig.

I curl up in the couch like a dog.

"Now let me get some sleep."

"Um...Ok." Rose said quietly.

She really didn't know how to approach the green guy. So it was probably in both of their best interests to not speak anymore until the "others" arrived. She ran her fingers through her hair and made her way up the stairs and into her bedroom.

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor is smoking a cigar in his office when his secretary tells him the Governor is on line-1 for him.

Luthor answers the phone. He says, "Yes Governor, what can I do for you?"

The Governor says, "Since I am on a secured line I can speak freely. What you can do for me is go into a corner & die you miserable son of a b****. However since I doubt that will happen anytime soon I am calling to inform you that we have no choice but to allow you to carry out your plan concerning Superman's rogues. Hear me loud and clear on this you manipulative b******* if this plan falls through I don't care if you are the President I will dedicate the remaining beats of my heart to seeing you locked up in Strykers with the rest of those monsters. If I had the time I would be spending it ripping apart this story of yours, but I don't have that luxury."

He takes a deep breath and continues, "I don't know how you do it Lex, but know this you are being watched very closely on this one. Very Closely!"

Luthor replies, "Why Governor does this mean not to expect a Christmas card from you? I do thank you for your support in this matter my people will be enroute to Strykers within the next 2 hours. Oh and in terms of your threats, please if Superman can't stop me what makes you think you have any better chance than him? Thank you again for your support and have a nice day."

He takes a drag off of his cigar and hangs up the phone. He says to Mercy, "Remind me when this is all over the Governor is to have a rather nasty accident."

Mercy nods as he calls Dr. Moore to prepare the chips for the Sryker inmates.

[wiegeabo]

"Hey. its the lantern wanabe again! What the hell do you think yer doin? You don't even know whats goin on here! I got every right to rough this punk up after what he did! Don't think you can come in here and play boss man fan boy! I don't wana hurt ya, I made a deal with Supes, I'm suposed to help him take down mister J and then he's gona help me out, but then this blue bleedin bastich over here decided to get attitude and burn my eyes out my skull after kickin my clone just fer fun! You tryin to tell me YOU wouldn't lay a smack on him?......THATS JUST LIKE YOU HERO TYPES! Always jumpin in head first, no questions asked! Ya know what....I'm realy startin to rethin this deal......you bastiches flippin out just cuz ya saw this sack of dirt strapped to a pole bleedin!...........Hey waitaminute! Where the hell is mister Joker man now anyway?"


This is a tricky situation. On the one hand Lobo has a point. I did rush in without knowing the situation. On the other hand, I don't give a damn. In a choice between Superboy and Lobo, there is no choice.

But that is not what makes this situation so tricky. If Lobo learns that the Joker has been taken into custody, then the deal he made with Superman is null and void. Lobo would then be an unpredictable quantity again. One we could not aford to have at the moment. So my only choice is to sidestep the issue.

"You and Superboy may have had a falling out, but I was not the first one to interfere. These clones were. It seems to me that you should be man enough to stand up to Superboy by yourself, without help from any clones. Apparently, though, I was wrong. You must not be as tough as I thought your were."

[Logan Howlett]

This is a tricky situation. On the one hand Lobo has a point. I did rush in without knowing the situation. On the other hand, I don't give a damn. In a choice between Superboy and Lobo, there is no choice.

But that is not what makes this situation so tricky. If Lobo learns that the Joker has been taken into custody, then the deal he made with Superman is null and void. Lobo would then be an unpredictable quantity again. One we could not aford to have at the moment. So my only choice is to sidestep the issue.

"You and Superboy may have had a falling out, but I was not the first one to interfere. These clones were. It seems to me that you should be man enough to stand up to Superboy by yourself, without help from any clones. Apparently, though, I was wrong. You must not be as tough as I thought your were."



Well I'll be damned, this bastich has nerve!

"You better learn to watch yer mouth bastich! These clones started popin up after Supershrimp burned out my eyes! And on top of that if there is anyone else who deserves to beat his skull in, ITS THEM! For starters, this lil' bastich kicked Slobo 300 miles into Gotham, then he left the rest of the clones somewhere to rot back wherever Superdork has originaly taken us! Which mean you have five or six clones unacounted for right now that are probobly havin one hell of a time in whatver town their in! Hehehe....kinda wish I was there to watch em, they grow up so fast ya know? BUT ENOUGH CHIT CHAT! That frager not only pulled that bull, he sicked his Superpooch on me too! BIT ME IN THE FRAGIN NUTS! Now I don't know if yer people have nuts, BUT FOR CZARNIANS IT HURTS!......Now if you wana see me off Superboy without any clone help....."

I snap my fingers and the clones move away from him.....I walk up close and grab him by the throuaght. Slowly I pull a knife from my boot and put it to his throaght....

"I think that Red UV grenade has made him just human enough for me to slice his throaght open right now, so you tell me.......is that what YOU want fan boy?"

[Keyser Soze]

Arkham Asylum. It actually felt like a long time since he'd last escaped from here. Since then, it had been invaded, attacked, destroyed, taken over, rebuilt. And now, he was back. His home away from home.

The Joker and Batman got out of the Batmobile, with Batman leading The Joker through the gates. The Joker didn't fight, instead malevolently chuckling to himself, at his own private joke. As they entered the front door, and were met by Arkham security, The Joker turned to face Batman.

"Well, it's been a blast, Batsy. Do keep in touch. Write me, come visit. We can eat muffins and talk about our dirty teenage romances. HA HA!"

[MaskedManJRK]

Arkham Asylum. It actually felt like a long time since he'd last escaped from here. Since then, it had been invaded, attacked, destroyed, taken over, rebuilt. And now, he was back. His home away from home.

The Joker and Batman got out of the Batmobile, with Batman leading The Joker through the gates. The Joker didn't fight, instead malevolently chuckling to himself, at his own private joke. As they entered the front door, and were met by Arkham security, The Joker turned to face Batman.

"Well, it's been a blast, Batsy. Do keep in touch. Write me, come visit. We can eat muffins and talk about our dirty teenage romances. HA HA!"

I don't even dignify his twisted talk with a responce. I push him over to the waiting help. I turn away and start heading towards the Batmobile. I stop and turn back to The Joker to give him my final word.

"You know, there are going to be a lot of angry people tonight--because I had a perfect opportunity...and I still didn't kill you.

"You see, just about everyone in this city, at this point, has either had friends, lovers, or families murdered by you, meaning that no one likes you. Not even me--your nemesis that these psychologists no doubt linked to sexual fustrations and the matter. If you were burning alive...I would stand back with everyone else and watch you burn--hell, I might even take out some marshmellows and make s'mores.

"You're no massiah--you're just a crazy serial killer who's only true supporter is a traumatized young woman who can be bent to anyone, espicially to another rogue's silky green grass and I'm not talking about gardening.

"Think about that little 'joke' when you're in the rubber room this time..."

I turn, walk back to the Batmobile, and drive off without a word or a single glance back.

[LibrarianThorne]

"Shh!" Rudy held up his hand to stop the conversation. "Do you hear that?" Jones could tell that Superman was now trying to listen just as he was.

With super hearing, both superpowered men looked down at the lead soldier in front of them and could hear the dialogue being spoken in the man's headset radio.Rudy's mouth was gaping in shock. "They're not after me. They're after Jess!" He gasped in a whisper as his eyes rested on the crying child in his arms.

After what seemed like hours to him, Jones finally looked back up at his "partner." "We gotta go to S.T.A.R. Labs to find out what this is all about." Kent seemed to be weighing his options very heavily. "Please, Superman."

Superman knew that the Parasite was right. There were too many unknowns, too many mysteries. Why did Eiling want the Parasite's daughter. Using a combination of X-Ray and microscopic vision, Superman spared a glance at the baby still in Parasite's arms. Everything about her seemed normal, at least from what he could see. Emil Hamilton or Kitty Faulkner over at S.T.A.R. would be able to tell more, and if this situation was going to be solved, they had to go back.

Superman turned to the soldiers and helicopters, their weapons still pointed at him. He stared, hard, at each soldier.

"Gentlemen, you know who I am. You know what I can do," Superman said, slowly and deliberately. "I do not want to fight you, as I'm sure you do not want to fight me. I'm asking you now, as a favor to me, to stand down. I swear, no harm will come to you. We just need to return to Metropolis."

One by one, the soldiers lowered their laser rifles. The sergeant, keeping his weapon raised, barked at them. "What in the hell do you think you're doing, troopers?!"
One private, in his twenties, spoke up. "Sir, all due respect, but he's Superman."
The sergeant harrumphed, then lowered his weapon. "Fine. I suppose Superman and the Parasite, after a brief exchange of hostilities, escaped us with a dazzling combination of super powers." He lowered his weapon. "Get out of here. Both of you. Before I change my mind."

Superman nodded his thanks to the sergeant. "Come on, Rudy. Let's go back."

[wiegeabo]

Well I'll be damned, this bastich has nerve!

"You better learn to watch yer mouth bastich! These clones started popin up after Supershrimp burned out my eyes! And on top of that if there is anyone else who deserves to beat his skull in, ITS THEM! For starters, this lil' bastich kicked Slobo 300 miles into Gotham, then he left the rest of the clones somewhere to rot back wherever Superdork has originaly taken us! Which mean you have five or six clones unacounted for right now that are probobly havin one hell of a time in whatver town their in! Hehehe....kinda wish I was there to watch em, they grow up so fast ya know? BUT ENOUGH CHIT CHAT! That frager not only pulled that bull, he sicked his Superpooch on me too! BIT ME IN THE FRAGIN NUTS! Now I don't know if yer people have nuts, BUT FOR CZARNIANS IT HURTS!......Now if you wana see me off Superboy without any clone help....."

I snap my fingers and the clones move away from him.....I walk up close and grab him by the throuaght. Slowly I pull a knife from my boot and put it to his throaght....

"I think that Red UV grenade has made him just human enough for me to slice his throaght open right now, so you tell me.......is that what YOU want fan boy?"

What do I want?

Stall. Big stall.

I cross my arms over my chest, tucking my ring under one arm. "Why do you insist on creating chaos. What has it ever brought you?" By the expression on his face, he's convinced I've lost my mind. While I talk, a small yellow tendril of energy snakes out from under my arm, down behind me, into the ground. "If you kill the boy, your deal with Superman is null and void. And you will have to face him...and me." The tendril pops up behind one of the clones and shoves him in the shoulder.

"Hey, what the frag is wrong with you?" it asks another clone, punching it in the face.

"What's your fraggin problem, ya damn bastich?!?" it says, kicking its sibling in the gut.

"You shoving me!" It shoves the supposed offender into another clone, who joins the fray against its bretheren, bringing another two clones into the fight. The rest of the clones start calling and placing bets as they surround the fight, calling for the deaths of their siblings. Savages.

I turn and see a look of absolute confusion on Lobo's face. He starts yellin' at his clones, but they don't listen. I shrug my shoulders and shake my head on confusion, the trendril long gone.

Before Lobo can do anything, I hold up a hand with one finger raised. "One second. I have to take care of something." I launch myself into the air, leaving Lobo behind, frozen in confusion.

I quickly start scanning the ground far below me for a lifeform signature, and find several of them. I drop down and hover above a small group of clones.

"Holy fraggin' ****! It's that Lantern bastich!"

I wrap bubbles around each of them and they complain. "I thought you would want to see the fight in Gotham."

"Fight? What fight?"

"A number of new clones are fighting, trying to figure out which is the best. I assumed you would want in on it."

"Fraggin' right about that!"

As we fly, the compliants change from beind cooped up in a bubble to not flying fast enough and possibly missing all the 'fun'.

By the time we land, only a few clones are left standing and fighting, the others dead on the ground. Lobo is still standing there, with a knife against Superboy's throat, confused at how everything turned around. He keeps yelling, but nothing gets through.

I land, dropping the remaining clones off well behind me. Then I whisper to one of the clones fighting, "You know, that clone over there said, and I quote, 'That bastich ain't nothin' but a fraggin' Superman fanboy', end quote."

"WHAT!?! Frag him. C'mon guys, lets frag the lot of them to hell!" The two groups of clones rush into eachother and keep fighting and killing one another off.

I point my ring, and a beam of energy envelops Superboy in a skin-tight forcefield, just as I protect myself the same way. That's when I hear a howling behind me.

"Fraggin' A!!! I'm the fraggin man! That's right, jerkwads. Slobo is the muther truckin' clone of clones! WHOOOO!!!"

I turn back to Lobo. "That was interesting."

[Logan Howlett]

What do I want?

Stall. Big stall.

I cross my arms over my chest, tucking my ring under one arm. "Why do you insist on creating chaos. What has it ever brought you?" By the expression on his face, he's convinced I've lost my mind. While I talk, a small yellow tendril of energy snakes out from under my arm, down behind me, into the ground. "If you kill the boy, your deal with Superman is null and void. And you will have to face him...and me." The tendril pops up behind one of the clones and shoves him in the shoulder.

"Hey, what the frag is wrong with you?" it asks another clone, punching it in the face.

"What's your fraggin problem, ya damn bastich?!?" it says, kicking its sibling in the gut.

"You shoving me!" It shoves the supposed offender into another clone, who joins the fray against its bretheren, bringing another two clones into the fight. The rest of the clones start calling and placing bets as they surround the fight, calling for the deaths of their siblings. Savages.

I turn and see a look of absolute confusion on Lobo's face. He starts yellin' at his clones, but they don't listen. I shrug my shoulders and shake my head on confusion, the trendril long gone.

Before Lobo can do anything, I hold up a hand with one finger raised. "One second. I have to take care of something." I launch myself into the air, leaving Lobo behind, frozen in confusion.

I quickly start scanning the ground far below me for a lifeform signature, and find several of them. I drop down and hover above a small group of clones.

"Holy fraggin' ****! It's that Lantern bastich!"

I wrap bubbles around each of them and they complain. "I thought you would want to see the fight in Gotham."

"Fight? What fight?"

"A number of new clones are fighting, trying to figure out which is the best. I assumed you would want in on it."

"Fraggin' right about that!"

As we fly, the compliants change from beind cooped up in a bubble to not flying fast enough and possibly missing all the 'fun'.

By the time we land, only a few clones are left standing and fighting, the others dead on the ground. Lobo is still standing there, with a knife against Superboy's throat, confused at how everything turned around. He keeps yelling, but nothing gets through.

I land, dropping the remaining clones off well behind me. Then I whisper to one of the clones fighting, "You know, that clone over there said, and I quote, 'That bastich ain't nothin' but a fraggin' Superman fanboy', end quote."

"WHAT!?! Frag him. C'mon guys, lets frag the lot of them to hell!" The two groups of clones rush into eachother and keep fighting and killing one another off.

I point my ring, and a beam of energy envelops Superboy in a skin-tight forcefield, just as I protect myself the same way. That's when I hear a howling behind me.

"Fraggin' A!!! I'm the fraggin man! That's right, jerkwads. Slobo is the muther truckin' clone of clones! WHOOOO!!!"

I turn back to Lobo. "That was interesting."


"THATS IT! ENOOOOOOOOOOOOUGH!"

I raise a submachine gun from my side and start blastin it in the air! The clones finaly shut the hell up. I turn back to the Lantern fan boy,

"Now the rest of these bastiches brain might be two small to figure out what yer up to, but no one pulls a fast on on the main man! I see what yer doin,"

I look at the clones.

"He's been stalin! He played you bastiches! He started the fights, somehow he was the one pushin an shuvin! Pitin yall aginst each other! WHAT A HERO! You aint no better then Superboy burnin my eyes out! look at ya, what did all yer distractin get ya? Sevral dead clones.......I wonder if the Justice League aproves of your......tactics. You aint nothin more than a bully with a sissy colored ring! Now ya see boys, it was all so he could stop me from offin Supershrimp........but in return he killed severaal of the clones that Superjerk swore the Justice Leauge would protect.....oops.....guess I forgot to mention that was part of the deal. Think I can consider that deal a bunch of bull now?.......Hehehe.....I was gettin bored playin good guy anyway!......I think you just messed up......Don't worry, I'll let whoever survives explain it to superman...."

I drop my chain half way down my leg and prepare for some action, then slowbo steps up,

"YOU RING WEARIN BASTICH! Now you screwed up my, and the rest of us clones, only chance of livin past the next few days or weeks! Oooooooh am I gona kick a hole in yer ass for that!"

[wiegeabo]

My ring tells me three other clones, besides this Slowbo, survived the brawl. Damn, I was hoping they would all fall.

"I am not sure I know what you mean," I say innocently. "I was speaking to you when your clones began to fight one another. Apparently they have even less self-control than you do. They are the ones that fought and killed each other. Not once did I even point my ring at them."

"As for the clones outside of the city. It was you," I say, pointing at the original Lobo, "that was complaining about them being left behind by Superboy. I was just trying to correct his error. To give you what you wanted and protect the agreement you made. They decided to join the fight themselves. I did not force any of them to do what they did."

I use the forcefield around Superboy to pull him to safety, bringing him to my side. Through the forcefield, I begin pumping him full of mimicked solar energy. Seeing as how the field is already bathing him in yellow light, the Lobo's will not see any difference.

"So, from my perspective, your deal with Superman is still in effect."

[Spike_x1]

Superman knew that the Parasite was right. There were too many unknowns, too many mysteries. Why did Eiling want the Parasite's daughter. Using a combination of X-Ray and microscopic vision, Superman spared a glance at the baby still in Parasite's arms. Everything about her seemed normal, at least from what he could see. Emil Hamilton or Kitty Faulkner over at S.T.A.R. would be able to tell more, and if this situation was going to be solved, they had to go back.

Superman turned to the soldiers and helicopters, their weapons still pointed at him. He stared, hard, at each soldier.

"Gentlemen, you know who I am. You know what I can do," Superman said, slowly and deliberately. "I do not want to fight you, as I'm sure you do not want to fight me. I'm asking you now, as a favor to me, to stand down. I swear, no harm will come to you. We just need to return to Metropolis."

One by one, the soldiers lowered their laser rifles. The sergeant, keeping his weapon raised, barked at them. "What in the hell do you think you're doing, troopers?!"
One private, in his twenties, spoke up. "Sir, all due respect, but he's Superman."
The sergeant harrumphed, then lowered his weapon. "Fine. I suppose Superman and the Parasite, after a brief exchange of hostilities, escaped us with a dazzling combination of super powers." He lowered his weapon. "Get out of here. Both of you. Before I change my mind."

Superman nodded his thanks to the sergeant. "Come on, Rudy. Let's go back."The Parasite glared at his attackers and pulled Jessica closer, protecting her. 'No one touches my damn kid,' he thought as he began to follow Superman into the air. His flight was off balance as he had spent a large amount of the, already-too-small-a-quantity of, energy that he had taken from Kent mere minutes before. 'I can still make it to S.T.A.R. with what I've got left right now.'

The soft breeze from the flight soothed Jessica's cries. The Parasite didn't notice.

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor sits in his office when his secretary buzzes him and tells him the video conference with the Strykers inmates is ready.

He cuts on the screen and sees some of the best that ever gave Superman a bad at the office as it were and says, "Greetings one and all. I am sure by now many of you have heard the good news. I am the President of the United States once again. This isn't to invite you all to inauguration but I am making you all an offer to...have some fun. You see soon Ras-Al-Goul and the Flash's Rogues will be descending upon our city to battle me. I am recruiting you all to aid me in this fight. What you all get out of this simple the chance for open combat and to fight against someone other than a certain Kryptonian."

Metallo says, "Luthor please sounds like you are actually a fairly desperate man. Who is just looking for a way to avoid asking Superman for help, because if you ask him whatever story you gave the press he will look for a way to use against you."

Luthor replies, "I assure you John soon I will be the least of Superman's concerns. Now are you all in or would rather just continue rotting away in Stryker's and miss the chance to prove your mettle once again, and who knows maybe even Superman will show up to help out." He smirks slightly at the end of that statement.

He then says, "Who is in?" All raise their hands and he says, "Excellent. Soon my team of doctors will be there to give physicals to one and all making sure you are up for the tasks. I will be in touch again soon."

He cuts off the video feed and says to Mercy, "Accompany Dr. Moore to help maintain order and make sure the party favors are in the physicals."

She nods and leaves.

[Speedball]

As I enter San Franciso airspace, all i see is a thick layer of fog lying over the city. The only thing visible is the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerican Pyramid, and giant T in the middle of the bay.
That T was once inhabitted by the Teen Titans, a group of young superheroes who felt that they needed to seperate themselves from their adult counterparts in the JLA. For awhile, the only thing that lived there were spiders and old memories of my predecessor and his pals. But Beast Boy colled me the other day, and said he wanted to start an new Teen Titans. I told him I'd join, cause Gotham has been kind of a drag as of late. Ever since the Joker was ousted as Mayor, Bruce has been doing his thing, and I've been, well, goofing off.

I pull the Red Wing to the landing platform at the edge of the island.
The Red Wing was made by Bruce's people at Wayne Corps. for their military department. The one I have is a prototype, and has even more modifications made to it so i can pull more G's and is fitted with non-lethal lasers. If they hit an Organic target on the ground, they only stun, not blast them away.
It's much faster than the Batplane. When Bruce gave it to me, i said that it made sense, since a Robin is faster than a Bat.

As I walk up to the Tower, No one comes out to greet me. Which is weird.
I walk inside, and Beast Boy is nowhere to be found. What I do find however is snoring.
I walk over to one of the couches in the Rec area, and what do i find, but the Daughter of the the Titan's greatest enemy.
What in the hell is she doing here?

[MaskedManJRK]

I don't even dignify his twisted talk with a responce. I push him over to the waiting help. I turn away and start heading towards the Batmobile. I stop and turn back to The Joker to give him my final word.

"You know, there are going to be a lot of angry people tonight--because I had a perfect opportunity...and I still didn't kill you.

"You see, just about everyone in this city, at this point, has either had friends, lovers, or families murdered by you, meaning that no one likes you. Not even me--your nemesis that these psychologists no doubt linked to sexual fustrations and the matter. If you were burning alive...I would stand back with everyone else and watch you burn--hell, I might even take out some marshmellows and make s'mores.

"You're no massiah--you're just a crazy serial killer who's only true supporter is a traumatized young woman who can be bent to anyone, espicially to another rogue's silky green grass and I'm not talking about gardening.

"Think about that little 'joke' when you're in the rubber room this time..."

I turn, walk back to the Batmobile, and drive off without a word or a single glance back.

I drove back into Gotham City, thinking about what I had planned.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5201/pdvd0070xf.png

This will change everything, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. But I can't think of anything else. There's no other position I can take that will allow me to MAKE SURE that this doesn't happen again.

I can't help but question--is it right? Is it fair? How far am I willing to go into this? How will the others react to this? Hell, how will I handle THEIR reaction?

Doesn't matter. No turning back. I have to do this.

I make it back to the studio and find Question still inside. I get out of the Batmobile and go towards him.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6668/jlaultimatebatmancolourbymiste.jpg

"Sage, do you have the camera ready?"

[LibrarianThorne]

The Parasite glared at his attackers and pulled Jessica closer, protecting her. 'No one touches my damn kid,' he thought as he began to follow Superman into the air. His flight was off balance as he had spent a large amount of the, already-too-small-a-quantity of, energy that he had taken from Kent mere minutes before. 'I can still make it to S.T.A.R. with what I've got left right now.'

The soft breeze from the flight soothed Jessica's cries. The Parasite didn't notice.

After a disturbingly silent but mercifully short flight, the Parasite and Superman were back in Metropolis, hovering above S.T.A.R. Labs.
"Rudy, wait here. I'm going to head inside and explain the situation to the chief scientist at the Lab, and we'll have them take a look at Jessica. If there is something extraordinary about her, something that a piece of scum like Eiling would want, they'll find it."

He landed, and strode in through the large glass doors. A secretary sat behind a large oaken desk, distracted by a form that laid upon the desk. She heard him enter, but didn't look up. "Please take a seat, sir. I'll be with you in a minute." A televison sat idly above and behind her, hanging off of the wall. Thirty feet from her desk was a wood and metal spiral staircase.
"Sorry, but I'm in something of a rush, miss," said Superman. She looked up, perfect green eyes widening in shock as she saw him. "S-S-"
"Superman, yes. Is it your first day here?" he said with a small grin. She nodded. "Ah, I envy you. But, as I said, I'm in something of a hurry. Can you get Professor Emil Hamilton for me?"
"S-sure, Big Blue." She flipped a switch on her desk, activating the building's intercom. "Paging Professor Hamilton, Professor Hamilton. There's a, erm, a Mr. Superman at the front desk to meet you."

The sound of rushing footsteps greeted his ears, and he looked up to see Emil Hamilton rushing down the flight of stairs in the lobby. He was unkempt, as ever, long gray hair flailing behind him as he rushed. Finally, he reached the bottom of the stairs and rushed over to Superman. "Ah! Superman." He turned quickly to the receptionist. "Don't worry, Beatrice. This isn't an uncommon occurence, nor can I say it is unexpected. Do forgive me for not appraising you of my relationship with Superman during your interview process."

That mouthful of verbiage completed, Emil turned to Superman. "So, Superman, of what use can I be?"

(OOC: Spike, I believe you and X have something planned? If so, feel free to pick up while Superman is inside S.TA.R. Labs)

[The Question]

A few minutes ago.....

I step into the tech closet and grab the camera equipment I need. I plug it all in, and then head into the main media booth. I get onto the computers and make sure everything is set up. I head back into the main news room.

I drove back into Gotham City, thinking about what I had planned.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5201/pdvd0070xf.png

This will change everything, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. But I can't think of anything else. There's no other position I can take that will allow me to MAKE SURE that this doesn't happen again.

I can't help but question--is it right? Is it fair? How far am I willing to go into this? How will the others react to this? Hell, how will I handle THEIR reaction?

Doesn't matter. No turning back. I have to do this.

I make it back to the studio and find Question still inside. I get out of the Batmobile and go towards him.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6668/jlaultimatebatmancolourbymiste.jpg

"Sage, do you have the camera ready?"

I turn to bruce.

"Just about. I'll need someone to operate the camera while I make sure Gotham gets the live feed."

[Spike_x1]

After a disturbingly silent but mercifully short flight, the Parasite and Superman were back in Metropolis, hovering above S.T.A.R. Labs.
"Rudy, wait here. I'm going to head inside and explain the situation to the chief scientist at the Lab, and we'll have them take a look at Jessica. If there is something extraordinary about her, something that a piece of scum like Eiling would want, they'll find it."

He landed, and strode in through the large glass doors. A secretary sat behind a large oaken desk, distracted by a form that laid upon the desk. She heard him enter, but didn't look up. "Please take a seat, sir. I'll be with you in a minute." A televison sat idly above and behind her, hanging off of the wall. Thirty feet from her desk was a wood and metal spiral staircase.
"Sorry, but I'm in something of a rush, miss," said Superman. She looked up, perfect green eyes widening in shock as she saw him. "S-S-"
"Superman, yes. Is it your first day here?" he said with a small grin. She nodded. "Ah, I envy you. But, as I said, I'm in something of a hurry. Can you get Professor Emil Hamilton for me?"
"S-sure, Big Blue." She flipped a switch on her desk, activating the building's intercom. "Paging Professor Hamilton, Professor Hamilton. There's a, erm, a Mr. Superman at the front desk to meet you."

The sound of rushing footsteps greeted his ears, and he looked up to see Emil Hamilton rushing down the flight of stairs in the lobby. He was unkempt, as ever, long gray hair flailing behind him as he rushed. Finally, he reached the bottom of the stairs and rushed over to Superman. "Ah! Superman." He turned quickly to the receptionist. "Don't worry, Beatrice. This isn't an uncommon occurence, nor can I say it is unexpected. Do forgive me for not appraising you of my relationship with Superman during your interview process."

That mouthful of verbiage completed, Emil turned to Superman. "So, Superman, of what use can I be?"

(OOC: Spike, I believe you and X have something planned? If so, feel free to pick up while Superman is inside S.TA.R. Labs)The Parasite hovered above the building, watching the Metropolis skyline. He could feel his flight slowly but surely ebbing away as he cautiously descended and eventually felt his feet touch the ground. He was exerting himself too much lately and not absorbing enough energy to keep up. Rudy looked down at Jessica and smiled. "Don't worry kiddo. You're not on the menu."

Jones sighed and rolled his eyes. 'I ain't waitin' around here forever,' he thought as he shifted his form into that of his human self and walked into the front door of S.T.A.R. Labs.

[Spider-Man9X17]

This is a tricky situation. On the one hand Lobo has a point. I did rush in without knowing the situation. On the other hand, I don't give a damn. In a choice between Superboy and Lobo, there is no choice.

But that is not what makes this situation so tricky. If Lobo learns that the Joker has been taken into custody, then the deal he made with Superman is null and void. Lobo would then be an unpredictable quantity again. One we could not aford to have at the moment. So my only choice is to sidestep the issue.

"You and Superboy may have had a falling out, but I was not the first one to interfere. These clones were. It seems to me that you should be man enough to stand up to Superboy by yourself, without help from any clones. Apparently, though, I was wrong. You must not be as tough as I thought your were."

"Aww, damn, I can't believe he just said that," Kyle said to himself, taking a small step back. His ring glowed with energy, waiting for the crap to hit the fan.

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex's phone rings and he answers it. he says, "Yes?"

Mercy says, "All the children are ready to come out and play."

Lex replies, "Good. I have no idea what will happen or when it will happen, but I do now there is a reckoning on the horizon and it will not be pretty at all. Mercy I have may sins to answer for, and the people of Metropolis are going to pay for them."

Mercy says, "well better them than you."

Lex pauses and smirks as he says, "How right you are my dear. Report back to Lexcorp towers with Dr. Moore."

He hangs up the phone and begins to write his inaugurial speech.

[LibrarianThorne]

The Parasite hovered above the building, watching the Metropolis skyline. He could feel his flight slowly but surely ebbing away as he cautiously descended and eventually felt his feet touch the ground. He was exerting himself too much lately and not absorbing enough energy to keep up. Rudy looked down at Jessica and smiled. "Don't worry kiddo. You're not on the menu."

Jones sighed and rolled his eyes. 'I ain't waitin' around here forever,' he thought as he shifted his form into that of his human self and walked into the front door of S.T.A.R. Labs.

Superman turned as Rudy Jones entered the building.

"Actually, professor, that man is the reason I'm here. Well, to be more specific, his daughter. Walk with us, professor?"
"Of course, Superman. We should go to my personal laboratory on the second floor."

The professor, Rudy, and Superman all ascended the stairs, Rudy still holding his daughter protectively. "What I need you to do, professor, is analyze the girls' DNA. My friend here has been hounded by the military, and the reason is his daughter. Can you ascertain whether or not she has the metahuman gene?"
"Just a bit of chromosomal mining, Superman? I could accomplish such a feat in, hmm, fifteen minutes or so, once the sample is acquired."

Just then, an icy cold feeling hit Superman. He stumbled as he reached the top of the stairs, but recovered quickly. "Are you all right, Superman?" asked Emil, worry written in his lined face.
"I... don't know, Emil. I think something very, very wrong is happening," said Superman. "Rudy, go with Emil to his lab. I'm sorry, but I think something terrible is happening right now. Metropolis needs me." He put his hand on the Parasite's shoulder in a comforting gesture, and then was gone, a red and blue blur as he ran down the stairs and through the the glass doors before taking to the sky.

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6987/flying8002xf.jpg

[Spike_x1]

Jones watched and raised an eyebrow as Superman sped off. 'Whassup with the boyscout? I don't feel anything,' he shrugged and turned back to Hamilton. "Hey Hammy. How ya doin'?"

Emil Hamilton looked at the large man in front of him for a moment with a puzzled expression on his face, as if trying to remember where he recognized this stranger from. "Do I know you, sir?"

Rudy's eyes shifted back and forth and a mischievous smile spread across his lips. "We might've met a couple times before." He could see that the professor was beginning to feel uneasy as Hamilton's sight rested on Jessica.

"W-why don't we get started, shall we?"

And with that, the scientist cautiously guided the Parasite and his offspring into the laboratory.

[MaskedManJRK]

A few minutes ago.....

I step into the tech closet and grab the camera equipment I need. I plug it all in, and then head into the main media booth. I get onto the computers and make sure everything is set up. I head back into the main news room.

I turn to bruce.

"Just about. I'll need someone to operate the camera while I make sure Gotham gets the live feed."

I was just about to speak when I suddenly heard something strange...I couldn't quite pick it up...

"Hold on a second."

I turn back to the Batmobile and check the radar I have--strange bodies nearby. I tighten it and track the energies--two of them are GLs, one life-sign appears to be Human/Kryptonian, and another...and is holding onto the Human/Kryptonian...making the GLs back off...

"Oh hell."

I turn back towards Vic.

"We have very bad company outside. Are you aware of the Czarian being called Lobo?"

[The Question]

"The what called what?"

[MaskedManJRK]

"The what called what?"

"Lobo, a inter-galactic bounty hunter who seems to have been under The Joker's payroll. He has all the strength of Superman, plus a wierd cloning ability even I haven't figured out and loves to slaughter. He's out there right now holding Superboy captive with two of the Green Lanterns--most likely Kyle and Sinestro, seeing as I've seen them in the city very recently--trying to help.

"It's way out of both of our leagues, but this ass-hole's in my city, making it my problem. If you want to come along, be my guest."

I lower myself into the Batmobile--the armor should be enough to protect me for at least a few minutes.

[The Question]

....holy ****.

I rush over to the side of the car.

"Bruce, are you insane? He'll tear you limb from limb."

What do we do? This is....I can't deal with this. If he can do what Bruce said, there's non way we're coming out of this alive. How.....

That's brilliant.

"Bruce. Think about it. You're one of the richest men in America. Why not just offer him a larger pay than what The Joker's giving him?"

[LibrarianThorne]

THere was one place he knew he could go to in order to find out what was happening. As he flew tot he Daily Planet, he scanned the city with his super-senses, and saw that everything was, for the most part, normal. No fires, cataclysms, supervillain attacks, or apocalyptic events, at least none he could see. Why then do I have that feeling? wondered the Man of Steel.

He landed silently in the globe of the Daily Planet. After a few moments, Clark Kent descended from the globe and soon found himself in teh Daily Planet offices. Things were a flurry of activity, the hum of flatscreen televisions reached his ears, broadcasting enws from all over the world. Reporters, photographers, and assistant editors ran around the office, reams of paper clutched in hand. He walked over to his desk, and wasn't surprised to find Lois at hers.
"Hey there, Smallville."
"Hi Lois." He noticed that she looked extremely frustrated. A half-filled glass of water sat next to her keyboard as she typed furiously. "Something the matter?"
She sighed, and ran her hand through her hair. "You mean besides being confronted with the Parasite and Luthor becoming President? No, everything's just peachy, Clark." Anger and frustration were evident in her voice. He noticed she sounded a little hoarse.
"KENT!" barked a voice from the chief editor's office.
"I'll be right back, Lois," said Clark as he stood up. He knlet down and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he walked past. A few steps and a bump into an intern later, He found himself in front of Perry White's office. He opened the door and stepped inside. "I think they heard you in Timbuktu, Chief."
"Kent, I need a piece on this new Luthor Presidency. Editorial, weighing the opinions of the informed and the public. It's yours, and you've got four days to get the first draft to me." As he talked, Perry was editing at least five articles, his hands moving over each one with practiced care and ease.
"Why me, Chief?"
"Do I really need to explain it, Kent? Not only have you and Lane done more articles on Luthor than just about any other reporters, you're as much an expert on how Lex Luthor really is than anyone else. Now, get to Kent."
"You got it, Perry."

When Clark got back to his desk, he noticed that Lois was sweating heavily, and her face was red. "Are you feeling alright, Lois?"
She looked at him, her eyes glazed over. "Clark... I-I dunfeelsogud." Her head slumped forward on to her keyboard.
"Lois?" He walked quickly over to her desk and shook her. "Lois?!" He pushed his glasses down, and began x-raying her. No broken bones or internal bleeding. He peered closer, using his microscopic vision. There was some kind of disease attacking Lois' body, black cells that were attacking not the organs or soft tissue of her body but the red blood cells themselves. The lack of blood was making her heart pump what little it had faster and faster. More worrisome, he saw several of the little black cells moving toward her central nervous system, and noted how they efficiently, almost mechanically, eradicated the white blood cells that tried to stop them.

Thinking quickly, he scooped his wife up in his arms and rushed through the office. "Out of my way! I've got to take Lois to a hospital!" he bellowed as he ran, charging through clumps of people like a bull. When he was out of the office, near the elevators and thankfully free from other people, he headed into the stairwell and ascended it at superspeed, a brown and white blur as he raced to the top of the Daily Planet building. Once on the roof, he wasted a precious moment changing to his Superman uniform, and was into the air again, Lois clutched protectively in his arms.

This isn't a naturally occurring disease, thought Superman. Its behavioral patterns are all off. More than that, it's far too resistant to white blood cells for something that would naturally occur. No, this disease is man-made. A biological weapon.

These thoughts and more crossed his mind. Above Metropolis, he broke the sound barrier. At twenty five thousand feet, he began flying all the faster as he saw the disease continue to wreak havoc on Lois' body. He'd broken the sound barrier another eight times by the time reached the arctic, and once again as he raced to his fortress. The metal doors on the roof slid open at his coming, and as he landed he was surrounded by the fortress robots. Wasting no time, he began barking orders to the robots.

"Robots, I need your help. Lois is dying of an unknown disease, some kind of biological agent. Take samples of her blood and then put her into stasis immediately. All other tasks are to be considered secondary to analzying the disease and finding a cure for it." He lowered his wife into the waiting hands of one of the robots, who immediately produced a needle and drew blood. As he watched, the robot and three others put Lois, gently, into a stasis chamber. As he watched, an electric blue field sprung up around her, locking her body into a static timeframe and stopping the spread of the disease. Without a word, the robots took the sample and began duplicating it using one of the Fortress' matter generators.

Superman turned, and rocketed into the sky. At a speed that few other beings could reach, he flew back to Metropolis. He knew that he had witnessed the start of something catastrophic, but he had no idea how bad it would be.

[Spike_x1]

The tests were a flurry of bright strobing lights and beeps coming straight out of Star Wars. Rudy Jones waited in the lobby with as much patience as he could muster. Not much, to say the least. He had read all of the articles in every science publication in the room seven times by the time Emil Hamilton came out of his lab, wiping sweat from his brow.

The professor stopped in front of Jones and looked down at the stack of used books piled up on the coffee table before the Parasite. "Did you read all of those, Mr. Jones?"

Rudy raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?" he asked, slightly puzzled.

"Y-yes," Hamilton stammered. "It took me several minutes to place your face in my memory. You have hair now; a skin color within normal parameters; and you're not wearing that ridiculous set of green underwear. It has been a good number of years since your face has resembled anything close to human, but I do recognize it." Hamilton bent down to pick up one of the books on the table and examined it. "Now, did you actually read all of these in this short span of time, Rudy?"

Jones sighed and shook his head. "Yeah. I did. So what?"

"Well," Emil began, "you were never the sharpest tool in the shed. Do remember what you've read?"

Rudy nodded grumpily. "Quantum physics, spatial anomalies, cold fusion, blah, blah, blah. Look, Hamilton," the Parasite's eyes began to glow a fiery yellow as his impatience grew into anger, "I already know that the Unity made me smarter, and I don't need some quack to diagnose it, either. But that's not why I'm here!" The monster grabbed Hamilton by his shirt collar and lifted him into the air, dangling him several feet above the floor. "Are ya gonna tell me if Jessica's human or not?! That's all I care about right now!"

Professor Hamilton struggled against the Parasite's grip and finally managed to get the knots out of his tongue. "I-I-I'm not sure if this w-will come as good news or bad news to y-you, but your daughter is-"

Emil was cut off as an explosion rocked the facility. Hearing orders being barked and hurried, but practiced footsteps running from the other side of the complex, Rudy discarded Hamilton, throwing the poor professor over his shoulder. When Emil adjusted his glasses, the man who he was talking to mere moments before was nowhere to be seen. In his place was a gigantic monster whose head was scraping against the ceiling, a fact which didn't seem to concern the creature in the least. The behemoth seemed to take in all light around it as if he were a black hole. This visual specticle, oddly enough, did not appear to have any affect on the purple glow flowing around The Parasite!

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6231/neato6bd.jpg

Sensing the energy of the approaching soldiers, still on the hunt for his child, Raymond Maxwell Jones laughed.

"Bring it on."

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex sits in his office hearing various reports of an illness possibly a virus beginning to spread.

He calls Dr. Moore and says, "Get the neutrailizer in the water system now."

She says, "Yes sir Mr. Luthor. We have begun producing the anti-dote but for complete effectiveness we need to let incubate for a long period of time."

Lex asks, "How long?"

Dr. Moore says, "With all of the elements and the mass quanities it's very hard to say. Getting the elements is difficult enough. Yours and Mercy's anit-dote was small strand, but this is going to take time."

Lex says, "Do whatever you have to do doctor."

He hangs up the phone and says to Mercy, "Get ready for a certain alien to drop in. Go with the "Rambo" defense. Do not take any action against him unless you hear me say the phrase, 'slam-dunk time.' Only then do you take action against him."

She nods her head and leaves the room.

Lex then says to no one, "Every thought of you and I working together sickens me to no end, but you really maybe the only chance we have."

Lex then presses a button and the entire office goes dark.

[LibrarianThorne]

The tests were a flurry of bright strobing lights and beeps coming straight out of Star Wars. Rudy Jones waited in the lobby with as much patience as he could muster. Not much, to say the least. He had read all of the articles in every science publication in the room seven times by the time Emil Hamilton came out of his lab, wiping sweat from his brow.

The professor stopped in front of Jones and looked down at the stack of used books piled up on the coffee table before the Parasite. "Did you read all of those, Mr. Jones?"

Rudy raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?" he asked, slightly puzzled.

"Y-yes," Hamilton stammered. "It took me several minutes to place your face in my memory. You have hair now; a skin color within normal parameters; and you're not wearing that ridiculous set of green underwear. It has been a good number of years since your face has resembled anything close to human, but I do recognize it." Hamilton bent down to pick up one of the books on the table and examined it. "Now, did you actually read all of these in this short span of time, Rudy?"

Jones sighed and shook his head. "Yeah. I did. So what?"

"Well," Emil began, "you were never the sharpest tool in the shed. Do remember what you've read?"

Rudy nodded grumpily. "Quantum physics, spatial anomalies, cold fusion, blah, blah, blah. Look, Hamilton," the Parasite's eyes began to glow a fiery yellow as his impatience grew into anger, "I already know that the Unity made me smarter, and I don't need some quack to diagnose it, either. But that's not why I'm here!" The monster grabbed Hamilton by his shirt collar and lifted him into the air, dangling him several feet above the floor. "Are ya gonna tell me if Jessica's human or not?! That's all I care about right now!"

Professor Hamilton struggled against the Parasite's grip and finally managed to get the knots out of his tongue. "I-I-I'm not sure if this w-will come as good news or bad news to y-you, but your daughter is-"

Emil was cut off as an explosion rocked the facility. Hearing orders being barked and hurried, but practiced footsteps running from the other side of the complex, Rudy discarded Hamilton, throwing the poor professor over his shoulder. When Emil adjusted his glasses, the man who he was talking to mere moments before was nowhere to be seen. In his place was a gigantic monster whose head was scraping against the ceiling, a fact which didn't seem to concern the creature in the least. The behemoth seemed to take in all light around it as if he were a black hole. This visual specticle, oddly enough, did not appear to have any affect on the purple glow flowing around The Parasite!

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6231/neato6bd.jpg

Sensing the energy of the approaching soldiers, still on the hunt for his child, Raymond Maxwell Jones laughed.


"Bring it on."

He flew into Metropolis at three hundred and fifty miles an hour. He was using his super-senses at their fullest, all focused on Metropolis. He kept hearing the sound of people dropping to the ground, and with his sight he could see that whatever Lois had ingested at the Planet was making its way throughout Metropolis. Metropolis General, Mercy Hospital of Metropolis, and at least three other major trauma centers were overrun with patients. Metropolis was faced with a plague the likes of which hadn't been seen in decades.

He first flew to his apartment, and located the Justice League communicator. He affixed it to his ear and took to the sky again. As he flew, he saw Steel carrying an ambulance towards Metropolis General. "Steel! Metropolis General has too many patients!"
Steel turned his head at the sound of Superman's voice. "Where can I take it, Superman? They've got two people in critical condition!"
Superman wasted a precious moment and scanned the city, using a combination of x-ray vision and microscopic vision. "The hospital on 42nd and Weisinger doesn't look too badly hit yet. Take them there!"

Steel nodded, turned around in mid-air, and with a blast from his rocket boots was off again. Superman reached a finger to the Justice League communicator, activating it. "Members of the Justice League, this is Superman." He flew as he spoke, lifting sick people from where they'd fallen and taking them to hospitals. The National Guard had begun deploying, and in the middle of 22nd and Main streets they'd set up triage stations. Military hospitals were opening up to civillian patients in an attempt to cope with the spread of the disease. "Some kind of epidemic is sweeping through Metropolis, a disease I've never seen before. Some kind of biological warfare attack. Steel and I are in the city coping with the sick as best we can, but we can't let the disease spread. Metropolis' suburbs are home to two million people, and for that reason I'm asking the Justice League to put Metropolis under quarantine. Respond as quickly as possible. Superman out."

As he finished speaking, an explosion of unexpected savagery pierced the afternoon air. In a less than a millisecond, Superman pinpointed the location: S.T.A.R. Labs. Luckily, Superman had just dropped off a victim of the disease, and so he shot off towards S.T.A.R. Labs.

When he arrived, he was asontished to see a special operations military taskforce swarming around the building. Jet black Comanche helicopters hovered in the air, and on the ground at least three hundred and fifty operatives were storming in thorugh a gaping hole in the side of the building. As he arrived, he heard the Comanche pilots speak. "Superman present, authority to use metahuman counter measures is given."

He hadn't time to contemplate the meaning of the phrase before the helicopters opened fire. Sidewinder missiles streaked from the wings of the helicopters. Superman was caught off guard by the missiles, as they broke the sound barrier shortly before impacting into him, knocking him off balance before he could intercept them. Four impacts later, Superman tumbled to the ground with enough force that the asphalt splintered and cracked when he landed on the street. He blinked his eyes a few times, and by the time his vision cleared he was surrounded by a platoon of black-garbed soldiers, strange rifles pointed at him.
"Superman, under orders of the United States military, you are under arrest for interfering in national security!" barked one of the men, corporal's stripes on his shoulder.
Superman winced as he stood, his ears still ringing from the missiles. "Gentlemen, you'd better have a hell of a reason for attacking my city during a time of crisis."
"You know your orders, men! Put him down!" The soldiers began squeezing the triggers on their rifles. The barrels of the strange guns glowed green.

Time seemed to slow down. The whirring of the helicopters overhead slowed to a dull roar, then a slow, rhytmic whup sound. Superman moved like a blur, grabbing the guns from the hands of the soldiers and crushing them into a ball with his bare hands. Without hesitation, he threw the clump like an overly large baseball at the tail rotor of one of the Comanche helicopters. Time began to flow normally again as the ball sailed through the air. It impacted the helicopter with such force that the tail flew off, smoke billowing from it. The helicopter began rotating madly without the influence of the rotor, and Superman flew to it as flames erupted from its back. A burst of heat vision fried the engines on the main rotor, and Superman gripped the helicopter and let it down into the street. He heard the beep from the second comanche as it acquired a target with its massive chaingun. Lead and fire erupted from the weapon as it began spitting out bullets. Superman turned, leaving the damaged helicopter, and flew into the fire, turning the ricochet of the bullets away from the soldiers. The bullets hit and rebounded against his S-shield and head, and the sound of metal hitting steel filled the area.
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3383/mythologyfrontcoverlg0vz.jpg

Superman calmly reached up to the gun with both of his hands, and crushed the barrels together causing an explosive misfire. Smoke trailing from the helicopter, it turned and flew away. Superman debated following it, but he began hearing weapons fire inside S.T.A.R. Labs. He turned around, and flew in through the hole int he side of the building. Weapons fire trailed him, but none hit the Man of Steel.

[SuperFerret]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/superferret/Martian%20Manhunter/MMLogo.jpg

After dropping Emily and Samantha off safely at their home, I spend about fifteen minutes having a cup of coffee and chatting. The conversation we had was profound, and it's effects on me were great. I related the loss of my family and race on Mars, and she told the tale of her divorce. She even went as far as giving me advice. She told me that I was living in the past, and I was still shielding myself from others after all this time by associating only with 'masked men' as she put it. "You need a family, J'onn, a real one." she had said as I shared cookies with Samantha, who deemed my lap fit to sit upon. Her tone and facial expression indicated that she wanted her family to become my own as well, at least she did on some unconscious level. The 'clincher' as they say, for the subject, came before I left, when Samantha said "Goodbye, Uncle J'onn." whilst waving her hand wildly.

I needed to locate Superman again. Lois had requested that I 'watch' him, and therefore I should fulfill my promise. I barely get to a mile up in altitude, when the Man of Steel sends a message over an old JLA comm.

"Members of the Justice League, this is Superman."

'Members of the Justice League'? As of my knowledge that only indicates Clark, myself, Kyle and Sinestro, but knowing Earth's heroes the way I do (which is quite well) many more shall respond. Before I can respond, he continues.

"Some kind of epidemic is sweeping through Metropolis, a disease I've never seen before. Some kind of biological warfare attack. Steel and I are in the city coping with the sick as best we can, but we can't let the disease spread. Metropolis' suburbs are home to two million people, and for that reason I'm asking the Justice League to put Metropolis under quarantine. Respond as quickly as possible. Superman out."

~Superman, I have heard your message, I will meet you as soon as I can.~

I fly up, turning in the direction of Metropolis, and before I go I take one last look at Emily's house.

I remember a time when I was called 'father' and 'husband', it deeply saddens me to not hear myself referred to like that now.

Uncle J'onn.

I can live with that designation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/superferret/Martian%20Manhunter/Jonnghosts.jpg

[Spider-Man9X17]

Edit

[Spike_x1]

"You jerks are really pissing me off, y'know that?"

The Parasite pummeled his way through a small crowd of soldiers, moving with surprising swiftness and agility for someone so big. The armor covering the troops was keeping Rudy from instantly killing them all where they stood, but it wasn't enough to fully protect them from his absorption. Many of the soldiers within some twenty odd feet of the Parasite were becoming noticeably dizzy and having trouble aiming their weapons. At least one of them got off a lucky shot nonetheless.

Jones snarled in pain as a large chunk of meat from his abs disintegrated at the point of the energy weapon's impact. From across the room, Rudy could vaguely hear Professor Hamilton theorize the science behind the taskforce's weaponry.

"Rudy! The rifles they're using operate under the assumption that you will attempt to absorb their energy blasts!" Emil ducked under a stream of shots being fired through the chaos, then continued his hypothesis, "yes, the energy from the ballistics are harmful to almost anyone, but they were specifically designed with you in mind, apparently. Along with the energy, the blasts also carry a consignment of nanobots that eat away at soft organic material. If you endeavor to absorb the energy of the soldiers' shots, you will absorb the nanobots into your body too. There, they will eat away at you from the inside out, and your body will not naturally act against them because the nanites are indistinguishable from the energy blasts, which your body does welcome into it."

A trooper's ribs were noisily shattered, cutting off the Professor's gibberish. The soldier's entire torso was grasped in the Parasite's large hand. The monster grunted once and then threw the man straight upward, sending him through the ceiling where he eventually came to rest several floors up. "Oy. Whatever Doc. You could'a just told me not to absorb these morons' gunfire. Wouldn't that have been a helluva lot simpler?"

Hamilton adjusted his glasses, pushing them back into their proper position on the bridge of his nose, "well, I suppose I could have perhaps-"

"Shut up. I don't care." The Parasite batted another soldier, sending him careening into the far wall. Rudy then stepped back, taking a moment to massage his aching muscles. "This is taking a lot outta me, Hammy. I can't absorb their gunfire, and it's not as if these prickfaces are making it easy to get a hold of the energy in their bodies, either. I hate ta say it, but this looks like a job for that shmuck in the red cape."

[Purple Man]

"Aww, damn, I can't believe he just said that," Kyle said to himself, taking a small step back. His ring glowed with energy, waiting for the crap to hit the fan.

"Aren't you the guy who hates the Green Lanterns? That mustache looks familiar." Superboy was still in bad shape, but unluckily for everyone else, Lobo didn't manage to break Conners' jaw and prevent him from talking any more trash.

"I must have been gone longer than I thought." He managed a painful grin as he kept himself aloft with his powers. Kon-El no longer needed Sinestros assistance, so he took the first opportunity to fly off in the general direction of San Francisco. "Cocky as I am, I know when I won't do any good."

[LibrarianThorne]

"You jerks are really pissing me off, y'know that?"

The Parasite pummeled his way through a small crowd of soldiers, moving with surprising swiftness and agility for someone so big. The armor covering the troops was keeping Rudy from instantly killing them all where they stood, but it wasn't enough to fully protect them from his absorption. Many of the soldiers within some twenty odd feet of the Parasite were becoming noticeably dizzy and having trouble aiming their weapons. At least one of them got off a lucky shot nonetheless.

Jones snarled in pain as a large chunk of meat from his abs disintegrated at the point of the energy weapon's impact. From across the room, Rudy could vaguely hear Professor Hamilton theorize the science behind the taskforce's weaponry.

"Rudy! The rifles they're using operate under the assumption that you will attempt to absorb their energy blasts!" Emil ducked under a stream of shots being fired through the chaos, then continued his hypothesis, "yes, the energy from the ballistics are harmful to almost anyone, but they were specifically designed with you in mind, apparently. Along with the energy, the blasts also carry a consignment of nanobots that eat away at soft organic material. If you endeavor to absorb the energy of the soldiers' shots, you will absorb the nanobots into your body too. There, they will eat away at you from the inside out, and your body will not naturally act against them because the nanites are indistinguishable from the energy blasts, which your body does welcome into it."

A trooper's ribs were noisily shattered, cutting off the Professor's gibberish. The soldier's entire torso was grasped in the Parasite's large hand. The monster grunted once and then threw the man straight upward, sending him through the ceiling where he eventually came to rest several floors up. "Oy. Whatever Doc. You could'a just told me not to absorb these morons' gunfire. Wouldn't that have been a helluva lot simpler?"

Hamilton adjusted his glasses, pushing them back into their proper position on the bridge of his nose, "well, I suppose I could have perhaps-"

"Shut up. I don't care." The Parasite batted another soldier, sending him careening into the far wall. Rudy then stepped back, taking a moment to massage his aching muscles. "This is taking a lot outta me, Hammy. I can't absorb their gunfire, and it's not as if these prickfaces are making it easy to get a hold of the energy in their bodies, either. I hate ta say it, but this looks like a job for that shmuck in the red cape."

"Only Batman gets to call me a schmuck. Luckily for me, he's not inclined to do that very often," said Superman as he flew into the chaos. The soldiers turned around at his voice, and without breaking pace half of them began firing on the man from Krypton. There was a click, as each man switched the firing mode of his strange looking rifle. Odd green beams lanced out from the weapons, striking the Man of Steel. His flight was rocked by the impact of the weapons, causing him to buck in the air as if struck. Six more impacts forced him to crash into the ground, and he came to a rest face down. Smoke eminated from his costume. Pain lanced through Superman's body. He heard the sounds of a hundred pairs of jack boots striking the tile of the floor as they surrounded him. He heard a hoarse order, barked over the sound of battle as the Parasite continued to struggle against the soldiers. Fire poured into Superman's back, holes were burnt through his cape and costume. Superman gritted his teeth as he felt anger well up within him. The more shots struck him, the angrier he became, until finally one shot struck him in the back of the head with enough for to slam his face into the floor.

"ENOUGH!" roared Superman as he stood up. His costume was full of beam marks, red welts and burnt skin could be seen through. He spotted a soldier, bearing the rank of colonel, surrounded by soldiers. "You dare attack my city?!" He brought his hands back, and then clapped them together at supersonic speed. The force knocked dozens of soldiers to the ground. Superman strode forward as scattered beam fire struck him. "Thousands are dying right now." He picked a soldier up by his neck, and drove the man through the ceiling. Plaster cracked and fell as the man's limp body hung from the ceiling. The man was unconscious, and would have a concussion, but he would live. Superman wanted this task force to remember this lesson. "You come here for one innocent girl, and endanger the lives of everyone in my city." Three soldiers shouldered their rifles. Their masks masked the sound their voices made, but Superman could still hear them. "This isn't possible! The synthetic Kryptonite should've put him down!"

Beams of heat vision shot from Superman's eyes, the beams igniting the surrounding air as they scythed the soldiers guns in half. "This will not be tolerated." He battered aside another four soldiers before he finally confronted the colonel. The man raised his weapon, but Superman crushed the barrel and ripped it from the man's hands then tossed the gun aside. The colonel reached for another gun, a small pistol, but Superman wouldn't afford him the chance to draw it. He grabbed the man by the neck, and calmly smashed him against the whitewashed hall. He smashed the colonel with such force that spiderweb cracksemanated from hte point of impact. Superman saw with his x-ray vision that despite the force of the impact, the advanced kevlar the man wore had ablated the impact. only three of the man's ribs had broken. Keeping his grip on the man's neck, Superman reached with his other hand and ripped off the mask and helmet. The man was in his late '30s, his sweatstained hair streaked with gray. Brown eyes looked on Superman with fear. A communications bead extended from his ear.

"Order your men to cease fire before I get really angry." The colonel nodded shakily, and tapped the bead in his ear twice. The soldiers lowered their weapons, and the report of weapons stopped. "Your men will withdraw from S.T.A.R. Labs immediately, do you understand?" The man nodded. "When you get back to whatever hidden base you operate out of, tell your CO that I will tolerate no more attacks on the child of Rudy Jones. Am I clear?" The man nodded again, and he began trying to squirm free from Superman's grip. However, he was struggling futilely against a man who could bend steel in his hands. "I'm going to let you go, now. If you and your men make any move to attack myself or the Parasite, I will not be held responsible for what follows." He dropped the man to the ground. Superman turned away from him, hearing the man cough with sudden intakes of air. "Now get out of my sight."

[Spike_x1]

"Only Batman gets to call me a schmuck. Luckily for me, he's not inclined to do that very often," said Superman as he flew into the chaos. The soldiers turned around at his voice, and without breaking pace half of them began firing on the man from Krypton. There was a click, as each man switched the firing mode of his strange looking rifle. Odd green beams lanced out from the weapons, striking the Man of Steel. His flight was rocked by the impact of the weapons, causing him to buck in the air as if struck. Six more impacts forced him to crash into the ground, and he came to a rest face down. Smoke eminated from his costume. Pain lanced through Superman's body. He heard the sounds of a hundred pairs of jack boots striking the tile of the floor as they surrounded him. He heard a hoarse order, barked over the sound of battle as the Parasite continued to struggle against the soldiers. Fire poured into Superman's back, holes were burnt through his cape and costume. Superman gritted his teeth as he felt anger well up within him. The more shots struck him, the angrier he became, until finally one shot struck him in the back of the head with enough for to slam his face into the floor.

"ENOUGH!" roared Superman as he stood up. His costume was full of beam marks, red welts and burnt skin could be seen through. He spotted a soldier, bearing the rank of colonel, surrounded by soldiers. "You dare attack my city?!" He brought his hands back, and then clapped them together at supersonic speed. The force knocked dozens of soldiers to the ground. Superman strode forward as scattered beam fire struck him. "Thousands are dying right now." He picked a soldier up by his neck, and drove the man through the ceiling. Plaster cracked and fell as the man's limp body hung from the ceiling. The man was unconscious, and would have a concussion, but he would live. Superman wanted this task force to remember this lesson. "You come here for one innocent girl, and endanger the lives of everyone in my city." Three soldiers shouldered their rifles. Their masks masked the sound their voices made, but Superman could still hear them. "This isn't possible! The synthetic Kryptonite should've put him down!"

Beams of heat vision shot from Superman's eyes, the beams igniting the surrounding air as they scythed the soldiers guns in half. "This will not be tolerated." He battered aside another four soldiers before he finally confronted the colonel. The man raised his weapon, but Superman crushed the barrel and ripped it from the man's hands then tossed the gun aside. The colonel reached for another gun, a small pistol, but Superman wouldn't afford him the chance to draw it. He grabbed the man by the neck, and calmly smashed him against the whitewashed hall. He smashed the colonel with such force that spiderweb cracksemanated from hte point of impact. Superman saw with his x-ray vision that despite the force of the impact, the advanced kevlar the man wore had ablated the impact. only three of the man's ribs had broken. Keeping his grip on the man's neck, Superman reached with his other hand and ripped off the mask and helmet. The man was in his late '30s, his sweatstained hair streaked with gray. Brown eyes looked on Superman with fear. A communications bead extended from his ear.

"Order your men to cease fire before I get really angry." The colonel nodded shakily, and tapped the bead in his ear twice. The soldiers lowered their weapons, and the report of weapons stopped. "Your men will withdraw from S.T.A.R. Labs immediately, do you understand?" The man nodded. "When you get back to whatever hidden base you operate out of, tell your CO that I will tolerate no more attacks on the child of Rudy Jones. Am I clear?" The man nodded again, and he began trying to squirm free from Superman's grip. However, he was struggling futilely against a man who could bend steel in his hands. "I'm going to let you go, now. If you and your men make any move to attack myself or the Parasite, I will not be held responsible for what follows." He dropped the man to the ground. Superman turned away from him, hearing the man cough with sudden intakes of air. "Now get out of my sight."

The soldier struggled to get to his feet and tried his best to scramble in the opposite direction of Superman. The taskforce turned to leave as well, many of them muttering words of confusion.

The Parasite rubbed his sore shoulder and walked up to Superman, almost chuckling. "Heh. Thanks Clar... er, I mean, Superman. I hate to admit it, but things were gettin' kinda tight there for me. I mean, I still had a bit of your powers left, but it wasn't gonna last too long under that kinda fire."

Professor Hamilton tripped and landed on the floor with a gentle thud. He quickly got back to his feet and bounded towards the Parasite and Superman. "Mr. Jones," Emil smiled and handed Rudy a small folder full of printed test results, "before I was so rudely interrupted earlier, I was about to congratulate you on being the father of a perfectly healthy human baby girl."

For a moment, Rudy Jones stood silently, shocked. Finally he burst happily into excitement over the noise of the military helicopters taking off outside. "Ya hear that, Supes? Jess is human! I got a human daughter! Ha!"

But the next thing that Superman and the Parasite heard abruptly cut short the happiness. With super hearing, both men caught the words that were being spoken by a confused soldier from within one of the choppers, "I can't believe Superman went out of his way to protect that purple freak, especially after--"

Try as he might to cut off the soldier before his sentence could be completed, the Parasite's blast of heat vision did not reach the fuel tank of the helicopter before the oblivious trooper could finish his last words: "...Jones killed that baby's mother."

But the explosion that vaporized the conversing soldiers arrived far too late. Superman now knew that he had been lied to by the Parasite.

"Did I forget to mention that part?"

[Trigger]

Rose rolled around in her bed before getting up. The distinct sound of a aircraft arriving forced her to put off any naps for the moment. She ran her fingers through her white hair and stared at the figure standing across from her bed. She couldn't help but feel a subtle sense of disgust coming from the figure. At the sight of the young man, Rose begasn to remember a word. A word that had always been used to identify this person.

"Robin?" she said nervously.

[LibrarianThorne]

The soldier struggled to get to his feet and tried his best to scramble in the opposite direction of Superman. The taskforce turned to leave as well, many of them muttering words of confusion.

The Parasite rubbed his sore shoulder and walked up to Superman, almost chuckling. "Heh. Thanks Clar... er, I mean, Superman. I hate to admit it, but things were gettin' kinda tight there for me. I mean, I still had a bit of your powers left, but it wasn't gonna last too long under that kinda fire."

Professor Hamilton tripped and landed on the floor with a gentle thud. He quickly got back to his feet and bounded towards the Parasite and Superman. "Mr. Jones," Emil smiled and handed Rudy a small folder full of printed test results, "before I was so rudely interrupted earlier, I was about to congratulate you on being the father of a perfectly healthy human baby girl."

For a moment, Rudy Jones stood silently, shocked. Finally he burst happily into excitement over the noise of the military helicopters taking off outside. "Ya hear that, Supes? Jess is human! I got a human daughter! Ha!"

But the next thing that Superman and the Parasite heard abruptly cut short the happiness. With super hearing, both men caught the words that were being spoken by a confused soldier from within one of the choppers, "I can't believe Superman went out of his way to protect that purple freak, especially after--"

Try as he might to cut off the soldier before his sentence could be completed, the Parasite's blast of heat vision did not reach the fuel tank of the helicopter before the oblivious trooper could finish his last words: "...Jones killed that baby's mother."

But the explosion that vaporized the conversing soldiers arrived far too late. Superman now knew that he had been lied to by the Parasite.

"Did I forget to mention that part?"

There are legends about Superman among most every sentient race. Great stories of kindness, hope, and compassion. Stories of how he singlehandedly stopped intergalactic wars and the deaths of entire systems. Those stories are easy to hear and know. Fewer are the dark stories, perhaps half a dozen of them in all the cosmos. Stories of Superman's great rage. An anger that burns brighter than a star in the body of a being who can shatter moons. An anger that is kept, for the sake of all, under rigid control.

Superman keeps it that way. His anger has shown itself only a few times, but when it does it is a terrifying sight. He turned on the Parasite, his eyes glowing a fierce red, fists clenched together with the sound of grating steel.

Wordlessly, he attacked the Parasite. He moved faster than human thought, and launched a blow of such force that every glass object in the building shattered. It could be heard throughout Metropolis, like the roar of thunder. Parasite was launched into the upper atmosphere by the sheer force and power of the attack. A streak of angry red followed the Parasite. Thirty thousand feet above the Earth, the stunned Parasite was attacked again. Superman, feeling the energy drain of the Parasite affect him but caring not, grabbed the Parasite's back and flung him to the Earth at eight times the speed of sound. He landed in a forest ninety miles outside of Metropolis, the force of the impact creating a massive twenty foot crater and leveling a grove of trees. As Parasite got up, Superman appeared in the sky above him, taking care to stay outside of the Parasite's absorption field.

"I put my trust in you, Parasite. You saved the world, and for that I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I should have expected something like this, and you can be sure that you will never see that child again. I'm not going to let you corrupt her."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------

Centennial Park, largest park in all of Metropolis. Bruce was right about this place, but I never believed him. In no other city would you find a statue worthy enough to compare with New York City's own Statue of Liberty. What statue is this? Why the statue honoring Superman of course; after the creature Doomsday defeated the entire Justice League, Superman gave up his life to take out both him and the creature. That is a true hero. Now? All we see are pretenders; wannabe heroes; heroes that cannot do what is truely needed to achieve justice.

"Heroes that will be dealt with."

Passing by the Daily Planet, another famous 'landmark' if you will of Metropolis, I cannot help but notice one of today's top stories.

" 'Booster Gold, how does he do it?' !"

Anger begins to fill, I almost let it explode and want to tear up the paper; but I don't; I play it cool in front of the public eye. Booster Gold will be dealt with...

I start walking away and unknowingly let some of my thoughts slip out of my mouth.

"Pfft, him a hero? He is a little boy playing dress-up and running around with that little tin can robot and his futuristic 'toys'."

I stop and pause. Of course! The guy practically depends on his technology from the future. Find the flaw in the technology; a way to disable it; a way to really hit him where it hurts and show him for what he truly is. A hero? Please...

"Pretender..."

I continue walking towards the Metropolis Meteors baseball stadium. Not a bad way to start the day; I smirk. I have not felt this good in a long time.

[Spike_x1]

There are legends about Superman among most every sentient race. Great stories of kindness, hope, and compassion. Stories of how he singlehandedly stopped intergalactic wars and the deaths of entire systems. Those stories are easy to hear and know. Fewer are the dark stories, perhaps half a dozen of them in all the cosmos. Stories of Superman's great rage. An anger that burns brighter than a star in the body of a being who can shatter moons. An anger that is kept, for the sake of all, under rigid control.

Superman keeps it that way. His anger has shown itself only a few times, but when it does it is a terrifying sight. He turned on the Parasite, his eyes glowing a fierce red, fists clenched together with the sound of grating steel.

Wordlessly, he attacked the Parasite. He moved faster than human thought, and launched a blow of such force that every glass object in the building shattered. It could be heard throughout Metropolis, like the roar of thunder. Parasite was launched into the upper atmosphere by the sheer force and power of the attack. A streak of angry red followed the Parasite. Thirty thousand feet above the Earth, the stunned Parasite was attacked again. Superman, feeling the energy drain of the Parasite affect him but caring not, grabbed the Parasite's back and flung him to the Earth at eight times the speed of sound. He landed in a forest ninety miles outside of Metropolis, the force of the impact creating a massive twenty foot crater and leveling a grove of trees. As Parasite got up, Superman appeared in the sky above him, taking care to stay outside of the Parasite's absorption field.

"I put my trust in you, Parasite. You saved the world, and for that I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I should have expected something like this, and you can be sure that you will never see that child again. I'm not going to let you corrupt her."The Parasite grunted as he got to his feet. He spit out a large tooth and rubbed his jaw. "That was quite the ringer, Kent," he said as he cracked his neck and knuckles, "but not even you can keep me away from my girl, and if you wanna try to stop me, well..." The Parasite flung himself up toward Superman, the speed of his launch creating another sonic boom.

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/9334/lunging7fk.jpg

"It's your funeral!" Rudy shouted as he latched his claws into Superman's shoulders and felt more of the Man of Steel's life-force coursing into him.

[LibrarianThorne]

The Parasite grunted as he got to his feet. He spit out a large tooth and rubbed his jaw. "That was quite the ringer, Kent," he said as he cracked his neck and knuckles, "but not even you can keep me away from my girl, and if you wanna try to stop me, well..." The Parasite flung himself up toward Superman, the speed of his launch creating another sonic boom.

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/9334/lunging7fk.jpg

"It's your funeral!" Rudy shouted as he latched his claws into Superman's shoulders and felt more of the Man of Steel's life-force coursing into him.

"I've already had a funeral, Parasite. And it's going to take better than you to give me a second one."

Pain wracked Superman's body. Rudy's absorption had never felt quite this bad before, but Superman was beyond the point of trying to keep even some energy in reserve. For the sake of Metropolis, this fight ends now.

Superman fought through the pains in his shoulders and brought his right hand up. The Parasite had one vulnerable point, and that was his body's trouble with absorbing kinetic energy. Heat vision would just feed the monster. Superman jabbed his middle and index fingers into the eyes of the Parasite, causing yellow blood to ooze onto his fingers. Superman drove them in harder, until his fingers were embedded up to the knuckle in the Parasite's eyes. Rudy, to his credit, hadn't begun screaming.

"I'm not fighting like a boy scout any more."

With his other hand, he began punching the Parasite's rib cage at super-speed, in an effort to break Jones' grasp before the power differential became too much for him to overcome. He fist was a blur as he began using his full strength, the speed of his blows approaching the speed of light, each impact resounded through the forest like the hammer of an angry god.

Finally, Superman kneed Parasite in the stomach, and this blow was finally too much for the Parasite, as the man's claws let go of Clark's shoulders. Superman, not wasting any time, flew out of the Parasite's absorption field again, and landed in the forest. He was already breathing heavily, and the wounds in his shoulders hadn't healed yet.

He's already taken too much of my energy. I've got to-

~Superman, I have heard your message, I will meet you as soon as I can.~

J'onn!

Superman's eyes widened in shock. The Justice League had heard his earlier message. heroes would soon descend on Metropolis. The Parasite could gain immeasureable power from them.

J'onn, stay out of Metropolis! Tell the others to wait for my signal, the city is too dangerous. The Parasite is-

He never saw the attack coming. The Parasite moved too quickly, quicker than a blur. Superman only saw purple flashes before the punch landed. The power was indescribable. The floor cratered under the impact of the punch, and the trees nearest the epicenter cracked, splintered, and fell. Superman was launched through the forest at four times the speed of sounrd, branches breaking and trees exploding in a shower of bark and splinters as he flew through them.

He has too much power.

When he landed, he skidded along the ground, creating a trench six miles long. When he stopped, he looked up and saw a green highway sign. It read "METROPOLIS- 50 MILES."

Doomsday and I fought here. Can't think about that now.

Suddenly, the Parasite was in front of him, looking down on the Man of Steel. Clark could feel more and more of his power ebb away as he stood shakily to his feet.

"I'm not going to let the murderer of that child's mother raise her, Rudy. Do you know what was left of her after you absorbed her? Dust. How easily could you do that to the child? When will these maternal instincts you've absorbed fade? You kill and lie without a second thought, and I won't subject that child to you. I won't let you rob her of a future, Parasite."

[trustyside-kick]

Edit..having trouble with the damn codes; Sorry. :(

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------

Centennial Park, largest park in all of Metropolis. Bruce was right about this place, but I never believed him. In no other city would you find a statue worthy enough to compare with New York City's own Statue of Liberty. What statue is this? Why the statue honoring Superman of course; after the creature Doomsday defeated the entire Justice League, Superman gave up his life to take out both him and the creature. That is a true hero. Now? All we see are pretenders; wannabe heroes; heroes that cannot do what is truely needed to achieve justice.

"Heroes that will be dealt with."

Passing by the Daily Planet, another famous 'landmark' if you will of Metropolis, I cannot help but notice one of today's top stories.

" 'Booster Gold, how does he do it?' !"

Anger begins to fill, I almost let it explode and want to tear up the paper; but I don't; I play it cool in front of the public eye. Booster Gold will be dealt with...

I start walking away and unknowingly let some of my thoughts slip out of my mouth.

"Pfft, him a hero? He is a little boy playing dress-up and running around with that little tin can robot and his futuristic 'toys'."

I stop and pause. Of course! The guy practically depends on his technology from the future. Find the flaw in the technology; a way to disable it; a way to really hit him where it hurts and show him for what he truly is. A hero? Please...

"Pretender..."

I continue walking towards the Metropolis Meteors baseball stadium. Not a bad way to start the day; I smirk. I have not felt this good in a long time.
Jason's dialouge
Jason's thoughts
Booster's dialogue
Booster's thoughts
Skeets dialogue

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------
Continued--

The Metropolis Meteors...couldn't they think of a better name than that? Playing the Gotham Knights today huh; damn. Was hoping they were playing the St. Louis Cardinals, oh well. I'm sure Booster's old betting habits haven't changed.

"Shouldn't be too hard to spot him here."

Not exactly hard to spot a guy wearing a blue and gold suit...course if anything the floating tin can gives it away.

"Huh, figures."

Didn't even have to bother looking around for the guy; as usual signing autographs.

"Some hero...he doesn't even save the day for the right reasons."

Wait, what am I saying? I cannot believe I just called him a hero...he isn't one; just a pretender.

Scattered throughout different areas of the city I see men in green helmets with guns and tanks. Hmm, perhaps I should wait til the end of the game. Don't want to draw too much attention out in the open. All of these military personel seem to be stationed throughout certain parameters of the city. If I were to strike now I would have to deal with twice the trouble or more.

"Oh well, not going to waste tickets."

All I gotta do is make sure I have survailance of Booster at all times; although like I said not hard to spot him. Lucky me, empty seat only a few rows above his.
------------------------------------
"Man Skeets, these are some great seats! This way I can watch the game and still be adored by all my beloved fans. So you are sure that the Meteors will win right?"

"Affirmative, sir. I looked through the records and it says that on this day the Metropolis Meteors would beat the Gotham Knights at the score of 3-1."

"Great! Time to sit back and relax. Man do I need some time to relax."

Being a hero is not all it is worked up to be! It seems like no matter what you try to do some town or city somewhere always manages to fall in jeporady. Course it is worth it at the end of the day when facing the adoring fans. O crap...I cannot believe I forgot!

"Skeets! What time was that appointment for that commercial ad in Star City?!"

"At about 4 o' clock, sir."

"WHAT?! Skeets! That means I cannot stay for the end of the game! How am I supposed to win this bet on the Meteors if I cannot even stay?"

Sigh...mister wonderful here is complaining about some commercial ad. Not like he needs anymore damn 'bumper stickers' to place onto his suit after all the ads he has done. I cannot believe they let him join the Justice League!

"I'm sorry, sir. But you asked me when the last play-off game was before the World Series and I obeyed. I never said that it did not conflict with you're already busy schedule."

"Yea, we gotta work on that Skeets. Reprogram you or something."

Can this guy not survive one minute without that stupid robot telling him everything? You want him reprogrammed Booster? I can arrange that! I'll have fun 'reprogramming him'. I smirk again, man this really IS a good day.

"Aw damnit, look at the time...Well, guess we gotta start heading out then Skeets."

"Affirmative, sir."

"Heh, too easy."

Now I won't have to even worry about the military personel or the quarantine going on in Metropolis. Just gotta find a ride and I'll be on my way. And then...play time. Funny, Bruce would always tell me life wasn't a game too...

[Spike_x1]

"I've already had a funeral, Parasite. And it's going to take better than you to give me a second one."

Pain wracked Superman's body. Rudy's absorption had never felt quite this bad before, but Superman was beyond the point of trying to keep even some energy in reserve. For the sake of Metropolis, this fight ends now.

Superman fought through the pains in his shoulders and brought his right hand up. The Parasite had one vulnerable point, and that was his body's trouble with absorbing kinetic energy. Heat vision would just feed the monster. Superman jabbed his middle and index fingers into the eyes of the Parasite, causing yellow blood to ooze onto his fingers. Superman drove them in harder, until his fingers were embedded up to the knuckle in the Parasite's eyes. Rudy, to his credit, hadn't begun screaming.

"I'm not fighting like a boy scout any more."

With his other hand, he began punching the Parasite's rib cage at super-speed, in an effort to break Jones' grasp before the power differential became too much for him to overcome. He fist was a blur as he began using his full strength, the speed of his blows approaching the speed of light, each impact resounded through the forest like the hammer of an angry god.

Finally, Superman kneed Parasite in the stomach, and this blow was finally too much for the Parasite, as the man's claws let go of Clark's shoulders. Superman, not wasting any time, flew out of the Parasite's absorption field again, and landed in the forest. He was already breathing heavily, and the wounds in his shoulders hadn't healed yet.

He's already taken too much of my energy. I've got to-

~Superman, I have heard your message, I will meet you as soon as I can.~

J'onn!

Superman's eyes widened in shock. The Justice League had heard his earlier message. heroes would soon descend on Metropolis. The Parasite could gain immeasureable power from them.

J'onn, stay out of Metropolis! Tell the others to wait for my signal, the city is too dangerous. The Parasite is-

He never saw the attack coming. The Parasite moved too quickly, quicker than a blur. Superman only saw purple flashes before the punch landed. The power was indescribable. The floor cratered under the impact of the punch, and the trees nearest the epicenter cracked, splintered, and fell. Superman was launched through the forest at four times the speed of sounrd, branches breaking and trees exploding in a shower of bark and splinters as he flew through them.

He has too much power.

When he landed, he skidded along the ground, creating a trench six miles long. When he stopped, he looked up and saw a green highway sign. It read "METROPOLIS- 50 MILES."

Doomsday and I fought here. Can't think about that now.

Suddenly, the Parasite was in front of him, looking down on the Man of Steel. Clark could feel more and more of his power ebb away as he stood shakily to his feet.

"I'm not going to let the murderer of that child's mother raise her, Rudy. Do you know what was left of her after you absorbed her? Dust. How easily could you do that to the child? When will these maternal instincts you've absorbed fade? You kill and lie without a second thought, and I won't subject that child to you. I won't let you rob her of a future, Parasite."The Parasite wiped the heavy tears of blood from his eyes as they healed. His vision was still a completely washed out blur to his once-obliterated eyes, but the super-hearing he had picked up was working perfectly. "You can't stop me, Smallville. No one can."

A massive hand grabbed Superman by the neck and picked him off the ground. "The Unity said it best. We're opposites. Good and evil; power and the lust for power; hope and damnation; living happily with someone you love, and... well, I'm trying not to be your opposite on that front." Rudy's vision was finally coming back into focus. He looked Superman straight in the eye and let out a low guttural growl. "And you have no idea how right the Unity was. But I am going to change that."

With surprising strength, the Man of Steel grabbed the Parasite's wrist and twisted out of his grasp, headbutting Rudy in the face once he was free. If the monster had a nose, it would likely be broken from the force of the impact.

"Screw off," the Parasite said with a disturbing calm in his voice as he backhanded Superman into the horizon, further in the direction of Metropolis. "My baby's still at her checkup with the doctor," he said as his feet left the ground, "and Daddy's gotta pick her up because Mommy's gonna be running a tad late."

50 miles? The Parasite would be there in seconds. Literally.

[SuperFerret]

J'onn!

Superman's eyes widened in shock. The Justice League had heard his earlier message. heroes would soon descend on Metropolis. The Parasite could gain immeasureable power from them.

J'onn, stay out of Metropolis! Tell the others to wait for my signal, the city is too dangerous. The Parasite is-


Superman's thoughts are cut off there, possibly because of an attack from the Parasite. I desire to help the man I know as my closest friend, but I understand Clark's intent in telling us to wait, the Parasite could gain immeasureable power from myself and the rest of the others. All I can do now is relay the message to the rest of the Leaguers. I send out a telepathic message on a broad signal, reaching the minds of those who would have gotten Clark's message.

~Attention former and current Justice Leaguers. This is J'onn J'onzz, and I bring a follow up message to the one Superman sent out earlier. Do not go to Metropolis until I give the word. I repeat, do NOT enter Metropolis.~

I hover over the ground, the city of Metropolis fully in view about 100 miles away.

[wiegeabo]

Let's analyze the situation as it now stands.

Superboy has regained some strength and left. Tactically, that helps me since I no longer need to protect him. Unfortunately, it also leaves only Rayner and myself to take on Lobo and three clones. And I have no idea if Superboy will be able to return.

The Lobo's try their best to surround us. Lobo himself has a long hooked-chain at the ready. No doubt he will be using that, along with whatever other weapons he has hidden upon him. The clones have no weapon since they do not happen to be wearing any clothes, but that barely diminishes the danger they represent.

I check the charge on my ring. Low, but still more than enough to continue the fight. And that is the problem. I cannot allow the fight to continue. Right now only a tenuous agreement between Lobo and Superman is keeping the Czarnian's at bay. And because of my actions in saving Superboy's life, that agreement is now strained beyond its limits. The only thing keeping it him in check is that Lobo has no proof I led the rest of his clones into killing each other. But it was necessary to save Superboy and stop the chaos they were threatening to spread.

So this is where the standoff sits. The slightest provocation, and Rayner and I risk breaking Superman's agreement. The two of us should be able to defeat the Lobo's, but the odds dictate it is a risky fight we should avoid. They could do untold damage to us and the city before we could find a way to stop them.

We need a new idea. A fresh look at how to handle the situation. I reach back into all of my experience as a tactical and strategic master. Looking for any idea that will give Rayner and I a way out of this situation.

...
...
...

I've got nothing...

[LibrarianThorne]

The Parasite wiped the heavy tears of blood from his eyes as they healed. His vision was still a completely washed out blur to his once-obliterated eyes, but the super-hearing he had picked up was working perfectly. "You can't stop me, Smallville. No one can."

A massive hand grabbed Superman by the neck and picked him off the ground. "The Unity said it best. We're opposites. Good and evil; power and the lust for power; hope and damnation; living happily with someone you love, and... well, I'm trying not to be your opposite on that front." Rudy's vision was finally coming back into focus. He looked Superman straight in the eye and let out a low guttural growl. "And you have no idea how right the Unity was. But I am going to change that."

With surprising strength, the Man of Steel grabbed the Parasite's wrist and twisted out of his grasp, headbutting Rudy in the face once he was free. If the monster had a nose, it would likely be broken from the force of the impact.

"Screw off," the Parasite said with a disturbing calm in his voice as he backhanded Superman into the horizon, further in the direction of Metropolis. "My baby's still at her checkup with the doctor," he said as his feet left the ground, "and Daddy's gotta pick her up because Mommy's gonna be running a tad late."

50 miles? The Parasite would be there in seconds. Literally.

"NO!" roared Superman. His powers were fading quickly, but he still heard the Parasite. He was in the middle of Jurgens Valley, one hundred twenty five miles outside of Metropolis. He stood, though his legs shook and blood leaked from his nose and ears. An innocent girl's life was at stake, and no matter his own condition, he would save her.

I can't let Rudy take the girl. He'll kill her within a few days as the mother's personality fades away. Move it, Clark. A baby needs her Superman, and I'll be damned if I fail her.

He took off, his launch sounding like a lion's roar throughout the valley. He was moving at mach ten when he caught up to the Parasite, a purple blur not ten miles outside of Metropolis. Superman knew he was tapping the last of his energy reserves, and already he could feel the drain from the Parasite. However, he had caught Jones by surprise. A surprise Superman would make the most of.

"You have my power, Parasite," said Superman as he pulled alongside the purple behemoth. Two miles outside of Metropolis, Superman attacked again. He spotted a deserted construction site for the new LexCorp high-rise office building, and launched a viscious punch to the side of the Parasite's head. Rudy Jones flew uncontrollably into the structure, and the hundreds of steel bars that made up the building's skeleton collapsed on the Parasite as he impacted with it. Superman wasted no time, nor did he slow down as he made a sharp turn and dove into the tangled mass of steel, driving Parasite further into the ground.
http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/7079/wrightsonpinup7wv.gif

The impact was like a bomb going off, dirt and steel flew everywhere as Superman made contact. The Parasite was dazed, and Superman took advantage of it. He began pounding mercilessly on the Parasite, hoping his own strength would overpower the Parasite's considerable power. As each thunderous blow struck, Superman spoke with rage in his voice.

"You have my power, but you have nothing else! You saved the world, dammit! This beautiful blue orb and every amazing thing on it lives today because of you! But you didn't change. You had the spark of a hero, and you let it die. You killed an innocent woman and claimed her child. You lied to me. Your lie has destroyed more than you will ever know, Parasite. I put all the trust and faith I've built on the line for you and your daughter, and you repay me with cold-blooded murder and betrayal."

Superman's hands came back bloody and bruised, but still he struck. Each blow contained such passionate anger that had built within the Man of Steel. Anger over his trial. Anger over his indecision. Anger over his inability to help the people of Gotham. Anger at being lied to. Anger that built into one final blow of such power that the very ground underneath them cracked and split, venting geothermal gases into the air. Superman realized, suddenly, that his power was at its limit.

"You've destroyed everything..." His anger spent, and his body at its limit, Superman collapsed into the ground next to the Parasite.

[Spike_x1]

"NO!" roared Superman. His powers were fading quickly, but he still heard the Parasite. He was in the middle of Jurgens Valley, one hundred twenty five miles outside of Metropolis. He stood, though his legs shook and blood leaked from his nose and ears. An innocent girl's life was at stake, and no matter his own condition, he would save her.

I can't let Rudy take the girl. He'll kill her within a few days as the mother's personality fades away. Move it, Clark. A baby needs her Superman, and I'll be damned if I fail her.

He took off, his launch sounding like a lion's roar throughout the valley. He was moving at mach ten when he caught up to the Parasite, a purple blur not ten miles outside of Metropolis. Superman knew he was tapping the last of his energy reserves, and already he could feel the drain from the Parasite. However, he had caught Jones by surprise. A surprise Superman would make the most of.

"You have my power, Parasite," said Superman as he pulled alongside the purple behemoth. Two miles outside of Metropolis, Superman attacked again. He spotted a deserted construction site for the new LexCorp high-rise office building, and launched a viscious punch to the side of the Parasite's head. Rudy Jones flew uncontrollably into the structure, and the hundreds of steel bars that made up the building's skeleton collapsed on the Parasite as he impacted with it. Superman wasted no time, nor did he slow down as he made a sharp turn and dove into the tangled mass of steel, driving Parasite further into the ground.
http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/7079/wrightsonpinup7wv.gif

The impact was like a bomb going off, dirt and steel flew everywhere as Superman made contact. The Parasite was dazed, and Superman took advantage of it. He began pounding mercilessly on the Parasite, hoping his own strength would overpower the Parasite's considerable power. As each thunderous blow struck, Superman spoke with rage in his voice.

"You have my power, but you have nothing else! You saved the world, dammit! This beautiful blue orb and every amazing thing on it lives today because of you! But you didn't change. You had the spark of a hero, and you let it die. You killed an innocent woman and claimed her child. You lied to me. Your lie has destroyed more than you will ever know, Parasite. I put all the trust and faith I've built on the line for you and your daughter, and you repay me with cold-blooded murder and betrayal."

Superman's hands came back bloody and bruised, but still he struck. Each blow contained such passionate anger that had built within the Man of Steel. Anger over his trial. Anger over his indecision. Anger over his inability to help the people of Gotham. Anger at being lied to. Anger that built into one final blow of such power that the very ground underneath them cracked and split, venting geothermal gases into the air. Superman realized, suddenly, that his power was at its limit.

"You've destroyed everything..." His anger spent, and his body at its limit, Superman collapsed into the ground next to the Parasite.With his left eye swollen shut and several more teeth missing, the Parasite grabbed a fistful of Superman's hair and picked up his limp body. "Still awake, Smallville?"

Superman responded with a groggy and incoherent mumble as he seemed to try to stir himself out of dreamworld.

"You're wrong. I haven't destroyed everything. But I will." The Parasite used his other hand to pull out the Justice League communication device in Superman's ear. He dropped Superman, letting him fall to the ground with a hard thud, and held the comm. unit in front of his face. Rudy softly pressed the button to activate the wide channel and spoke to every hero on Earth who was equipped with one of the units. "This is the Parasite speaking. On Christmas Eve, last year, I killed the Unity. I was presumed dead in the resulting explosion which spread over the entire planet's sky. I'm here to tell you all now that I'm back." At his feet, Superman began to cough and slowly open his eyes. "I have evolved after recent experiences and I have beaten Superman and will eventually kill him and all of you listening to my voice right now. This is not about acquiring your power. This is about killing all of you. Pure and simple." The vocabulary coming out of the Parasite's mouth was surprising the hell out of him. Absorbing the extra dimensional energies of the Unity into his person really did change him.

Rudy smiled down at Superman stirring awake and he crushed the communication unit in his hand. "I'm going to get my daughter now. I know what you're thinkin', Kent, and you might be right. I might get bored with Jess and kill her sooner or later, but for right now, I suggest you leave that up to me. It ain't your time to die just yet." Fast as lightning, the Parasite's fist collided with Superman's face and left the Man of Tin groaning and unconscious in a pile of rubble as Rudy Jones arrived at S.T.A.R. Labs.

[Batman]

"...Well, we're officially at a dead end."

Nightwing leans over a table of collected evidence. Notes. Newspaper clippings. Files. All tied to Gotham City's mysterious 'mystery woman', who took a vigilante style justice approach to Gotham's ailing state while Batman was kidnapped by Ra's Al Ghul.

He looks over at Roy, eyeing the Batmobiles on the other end of the Cave. No one uses the place anymore, so they decided to make sure it 'didn't collect dust'.

"If we can focus.", Dick says, with a smirk.

It had been two weeks since they had ventured in search of the woman, hoping to bring her in for all that she had done. Her acts were... questionable, to say the least. And with every amount of effort they put into the case, they usually ended up with nothing. That was still the case.

"So, okay. We tried narrowing the suspects down with possible MO's. That made it harder for us to work, so there's no way in hell I'm trying that again. You checked out the tip at Arkham, and... well, here we are. With nothing. And we have one suspect, but we're still trying to track her...", Nightwing continued, thinking of their prime suspect in the case.

Cheshire, agent of Checkmate... who had previous ties to both Roy and Dick through The Teen Titans. But there was only one problem. They didn't know where the hell she was.

Nightwing sighs.

"Ever feel like we're... Oh, I don't know... amatuers when it comes to the detective thing? I mean, hell, it was my profession before Bludhaven was destroyed..."

[Green Lantern]

"...Well, we're officially at a dead end."

Nightwing leans over a table of collected evidence. Notes. Newspaper clippings. Files. All tied to Gotham City's mysterious 'mystery woman', who took a vigilante style justice approach to Gotham's ailing state while Batman was kidnapped by Ra's Al Ghul.

He looks over at Roy, eyeing the Batmobiles on the other end of the Cave. No one uses the place anymore, so they decided to make sure it 'didn't collect dust'.

"If we can focus.", Dick says, with a smirk.

It had been two weeks since they had ventured in search of the woman, hoping to bring her in for all that she had done. Her acts were... questionable, to say the least. And with every amount of effort they put into the case, they usually ended up with nothing. That was still the case.

"So, okay. We tried narrowing the suspects down with possible MO's. That made it harder for us to work, so there's no way in hell I'm trying that again. You checked out the tip at Arkham, and... well, here we are. With nothing. And we have one suspect, but we're still trying to track her...", Nightwing continued, thinking of their prime suspect in the case.

Cheshire, agent of Checkmate... who had previous ties to both Roy and Dick through The Teen Titans. But there was only one problem. They didn't know where the hell she was.

Nightwing sighs.

"Ever feel like we're... Oh, I don't know... amatuers when it comes to the detective thing? I mean, hell, it was my profession before Bludhaven was destroyed...""Hey, you're the one trained by the world's greatest detective. I never claimed to be anything but a crack shot, and shut up now with the drug jokes jackass, and the world's sexiest and most modest former Teen Titan"

Roy grinned and then got back to business at hand.

"Now about Jade, I was thinkin'...."

His phone rang with Alan's ring tone, and he turned to Dick.

"Sorry bud, gotta take this call."

He walked into the shadows and answered.

"Yello? What d'ya need Alan? Yeah, in fact I'm working on tracking her down right now. What do you mean I can stop. You guys found her? Where? She did WHAT? Are you f**king kidding me?!? I thought she turned over a new leaf. Yeah, yeah, I know that I was getting my hopes up. Well thanks for the heads up Alan."

"Dicky buddy, we're back to square one."

[Batman]

"Hey, you're the one trained by the world's greatest detective. I never claimed to be anything but a crack shot, and shut up now with the drug jokes jackass, and the world's sexiest and most modest former Teen Titan"

Roy grinned and then got back to business at hand.

"Now about Jade, I was thinkin'...."

His phone rang with Alan's ring tone, and he turned to Dick.

"Sorry bud, gotta take this call."

He walked into the shadows and answered.

"Yello? What d'ya need Alan? Yeah, in fact I'm working on tracking her down right now. What do you mean I can stop. You guys found her? Where? She did WHAT? Are you f**king kidding me?!? I thought she turned over a new leaf. Yeah, yeah, I know that I was getting my hopes up. Well thanks for the heads up Alan."

"Dicky buddy, we're back to square one."


Dick's eyes widened under his facemask.

"No... No, no, no... Do not tell me that-"

Roy's expression said it all. Well, and the call wasn't really that hard to deduce. Chesire... their prime suspect, was officially off the suspect list. Dick rubbed the space between his eyes, frustrated.

"I'm seriously trying to think of a better phrase than damn it to hell..."

[Green Lantern]

Dick's eyes widened under his facemask.

"No... No, no, no... Do not tell me that-"

Roy's expression said it all. Well, and the call wasn't really that hard to deduce. Chesire... their prime suspect, was officially off the suspect list. Dick rubbed the space between his eyes, frustrated.

"I'm seriously trying to think of a better phrase than damn it to hell...""...I can think of a few choice words, but they aren't allowable on network television... Anyway, unless our "Mystery Woman" bailed Gotham, she ain't Jade. Jade just took over a small South American drug hotspot known as Bogatago. We're officially lost again."

[Batman]

"...I can think of a few choice words, but they aren't allowable on network television... Anyway, unless our "Mystery Woman" bailed Gotham, she ain't Jade. Jade just took over a small South American drug hotspot known as Bogatago. We're officially lost again."

Dick finally sat down in the chair infront of the Batcomputer, manually clicking off Jade's name from the list they had typed up.

"Well, let's see... Maybe... Clayface?"

The look Roy gave seemed to indicate that... no, that wasn't a good lead to take. Nightwing sighed.

"Okay, okay... How about..."

Nightwing paused.

"Oh who am I kidding? We've got no one. Except maybe Talia Al Ghul, but... She's sort of... you know... the co-leader of the League of Assassains, and all. And they just conducted an attack in Arabia."

He crossed his arms.

"We might aswell deface the Bat-signal and write a message on it, telling her to meet us for coffee."

[Spike_x1]

"Stay back, Rudy!" Emil Hamilton was holding the crying baby in his arms as he fled the Parasite. He turned a corner and found Rudy Jones standing in front of him. Shocked, Hamilton could only utter a loud gasp of surprise.

"Super-speed, ya dope." The Parasite reached for the child, but the professor turned to shield Jessica with his body. "Look, I'll kill ya if I have to, but I don't wanna risk hurtin' the kid. Now, you gonna make this easy on us both or what?"

Hamilton responded by running away. Again. "Oh. Yeah. 'Cause that solution worked real well the first dozen times you tried it, Hammy," said the Parasite sarcastically. "But I am getting pretty damn tired of your crap. How's about we end this riiiight... now!" With that, a small blast of heat vision erupted from Rudy's eye that wasn't swollen shut. The fiery shot struck Hamilton in the back of his shoulder and launched him forward, to the professor's great pain, as well as his horror, knowing that he couldn't stop himself in time from landing on top of the baby in his arms. But a large clawed hand caught the old man and the child just in time.

The Parasite grinned a broad, bloody smile as he looked down at Jessica. "Don't you worry, girl. I won't let nothin' happen... to... you...?" His grin faded from sight when he saw his infant daughter and the smoking, dark red patch on her face. His blast of heat vision must have partially cut through Hamilton's shoulder and hit the child that he was trying to shield.

He could feel the energy within Jessica. She was alive. Barely. "Superman was right. I can't do this. I should've killed you the moment I found out you existed, but... why didn't... why won't I do it?"

Professor Hamilton was slowly taking cautious steps away from the Parasite until he heard the whispers that the monster was uttering to himself. "Do... do you love her, Rudy?" he asked.

The Parasite looked up at Hamilton, suddenly reminded that the professor was still in the room. "I-I don't know. I've never given a crap about anyone before in my whole life, and now... now I..."

Emil bravely stepped forward. "And now you have someone to care about. It's not wrong to want to care for her and watch her grow up, but you have to realize that she will die sooner or later if you keep her involved in your life." He slowly reached for the baby. "You have to give her up, Rudy. I think you know that now."

The Parasite stood frozen, thinking. After what seemed like hours, he began to shrink and change color, becoming Rudy Jones. A Father. "Get her to a hospital, then give her to Doctor Kitty Faulkner," he said as he handed Jessica to Hamilton. "Kat's the only person I trust in this whole damn world, and I hope she'll like Jess as much as I do."

Rudy Jones stuffed his hands in his pockets right then and walked away from S.T.A.R. Labs and out of his daughter's life forever.

I won't get involved with you Jess. Ever. I don't want you to know what kind of monster you come from. The military will find Hamilton's records and discover that you're worthless to them as a weapon. Kitty will take good care of you, like I couldn't. Have a good life.

The Parasite stepped into the crowd of nameless nobodies flooding his streets, becoming just another face in the crowd.

[Green Lantern]

Dick finally sat down in the chair infront of the Batcomputer, manually clicking off Jade's name from the list they had typed up.

"Well, let's see... Maybe... Clayface?"

The look Roy gave seemed to indicate that... no, that wasn't a good lead to take. Nightwing sighed.

"Okay, okay... How about..."

Nightwing paused.

"Oh who am I kidding? We've got no one. Except maybe Talia Al Ghul, but... She's sort of... you know... the co-leader of the League of Assassains, and all. And they just conducted an attack in Arabia."

He crossed his arms.

"We might aswell deface the Bat-signal and write a message on it, telling her to meet us for coffee.""... I thought someone took out the signal... but it could be a start... my mind keeps going back to another suspect, but you keep tellin me that thats impossible... speaking of exes though, how's Kory doin?"

[Batman]

"... I thought someone took out the signal... but it could be a start... my mind keeps going back to another suspect, but you keep tellin me that thats impossible... speaking of exes though, how's Kory doin?"


Nightwing's pauses, before looking at the screen.

"So... Uh... How about them Gotham Knights?"

Silence fills the air for a few moments.

"... I... haven't exactly been keeping tabs with her lately.", Nightwing eventually admitted, with a frown.

He could see the grin on Roy's face.

"Oh come on! It's not like either of us has much to say...", Dick responds, turning his attention back to the screen.

"You know, we've just been following leads for the past two weeks. We could start patrolling the city for any signs of her, or something. If we took seperate routes with the cycles, we'd be able to cover the area in half a night, probably."

Nightwing turns to Roy.

"What do you think, Slicks? Up for a round of 'find the psycho lady'?"

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing's pauses, before looking at the screen.

"So... Uh... How about them Gotham Knights?"

Silence fills the air for a few moments.

"... I... haven't exactly been keeping tabs with her lately.", Nightwing eventually admitted, with a frown.

He could see the grin on Roy's face.

"Oh come on! It's not like either of us has much to say...", Dick responds, turning his attention back to the screen.

"You know, we've just been following leads for the past two weeks. We could start patrolling the city for any signs of her, or something. If we took seperate routes with the cycles, we'd be able to cover the area in half a night, probably."

Nightwing turns to Roy.

"What do you think, Slicks? Up for a round of 'find the psycho lady'?""Wee, I haven't played find the psycho lady, since I uh.... started the road to uh.... fatherhood... Maybe I shouldn't play this... Loser buys the beer!"

Roy hopped on one of the bikes and rocketed out of the cave, laying rubber on the empty pavement outside. Now hopefully the lady does something for one of us to get on her trail again tonight...

[Batman]

"Wee, I haven't played find the psycho lady, since I uh.... started the road to uh.... fatherhood... [SIZE=2]Maybe I shouldn't play this... Loser buys the beer!"


"You're on, Arrows.", Nightwing stated with another smirk, as the two headed to the Bikes. He was going to make sure to order to biggest, most expensive beer that they could find in the city, when all of this was over.

Putting his helmet on, Nightwing watched as Roy took off ahead of him.

...

Show off...

Revving up the engine, Nightwing did a wheelie as he headed out of the familiar Cave entrance, heading towards Gotham.

Now to look for any signs of drugged up Arkham inmates, beat up Clown chicks, and poisoned schtizo Ex-Attorney's. ...Yeah. This is gonna be a piece of cake...

[LibrarianThorne]

Every part of his body ached. He gasped with pain, and realized with sudden clarity that the only reason he was breathing was because the Parasite had let him live. Unable to speak, he made a silent vow to himself.

No matter what it takes, Parasite, I will see you imprisoned for this. No matter what I have to do, you will never harm another living thing.

"Jesus!" He heard the sound of metal boots land next to him. Turning his head, even a little bit, drained him. He felt a metal arm slip over his shoulders, and haul him up. He saw the sun reflect off of a steel S-shield, and looked up into the face of John Henry Irons. "Don't talk, Superman. Save your strength."


With the roar of rocket boosters, Steel and Superman took flight. The wind whipped through his hair, and as Superman felt the sunlight strike him, he became rejuvenated. He gained enough power to speak.

"Thank you, Steel," whispered Superman.
"Hey, I've already seen a world without a Superman, big guy. Not gonna let it happen again."
"Where are we going?"
"The Steelworks. I think I've got something that should get yu back into shape. The spread of the virus is slowing down, but Metropolis still needs her Superman."

A few moments later, Steel and Superman descended into the Steelworks, John Henry Irons' personal facility deep within Suicide Slum. Cables hung from the ceiling, occasionally sparking and sending glowing orange orbs tumbling to the concrete floor. They walked up three flights of stairs, and then Steel gently placed Superman onto a metal slab. Superman winced as Steel tore off his shirt. He then heard the noise of Steel running across the tile floor and grabbing something, then wheeling it over. Superman opened his eyes and saw a device that looked for all the world like a solar panel with a massive metal battery hooked to it.

Steel took off his helmet as he began working a nearby console. The hum of electricity filled the air. "As much as you fight the Parasite and lose your powers in other ways, Superman, I figured you could use a pick me up. So, with Nat's help, I designed this device. It directs concentrated amounts of yellow sun radiation to a given area, in a much higher amount than is naturally produced by the sun. Downside is, it can't stay active for much more than a second, maybe two."
"Fire it up, John."

John Henry flipped another switch on the console, and the room was filled with bright white light. Such was the brightness that, for a time, the entire room was nothing but a sheet of white light. Two and a half seconds after activation, there was a loud pop and the light faded suddenly.
"Dammit!" yelled John Henry Irons as acrid smoke poured from the device.

Superman sat up. The charge hadn't brought him to full strength, but he could move again. "Don't worry about it, Steel. It did more than enough."

Steel had already popped open the console and was prodding inside with a soddering iron. "I've got a spare costume for you in the closet, Superman," said Steel as sparks flew from inside the console.
"Thanks, John. You've been of tremendous help," siad Superman as he walked over to the closet. Opening it, he found a costume, just as Steel had said. He took a moment and threw on the shirt and the spare cape. Feels good, he thought to himself.

[Red]

"Stay back, Rudy!" Emil Hamilton was holding the crying baby in his arms as he fled the Parasite. He turned a corner and found Rudy Jones standing in front of him. Shocked, Hamilton could only utter a loud gasp of surprise.

"Super-speed, ya dope." The Parasite reached for the child, but the professor turned to shield Jessica with his body. "Look, I'll kill ya if I have to, but I don't wanna risk hurtin' the kid. Now, you gonna make this easy on us both or what?"

Hamilton responded by running away. Again. "Oh. Yeah. 'Cause that solution worked real well the first dozen times you tried it, Hammy," said the Parasite sarcastically. "But I am getting pretty damn tired of your crap. How's about we end this riiiight... now!" With that, a small blast of heat vision erupted from Rudy's eye that wasn't swollen shut. The fiery shot struck Hamilton in the back of his shoulder and launched him forward, to the professor's great pain, as well as his horror, knowing that he couldn't stop himself in time from landing on top of the baby in his arms. But a large clawed hand caught the old man and the child just in time.

The Parasite grinned a broad, bloody smile as he looked down at Jessica. "Don't you worry, girl. I won't let nothin' happen... to... you...?" His grin faded from sight when he saw his infant daughter and the smoking, dark red patch on her face. His blast of heat vision must have partially cut through Hamilton's shoulder and hit the child that he was trying to shield.

He could feel the energy within Jessica. She was alive. Barely. "Superman was right. I can't do this. I should've killed you the moment I found out you existed, but... why didn't... why won't I do it?"

Professor Hamilton was slowly taking cautious steps away from the Parasite until he heard the whispers that the monster was uttering to himself. "Do... do you love her, Rudy?" he asked.

The Parasite looked up at Hamilton, suddenly reminded that the professor was still in the room. "I-I don't know. I've never given a crap about anyone before in my whole life, and now... now I..."

Emil bravely stepped forward. "And now you have someone to care about. It's not wrong to want to care for her and watch her grow up, but you have to realize that she will die sooner or later if you keep her involved in your life." He slowly reached for the baby. "You have to give her up, Rudy. I think you know that now."

The Parasite stood frozen, thinking. After what seemed like hours, he began to shrink and change color, becoming Rudy Jones. A Father. "Get her to a hospital, then give her to Doctor Kitty Faulkner," he said as he handed Jessica to Hamilton. "Kat's the only person I trust in this whole damn world, and I hope she'll like Jess as much as I do."

Rudy Jones stuffed his hands in his pockets right then and walked away from S.T.A.R. Labs and out of his daughter's life forever.

I won't get involved with you Jess. Ever. I don't want you to know what kind of monster you come from. The military will find Hamilton's records and discover that you're worthless to them as a weapon. Kitty will take good care of you, like I couldn't. Have a good life.

The Parasite stepped into the crowd of nameless nobodies flooding his streets, becoming just another face in the crowd.

Lex Luthor survives assignation attempt. That was the headline that graced the pages of the Daily Planet. In frustration Ra’s’ tossed the newspaper to the floor and looked around at the derelict warehouse that had become his new abode.

How recent events had shaped his empire; His defeat at the hands of Batman, the kidnapping of his heir Ibn and his alliance with Luthor. All of these were minor setbacks in his grand quest, leaving only traces of annoyance in Ra’s mind…except one, Luthor.

Their alliance left the only bitter taste in Ra’s’ composed mind. It disgusted him how he had degraded himself for the needs of Luthor. Allowing himself to be paraded around as Luthor’s puppet. Playing a pawn in his game of chess; killing and framing his competition in the Presidential race.

He should have paid for his insolence; his corpse should be in a morgue. Yet the Genesis strain failed to kill him. To deduce how he survived was a simple task for a man of Ra’s’ intellect, an antidote. Luthor had created an antidote to the virus and if he could he find away to disburse it on a large scale, his plan’s for a better world would be ruined once more. Retrieving the antidote however would prove difficult. No doubt Luthor had tripled security at his labs; a single man assault would be unwise. But Ra’s’ still had a card to play however; The Rogues of Keystone. While not in the league of the warriors Luthor would surely recruit, they would be worthy additions to his arsenal and If nothing else formidable distractions.

Without warning a ninja darted through the iron doors of the warehouse and halted at Ra’s’ presence.

“Master, please forgive my intrusion but; it’s the Parasite he has returned to Metropolises.”

A smile found its way to Ra’s face. He had ordered his men to alert him of any meta-human activity hoping he could recruit soldiers to his cause who either carried a grudge against the new President or would be persuaded to.

“Bring the Limousine round front” replied Ra’s.


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

The Demons head glanced down upon the Parasite from the building above. What powerful creature he was; capable of trading blows with the world’s mightiest heroes. What interested Ra’s however; how useful an asset he could be.

Ra’s nodded to his men who lurked in the shadows; He was not a fool, if the Parasite did not take to his offer they would be needed. He dived off the roof, deflecting off the walls to slow his descent before finally landed beside the creature.

“Rudy Jones I presume? Or should I address you The Parasite?”

[Spike_x1]

He was slumped against a dumpster, growling at himself and his misfortune when the man jumped down from the rooftops and landed beside him. Ra's Al Ghul. The Parasite recognized him from many of the memories he had plucked from the minds of Batman, Superman, and the rest of the Justice Leakers.

"Whaddaya want, Ghul? I've been puttin' up with a lotta s**t recently and if you're here to add to my troubles…"

[Red]

He was slumped against a dumpster, growling at himself and his misfortune when the man jumped down from the rooftops and landed beside him. Ra's Al Ghul. The Parasite recognized him from many of the memories he had plucked from the minds of Batman, Superman, and the rest of the Justice Leakers.

"Whaddaya want, Ghul? I've been puttin' up with a lotta s**t recently and if you're here to add to my troubles…"

The sounds of cars and sirens blanketed Rudy’s words to those of mere grunts. Ra’s didn’t have time to entertain the beast’s self-respect. He needed someone of his talents if he was to take down Luthor’s empire and Parasite fit the bill perfectly. A man of Ra’s resources had heard the many stories of The Parasite; general to the Unity, savour of earth and of course Lexcorp’s own personal power supply, the last title being the most useful for him to manipulate.

Ra’s glared down at the discarded bottle of beer that rolled down the alley. “I had expected more from your reputation Mr. Jones than to find you numbing your pain with the aid of such toxins. A mighty creature such as yourself; cowering within the cracks.” Responded Ra’s’ in an almost mocking tone.

“It seems my information was incorrect. I came to speak with the creature that defeated Superman.” continued Ra’s’ hoping to goad Rudy out of his depression.

[MST3K 4ever]

As Lex sits in the darkened office he remembers his readings of "The Art of War." Knowing that being prepared and knowing his enemy was key to victory he knew what he had to do.

He quickly began calling other world leaders and informing them of the building situation in Metropolis. He then discussed strategic options with each of them.

They all agreed to send any support they could to Metropolis when the time was called for, and agreed with Lex on everything.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason's dialouge
Jason's thoughts
Booster's dialogue
Booster's thoughts
Skeets dialogue

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------
Continued--

The Metropolis Meteors...couldn't they think of a better name than that? Playing the Gotham Knights today huh; damn. Was hoping they were playing the St. Louis Cardinals, oh well. I'm sure Booster's old betting habits haven't changed.

"Shouldn't be too hard to spot him here."

Not exactly hard to spot a guy wearing a blue and gold suit...course if anything the floating tin can gives it away.

"Huh, figures."

Didn't even have to bother looking around for the guy; as usual signing autographs.

"Some hero...he doesn't even save the day for the right reasons."

Wait, what am I saying? I cannot believe I just called him a hero...he isn't one; just a pretender.

Scattered throughout different areas of the city I see men in green helmets with guns and tanks. Hmm, perhaps I should wait til the end of the game. Don't want to draw too much attention out in the open. All of these military personel seem to be stationed throughout certain parameters of the city. If I were to strike now I would have to deal with twice the trouble or more.

"Oh well, not going to waste tickets."

All I gotta do is make sure I have survailance of Booster at all times; although like I said not hard to spot him. Lucky me, empty seat only a few rows above his.
------------------------------------
"Man Skeets, these are some great seats! This way I can watch the game and still be adored by all my beloved fans. So you are sure that the Meteors will win right?"

"Affirmative, sir. I looked through the records and it says that on this day the Metropolis Meteors would beat the Gotham Knights at the score of 3-1."

"Great! Time to sit back and relax. Man do I need some time to relax."

Being a hero is not all it is worked up to be! It seems like no matter what you try to do some town or city somewhere always manages to fall in jeporady. Course it is worth it at the end of the day when facing the adoring fans. O crap...I cannot believe I forgot!

"Skeets! What time was that appointment for that commercial ad in Star City?!"

"At about 4 o' clock, sir."

"WHAT?! Skeets! That means I cannot stay for the end of the game! How am I supposed to win this bet on the Meteors if I cannot even stay?"

Sigh...mister wonderful here is complaining about some commercial ad. Not like he needs anymore damn 'bumper stickers' to place onto his suit after all the ads he has done. I cannot believe they let him join the Justice League!

"I'm sorry, sir. But you asked me when the last play-off game was before the World Series and I obeyed. I never said that it did not conflict with you're already busy schedule."

"Yea, we gotta work on that Skeets. Reprogram you or something."

Can this guy not survive one minute without that stupid robot telling him everything? You want him reprogrammed Booster? I can arrange that! I'll have fun 'reprogramming him'. I smirk again, man this really IS a good day.

"Aw damnit, look at the time...Well, guess we gotta start heading out then Skeets."

"Affirmative, sir."

"Heh, too easy."

Now I won't have to even worry about the military personel or the quarantine going on in Metropolis. Just gotta find a ride and I'll be on my way. And then...play time. Funny, Bruce would always tell me life wasn't a game too...
Jason's dialouge
Jason's thoughts
Booster's dialogue
Booster's thoughts
Skeets dialogue
Narration
Citizens of Star City dialouge

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------
Continued--

"Ah, Star City. It's about time we got here Skeets. We bearly just made it! Now where is the spot that I am shooting the ad at?"

"The location, sir, is in Orchid Bay."

"Great! Um...where are we now then?"

"We are currently in The Glades. Adjacent from us is The Sound End, sir."

"Okay? Well how do we get to Orchid Bay? I was really excited about this toothpaste ad and don't want to miss it."

"Orchid Bay is just over the Star Bridge, sir. You will see it when we see the City Hall."
-----------------
25 Minutes later
-----------------

Star City; about damn time. Now I just gotta find where Booster headed off to. They most likely already finished shooting that ad of his, but I doubt they would leave so soon.

"He'd want to show off for his 'glorious' fans."

I pull my bike over at the information building right before I hit the Star Bridge. Common sense should help figure out where this excuse of a hero would be.

"All right then, let's see where the most populated areas are. May I have a brochure, sir?"

"New to this area huh? Here ya go, that will be $7.50"

Hmm, Papp Stadium or Orchid Bay...would Booster actually start betting on some other sport game already? Hmm..well, Orchid Bay is where the City Hall is and is basically the heart of the city. Okay, time to go.

"How far is Orchid Bay from here and how can I get there?"

"You see that bridge there? Just take that bridge and follow the gold stars. Once you see City Hall you will know you are in Orchid Bay."

"Thanks."

Alright Booster, time to play.
----------------
5 minutes later - Orchid Bay
----------------

Ah, found him.

"Skeets! I don't get it? It is like people have never heard of me or something! I'm Booster Gold!"

"Booster what?"

Jeez! You'd think after all the good I've done back at Metropolis that the word would spread.

"Who cares?! Where's Green Arrow?"

"What do you mean 'who cares'?!?! I'm--"

"--Booster Gold!"

"What? what do you want?" An autograph? About time I say!"

The unknown man to Booster several feet infront of him doesn't say a word; just smirks.

"Um sir, I highly doubt that an autograph is what the man had in mind."

"Why do you say that Skee--"

Jason slips on his Red Helmet and begins sprinting towards Booster like a lioness attacking a wildebeest; the hunter has finally found his prey.

"Oh no...course I do! I'm your biggest fan!"

Bruce would always relate the game Chess to battle. He would always mention how working on problems and studies of Chess can be an enjoyable and effective way to sharpen one's tactical eye.

Jason lays a jab to the face at Booster.

"CHECK!"

[Spike_x1]

The sounds of cars and sirens blanketed Rudy’s words to those of mere grunts. Ra’s didn’t have time to entertain the beast’s self-respect. He needed someone of his talents if he was to take down Luthor’s empire and Parasite fit the bill perfectly. A man of Ra’s resources had heard the many stories of The Parasite; general to the Unity, savour of earth and of course Lexcorp’s own personal power supply, the last title being the most useful for him to manipulate.

Ra’s glared down at the discarded bottle of beer that rolled down the alley. “I had expected more from your reputation Mr. Jones than to find you numbing your pain with the aid of such toxins. A mighty creature such as yourself; cowering within the cracks.” Responded Ra’s’ in an almost mocking tone.

“It seems my information was incorrect. I came to speak with the creature that defeated Superman.” continued Ra’s’ hoping to goad Rudy out of his depression.The glass bottle at Ra's feet suddenly melted into a pool of hot liquid. "You're wading knee-deep in the bad stuff right now, pal." Suddenly, the man grew to become a house of a monster, towering over the stranger. "Is there somethin' you wanna tell me right now before I have to tear the thoughts straight from your skull and find out for myself?"

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman walked out of the Steelworks, and though his appearance was positive he was concealing great fear. The Parasite was still out there, with his powers and memories and a Justice League communicator.

Stupid, Clark. I've dealt with the Parasite so many times before, why in the name of God did I think he could be trusted?

When he finally walked outside, he felt the sunlight on his skin and smiled. It would take him time to recover from the Parasite, but when he was back at full strength he would find the Parasite and take him down.

He leapt into the sky, hands stretched out before him. His cape was pulled taut behind him as he shot up through the cluster of buildings around him. He cleared the top of a nearby skyscraper, and then felt something go wrong. With a sudden clarity, Superman realized that he hadn't been flying. He had leapt into the sky like he usually did, but he was still too weak. He plummeted earthward, and was momentarily thankful that the streets had been cleared thanks to the virus. He fell uncontrollably for six hundred feet before landing face down in the middle of the street with a loud thud. The asphalt cracked and heaved at his impact.

His cape was laying over his head, and he sighed to himself as he slowly opened his eyes. Very not good. I can't fly, which means I'm weaker than I thought. I've got maybe ten percent of my normal strength, he thought as he stood and brushed bits of the street off of his costume.

He looked around at the various skyscrapers that surrounded him. He was in Miracle Ave., about a mile away from the Suicide Slums where the Steelworks was located. That meant he could leap a mile, which was comforting. He looked around with his X-Ray vision, but was again diappointed. He could see through five feet of the buildings, and his microscopic vision was virtually nonexistant. He stared had at the ground, attempting to burn a small hole with his heat vision, but his attempts were futile. Nothing happened, and Superman frowned.

I haven't been this weak since I was sixteen. I just have to hope I'm still bulletproof.

The sound of distant sirens reached his ears. He knew, regardless of his power level, that he still had abilities no one else did. He still had responsibilities few people could understand.

He leapt into the sky, and bounded towards the sirens.

[twylight]

The footsteps fell long and lingering in the hallway.
Ricky looked up from the glowing screen of his computer as the Doctor entered the small makeshift hospital room.

“How is it going?” He asks closing the laptop.

The Doctor smiles and puts down his bag before checking Ricky’s chart.

“If you’re talking about our mutual friend, she’s doing fine. Her wounds are healing better than I thought. I just wish she’d rest for a few days.” He said absently.

Ricky leaned back on the bed and looked out the window at Gotham City below.
“She’s not one to give up easily.”

The Doctor looked up and studied Ricky for a moment.
“You know who she is.”

Ricky turned and smiled.
“Don’t be insulted. It wasn’t easy finding out.”

- - -

“OFH”

The man reeled back at the kick in the stomach, catching himself he found his chin met with another well rounded kick. This time it stuck and he collapsed to the ground.

The woman leaned over and checked his pulse making sure he was still alive, her all white outfit standing in stark contrast to the dark alleyway around her. She straightened up and cracked her neck before slowly rotating her shoulder. She touched it gently feeling the extra padding she’d inserted into the suit at that point to protect her still healing wound.

She scooped up the purse on the ground and walked out of the alley and into the dim illumination of the streetlight before handing it to a young woman who stood there.
The young woman’s eyes were large as she took it, the woman’s smile towards her had no effect as it was covered by her mask.

“Th…thankyou.” And she ran off. The woman looked down for a moment before looking up at the red clouded sky of Gotham. Two weeks had passed since the Joker had been taken down. And with Catwoman covering the East End and her work on the other sides of town the gangs and stray mobs had for the most part been taken care of. A few police officers had filtered back in through the still enforced military parameter around Gotham. Her chest rose and fell the only indication of the sigh that escaped her lips behind her white mask. Time flew within the city and being cut off from the rest of humanity was taking it’s toll on the few citizens that had remained. The only slight hope came when the airplanes flew over head, dropping in fresh food. Still, as time progressed those drops had become useful ambushes for the mobs and gangs who required food at any cost.

She turned and walked back down the alley before stopping in front of a large black motorcycle. She turned slightly as her cell phone went off. Opening it she listened for s second.

“Are you sure?”

The voice on the other end affirmed their statement and she nodded before shutting it closed. She slipped onto the bike, the noise from the engine flooding the small alley as she rode down it and turned onto the street, making her way towards Gotham’s Central Park.

[Green Lantern]

The footsteps fell long and lingering in the hallway.
Ricky looked up from the glowing screen of his computer as the Doctor entered the small makeshift hospital room.

“How is it going?” He asks closing the laptop.

The Doctor smiles and puts down his bag before checking Ricky’s chart.

“If you’re talking about our mutual friend, she’s doing fine. Her wounds are healing better than I thought. I just wish she’d rest for a few days.” He said absently.

Ricky leaned back on the bed and looked out the window at Gotham City below.
“She’s not one to give up easily.”

The Doctor looked up and studied Ricky for a moment.
“You know who she is.”

Ricky turned and smiled.
“Don’t be insulted. It wasn’t easy finding out.”

- - -

“OFH”

The man reeled back at the kick in the stomach, catching himself he found his chin met with another well rounded kick. This time it stuck and he collapsed to the ground.

The woman leaned over and checked his pulse making sure he was still alive, her all white outfit standing in stark contrast to the dark alleyway around her. She straightened up and cracked her neck before slowly rotating her shoulder. She touched it gently feeling the extra padding she’d inserted into the suit at that point to protect her still healing wound.

She scooped up the purse on the ground and walked out of the alley and into the dim illumination of the streetlight before handing it to a young woman who stood there.
The young woman’s eyes were large as she took it, the woman’s smile towards her had no effect as it was covered by her mask.

“Th…thankyou.” And she ran off. The woman looked down for a moment before looking up at the red clouded sky of Gotham. Two weeks had passed since the Joker had been taken down. And with Catwoman covering the East End and her work on the other sides of town the gangs and stray mobs had for the most part been taken care of. A few police officers had filtered back in through the still enforced military parameter around Gotham. Her chest rose and fell the only indication of the sigh that escaped her lips behind her white mask. Time flew within the city and being cut off from the rest of humanity was taking it’s toll on the few citizens that had remained. The only slight hope came when the airplanes flew over head, dropping in fresh food. Still, as time progressed those drops had become useful ambushes for the mobs and gangs who required food at any cost.

She turned and walked back down the alley before stopping in front of a large black motorcycle. She turned slightly as her cell phone went off. Opening it she listened for s second.

“Are you sure?”

The voice on the other end affirmed their statement and she nodded before shutting it closed. She slipped onto the bike, the noise from the engine flooding the small alley as she rode down it and turned onto the street, making her way towards Gotham’s Central Park.Roy cruised the streets of Gotham, looking for any sign of the 'mystery lady' but his efforts were fruitless, when his prayers were answered. The dispatcher came over the police scanner built into the bike. "Dispatching all availible units to Crime Alley. Mugging with potential vigilante involvement. Our 'Woman in White'"

S**t. I can get to Crime Alley, thats not all that far.... "HEY, Chicken Legs, you hear that? Last one there's a rotten egg, b**ch"

Roy grinned and gunned the bike in the direction of the former Park Row.

[Batman]

Roy cruised the streets of Gotham, looking for any sign of the 'mystery lady' but his efforts were fruitless, when his prayers were answered. The dispatcher came over the police scanner built into the bike. "Dispatching all availible units to Crime Alley. Mugging with potential vigilante involvement. Our 'Woman in White'"

S**t. I can get to Crime Alley, thats not all that far.... "HEY, Chicken Legs, you hear that? Last one there's a rotten egg, b**ch"

Roy grinned and gunned the bike in the direction of the former Park Row.


Nightwing looked down at the communicator as it went off, seconds after the dispatch.

Beat him to Crime Alley? I'm on the other side of the city! Who does he think I am... Wally?

But in any case, Nightwing skid to a halt, before revving up his cycle and cutting through one of the alleyways. If anything, he'd get there faster, but still wouldn't beat Roy there.

"Gonna have to start without me, Quivers. Just save some dessert when I get there!", Nightwing laughed, as the wind hit him.

If this was their 'Woman in white', Dick would be pleased. Spending two weeks looking for the same woman tended to get on his nerves, especially considering he still wanted to help out in Bludhaven.

But hey, at least Roy would take a pounding before he did...

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing looked down at the communicator as it went off, seconds after the dispatch.

Beat him to Crime Alley? I'm on the other side of the city! Who does he think I am... Wally?

But in any case, Nightwing skid to a halt, before revving up his cycle and cutting through one of the alleyways. If anything, he'd get there faster, but still wouldn't beat Roy there.

"Gonna have to start without me, Quivers. Just save some dessert when I get there!", Nightwing laughed, as the wind hit him.

If this was their 'Woman in white', Dick would be pleased. Spending two weeks looking for the same woman tended to get on his nerves, especially considering he still wanted to help out in Bludhaven.

But hey, at least Roy would take a pounding before he did...Roy laughed as Dick admitted defeat, and completely missed the spike in the middle of the road. As the front tire of the bike exploded and bucked Roy to the street he braced himself for the impact and took minimal damage to his suit. "SON OF A!"

As Roy continued running towards Crime Alley, he got back on the communicator.

"You may still beat me there Pan-Shoes. I kinda owe your dad a new bike now, so hurry your ass to the damned scene."

[Batman]

Roy laughed as Dick admitted defeat, and completely missed the spike in the middle of the road. As the front tire of the bike exploded and bucked Roy to the street he braced himself for the impact and took minimal damage to his suit. "SON OF A!"

As Roy continued running towards Crime Alley, he got back on the communicator.

"You may still beat me there Pan-Shoes. I kinda owe your dad a new bike now, so hurry your ass to the damned scene."


Nightwing grimaced, hearing that.

"Oooh... That had to hurt. Sit tight, Quivers. The calvary is coming.", Dick responded, as he flew through another alley, and onto the streets.

There was one part about what Roy said that sort of caught his attention, though. His 'dad'. Obviously meaning Bruce... But Dick didn't nessacarily view it that way. Especially now... in recent times. Batman hadn't done anything to help Bludhaven, and while Dick understood he had his own priorities... He still was left a little bitter.

He's not my 'dad'. No matter what anyone believes... He's...

Dick didn't know, honestly. But a father, Batman wasn't. Even when he heard about Ibn ...whatever his last name was, Nightwing still had trouble picturing Bruce as a true parent. He kinda felt sorry for the kid, in that way...

It was minutes later that Nightwing slowed down, next to Arsenal, who stood on the street, waiting for him.

"Bike trouble, stranger?", He asked, with a grin under his motorcycle helmet.

[Green Lantern]

Quivers... what kiind of weak nickname is that? I think all the Joker gas finally got to this guy...
Roy continued running down the street towards Crime Alley.

"Hey baby, looks like you like it kinky. Hows about taking me home for a ride on that steel shaft of yours?"

Roy turned and saw a hooker on the side of the street, and impure thoughts ran through his mind... Goddamnit... if only I had a good half an hour to spare... And I KNOW Ollie'd already be screwing her in the alley... She IS wearing fishnets and a blonde wig after all... "Sorry, babe, I'm in a bit of a time crunch, and I don't think you can handle me anyway."

*SMACK*

Heh. I haven't been slapped that hard since I dated Donna... Ah good times.

Just then Dick pulled up on the bike.

"Bike trouble, stranger?", He asked, with a grin under his motorcycle helmet.

"Yeah, some jackass city worker left a piece of rebar in the middle of the damned road, Whitey. Now lets get our asses to the alley, hopefully she's still there."

[Batman]

Quivers... what kiind of weak nickname is that? I think all the Joker gas finally got to this guy...
Roy continued running down the street towards Crime Alley.

"Hey baby, looks like you like it kinky. Hows about taking me home for a ride on that steel shaft of yours?"

Roy turned and saw a hooker on the side of the street, and impure thoughts ran through his mind... Goddamnit... if only I had a good half an hour to spare... And I KNOW Ollie'd already be screwing her in the alley... She IS wearing fishnets and a blonde wig after all... "Sorry, babe, I'm in a bit of a time crunch, and I don't think you can handle me anyway."

*SMACK*

Heh. I haven't been slapped that hard since I dated Donna... Ah good times.

Just then Dick pulled up on the bike.

"Bike trouble, stranger?", He asked, with a grin under his motorcycle helmet.

"Yeah, some jackass city worker left a piece of rebar in the middle of the damned road, Whitey. Now lets get our asses to the alley, hopefully she's still there."

Nightwing raised an eyebrow.

"Why's the side of your face ... um... red? Donna pay a quick visit or something?"

Roy gave him an annoyed look.

"-Alleyway. Right. Let's get a move on...", Nightwing said, as Arsenal sat behind him.

With another rev, The two were off towards Crime Alley. Nightwing couldn't help but feel he was missing something... Why Crime Alley? Of all places... Why would the woman in white appear there, after two weeks? There had to be some explanation... and better they get it from her, than try to figure it out themselves...

Hell, that hadn't done them much good in the first place.

[Charlie No-One]

Catwoman stood on top of Jon’s Grocery Outlet. From the roof, you could see the second floor of Marcy’s Jewelers. It was one of the only fine jewelry stores that still had some valuables left in it. Selina pulled her binoculars closer to her face. If she wanted to get a new lease on life she was going to need some cash. She pulled out her whip, touching its tip with her fingernail. Snap! It latched onto the adjacent telephone pole. With a running jump, she pushed herself forward, tucked in her feet, and then with claws extended, flung herself against the brick wall of the store. Catwoman carefully leaned towards the left-hand side window. Digging her right hand out of the red brick wall, she smashed in the window. Supported only by her right hand, she sung the rest of her body in through the opening.

“Meow.” Selina landed in front of a gold-plated display case. She stood up and glanced at the little silver plague beneath the stand.

The Gemini Diamond
Donated by Richard Pensmith


The leather-clad vixen placed her hand on top of the glass. It was remarkable. Its white sparkling edges gave off a spectrum of magnificent colors. The Gemini was breathtaking. Just then, something smashed behind her. Like an animal instinct, she jetted around. The sound was produced by a priceless emerald imbedded ring falling to the floor. Behind it was a man, in his mid forties, armed with a gun and hatchel sack, staring blankly at Catwoman. With almost no thought behind her action, she threw her whip at his neck. He fell to the floor instantly. Tightening her grip, she walked forward.

“What are you doing here?”

“Holy ****! Its Batgirl?”

Selina chuckled.

“Batgirl? Please. You must be the hundredth person who called me that. Can’t people tell the difference between cat ears and bat ears?”

“Whoah….Catwoman. You don’t look anything like you did in the movie,”

“Movie? What movie?”

“You haven’t seen it? You know, the one with Halle Berry?”

“WHAT? HALLE BERRY? Please tell me she played my sidekick or something,”

“No…she played you,”

“DO I LOOK LIKE HALLE BERRY? What is with movies these days? Next they will make Superman Justin Timberlake or something,”

“Please don’t hurt me! I didn’t even pay for the ticket! Please…I have a family! I…we…just needed the money. We couldn’t afford to leave Gotham,”

“Don’t worry. You aren’t the one going to be getting hurt. Go on…get out of here. Halle Berry?”

Catwoman loosened the whip from his neck. Tucking it back in place, she wondered back to the Gemini. She could hear the man’s boots clicking against the marble flooring. Fleeing like a baby. Has this city been through so much that people can’t even support themselves anymore? And here she was stealing from someone who most likely couldn’t regain what she was taking.

Not one of your most intelligent ideas, Selina.

Selina walked back to the window. This city needed help. She couldn’t leave it; abandoning the people she cared about. Gotham needs her, but where was she when the Joker almost killed everyone? She was too busy fighting the man protecting the city. Gotham needs Batman. It needs its protectors, and Selina wasn’t going to ignore that fact. Jumping back out of the window, she headed to the East End.

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing raised an eyebrow.

"Why's the side of your face ... um... red? Donna pay a quick visit or something?"

Roy gave him an annoyed look.

"-Alleyway. Right. Let's get a move on...", Nightwing said, as Arsenal sat behind him.

With another rev, The two were off towards Crime Alley. Nightwing couldn't help but feel he was missing something... Why Crime Alley? Of all places... Why would the woman in white appear there, after two weeks? There had to be some explanation... and better they get it from her, than try to figure it out themselves...

Hell, that hadn't done them much good in the first place."I think I annoyed one of your regulars, thats why." Roy grinned and hope Dick got the hint. "She seemed to like that I was a man in uniform if you know what I mean"

They finally reached the alley, and saw a terrified woman on the pavement, pointing at a cycle speeding off. Roy looked but only caught the back of the woman in white's head.

Still, the way she's riding that bike. Like it's second nature. I've seen someone ride like that before... hell, someone TAUGHT me how to ride like that...

Sirens started filling the air and Roy looked at his friend. "I think that's our cue, White-Meat"

[Batman]

"I think I annoyed one of your regulars, thats why." Roy grinned and hope Dick got the hint. "She seemed to like that I was a man in uniform if you know what I mean"

They finally reached the alley, and saw a terrified woman on the pavement, pointing at a cycle speeding off. Roy looked but only caught the back of the woman in white's head.

Still, the way she's riding that bike. Like it's second nature. I've seen someone ride like that before... hell, someone TAUGHT me how to ride like that...

Sirens started filling the air and Roy looked at his friend. "I think that's our cue, White-Meat"


Before Roy had finished his sentance, Nightwing had already sped the bike around, roaring out of the alleyway as they headed back onto the road.

Nightwing didn't have anything to say. Partly because... He had gotten a look at her. While she wore a mask... What he had seen of her face left him speechless. It was... impossible, for her to be who he thought it was. Perhaps it was. Perhaps he had just seen what he had meant to see... There had to be some excuse.

"DAMN IT! We almost had her!", Nightwing finally yelled, in anger, as they sped towards the trail leading back out of the City.

Two weeks. All for nothing, so far. This was beginning to get on his nerves more and more...

[Green Lantern]

Before Roy had finished his sentance, Nightwing had already sped the bike around, roaring out of the alleyway as they headed back onto the road.

Nightwing didn't have anything to say. Partly because... He had gotten a look at her. While she wore a mask... What he had seen of her face left him speechless. It was... impossible, for her to be who he thought it was. Perhaps it was. Perhaps he had just seen what he had meant to see... There had to be some excuse.

"DAMN IT! We almost had her!", Nightwing finally yelled, in anger, as they sped towards the trail leading back out of the City.

Two weeks. All for nothing, so far. This was beginning to get on his nerves more and more..."You sound a little unnerved green jeans. Did you see something?" Did he see what I did last time? No, don't get your hopes up Roy... he's probably just pissed that we missed her again. What's it gonna be, another two freaking weeks before she makes another move? "Shall we mosey back onto the cave and search for leads again, Boy Blunder?"

[Batman]

"You sound a little unnerved green jeans. Did you see something?" Did he see what I did last time? No, don't get your hopes up Roy... he's probably just pissed that we missed her again. What's it gonna be, another two freaking weeks before she makes another move? "Shall we mosey back onto the cave and search for leads again, Boy Blunder?"

Nightwing thought, for a moment.

"Our only real 'lead', thus far, is probably being swarmed with cops by now. Nah, I say we call it a night. It's almost dawn... We need to get some shuteye. Then wake up, grab some coffee, and start all over again.", Nightwing said, with a frown.

Maybe... Should I tell him? No... No, What I saw couldn't have been real. I should just forget it, and chalk it up to the lack of sleep...

Nightwing smirked.

"Besides, we're going to need the rest if Batman comes back, looking for his missing cycle.", Dick added, as they headed back to the Cave.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason's dialouge
Jason's thoughts
Booster's dialogue
Booster's thoughts
Skeets dialogue
Narration
Citizens of Star City dialouge

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------
Continued--

"Ah, Star City. It's about time we got here Skeets. We bearly just made it! Now where is the spot that I am shooting the ad at?"

"The location, sir, is in Orchid Bay."

"Great! Um...where are we now then?"

"We are currently in The Glades. Adjacent from us is The Sound End, sir."

"Okay? Well how do we get to Orchid Bay? I was really excited about this toothpaste ad and don't want to miss it."

"Orchid Bay is just over the Star Bridge, sir. You will see it when we see the City Hall."
-----------------
25 Minutes later
-----------------

Star City; about damn time. Now I just gotta find where Booster headed off to. They most likely already finished shooting that ad of his, but I doubt they would leave so soon.

"He'd want to show off for his 'glorious' fans."

I pull my bike over at the information building right before I hit the Star Bridge. Common sense should help figure out where this excuse of a hero would be.

"All right then, let's see where the most populated areas are. May I have a brochure, sir?"

"New to this area huh? Here ya go, that will be $7.50"

Hmm, Papp Stadium or Orchid Bay...would Booster actually start betting on some other sport game already? Hmm..well, Orchid Bay is where the City Hall is and is basically the heart of the city. Okay, time to go.

"How far is Orchid Bay from here and how can I get there?"

"You see that bridge there? Just take that bridge and follow the gold stars. Once you see City Hall you will know you are in Orchid Bay."

"Thanks."

Alright Booster, time to play.
----------------
5 minutes later - Orchid Bay
----------------

Ah, found him.

"Skeets! I don't get it? It is like people have never heard of me or something! I'm Booster Gold!"

"Booster what?"

Jeez! You'd think after all the good I've done back at Metropolis that the word would spread.

"Who cares?! Where's Green Arrow?"

"What do you mean 'who cares'?!?! I'm--"

"--Booster Gold!"

"What? what do you want?" An autograph? About time I say!"

The unknown man to Booster several feet infront of him doesn't say a word; just smirks.

"Um sir, I highly doubt that an autograph is what the man had in mind."

"Why do you say that Skee--"

Jason slips on his Red Helmet and begins sprinting towards Booster like a lioness attacking a wildebeest; the hunter has finally found his prey.

"Oh no...course I do! I'm your biggest fan!"

Bruce would always relate the game Chess to battle. He would always mention how working on problems and studies of Chess can be an enjoyable and effective way to sharpen one's tactical eye.

Jason lays a jab to the face at Booster.

"CHECK!"
Jason's dialouge
Jason's thoughts
Booster's dialogue
Booster's thoughts
Skeets dialogue
Narration

Jason Todd- 'The Way Things Should Be'
--------------------------------------------
Continued--

Booster Gold gets knocked back into a brick wall. Infuriated, he lets out a series of power blasts attempting to hit his foe. He fails, still trying to regain his clear vision from the jab to the face.

"Sk-Skeets! What's going on?! You never said anything about this happening!"

"I don't know, sir. This was not in the records."

Man that guy can hit, I'll give him that. But there is no way I am going to let bucket head over there beat me! I'm Booster Gold!

"What's wrong Booster? Don't know what to do? Not even your little robot friend there can save you. Not this time!"

Again Jason heads at Booster for a second attack. Booster activates his force field and knocks him back. Jason continues to attack relentlessly attempting to weaken the field but fails.

"You going to hide in that little bubble?!"

All right, all right. An obvious move but still smarter than I thought.

"Skeets, who the heck is this guy?"

"I do not know, sir. This man does not show in the records just like this event does not."

"Well time to play hardball!"

Booster turns off his force field and quickly bursts into air. Trying to use the speed of his boosters he swan dives for an ariel attack at Jason. Jason jumps up from the ground with his smirk hidden under his mask.

"I'M GAME!"

Huh? The guy is jumping at me? He is dumber than he looks! Looks like this won't be so hard after all!

Jason whips out his dagger right before the two make contact. He bearly dodges Booster's aerial attack stabbing Booster in his left hand.

"AAHHHHHHHHHH!"

Booster, taking his mind off of his flight and worrying about the dagger, plummets into the concrete.

Heh, who woulda thought? Two for the price of one. Let's see him fight without his force field and his flight!

Jason takes advantage of the time he has before Booster regains full consciousness and goes for another attack. Booster attempts to get back up but quickly gets knocked back down by a kick from Jason. Jason then picks him up and Booster blasts him pointblank into the chest with his right hand still in use, hurling Jason into the lamp post on the street corner.

"Sk-Sk...Skeets."

"Yes, sir?"

"I need you t-to do something for me..."

"And what would that be, sir?"

"I need you to repai--"

Booster hears a noise but at first has no idea what it is. At first he thinks it is a flock of birds flying from above. Quickly soon after though he clearly knows that it is not. The beeping gets louder and faster like if it were getting closer. Booster looks over his shoulder and watches as a grenade explodes right near him and Skeets.

Take that you sonuva...

Jason starts walking towards the cloud of smoke not wanting to wait for it to clear up; he knows he didn't miss. Booster starts coughing up smoke; now he definetly knows he didn't miss. A pile of metal and chips lay before Booster's eyes. Jason hooks Booster with his right arm, knocking Booster down; he then holds down Booster.

"You want to be a hero, huh?! You want all the glory? Well people always love to see a hero! But do you know what they like to see even more?"

Jason pulls out the blade from Booster's hand twisting it as he pulls.

"A hero fall."

There will be no mercy; no guilt will be felt. The only thing I will feel when I am done with him is satisfaction.

[Red]

The glass bottle at Ra's feet suddenly melted into a pool of hot liquid. "You're wading knee-deep in the bad stuff right now, pal." Suddenly, the man grew to become a house of a monster, towering over the stranger. "Is there somethin' you wanna tell me right now before I have to tear the thoughts straight from your skull and find out for myself?"

Ra's' smirked. It was easier than he thought to cause the beast to irrupt in anger.

“I come bearing an offer Mr. Jones. And before you throw my words to the wind. You should know the subject of this offer.” There was a long pause. “Lex Luthor.”

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex calls Mercy into his office along with Dr. Moore he hands each one a seperate sheet of paper.

He says, "Those are your orders. Employ the following measures you know what needs to be done now get to it, and leave nothing to chance."

Both of them nod at Luthor and leave his office. He looks at the picture of Lena near his desk...Forgive me, but there are something that I need to do that you will never understand, someday I hope you will know that I did it all for you my dear...all for you.

[Spike_x1]

Ra's' smirked. It was easier than he thought to cause the beast to irrupt in anger.

“I come bearing an offer Mr. Jones. And before you throw my words to the wind. You should know the subject of this offer.” There was a long pause. “Lex Luthor.”The Parasite stood slackjawed. His clawed hands relaxed and he tilted his head inquisitively. "...Luthor?"

[Red]

The Parasite stood slackjawed. His clawed hands relaxed and he tilted his head inquisitively. "...Luthor?"

Ra’s’ casually tread over to Rudy and ignoring his towering height matched his gaze with his.

“You and I both share grievance with Alexander. He imprisoned you like a lab rat as Lexcorp’s personal battery and used myself as a puppet in his plot to become President. And I’m sure you are fully aware that as President he is the most powerful man in this county. He will use that power to hunt us down. He will find us wherever we hide, he will not stop, and he will not show resistant. He will come for us and our families. Today here in Metropolises he must be stopped. What I ask of you Rudy Jones is to stand at my side to defeat Luthor.”

Quite impressive Ra’s’ didn’t even smirk once.

[twylight]

Ricky sat in the large hospital chair in his room, his broken leg propped up on a nearby ottoman as he typed away at the laptop balanced on his lap. He reached his hand out for his drink only to find it placed in it.

He looked up finding himself facing the woman. Her white costume smudged and slightly dirty. He smiled.

“Hey, you’re looking well.”

She pulled her mask off, her dark hair falling over her face covering her features. Her two guns slung low on her hips, with a bo staff hanging from the belt, and a white bow crossed over her body. She silently looked over the room in the newly restored Hospital.

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“How is it?”

Ricky leaned forward and clicked a few buttons.

“Stocks rising..slowly…and there are several businesses open in Gotham. Mostly just corner stores.”

He leaned back and smiled.
“But you knew that already.”

She nodded and walked slowly over to sit on the Hospital bed.

“I’m surprised to see you, since..you know..”

“They won’t look for me here.” she said tartly as she stared out the open window at the fading sunlight.

“Do you think they know who you are?”

She turned her head and looked at him through her hair.

“Do you know who I am?”

He took a sip of his drink.

“Touché”

On the side opposite of what Ricky could see she brushed her hair away from her face, allowing herself a moment to see the world without a self imposed veil. She looked down and sighed as a flock of birds fluttered in front of the window before flying off into the evening sky. Gotham was reforming it’s self. Catwoman’s efforts on the East side hadn’t gone un-noticed, the police force was even strong than before and it seemed as if the veil of darkness that had covered Gotham city for so long, only to freeze it like black ice had finally started to melt, however slowly.

“You’ve done a lot.”

She looked over at him, her dark hair over her face.

He talked without looking up from the computer screen.
“Luthor ordered the military to draw back and allow the citizens to come back. The parameter should drop in a few more days.”

She looked back out the window as the orange sunset painted her white outfit a similar color.

“What does that mean for business?”

“Well, a whole lot of store owners should be getting notices about a new owner and – “

“Reinstate the ownership to family and entrepreneur business owners.”

Ricky’s head shot up.
“But…”

She stood up, and walked towards the window.

“Do it.” She turned and looked at him as she pulled her mask back up over the lower part of her face.

This is the start of something slightly different.”

“If I didn’t know better I’d say you were going to try to make a Metropolis here.”
They stared at eachother for a few minutes.

“…..No….You can’t be serious!”

She tilted her head.

“What’s good for Gotham is good for the Mob.” she said lightly as she pulled herself onto the window ledge. She stood for a moment before falling forwad and letting the air brush against her face, pulling out an arrow she shot a line to a nearby building and swung down into the darkness of Gotham.

[Green Lantern]

Roy was dreaming again. His dreams had been plagued by the same things for several weeks now. Ever since he first saw the woman in white.

They danced with the images of the most important women in his life. A martial arts master whod been like a mother to him. A deranged psychopath who has murdered millions. A girl he'd grown up with, and had watched die once, just to come back later. A little girl who had become his pride and joy. A teenaged archer who looked up to him as a role model.

He saw himself crying on the shoulder of a woman not all that much older than him, after Ollie kicked him out. "Don't worry, Roy, you'll beat this thing. I'll help you do it."

He saw himself seeing Jade for the first time after letting her get away. "There's someone you need to meet, Harper"

He saw a little red headed baby. "It's your daughter, Roy. Her name is Lian."

He saw the proceedings that left him custody of the rugrat, and watched as her hair darkened to black over the last few years. "DADDY!"

A smile crept to Roy's face as he slept.

He saw a grown woman, now no longer the girl in the boy's club, but the woman who made all those boys wish they were man enough. He saw himself teaching her the art of archery, and the joy both of them had when she nailed a bull on her first shot.

"It's all in the eye, Donna. All in the eye"

He saw the grin on his face the first time Ollie told him that Mia wanted to be the new Speedy. And he saw himself arguing Ollie up and down to let her.

"She's too YOUNG!"

"I was TWELVE Ollie. She's 16. Let her do it."

"It's too dangerous."

"It doesn't seem she cares. I know I didn't. LET HER."

```````````````

It was then that he woke up. On a cot. In the Bat-Cave.

Truth hit him as he realized that he and Dick were still nowhere near finding this "mystery woman"

He screamed out, so the cave echoed. "GOD F**KING DAMMIT!"

Hopefully, that would wake up Dick so they could hit the books again.

[Spike_x1]

Ra’s’ casually tread over to Rudy and ignoring his towering height matched his gaze with his.

“You and I both share grievance with Alexander. He imprisoned you like a lab rat as Lexcorp’s personal battery and used myself as a puppet in his plot to become President. And I’m sure you are fully aware that as President he is the most powerful man in this county. He will use that power to hunt us down. He will find us wherever we hide, he will not stop, and he will not show resistant. He will come for us and our families. Today here in Metropolises he must be stopped. What I ask of you Rudy Jones is to stand at my side to defeat Luthor.”

Quite impressive Ra’s’ didn’t even smirk once.The Parasite slowly grinded his fangs together as he contemplated the offer. His eyes shifted as he spotted the ninjas in the shadows. The darkness couldn't hide them from a being who could sense a man's energy as easily as seeing them in broad daylight. He would have to keep an eye on Ra's, never again to take another risk as he had done years before by trusting Luthor. But, despite his suspicions, the Parasite welcomed any opportunity to get his revenge.

"Kill Lex Luthor?" he asked as a fire lit his eyes and a smile finally returned to his face.

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6582/eyes10gr.jpg

"You bet your ass."

[Nightwing]

I nod. "Perhaps. Perhaps not." Then I finally notice who had just spoken. I do not recognize who the person is, although he seems to be very young, yet very world-weary. As if he has seen a great deal of things that no young person should see.


But there is one person I do recognize. Someone I have actually been looking for. The Green Arrow. Excellent. It appears that our idea he was with the Batman was correct. I turn to him.

"Arrow. Rayner and I were looking for you in Star City. Infact, have a message from a Lieutanant Mitchelson from the 101st precinct. What were his words again? Oh yes. 'Crime wars are tearing the streets apart, and the city is going to hell in a handbasket,' whatever that means. It seems that, seince you've been gone, the criminal element has taken the opportunity to explode across the your city."

Everything was right as rain. I was pacing back and forth the studio room with my head down, then I froze and had a sort of chilling feeling run down my spine.

I've been away from Star for weeks. So much things clouding my mind, requiring my attention. And now, I've failed to protect the one thing I swore I'd do, even if it killed me. I've failed to protect MY people, and MY city. Leading all of the city's worst to take advantage of my absence. I couldn't think clearly, so much anger had risen in an instant.

I clenched my fist, and drove it into the wall beside me.

"DAMNIT!! I...I have to go. I've got to get back NOW. "

I paused again. No, I'm not leaving just yet. I need to hit something, and quick. And I know just what that "something" is. I let go of the grip I had, and even under all the stress I managed to crack a grin. I turned to Bruce and Vic, with a thought in mind.

"I'll be helping in dealing with big bad Lobo and his little "friends"." You two seem to have everything in control, so I'm going to help anway I can. Then I'm going to kick whose ever ass I find when I get myself back to Star. If anything, call me immediatly."

I knew what I was doing. My city, which is practically my life. Torn down, and I can't help but feel guilty. Especially since I know Mitchelson is going, well probably IS already going to try everything in his power to make me hang up the bow. I got news for him, that's for sure. But first, I have my priorities set on Lobo.

I preped up my bow, then walked out the studio for the bike I "borrowed" from Bruce. When I reached outside, that's when I saw...nothing?

"You've got to be kiddin' me. Damn kids, Dick and Roy took the bike!! Great, no choice but to start running."

I began running toward Lobo and his gang, already having what I'll do when I get there planned. And frankly, I couldn't wait. It'll be tough, but everyone that knows me knows I like a good challenge....

[Speedball]

Rose rolled around in her bed before getting up. The distinct sound of a aircraft arriving forced her to put off any naps for the moment. She ran her fingers through her white hair and stared at the figure standing across from her bed. She couldn't help but feel a subtle sense of disgust coming from the figure. At the sight of the young man, Rose begasn to remember a word. A word that had always been used to identify this person.

"Robin?" she said nervously.

"What are you doing here Rose? Where's Beast Boy? If you've done anything to him, you're in for a world of pain!"

[wiegeabo]

Everything was right as rain. I was pacing back and forth the studio room with my head down, then I froze and had a sort of chilling feeling run down my spine.

I've been away from Star for weeks. So much things clouding my mind, requiring my attention. And now, I've failed to protect the one thing I swore I'd do, even if it killed me. I've failed to protect MY people, and MY city. Leading all of the city's worst to take advantage of my absence. I couldn't think clearly, so much anger had risen in an instant.

I clenched my fist, and drove it into the wall beside me.

"DAMNIT!! I...I have to go. I've got to get back NOW. "

I paused again. No, I'm not leaving just yet. I need to hit something, and quick. And I know just what that "something" is. I let go of the grip I had, and even under all the stress I managed to crack a grin. I turned to Bruce and Vic, with a thought in mind.

"I'll be helping in dealing with big bad Lobo and his little "friends"." You two seem to have everything in control, so I'm going to help anway I can. Then I'm going to kick whose ever ass I find when I get myself back to Star. If anything, call me immediatly."

I knew what I was doing. My city, which is practically my life. Torn down, and I can't help but feel guilty. Especially since I know Mitchelson is going, well probably IS already going to try everything in his power to make me hang up the bow. I got news for him, that's for sure. But first, I have my priorities set on Lobo.

I preped up my bow, then walked out the studio for the bike I "borrowed" from Bruce. When I reached outside, that's when I saw...nothing?

"You've got to be kiddin' me. Damn kids, Dick and Roy took the bike!! Great, no choice but to start running."

I began running toward Lobo and his gang, already having what I'll do when I get there planned. And frankly, I couldn't wait. It'll be tough, but everyone that knows me knows I like a good challenge....


Lobo and I continue to stare one another down. He is seething with fury, ready to strike at a moment's notice. While I stand calmly, arms crossed over my chest, and an innocent look on my face. Yet, beneath the facade, I'm ready to strike back at a moment's notice if Lobo decides to break the agreement. The clones share Lobo's expression and fury, but my presence, and that of Rayner's, as well as the deal with Superman, is keeping them at bay for the moment.

I hear footsteps behind me and the group of us turn to look as the Arrow runs up to us. He's all the help we're getting?

Then I think of the deal and how my actions rushing into the battle nearly destroyed it. "This could either be very good, or very bad," I say, to myself.

[LibrarianThorne]

Superman leapt skyward. He was getting the hang of jumping long distances again, and this time he was able to land on top of the First Metropolis Bank skyscraper and stick the landing.

He peered over the edge of the building, and frowned. His cape fluttered in the strong the wind at the top of the skyscraper. Even without microscopic vision, he could see how empty the streets of Metropolis were. It was humbling to see his city in such a state. Humbling and infuriating for the Man of Steel.

I feel so helpless, thought Superman. The virus may be contained in the city, but without my powers at full strength I don't know what's happening. How far has it spread? How many are dead, dying? How many people have I failed?

With a sudden realization, Superman remembered that he had warned J'onn away from the city. He had to tell him to gather the League to Metropolis. They had to seal off the city, soon. If the disease could damage Metropolis so terribly, the casualties it could cause if spread would be horriffic.

Superman slowed down his breathing, calming himself. He entered the Open Stace of Rao, the first form of Torquasm-Vo. He wasn't psychic, but this ancient Kryptonian art would at least enable him to contact J'onn. He went through the motions, harmonizing his body, mind, and spirit. His legs and arms flowed together like water, as he practiced alone atop the skyscraper. His hair whipped around in the strong current of air. A straight punch, palm faced forward, followed by a roundhouse that flowed into a sweep that flowed into ever more intricate and complex movements until finally Superman realized harmony and his spirit and mind flew outside his body. It was always a disorienting experience when he looked down on his body, standing like a statue with its hands clasped together in the Closed Form of the Moon.

Wasting no time, Superman's spirit self fled from his body, seeking the mind of the Manhunter from Mars. As he flew in time-that-was-not-time and space-that-was-not-space, he thought about the Manhunter, a being who was very similar to himself in many waysd. J'onn was the last survivor of his race, and gifted with incredible power. Superman had always marveled at the Manhunter, because in J'onn Clark saw the greatest strength of character of anyone he knew. Of all the heroes that had been part of the Justice League, it was the Manhunter who was its heart and soul. He hadn't been raised on Earth, and he didn't have the upbringing on Earth that Superman had. But still, J'onn had adopted Earth and become one of its greatest protectors.

In a few minutes (or so it seemed in the Torquasm-Vo dreamstate), Superman found the Martian Manhunter. The Manhunter looked amazing, a colossus of shifting red sands and a welcoming fire glowed within his chest. Superman's spirit self spoke in a voice not quite his own, and he hoped that J'onn could hear him.

"It's time, J'onn. Only you can do it. Bring everyone together at Metropolis. The disease will be stopped, because that's what we do. Tomorrow is counting on us again, old friend, and we won't let her down. We never have."

The return to his body was even stranger, landscapes shifting into psychedelic swirls of color and light. Time itself seemed to stretch out before him, and suddenly everything was normal again as his eyes snapped open. He shook his head, and his face adopted a thinker's attitude for a few moments.

Three minutes after he had landed on the skyscraper, he leapt off, bounding towards the headquarters of the Metropolis SCU.

[LibrarianThorne]

Whoops, double post.

[Red]

The Parasite slowly grinded his fangs together as he contemplated the offer. His eyes shifted as he spotted the ninjas in the shadows. The darkness couldn't hide them from a being who could sense a man's energy as easily as seeing them in broad daylight. He would have to keep an eye on Ra's, never again to take another risk as he had done years before by trusting Luthor. But, despite his suspicions, the Parasite welcomed any opportunity to get his revenge.

"Kill Lex Luthor?" he asked as a fire lit his eyes and a smile finally returned to his face.


http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6582/eyes10gr.jpg

"You bet your ass."



“Excellent”.

Ra’s clapped and within seconds a limo arrived across the street. Rudy fell back to his human form and they proceeded to the limousine.

Minutes later, they arrived at Ra’s base of operations, greeted by Ubu along side the Rogues of Keystone.

[Trigger]

"What are you doing here Rose? Where's Beast Boy? If you've done anything to him, you're in for a world of pain!"

Rose krept out of the bed, but kept her eyes locked on to the Boy Wonder.

"I was just taking a nap. I'm sure Beast Boy is still napping too. I'm not up to anything bad. I just came here to find myself and possibly help out. Honestly!"

[Watchman]

“Excellent”.

Ra’s clapped and within seconds a limo arrived across the street. Rudy fell back to his human form and they proceeded to the limousine.

Minutes later, they arrived at Ra’s base of operations, greeted by Ubu along side the Rogues of Keystone.

"Ok Ra's we're here, what are we going to do about Luthor?" there came a quiet murmur from the Rogues.

"He has turned our city in a warzone where we can barely live in it. For doing that he has become president. Luthor has to be stop for good...so Ra's whats the plan?"

[Nightwing]

Lobo and I continue to stare one another down. He is seething with fury, ready to strike at a moment's notice. While I stand calmly, arms crossed over my chest, and an innocent look on my face. Yet, beneath the facade, I'm ready to strike back at a moment's notice if Lobo decides to break the agreement. The clones share Lobo's expression and fury, but my presence, and that of Rayner's, as well as the deal with Superman, is keeping them at bay for the moment.

I hear footsteps behind me and the group of us turn to look as the Arrow runs up to us. He's all the help we're getting?

Then I think of the deal and how my actions rushing into the battle nearly destroyed it. "This could either be very good, or very bad," I say, to myself.

I finally make my way to the battle field. Seeing all these clones at once made my head spin. I couldn't count how many there were exactly, but I sure as hell knew we were in for a real fight.

I walk up to Sinestro and Kyle, the clones and the big man himself watching me incase I make a move on them. Which I felt like doing to be honest.

Sinestro glances over his shoulder to see me standing next to him. I look back, bow in hand, then give him a slight cocky grin.

"Happy to see me?"

[wiegeabo]

I watch as the arrow runs between the four clones. They almost attack, but hold themselves, just barely. The Arrow seems to not notice or not care.


Sinestro glances over his shoulder to see me standing next to him. I look back, bow in hand, then give him a slight cocky grin.

"Happy to see me?"

"At this point, I am estatic. But what can you do to stop Lobo that Rayner and I could not?"

[Green Lantern]

As Roy woke up, he noticed that Dick slept through his screaming of profanities.

Lazy bum. I should get a bucket of water to dump on him. We need to get to work.

As he gets up to get some water, he notices something.

"HOLY F**KING S**T ON A STICK! DICK WAKE YOUR GODDAMNED LAZY ASS UP! WE'VE BEEN BROKEN INTO! GODDAMNIT SHE'S RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES!"

Roy pulls a white arrow from the wall. Through the arrow there's a note.

"Mr. Harper. Mr. Grayson. If I wanted to be found, I would be found. If you two continue to look for me. I WILL do something about it.

>>------>"

[Speedball]

Rose krept out of the bed, but kept her eyes locked on to the Boy Wonder.

"I was just taking a nap. I'm sure Beast Boy is still napping too. I'm not up to anything bad. I just came here to find myself and possibly help out. Honestly!"

I looks into her eyes. She isn't trying to avoid looking into my eyes and she isn't twitching or making funny gestures.

"Ok, I believe you. Let's go find Beast Boy now."

[Trigger]

I looks into her eyes. She isn't trying to avoid looking into my eyes and she isn't twitching or making funny gestures.

"Ok, I believe you. Let's go find Beast Boy now."


Rose sighed with relieve and nodded. She silently exited the room and walked into the living room. Beast Boy was still lying on the couch curled up like an animal. The bottle of whatever alcohol he was drinking had fallen to the floor and the box of pizza was accompanying it. Rose hesitated a bit, but faught off the god-awful smell and approached the feral man-child.

"Excuse me, Beast Boy? Beast Boy, Robin is here and well, I think he wants to talk to you.."

[Speedball]

I wait for a few seconds, then walk into the living room behind Rose.
Her being here still troubles me, but people change, I'm an example of that.
"Rose, did you find him?"
I walk up next to her and find him on the floor.
"What's that smell?"

[Trigger]

I wait for a few seconds, then walk into the living room behind Rose.
Her being here still troubles me, but people change, I'm an example of that.
"Rose, did you find him?"
I walk up next to her and find him on the couch.
"What's that smell?"

"That smell would be your green-furred comrade. I believe he's drunk and I can't tell you when he last showered. Nor do I want inspect that pizza box any further to see if it's contributing to the odor he has going." Rose said stifling her gag reflex.

[Speedball]

"Please don't puke, because it only make me too."
I bend down and look at his face, then I take my hand and slap it across it.
"WAKE UP!"

[Nightwing92]

Meanwhile in Atlantis, Aquaman was still traumatized at the incident at the Atlantic. He was very mad with the creature that took someone special , it was the reason that he started getting serious about the JLA as well as Atlantis. Arthur was very serious about Atlantis becuause he had heard rumours that the Black Mantis had survived but he denied the truth and went in exile for his sake and Atlantis's.

[SuperFerret]

Superman leapt skyward. He was getting the hang of jumping long distances again, and this time he was able to land on top of the First Metropolis Bank skyscraper and stick the landing.

He peered over the edge of the building, and frowned. His cape fluttered in the strong the wind at the top of the skyscraper. Even without microscopic vision, he could see how empty the streets of Metropolis were. It was humbling to see his city in such a state. Humbling and infuriating for the Man of Steel.

I feel so helpless, thought Superman. The virus may be contained in the city, but without my powers at full strength I don't know what's happening. How far has it spread? How many are dead, dying? How many people have I failed?

With a sudden realization, Superman remembered that he had warned J'onn away from the city. He had to tell him to gather the League to Metropolis. They had to seal off the city, soon. If the disease could damage Metropolis so terribly, the casualties it could cause if spread would be horriffic.

Superman slowed down his breathing, calming himself. He entered the Open Stace of Rao, the first form of Torquasm-Vo. He wasn't psychic, but this ancient Kryptonian art would at least enable him to contact J'onn. He went through the motions, harmonizing his body, mind, and spirit. His legs and arms flowed together like water, as he practiced alone atop the skyscraper. His hair whipped around in the strong current of air. A straight punch, palm faced forward, followed by a roundhouse that flowed into a sweep that flowed into ever more intricate and complex movements until finally Superman realized harmony and his spirit and mind flew outside his body. It was always a disorienting experience when he looked down on his body, standing like a statue with its hands clasped together in the Closed Form of the Moon.

Wasting no time, Superman's spirit self fled from his body, seeking the mind of the Manhunter from Mars. As he flew in time-that-was-not-time and space-that-was-not-space, he thought about the Manhunter, a being who was very similar to himself in many ways. J'onn was the last survivor of his race, and gifted with incredible power. Superman had always marveled at the Manhunter, because in J'onn Clark saw the greatest strength of character of anyone he knew. Of all the heroes that had been part of the Justice League, it was the Manhunter who was its heart and soul. He hadn't been raised on Earth, and he didn't have the upbringing on Earth that Superman had. But still, J'onn had adopted Earth and become one of its greatest protectors.

In a few minutes (or so it seemed in the Torquasm-Vo dreamstate), Superman found the Martian Manhunter. The Manhunter looked amazing, a colossus of shifting red sands and a welcoming fire glowed within his chest. Superman's spirit self spoke in a voice not quite his own, and he hoped that J'onn could hear him.

"It's time, J'onn. Only you can do it. Bring everyone together at Metropolis. The disease will be stopped, because that's what we do. Tomorrow is counting on us again, old friend, and we won't let her down. We never have."

The return to his body was even stranger, landscapes shifting into psychedelic swirls of color and light. Time itself seemed to stretch out before him, and suddenly everything was normal again as his eyes snapped open. He shook his head, and his face adopted a thinker's attitude for a few moments.

Three minutes after he had landed on the skyscraper, he leapt off, bounding towards the headquarters of the Metropolis SCU.


"It's time, J'onn. Only you can do it. Bring everyone together at Metropolis. The disease will be stopped, because that's what we do. Tomorrow is counting on us again, old friend, and we won't let her down. We never have."

Clark.

I don't respond, there is no need to. I just do as I've always done. It fills me with joy to do so. It brings memories up to the surface of my mind, memories both good and bad. There were five of us at first, not a one of us knew what we were doing, nor what we were in for. Our roster waxed and waned over the years, with myself at the epicenter. It felt right for me to be there, as I had once nearly destroyed the fledgling team. Yet, we remained strong until recently, and even though it's been nearly eight months since we were united under a single banner, it was not something I forgot at all. So, like second nature, I do it.

I send out the call.

~Justice League. This is J'onn J'onzz. Metropolis is in grave danger, and we must thwart this threat before it spreads. Superman and I need your assistance. Make your way to Metropolis as soon as you can. This is an emergency. I will keep this telepathic channel open.~

[Batman]

As Roy woke up, he noticed that Dick slept through his screaming of profanities.

Lazy bum. I should get a bucket of water to dump on him. We need to get to work.

As he gets up to get some water, he notices something.

"HOLY F**KING S**T ON A STICK! DICK WAKE YOUR GODDAMNED LAZY ASS UP! WE'VE BEEN BROKEN INTO! GODDAMNIT SHE'S RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES!"

Roy pulls a white arrow from the wall. Through the arrow there's a note.

"Mr. Harper. Mr. Grayson. If I wanted to be found, I would be found. If you two continue to look for me. I WILL do something about it.

>>------>"




Dick nearly flies out of bed, hearing this. He looks back and fourth, hair flying as Roy yells at him.

"Whoah, Whoah, WHOAH! CALM DOWN! Jesus... You could wake Metropolis up with your ton-"

That's when Nightwing notices the arrow, and the note attached to it. Getting to his feet, Nightwing runs over to it, and reads it as Roy holds it up. His eyes widen.

"HOLY F***ING S**T ON A STICK, BATMAN!"

[Green Lantern]

Roy just gave Dick a wierd look.

"I haven't heard you say something like that since you were twelve man. But man, this is the first time I've EVER been glad that your mentor is more paranoid than Fox Mulder on a bad day. With all the cave's security features, we have to have SOME sort of a lead. You're the computer whiz outta the two of us, so get your ass to work."

[Batman]

"Man, this is the first time I've EVER been glad that your mentor is more paranoid than Fox Mulder on a bad day. With all the cave's security features, we have to have SOME sort of a lead. You're the computer whiz outta the two of us, so get your ass to work."

Nightwing was still in shock.

"But... But I... and she... and we... I... She was HERE?! In The Batcave?! AND SHE KNOWS OUR NAMES?! AND WE DIDN'T WAKE UP?!?

Dick takes the arrow, running up to the Batcomputer.

"No way. No ****ing way. How... I... SHE WAS RIGHT HERE!"

[Red]

"Ok Ra's we're here, what are we going to do about Luthor?" there came a quiet murmur from the Rogues.

"He has turned our city in a warzone where we can barely live in it. For doing that he has become president. Luthor has to be stop for good...so Ra's whats the plan?"

"This is not a simple question of revenge Captain, but more survival. Metropolises water supply as been contaminated, with a deadly virus.”

Ra's was deliberately patchy on the details, not wanting his new allies to know the true origin of the virus.

"There is little time until it has spread across Metropolises and infected each of us, but of course the new President as a healthy supply of the antidote. Tonight we will attack Lexcorp labs directly, killing Luthor and acquiring the antidote for our selves."

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing was still in shock.

"But... But I... and she... and we... I... She was HERE?! In The Batcave?! AND SHE KNOWS OUR NAMES?! AND WE DIDN'T WAKE UP?!?

Dick takes the arrow, running up to the Batcomputer.

"No way. No ****ing way. How... I... SHE WAS RIGHT HERE!""I don't know how I slept through it, but you would have slept right through the Gotham Quake the rate you were going. As for her knowing our names, I'd say its the one final piece that confirms our suspicions Dick. We know it can happen, hell how often have we seen it?"

He starts to look over Dick's shoulder.

[Batman]

"I don't know how I slept through it, but you would have slept right through the Gotham Quake the rate you were going. As for her knowing our names, I'd say its the one final piece that confirms our suspicions Dick. We know it can happen, hell how often have we seen it?"

He starts to look over Dick's shoulder.


Nightwing sighs, a little.

"I know... I know... It's just... This time is different. I mean... I saw it. And it wasn't like all the other times we've witnessed... I just..."

He puts the arrow onto one of Bruce's scanners, before looking up as the details display on the computer.

"You know what, you're right. I mean, it is possible. Especially with what we've seen. It's just... a little hard to accept when it takes that big of a toll on you, you know?"

Dick goes over the information, as it displays.

"...Crap. No fingerprints. Guess she meant it when she said that she didn't want to be found..."

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing sighs, a little.

"I know... I know... It's just... This time is different. I mean... I saw it. And it wasn't like all the other times we've witnessed... I just..."

He puts the arrow onto one of Bruce's scanners, before looking up as the details display on the computer.

"You know what, you're right. I mean, it is possible. Especially with what we've seen. It's just... a little hard to accept when it takes that big of a toll on you, you know?"

Dick goes over the information, as it displays.

"...Crap. No fingerprints. Guess she meant it when she said that she didn't want to be found..."...is he that stupid... or just pretending...
"THE VIDEO CAMERAS YOU MORON. CHECK THE VIDEOS! I coulda told you there'd be no finger prints! But with the way Bruce has this place wired, there is NO way she could have gotten around all the safeties. Hell even I can't, and we had SLEEPOVERS here back in the day!"

[Batman]

...is he that stupid... or just pretending...
"THE VIDEO CAMERAS YOU MORON. CHECK THE VIDEOS! I coulda told you there'd be no finger prints! But with the way Bruce has this place wired, there is NO way she could have gotten around all the safeties. Hell even I can't, and we had SLEEPOVERS here back in the day!"


"...I JUST WOKE UP. And it was all in thanks to you, Iron Lungs!", Nightwing said, rubbing his eyes.

Going to the console, Nightwing began activating various links on the screen. He looked back at Roy.

"And yes, before you ask, this IS how we get to the security features, on here.", Nightwing stated, as to not make Roy think him to be a bigger idiot. Especially considering he was... well... Roy Harper, the guy who got slapped by some hooker on the streets not a few hours ago.

It was at that moment that the screen blinked. Nightwing turned, seeing the camera feed where the arrow had been found, and pressed the 'Rew' button.

"Okay, She should show up on here pretty soon. Unless she... you know, has the power of invisibility now. Then we're in trouble."

[Green Lantern]

"...I JUST WOKE UP. And it was all in thanks to you, Iron Lungs!", Nightwing said, rubbing his eyes.

Going to the console, Nightwing began activating various links on the screen. He looked back at Roy.

"And yes, before you ask, this IS how we get to the security features, on here.", Nightwing stated, as to not make Roy think him to be a bigger idiot. Especially considering he was... well... Roy Harper, the guy who got slapped by some hooker on the streets not a few hours ago.

It was at that moment that the screen blinked. Nightwing turned, seeing the camera feed where the arrow had been found, and pressed the 'Rew' button.

"Okay, She should show up on here pretty soon. Unless she... you know, has the power of invisibility now. Then we're in trouble.""Yes, we know you woke up thanks to me... you sure didn't when THE WOMAN WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR FOREVER BROKE INTO YOUR HOUSE AND LEFT US A MESSAGE. Whatever happened to that damned dog you used to put Bat Ears on? What was his name Space or somethin? And wait a second... you have to go through the PORN to get to the video cameras? The HELL?"

[Spike_x1]

"This is not a simple question of revenge Captain, but more survival. Metropolises water supply as been contaminated, with a deadly virus.”

Ra's was deliberately patchy on the details, not wanting his new allies to know the true origin of the virus.

"There is little time until it has spread across Metropolises and infected each of us, but of course the new President as a healthy supply of the antidote. Tonight we will attack Lexcorp labs directly, killing Luthor and acquiring the antidote for our selves."Rudy Jones crossed his arms over his chest and kept a stern expression. "You can give my share of that antidote to someone who needs it." He looked at the members of the Rogues who were present, knowing that none of them even recognized who he was while in his human form.

[Batman]

"Yes, we know you woke up thanks to me... you sure didn't when THE WOMAN WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR FOREVER BROKE INTO YOUR HOUSE AND LEFT US A MESSAGE. Whatever happened to that damned dog you used to put Bat Ears on? What was his name Space or somethin? And wait a second... you have to go through the PORN to get to the video cameras? The HELL?"

Nightwing looks at him, and shrugs.

"Hey, I don't ask Bruce questions. Probably because the answers are... well... answers I'd rather not know."

Nightwing turns back to the computer, advancing the REW feature. It's in that instant that something comes up on the screen. Dick immediatley pauses it. The blurred figure of the 'woman in white' comes up. Nightwing and Roy look at it, for a second, before Nightwing finally presses a button, clearing the image, and zooming in...

The whole room goes silent. Nightwing's eyes eventually widen.

"Hot damn..."

[Green Lantern]

Roy's eyes go wide in complete disbelief.

No f**king way...

"Goddamn... I hate to say it... no not really... I enjoy saying it as often as I can.... ESPECIALLY to you... I TOLD YOU SO! ...Now tell me... PLEASE tell me... Bruce does have all the exits video taped right? So we can see what direction she's going?"

[Batman]

Roy's eyes go wide in complete disbelief.

No f**king way...

"Goddamn... I hate to say it... no not really... I enjoy saying it as often as I can.... ESPECIALLY to you... I TOLD YOU SO! ...Now tell me... PLEASE tell me... Bruce does have all the exits video taped right? So we can see what direction she's going?"


Dick can't stop staring at the screen, as he reaches his hand up, and presses the nessacary button, switching the feed to outside of the Batmobile tunnels. He looks at Roy, still trying to overcome his shock.

"You have to ask? I mean, the man is Batman, after all..."

Turning back to the computer, Nightwing activates the FF button, and watches as it shows the woman, leaving on a motorcycle. Nightwing pauses it.

"She was heading West, from here.", Nightwing turns to Roy. "I think it's time we got some goddamned answers."

[Green Lantern]

"What in the hell are we waiting for? ...Ya know, for someone who doesn't want to be found... she left us alot to find her..."

Roy rushed down to the cycle bay and grabbed one of the custom bikes. Before Dick could reply he gunned the engine and headed towards the west bound exit of the cave.

[Nightwing]

I watch as the arrow runs between the four clones. They almost attack, but hold themselves, just barely. The Arrow seems to not notice or not care.



"At this point, I am estatic. But what can you do to stop Lobo that Rayner and I could not?"

I admit, he was right. I wasn't carrying around any of them fancy power rings. And whether or not I wasn't I just didn't give a damn. I was there for a fight. Even with a few arrows on me.....

I turn back to Sinestro after gathering my thoughts.

"Just think of me as your 'second sight'. Obviously if we do get ourselves into a mess with these clowns, I'm pretty sure you and Kyle are going to need your asses covered."

I tipped my hat back, then looked at Lobo and his clones. They looked ready to battle at any second. Then, I thought to myself. What if there was a way around all this?

I settled down my bow, and walked up to Lobo.

"Now I'm positive Joker is paying you a heck load of money, for this little shindig. But think about it. Don't you think you deserve a little more? I mean honestly, a big guy like you, putting up with all this crap? Tell you what....."

Easy Ollie, easy.

"Whatever he's paying you, I'll double it."

[Batman]

"What in the hell are we waiting for? ...Ya know, for someone who doesn't want to be found... she left us alot to find her..."

Roy rushed down to the cycle bay and grabbed one of the custom bikes. Before Dick could reply he gunned the engine and headed towards the west bound exit of the cave.


Nightwing started to run towards the cycles, but turned back, looking at the frozen image of the woman in white again.

Holy Nostalgic Nightmare...

...

What the HELL did I just think? Man, Roy's right. I need to lay off the caffine...

Nightwing shook his head, running towards his cycle. This was pretty much... impossible. And now that it was confirmed to be, infact, possible... Nightwing wanted answers. He didn't know how to feel. Angry, betrayed, happy... This brought up any of those possibilities.

Revving up the engine of his cycle, Nightwing rocketed out of the Batcave, following Roy's trail as they headed back to Gotham.

Answers. That's what they needed. That's what everyone needed, now. And he didn't care what it took... He would get them. Even by force, if needed... He was through with playing games.

[wiegeabo]

I admit, he was right. I wasn't carrying around any of them fancy power rings. And whether or not I wasn't I just didn't give a damn. I was there for a fight. Even with a few arrows on me.....

I turn back to Sinestro after gathering my thoughts.

"Just think of me as your 'second sight'. Obviously if we do get ourselves into a mess with these clowns, I'm pretty sure you and Kyle are going to need your asses covered."

I tipped my hat back, then looked at Lobo and his clones. They looked ready to battle at any second. Then, I thought to myself. What if there was a way around all this?

I settled down my bow, and walked up to Lobo.

"Now I'm positive Joker is paying you a heck load of money, for this little shindig. But think about it. Don't you think you deserve a little more? I mean honestly, a big guy like you, putting up with all this crap? Tell you what....."

Easy Ollie, easy.

"Whatever he's paying you, I'll double it."

What the hells...?

"What the hells...?" Arrow's trying to pay this monster off? That's absurd! After all the fighting we just did. Coming to the point of an all out war, how can he think that...

I notice Lobo' expression change. Impossible! I refuse to believe all of this was just for money! I look at the clones, their expressions have changed as well, reflecting the confusion and greed of the original. I...but...we...but...

"This is insane."

[Nightwing]

What the hells...?

"What the hells...?" Arrow's trying to pay this monster off? That's absurd! After all the fighting we just did. Coming to the point of an all out war, how can he think that...

I notice Lobo' expression change. Impossible! I refuse to believe all of this was just for money! I look at the clones, their expressions have changed as well, reflecting the confusion and greed of the original. I...but...we...but...

"This is insane."

I'm looking dead eye at Lobo, seeing his face go from and angry looking expression, to a more interested one. I had him right then and there. Then I heard a bit of mumbling, and turn around to see Sinestro with a baffled look.

"Don't look so confusing "Sine". These days, it's what everyone wants out of life. Power."

I turn back to see Lobo starting to huff and puff in my face, like the Big Bad Wolf. I could of sworn he looked like he got bigger just then, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to know that he was pissed.

Suddenly he was the one who looked confused. Probably didn't know to take what I was offering, stick alongside Joker, or just say screw it to both ways.

"Did I mention I'd add a few bills for your friends as well?"

Speaking of his clones, I saw them move out of the way. Then I saw Lobo walking toward an electric pole, and not a thing was going to stop him. I quickly turn to Sinestro and Kyle.

"See? I told you guys you would need backup."

Then I whispered to myself....

"Unfortunately enough, no one is going to cover my ass from the world of hurting I'm about to recieve." As I saw Lobo running my way with that pole in hand, and he swung it right across my abdominal area.

I flew across the street, landing on a near by building wall. I felt like my entire rib cage snapped, which probably did.

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor sat in his pitch black office. He knew by now that Ras would be aware that he was not dead. He says, "Computer engage defensive grid #3458 and employ all defensive measures including airborne and electronic. "

He calls Dr. Moore into his office and asks, "Progress with the anti-dote Dr. Moore?"

She replies, "As I have been saying to you from the beginning it is a matter of time, but I have done what you requested it's safe. Unmarked everything it just needs time to incubate. Although if Superman wants it you have to warn him. "

Lex says, "Good. The records and data logs?"

Dr, Moore says, "Dealt with as you requested everything was altered, all names including mine were removed, and your 'Sunday Best' is pressed and ready to go at a second's notice. Like any good tailor some alterations for the better have been made."

Lex replies, "Good now only one thing left. Do what you know you must do."

She nods and leaves.

[Logan Howlett]

I'm looking dead eye at Lobo, seeing his face go from and angry looking expression, to a more interested one. I had him right then and there. Then I heard a bit of mumbling, and turn around to see Sinestro with a baffled look.

"Don't look so confusing "Sine". These days, it's what everyone wants out of life. Power."

I turn back to see Lobo starting to huff and puff in my face, like the Big Bad Wolf. I could of sworn he looked like he got bigger just then, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to know that he was pissed.

Suddenly he was the one who looked confused. Probably didn't know to take what I was offering, stick alongside Joker, or just say screw it to both ways.

"Did I mention I'd add a few bills for your friends as well?"

Speaking of his clones, I saw them move out of the way. Then I saw Lobo walking toward an electric pole, and not a thing was going to stop him. I quickly turn to Sinestro and Kyle.

"See? I told you guys you would need backup."

Then I whispered to myself....

"Unfortunately enough, no one is going to cover my ass from the world of hurting I'm about to recieve." As I saw Lobo running my way with that pole in hand, and he swung it right across my abdominal area.

I flew across the street, landing on a near by building wall. I felt like my entire rib cage snapped, which probably did.


"Hehehehehe.......Like you have enough pal!.....Alright fan boys, the jig is up. I think its about time to let ya in on a little "Lobo secret"....I took the Jokers contract for the hell of it, something to do while I was on vacation.....but he aint the one puttin me on a pay role! If that green Robin hood wanabe thinks he can out pay the main man's main man, than he's got another thing comin! All of this, all I been doin....its been a distraction! I've just been payed off to keep you bozo's busy long enough for the real heat to come on!"

I look back at the clones giving them a little glint from my eyes....

"You boys are all just a bunch a fools! You been sitting here tryin to save this city from the Joker, from me, and all the damn while you been missin the big picture!.....Hehehe....I know you boys are used to winin, thinkin the good guys always come out on top.....but now the times have changed....yur about to get it in a way you aint ever got it before!"

I throw my chain and catch it on the foot of the green arrow bastard, and pull him to wards me. I grab him and hold him upside down by his feet. I snap off his arrow holster, and his belt, makin sure to remove any possibility of a dumb ass move. I wrap my other hand around his neck and strech him out.

"Now were all gona sit here and kick back with Uncle Lobo and wait for the fireworks to start.......or.....I can rip this dustch bag in half and tear through the rest of ya like paper!......Oh....and lets see.....I'm gona need them Lantern rings a yours, my boss seems to be payin bigtime for your hero trinkits!.......HAND EM OVER OR SEE HIS GUTS!"

[twylight]

The woman stood on the roof, her right leg on the roof’s edge her arm draped over her knee gracefully as she stared intently into the Darkness of Gotham City. The evening breeze brushed her long dark hair from her face as it fell in soft waves around her face. Her white outfit taking on a grey tint in the dull light that filtered from the streets below.

She shifted as her cell phone vibrated against her. Opening it she listened for a moment before gently closing it. A slight smile touched her lips quickly hidden by her mask as she pulled it over the lower portion of her face. Would they never learn?

She adjusted the white bow sling around her body and touched her bo staff at it’s place near her guns. She tilted her head as her ears caught the sound of engines in the distance.
She stepped up onto the roof and stared down waiting as the throbbing of the dual engines came closer.

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Hehehehehe.......Like you have enough pal!.....Alright fan boys, the jig is up. I think its about time to let ya in on a little "Lobo secret"....I took the Jokers contract for the hell of it, something to do while I was on vacation.....but he aint the one puttin me on a pay role! If that green Robin hood wanabe thinks he can out pay the main man's main man, than he's got another thing comin! All of this, all I been doin....its been a distraction! I've just been payed off to keep you bozo's busy long enough for the real heat to come on!"

I look back at the clones giving them a little glint from my eyes....

"You boys are all just a bunch a fools! You been sitting here tryin to save this city from the Joker, from me, and all the damn while you been missin the big picture!.....Hehehe....I know you boys are used to winin, thinkin the good guys always come out on top.....but now the times have changed....yur about to get it in a way you aint ever got it before!"

I throw my chain and catch it on the foot of the green arrow bastard, and pull him to wards me. I grab him and hold him upside down by his feet. I snap off his arrow holster, and his belt, makin sure to remove any possibility of a dumb ass move. I wrap my other hand around his neck and strech him out.

"Now were all gona sit here and kick back with Uncle Lobo and wait for the fireworks to start.......or.....I can rip this dustch bag in half and tear through the rest of ya like paper!......Oh....and lets see.....I'm gona need them Lantern rings a yours, my boss seems to be payin bigtime for your hero trinkits!.......HAND EM OVER OR SEE HIS GUTS!"

"Call his bluff, call his bluff, call his bluff..."

Kyle held his fist up to his face, the green glow of the energy ring washing over his face.

"We put on these costumes, we know the risk. That there's a chance we may not come home some day. Sacrifices have to be made to protect the world."

"So, what kind of hero would I be, how much protecting would I be doing, if I just handed you my ring. Ollie is a dear, dear friend of mine. But, once again, sacrifices."

"I'm not handing over this ring. Just the way it is. And I accept the consequences of this decision. The only way you're getting any where near this ring is when my fist is shoved down your fat, slimy mouth tearing you apart from the inside out. So come on over you walking puss-filled sorry excuse for life. Because I've been waiting all day to kick some ass and I never was the patient type!"

[Batman]

Nightwing had just caught up with Roy. They had practically had an unspoken race throughout the city up until now, and Dick had only managed to stand even the slightest chance of winning, had their minds been on it.

But no. They were hunting for her. The woman who had thrown them around town for two straight weeks, gone around delivering her own vigilante style justice in a questionable way, and had the audacity to threaten them for tailing her when they damn well deserved some answers.

That's all. Answers. It wasn't that hard to ask for. These mind games were getting annoying more and more by the second.

Nightwing looked at his fuel tank. It was running empty. He gritted his teeth, before looking over at Roy.

"HEY! TWINKLE TOES! I'm running empty! Let's pull over... I'll tag along with you for the rest of the way!", He yelled over the engines.

Roy grinned, getting ready to make a remark. Nightwing shot him a look.

"I don't want to hear it, Quivers."

Spotting an alleyway, Roy motioned for Dick to follow him into it. Stopping, Nightwing got off his motorcyle. Before getting on Roy's, He looked around.

"Okay, we're in the city. We went west. And I still don't see her. Now what?"

[wiegeabo]

"Call his bluff, call his bluff, call his bluff..."

Kyle held his fist up to his face, the green glow of the energy ring washing over his face.

"We put on these costumes, we know the risk. That there's a chance we may not come home some day. Sacrifices have to be made to protect the world."

"So, what kind of hero would I be, how much protecting would I be doing, if I just handed you my ring. Ollie is a dear, dear friend of mine. But, once again, sacrifices."

"I'm not handing over this ring. Just the way it is. And I accept the consequences of this decision. The only way you're getting any where near this ring is when my fist is shoved down your fat, slimy mouth tearing you apart from the inside out. So come on over you walking puss-filled sorry excuse for life. Because I've been waiting all day to kick some ass and I never was the patient type!"

I put up a barrier infront of Rayner to keep him from taking this to the next level. "There will be no need for that."

Time to play the last card.

"If you are indeed being paid by the Joker to delay us, you succeeded. But I hope you were paid in advance. You see, the Joker has been defeated. Batman has taken him back to prison. And if you didn't get paid before, you certainly won't be seeing any money now."

I point at the Green Arrow as he hangs from Lobo's chain. "That man is offering you a fair deal and a large sum of money. I suggest you accept his offer, take you clones, and leave in peace. Because it looks like that is the only way you are going to get paid today."

[twylight]

"Okay, we're in the city. We went west. And I still don't see her. Now what?"

The woman leaned over the edge of the roof she’d landed on from following them across the rooftops. Nightwing’s voice sounding faint from the height, she stood on the edge of the roof and allowed herself to fall, landing lightly in front of them.

She placed her hand on her hip and smiled through her mask, time for some fun.

“Isn’t it past your curfew, boys?”

She took a step back as she flung two small pellets at them allowing the smoke screen to go up before turning and racing down an alley to her motorcycle. Leaping on she revved the engine and took off down the street.

[Batman]

"Okay, we're in the city. We went west. And I still don't see her. Now what?"

The woman leaned over the edge of the roof she’d landed on from following them across the rooftops. Nightwing’s voice sounding faint from the height, she stood on the edge of the roof and allowed herself to fall, landing lightly in front of them.

She placed her hand on her hip and smiled through her mask, time for some fun.

“Isn’t it past your curfew, boys?”

She took a step back as she flung two small pellets at them allowing the smoke screen to go up before turning and racing down an alley to her motorcycle. Leaping on she revved the engine and took off down the street.

Before Nightwing could fling open his escrima sticks in defense, The gas enveloped them. It all happened so fast... Her landing infront of them, the little insult she added, the gas...

"JESUS! What the hell?!"

Roy couldn't even manage a comeback, he was choking so much. As they both tried to get the smoke out of their lungs, Nightwing managed to hear her motorcycle taking off. He threw a Batarang into her direction, but heard it miss as it stuck into a wall.

Turning to Roy, grabbing him by the shoulder as he closed his eyes to protect them, Nightwing managed to blurt it out...

"Let's... end *cough* this once and for *cough* all!"

Swiping at the smoke, Nightwing flipped, and landed behind Roy as the motorcycle took off, after her.

Oh, they were definatley getting answers, now.

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing had just caught up with Roy. They had practically had an unspoken race throughout the city up until now, and Dick had only managed to stand even the slightest chance of winning, had their minds been on it.

But no. They were hunting for her. The woman who had thrown them around town for two straight weeks, gone around delivering her own vigilante style justice in a questionable way, and had the audacity to threaten them for tailing her when they damn well deserved some answers.

That's all. Answers. It wasn't that hard to ask for. These mind games were getting annoying more and more by the second.

Nightwing looked at his fuel tank. It was running empty. He gritted his teeth, before looking over at Roy.

"HEY! TWINKLE TOES! I'm running empty! Let's pull over... I'll tag along with you for the rest of the way!", He yelled over the engines.

Roy grinned, getting ready to make a remark. Nightwing shot him a look.

"I don't want to hear it, Quivers."

Spotting an alleyway, Roy motioned for Dick to follow him into it. Stopping, Nightwing got off his motorcyle. Before getting on Roy's, He looked around.

"Okay, we're in the city. We went west. And I still don't see her. Now what?"Roy opened his mouth to say something but stopped short. He saw something white on a rooftop. Could it be? Nah thats just a pigeon.

"Okay, we're in the city. We went west. And I still don't see her. Now what?"

The woman leaned over the edge of the roof she’d landed on from following them across the rooftops. Nightwing’s voice sounding faint from the height, she stood on the edge of the roof and allowed herself to fall, landing lightly in front of them.

She placed her hand on her hip and smiled through her mask, time for some fun.

“Isn’t it past your curfew, boys?”

She took a step back as she flung two small pellets at them allowing the smoke screen to go up before turning and racing down an alley to her motorcycle. Leaping on she revved the engine and took off down the street.

Before Nightwing could fling open his escrima sticks in defense, The gas enveloped them. It all happened so fast... Her landing infront of them, the little insult she added, the gas...

"JESUS! What the hell?!"

Roy couldn't even manage a comeback, he was choking so much. As they both tried to get the smoke out of their lungs, Nightwing managed to hear her motorcycle taking off. He threw a Batarang into her direction, but heard it miss as it stuck into a wall.

Turning to Roy, grabbing him by the shoulder as he closed his eyes to protect them, Nightwing managed to blurt it out...

"Let's... end *cough* this once and for *cough* all!"

Swiping at the smoke, Nightwing flipped, and landed behind Roy as the motorcycle took off, after her.

Oh, they were definatley getting answers, now.

"**cough cough** Who's she *hack hack* callin boys? She ain't that much older than us *cough cough* Well hop on Sally, lets go!"

[Red]

Rudy Jones crossed his arms over his chest and kept a stern expression. "You can give my share of that antidote to someone who needs it." He looked at the members of the Rogues who were present, knowing that none of them even recognized who he was while in his human form.

Ra's flashed a smirk "of Course Rudy." His eye's then crossed over to the Rogue's "And you?"

[Watchman]

Ra's flashed a smirk "of Course Rudy." His eye's then crossed over to the Rogue's "And you?"

Cold looked back at the Rogues and then back to Ra's.

"Ok Ra's where in"

[LibrarianThorne]

He stopped short, landing on the pyramid head of the Jones INvestment Bank tower. It struck him how much more difficult it was, navigating his city by leaping instead of flying. He looked down from the top of the tower, his cape pulled almost horizontal by the crosswinds. He peered down, squinting his eyes and looking for a street sign. He found one, hanging from a traffic light that was glowing over an empty intersection. Schwartz Avenue, the street that ran the length of the city. The headquarters of the SCU was 35 North 7th Street, perhaps seven miles from where he was. After finally deciding on a northwestern direction, he leapt into the air. It was no flying, certainly, but it was enjoyable in its own way. A mile away, he landed on top of a five story apartment building. As he looked up, a cloying red mist surrounded him. Dust that was not quite dust, and it swirled around him. From the mist came a voice.

"Mi corazon, what's happened to you?" She strode through the smoke, her red leather outfit clinging to all the right places. Her dark hair waved as she stroke forward. She grabbed his head with her long, smooth arms and kissed him as only she could. Her lips were full of passion, so much so that he was taken aback. As he forced them apart, she smiled with her luscous red lips, lips that stood out starkly against her Latin face. "Nothing too terrible," she said with a smile.
He knew her. A seductress backed up with incredible mystical power, power that unfortunately for her came with a great curse. "Encantadora. What are you doing here?"
"I am giving you a warning, mi amor," she said as her face grew serious. "Leave Metropolis now."
"Sorry, but you'll have to give me more than that."
She walked up to him, and placed her hand on the center of his S shield. "I know that you've never thought much of me, Superman. And for a long time, you were right to. But I'm being honest now. You have to leave."
He gently took her hand off of his chest. "Why?"
"Doomsday, Superman."
"Doomsday is dead, Encantadora."
"Not that stupid monster, you beautiful fool. A war is coming, and not even you can stop it, and it will level this city. Everyone in it is already dead, they just haven't realized it. I can't let you die with it," she walked forward, and wrapped her arms around him. Almost child-like, she rested her head on his chest. He was taken off guard as he always was when he encountered Encantadora. "If not for me, corazon, then for the woman you love. I know how strongly you love her, whoever she is, and for her you have to leave. Please, Superman."
He smiled, and returned Encantadora's hug for just a moment before separating them. He held her by the soulders as he looked at her. His blue eyes, a blue so pure that there were no other eyes like his on Earth, looked at her. Her heart began racing, because she always knew that those eyes weren't looking at her like all of the others, they were looking into her. She loved him not because he could never be hers, but because he saw her in ways no one else could. That was why he had to live.

"Lourdes, Metropolis needs me more than ever. I can't abandon it because the woman I love would never forgive me if I did. You're right, I want to be with my love more than anything, but I can't until the city is safe. Take your little brother with you and leave the city. I'll make sure that it's still here when you come back."
Her eyes began welling up with tears, and the red dust that had srrounded them obscured her from him. The smoke became thick, and he had to blink his eyes clear. His hands weren't holding onto anything, and a gust of wind blew the magic powder away.
"I promise."

[twylight]

She raced through the streets dodging crates, cars and the scattered people who'd come back. She glanced in her side mirrors catching sight of the two men as they trailed behind her in pursuit. Her long black hair whipping behind her in the wind.
She shifted back and spun the bike around a corner dodging under a semi's trailer.

[Batman]

"**cough cough** Who's she *hack hack* callin boys? She ain't that much older than us *cough cough* Well hop on Sally, lets go!"


"Don't have to tell me *hack* twice, Susie!", Nightwing retorted, as they rocketed after her.

She raced through the streets dodging crates, cars and the scattered people who'd come back. She glanced in her side mirrors catching sight of the two men as they trailed behind her in pursuit. Her long black hair whipping behind her in the wind.
She shifted back and spun the bike around a corner dodging under a semi's trailer.

Nightwing's eyes widened, watching that.

"Whoah. I'd pay to see that again.", He said, before turning his attention to Roy.

"Don't even THINK about duplicating that! I want to keep my head attached, thank you very much...", He said, as they neared the same corner.

She was getting away. Dick didn't care if he had to leap off of the bike and strangle her until she sat still, He wouldn't allow it. Not after two weeks of this crap.

[twylight]

"Don't have to tell me *hack* twice, Susie!", Nightwing retorted, as they rocketed after her.



Nightwing's eyes widened, watching that.

"Whoah. I'd pay to see that again.", He said, before turning his attention to Roy.

"Don't even THINK about duplicating that! I want to keep my head attached, thank you very much...", He said, as they neared the same corner.

She was getting away. Dick didn't care if he had to leap off of the bike and strangle her until she sat still, He wouldn't allow it. Not after two weeks of this crap.

She glanced behind her and allowed a smile. reaching into her belt she pulled out a few tiny little darts. She threw them behind her as she dodged back towards Gotham's Uptown area.

[Green Lantern]

"Don't have to tell me *hack* twice, Susie!", Nightwing retorted, as they rocketed after her.

"At least there's a kick ass song bout a boy named Sue, Sally."

Nightwing's eyes widened, watching that.

"Whoah. I'd pay to see that again.", He said, before turning his attention to Roy.

"Don't even THINK about duplicating that! I want to keep my head attached, thank you very much...", He said, as they neared the same corner.

She was getting away. Dick didn't care if he had to leap off of the bike and strangle her until she sat still, He wouldn't allow it. Not after two weeks of this crap."Why do you care? There's nothing important in it anyway."

Roy grabbed his crossbow and a grappling arrow. He strung the line around the handle bars.

"Don't worry, just hang on tight."

Before Dick could yell at him and call him insane, Roy launched the arrow at the billboard the mystery lady was under currently and hit the reel button. The bike lurched and they were airborn.

"Like I said, HOLD ON TIGHT!"

He released the cord and the bike dropped bouncing on its tires as it hit pavement. Gaining its traction they picked up speed again, only a few bike lengths back from her.

[Batman]

"Why do you care? There's nothing important in it anyway."

Roy grabbed his crossbow and a grappling arrow. He strung the line around the handle bars.

"Don't worry, just hang on tight."

Before Dick could yell at him and call him insane, Roy launched the arrow at the billboard the mystery lady was under currently and hit the reel button. The bike lurched and they were airborn.

"Like I said, HOLD ON TIGHT!"

He released the cord and the bike dropped bouncing on its tires as it hit pavement. Gaining its traction they picked up speed again, only a few bike lengths back from her.


Dick was on the verge of needing new underwear. His eyes were completely wide, as they landed. He looked at Roy for a straight minute, as they continued on.

"H...H... Holy Headspins..."

She glanced behind her and allowed a smile. reaching into her belt she pulled out a few tiny little darts. She threw them behind her as she dodged back towards Gotham's Uptown area.

"GAH!"

Nightwing ducked as the darts came flying at them. He hoped to hell that Roy was cabable of doing some really fancy driving...

[Logan Howlett]

I put up a barrier infront of Rayner to keep him from taking this to the next level. "There will be no need for that."

Time to play the last card.

"If you are indeed being paid by the Joker to delay us, you succeeded. But I hope you were paid in advance. You see, the Joker has been defeated. Batman has taken him back to prison. And if you didn't get paid before, you certainly won't be seeing any money now."

I point at the Green Arrow as he hangs from Lobo's chain. "That man is offering you a fair deal and a large sum of money. I suggest you accept his offer, take you clones, and leave in peace. Because it looks like that is the only way you are going to get paid today."


Oh boy is this guy dense.....

"Aint you listenin pal! It aint the Joker whos payin me!.....Hehehe....What? You think because a guy rides a hog and blazes guns that makes him simple, hehehe, sorry pal but you got alot worse problems than Mister J!.....You bastiches realy aint that bright! Why the hell would the Joker need hold of some Lantern fanboy rings? Like he could use em'!"

I pull on the Green Arrow, streching him out, getting my point across.

"This bastich thinks HE'S rich????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! He aint got nothin on my boss! Hell, I'm bein payed more green than this bozo has ever seen.....even in his tights! You can't pay me off here boyos! And I aint jokin! Gime yer rings or watch as I pull this tight wearin fan boy in half!.......I'll give you some time to decide...............EEEEEEEERRR! TIMES UP!"

[Green Lantern]

Dick was on the verge of needing new underwear. His eyes were completely wide, as they landed. He looked at Roy for a straight minute, as they continued on.

"H...H... Holy Headspins..."



"GAH!"

Nightwing ducked as the darts came flying at them. He hoped to hell that Roy was cabable of doing some really fancy driving...Still holding his crossbow in one hand, Roy laid the bike on its side, still speeding along. The leather of his pants burning on the pavement. The darts flew over their heads. He shot a barb at her back tire and heard the hissing of air knowing he hit his mark. Then came the small bang of a blown out tire.

"Bullseye! You'd think she didn't know who she was dealing with."

[twylight]

She spun out onto one of Gotham's empty mainstreets, her tires screeching in protest as a small trail of white smoke rose into the air as she laid down rubber. She flipped a button up and pressed it her tire filling back up with air. It would last but not for long....

She pushed the throttle back her bike practically leaping under her. She leaned closer and glanced behind her again before turning to look forward again. The air grabbed her hair now and pulled it behind her as she leaned close to the handle bars.

She waited till they were closer to her before she throttled back, allowing them to speed past and herself a moment to give them a little wave.

[wiegeabo]

Oh boy is this guy dense.....

"Aint you listenin pal! It aint the Joker whos payin me!.....Hehehe....What? You think because a guy rides a hog and blazes guns that makes him simple, hehehe, sorry pal but you got alot worse problems than Mister J!.....You bastiches realy aint that bright! Why the hell would the Joker need hold of some Lantern fanboy rings? Like he could use em'!"

I pull on the Green Arrow, streching him out, getting my point across.

"This bastich thinks HE'S rich????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! He aint got nothin on my boss! Hell, I'm bein payed more green than this bozo has ever seen.....even in his tights! You can't pay me off here boyos! And I aint jokin! Gime yer rings or watch as I pull this tight wearin fan boy in half!.......I'll give you some time to decide...............EEEEEEEERRR! TIMES UP!"
"Luthor..." I say softly as the realization dawns on me. Judging by the expression on Lobo's face, my guess is confirmed. The surprise on the Arrow's face is reflected in Rayner's as well.

"Luthor is paying you. He is running everything behind the scenes." It made sense. Something about this finally made sense. All the time we worked together in the Injustice Society...it just felt like a Luthor plan. "It's the only logical conclusion. Only he has the money to finance the Joker and yourself, and the willingness to involve someone as insane as the Joker in his plans. He knew that with Batman missing, the combined attacks on Gotham would disract everyone's attention from whatever he is really plotting. And Keystone. He probably manipulated that attack as well for the same reason." All the pieces were starting to fall into place, creating a frightening picture.

I take a step towards Lobo. "I'm right, aren't I." It's not a question, but a statement that I already know the answer to. "You're working for Luthor."

[Nightwing]

"Hehehehehe.......Like you have enough pal!.....Alright fan boys, the jig is up. I think its about time to let ya in on a little "Lobo secret"....I took the Jokers contract for the hell of it, something to do while I was on vacation.....but he aint the one puttin me on a pay role! If that green Robin hood wanabe thinks he can out pay the main man's main man, than he's got another thing comin! All of this, all I been doin....its been a distraction! I've just been payed off to keep you bozo's busy long enough for the real heat to come on!"

I look back at the clones giving them a little glint from my eyes....

"You boys are all just a bunch a fools! You been sitting here tryin to save this city from the Joker, from me, and all the damn while you been missin the big picture!.....Hehehe....I know you boys are used to winin, thinkin the good guys always come out on top.....but now the times have changed....yur about to get it in a way you aint ever got it before!"

I throw my chain and catch it on the foot of the green arrow bastard, and pull him to wards me. I grab him and hold him upside down by his feet. I snap off his arrow holster, and his belt, makin sure to remove any possibility of a dumb ass move. I wrap my other hand around his neck and strech him out.

"Now were all gona sit here and kick back with Uncle Lobo and wait for the fireworks to start.......or.....I can rip this dustch bag in half and tear through the rest of ya like paper!......Oh....and lets see.....I'm gona need them Lantern rings a yours, my boss seems to be payin bigtime for your hero trinkits!.......HAND EM OVER OR SEE HIS GUTS!"

"Robin Hood wannabe?" Was this guy kidding me? Suddenly all the fond memories of the many times I heard that line come back. Well I can't really call them 'fond' because they were always life or death situations.

I let out a painful cry as Lobo stretched out my entire spinal column. Hanging upside down right in front of him, unarmed. I couldn't help but think to myself how much he needed a breath mint. I try reaching for a fallen arrow, in hope that I could gore him in the eye to loosen his grip. No use.

"That man is offering you a fair deal and a large sum of money. I suggest you accept his offer, take you clones, and leave in peace. Because it looks like that is the only way you are going to get paid today."

My eyes widen as I heard Sinestro speak. He was actually defending my offer. The shock left my face in an instant when Lobo continued to apply pressure. But resurfaced when Kyle, myself, and Sinestro came to realize who was really pulling the strings behind this whole operation.

" Luthor? You're working for Luthor?!!"

Of course. Who else would have enough cash in their pocket to give someone like Lobo and his buddies their payday? To go through people like us, and most of all, a city like this.

I didn't know about the others, but I had heard enough. No, I HAD enough.

"I've got to hand it to you, you got me there. Sure enough I don't have the same wealth as your 'boss', but believe you me, I own my fair share. And no, we're not asking, we're demanding you and your boys leave this city be."

I tried to control my anger as I thought about what awaited me in Star. But still.....I couldn't lose my focus. The same expression came onto Lobo's face again. He was listening for sure, because I felt his grasp shorten.

"The offer I'm giving is still in the midst of oppurtunity."

I felt so useless just hanging there in front of him. As I spoke, the blood rushed to my head in minutes. Then, I came up with make a decision I'd only live to regret. But, it's why I put the mask everyday. Sacrifice.

"And while we're at it. I'll TRIPLE what I offered to you before. Take it. Or leave it."

[wiegeabo]

"The offer I'm giving is still in the midst of oppurtunity."

I felt so useless just hanging there in front of him. As I spoke, the blood rushed to my head in minutes. Then, I came up with make a decision I'd only live to regret. But, it's why I put the mask everyday. Sacrifice.

"And while we're at it. I'll TRIPLE what I offered to you before. Take it. Or leave it."
Even my eyebrows shoot up in surprise at that. I'm tempted to take the offer and kill the Lobo's myself. But that is the old me. I've got more important goals in mind. Besides, Rayner and the Arrow would just try to stop me.

"That's six times what Luthor is paying you," I say to Lobo. "SIX. You and your four clones do not even have to share and you each still get more money than Luthor is offering the lot of you."

"Hey, that's sounds pretty good. Think of all the bastich's we could fu...oof!" One of the clones says until another elbows him in the gut.

"Let the big guy think about it, moron."

"Yes, think about it. Oh, and if you would, put down Green Arrow while you do so. It is quite hard to get paid when the man with the money is dead."

[Nightwing]

Even my eyebrows shoot up in surprise at that. I'm tempted to take the offer and kill the Lobo's myself. But that is the old me. I've got more important goals in mind. Besides, Rayner and the Arrow would just try to stop me.

"That's six times what Luthor is paying you," I say to Lobo. "SIX. You and your four clones do not even have to share and you each still get more money than Luthor is offering the lot of you."

"Hey, that's sounds pretty good. Think of all the bastich's we could fu...oof!" One of the clones says until another elbows him in the gut.

"Let the big guy think about it, moron."

"Yes, think about it. Oh, and if you would, put down Green Arrow while you do so. It is quite hard to get paid when the man with the money is dead."

I smirk a bit. Seeing all of the little Lobo's expressing interest in the new deal. Having pushed one another, easily showed their greed, their hunger for it. But, it was up to the big man himself, not the little ones.

I still hung there looking into the eyes of Lobo as he thought to himself. I kept hoping over and over that he'd except. If he didn't, I honestly didn't have a clue as to what we'd do afterward. Like his friends I saw the greed circle around his face. This is what it was all about.

He'd be crazy not to take, I thought again and again. Then I hear Sine asking to put me down, and look back at Lobo.

"Do yourself a favor and listen to the man."

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Luthor...this is bad. This is really really bad. For him to go through this much trouble, out up that much money...this waste is small time guys. We gotta get outta here an regroup."

[Green Lantern]

She spun out onto one of Gotham's empty mainstreets, her tires screeching in protest as a small trail of white smoke rose into the air as she laid down rubber. She flipped a button up and pressed it her tire filling back up with air. It would last but not for long....

She pushed the throttle back her bike practically leaping under her. She leaned closer and glanced behind her again before turning to look forward again. The air grabbed her hair now and pulled it behind her as she leaned close to the handle bars.

She waited till they were closer to her before she throttled back, allowing them to speed past and herself a moment to give them a little wave.

"SON OF A! Dick, take the damn wheel!"

Before Nightwing could respond, Roy let go of the handlebars and launched himself in the air, doing a back flip off of the moving cycle.While flipping he gracefully spun his body around and landed facing his quarry.

"Come on now! You know who I am, I know who you are. YOU KNOW DAMN WELL I DON'T GIVE UP THAT EASY. Don't make this harder than it already is. All Dick and I want are answers! Like how! and WHY? This new method, it ain't like you at all!"

~Justice League. This is J'onn J'onzz. Metropolis is in grave danger, and we must thwart this threat before it spreads. Superman and I need your assistance. Make your way to Metropolis as soon as you can. This is an emergency. I will keep this telepathic channel open.~

...did it have to be now? Goddammit. As much as I hate to admit it, this is more important than confronting her. There will be time enough for that later.

"Dammit! Something just came up sweet heart, and they need all the help they can get in Metropolis. So we have two choices; either you come with Dick and I, help save people and give us the answers that we so desperately want or I'll turn around and let you disappear before Dick turns the bike around. Be warned though if you choose that one, we WILL hunt you down again after this crisis is over. The choice is yours."

[Logan Howlett]

Even my eyebrows shoot up in surprise at that. I'm tempted to take the offer and kill the Lobo's myself. But that is the old me. I've got more important goals in mind. Besides, Rayner and the Arrow would just try to stop me.

"That's six times what Luthor is paying you," I say to Lobo. "SIX. You and your four clones do not even have to share and you each still get more money than Luthor is offering the lot of you."

"Hey, that's sounds pretty good. Think of all the bastich's we could fu...oof!" One of the clones says until another elbows him in the gut.

"Let the big guy think about it, moron."

"Yes, think about it. Oh, and if you would, put down Green Arrow while you do so. It is quite hard to get paid when the man with the money is dead."

I turn to the clones,

"SHYUDUP YA BIG DUMB DUMBS! Remember the plan....."

I turn back to the fanboys,

"Now if you boys wana waste more time asumin that its Luthor I'm workin for, than go right ahead.......hell, go right ahead and kill him! Cuz if he is who I'm gettin payed by I'll still get my money, and if he aint than you've just offed yerself one more baddie!.....but before we place the price is right and see whats behind door number one, you gota make your choice......Do you want me to play "see whats inside" with the Green Arrow......or are you gona hand over them pretty rings?.........I AIN'T GOTA A WHOLE HELL OF ALOT OF TIME!.......then again....neither do you, hehehehe......"

I hold the Green fanboy up and stretch him out a bit more, his clothes start tearin at the seams and I hear a few pops and snaps.....

"Ooooooooooh, that didn't sound good......C'mon, this guy is yer friend right? And not a one of you is gona do a thing to help him? I mean ya know ya can't attack cuz I'll just pull him apart like paper despite what ya do to me, but not a one of you think Mr. Greenbritches is worth losin yer powers?.........HA! Now ya see thats what I love about you hero types! Always goin around savin everybody, actin like yer gods, but the second yer faced with the decision to save someone and lose yer powers, suddenly THEY become a martyr! Face it, yer just a bunch of power hungry showboaters!.....You don't give a damn about him....hehehe, hell the only one a ya that I could count on to be self sacrificin is the one a ya I hate the most....SUPERMAN! Ol' blue boy himself would have drank a Kryptonite milkshake by now! But you guys.....hehehe, you Lanten Fan boys don't wana give up yer pretty rings and loose all that power!.....Cumon you two, you think I'm stupid? I know you, I know yer record.....You want power more than anything....and you'd kill to get it....ecpecialy you Siny....C'mon, tell me you wouldn't like to rip my Czarnian guts out and somehow get a hold of my strength, a strength to match Big Blue himself.....Huh?.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! yer all so pathetic......."

I turn to the Green Arrow,

"Ya gotta love yer friends right?......Guess their just gona let you die, so I'll just finish ya off now........."

I turn back to the ring wearin bastiches......

"Unless.......we've suddenly had a change of heart????"

[twylight]

"SON OF A! Dick, take the damn wheel!"

Before Nightwing could respond, Roy let go of the handlebars and launched himself in the air, doing a back flip off of the moving cycle.While flipping he gracefully spun his body around and landed facing his quarry.

"Come on now! You know who I am, I know who you are. YOU KNOW DAMN WELL I DON'T GIVE UP THAT EASY. Don't make this harder than it already is. All Dick and I want are answers! Like how! and WHY? This new method, it ain't like you at all!"

~Justice League. This is J'onn J'onzz. Metropolis is in grave danger, and we must thwart this threat before it spreads. Superman and I need your assistance. Make your way to Metropolis as soon as you can. This is an emergency. I will keep this telepathic channel open.~

...did it have to be now? Goddammit. As much as I hate to admit it, this is more important than confronting her. There will be time enough for that later.

"Dammit! Something just came up sweet heart, and they need all the help they can get in Metropolis. So we have two choices; either you come with Dick and I, help save people and give us the answers that we so desperately want or I'll turn around and let you disappear before Dick turns the bike around. Be warned though if you choose that one, we WILL hunt you down again after this crisis is over. The choice is yours."


The woman stared at him, her eyes steady through her black hair.
"No, I don't think I have to give you any answers."

She turned and looked towards Metropolis.

"They don't need me anymore." she whispered.

She stared into the distance before spunning back around to look at Arsenal and revving the engine, spinning the bike around she looked over her shoulder.

"Be safe." She said before letting it lose and driving away.

She stared into the distance. Having recieved J'onn's call like the others it weighed heavily on her.

"Now's the time to call for help."

[LibrarianThorne]

Another few leaps and he found himself at the headquarters of the Metropolis SCU. The building had a large concrete wall surrounding it, and in the courtyard (for that is what it must be), several squads of the SCU were gearing up, each member wearing midnight black armor and wielding the futuristic IP90 laser cannons. The weapons packed amazing power, and were usually enough to put down even the hardiest supercriminal. He saw, too, the battlesuits Steel had designed for them, capable of pacifying just about any situation and usually only given to the best of the best in the SCU. At his current power levels, he knew that one suit could likely take him down with little effort.

He landed, kneeling upon impact. The SCU officers spun as he landed, weapons aimed at him. Superman looked around at the officers, and raised his hands. "I'm not looking for a fight, gentlemen. I need help."
"Good, Superman." A tall woman, her blonde hair cut short, walked through the mass of SCU officers. "I didn't want to order my men to shoot you on sight, but you've got some questions to answer and you'll answer them now. Horowitz, hit the recording tape in the suit and prepare to file evidence."

Captain Maggie Sawyer, thought Superman. If there's a more dedicated police officer, I've not met them.

"Question 1," she began. "Why were you aiding the criminal Parasite in an attack on United States armed forces? That's treason, Superman," her voice taking on an edge as she spoke the last sentence.
"Because Rudy Jones has a daughter, Maggie, and the army was after the child. I didn't know until afterwards that the Parasite killed the mother and kidnapped the child. I trusted him because he saved the world and stopped Unity. I was wrong."
"Question 2. What do you know about the disease spreading through Metropolis?"
"Nothing, yet. Only that it doesn't behave like any disease I've ever seen before, but I'm sure doctors already discovered that. Is there a death toll?"
"As of three hours ago, three hundred sixty five thousand, four hundred seventeen people are dead, Superman."
"Great Scott!"
She sighed. "Alright men, lower your weapons. Horowitz, end the recording," She walked up to Superman, and he saw in her walk somethign that he saw very rarely: pure confidence. "I don't know how we're going to do it, Superman, but we're going to arrest the Parasite and put him on trial. You will, of course, testify in order to clear your name?"
"Of course." Superman walked forward and met Maggie halfway, and there they shared a hug. "It's good to see you, Maggie."
"You too, Blue. Any particular reason for this little visit?"
"Yes. Something feels off. With the streets deserted, I'd expected to see some looters, or at least the gangs trying to take advantage of the situation. But there's nothing. It's... unnerving. Do you know what's going on?"
"Maybe, but we're not sure. The MPD has done the usual shakedown, and the only thing they've got is two words: Demon's Head. They passed the case to us, and near as we can figure some occult thing is going down. Satanus, maybe, and if it's something like that this disease could be related. We've got our mystical experts looking into it, but we've got nothing yet. I agree with you on this, Superman. Something big is up, and that's why I'm mobilizing the SCU in force."

As she spoke, his mind raced. The words, Demon's Head, he'd heard them before. But where? When? And what, by all the stars in heaven, did they mean?

[Green Lantern]

The woman stared at him, her eyes steady through her black hair.
"No, I don't think I have to give you any answers."

She turned and looked towards Metropolis.

"They don't need me anymore." she whispered.

She stared into the distance before spunning back around to look at Arsenal and revving the engine, spinning the bike around she looked over her shoulder.

"Be safe." She said before letting it lose and driving away.

She stared into the distance. Having recieved J'onn's call like the others it weighed heavily on her.

"Now's the time to call for help."As Roy turned around, tears started welling in his eyes. So Dick wouldn't know what he did, he grabbed a tear gas arrow and broke it open far enough away from himself that it barely had any effect.

I should have known better. She was always just as stubborn and hard headed as me. She'll give us the answers when she's damn well and ready. At least I can bask in the comfort that she's safe.

"Dick get back here! She's gone."

[wiegeabo]

I turn to the clones,

"SHYUDUP YA BIG DUMB DUMBS! Remember the plan....."

I turn back to the fanboys,

"Now if you boys wana waste more time asumin that its Luthor I'm workin for, than go right ahead.......hell, go right ahead and kill him! Cuz if he is who I'm gettin payed by I'll still get my money, and if he aint than you've just offed yerself one more baddie!.....but before we place the price is right and see whats behind door number one, you gota make your choice......Do you want me to play "see whats inside" with the Green Arrow......or are you gona hand over them pretty rings?.........I AIN'T GOTA A WHOLE HELL OF ALOT OF TIME!.......then again....neither do you, hehehehe......"

I hold the Green fanboy up and stretch him out a bit more, his clothes start tearin at the seams and I hear a few pops and snaps.....

"Ooooooooooh, that didn't sound good......C'mon, this guy is yer friend right? And not a one of you is gona do a thing to help him? I mean ya know ya can't attack cuz I'll just pull him apart like paper despite what ya do to me, but not a one of you think Mr. Greenbritches is worth losin yer powers?.........HA! Now ya see thats what I love about you hero types! Always goin around savin everybody, actin like yer gods, but the second yer faced with the decision to save someone and lose yer powers, suddenly THEY become a martyr! Face it, yer just a bunch of power hungry showboaters!.....You don't give a damn about him....hehehe, hell the only one a ya that I could count on to be self sacrificin is the one a ya I hate the most....SUPERMAN! Ol' blue boy himself would have drank a Kryptonite milkshake by now! But you guys.....hehehe, you Lanten Fan boys don't wana give up yer pretty rings and loose all that power!.....Cumon you two, you think I'm stupid? I know you, I know yer record.....You want power more than anything....and you'd kill to get it....ecpecialy you Siny....C'mon, tell me you wouldn't like to rip my Czarnian guts out and somehow get a hold of my strength, a strength to match Big Blue himself.....Huh?.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! yer all so pathetic......."

I turn to the Green Arrow,

"Ya gotta love yer friends right?......Guess their just gona let you die, so I'll just finish ya off now........."

I turn back to the ring wearin bastiches......

"Unless.......we've suddenly had a change of heart????"


What the hell is wrong with this creature? Why does he want our rings so badly? It's doubtful he could use them. Mine is specifically tuned to work only for me, and I assume Rayner's ring has similar protections. And the original reason he was going to take our rings was to convince the Joker we were not a threat. But with the Joker captured...

I look down at the ring on my hand. It makes no sense!

No. I want to say it, knowing that if we give up our rings, we're all as good as dead. But I look at the Arrow, straining to keep from yelling out. Lobo doesn't want money...

I close my eyes and concentrate for a moment. Then I let out a breath, reach down with my other hand, and pull my ring off. "If I give you this, then the Arrow goes free and unharmed, as do the rest of us. And you and your clones leave this city peacefully."

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex presses a button on his speakerphone and says, "Sunset, sunset, sunset, blue-moon."

And then shuts his phone off.

[Batman]

Before Nightwing could respond, Roy let go of the handlebars and launched himself in the air, doing a back flip off of the moving cycle.While flipping he gracefully spun his body around and landed facing his quarry.

Nightwing's eyes widened, as Roy leapt off the bike.

DAMN IT, ROY! Warn me a little better, next time..., Dick thought, as he grabbed ahold of the handlebars and pulled the bike up, doing a wheelie so he could move himself to the front of the seat in that instant.

As Nightwing watched Roy leap forward, Something entered his mind, zoning him out from everything and everyone else completely.

~Justice League. This is J'onn J'onzz. Metropolis is in grave danger, and we must thwart this threat before it spreads. Superman and I need your assistance. Make your way to Metropolis as soon as you can. This is an emergency. I will keep this telepathic channel open.~
[I]

And that's when Nightwing suddenly realised that he was still driving the motorcycle.

"JESUS CHRIST!", He yelled to himself, narrowly avoiding an oncoming semi, as he skidded to the side of the area.

Okay, Grayson. Deep breaths. You can do this. J'onn and Clark need help... By god, if there's any time to get your head out of the gutter... Now would be that time.

Revving up the cycle once more, Nightwing took off, heading right where Roy and the woman in white were seen last. Rolling into the area, Dick stopped as he saw Roy coming towards him, out of what looked like a cloud of tear gas. If he hadn't had seen that, He could swear Roy was crying like a baby.

"What happened? Where'd she-"

Roy's expression said it all. They had failed to catch her. AGAIN. Dick sighed.

"You know what, I've said 'god damn it' so many times this week that I'm just out of it entirely. I say forget her, for now. I just got a message from J'onn. Which, since I'm sure you got it too, I don't need to tell you how important it is that we get to Metropolis."

Revving up the bike, Dick scooted forward, leaving Roy room.

"Let's go, Slick. We've got a Superman to save."

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing's eyes widened, as Roy leapt off the bike.

DAMN IT, ROY! Warn me a little better, next time..., Dick thought, as he grabbed ahold of the handlebars and pulled the bike up, doing a wheelie so he could move himself to the front of the seat in that instant.

As Nightwing watched Roy leap forward, Something entered his mind, zoning him out from everything and everyone else completely.

~Justice League. This is J'onn J'onzz. Metropolis is in grave danger, and we must thwart this threat before it spreads. Superman and I need your assistance. Make your way to Metropolis as soon as you can. This is an emergency. I will keep this telepathic channel open.~


And that's when Nightwing suddenly realised that he was still driving the motorcycle.

"JESUS CHRIST!", He yelled to himself, narrowly avoiding an oncoming semi, as he skidded to the side of the area.

Okay, Grayson. Deep breaths. You can do this. J'onn and Clark need help... By god, if there's any time to get your head out of the gutter... Now would be that time.

Revving up the cycle once more, Nightwing took off, heading right where Roy and the woman in white were seen last. Rolling into the area, Dick stopped as he saw Roy coming towards him, out of what looked like a cloud of tear gas. If he hadn't had seen that, He could swear Roy was crying like a baby.

"What happened? Where'd she-"

Roy's expression said it all. They had failed to catch her. AGAIN. Dick sighed.

"You know what, I've said 'god damn it' so many times this week that I'm just out of it entirely. I say forget her, for now. I just got a message from J'onn. Which, since I'm sure you got it too, I don't need to tell you how important it is that we get to Metropolis."

Revving up the bike, Dick scooted forward, leaving Roy room.

"Let's go, Slick. We've got a Superman to save.""Dammit Dick. I HAD her. I F**KING had her. Then I got J'onn's message and it distracted me long enough for her to drop the tear gas and ditch." [I]Just please don't look at the tear gas arrow. Please don't look at it... "But you're right, the Metropolis situation is more important. And we ARE stopping at the cave to get me a damned bike first! I ain't ridin behind your smelly ass all the way to the Big Apricot. You reek like rotten eggs man."

[Purple Man]

Conner groaned as he regained conciousness. The last thing he remembered was flying away from Gotham.

Where was he headed? He could feel waves lapping at his feet, and sand between his fingers.

When Superboy finally found the strength to lift up his head and open his eyes, he saw a architechtual marvel.

A tower in the shape of a capital T.

[Batman]

"Dammit Dick. I HAD her. I F**KING had her. Then I got J'onn's message and it distracted me long enough for her to drop the tear gas and ditch." Just please don't look at the tear gas arrow. Please don't look at it... "But you're right, the Metropolis situation is more important. And we ARE stopping at the cave to get me a damned bike first! I ain't ridin behind your smelly ass all the way to the Big Apricot. You reek like rotten eggs man."

Dick stared at him, blankly.

"If I smell like rotten eggs, I don't even want to begin to tell you what you smell like.", Nightwing stated, recalling nights where he had to wear a noseplug to bed.

As Roy got on, and Nightwing took off, He looked back.

"And we're not taking a couple of cycles there. I'm not about to repeat anything you pulled just a few minutes ago. I have something else in mind...", Nightwing continued, thinking about a certain mode of transportation that had been put in storage for some time...


http://www.batman-superman.com/batman/img/bwing1.gif

[SuperFerret]

~J'onn, it's Zatanna, what's the situation?~

Zatanna. She should be sufficient enough to hold Metropolis.

~Metropolis is under siege from a mysterious plague, and Superman has requested a quarantine placed on the city. Can you handle that?~

~I should be able to manage it. I'll be right there.~

I lower myself down to the rooftop of a building on the outer city limits of Metropolis. In a flash of light, Zatanna joins me. She smiles as a greeting, I nod in response.

She stands at the edge of the roof, holding her hands out, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Siloportem enitnarauq! Ytic eht evael enoon tel!"

Something, indescribable comes over me, radiating from Zatanna, and I sense already that people trying to leave the city cannot. It worked, the civilians will no doubt start panicking, but it worked nonetheless.

Sweat begins to bead on Zatanna's forehead, the concentration of holding an entire city back (especially one that wants to leave en masse) is taking it's toll on her already.

Sliently, I leave, flying across the city, covering every foot of the city from above. All the while sending out a calming frequency to the panicked populace, trying to aleiviate their fear, however slightly.

In my progress, I locate Superman, and lightly land next to him.
"They are coming."

[Spider-Man9X17]

What the hell is wrong with this creature? Why does he want our rings so badly? It's doubtful he could use them. Mine is specifically tuned to work only for me, and I assume Rayner's ring has similar protections. And the original reason he was going to take our rings was to convince the Joker we were not a threat. But with the Joker captured...

I look down at the ring on my hand. It makes no sense!

No. I want to say it, knowing that if we give up our rings, we're all as good as dead. But I look at the Arrow, straining to keep from yelling out. Lobo doesn't want money...

I close my eyes and concentrate for a moment. Then I let out a breath, reach down with my other hand, and pull my ring off. "If I give you this, then the Arrow goes free and unharmed, as do the rest of us. And you and your clones leave this city peacefully."

"What the...stupid friggin'..."

Kyle looked over to Sinestro. He couldn't believe it. Even if Lobo did have the ring, knowing people like him, there was no guarantee he'd follow through on his promise.

Kyle looked back to the puke faced pond scum.

"No. I'm keeping mine."

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex sits in his darkend office with just one lone stream of light shining upon him as he sits behind his desk.

His phone buzzes and Mercy says, "Midnight confirmed & the juice is in the fridge. All party favors are in fashion."

Lex says, "Thank you my dear. Remember no interference unless called for and from this point forward radio silence."

She replies, "Understood."

Lex shuts off his phone

[Green Lantern]

Dick stared at him, blankly.

"If I smell like rotten eggs, I don't even want to begin to tell you what you smell like.", Nightwing stated, recalling nights where he had to wear a noseplug to bed.

As Roy got on, and Nightwing took off, He looked back.

"And we're not taking a couple of cycles there. I'm not about to repeat anything you pulled just a few minutes ago. I have something else in mind...", Nightwing continued, thinking about a certain mode of transportation that had been put in storage for some time...


http://www.batman-superman.com/batman/img/bwing1.gif"HEY! I smell like Roses thank you very much! And whatsthe matter? Don't like playin Evil Kenieval? I thought the gymnast in you would love that."

Roy grinned as they pulled back into the cave.

[Batman]

"HEY! I smell like Roses thank you very much! And whatsthe matter? Don't like playin Evil Kenieval? I thought the gymnast in you would love that."

Roy grinned as they pulled back into the cave.


"Evil Kenieval would've had trouble keeping his lunch down at some of the stuff we've done over the years.", Nightwing responded, as they got off the bike, and headed towards the elevator, leading to the jet hangar.

"And what the hell kind of roses have you been sniffing? Don't tell me that you're on drugs again.", Dick responded, with an eyebrow raised, as the elevator door shut with them inside.

[LibrarianThorne]

~J'onn, it's Zatanna, what's the situation?~

Zatanna. She should be sufficient enough to hold Metropolis.

~Metropolis is under siege from a mysterious plague, and Superman has requested a quarantine placed on the city. Can you handle that?~

~I should be able to manage it. I'll be right there.~

I lower myself down to the rooftop of a building on the outer city limits of Metropolis. In a flash of light, Zatanna joins me. She smiles as a greeting, I nod in response.

She stands at the edge of the roof, holding her hands out, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Siloportem enitnarauq! Ytic eht evael enoon tel!"

Something, indescribable comes over me, radiating from Zatanna, and I sense already that people trying to leave the city cannot. It worked, the civilians will no doubt start panicking, but it worked nonetheless.

Sweat begins to bead on Zatanna's forehead, the concentration of holding an entire city back (especially one that wants to leave en masse) is taking it's toll on her already.

Sliently, I leave, flying across the city, covering every foot of the city from above. All the while sending out a calming frequency to the panicked populace, trying to aleiviate their fear, however slightly.

In my progress, I locate Superman, and lightly land next to him.
"They are coming."

"J'onn!" The arrival of the Manhunter caught Superman off guard. Maggie looked at the jade-skinned hero with something like shock.
"Who is coming, Superman?" she said, her voice not betraying what her face already gave away.
"The Justice League. I... called for a city-wide quarantine a few hours ago."
"You what?!"
"Three hundred thousand are already dead, Maggie. If this isn't contained, millions will die. Until the outbreak stops or a cure is found, I can't risk the disease spreading."
"You don't have that kind of authority, Superman! Do you know what you've done?! The President-Elect of the United States is in Metropolis, Superman!"
"And so are thousands of other people. If Lex Luthor is inconvenienced for the sake of millions, I could really not care any less than I do right now."
"Superman, I must-"
"You must do what you must do, and I the same, Maggie." He turned to face J'onn, who raised an eyebrow at his behavior. "Walk with me, J'onn."

After the pair were out of earshot of the distressed SCU chief, Superman talked in whispered tones with the Manhunter.
"I know you can hear my thoughts, J'onn, so that is where we will discuss this."

The reason I couldn't say this is because I don't want anyone else to know. You heard the Parasite earlier today. He took my communicator after draining me completely. If not for Steel's intervention, I would likely be dead. Some new device of his can reproduce concentrated amounts of yellow sun radiation, and thanks to a boost from that I have some power. However, what I have now is maybe, if I'm being generous, ten percent of my maximum. I can't even fly, J'onn. And something very, very bad is going to happen very, very soon.

[Green Lantern]

"Evil Kenieval would've had trouble keeping his lunch down at some of the stuff we've done over the years.", Nightwing responded, as they got off the bike, and headed towards the elevator, leading to the jet hangar.

"And what the hell kind of roses have you been sniffing? Don't tell me that you're on drugs again.", Dick responded, with an eyebrow raised, as the elevator door shut with them inside....HE would bring that up... "Just high on life my man, and the occasional 1.75 of Jose Cuervo... but you're right we did do some wild stuff with the Titans didn't we? Remember that time I almost killed you guys blindfolded? At the Olympics? You're lucky that kid saved your asses. Ah fun times eh?"

Roy got into the copilot seat of the plane and buckled in.

[Batman]

...HE would bring that up... "Just high on life my man, and the occasional 1.75 of Jose Cuervo... but you're right we did do some wild stuff with the Titans didn't we? Remember that time I almost killed you guys blindfolded? At the Olympics? You're lucky that kid saved your asses. Ah fun times eh?"

Roy got into the copilot seat of the plane and buckled in.


Dick looks back. He REMEMBERS tha-...You know what, nevermind. He is Roy Harper, after all...

"...Better than the nights I spent here, at least.", Nightwing stated, vaguely, as he got into the pilot's seat of the Batwing, and buckled in aswell.

"Dual powers to thrusters. Turbines to sp-"

He stopped, realising what he was doing. Looking back, He saw Roy's confused expression aswell.

"Uh... Sorry. Bad habit.", Nightwing said, before flipping the nessacary switched, and holding on as the Batwing bursted to life, flying from the Batcave and reaching the skies in no time.

[Green Lantern]

Dick looks back. He REMEMBERS tha-...You know what, nevermind. He is Roy Harper, after all...

"...Better than the nights I spent here, at least.", Nightwing stated, vaguely, as he got into the pilot's seat of the Batwing, and buckled in aswell.

"Dual powers to thrusters. Turbines to sp-"

He stopped, realising what he was doing. Looking back, He saw Roy's confused expression aswell.

"Uh... Sorry. Bad habit.", Nightwing said, before flipping the nessacary switched, and holding on as the Batwing bursted to life, flying from the Batcave and reaching the skies in no time."I knew it! Batman did bad things to you didn't he? That explains it all! And seriously dude, that 'dual turbines' crap sounded like something out of a campy 60s TV show."

Roy sat back and dozed off in his chair.

[Batman]

"I knew it! Batman did bad things to you didn't he? That explains it all! And seriously dude, that 'dual turbines' crap sounded like something out of a campy 60s TV show."

Roy sat back and dozed off in his chair.


"...Yes, he did do something to me. He made me sit in a house with no television, videogames, or any sort of board games while he deduced The Riddler's latest clue, or autopsied The Joker's latest victim. The worst he did was probably allowing me to run around in that stupid yellow cape.", Nightwing responded, with a smirk.

The smirk slowly faded as Nightwing heard a snore from Roy. Cursing under his breath, Nightwing continued to pilot their way towards Metropolis.

The only thing that concerned him, during that time, was what could be so important to warrant aid to two of the most powerful beings on the planet.

[Green Lantern]

"...Yes, he did do something to me. He made me sit in a house with no television, videogames, or any sort of board games while he deduced The Riddler's latest clue, or autopsied The Joker's latest victim. The worst he did was probably allowing me to run around in that stupid yellow cape.", Nightwing responded, with a smirk.

The smirk slowly faded as Nightwing heard a snore from Roy. Cursing under his breath, Nightwing continued to pilot their way towards Metropolis.

The only thing that concerned him, during that time, was what could be so important to warrant aid to two of the most powerful beings on the planet.As he slept, a new dream crept into his mind. The last time someone had been allowed to escape by him.

~~~~~~~~~~~
"Still the question remains. Why us?"

"Because we've fought the killer they've hired. We're the only ones that ever fought her to a standstill. And thats WITH our special powers. It's Cheshire."

"Speedy, what about you?"

"I don't like mixing work with politics."

"Since when? You work with the government."

"Okay, okay but I'm not happy about it."

"Its cuz he's got a bleeding heart."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You okay Roy? You were the only one against this."

"I'm not thrilled by this but I'll do my best."

"I never doubted that for a second."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Somethings wrong, isn't it?"

"What do you mean, Jay?"

"I mean that thing Flash said - you know about what Cheshire told him. When Wonder Girl asked what that meant, I noticed you looked away... like you knew, only didn't want to say anything."

"You sure you're a kid and not some midget in disguise?"

"Then something is wrong. I was right."

"Yes, child. You are right."

Roy and Jason turn in shock starring at the deadly assassin in front of them.

"Cheshire?!?"

"I've been waiting for this moment, Roy. For a long time now. But I don't need distractions, and I don't want company while we conclude the business we began all those months ago."

Roy reaches for an arrow as Cheshire drops Robin swiftly to the floor.

"Don't bother trying to fire that arrow, Harper, you won't have time."

"Cheshire, don't try anything stupid."

"You haven't changed much in all this time. Of course when I saw you LAST time you weren't wearing that mask... or much of anything else for that matter. I woke up the next morning and found you had gone. Then I learned the man I fell in love with was working, pardon the pun, 'under cover' for the United States government. Then I also learned you were also Speedy of the Teen Titans. Speedy - my lover, and the father of my child! And I wondered what would happen once I tracked you down. Once I stared into your eyes. And now I know exactly what I'm going to do. Roy Harper-- I'm going to kill you."

Whoa what now? Father? ME?!? Uh...

Cheshire takes aim at Roy with her pistol.

"You fathered our child... then left me. Only later did I learn you were assigned to track me down."

"I didn't turn you in Jade. I couldn't... I loved you. Even though I didn't want to. I lied to my people and told them I lost your trail. If I stayed with you, Jade, one of us would have killed the other. You know we wouldn't have any other choice. And I never knew about a child. You never told me."

"How could I? You didn't tell me who you were. I learned by accident... first that you were a government agent, then that you were a Titan. By the time I learned the full truth, all I wanted was to see you dead! I swore you'd never see our child, never even know if its a boy or a girl. I'm going to make you suffer for all those months you made me love you. I want to kill you, Roy. I WANT TO KILL YOU!"

Concentrating on Roy she doesn't see Robin getting up.

"Sorry 'cat' thats a definite 'no-no'. Don't you know mommys and daddys should never fight?"

The haymaker Jason lays on her allows Roy time to recover from the shock of finding out he's the father of a super-villainess's child.

"I'll handle Jade, kid!"

"You'll take care of me, Roy? We haven't been apart that long that you've forgotten how lethal I am."

"I haven't forgotten anything, Jade. Including my feelings for you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ensuing fight, and the fight after had left Roy in a very painful state of shock from posion on her nails, and she had managed to discredit the U.S. government as Roy and the other Titans headed back to New York.

"You okay Roy? You still look awful."

"Yeah, you never told me what's between you and that Chinese girl."

"Thats because its none of your damned business, Hawk. Donna, I'm taking off. I've got things to do, stuff to sort out. Call you in a few days."

"Okay, take care, and I'm here if you need to talk."

Just like her, always there for me when I need it... but not anymore...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hong Kong:

I have to see her, shes here... she has to be. Jade, you aren't getting away that easily.You've lived here forever. I have to see you again. Our child. I have to know.
"Jade"

"Why did you come here Roy?"

"You know why."

"Outside belongs to Cheshire... it serves as the hunting grounds for people like us. But this is Jade's world. And you're not a part of that. Not anymore."

"I belonged once. To Jade, not to Cheshire. I cared... I loved, and before Speedy's world and Cheshire's destroyed us both... I left. But I had to come back. I had to know."

"There's someone you need to meet, Harper"

He saw a little red headed baby. "It's your daughter, Roy. Her name is Lian. It means Graceful Willow."

And at that moment, Roy knew. he was going to let Jade slip away from him a third time, but Lian wouldn't. Not ever.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tears rolled down Roy's face as he woke up in a cold sweat.

"Dick, you tell anybody about this, and I'll castrate you with a dull arrow head. Anyway, we there yet?"



OOC: Thanks to Marv Wolfman for supplying most of the dialog in this post :o

[Batman]

Tears rolled down Roy's face as he woke up in a cold sweat.

"Dick, you tell anybody about this, and I'll castrate you with a dull arrow head. Anyway, we there yet?"
[/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR]


Dick raised an eyebrow, looking ahead, as Roy's voice entered his hearing range for the first time in, probably, thirty minutes.

"Tell anybody about what?", Nightwing asked, before looking over. His expression literally changed within an instant, looking away. "...Oh."

Looking ahead, Nightwing smirked.

"Just in time, Slick. We're approaching the city righ-... WHAT THE HELL?!", Nightwing yelled, seeing what they were heading for.

A barrier. It wasn't nessacarily the boldest thing He had ever seen, but Nightwing recongised it enough to know that it was magic. Flying sideways, away from it, Nightwing looked over at Roy.

"Hold on a sec.", He said, before concentrating his thoughts. Hopefully J'onn's telepathic link was still open...

J'onn. This is Dick Grayson. Nightwing. I've got Arsenal with me... We got your message, and we're right outside the confines of Metropolis... But something seems to be in our way. You know anything about it, or how we can get in?

[Logan Howlett]

What the hell is wrong with this creature? Why does he want our rings so badly? It's doubtful he could use them. Mine is specifically tuned to work only for me, and I assume Rayner's ring has similar protections. And the original reason he was going to take our rings was to convince the Joker we were not a threat. But with the Joker captured...

I look down at the ring on my hand. It makes no sense!

No. I want to say it, knowing that if we give up our rings, we're all as good as dead. But I look at the Arrow, straining to keep from yelling out. Lobo doesn't want money...

I close my eyes and concentrate for a moment. Then I let out a breath, reach down with my other hand, and pull my ring off. "If I give you this, then the Arrow goes free and unharmed, as do the rest of us. And you and your clones leave this city peacefully."


"ALRIGHT! Thats what I'm talkin about, some respect!.......you hand over that beautie and Mr. Green is set free......but that goes for the both of ya....one ring aint gona do me no good alone, so what about you Lantern boy? What's yer choice?....."

"No. I'm keeping mine."

"Well aint that a *****!....hmmm, maybe your just havent been given the proper incentive!"

I wrap the end of my chain around Robin Hoods leg, pull back realy hard and.....

*SNAP!*
He screams out in pain, but despite his strugglin I keep a good grip around his throaght.

"No.....you get my point, you SURE ya don't wana hand it over? I mean think about it this way, you hand over yer ring, I drop Maid Marian here, and leave you and yer tight wearin friends to clean up Gotham.....You don't....I rip him in half, tear through you boys, rip this city apart, killin everyone along the way, and no one short of Superman can stop me.....oh wait, aint he dealin with another crisis over in Metropolis?.....Hehehehe, this game is fun isn't it? Now....I'll give ya one last chance, I get both rings, and I go, I'm a man a' my word, or......It's fragin time!"

[Logan Howlett]

...................

[Logan Howlett]

Triple post sorry.

[Green Lantern]

Dick raised an eyebrow, looking ahead, as Roy's voice entered his hearing range for the first time in, probably, thirty minutes.

"Tell anybody about what?", Nightwing asked, before looking over. His expression literally changed within an instant, looking away. "...Oh."

Looking ahead, Nightwing smirked.

"Just in time, Slick. We're approaching the city righ-... WHAT THE HELL?!", Nightwing yelled, seeing what they were heading for.

A barrier. It wasn't nessacarily the boldest thing He had ever seen, but Nightwing recongised it enough to know that it was magic. Flying sideways, away from it, Nightwing looked over at Roy.

"Hold on a sec.", He said, before concentrating his thoughts. Hopefully J'onn's telepathic link was still open...

J'onn. This is Dick Grayson. Nightwing. I've got Arsenal with me... We got your message, and we're right outside the confines of Metropolis... But something seems to be in our way. You know anything about it, or how we can get in?
"Get that smirk off your face, pretty boy. Remember the time I was supposed to be your best man and then Raven made Kor go all nutso on you at the alter? Remember balling like a school girl because the government wanted ME to lead the team and not you? Hell, I think that was the FIRST time you EVER threw the addiction in my face. Jesus man, not like I let it beat me. Yeah I needed help to beat it, but it made me a better person, didn't it? Remember Dick, I've known you for a long time... anything you throw in my face, I can dig up somethin to throw back. Got it?"

[Batman]

"Get that smirk off your face, pretty boy. Remember the time I was supposed to be your best man and then Raven made Kor go all nutso on you at the alter? Remember balling like a school girl because the government wanted ME to lead the team and not you? Hell, I think that was the FIRST time you EVER threw the addiction in my face. Jesus man, not like I let it beat me. Yeah I needed help to beat it, but it made me a better person, didn't it? Remember Dick, I've known you for a long time... anything you throw in my face, I can dig up somethin to throw back. Got it?"

Nightwing stared at Roy, for a long moment, blankly.

"...Jesus Christ, I was just thinking about your inhuman snooring on the way here. Chill out already.", Nightwing responded, focusing back on the controls.

-Alright, Fine. So I deserved that. He's right... We've known eachother for too damned long to really get to eachother. But...

...

J'onn, you're not listening to any of this, are you?

Nightwing turned, seeing Roy's expression.

"Look, man... I didn't mean anything by that druggie comment back there. You know that. But right now, Superman and J'onn need our help. We need to get focused on the situation... Because, well, they turned to us, of all people. You gonna be okay to do that?", Dick asked, as the Batwing circled the barrier around Metropolis.

[Green Lantern]

Nightwing stared at Roy, for a long moment, blankly.

"...Jesus Christ, I was just thinking about your inhuman snooring on the way here. Chill out already.", Nightwing responded, focusing back on the controls.

-Alright, Fine. So I deserved that. He's right... We've known eachother for too damned long to really get to eachother. But...

...

J'onn, you're not listening to any of this, are you?

Nightwing turned, seeing Roy's expression.

"Look, man... I didn't mean anything by that druggie comment back there. You know that. But right now, Superman and J'onn need our help. We need to get focused on the situation... Because, well, they turned to us, of all people. You gonna be okay to do that?", Dick asked, as the Batwing circled the barrier around Metropolis."Yeah. I'll be fine. Just had a bad dream. And I can't believe I let her ge... err I can't believe she got away from us again." What is it about love that makes us do stupid things to keep it? Like letting people escape when we shouldn't? "Why aren't we in yet?"

[Batman]

"Yeah. I'll be fine. Just had a bad dream. And I can't believe I let her ge... err I can't believe she got away from us again." What is it about love that makes us do stupid things to keep it? Like letting people escape when we shouldn't? "Why aren't we in yet?"

"There's some kind of magic barrier blocking the area. I already sent a telepathic message to J'onn. He should respond soon... Hopefully. That, or we can always just go in circles until we hit something."

[Green Lantern]

"Meanwhile we're reminiscing bout the 'good ole days' where I had an arrow for everything, and you still shaved your womanly legs eh?"

[Batman]

"Meanwhile we're reminiscing bout the 'good ole days' where I had an arrow for everything, and you still shaved your womanly legs eh?"

"I... I mean... It... I... IT WAS OUT OF HABIT! Back in the day, all of us acrobats had to do it. Made our flips swifter. It's... I could've quit. I just... uh... I..."

Nightwing paused. There was no use. His fashion, back in those days, was highly questionable. Even when he first became Nightwing, There was that stupid disco collar...

"...I swear to god, it was out of habit.", Dick said, with a frown.

[Green Lantern]

"I... I mean... It... I... IT WAS OUT OF HABIT! Back in the day, all of us acrobats had to do it. Made our flips swifter. It's... I could've quit. I just... uh... I..."

Nightwing paused. There was no use. His fashion, back in those days, was highly questionable. Even when he first became Nightwing, There was that stupid disco collar...

"...I swear to god, it was out of habit.", Dick said, with a frown."Come to think of it, the one time I worked with your little buddy JT, he said... oh what was it again? Oh yeah, 'Whoever decided on these short pants, must be a sadist.' Whatcha got to explain that one?"

[Batman]

"Come to think of it, the one time I worked with your little buddy JT, he said... oh what was it again? Oh yeah, 'Whoever decided on these short pants, must be a sadist.' Whatcha got to explain that one?"

"...That the owners of Haly's Circus at the time were sadists?"

[Green Lantern]

"...That the owners of Haly's Circus at the time were sadists?""I thought you always said your dad came up with that look?"

[Batman]

"I thought you always said your dad came up with that look?"

"..."

"You actually want me to admit that both of my long since dead parents were sadists?"

[Green Lantern]

"..."

"You actually want me to admit that both of my long since dead parents were sadists?""Think ya just did there Legs"

[Spider-Man9X17]

Kyle looked down at Ollie.

"Thinkthinkthink...you're ten times as smart as this loser, and you're letting him call the shots...you dummy...you can make any construct you want..."

Kyle wrapped his free hand around his fist. After a moment, he pulled it away and chucked something on the ground. It clanged against the cement, as metal would when it hit concrete.

"There...take it and get the hell out of here," he growled, putting his hands behind his back in defeat. He waited until Lobo bent over to pick it up, and the garnered Sinestro's attention. He slightly opened one hand, revealing his real ring still on his hand. A second later, it was cloaked again.

[wiegeabo]

Kyle looked down at Ollie.

"Thinkthinkthink...you're ten times as smart as this loser, and you're letting him call the shots...you dummy...you can make any construct you want..."

Kyle wrapped his free hand around his fist. After a moment, he pulled it away and chucked something on the ground. It clanged against the cement, as metal would when it hit concrete.

"There...take it and get the hell out of here," he growled, putting his hands behind his back in defeat. He waited until Lobo bent over to pick it up, and the garnered Sinestro's attention. He slightly opened one hand, revealing his real ring still on his hand. A second later, it was cloaked again.

I watch Rayner drop the ring to the ground. The clink of it on the ground sounded like a death knell. But I nod in agreement. He made the right choice.

"Then we have a deal?" I say to Lobo. "You take these, you and your clones leave this city, and leave us and Gotham's citizens unharmed. And you don't turn back, no matter what. I believe that sums the agreement up?"

I hold out my hand, the gold glinting brightly in the street lights, ready to give it to him once he agrees.

[SuperFerret]

~The reason I couldn't say this is because I don't want anyone else to know. You heard the Parasite earlier today. He took my communicator after draining me completely. If not for Steel's intervention, I would likely be dead. Some new device of his can reproduce concentrated amounts of yellow sun radiation, and thanks to a boost from that I have some power. However, what I have now is maybe, if I'm being generous, ten percent of my maximum. I can't even fly, J'onn. And something very, very bad is going to happen very, very soon.~

Before I can respond, Nightwing's thoughts cut in.

~J'onn. This is Dick Grayson. Nightwing. I've got Arsenal with me... We got your message, and we're right outside the confines of Metropolis... But something seems to be in our way. You know anything about it, or how we can get in?~

~It will be done.~

I contact Zatanna quickly, informing her to allow any and all of our allies into the city.

~Clark, listen to me when I 'say' this: you are the greatest hero this world has ever known. Powers or no powers, we will all follow your lead until the bitter end. If it's a powerhouse you need, then allow me to fill your shoes there. And whatever may come in the future, we will be there to face it together.~

[Green Lantern]

Before I can respond, Nightwing's thoughts cut in.

~J'onn. This is Dick Grayson. Nightwing. I've got Arsenal with me... We got your message, and we're right outside the confines of Metropolis... But something seems to be in our way. You know anything about it, or how we can get in?~

~It will be done.~

I contact Zatanna quickly, informing her to allow any and all of our allies into the city.

~Clark, listen to me when I 'say' this: you are the greatest hero this world has ever known. Powers or no powers, we will all follow your lead until the bitter end. If it's a powerhouse you need, then allow me to fill your shoes there. And whatever may come in the future, we will be there to face it together.~"Saved by the Jolly Green Giant, huh? Well lets go save ourselves a Superman, huh?"

[LibrarianThorne]

Before I can respond, Nightwing's thoughts cut in.

~J'onn. This is Dick Grayson. Nightwing. I've got Arsenal with me... We got your message, and we're right outside the confines of Metropolis... But something seems to be in our way. You know anything about it, or how we can get in?~

~It will be done.~

I contact Zatanna quickly, informing her to allow any and all of our allies into the city.

~Clark, listen to me when I 'say' this: you are the greatest hero this world has ever known. Powers or no powers, we will all follow your lead until the bitter end. If it's a powerhouse you need, then allow me to fill your shoes there. And whatever may come in the future, we will be there to face it together.~

He smirked. Though Manhunter was a psychic and a great detective, there was still much about humankind he did not know. Clark put a hand on his friend's shoulder, and smiled a weary smile. If you looked close, you could see lines at the edges of his eyes. Superman looked, astonishingly enough, tired.

"It's not about powers, not this time. It's not something I can place, not really, but I can't shake this feeling I have. Just..." Superman's brow furrowed in concentration, as if he was searching for the right words to say. "Remember, no matter what happens, our priority is saving people."

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex presses a button on his speaker phone.

He listens for someone else to answer. He hears someone say, "Governor Homes' office."

Lex replies, "Get me the Governor this is Lex Luthor calling."

She says, "one moment sir."

The Governor says, "Hello Lex is it time?"

Lex replies, "Indeed I need for you to call Stryker's and authorize operation Rogue vs. Rogue to begin."

The Governor says, "Very well but listen to me once and for all if you are wrong about this I assure of this Ras-Al-Goul will be the least of your concerns."

Lex says, "Empty threat noted just take of your end Governor I'll deal with the rest on my own."

Lex hangs up and starts reading through the list of Rogues that will be aiding him.

He says, "Oh Metallo why do I have such a bad feeling you're not going to play nice? Oh well not my concern."

[Batman]

"Saved by the Jolly Green Giant, huh? Well lets go save ourselves a Superman, huh?"

"I'm with you, huh.", Nightwing quipped, before slowing down The Batwing.

"Ssap seilla ruo tel!", They hear.

"Makes you wonder how good of a kisser she is, with that tongue.", Nightwing responds, with a smirk, as The Batwing flies through the barrier, and into Metropolis.

"Gniwthgin hcnip."

"OW!", Nightwing yells, as he grasps his arm for a second.

[Green Lantern]

"I'm with you, huh.", Nightwing quipped, before slowing down The Batwing.

"Ssap seilla ruo tel!", They hear.

"Makes you wonder how good of a kisser she is, with that tongue.", Nightwing responds, with a smirk, as The Batwing flies through the barrier, and into Metropolis.

"Gniwthgin hcnip."

"OW!", Nightwing yells, as he grasps his arm for a second."Hey, weren't you sayin somethin bout my getting slapped by a hooker? I think your getting magically pinched by a magician in fishnets tops that."

As they set down the plane, another glimpse of the past flashed into Roy's mind.

"Hey Dick, remember that time we beat the wierd looking clown dude? All you got was another lonely night in the cave, and I got a date with Wonder Babe?"

[Batman]

"Hey, weren't you sayin somethin bout my getting slapped by a hooker? I think your getting magically pinched by a magician in fishnets tops that."

As they set down the plane, another glimpse of the past flashed into Roy's mind.

"Hey Dick, remember that time we beat the wierd looking clown dude? All you got was another lonely night in the cave, and I got a date with Wonder Babe?"


Nightwing sat, for a moment.

"For the love of god, is there anything you DON'T remember from our Titans days?!", Dick asked, annoyed, as the Batwing's cockpit slid open, and the two got out.

Nightwing looked around, scanning the skies for any sign of J'onn or Clark. Okay, we're in. Now what's this all about?, He thought, hoping J'onn would appear, or at least answer.