The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season VI

[Supergirl]

Joan and I look at each other. No good conversation ever starts with the words 'I wanted to talk to you about something'.

As I sit down, the worst thoughts race through my head. Something bad happened. One of the Titans got hurt. One of the Titans was...killed. There's an another alien invasion on the way. Kara's pregnant. My mind keeps coming up with scenarios.

I surreptitiously grab Joan's hand. She squeezes mine. I force myself to remain calm. No matter what it is, we'll get through it. We always do.

"Go ahead son," I say cautiously.
Kara nods at Bart and keeps her hand with the engagement ring hidden.

[Byrd Man]

I take a deep breath.

"Well, I was just informing you...that I'm planning to move out of the house....I'm going to make Titans Tower my home for awhile, I'm hoping to build up some money...to umm...buy a house."

Kara and I exchange glances before I say the next words.

"I um...I've asked Kara for her hand...in marriage, I mean....she said yes."

I let those words hang in space for a few moments.

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Nightwing/8478-nightwing_400.jpg

I grab onto the side of the building and toss myself down into the alley. I'm silently cursing myself as I leap from wall to wall until I hit the street. The trip to Gotham took longer than I thought.

"Oracle, give me a sit-rep."

"His Tracer hasn't moved a bit since you called me. Either he's there.."

"Or someone knocked it off."

My eyes scan the dark alleyway, I finally catch something blinking by a fire escape.

"I see something."

I cautiously make my way towards it, I use one of my escrima sticks to poke it....it's Tim's tracer. Someone threw it off of him, it's got small splatters of crimson on it...blood.

"Oh my god..."

"Nightwing? What is it?"

I hear the shuffle of feet behind me. This was a setup, whoever I talked used Tim as bait to get me.

"Nightwing?!?!"

I turn to throw my stick at whoever is behind me, but I'm too late as a fist lands dead center on my jaw and knocks me forward. My communicator falls out of my ear. I hear it crunch as my ambusher stomps on it.

"No more talking, Little Wing."

Oh my god...I know that voice. I've heard it hundreds of times, even in my dreams...

"Slade!"

[wiegeabo]

I take a deep breath.

"Well, I was just informing you...that I'm planning to move out of the house....I'm going to make Titans Tower my home for awhile, I'm hoping to build up some money...to umm...buy a house."

Kara and I exchange glances before I say the next words.

"I um...I've asked Kara for her hand...in marriage, I mean....she said yes."

I let those words hang in space for a few moments.


...

...

...

Joan and I just look at them for a few moments. Then we look at each other. Then we look back at them.

...

I can see Bart starting to sweat. I finally break the silence. "Just answer me this. Do you love each other? I mean really, really love each other. Would you do anything for the other one?"

[Supergirl]

In response to Jay's question, Kara grabbed Bart.

"Yes Jay. We love each other. When Bart disappeared for that time? I was crushed. But not nearly as crushed as when he told me he needed his space."

She pulled Bart close and kissed him.

[Supergirl]

*edit double post*

[Byrd Man]

In response to Jay's question, Kara grabbed Bart.

"Yes Jay. We love each other. When Bart disappeared for that time? I was crushed. But not nearly as crushed as when he told me he needed his space."

She pulled Bart close and kissed him.

"Yeah, Jay. Our love managed to survie time travels and space journeys. There's nothing I won't do for her, like you, Grandpa Barry, and Wally. I'll go the the 31st century and back, I'll tear a hole through the speed force just to be with Kara."

[wiegeabo]

I sit there for a moment. I've never heard Bart like this before. And...I've never been so proud.

"Well, there's only one thing we can say." Joan and I look at each other. I can see the tears in here eyes. I try and fight to keep them out of mine.

"Congratulations to both you."

[Byrd Man]

I sit there for a moment. I've never heard Bart like this before. And...I've never been so proud.

"Well, there's only one thing we can say." Joan and I look at each other. I can see the tears in here eyes. I try and fight to keep them out of mine.

"Congratulations to both you."

I leap of the couch and shake Jay's hand at superspeed. I go so fast, that by the time we break the grasp, both of us are slightly vibrating from the speed. Joan reaches out and hugs Kara.

"Welcome to the family, sweetheart. You'll love it."

I rub the back of my head and smile sheepishly at Jay.

"Heh...so, old man...got any advice for a young buck like me? You and Joan's marriage has lasted longer than most buildings."

I toss him a sly wink and elbow him playfully in the ribs.

[trustyside-kick]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Nightwing/8478-nightwing_400.jpg

I grab onto the side of the building and toss myself down into the alley. I'm silently cursing myself as I leap from wall to wall until I hit the street. The trip to Gotham took longer than I thought.

"Oracle, give me a sit-rep."

"His Tracer hasn't moved a bit since you called me. Either he's there.."

"Or someone knocked it off."

My eyes scan the dark alleyway, I finally catch something blinking by a fire escape.

"I see something."

I cautiously make my way towards it, I use one of my escrima sticks to poke it....it's Tim's tracer. Someone threw it off of him, it's got small splatters of crimson on it...blood.

"Oh my god..."

"Nightwing? What is it?"

I hear the shuffle of feet behind me. This was a setup, whoever I talked used Tim as bait to get me.

"Nightwing?!?!"

I turn to throw my stick at whoever is behind me, but I'm too late as a fist lands dead center on my jaw and knocks me forward. My communicator falls out of my ear. I hear it crunch as my ambusher stomps on it.

"No more talking, Little Wing."

Oh my god...I know that voice. I've heard it hundreds of times, even in my dreams...

"Slade!"


OOC: Just a reminder is all in case you have not read the OOC thread post (http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=13982713&postcount=3452) I made. Just want to avoid confusion.

Slade smirks beneath his mask. The plan had worked. Jason had promised him Tim, that was easily achievable which Slade knew. But Grayson? Dragging the same man who abandoned the costume a few months ago? This is what Slade really wanted.

"I sure am glad you decided to dress for the occasion. This just wouldn't have been the same otherwise."

Slade takes out a steel bo, and gets into a defensive stance. He starts to walking around Nightwing in circles slowly. He already has his next several moves planned out, on every single possible scenario Nightwing may take for his attack.

"Don't just stand there, Grayson. You know whatever you are going to throw at me I'll be ready. So if you are going to stand there dumbfounded, at least use your head to surprise me."

[Byrd Man]

"Don't just stand there, Grayson. You know whatever you are going to throw at me I'll be ready. So if you are going to stand there dumbfounded, at least use your head to surprise me."



I savagely throw one of my escrima stick's at Slade, naturally, he throws up his staff and it rebounds off harmlessly. But it's main purpose was a distraction.

I leap into the air and richocet off a brick wall, my legs stretched out and my feet heading towards Slade's chest. My feet thud against his chest and I bounce off of him and land in a defensive position as he stumbles backwards.

"Come on, one-eye. You still got that old spark? Or has old age dimmed it a bit?"

[trustyside-kick]

"Oh, the spark has definitely been re-lit. When this opportunity was brought to my attention, and so intricately planned...I simply could not pass it up."

Slade picks up the escrima stick Nightwing had thrown at him.

"And do you want to know the funny thing about this contract, Grayson? I'm actually doing it for free."

Slade throws the escrima stick with perfect spiral, and as Nightwing tries to catch it, he misses, with the stick hitting him smack right at his nose. He grunts and his feet rock a bit backward as he takes a step back from the hit, and Slade dashes forward, lifting Dick's legs from below with his steel bo, flipping him over Slade's shoulder.

As Dick is about go head first into the pavement, Slade's back heel greets him instead, and Dick ends up falling back the other direction to the ground. As Slade tries to sweep Nightwing again, this time he dodges, doing a somersault kick right into Slade's jaw.

"Good. Very good. It's been so long, Grayson...that I was afraid you had lost it. But if anything you are more agile than ever. This makes this all that much more satisfying."

[Byrd Man]

"Good. Very good. It's been so long, Grayson...that I was afraid you had lost it. But if anything you are more agile than ever. This makes this all that much more satisfying."

My nose is bloody and my lip is starting to swell, but adrenaline courses throughout my body and gives me a second wind. As much as I grew jaded of the costume life, god did I miss it.

"Where's Robin at, Slade?"

I pull out one of my wing-dings and toss it towards Deathstroke, he ricochets it off effortlessly. That's the thing about Slade, he always has a plan.

"What did you do with him? You talk about a contract, who paid you to go after Robin and I?"

I charge towards Slade, he's got everything planned out so well, but I have a curveball ready for him...

[trustyside-kick]

"That's one of the other interesting things about this contract. He offered me pay, as is expected, but the mere gratification of this contract set into action was enough for me. You see, in a funny way the person who wants your head is one of your own...or rather used to be."

Slade attacks Nightwing with various swings and moves, with Nightwing dodging each of them. Dick catches one of his attacks, and pries the steel bo from Slade's hands, returning the favor with a clean swipe to the face. As Slade is struck down, Nightwing plants the pole against his blinded eye.

"AARRGHH!"

In pain, Slade grabs Dick by the foot, and knocks him off balance. He takes off his mask, touching the re-opened wound as he lifts his eye-patch.

"Fighting dirty now, are we Grayson? That's not something normally taught at the Bat-school for orphans."

Slade tackles Dick against the brick wall, his spine smashing hard against it. He winces in the pain. Slade holds on tight, and puts his hand upon Dick's face as Dick tries to move. He slams Nightwing's head against the brick wall when he tries to bend forward.

"Two can play at that game, Grayson. I don't gotta be a sport either."

[Byrd Man]

Slade tackles Dick against the brick wall, his spine smashing hard against it. He winces in the pain. Slade holds on tight, and puts his hand upon Dick's face as Dick tries to move. He slams Nightwing's head against the brick wall when he tries to bend forward.

"Two can play at that game, Grayson. I don't gotta be a sport either."

I grit my teeth and my back aches, but the adrenaline keeps me going. I try to pry Slade's hand off my face with one hand, his fingers squirm over my face and his fingers pry towards my eyes. He's trying to blind me. My other hand reaches towards my gauntlet as I thrash around, I find a small button on the wrist of my hand and press it.

ZZZTTTT!!

50,000 volts surge through Slade's body as my suit's one time taser charge goes off and blows Slade back, he flys all the way across the alley and slams against the facing wall.

"I'm surprised, Slade. A good boy scout is always prepared, did I catch you with your pants around your ankles?"

[trustyside-kick]

"...young punk."

Slade gets up from the ground and Nightwing is already prepared for anything he could dish out. He can see the determined look on his face, and the fact that he wants answers. Well, Slade isn't one of those snitches he or Batman can slap around and get what they want.

Slade pulls out two of his swords from their sheaths, and slowly walks towards Nightwing.

"I thought you should know something, Grayson. The little guy? Robin? Put up quite a fight, the best he could at least. That isn't saying much considering he was fighting me after all, and the fact that my associate shoved him around a little too rough before hand. So, when all of this is said and done, and let's say you do win...are you prepared to watch and take care after the kid when he has to eat through feeding tubes and straws?"

Slade stops in his tracks, and tosses Nightwing one of his swords. He smiles at Dick's reaction as he gets into a stance.

"I cannot even fathom what could be happening to him as you and I speak right now. The things that are probably being done to him...as you and I fight now...it boggles the mind the hatred my associate has for you and your 'family'. Almost as equal as my own."

[wiegeabo]

I leap of the couch and shake Jay's hand at superspeed. I go so fast, that by the time we break the grasp, both of us are slightly vibrating from the speed. Joan reaches out and hugs Kara.

"Welcome to the family, sweetheart. You'll love it."

I rub the back of my head and smile sheepishly at Jay.

"Heh...so, old man...got any advice for a young buck like me? You and Joan's marriage has lasted longer than most buildings."

I toss him a sly wink and elbow him playfully in the ribs.


I cross my arms "Are you calling my wife old?" Bart's eyes go wide as he stumbles for words. I give him a sly wink and punch him in the shoulder.

"First rule. Sense of humor. It'll save your life." I lean in and whisper conspiratorially. "Literally."

"Second. Don't insult the old guy who can save your marriage." I put my arm around Bart's shoulders. "I think you and me will have to the old heart to heart soon. Let you in on all my secrets. Wally too."

"By the way, have you told Wally yet?"

[Byrd Man]

"...young punk."

Slade gets up from the ground and Nightwing is already prepared for anything he could dish out. He can see the determined look on his face, and the fact that he wants answers. Well, Slade isn't one of those snitches he or Batman can slap around and get what they want.

Slade pulls out two of his swords from their sheaths, and slowly walks towards Nightwing.

"I thought you should know something, Grayson. The little guy? Robin? Put up quite a fight, the best he could at least. That isn't saying much considering he was fighting me after all, and the fact that my associate shoved him around a little too rough before hand. So, when all of this is said and done, and let's say you do win...are you prepared to watch and take care after the kid when he has to eat through feeding tubes and straws?"

Slade stops in his tracks, and tosses Nightwing one of his swords. He smiles at Dick's reaction as he gets into a stance.

"I cannot even fathom what could be happening to him as you and I speak right now. The things that are probably being done to him...as you and I fight now...it boggles the mind the hatred my associate has for you and your 'family'. Almost as equal as my own."

"WHERE'S HE AT, SLADE!"

I yell as I swing towards him, he blocks my attack with his sword and our clashing swords send yellow sparks that temporarily illuminate the night. I grit my teeth as we push our swords together, neither one of us yielding as we push harder.

"Tell me who has him and where they took him, or I swear to god I'll tear out your other eye and feed it to a dog."

I break the deadlock, I dip down low as his blade cuts through the air right above me. If I were any slower, I'd be missing the top of my skull right now. I crouch low and shove my sword forward. I hear it make a sick, wet sound as the blade drives home into Slade's thigh.

"I'll tear you apart. Piece by piece.

[Byrd Man]

I cross my arms "Are you calling my wife old?" Bart's eyes go wide as he stumbles for words. I give him a sly wink and punch him in the shoulder.

"First rule. Sense of humor. It'll save your life." I lean in and whisper conspiratorially. "Literally."

"Second. Don't insult the old guy who can save your marriage." I put my arm around Bart's shoulders. "I think you and me will have to the old heart to heart soon. Let you in on all my secrets. Wally too."

"By the way, have you told Wally yet?"

I breath a sigh of relief as Jay wraps his arm around me. It feels good, like the parent I never had.

"Actually, Wally was the first one I told. I asked him to be my best man. I also told the Titans. You should have seen the look on Wonder Girl's face. After we're done here, we want to tell Superman...boy that's gonna be rough, Kara is the closest thing he has to a sister or daughter."

I move rather fast, scooping Jay up and wrapping him in a hug.

"Sorry if you find this uncomfortable, Jay. But I have to do this. After all you and Joan did for me after Max dissapeared. You and Max are the closest things I've ever had to a real dad..I just wanted you to know how much I've appreciated all your help and advice. I love you, old man."

[wiegeabo]

I breath a sigh of relief as Jay wraps his arm around me. It feels good, like the parent I never had.

"Actually, Wally was the first one I told. I asked him to be my best man. I also told the Titans. You should have seen the look on Wonder Girl's face. After we're done here, we want to tell Superman...boy that's gonna be rough, Kara is the closest thing he has to a sister or daughter."


"Well, at least we're not the last ones you told. But, since Superman will be, you might want to be ready to jump into the Speed Force," I joke. "Wally as best man. I'd better be an usher. Who else can seat the guests at superspeed?"


I move rather fast, scooping Jay up and wrapping him in a hug.

"Sorry if you find this uncomfortable, Jay. But I have to do this. After all you and Joan did for me after Max dissapeared. You and Max are the closest things I've ever had to a real dad..I just wanted you to know how much I've appreciated all your help and advice. I love you, old man."


Bart catches me by surprise with the hug. But I gladly return it. And now I can't keep the tears out of my eyes. If Joan and I have one regret in life, it's not raising a family of our own. But between Dinah, Wally, and Bart, it feels like we did.

"I love you too. Son."

[Harlekin]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7313/bannerod8.jpg

A white expanse. No end in sight in any direction. In the middle of that expanse is a swirling green shroud, and standing before it, a giant angel. Its wings cover a galaxy, but do not approach the length of the infinity of white. The flaming sword in the angel’s right hand flares brighter than a million suns, but within the white expanse, the light is absorbed, its blinding effect annulled. Still, the creature within the shroud cannot help but scream at its appearance.

“RRRAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH,” it yells as its face springs from the shroud, growing as it does to meet the angel’s own size. For hidden under that ragged and billowing cape is vengeance incarnate, given form in human bones, the creature’s face eternally set in rage. It is imperfect, ruled by its primary emotion. The angel on the other hand, serves as the complete opposite. Long golden-like hair compliments the perfectly symmetrical and handsome features of the angel’s face and body.

“Spectre.” The angel’s voice echoes through the white expanse.

“It is time to set you free once more.”

[trustyside-kick]

"WHERE'S HE AT, SLADE!"

I yell as I swing towards him, he blocks my attack with his sword and our clashing swords send yellow sparks that temporarily illuminate the night. I grit my teeth as we push our swords together, neither one of us yielding as we push harder.

"Tell me who has him and where they took him, or I swear to god I'll tear out your other eye and feed it to a dog."

I break the deadlock, I dip down low as his blade cuts through the air right above me. If I were any slower, I'd be missing the top of my skull right now. I crouch low and shove my sword forward. I hear it make a sick, wet sound as the blade drives home into Slade's thigh.

"I'll tear you apart. Piece by piece.

Slade kicks Nightwing away from him, the blade uncomfortably jerks out of his thigh and he pants as he grabs the wound.

"You talk like you know how to use that thing. You get one lucky blow at my thigh, and you act like your Zorro."

Slade stands up straight, and he takes out another sword from his side holster, a katana blade to go with his 15th century design French blade.

"It takes real skill to use two blades at once, Grayson. Think you can handle?"

Slade flips backward, and as his legs connect with the brick wall behind him, he propels himself towards Nightwing with both swords sticking out. Dick cautiously dodges the attack, with Slade just barely nipping him, ripping his suit across his torso. Slade follows through with a kick to the back as he gets up. And twists around, slashing down at Dick's spine with perfect form before Dick can recover. When he tries to stab him in the side, Dick flips back, slashing away at Slade's collarbone.

[Byrd Man]

Slade kicks Nightwing away from him, the blade uncomfortably jerks out of his thigh and he pants as he grabs the wound.

"You talk like you know how to use that thing. You get one lucky blow at my thigh, and you act like your Zorro."

Slade stands up straight, and he takes out another sword from his side holster, a katana blade to go with his 15th century design French blade.

"It takes real skill to use two blades at once, Grayson. Think you can handle?"

Slade flips backward, and as his legs connect with the brick wall behind him, he propels himself towards Nightwing with both swords sticking out. Dick cautiously dodges the attack, with Slade just barely nipping him, ripping his suit across his torso. Slade follows through with a kick to the back as he gets up. And twists around, slashing down at Dick's spine with perfect form before Dick can recover. When he tries to stab him in the side, Dick flips back, slashing away at Slade's collarbone.

A small trickle of blood starts to run down my back, the gash stings from it's exposure to the night air. It's nothing more than a flesh wound, that's what I tell myself. A flesh wound.

"I've beaten you before, Slade. I can do it again."

Slade starts to slash at me with both blades. I perry one of his attacks with my blade, and I roll on the ground to avoid the other one. I strike out with the blade while I'm on the ground. This time, it finds it's place on his calf and cuts through his body armor to create a nice cut on the back of his leg.

"Getting slow, old man. Getting real slow."

He tosses his katana at me, not the most unwise move. But it reeks of desperation. Or maybe he wants me to think he's desperate?

WHAM!

The broad side of the sword strikes hard against my face, I stumble back onto the alley wall. My face is already swelling, I'm gonna have a bruise there for days.

"See, that was always your problem, Little Wing. You're smart, too smart. You tend to over think situations and not trust yourself as much as you should."

He reaches across his shoulder and unslings his machine gun.

"A gun? I thought you said I was wanted alive."

"Oh, you are. And I'm not going to kill you, I just want to maim you a bit before I deliver you."

He squeezes the trigger, and that's when I act...

Braka!Braka!Braka!Braka!

I start to run down the alley as he peppers the air with bullets, I pick up speed and run up against the wall, I find a place to grab onto the wall as a bullet finds it's place in my back. Right where Slade cut me.

"Ahh!"

I fight though the pain and pull myself up over the wall to the building's roof.

"Aww. Come on, Dick. You're gonna ruin all my fun. Come out and play."

From my vantage point, I see Slade's mask shift slightly. He's smiling. Time to wipe the smile off his face.

I can see his eyebrow arch slightly as something starts to whistle through the air. All his reflexes are so advanced, but all that doesn't mean anything if you get caught off guard.

SMACK!

He stumbles and trips over his feet, falling to the ground as one of my wind-dings lands right in his blind eye.

"YOU BASTARD! I'LL ****ING KILL YOU!!"

Braka!Braka!Braka!Braka!

He starts to unload the whole clip into the small wall I'm hiding behind. Or, I was hiding behind. During his stumble and fall, I managed to slip from my barrier and hide in the shadows. I'm right behind him.

And now you see what Deathstroke The Terminator's weakness is. The world's greatest tactician's weakness is his own rage.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
As Slade gets bested by Dickie, he spots me on the rooftop. He knows what that means. He had what fun he could with Dick, and now it was time to move on with our plans. The fact that I'm back lets him know that I already have Tim nicely tucked away at my loft. I nod my head to the side back and forth in disappointment.

He's doing something you rarely see a professional do; he's getting emotional. Hell, he's panting like a madman. And I cannot afford his personal feelings to Dick ruin the masterpiece ahead. I start to walk around the building, keeping myself hidden and out of Dickie's sight.

Dickie boy is almost confused, as Slade just stands there, his very own presence nearly obvious; or at least it should be. But Slade just stands there, and Dickie boy is such a sport, he doesn't feel right to strike a man when he's not on his guard. Slade takes his mask off, and turns his head to the side.

"It's time already, is it?"

That's when Dickie's eyes open wide as he comes to realization as to what is to come. But before he can turn, I'm already behind him. I grab him from behind, holding his arm tight and twisting it, my other arm curled around his neck grasping my kris dagger.

"Yes, Slade. Play time is about over now. Would you do the honors? It's much easier to hit Dickie boy here when he isn't bouncing about. Make it count."

Dickie boy's mind goes black as Slade pounds a clean fist right into his face. I made sure to hold Dickie still to make sure he got 100% of the blow. I let him go, and he drops to his knees. Then I lift up my kris dagger, and strike downward, the handle butting Dick on the head rendering him unconscious.

I take his arms and Slade takes his legs as we start to head out.

[Byrd Man]

One of my eyes roll back into my head as Slade and his partner pick me up. My whole body feels numb all over as I slip into unconsciousness.

"Jesus, he's heavy. How much further?"

My eyes start to dim, but I manage to dart my eyes up once before I black out.

"Keep your *****ing down, Slade. You'll wake little Dickie."

I only see one thing before I pass out.

Red. Blood red.

Then, darkness over takes me.

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif/http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/15121433_l.gif



"Bats, this is Q--I'm currently being chased by cops, and if you love me at all, you'll pick us up."

Batman stops his rooftop patrol. He already knew that Sage was in Gotham--the radio and televisions were playing a promo for his show practically every two minutes--so he should have assumed he would have to save him. Batman turns on his communicator.

"Keep moving, I'll be there in a minute."

He shuts down the link and heads for The Question's position, the police scanner telling him where to go. Batman takes a remote in his belt and presses some buttons. He's been wanting an excuse to test this thing out...

*****

The Question, Renee Montoya behind his heels, runs away from the Gotham cops. For once he was looking forward to being in a city that didn't have insane police officers--but he came to the town just as Cornette really started to hammer on masked heroes.

Cornette...Vic Sage nearly shudders remembering what he saw when he looked inside of Cornette...the empty emotion, the explicit sadism...

Renee and Vic run down an alleyway and to a street and finds a cop car blocking the path. Two cops stare into them, guns poised. They both consider blasting their way out and wonder if they are willing to go that far.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3188/batman14ap9.png

Then a huge black shape shoots towards them. It lands between the two and shoots a smoke grenade towards the cops, blinding them. The Question looks towards the driver...The Batman.

"Get on!"

He didn't have to tell them twice.

*****

The Bat-Gyro.

It was Batman's first arial vehicle, a mini helecopter he could use to both quickly move through the city. It was put to retirement after he got the designs for the Batplane from Wayne Enterprises.

But the Batplane grew to be too big--it could transport him from one side of the country to the other in a half-hour, expanded to be a mobile flying base, and could even withstand space travel. It just couldn't fit in Gotham anymore.

Looking back, the Gyro was perhaps the most ridiculious design Batman ever created, but it's original intent was a good one, so he had been revamping it for the past few months--making it bigger, stronger, and more combat-ready.

Tonight is it's first test.

*****

Vic and Renee jumps into the Gyro. While Batman expanded the small helecopter, he only did so to fit two people. Vic sits in the seat and Renee begrudgedly sits on his lap.

"Get any bright ideas on copping feels, I push you out of the flying thing," she says to Vic.

"Don't worry, I know I'm not your type--"

The Bat-Gyro launches into the air, floating to the highest point of Gotham City. Clanging noise of bullets hitting metal ring through the Gyro. Batman turns on his radar and the back and below cameras to see the other police helecopters below, shooting at them with a mini-gun.

"Cornette must have added to the department's weaponry budget," Batman mutters as he pulls evasive manuvers on them. He looks to see the helcopters risking it, pulling themselves higher. Going to have to do the boost. "Hang on!" Batman yells to Vic and Renee as he presses the sterotypical red button.

One of the new features of the Bat-Gyro--a engine that's about a quarter as fast as the experimental Nova shuttle.

The Gyro's helcopter blades lower and the mini wings expand to a eight-foot distance and the tail end shoots out, fire shooting through the exhaust. The Gyro shoots out, the sudden intake of the G-force almost overwealming them. Batman quickly lets go of the button and they look to see that they are now about 25 miles away from the other side of Gotham City--closer to Jersey then Gotham.

Engine a bit too strong--Batman notes to himself he'll have to work on that after he gets done here and starts flying back to Gotham.

[Keyser Soze]

I look up to see the helicopters swarming the skies. "Hmm... time to go." with that, I leap into the air and dart up the wall. Gotta keep moving, can't get caught by these losers. I reach the roof and start to sprint away, ducking and dodging at the tranqs the police shoot at me.

I think I'm doing pretty well, I think I'm going to make it, until a tranq connects with the back of my leg. Almost immeadiately I feel the effects, the world starting to blur around me. "Aww crap." I start to sway, never giving up, never stopping to catch a breath, until its all too much. I collapse into a wall, destroying in on impact.

Gotta try and move again... gotta go... so... hungry... must... move--

While his forces pursued The Question (or rather, The Questions), Cornette had his chopper drop him off on the rooftop, were SWAT teams were now swarming the unconscious Killer Croc.

"I want him a police van brought down here to take him directly to Arkham Asylum, is that clear?"

Then he heard the news over the radio, the intel on who had stepped in to help The Question. The big fish had resurfaced at last.

"Batman."

Cornette spoke the word in a whisper, his lips curling up into a grin that almost let his mask slip. But within a second, it had passed, and the mask was firmly back in place.

"Take care of this mess. I have business to attend to."

Cornette got back in the chopper, headed back for the GCPD building. But as it ascended, Cornette cast one last look at Killer Croc.

Take it easy, Croc. I'll be seeing you soon...

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex walks over to his console and drops the silver tube into it and says, "Computer execute operation: elimination once Superman has entered the compound."

The computer responds, "Acknowledged."

He smiles.

This is going to be my defining moment in humanity...the elimation of Superman.

[Electro UK]

While his forces pursued The Question (or rather, The Questions), Cornette had his chopper drop him off on the rooftop, were SWAT teams were now swarming the unconscious Killer Croc.

"I want him a police van brought down here to take him directly to Arkham Asylum, is that clear?"

Then he heard the news over the radio, the intel on who had stepped in to help The Question. The big fish had resurfaced at last.

"Batman."

Cornette spoke the word in a whisper, his lips curling up into a grin that almost let his mask slip. But within a second, it had passed, and the mask was firmly back in place.

"Take care of this mess. I have business to attend to."

Cornette got back in the chopper, headed back for the GCPD building. But as it ascended, Cornette cast one last look at Killer Croc.

Take it easy, Croc. I'll be seeing you soon...

The bump of the road brings me to my senses. Its still dark, gloomy, dank. I'm trapped, encased, surrounded. No one does that to Killer Croc. I find my feet, staggering a little as I catch my balance. The walls are thick, me-proof I guess, that doesn't stop me wailing on them with my fists. "Let me out of here now! I swear to god, I'm gonna eat every one of you mothers!"

I can't even make a scratch, but I need to, I'm so hungry... I'm starving. I need to eat, have a snack, a child or two. "LET ME OUT!" I cry with one final thunder on the wall. The van swirves, but not in the direction I'd hit it. I topple onto my back again, the rush of panic outside. The van tips, and I'm tossed around with it.

There's screams, human screams that remind me of my appetite. Then it goes silent for a split few seconds, before the floor of the van, now tipped onto the side, explodes. I cough and splutter, the light seeping into my eyes and blinding me. "Who's-- who's there?"

[Batman]

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2032/flashlogogs6.gif

The Hall Of Justice was a structure that spanned nearly 357 miles in length, going from level to level.

Wally had already been through it eleven times.

Remaining nothing more than a crimson blur of motion, ever since the team's arrival to the crystalized fortress, The Flash knew that, if he wanted to assure himself that the League was really coming back for the longhaul, that they'd need a proper base. One of which couldn't be bypassed, destroyed, or ransacked by a supervillain threat of any possible kind.

From Wally's estimates, as he checked each and every corner of each floor, from top to bottom, was that Clark had achieved just that. He had built not only a monument to the team's past achievements, but a working, organic piece of mother nature that could house them for the next millenium, if it had to. Once again, The Man Of Steel proved why he was the guy to turn to for feats of the amazing kind.

Plus, the place had a vending machine. An actual, four spaces wide vending machine that wasn't a cheap novelty toy or something for show. That was what really sold Wally to the place... because despite all of it's technological advancements, even The Watchtower didn't have one of those.

Helping himself to three bags of potato chips, a handful of M&M mini-packs, and a large frappachino on ice, Wally had been in and out of the cafeteria in under two seconds, before he finally returned to the ground level, joining the others, his snacks in hand.

"Yeeeah... well I, for one, could get definitely comfortable here,", Wally grinned, giving a big thumbs up to Clark, as he immediately downed his drink.

I pat Wally on the shoulder as I walk past him. "Drop by Keystone and let me know how everything goes."

...Which proved to be bad timing, as Wally couldn't correctly respond to Jay, his straw still deep in his mouth. Trying to spit it out, only to realize he had taken too large of a gulp, Flash began choking, as Jay made his way for the exit.

"*ack*w-t, J-y! C-m ba-k!"

But it was too late. By the time Wally had managed to free the beverage from strangling his tonsils, Jay had already left. Turning, Wally's eyes widened, before he sighed, heavily, acknowledging defeat. That was a bummer. He had actually had something to talk to the old man about, but he had, again, let his feet think before his actual brain, even with his unbelieveable levels of comprehension. Guess I'll just have to ask him about the twins later. For now, bathroom break...

Dashing out of the room at a ridiculous speed, Wally returned, a second later, visibly refreshed.

"Hey, Kyle! You'll never believe what he has on the third floor. Remember how we used to joke about how the Watchtower never had a-"

"Something isn't right." Everyone looks at me. "I realize Aquaman not answering probably means nothing, but I have...a feeling. He took the time to come to the meeting, but he seemed...rushed. As if something more pressing was on his mind." I roll with that train of though. "And then...meditates? And then abruptly leaves with almost no explanation."

I look at the others. "Agree with me or not, but I think something is wrong."

Wally's eyebrows shot up, as talk of Aquaman not responding to his communicator began, near him. Rushing over to Sinestro and Superman, The Flash immediately took to the console, seeing if he could relay the tracker for the undersea king's communicator. Immediately, he found it, as it blipped upon the screen.

"Well... the thing's on,", Wally shrugged, turning to the others. "I'm sure it's nothing the big man can't handle. I mean, honestly, you guys try being the king of a whole population of fish people. Even Darkseid would crack under that pressure."

Wally thought for a moment.

"Okay, bad example. But still. Orin's dealing with all kinds crazy stuff all the time. Maybe he just doesn't have the time to stop and say hello to us dry folk."

[Keyser Soze]

The bump of the road brings me to my senses. Its still dark, gloomy, dank. I'm trapped, encased, surrounded. No one does that to Killer Croc. I find my feet, staggering a little as I catch my balance. The walls are thick, me-proof I guess, that doesn't stop me wailing on them with my fists. "Let me out of here now! I swear to god, I'm gonna eat every one of you mothers!"

I can't even make a scratch, but I need to, I'm so hungry... I'm starving. I need to eat, have a snack, a child or two. "LET ME OUT!" I cry with one final thunder on the wall. The van swirves, but not in the direction I'd hit it. I topple onto my back again, the rush of panic outside. The van tips, and I'm tossed around with it.

There's screams, human screams that remind me of my appetite. Then it goes silent for a split few seconds, before the floor of the van, now tipped onto the side, explodes. I cough and splutter, the light seeping into my eyes and blinding me. "Who's-- who's there?"

The Joker, in his masked disguise as the vigilante Jack Spade, looked down at Killer Croc.

"Hiya Croc. It's me....Jack."

[Green Lantern]

"Okay, bad example. But still. Orin's dealing with all kinds crazy stuff all the time. Maybe he just doesn't have the time to stop and say hello to us dry folk."
"...Yeah, talking to his shrimp and lobsters keeps him busy all the time. Still, I'd say it warrants investigating. Shall we?"

[Eddie Brock]

Cassie and I are relaxing on the couch together, watching House. As predicted, we're alone as the other Titans are off doing God knows what. So we have the lights off, and we're huddled under a blanket.

As we're engrossed with the show, I suddenly ask, "Cass?"

"Yeah?" she replies back quietly, still not breaking her concentration on the television.

"I think we should go out tonight," I suggest. "It has been a little while since we've gone anywhere - y'know, just as Cassie and Conner."

Cassie sits up. "I think that's a great idea," she admits. "It could be our personal celebration of your homecoming."

I nod. "I just can't believe about Bart and Kara. I mean, I know I was gone a while, but..."

"Oh, I know," she assures me. "And I was here the whole time."

I smile. "Have you ever thought that - maybe - you and I...?"

"Of course I've thought about it," she replies honestly. Truth be told, that's not what I expected. I'm a little taken aback. "But I don't think I could do it. Not yet, at least. Do you?"

I shake my head. "I don't think I could either. I just didn't know how you felt about it."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," she states confidently. "For now, let's just be happy for our two friends. After all, we have our lives ahead of us."

Unfortunately, in our line of 'work,' that may not be true. But I push those thoughts aside and return to watching my show.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
Slade and I get back to my loft. Everything is set. All the things that had to be done, have been done. Success in our pockets, and it is a good feeling. Slade holds Dick up as I put restraints on him. Nothing too fancy, just one of your standard handcuffs, chained to a horizontal pole. At the opposite end of the pole, little Timmy hangs unconscious still; sleeping like a baby.

"I'm going to go ahead and grab some extra weights for Dickie boy here. With his flexibility, I want to make sure he can barely move."

"Ugh, why in the hell do you keep calling him that?"

"Old habits die hard."

I head up my office, and grab a few weights from my bench press. I grab the cables to wrap around the chains keeping Dickie's legs restrained as Slade continues to chain him up. As I walk back down the stairs with the weights and cables in my arms, I signal Slade to continue with the plan.

He walks over to a counter, and picks up two small items, no larger than an eraser, but as thin as a pencil. Both contain smelling salts, full of ammonia, to arouse consciousness. He waits, holding both of them in his hands as I finally come by with the weights and cables. As I strap them on to Dickie boy, I look up at Slade, and nod as I stand back up.

"Time to wake them up."

I walk back over to a stool, and take a seat, waiting for the smelling salts to do their trick.

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg

My mind swings lazily in the black state in between being conscious and unconscious. Having been in this state enough times to know, it's very smiliar to when you're half awake...or half asleep, I guess it depends on if you're an optimist or a pessimist.

Another good thing about this state is that for a few seconds. You have no idea what's going on. You just know that you exsist.

"Ah!"

My eyes fling open as my brain clicks everything into place. Tim. Slade. A red hood.

Through my swollen eyes, I scan the area. I'm in someone's apartment. No, a loft. I'm tied up with chains and weights, someone doesn't want me moving.

"Uh..."

I hear a voice behind me, someone waking up. Wait a minute.

"Tim? Tim! It's me. Can you hear me?"

That's when I realize Tim's right behind me, we're tied up on some kind of pole together. Both of us facing the other direction.

I hear a giggle and see a man in a red hood standing a ways off from us.

"Wakey, wakey."

"You bastards. It was you that I talked to...what do you want with us?"

I try to recognize the build, it doesn't match any of the usual villians I've faced. The mask is unique too, although Bruce has told me stories about an old villan he fought named The Red Hood. Could this be the same one?

[Blacklight]

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/25314-blue-beetle_400.jpg
Blue Beetle Begins pt.2

You ever have one of those days that starts ordinary, but then something you never expected to happen just does? I know. Totally cliche, but all too true, especially last night...

Yesterday...


So me, Brenda and Paco we're walking home from school, and we stop near the lot to just hang out...

"Uhh, guys? What is that?"

Paco points to the sky and I turn and look up to see what looked like a small blue shooting star, but the thing was it grew bigger and bigger, and it crashed down right in front of us. We stumbled over from the force of the shockwave, but we were all okay.

"What the hell was that?"

"I'll go see what it was..." I said walking over to the hole in the ground. But to my confusion, I find a giant, blue, half-buried bug. I picked it up and examined it closely...

"Hey. Check it out."

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/2545-blue-beetle_400.jpg

"What you got, Jaime?"

"Some kind of bug..."

It was amazing. Bright and shiny. I wasn't going to just leave it there. I thought I would take it home. Bad idea...

Later that night...


I just sat on my bed, staring at what I found. It was so amazing. It was like one of those scarab jewels from ancient Egypt or something, but it was time for bed, so I put it on my nightstand and went to sleep. But the dream I had was so vivid and lucid. I remember in te dream, the coming alive, and crawling up my leg and on my back... It was scary.

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/140218-blue-beetle_400.jpg

It had scared me so much that I woke up in sweat and I was screaming. It was so weird, but it didn't stop me from getting ready for school. So after I got dressed, I looked over on the nightstand, and the bug was gone. Then I felt around on my back...

"Oh no..."

It was there, like in the dream. I tried to pull it off, but every time I tried, it hurt my spine. Then the next thing I know...

"AAAHHHHH!!!!"

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/151394-blue-beetle_400.jpg

Yep. Today is just one of those days that changes your life... forever...

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/26527-blue-beetle_400.PNG

"Dude. This is new..."

[Electro UK]

The Joker, in his masked disguise as the vigilante Jack Spade, looked down at Killer Croc.

"Hiya Croc. It's me....Jack."

Jack, my knight in shining armor. This won't be the first time he's saved my ass. Before he came along, I didn't think it was right to eat people, he showed me others wise, that I can pray on the criminals to help my conciense. I scamper to my feet. "Man am I glad to see you." I say, thudding over to him. "We've gotta get out of here."

[trustyside-kick]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg

My mind swings lazily in the black state in between being conscious and unconscious. Having been in this state enough times to know, it's very smiliar to when you're half awake...or half asleep, I guess it depends on if you're an optimist or a pessimist.

Another good thing about this state is that for a few seconds. You have no idea what's going on. You just know that you exsist.

"Ah!"

My eyes fling open as my brain clicks everything into place. Tim. Slade. A red hood.

Through my swollen eyes, I scan the area. I'm in someone's apartment. No, a loft. I'm tied up with chains and weights, someone doesn't want me moving.

"Uh..."

I hear a voice behind me, someone waking up. Wait a minute.

"Tim? Tim! It's me. Can you hear me?"

That's when I realize Tim's right behind me, we're tied up on some kind of pole together. Both of us facing the other direction.

I hear a giggle and see a man in a red hood standing a ways off from us.

"Wakey, wakey."

"You bastards. It was you that I talked to...what do you want with us?"

I try to recognize the build, it doesn't match any of the usual villians I've faced. The mask is unique too, although Bruce has told me stories about an old villan he fought named The Red Hood. Could this be the same one?



Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Red%20Hood/45565-jason-todd_400.jpg

I just sit on my stool, loving every moment of Dickie boy's torment as he struggles to discover the truth. All of this...everything that I've put into motion, was for this final moment. This is only the beginning, and who better to make an example of them my own 'adopted' brothers?

"Aw, come on Dickie...have you still not been able to connect all the dots? Timmy here figured it out the second we got down to business. And he's only, what 18? But I guess I'll just have to play 'detective' for you."

I take my helmet, exposing my face.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Red%20Hood/110297-jason-todd_400.jpg

"I slept on the streets. I lived in the alleyways in Gotham. I tried to steal the wheel to the batmobile..."

I see Dickie boy's eyes widen the more I talk, I only chuckle under my breath and smirk as I continue.

"...I took your spot, when you never expected it. You took it so bad, thinking Bruce had replaced you so easily after he practically fired you after your dispute. I went on a world-wide search for my biological mother, only to be betrayed. I was beaten to near-death by The Joker, and a ticking bomb finished the job when Bruce got there too late. Who am I?"

[Keyser Soze]

Jack, my knight in shining armor. This won't be the first time he's saved my ass. Before he came along, I didn't think it was right to eat people, he showed me others wise, that I can pray on the criminals to help my conciense. I scamper to my feet. "Man am I glad to see you." I say, thudding over to him. "We've gotta get out of here."

"Sure thing, buddy. I got a plan."

The Joker lifted up a nearby manhole, motioning for Croc to follow him down into the sewers below. Once they were both in the sewer network, and a safe distance from the scene of the crime, he stopped, turning to face Croc.

"Okay, before we go any further, I gotta level with you, pal. See, I've not been...entirely honest with you..."

The Joker pulled off the Jack Spade mask, exposing the white, grinning face underneath.

"Surprise! HAHA!"

[Byrd Man]

My eyes widen and almost pop out of my skull. I swear I can hear my jaw unhinge as it opens up.

"Jason? No. It can't be..."

I...I saw his body, what was left of it anyway, after he died. I was one of the few that attended his funeral.

"You...you're suppose to be dead. How?"

The tumblers click into place and I realize.

"The Lazarus Pit...Bruce almost did it right after you died, but he was afraid. Thought the level of brain damage you had was too much for it to heal."

I also remember one of the Pit's side effects...having seen it first hand after all.

"Insanity. That's why you're doing all this? You woke up and found out Bruce had moved on. That he didn't need you, hurts doesn't it? You're insane, Jason. Now let me and Tim go. Tim needs medical attention right away."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
"Uh...no, actually. You see, I've fought with myself, trying to understand how it all happened. I honestly do not know. And, uh...no. You're wrong again, Dickie boy. I actually went through quite the transformation since my unexplained return. Say, did the papers ever figure out who beat the crap outta Booster Gold? I'm so bad with keeping up with the times..."

I smirk as I get up from my stool, walking over to Dick. I cross my arms as I tilt my head looking at him.

"But, no need to tell you my life story. You already know must of it. So what if you don't know the rest of my dark deeds. Although, I most definitely suffered quite the consequences with one incident...excuse me."

I walk back over to the counter, and lay out a line of needles. I inject myself with the Venom, and it takes me a while to get past the shock of the drug coursing through my veins.

"The look on your face is priceless, Grayson. You think if that wasn't Jason Todd, I'd be here right now? I told you I decided not to accept payment for this contract...its mere execution is payment, seeing one of your own be the cause for your death with my help."

I finally shrug off the kick I get from the injection, and walk back over to Dick.

"Slade's right, Dickie. This will not end pretty. Oh, and our little chat about how the villain always monologues? I'll throw you a bone to rekindle some of the fondness of those good 'ol days. Roy Harper, Wally West...I think you get the picture...that Gill Head Aquaman took in? All the people like you...like us...are going to be getting a visit by myself. Slade if the contract interests him..."

I look back at Slade, who is surprised, and ends up smiling.

"Oh, I like the way you think, kid."

"So...how are we going to do this, Dickie boy? Hmm?"

[Byrd Man]

"So...how are we going to do this, Dickie boy? Hmm?"


I grit my teeth as he stands over me with that smug, arrogant look on his face. Yep, it's Jason alright.

"I don't care....wannabe."

Jason's eyebrow arches slightly in confusion.

"What was that, Dickie?"

I chuckle slightly.

"You heard me. That's all you ever were, a wannabe. You used to act so tough when you were Robin. How did that work out for you? You were always second class, why else do you explain the reason Bruce didn't kill Joker after your death? Hell, I bet he even thanked Joker for killing you. See, Jason. Of all the diffrent Robins, we've each had a part to play. I was the first, Tim is the smartest. And you, you're the cautionary tale. The warning every superhero gives their sidekick. 'Be careful, Speedy. Jason Todd thought this was a game, and see how he turned out. Six feet under.' Face it, Jason when you get down to it. You were never worthy enough to hold the mantle of Robin. You weren't even worthy enough to hold Batman's piss bucket. In the end, the greatest thing you did as Robin was die."

If this is truly Jason Todd, then I know his weakness all too well. His temper always got in the way of things like rational thought. It's a pretty big gamble that he won't pull out a gun and kill us both here, but I'm willing to take that gamble.

"So...how are we gonna do this, wannabe?"

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
I stare at Dick's face for a while, thinking of all ways to mutilate him; all ways to hurt him. I want to slit his throat. No, I want to gouge his eyes out. NO. I want to shoot him in a way that makes him useless to a woman...I take my kris dagger out of my pocket, and dig it into his left arm.

"AAARRRR!"

Then I hook him with a right jab. My eye starts to shed blood. I wipe it away, and sniff as I try to take hold of my emotions. Then I give him one quick punch in the gut.

"OOOFF!"

"What I was or was not, isn't something you should be worrying about, Dickie. What you should be worrying about..."

The fact that he retains a smile on his face, only makes it that much more satisfying as I backhand him across the face, and then take the kris dagger out of his arm. He winces of course.

"...is this."

With my kris dagger, I point towards the other direction to get Dickie interested, only to blow an uppercut at his jaw. I go to work with his entire body, chopping with my fists in perfect form and kneeing where it counts.

He pants from all the pain I just handed him. I kneel down, and look up at him.

"Hmm...the way I see it...all of that pain and inflicted angst...brought me to this. So, as I see it?"

I stand up, pull up on his hair, forcing him to look up at me. And to help, I keep my kris dagger near his adam's apple with the other hand.

"Things have a funny way of working out for you in the end. You just need to take the trip to and from Hell to get here."

I let go of him, and throw my kris dagger to the opposite wall. I take my jacket off, and remove my red domino mask.

"Untie him."

"What? That wasn't part of--"

"Slade, if you'd please..."

I can tell Slade doesn't appreciate being barked at like a dog, but he of all should understand this. I gave him his play time with Dickie, now it's mine. Hitting a punching bag isn't as fun. He walks over there, and starts to undo Dickie's bindings.

[Byrd Man]

Slade unties me and I stumble a bit as my feet hit the ground. My whole body aches and my abdomen spasms, I can feel my throat start to contract...

"Blahh!"

I put my hand on my knees and thrust my head forward. Vomit shoots out my mouth and splatters on the floor. Some of it manages to land on Slade's shoes.

"You little ****."

Slade backhands me and I wince slightly.

"Leave him alone, Slade."

Jason cracks his knuckles and starts to stretch. I know full well what he wants. He wants a fight.

"If it's a fight you want, Jason."

I wipe the vomit off my mouth and reach for my escrima sticks. I only have one, I must have lost the other one in the alley way when I was fighting Slade.

"I'll be happy to oblige."

I spin the stick in my hand and manage a smile. Even though I'm bruised, cut and beaten. The adrenaline still flows through my body. It gives me a second wind.

"If the Joker could take you down, this should be a piece of cake for me."

I crouch down in a defensive stance as Jason gets ready to strike. Jason Todd, the former Robin I thought died years ago. Here I am fighting him in the middle of his apartment while one of my greatest enemies and my adopted brother look on.

Yep, just another day in the life of Nightwing.

[Karem-Knight]

Gotham City:

Four gangsters stood outside, waiting for the arrival of someone new, for the past few months, Gotham City's underworld had been beaten and controlled by the super heroine Black Canary, standing outside a ware house they waited for the man to arrive.

"Are you sure this guy is he who says he is? A heavy hitter?" one of them asked, smoking a cigarette, leaning on the walls as the rain fell down on the city, harmfully.

"I'm sure he is, guy's say he's ruled this city hundreds of times, over and over, the only thing stopping him was the Bat!"

"Who do you think he is?" Another one of them said, joining in the conversation, "Penguin?"

"Black Mask?"

"Some new guy, Blockbuster, Intergang?"

"Well, it could be T-"

THWAP!

All of a sudden, the sound of a coin being flipped in the air came out of nowhere, as a man, quite handsome even at his age, in a trench coat starring at the men.

They all stood in shock, not knowing what was going to happen, they didn't even know if it was really the man they thought it was till he muttered the words.

"Justice....is served Gentlemen!"

Getting out a gun he shot the man straight into the head, calmly walking to them, he starred at each of them, they all stood in shock and Harvey soon gave a smirk.

"Hello, my name is Harvey Dent, or maybe I should go by...."

Stepping out of the shadows he revealed the grilling sight of his disfigured face.

".........Two-Face?"

[Karem-Knight]

Gotham City:

Four gangsters stood outside, waiting for the arrival of someone new, for the past few months, Gotham City's underworld had been beaten and controlled by the super heroine Black Canary, standing outside a ware house they waited for the man to arrive.

"Are you sure this guy is he who says he is? A heavy hitter?" one of them asked, smoking a cigarette, leaning on the walls as the rain fell down on the city, harmfully.

"I'm sure he is, guy's say he's ruled this city hundreds of times, over and over, the only thing stopping him was the Bat!"

"Who do you think he is?" Another one of them said, joining in the conversation, "Penguin?"

"Black Mask?"

"Some new guy, Blockbuster, Intergang?"

"Well, it could be T-"

THWAP!

All of a sudden, the sound of a coin being flipped in the air came out of nowhere, as a man, quite handsome even at his age, in a trench coat starring at the men.

They all stood in shock, not knowing what was going to happen, they didn't even know if it was really the man they thought it was till he muttered the words.

"Justice....is served Gentlemen!"

Getting out a gun he shot the man straight into the head, calmly walking to them, he starred at each of them, they all stood in shock and Harvey soon gave a smirk.

"Hello, my name is Harvey Dent, or maybe I should go by...."

Stepping out of the shadows he revealed the grilling sight of his disfigured face.

".........Two-Face?"

[Electro UK]

"Sure thing, buddy. I got a plan."

The Joker lifted up a nearby manhole, motioning for Croc to follow him down into the sewers below. Once they were both in the sewer network, and a safe distance from the scene of the crime, he stopped, turning to face Croc.

"Okay, before we go any further, I gotta level with you, pal. See, I've not been...entirely honest with you..."

The Joker pulled off the Jack Spade mask, exposing the white, grinning face underneath.

"Surprise! HAHA!"

"You!" I spit in surprise. I guess I shouldn't be so shocked really, who else would deal with a monster like me? "All this time, Jack was you, Joker? I've been a part of one of your games?" I feel the anger boil up inside me. While the Joker and I arn't exactly enemies, I don't take lightley to being used.

I seize him by the collar and let the thick dollops of dribble fall onto him. "One good reason, one good one why I shouldn't bite your head off."

[Keyser Soze]

"You!" I spit in surprise. I guess I shouldn't be so shocked really, who else would deal with a monster like me? "All this time, Jack was you, Joker? I've been a part of one of your games?" I feel the anger boil up inside me. While the Joker and I arn't exactly enemies, I don't take lightley to being used.

I seize him by the collar and let the thick dollops of dribble fall onto him. "One good reason, one good one why I shouldn't bite your head off."

"Because I'm low in fibre?"

Croc opened his gaping jaws wider.

"Waitaminutewaitaminutewaitaminutewaitaminute! Because I have a plan that benefits you. You want to let me finish before you behead me? I've mastered a lot of skills, but talking out of my ass isn't one of them."

Reluctantly, Croc released The Joker, who adjusted his collar before continuing.

"Fact is, I gave you direction. Eating the criminals, the low-lifes, the dregs of society. But that's not achieving anything, is it, Waylon? It's just...surviving. Well here's a word to really whet your appetite: revenge. Revenge against the corrupt society that drives freaks like us out to the fringes, and down into sewers like this. And what better target for our revenge, than the heroes they put on pedestals, the very heroes they send to hunt you down and lock you up. And why do they do that? You break out, time and time again, and they'll never let you be free. But they lock you up, and forget about you, because they'd rather do that than try and find a cure for your condition."

The Joker placed a hand on Croc's shoulder.

"Oh, I know this hunger isn't your fault, Waylon. I know it's part of your...illness. It's not your fault, it's theirs. Look at the advances in technology! We can build cyborgs, resurrect ourselves with Lazarus Pits, think up bigger and better ways to blow each other into oblivion, but we can't cure a disease? They can, but they won't. They lock you up in Arkham, as if you were a crazy like me. Because it's cheaper than developing a cure. Because it's easier than giving a damn."

Taking his hand away from Croc's shoulder (and subtly wiping it on his trouser leg), The Joker reached into his pocket, and produced a slip of paper.

"It's time this world was humbled. It's time these so-called superheroes learned what happens when they fly too close to the sun. If you want to do something about it, well....you'll know where to find me."

The Joker handed Killer Croc the slip of paper, and left. On it was a message, reading:

PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM

[Saved]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Edge_027/Ravager.png

Family Part I

Rose stands on the ledge of a building, her arm resting carefully on the gargoyle next to her. As a soft evening breeze sweaps through the city, Rose takes a deep sigh, and lowers her head.

"The Titans still don't trust me." She says in a frustrated voice. "But I don't blame them. I did try to kill them...and I'm still not an easy person to get along with." Rose looks up, and stares at the horizon of the buildings in the distance.

"What difference does it make? I've changed. Who says I need their validation?" Rose pounds her fist on the gargoyle in frustration, her face changing to a sneer. "Dammit." She exclaims. "I don't fit in anywhere. Mom's dead, my brothers are dead, the Titans or any other heroes don't trust me, and dad...he just doesn't care."

Rose closes her eyes, and takes off her mask. She lets her long white hair blow in the breeze, her body giving off the appearance of a smooth and calm feeling. However, inside, Rose is conflicted. She feels a feeling she has felt before, but it is stronger now. Never before has she felt it this strong.

"I'm alone..." She whispers softly, as he voice trails off into the whistle of the wind.

[wiegeabo]

"...Yeah, talking to his shrimp and lobsters keeps him busy all the time. Still, I'd say it warrants investigating. Shall we?"


"I agree." Even though there's no evidence, I can't shake the feeling that something is happening. Aquaman was obviously in a hurry to get back to the seas, yet he still took the time to come to the metting. And now he can't return a simple signal? I power up my forcefield. "Anyone else?"

[Harlekin]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7313/bannerod8.jpg

“Dooooorrrreeee,” Ray Bucnee coos madly, grinning as he looks into the black diamond in his hand. Reflected in the diamond is the image of Crispus Allen’s wife, Dore. Tears are streaming down her face. Bucnee’s grin grows wider as the image shifts to show a complete picture. Dore, sitting on a couch with her two sons, Jake and Mal. They’re all crying. To the side stands Detective Nate Kane, hanging his head.

Suddenly, the image is replaced by a dark, smiling face.

“Ray… Ray…” it calls out, audible only to Ray Bucnee. “Are you ready?”

Ray Bucnee’s chilling laugh can be heard throughout the entire prison.

[Andy C.]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/nowhereman716/Comics/Copyofsbir12lrg.jpg

"I agree." Even though there's no evidence, I can't shake the feeling that something is happening. Aquaman was obviously in a hurry to get back to the seas, yet he still took the time to come to the metting. And now he can't return a simple signal? I power up my forcefield. "Anyone else?"

"Agreed. It's better to show up and not be needed, than to be needed and not show up."

Hopefully it's nothing, but I can't help but worry. I've already had Lois disappear on me; the last thing I want to do is let one of my friends vanish without doing everything I can to save them.

"Kyle, Wally, Sinestro, you're with me. We'll head to Arthur's last known location and investigate from there. Dinah, we'll need you to coordinate things from here, and alert us if any threats appear on the monitors. Diana, you're our ace in the hole; if we need backup, you come in full force."

This whole thing is still a little slapped-together. Once we expand our membership a bit, it'll be a lot clearer as to how we operate and what everyone's roles will be. Still, for now, I think we'll manage.

"All right then. Justice League...together!"

[Green Lantern]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/nowhereman716/Comics/Copyofsbir12lrg.jpg



"Agreed. It's better to show up and not be needed, than to be needed and not show up."

Hopefully it's nothing, but I can't help but worry. I've already had Lois disappear on me; the last thing I want to do is let one of my friends vanish without doing everything I can to save them.

"Kyle, Wally, Sinestro, you're with me. We'll head to Arthur's last known location and investigate from there. Dinah, we'll need you to coordinate things from here, and alert us if any threats appear on the monitors. Diana, you're our ace in the hole; if we need backup, you come in full force."

This whole thing is still a little slapped-together. Once we expand our membership a bit, it'll be a lot clearer as to how we operate and what everyone's roles will be. Still, for now, I think we'll manage.

"All right then. Justice League...together!"
Kyle's face dropped.

"Aw man... Do I HAVE to go with HIM?"

Kyle grinned as he pointed at Wally.

[trustyside-kick]

Slade unties me and I stumble a bit as my feet hit the ground. My whole body aches and my abdomen spasms, I can feel my throat start to contract...

"Blahh!"

I put my hand on my knees and thrust my head forward. Vomit shoots out my mouth and splatters on the floor. Some of it manages to land on Slade's shoes.

"You little ****."

Slade backhands me and I wince slightly.

"Leave him alone, Slade."

Jason cracks his knuckles and starts to stretch. I know full well what he wants. He wants a fight.

"If it's a fight you want, Jason."

I wipe the vomit off my mouth and reach for my escrima sticks. I only have one, I must have lost the other one in the alley way when I was fighting Slade.

"I'll be happy to oblige."

I spin the stick in my hand and manage a smile. Even though I'm bruised, cut and beaten. The adrenaline still flows through my body. It gives me a second wind.

"If the Joker could take you down, this should be a piece of cake for me."

I crouch down in a defensive stance as Jason gets ready to strike. Jason Todd, the former Robin I thought died years ago. Here I am fighting him in the middle of his apartment while one of my greatest enemies and my adopted brother look on.

Yep, just another day in the life of Nightwing.

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
My blood starts to boil again, and I think this time my hand is shaking out of me merely trying to stay calm. Gotta keep calm, Jason. Cannot afford one of those...outbreaks. With the risky mixture of the Venom and Crane's science experiment...who knows how bad it could get. I take my gloves off.

"You know, of all the people. I thought you'd understand, Dickie. When Bruce took you in...you were barely 9 years old...out of all of the people like us? You were the youngest when you were brought into this world. And how did your life turn out?"

I place my gloves onto the counter. And I sigh deeply as I lean against the counter, both hands laid in front of me as I stare endlessly into it.

"This...nightmare just never ends, Dickie. I tried to explain to Timmy over there? And he didn't understand. He called me insane."

I turn my head over to Dick.

"Am I insane? Am I, Dickie? Have I been misguided by--no. Heh, no. No no no no no."

I look back over at the counter, staring at my reflection off the smooth, metal surface. I smirk.

"This is the right thing to do. All of these slight episodes of...doubt. It's just because of Crane's damn concoction. I know this is right. The son of a *****. You know what he did to me, Dickie? He strapped me down, and played Doctor with me! That's what! The...the nightmare never ends. The lives we leads...the lives we all lead? 'Proteges of the greatest heroes of this Century'? The...the things I saw when Crane injected me with--it's horrible, Dickie."

I slam my fist onto the table, and I probably even weird out Slade a bit.

"The things I saw..."

I crack my knuckles as well as my neck, and I start to slowly walk over to Dickie.

"...this is the only way to prevent that nightmare from becoming a reality."

I get into a KFM stance, and wait for Dickie's reaction.

[Byrd Man]

"...this is the only way to prevent that nightmare from becoming a reality."


Jason is obviously out of touch with reality. If Scarecrow really did use him as a guniea pig, then the fear toxin might be still affecting him. Thus explaining his current state.

"Jason, don't make me do this. Please, we can get you help and counseling. What you went through, the things you seen..I mean-...I'm using this as a last resort. Don't make we hurt you."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
"Jason, don't make me do this. Please, we can get you help and counseling. What you went through, the things you seen..I mean-...I'm using this as a last resort. Don't make we hurt you."

"Help? You think anything you do will help? I had my chance. Crane wanted something simple in return, for the antidote. And then? It would've all gone away. But, I couldn't do it. And if I never had met Bruce? If he never had taken my under his wing? If I had never put on that damn costume? Perhaps the nightmare I saw before my own eyes, would've been different. Hell, there wouldn't be any nightmares! Because I wouldn't have been a victim of Crane's doing otherwise."

Dickie isn't going to make the first move. He is going to try to talk me down. But he cannot. I have fought with myself of how important this is. My mind is set.

"Most kids are afraid of the dark, or spiders. Do you have any idea how much I would've preferred that for my nightmare? My life could've been so different...all our lives could've been different, if it weren't for people like Bruce. Heroes...like Bruce, who take a kid into their care, thinking they can pass as a parent. A parent is supposed to protect their children from harm. What has Bruce done?"

[Byrd Man]

"Most kids are afraid of the dark, or spiders. Do you have any idea how much I would've preferred that for my nightmare? My life could've been so different...all our lives could've been different, if it weren't for people like Bruce. Heroes...like Bruce, who take a kid into their care, thinking they can pass as a parent. A parent is supposed to protect their children from harm. What has Bruce done?"


I lift my one remaining escrima stick slightly as Jason and I stalk each other, walking in a circle like lions ready to pounch.

"'What has Bruce done?' Bruce took us in, he gave us a better life. As much as I miss my parents, I wouldn't trade the life I have now fo the world. So you got a raw deal, time to stop living in the past and move on with your life."

I start to spin my escrima stick like a baton, I'm getting ready to strike.

"Now, step aside. Tim needs medical attention, I need to get him to a doctor."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
"No one is leaving this place. Sorry if you had your high hopes set to that scenario, Dickie."

I take a detonator out of my pocket. My last one. The last one I'll ever need. I click it, and toss it to the floor.

"Can you hear it? So subtle, yet so...loud? No? Well, allow me to enlighten you. That, my friend, is the sound of a ticking bomb. It is in this very building, right now. And I just activated it."

"What? I never agreed to this. Jason?"

"Can you feel it finally, Dickie boy? Can you feel the adrenaline flowing through? It feels good, doesn't it? And while you cannot help but hear the faint ticking, all you can think about is getting the ones you care about out of the building, am I right? Even me. The black sheep of the family. After everything I've done, you still wish to save me from the ticking bomb."

"You are insane. And to think I could see future contracts along the way with you? You had this planned all along, didn't you? Even though you knew I'd check everything there was to know about you, you still managed to--enough of this."

I turn to Slade, my expression a confused one.

"Enough of what, Slade? Did you not want to see Dickie and Timmy finally meet their end? Or...is this too much for you?"

Slade stands there, and looks over at the counter. I've got all of my carry-on weapons laying right there. He could kill me right now if he wanted, I'm sure. He takes his steel bo out of its holster. Looks like **** is finally going to really go down.

"You're ****ing crazy."

He turns, swinging his steel bo, shattering one of my glass windows.

"Consider the contract voided."

He jumps out of the window and into the night sky. I shrug as I turn around, facing Dickie right away. His eyes trail off at Timmy, his ears ever so listening for that mesmerizing ticking.

"So these are the options I see, Dickie. Let me lay them out for you, since you seem...distracted. You can kill me, get out of the ticking building with little Timmy, and rush him to the hospital as my dying body goes out with a bang--don't feel bad, isn't exactly something new to me--or you can run. We can play this game again another time. But Timmy stays. He'll enjoy the fireworks. Oh, and your third option? I kill the both of you."

He really isn't going to make the first move. He just can't. Not me. All the villains he has probably wanted to choke the life out...but not me. What a shame.

"OOF!"

I make the first move with a clean hook to his jaw.

[Byrd Man]

Bart catches me by surprise with the hug. But I gladly return it. And now I can't keep the tears out of my eyes. If Joan and I have one regret in life, it's not raising a family of our own. But between Dinah, Wally, and Bart, it feels like we did.

"I love you too. Son."


Kara and I spend the next few hours at Jay's house. Jay and Joan help me pack up the small box of belongings I have. They seemed to take the fact that I'm moving out pretty well. Besides the packing, both of them dispense their sagely advice about life, love, and everything in between. From anniversaries, to hogging the covers at night. They tell us everything they can, and we both listen.

"Well, it's getting late. I suppose Kara and I better leave. Thanks for all the advice."

"Yeah, you two are like an encyclopedia of marriage info."

"Umm...wow...thanks?"

"I think what Joan is trying to say is, when's the wedding?"

"We're still not sure yet, we're working on a date. In the meantime, we'll be living out of Titans Tower."

"You two won't be sharing the same bed?"

I slightly smile. Jay's showing his age.

"No. Believe me, Cyborg is going to make sure that we don't he's installed sensors and security systems in both of our rooms."

"You know, I've always liked that Cyborg.."

"Well, Jay, Joan. I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll visit as often as I can."

Joan hugs me tightly and holds me for a few seconds before letting me go.

"Best of luck, Bart. We'll see you at the wedding."

"You bet. I might need you two to stand in as parents of the groom. Also, I just want to say thanks one more time for all you've done for me. After Max dissapeared, I thought I had nobody left that cared for me. I was wrong, dead wrong."

I hold out my hand and shake Jay's hand firmly. It makes me feel good, makes me feel like a man.

[Byrd Man]

"OOF!"
I make the first move with a clean hook to his jaw.

I stumble slightly as Jason's punch sends me reeling. Both mentally and physically, this is his idea of vengence. Have all three Robins die in one blast? I don't think so.

CRACK!

I toss my escrima stick and it makes a sick smack as it hits Jason's forehead.

"I don't care what you say. Whatever you went through to bring you back to life, it's warped you. You've become the very thing you used to fight. You belong in Arkham with the rest of them."

I leap into the air and slide on the countertop, on my way across the counter, I grab my grapnel gun as I slide off onto the floor.

"Make no mistake. If I have to leave you here to die, I will. If this is what you've become, it's not a big loss."

I pop up from behind the counter and shoot out a line, it wraps around Jason's ankle and I pull. Hard.

"Woah!"

He loses his footing and hits the floor hard as the grapnel reels him in closer to me.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
He reels me in practically, like a goddamn fish. I reach into my back pocket, and pull out my 'batarangs', and snap the cable. As Dick leans in to pick me up, I do a 'chinese get-up' and head butt him in the nose as I ascend. With him stumbling back, I undo the cables wrapped around my legs and get up.

"I forgot to mention, I don't remember how long I set the timer for. Hell, I didn't even look at the number. Guess we are going to just have to test out how good your luck is, won't we?"

I take the two 'batarangs' I used to cut the cable, and throw one of them, missing Dickie as he shifts to the side. When he gets close again, I fight with everything I've got, laying in a few blows with the other 'batarang' in my hand. The cracks in between the panels of the floor start to drip with blood. Nothing too vital, just a few cuts is all. But losing a lot of blood over quite a timespan can do quite a thing to you; especially if you use up so much of your energy as you do.

"Come on! Timmy put up a better fight! Maybe I shouldn't have let Deathstroke go to work on him. Maybe he really is the best Robin as you previously claimed!"

With a roundhouse kick, I knock Dick down to the ground. But when I think I've got my next attack well placed, he catches it, twisting my leg in the opposite direction, causing me to flip out of control and hit the counter.

"AAAARR!"

I get up, grabbing a hold of my back. Right on the damn corner. My spine is aching like hell. Good counter, Dickie. Good counter.

[Byrd Man]

I'm breathing heavily as the blood drips down my face. My energy is starting to fade, the adrenaline can only go so far.

"C'mon, Jason. Impress me."

Jason quickly spins, he has his kirss dagger drawn and he's got it aimed right for my jugular. That's when I move quickly, parrying his strike with my escrima stick. The shock of my peer sends him back a few steps. I take the opportunity to grab a few of my wing-dings and toss them at Jason. They batter his body as he stumbles back and falls over the counter.

"Hahaha. Oh man, I needed a good laugh. Thanks."

I leap onto the counter and squat as Jason picks himself up. He lunges at me and I jump up. My boot heel lands on his hand.

"Ahh!"

"Gracefulness was never one of your strong suits."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
I swing at Dickie's leg and he flips backward, landing on the counter across from the one with my carry-on weapons. I place my kris dagger back into its holster. Betsy did her job. Granted, I'm starting to feel a little light-headed right now, so is Dickie. I can see the blood trickling down his arm.

"What's this? The former side-kick cracking jokes? I thought you were done with those when you dropped the pixie boots?"

I take two of my guns, and Dickie boy's eyes go wide; real wide. He is already leaping around the place like a damn frog as I pull the two triggers.

"I'm no Deadshot! But I think I can still put your agility to the test!"

[Byrd Man]

I'm already in the air by the time he fires...

Blam!Blam!Blam!

I feel bullets whiz through the air all around me as I grab a hanging cable and swing through the air.

My mind's racing a mile a minute, with each passing second. Tim gets worst, Jason sinks deeper into madness, and a bomb slowly ticks towards our demise.

"ENOUGH!!"

I change direction, swinging towards Jason. He fires off bullet after bullet. A few of them clip my shoulder and legs, but I push past the pain and focus on the shooter.

WHAM!

My feet make solid contact against his chest, I drive him forward and we both fly through the air. I land close to where Jason is laying crumpled up on the floor.

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Family Feuds'
-----------------------------
I...I think I broke my ankle as I landed. I just got the wind knocked out of me, so it only makes the pain worse as I foolishly try to move to get up. Dickie boy gets up first, practically dragging his feet as he is nearly drained of energy to fight on, walking over to Timmy.

"I've got you, Tim. Where are going to get out of here. We--"

I grab his foot, and he turns around. He looks down at me, surprised I still fight on. I manage to get on my own feet, nearly falling on him as I forget about my ankle.

"You...you guys aren't going...anywhere."

With my other hand, I reach behind me. I have one last task for you, Betsy. Don't let me down. As I pull my kris dagger out of its holster, I try to stab Dick, he catches my attack by my arm, and now we are both struggling for control over the situation; both of us practically holding each other up we can barely stand.

[Byrd Man]

I grit my teeth and strain my weakning muscles to gain control over Jason's dagger. The dagger's blade starts to tear through my body suit and pierce my chest. I fight back, pushing the dagger towards Jason. Neither one of us are yielding as we fight for control, all the time the bomb's clock clicks down to an uknown time.

"Uhhh!"

"Ahh!"

I use some of my last reserves of strenght to push the dagger forward. Jason starts to retreat. In a matter of moment, I have him pinned against the wall.

The sweat on my brow starts to bead as I push the dagger forward towards Jason, he fights and holds on as best as he can.

"AAHH!!"

He cries out in pain as the dagger goes through his arm and pins him to the wall.

"TIM!"

I catch a second wind as I rush over to Tim and start to undo the chains holding him up.

"Come on, kiddo. We have to go. Now!"

Tim mumbles as he stumbles unsteadily. I wrap my arm around his shoulder to support him. We make our way towards Jason. He's still stuck to the wall, on the brink of unconsciousness.

"Jason. Wake up!"

He moans in pain as I remove the dagger from his arm, he's unsteady on his feet.

"Let's go."

I break a window and shoot a grapnel line out onto a nearby rooftop. I secure Tim and myself to the line. I reach for Jason when it happens.

BOOM!

The bomb explodes, sending Tim and myself flying out of the apartment building and into the air. I swing the two of us onto a nearby rooftop. The building goes up in flames, I didn't see if Jason made it out or not. I pause to wonder if that really was Jason Todd...or was it an imposter, a shape shifter like Clayface?

Those thoughts drive out of my mind as I hear Tim speak.

"Dick..."

He falls forward and lands face fist on the roof. My heart starts to beat wildly as I pick him up into my arms and dash off into the night.

************

Dr. Leslie Thompkins is sitting at the desk in her office, taking her first break in awhile. She beathes a sigh of relief, thankful fo the break. That's when I come in and ruin it.

"Leslie!"

I swing into the office, Tim craddled in my arms.

"Oh my god, Dick. What's wrong? What happend?"

"Someone attacked us. It was Deathstroke and...someone else..Tim's seriously injured he needs treatment."

"I'll prep OR room three. I'll need some help, make sure his mask stays on. I don't want one of my doctors finding out who he is."

"I'll find a gurney."

Leslie and I leave her office and I find a gurney to place Tim on. I make sure his mask is on good before I let Leslie wheel him off.

"You need medical attention too. You're cut, bloody, and bruised."

"Worry about Tim first, he needs your help more than I do. I need to do something before that."

"And that is?"

"I need to send word to Bruce. Jason Todd is back from the grave."

[Harlekin]

Just outside of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It has been about a day since the Joker recruited Albrecht Krieger for Project: Icarus. The Joker has moved on to Gotham City, leaving Albrecht Krieger near his former headquarters.

For the first few hours, Albrecht Krieger sat in deep meditation. As he sits, he remembers the heinous deeds he’s committed in this town. Killing, maiming, torturing and scheming. In this headquarters, he trained and instructed his former followers, the Fourth Reich. They were now all depowered and in prison.

Now, Krieger walks through the rubble, and he feels no remorse about any of it.

In fact, he feels nothing as he surveys the ruins of his former lair. The first Flash, Jay Garrick, laid waste to almost everything that had marked Captain Nazi’s presence. What he had left was eventually demolished by the citizens of Germantown.

Of course, the citizens had first been afraid to venture near the place of their tormentor, but their fear naturally made way for rage. A rage that culminated in this still smouldering heap of bricks and planks.

A rage that eventually made way for shame, and nobody had come near the site since.

Until now.

Albrecht Krieger is oblivious to his surroundings as he walks through the rubble. His thoughts are still in Branau am Inn, the place where the Joker had recruited him, and the place in which he had hoped to reclaim his power. A foolish hope. Nothing had occurred when he had visited the birthplace of his Führer. No shining light or thunder and rain, no voice from heaven or hell, nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Suddenly, he is interrupted in his reverie by the sound of rapid feet and muffled laughs.

Slowly, Krieger makes his way towards the sounds, up to what used to be Baroness Blitzkrieg’s room. Looking into the room, he can see two young boys grinning and laughing as they spray paint a variety of words and symbols on the walls. They are largely in intelligible, but when one of the boys moves away from his work, Krieger can make out a few of the words:

“NAZIS SUCK”

Krieger’s eyes widen, his nostrils flare.

“RRRAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHH!” he screams as he runs towards the two boys. They, in turn, scream in fear. One of the boys is frozen by that emotion and desperately tries to shield himself from Krieger’s fury. The other’s response is flight over fight, and with adrenaline pumping through his veins, is out of the room before Krieger can react. Krieger doesn’t care, there’s still one left.

“Please don’t hurt me, sir. Please,” the boy pleads.

A broad smile forms on Krieger’s face.

* * *

An hour later, the rage has finally left Krieger’s body. Although limited by the average human strength he is now cursed with, his experience more than makes up for it. Impaled by a stick and mounted on the wall is the young boy, the majority of his bones broken, blood seeping out of a dozen wounds. Worse even, the skin of his face has been flayed off, leaving no way to recognize the boy for who he once was.

Krieger stands before the wall, smearing the blood from the body upon the wall.

With it, he paints a dozen swastikas.

When he’s done, Krieger looks at his work appreciatively, a large grin upon his face.

With great satisfaction, he turns around, where he discovers upon another wall the following message:

PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM

[Harlekin]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7313/bannerod8.jpg

Crispus Allen wakes in a bed and a room that are strange to him. Slowly, he opens his eyes, wondering if what he’s feeling is true. His hands roam down to his abdomen. He’s wearing a shirt and tie, both freshly pressed. He lifts the cover to confirm his suspicion. This is all very odd, he thinks to himself, but at least I’m neatly dressed. He lets his hands roam across his abdomen again. No wounds, no blood.

Wearily, he turns his head and looks at the room he’s in. Now, it looks more like a cabin. A classic cabin at that, handmade from wood. There’s a fireplace in the corner, with comfortable chairs and a couch surrounding it. Stairs to the side invite to a second floor. A kitchen and table in the other corner. Cautiously, Crispus throws the cover to the side and steps out of the bed. With childlike wonderment, he looks at the immaculate suit he’s wearing. Why would he be sleeping in this?

Suddenly, the front door of the cabin, a door that Crispus hadn’t noticed before, slams open. He instinctively reaches for a gun that isn’t there. In comes walking a tall and slim figure, a man somewhere in his mid-twenties and wearing a gaudy acrobat’s uniform. Around his neck is a long white scarf. In his hands are a bunch of wooden blocks. He greets Crispus with a smile, and moves on to the fireplace, dumping the blocks to the side of it.

“Howdy, partner,” the stranger says with a smile as he rubs his hands against one another for warmth. “Nobody’s slept as long as you before.”
“Who… who are you?”
“That’s a great song.” The man smiles, but Crispus just looks at him confused.
“Joke. My name is Boston Brand.” The man extends a hand.

Ever so cautiously, Crispus takes it.

“Crispus Allen.”
“I know.”
“So… Boston, where am I?”

Boston Brand laughs.

“Don’t you know? You’re about to go onto heaven, Crispy. Didn’t she tell you?”

Crispus Allen just stares at the man in front, trying to cope with it all.

“So that girl really was --”
“Don’t… don’t say her name. We don’t do that around here,” he interrupts.
“Why not?”
“Double-D’s orders.”
“Who is this… ‘Double-D’?”
“Oh, don’t worry about him. He’s just a temp. It was already a hell of a job, excuse the expression, to get me here. Somebody will replace him eventually, though, don’t worry.”
“And you’re going to heaven too?”

At that question, Boston lets his head hang a little.

“No can do, partner. Not yet at least. I got a job to do first.”
“What’s that?”
“Balancing the scales of good and evil, of course,” Boston replies with a smile.
“Hmm…”

“So… why are you here then, exactly?”
“Big guy asked me to give you an introduction.”
“The big guy?” Crispus asks incredulously, as he points his finger upwards.
“The same.”
“So he exists?”
“Sure, maybe not as you think he does, but he’s up there.”
“Do I get to talk to him?”
“No. Only the angels get to do that.”
“So what are you introducing me to?”
“Heaven, of course.” Another smile. “You’re a curious soul, Crispus. More so than others. People like you, they get a little introduction. Normally, an angel would, but they’re a little short on those right now, so they asked me to fill in. Anyway, we tell you a few things, before hand, so, you know, when you do something… well, I won’t say bad, but not according to plan, we can say--”
“Told you so.”
“Exactly. So sit down, take a load off. It’s a long story.”
“Well, we do have eternity, don’t we?”

Boston laughs.

“Yes, we do, Crispus. Yes, we do.”

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

We park on one of the rooftops on the edge of the city. Vic and the woman with him steps out as I do.

"Okay, I know you were in Gotham, so you don't have to answer that, but...the girl."

"Oh...well...we had on the same outfit and found out and it was SO embarassing--" I glare at him and he stops. I look at the girl--latin decent, black hair, five-five, her actions appear familiar...

"Renee, why are you wearing that?" I hear something like a growl from her as she presses a button, releasing gas around her and pulls off the mask.

"Okay, someone's going to explain RIGHT NOW how everyone knows my secret identity!"

"I remembered your size, build and the way you move and I took a guess. Not sure about him, though." Sage steps up and approaches the two of us.

"Okay, I'll let it out--Bats, wait until I finish before you ask anything..." Sage goes through his story--the zombie invasion was on the news, but the rest...

"So, you're telling me that you have the ability to...see into people and get to their truths?"

"Yeah--like, a human lie detector and a human wire-tap. That's the best way I can describe it."

"And how am I supposed to believe this?"

Suddenly, I feel it--very small, very subtle, if I hadn't trained at Nanda Parbet I might not have even noticed it--like my being is opening up, spreading open by something under The Question's mask.

"You're a secret Prince fanatic. You have all the albums and you listen to them when no one's looking in the cave. You're more of a fan of his early works, before he got all Jahovah on us all."

I glare at him.

"Is that enough, or should I go further? I can tell Renee here about your first 'Doctor game,' the kid's name was T--"

"I believe you."

"Good--because I know something from it that you need to know--Cornette. There's something off with this guy, not just his hard-on for you. I looked into him before the police went after me--he's a sadist with a massiac complex, and he's not the real Cornette. I couldn't tell who it was, and looking into him, I honestly didn't want to probe any deeper. I'm not expereinced in this power yet, but I know if I look deeper into him, it would...infect me."

"I...can't do anything with that, Sage. I need concrete evidence--"

"I know, I'm just saying--look into it. Investigate the living hell out of this guy. Soon. 'Cause...I think he has something planned. I can't tell what, but...if he does it, he'll kill more then he'll save."

"I'll look into it."

I pull out a keycard and hand it to Sage.

"The basement to this building is a satalite cave. Use the keycard and you can get the password from your...truth power or whatever you call it. Lie low here for the night."

"Thanks, Bats." He takes the keycard and gets the password from me and I get back on the Bat-Gyro. I fly back into the city, silently, sticking to shadows. A voice rings into my ears.

"Bruce?"

"Leslie."

"I need you at the Clinic--Dick and Tim are here, badly hurt and...there's something they found that you need to hear in person."

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg

In only takes me a half hour to get cleaned and stitched up. I sit on a chair in the shadows and watch as Leslie operates on Tim.

My eyeballs feel heavy. It feels like it's been years that Roy and I were sharing a drink at a bar in New York, but it's only been a few hours. I bet Roy's still having his way with the cute bartender that had the nose ring.

I'm on the verge of sleep, when I hear someone breathing softly behind me.

"Bruce."

"Who did this?"

"You won't believe it. I'm still not sure I believe it."

"Who?"

"Jason Todd. Yes, the Jason Todd."

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif


"Bruce."

"Who did this?"

"You won't believe it. I'm still not sure I believe it."

"Who?"

"Jason Todd. Yes, the Jason Todd."

"How?"

He tells me the whole story--of Tim being missing, Dick going back into costume, fighting Deathstroke and finally the two nearly beating each other to death and the bomb in the building. By the time I can think of something to say, I hear a beep in my communicator.

"Boss, you have a call on your home line."

"Who is it?"

"Gotham Hospital."

"Patch them in."

"Hello, is this Bruce Wayne?"

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

"There's a patient here at the hospital--we just got him in, but he wants to speak to you. I wouldn't have said anything about it--but he gave us the right number."

I was tempted to decline--I've gotten a few desperate cries for the playboy's attention before, even from men, but what Dick said about Jason...could he have survived the blast?

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
Bruce Wayne gets to the Gotham City Hospital as fast as he can, making sure to get out of costume. Everything doesn't make sense; none of it does. But he could see the truth in Dick's eyes, and when he got the phone call from the hospital, he finally started to believe in coincidences. Forget reason and logic, somehow, in some way, Jason Todd was alive.

He enters through the hospital doors, and immediately receives attention as one of the staff members recognize him from his many appearances in the paper as well as the television. He doesn't even have to sign in or anything, they escort him immediately. Before he is permitted into the room, the doctor stands there, outside the door, his hand wiping his eye for some reason. Bruce walks up to him.

"Mr. Wayne, I presume?"

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
Bruce Wayne gets to the Gotham City Hospital as fast as he can, making sure to get out of costume. Everything doesn't make sense; none of it does. But he could see the truth in Dick's eyes, and when he got the phone call from the hospital, he finally started to believe in coincidences. Forget reason and logic, somehow, in some way, Jason Todd was alive.

He enters through the hospital doors, and immediately receives attention as one of the staff members recognize him from his many appearances in the paper as well as the television. He doesn't even have to sign in or anything, they escort him immediately. Before he is permitted into the room, the doctor stands there, outside the door, his hand wiping his eye for some reason. Bruce walks up to him.

"Mr. Wayne, I presume?"


"Yes. I just got a call saying that someone here is asking for me...who is it?"

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"I'm not sure if you had heard the recent news, but perhaps you are aware of the bombing that occurred on Adams and O'Neil? Our paramedics were on the scene and they only found one survivor. Luckily, the complex was rented out to few, and just about all were out for the evening already."

The doctor folds his arms, and pushes his glasses up a bit to prevent them from slipping off.

"He was surprisingly alive; as I said, the only survivor. He has a lot of cuts and bruises, and our tests have not come in yet, but it seems he suffered a massive amount of damage in the head. However, he seems rather fine; it is quite odd. But what was most odd, was his reaction when he came to in the the room. When the nurses tried to assist him, he whiplashed in complete fear, saying 'My mask! Where's my mask!', and starting shouting at them. The nurses got help though, and they strapped him down. Do you have any idea what that could've meant? He wouldn't stop saying he was only going to talk to you. Only Bruce Wayne. He gave us this number to contact you."

The doctor hands Bruce the torn piece of paper, written in Jason's own hand writing.

[MaskedManJRK]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
[SIZE=2]"I'm not sure if you had heard the recent news, but perhaps you are aware of the bombing that occurred on Adams and O'Neil? Our paramedics were on the scene and they only found one survivor. Luckily, the complex was rented out to few, and just about all were out for the evening already."

The doctor folds his arms, and pushes his glasses up a bit to prevent them from slipping off.

"He was surprisingly alive; as I said, the only survivor. He has a lot of cuts and bruises, and our tests have not come in yet, but it seems he suffered a massive amount of damage in the head. However, he seems rather fine; it is quite odd. But what was most odd, was his reaction when he came to in the the room. When the nurses tried to assist him, he whiplashed in complete fear, saying 'My mask! Where's my mask!', and starting shouting at them. The nurses got help though, and they strapped him down. Do you have any idea what that could've meant? He wouldn't stop saying he was only going to talk to you. Only Bruce Wayne. He gave us this number to contact you."

The doctor hands Bruce the torn piece of paper, written in Jason's own hand writing.


I look at the paper--definately his handwriting. Either he is Jason or he's an exceptional impersonation who has access to my files.

"May I see him?"

[trustyside-kick]

I look at the paper--definately his handwriting. Either he is Jason or he's an exceptional impersonation who has access to my files.

"May I see him?"

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"In a moment. There is more. I sat with the young man as you were on your way here."

The doctor sighs a bit, and takes his glasses off, polishing the lenses after taking a clean cloth out, and fixes them back onto his face. He sighs again as he seems to struggle to continue.

"While I was waiting, I had one of my assistants try to I.D. him. The thing is, we have not been able to find him in any databases for the living, it is as if he is a ghost. But that isn't all."

The doctor flips through his clipboard, trying to muster up the proper way to say what he is trying to get across. He re-reads the evaluations he made and starts to quote them.

"Let's see, I...I don't know any other way to say this."

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"In a moment. There is more. I sat with the young man as you were on your way here."

The doctor sighs a bit, and takes his glasses off, polishing the lenses after taking a clean cloth out, and fixes them back onto his face. He sighs again as he seems to struggle to continue.

"While I was waiting, I had one of my assistants try to I.D. him. The thing is, we have not been able to find him in any databases for the living, it is as if he is a ghost. But that isn't all."

The doctor flips through his clipboard, trying to muster up the proper way to say what he is trying to get across. He re-reads the evaluations he made and starts to quote them.

"Let's see, I...I don't know any other way to say this."


That cinches it. It has to be Jason. I walk towards the door and mumble to him that I should see him as I open the door. I hear the doctor calling out not to go in but I close the door and decide to lock it.

I make a quick look around the room--no bugs, we're alone--and then look at the figure under the bed.

He's taller, fuller then when I last saw him, but I can definately see it.

Jason Todd.

He look at me and grins as if nothing has happened, no deals with Deathstroke and none of the anger I heard from Dick, and I start to wonder if I should have waited to hear what happened to him...

[trustyside-kick]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif



That cinches it. It has to be Jason. I walk towards the door and mumble to him that I should see him as I open the door. I hear the doctor calling out not to go in but I close the door and decide to lock it.

I make a quick look around the room--no bugs, we're alone--and then look at the figure under the bed.

He's taller, fuller then when I last saw him, but I can definately see it.

Jason Todd.

He look at me and grins as if nothing has happened, no deals with Deathstroke and none of the anger I heard from Dick, and I start to wonder if I should have waited to hear what happened to him...

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!

Jason's smile widens even more as Bruce finally finds a seat, across the room. He watches Bruce take the seat, and drag it over to the bed. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

Jason waits for a response, and his expression turns to pure confusion, as Bruce seems to simply just not say a thing at all.

"...Bruce?"

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!

Jason's smile widens even more as Bruce finally finds a seat, across the room. He watches Bruce take the seat, and drag it over to the bed. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

Jason waits for a response, and his expression turns to pure confusion, as Bruce seems to simply just not say a thing at all.

"...Bruce?"

Half way through his talking, I realize why he smiled as if nothing had happened--he doesn't remember anything. He thinks he's still a kid--thinks he hasn't died before. I consider telling him, but it might be too much to tell him now.

"...Yeah. I got him."

[trustyside-kick]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif



Half way through his talking, I realize why he smiled as if nothing had happened--he doesn't remember anything. He thinks he's still a kid--thinks he hasn't died before. I consider telling him, but it might be too much to tell him now.

"...Yeah. I got him."

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Phew...good. Safely locked away in Arkham...again. Wait a second, what about my mother? Where is she? She couldn't make it to the hospital or something? Or is she a patient here too? Is she hurt?"

Jason grips his hands tightly on the strapping, trying to pry it off.

"Where is she, Bruce? I--I finally found her. Where is she?!?"

Jason starts to whiplash about.

"Where is my mom?!!?!?

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Phew...good. Safely locked away in Arkham...again. Wait a second, what about my mother? Where is she? She couldn't make it to the hospital or something? Or is she a patient here too? Is she hurt?"

Jason grips his hands tightly on the strapping, trying to pry it off.

"Where is she, Bruce? I--I finally found her. Where is she?!?"

Jason starts to whiplash about.

"Where is my mom?!!?!?
[/SIZE]

I grab Jason by the shoulders and keep him still. I mutter words of "calm down" and "lay down" and try to lie well when I say "it's okay." He finally sits down and looks at me.

"I'm sorry, Jason...your mother...didn't survive the blast."

[trustyside-kick]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif



I grab Jason by the shoulders and keep him still. I mutter words of "calm down" and "lay down" and try to lie well when I say "it's okay." He finally sits down and looks at me.

"I'm sorry, Jason...your mother...didn't survive the blast."

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
Bruce no longer has to keep Jason still, because he becomes motionless. Tears run down the side of his face, and he starts to grit his teeth together.

"Then I'll get my revenge. The Joker isn't going to hurt another human being; I'm not going to let him. I'm not going to let these cuts and bruises slow em down either, Bruce. I'll be full-time right away. You can expect to get the training exercises ready for me tomorrow."

Jason's grip on the straps loosen, and he tries to nudge his head downward, to wipe the tear, but he cannot. He is strapped in too tight.

"Next time, I'm going to be ready for The Joker."

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
Bruce no longer has to keep Jason still, because he becomes motionless. Tears run down the side of his face, and he starts to grit his teeth together.

"Then I'll get my revenge. The Joker isn't going to hurt another human being; I'm not going to let him. I'm not going to let these cuts and bruises slow em down either, Bruce. I'll be full-time right away. You can expect to get the training exercises ready for me tomorrow."

Jason's grip on the straps loosen, and he tries to nudge his head downward, to wipe the tear, but he cannot. He is strapped in too tight.

"Next time, I'm going to be ready for The Joker."


I see the tear dripping down his face. I feel like I should wipe it away, but I can't.

"I know how you feel--but revenge won't make the pain go away. The most you can do is to stop him from harming anyone else. Besides...there's a lot we need to talk about before you go back into the field."

[trustyside-kick]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif



I see the tear dripping down his face. I feel like I should wipe it away, but I can't.

"I know how you feel--but revenge won't make the pain go away. The most you can do is to stop him from harming anyone else. Besides...there's a lot we need to talk about before you go back into the field."

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Won't...won't make the pain go away? Who care if it doesn't! He is going to get what's coming to him! How many lives has he hurt, Bruce? Huh? How many? And you are going to sit there, and lecture me, about not taking revenge? This revenge, is way overdue. Our revenge. Everyone's revenge."

Jason simmers down from his tantrum, and lies back against his pillow.

"But I suppose you're The Boss. You're going to have to face it one way or another, Bruce. You really will have to. If not? I will when I'm older. If The Batman won't do it, then Red Robin will!"

"Red Robin?"

"...Yea. Heh, it just came to me. The name, I mean. I have a sketch of the suit design in my backpack in my room. I'll show you when we get out of here, and start saving lives again: Batman and Red Robin. The new Dynamic Duo. What, you expect me to hold the title of Boy Wonder forever, do you? One day you may even have to replace me for the next one. Hmm...The Terrific Trio? Batman, Red Robin, and Robin. Nah, it just isn't the same. Well! I guess it is just going to be you and me, always and forever. Who knows, maybe I'll take over The Mantle. You know, should you ever start to get slow..."

Jason pauses for a moment, and his smirk resides.

"The world would be a lot better without him in it though...without The Joker."

Jason starts to look up at the ceiling tiles, but in reality he isn't really looking at them, he is looking past them. He is lost in his own mind. He smirks for a moment.

"I was afraid, Bruce. Real afraid. When Joker had me there, fighting for my life, and laughing every second of it? I was real afraid. I did just what you told me to, though, Bruce. I did what you would've done. I tried to save the innocent, rather high-tail out of there. That is what you would've done, right?"

Jason looks over at Bruce.

"...Right?"

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Won't...won't make the pain go away? Who care if it doesn't! He is going to get what's coming to him! How many lives has he hurt, Bruce? Huh? How many? And you are going to sit there, and lecture me, about not taking revenge? This revenge, is way overdue. Our revenge. Everyone's revenge."

I listen silently. I've thought the same thing so many times since Jason died. Every time the excuses seem to dwindle.

Jason simmers down from his tantrum, and lies back against his pillow.

"But I suppose you're The Boss. You're going to have to face it one way or another, Bruce. You really will have to. If not? I will when I'm older. If The Batman won't do it, then Red Robin will!"

"Red Robin?"

"...Yea. Heh, it just came to me. The name, I mean. I have a sketch of the suit design in my backpack in my room. I'll show you when we get out of here, and start saving lives again: Batman and Red Robin. The new Dynamic Duo. What, you expect me to hold the title of Boy Wonder forever, do you? One day you may even have to replace me for the next one. Hmm...The Terrific Trio? Batman, Red Robin, and Robin. Nah, it just isn't the same. Well! I guess it is just going to be you and me, always and forever. Who knows, maybe I'll take over The Mantle. You know, should you ever start to get slow..."

I can't help but smirk--he was so much like Dick, and yet so little like him, but they both wanted to be out of the shadow, make their own identity.

I remember what I just said--"was" so much like Dick. Here he is, alive, and I still can't shake it off, shake away that day, finding him in the middle of the rubble...

Jason pauses for a moment, and his smirk resides.

"The world would be a lot better without him in it though...without The Joker."

Jason starts to look up at the ceiling tiles, but in reality he isn't really looking at them, he is looking past them. He is lost in his own mind. He smirks for a moment.

"I was afraid, Bruce. Real afraid. When Joker had me there, fighting for my life, and laughing every second of it? I was real afraid. I did just what you told me to, though, Bruce. I did what you would've done. I tried to save the innocent, rather high-tail out of there. That is what you would've done, right?"

Jason looks over at Bruce.

"...Right?"

I lay my hand on his shoulder and fully smile the first time in God knows how long.

"Yeah. You did good, Jason."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Good...I was hoping you said that. Now that I know...I think I'll just rest a bit now..."

Jason starts to close his eyes, and lays peacefully, for the first time in a long time. Bruce looks down at him, so peaceful and so innocent, but it cannot change anything. Bruce lost him, and here he is. He cannot simply prolong the truth, no matter how much it will hurt the both of them.

"Jason? Jason...there is something we must discuss first. Jason?"

Bruce nudges Jason's shoulder, and Jason's eyes flutter a bit as he opens them.

"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!

Jason's smiles as he opens his eyes, only to see Bruce there. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

Jason waits for a response, and his expression turns to pure confusion, as Bruce seems to simply just not say a thing at all, wearing the same kind of face: pure confusion.

"...Bruce?"

[wiegeabo]

"Agreed. It's better to show up and not be needed, than to be needed and not show up."

Hopefully it's nothing, but I can't help but worry. I've already had Lois disappear on me; the last thing I want to do is let one of my friends vanish without doing everything I can to save them.

"Kyle, Wally, Sinestro, you're with me. We'll head to Arthur's last known location and investigate from there. Dinah, we'll need you to coordinate things from here, and alert us if any threats appear on the monitors. Diana, you're our ace in the hole; if we need backup, you come in full force."

This whole thing is still a little slapped-together. Once we expand our membership a bit, it'll be a lot clearer as to how we operate and what everyone's roles will be. Still, for now, I think we'll manage.

"All right then. Justice League...together!"



"Together?" That's an odd battle cry. Although I suppose it's better than 'Justice League assemble', or some such nonsense.


Kyle's face dropped.

"Aw man... Do I HAVE to go with HIM?"

Kyle grinned as he pointed at Wally.

"Imagine how I feel," I say with a small grin as I rise into the air. "Shall we?" I take off, using my ring to track the signal.

[wiegeabo]

Kara and I spend the next few hours at Jay's house. Jay and Joan help me pack up the small box of belongings I have. They seemed to take the fact that I'm moving out pretty well. Besides the packing, both of them dispense their sagely advice about life, love, and everything in between. From anniversaries, to hogging the covers at night. They tell us everything they can, and we both listen.

"Well, it's getting late. I suppose Kara and I better leave. Thanks for all the advice."

"Yeah, you two are like an encyclopedia of marriage info."

"Umm...wow...thanks?"

"I think what Joan is trying to say is, when's the wedding?"

"We're still not sure yet, we're working on a date. In the meantime, we'll be living out of Titans Tower."

"You two won't be sharing the same bed?"

I slightly smile. Jay's showing his age.

"No. Believe me, Cyborg is going to make sure that we don't he's installed sensors and security systems in both of our rooms."

"You know, I've always liked that Cyborg.."

"Well, Jay, Joan. I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll visit as often as I can."

Joan hugs me tightly and holds me for a few seconds before letting me go.

"Best of luck, Bart. We'll see you at the wedding."

"You bet. I might need you two to stand in as parents of the groom. Also, I just want to say thanks one more time for all you've done for me. After Max dissapeared, I thought I had nobody left that cared for me. I was wrong, dead wrong."

I hold out my hand and shake Jay's hand firmly. It makes me feel good, makes me feel like a man.


I put my arm around Joan's shoulder. "Of course we will," Joan say happily.

"It'd be an honor, Bart."

I think about when Joan and I got married. And Wally's wedding. And I idly wonder what Wally and the League are up to.

I gladly shake Bart's hand. He's never looked so grown up to me. Or so young. Kara gives both of us a parting hug. And then they take off. The first step towards their new lives.

Joan grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Scared?" she asks.

"Terrified."

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg


Leslie wheels the gurney carrying Tim out of the operating room. She has a bit of blood on her shirt.

"Okay, he'll be fine. He just needs to rest. I'll put him up in a spare room. I'll make sure none of my other patients use it."

I breath a sigh of relief.

"Thanks, Dr. Thompkins. You're really a life saver."

"Don't mention it. I've had to dig bullets out of Bruce countless times. I'm used to it, just make sure the two of you are out of the room by noon."

I take the gurney and wheel it down the hall, heading towards the empty room.

**********

My eyeballs feel heavy as I groggily open them. I can tell it's early morning by the sunlight that's invading through the room's windows. I'm sitting in the chair I pulled up to stand watch over Tim. Guess I didn't make it through the night like I wanted.

I stifle a yawn and sit upright, Tim starts to stir. His eyes open slightly and he looks at me.

"Hey there, kiddo..hell of a night last night, huh?"

[Harlekin]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7313/bannerod8.jpg

It had all been a very strange experience. Dying that is. To feel your soul leaving your body, that was an odd sensation, sure, but what came after, that was the most surprising part. To be greeted by a cute and spunky, completely white teenage goth. Okay, so maybe that wasn’t that exceptional. After all, you are dead.

But this?

Sharing a cabin with another deceased soul named Boston Brand?

Okay, maybe that was a little out there.

Since their initial conversation, Crispus Allen and Boston Brand had talked little about Crispus’ death and what would come now: heaven. No, instead, they had spent some time by the fire, and Boston had told his own story. How he used to be a circus daredevil, and when he had died had been turned into the champion of the goddess Rama Khushna: Deadman. He told of his own experiences in the afterlife and how he visited it ever so often to check up on a few souls, and make sure that a few others went to the right place in the first place.

Quite quickly, Crispus noticed he didn’t require sleep, but as Boston assured him, he could still do it if he wanted. In fact, a lot of the deceased took comfort in sticking to their normal behaviour, at least until they had properly acclimated. So Crispus Allen went to sleep, dressed in the same suit he had woken up in. The suit was supposed to be a subconscious thing, something about self-image and all. Boston had tried to explain it, but it quickly became a rather abstract affair.

If he wanted to, though, Crispus could take on another look any time he wanted.

He wouldn’t, Crispus decided, at least for now. He could use the positive boost it gave him.

Crispus didn’t dream that night.

The following morning, Crispus wakes as he did the day before. Cautiously, he looks around. He notices the absence of Boston, and slowly, he climbs out of the bed. Might as well take another look at the cabin he’s in, he decides. And really, it’s a fascinating place, expertly constructed, warm and cosy. Like a safety blanket. When Crispus looks out of the windows, all he could see was white, as if only the cabin exists.

After a while, Boston returns. He smiles as he opens the door, a small bit of snow finding its way into the cabin.

“Ah, you’re awake,” he notes as he makes himself a cup of coffee in the kitchen. “You want?”
“Sure.”

…

“Boston?”
“Yeah?”
“How come it’s just a white expanse outside when I look through the window, but when you come in, it’s snowing?”
Boston laughs. “Oh, that. Real simple, really.”
“Yeah?”
“Take another look outside.”

Crispus looks at his companion confused.

“C’mon, just look through the window.”
“But I’ll just--” Crispus says, but he stops when he looks out the window. Outside, he can see his family, playing in the snow. Quickly, he races to the front door, but when he opens it, he’s greeted only by the white expanse again. “Dore! Jake! Mal!”

“How?” he turns back towards Boston, angry.
“You made this place, Crispus. You tell me,” Boston replies as he pulls Crispus back into the cabin.
“I… I did?”

And then Crispus notices just which cabin he’s in.

“I did.”
“Tell me about it, Cris.”
“This cabin… it’s where we spent Christmas one year. Jake and Mal were still little. Dore and I… this was our greatest Christmas ever. Just us and the boys. The cabin… the snow, everything was just absolutely perfect. But…”
“Yes?”
“What about them?” Crispus asks as he points out the window to his family.
“It’s a memory, Cris, given form. Do you remember this moment?”

Crispus thinks for a moment.

“I do.”
“You were perfectly happy. There was nothing else but that moment.”
“But it only lasted a second.”
“Yes, it did, but you’ve remembered it for the rest of your life, haven’t you?” Boston responds with a smile. Crispus Allen smiles back.

“C’mon, Cris, there’s a lot we still need to talk about.”

[Catman_prb]

My eyeballs feel heavy as I groggily open them. I can tell it's early morning by the sunlight that's invading through the room's windows. I'm sitting in the chair I pulled up to stand watch over Tim. Guess I didn't make it through the night like I wanted.

I stifle a yawn and sit upright, Tim starts to stir. His eyes open slightly and he looks at me.


"Hey there, kiddo..hell of a night last night, huh?"

Tim's eyes opened, and then closed again, blinded by the bright light coming from the window. The last thing he remembered from last night was the alleyway and...Todd.

"Feels like my heads been coated in cement and dropped in the river...wait...my head wans't coated in cement and dropped in the river was it?" Tim said laughing slightly. He felt sore all over, and then realised he was in a nightgown.

"God Dick what happened? Where's Todd? What did he do to me? And what the hell are you doing here?" Tim said, struggling to sit up, then collapsing back on the bed again.

[Byrd Man]

Tim's eyes opened, and then closed again, blinded by the bright light coming from the window. The last thing he remembered from last night was the alleyway and...Todd.

"Feels like my heads been coated in cement and dropped in the river...wait...my head wans't coated in cement and dropped in the river was it?" Tim said laughing slightly. He felt sore all over, and then realised he was in a nightgown.

"God Dick what happened? Where's Todd? What did he do to me? And what the hell are you doing here?" Tim said, struggling to sit up, then collapsing back on the bed again.

I spend the next half hour telling him all about it. Jason calling me in New York and using him like bait. Slade and I trading blows in the alleyway, and finally the bloody climax that ended in an explosion.

"...and Bruce showed up, just to check on us. He had to go to the hospital for something. Didn't tell me what."

I rub my face and sigh. I'm still tired and sore all over.

"I don't know if Jason managed to survive, and if he was even the real Jason. But one thing I know for sure, I'm happy to see you're still kicking. I gotta admit, when I seen you hanging in that apartment all bloody and bruised...I almost lost it."

I stop talking for a moment. A small lump forms in my throat. I swallow it hard and press on.

"So, Tim. How froggy are you feeling? Dr. Thompkins said we have to scram by noon."

[Catman_prb]

I spend the next half hour telling him all about it. Jason calling me in New York and using him like bait. Slade and I trading blows in the alleyway, and finally the bloody climax that ended in an explosion.

"...and Bruce showed up, just to check on us. He had to go to the hospital for something. Didn't tell me what."

I rub my face and sigh. I'm still tired and sore all over.

"I don't know if Jason managed to survive, and if he was even the real Jason. But one thing I know for sure, I'm happy to see you're still kicking. I gotta admit, when I seen you hanging in that apartment all bloody and bruised...I almost lost it."

I stop talking for a moment. A small lump forms in my throat. I swallow it hard and press on.

"So, Tim. How froggy are you feeling? Dr. Thompkins said we have to scram by noon."
"I'm good enough to get out of here at least. Anything we have to do or can I call it a day?" Tim said, pushing himself out of bed.

[Byrd Man]

"I'm good enough to get out of here at least. Anything we have to do or can I call it a day?" Tim said, pushing himself out of bed.

I pat Tim on the shoulder as we make our way towards the room's window.

"Just change out of that hospital gown and get in your Robin suit. I already get enough grief from Roy. If he hears about me swinging through Gotham with a half naked teen, I'll never hear the end of it.."

I smile at him as I open up a window and shoot a grapnel line into the sky.

"I'll race you back to the cave."

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously (http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=13977786&postcount=736)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Each crack and splitting of the ice that entombs their God, is one more reason for the Sea Bishop to have a smile upon his face. His olive-green eyes glow as he is pleased with the work of his Priests. The power they have siphoned together, to bring together at one focal point of the spell, has brought them their biggest of desires: Judgement Day.

The day their God returns, is the day he will vanquish the non-believers, as the prophecy is foretold. And only the Sea-King can stop him, and from the Sea Bishop's eyes, the Sea-King is no where to be seen. He does not even know of the Church of the Deep's existence. Victory is in the Sea Bishop's hands. Victory that will grant him Salvation.

The Priests stop channeling their spell, fohr the ritual is done. The deed...is done. The last remaining large chunks of ice start to fall apart, and their God...He who is Awaited...Urlok, is back. Or so the followers of the Church of the Deep think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/returnofdfish1.jpg

"Who dares summon Devilfish?"

The Priests of the Church of the Deep, as well as their leader--The Sea Bishop--are struck with awe at their God's massive scale and size. But he is not their God, however they do not see it. They are blinded from prophecies and stories that they have held dear their entire life. Devilfish looks around him as he finds himself in a peculiar surroundings.

He finds that he has an audience of some sort. People in robed clothing and with some who are in particular wearing the same. He leans in towards the Priests, and some of them float backward, for fear that their God may be judging them right here and now. Then the Sea Bishop swims forth, with his most loyal of Priests floating beside him.

"We have foreseen your return, Milord. We are...forever grateful."

The Sea Bishop bows, and the Priests follow suit. Devilfish is confused, but he rather enjoys the presence of respect before him as these small beings bow. However, the water...cold...freezing. He does not wish to be in this unpleasant setting much longer. He grows a bit irritated as he barks for answers.

"Which of you minnows has awakened me? Who has freed me of my icy prison?"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/dfishsbishop1.jpg

"My people and I, Lord Urlok. Your humble servants."

"Lord Urlok?"

"Yes, but one of the many names you have bared in your lifetime. And we have kept Your church of followers ever so full of life. The Church of the Deep has faced many amounts of distress in your absence. However, here you are now, among your most loyal of servants. We only wish to serve you."

Devilfish floats there, confused as they have him mistaken for someone else. But the very fact that they so positively identify him with this...Urlok excites him. As the Sea Bishop said, they are loyal to him and him alone. Perhaps all those years frozen in the Arctic turned out for the better.

[Catman_prb]

I pat Tim on the shoulder as we make our way towards the room's window.

"Just change out of that hospital gown and get in your Robin suit. I already get enough grief from Roy. If he hears about me swinging through Gotham with a half naked teen, I'll never hear the end of it.."

I smile at him as I open up a window and shoot a grapnel line into the sky.

"I'll race you back to the cave."
Tim raised an eyebrow.

"Oh goody. Do I get a cookie afterwards?" he said, quickly finding his Robin outfit in the bedside cabinet and getting changed. Try as he might, he couldnt contain the enjoyment he got from pointing his grapnel out of the window, and flying off into the night.

[Byrd Man]

Tim raised an eyebrow.

"Oh goody. Do I get a cookie afterwards?" he said, quickly finding his Robin outfit in the bedside cabinet and getting changed. Try as he might, he couldnt contain the enjoyment he got from pointing his grapnel out of the window, and flying off into the night.

I swing onto a ledge and look back as Tim swings right behind me.

"Too slow."

He mumbles a bit under his breath as we walk across the ledge towards a window. Wayne Tower is Bruce's new home. I guess having Wayne Manor destroyed countless times kinda wears on a guy. I open up a window and step inside the tower.

"Ahh, the old homestead. It's been awhile. It looks horrible in here. It's so dirty...but I guess that happens when he's not here to pick up after you."

I look down at my feet as I think about Alfred. I always joked that while Bruce was my adopted father, Alfred was my mother. Tim and I don't say anything for a few seconds, then I finally break the ice.

"So, kiddo. How goes your life? I hope you're still keeping the Titans in check."

[Watchman]

The door of the post office swung open slowly causing a bell to ring. The stink in the place called the man known only as Prometheus to cover his nose for a brief moment before he started to walk again. Bodies littered the entire room he entered. Faint music could be heard coming from the speaker system. It sounded like

"Circus music?" Prometheus said to himself as he walked toward a door that said Employees Only. He opened the door and body fell to the floor, a giant smile stretched across it's face. Kicking it aside Prometheus continue down his path. He passed more and more bodies each one with the grin. He finally found what he was looking for. In one of the rooms was a package with the name Groucho Marx on it. He calmly opened the box, throwing the the top aside, and finding a Jack in the box inside. He took it out and begun to spin the handle round and round and round.....

"HAHAHAHAHA" Jack shrieked. A clown head shot out and attached to it was an envelope. He threw the Jack in the box against the wall and open up the letter which read:

PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM

[Keyser Soze]

PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM

The Joker grinned at the computer screen, admiring his finished e-mail.

"Oh, I'm sure my ol' pal's gonna get a kick outta this."

With a chuckle, The Joker clicked on SEND.

[Karem-Knight]

Gotham City:

Harvey Dent stood in front of one of Gotham cities few remaining drug barons, Tony Santlio, transporter of cocaine, heroin and various other illegal substances.

Tony had been living in an office for quite sometime now, over seeing his secret heroin trades outside of the city, often he had loyal henchmen guard him at all times, now most of them were barley alive or dead. Killed by Two Face, some in self defense, some in a "trial" held by the defendant, Harvey, the prosecutor, Two Face, the jury, the coin and the judge, the gun.

Tony grabbed on to what little cash he had, crawling away as Harvey's new henchmen guarded him, Tony's revolver could have little effect, holding it tightly crying and praying to god, he hoped dearly nothing bad would come of it.

"God won't help you, Mr. Santlio!"

Harvey said, leading his henchmen to the baron, "Heaven's over booked, hell on the other hand..."

"oh no......please..no!"

The door exit, he though, maybe, if he were quick enough he could escape, when all of sudden two gun came pointed to his head, looking up he saw Two Face, the guns to Tony's head.

"PLEASE! I HAVE EVERYTHING! I'LL GIVE YOU MONEY, COKE, ANYTHING YOU WANT MAN! JUST PLEASE DON'T KILL ME...!"

"I'm afraid justice doesn't work like that, you see Tony, I've researched you, you are an awful awful man. Fifty murders all around the city, all with your name on it, including one Jennie Guarnieri! Do you know who she is Tony?"

"No..."

"Well, maybe you'd know her better as.....Sugar mouth, you thought she "lit your spark" because of her young age!"

"How...how did you know!"

"Justice isn't blind my friend, It just needs a, clearer vision!"

Two Face flipped the coin high up in the air, placing it on his hand, the coin fell, scarred. Firing almost straight away, two bullets pierced Tony's skull as he fell down on the floor, dead.

"I want all his sales taken to me, all his allies and clients are now mine., put everything in the truck and leave the bodies here!"

"What about the ones who are alive?"

"Let them crawl."


"Er...boss." One of Two-Face's henchmen said, "This letter came for us, it was just sent out to "Harv" do you want to..."

Without thinking, Harvey took the envelope and pried it open, the following was said:

PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Good...I was hoping you said that. Now that I know...I think I'll just rest a bit now..."

Jason starts to close his eyes, and lays peacefully, for the first time in a long time. Bruce looks down at him, so peaceful and so innocent, but it cannot change anything. Bruce lost him, and here he is. He cannot simply prolong the truth, no matter how much it will hurt the both of them.

"Jason? Jason...there is something we must discuss first. Jason?"

Bruce nudges Jason's shoulder, and Jason's eyes flutter a bit as he opens them.

"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!

Jason's smiles as he opens his eyes, only to see Bruce there. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

Jason waits for a response, and his expression turns to pure confusion, as Bruce seems to simply just not say a thing at all, wearing the same kind of face: pure confusion.

"...Bruce?"

I almost answer him again when I realize--the exact same thing. I look back at the locked door and I start to understand why the doctor begged me to stay out.

"D-didn't you just say that?"

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"D-didn't you just say that?"

"Didn't I just say what? Sorry, I--I don't understand what's wrong. Did we not get The Joker? Is he still roaming the streets? We gotta go after him!"

Jason tries to get out of the straps, but little does he know that he had already tried that earlier, and it was futile. But he doesn't know that. The past few minutes have been completely oblivious to him; as if they never occurred.

"Let me out of here! Bruce! If The Joker is still out there, we can't just sit around! I'm fine! It's just a few scrapes! Really! I swear, I'm fine!"

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"D-didn't you just say that?"

"Didn't I just say what? Sorry, I--I don't understand what's wrong. Did we not get The Joker? Is he still roaming the streets? We gotta go after him!"

Jason tries to get out of the straps, but little does he know that he had already tried that earlier, and it was futile. But he doesn't know that. The past few minutes have been completely oblivious to him; as if they never occurred.

"Let me out of here! Bruce! If The Joker is still out there, we can't just sit around! I'm fine! It's just a few scrapes! Really! I swear, I'm fine!"

I grab him by the shoulders--again--until he calms down.

"It's okay, Jason, you'll get your chance," I lie, "you've...been through a lot. You need and deserve some rest."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"It's okay, Jason, you'll get your chance, you've...been through a lot. You need and deserve some rest."

"No, Bruce!"

Jason stops as he realizes that no matter how much he tries, Bruce isn't going to let him go out, and hunt the Joker down. He lets go of the strapping, and lays his head back, laying on the bed calmly.

"Fine. But when you gotta promise me, that you'll get him for me, okay? If I'm going to be stuck laying in this hospital bed, then I want you to go, Bruce. Taking down the Joker should be more important than checking up on the side-kick who merely has a few boo boos and battle scars."

Jason lays there, smirking as his mind wanders.

"I'm not always going to be your side-kick, you know. One of these days you're going to teach me all you can teach me. And then? Do you know what I'm going to do? What I'm going to become? Man, I wish I had my sketches with me."

Jason looks over at Bruce, his sheer excitement making it impossible to hide his smile.

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"It's okay, Jason, you'll get your chance, you've...been through a lot. You need and deserve some rest."

"No, Bruce!"

Jason stops as he realizes that no matter how much he tries, Bruce isn't going to let him go out, and hunt the Joker down. He lets go of the strapping, and lays his head back, laying on the bed calmly.

"Fine. But when you gotta promise me, that you'll get him for me, okay? If I'm going to be stuck laying in this hospital bed, then I want you to go, Bruce. Taking down the Joker should be more important than checking up on the side-kick who merely has a few boo boos and battle scars."

Jason lays there, smirking as his mind wanders.

"I'm not always going to be your side-kick, you know. One of these days you're going to teach me all you can teach me. And then? Do you know what I'm going to do? What I'm going to become? Man, I wish I had my sketches with me."

Jason looks over at Bruce, his sheer excitement making it impossible to hide his smile.


"I had a feeling you would want to do that," I say, trying hard for something like a smile--I don't want to scare him more than possible. This...is worse brain damage then I've ever saw--partial amnesia and short term memory loss. Maybe it's psychological? I wonder...

"And about what you said about The Joker...he's dead. I found him at a chemical plant in Gotham and he fell into a vat of it--drowned. I saw him die. I couldn't save him...I...I know I couldn't save him."

[trustyside-kick]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif



"I had a feeling you would want to do that," I say, trying hard for something like a smile--I don't want to scare him more than possible. This...is worse brain damage then I've ever saw--partial amnesia and short term memory loss. Maybe it's psychological? I wonder...

"And about what you said about The Joker...he's dead. I found him at a chemical plant in Gotham and he fell into a vat of it--drowned. I saw him die. I couldn't save him...I...I know I couldn't save him."

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Couldn't. Didn't. Is there a difference? I cannot tell you how relieved that makes me. Another day saved, by the Dynamic Duo. Batman and Robin. But uh, Bruce?"

Jason looks around him, a bit confused.

"How long have I been in this hospital bed then? I mean, if you chased The Joker all the way back to Gotham, and finally gave him what he had coming...how long was I out? Did I really get that bad of a beating? I mean, I was scared...thought I was going to die...but the bomb never went off. I remember hearing...the ticking. Yea, I remember hearing the ticking before I passed out."

Jason looks around again, this time looking past Bruce, and at the window viewing the hallway. The blinds are shut. His eyes then dart to the door; it's locked.

"How long was I out?"

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Couldn't. Didn't. Is there a difference? I cannot tell you how relieved that makes me. Another day saved, by the Dynamic Duo. Batman and Robin. But uh, Bruce?"

Jason looks around him, a bit confused.

"How long have I been in this hospital bed then? I mean, if you chased The Joker all the way back to Gotham, and finally gave him what he had coming...how long was I out? Did I really get that bad of a beating? I mean, I was scared...thought I was going to die...but the bomb never went off. I remember hearing...the ticking. Yea, I remember hearing the ticking before I passed out."

Jason looks around again, this time looking past Bruce, and at the window viewing the hallway. The blinds are shut. His eyes then dart to the door; it's locked.

"How long was I out?"

For a second, I think about just letting it all out--telling him what little I know about him as The Red Hood, stop lying, but...there's nothing in there that seems to be capable of what The Red Hood did.

"Too long."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Too long."

"Guess I'm just going to have to train that much harder, won't I? Hope I'm not too much out of shape. Otherwise I'm in for quite a work out."

Jason thinks more about the fact that Bruce claims he has been gone away for too long...but he still never answered his question of how long. If Bruce followed the Joker back to Gotham, and they had their final battle...how much time could've really have passed? So many people he hasn't seen in so long then.

"Hmmm...guess I kinda made Alfred's job easier, sitting here and resting up. What, with not having to clean up all my messes in my room, or making my breakfast, or helping me study...Is Alfie waiting on the street corner in the Rolls Royce? Can...can you get him, please? I haven't seen him in...so long."

[Karem-Knight]

http://www.joeacevedo.com/images/comicszone/comiclogos/anarky.gif

"Don't kill anyone, or else I'll be sending you back to Blackgate!"

That quote that The Batman said, it worries me. Not the Blackgate, no I can withstand that, it's the killing that worries me. Many people have said that "That Anarky kid is going to end up killing a whole bunch of people by the time he's 18." all of them mindless sheep, or parasites themselves. But the Batman, as misguided as he is, I am not naive enough to think I am better then the man, but I can possibly become just as good as he is.

The fact that I could, possibly, that most people are thinking I am becoming what my name has been branded as, "Anarchy" means to take responsibilities for one's actions, not chaos and all that comes with it.

Punching the bag, kicking, running around all my self made obstacles, back at Anarco headquarters, half my money for research and equipment is stored here, the other half in Washington. All digitally stored, no one in the entire planet could access it except me, even then it takes over a three day period since I don't need the state's play toys.

"BARK! BARK! BARK!"

I hear that noise all of a sudden, "Yap!" the dog rushes to me, I stop my much needed training and kneel down, my arms out I give him a hug, it has been to long.

The dog of mine has been missing for two days, and finally returned, like I knew he would. But now is not the best time, and I must excuse my most loyal of comrades.
"As much as I would like to sit and debate with you, Yap."

Getting out my cape and cowl, it covers my entire body up, as well as the symbol as I've suited up heading out into the night, jumping out of the rooftops, before I say to my loyal companion.

"I shall be back in a couple of hours!"

Shooting the grappling hook attached to my staff, I shoot up in the air and head towards my sight, Gotham Museum. Recently, a well known bust crafted in the 1500's of the famous Greek philosopher Plato was being held for display in the arts section, Plato believed that if man were left alone, it would cause terror and want power against it's peers.

Aristotle, the true philosopher,and "dreamer" as most have called him, believed that if man were left alone, he would gain the trust and love, not wanting to live unhappily, but instead happily and become peaceful to others, and eventfully this point of view would spread. His statue if not being held.

Landing on the site, I open up the air vent, slowly sliding down it, like a slide, with a child inside. Soon, I reach the end of it, closer to ground level, I manage to stop myself just in time and crawl around. It's dark in here but as I turn on my night vision goggles, it becomes as clear as daylight.

Soon, I can see I'm in the art section, unscrewing parts of the air vent, I notice very little light and only two security guards, the bust hidden among various other artists, political "leaders" and "prophets".

Landing in the air, staff in my hand closely, I sneak up behind one guard, covering his mouth, putting the staff in the side of his neck. "Your job is to enforce distrust to the good of mankind, you protect peaces of clay that is considered more valuable then a person's life, "priceless" for pieces of paper with ink on it? Don't make me laugh!"

Pressing the button, severeal jolts of electricity go inside of his neck, this makes him paralysis for a few seconds, I then pinch the rest of his key nerves and within seconds he blacks out.

Falling on the ground it takes only a few seconds for the other guard to turn around, gun in hand, I reach instantly with the staff, his drops his gun and without wanting to wast time, throw a Anarky ring at him, non lethal or sharp. It also knocks him out cold.

Walking to the bust, I put on my sensors, seeing all the triggered alarms, slowly getting out the mini computer, I access all the data around the museum. De establishing all codes, invisibly around the building, no one else except me knows about this, this makes escaping easier.

I then get out a screwdriver, slowly un pick the glass surronding the bust, lifting it up, and peacefully placing it on the floor, I get out the staff and see the bust.

http://www.stenudd.com/myth/greek/images/plato4.jpg

SMACK!

I break it, without even thinking, seeing all the chard remains of the once hailed version of Plato's face, I then get out spray paint spreading the symbol across the floor, the paint dripping.

Two other guards rush to the scene, I only have a few seconds left before writing down my words.

"FREEZE!" They say, by the time they do, I'm high up on the air, the staff in my hands over looking the museum with my paint saying.

Praise me! I destroyed you're happiness, the ability to think for yourselves, I installed fascism, corruption, depression, murder, greed, lust, religion, democracy, communism, I helped destroy your well being. But none of you can fight back because you have been lied to and your brains cooked with lies, Aristotle was right but I bashed his views and manipulated you all to think like me! Thousands of years later, you still have not changed and various of innocents have died, thank you.

-Plato.

[Catman_prb]

"So, kiddo. How goes your life? I hope you're still keeping the Titans in check."

"Same old, same old. Bad guys turn up, we beat the hell out of them, ya know how it is. Rose Wilson's joined, Kara and Bart are all loved up...they're getting married actually...though I'm probably not supposed to tell you that. We found Connor, so Cassie's happy. Tell me Dick...does it ever get any easier? The loneliness I mean? Everyone else in the job can seem to manage a real life, except the Bat family...we must get it from Bruce I suppose. When will it get easier? Please?" Tim said, turning away from Dick.

[Byrd Man]

"Same old, same old. Bad guys turn up, we beat the hell out of them, ya know how it is. Rose Wilson's joined, Kara and Bart are all loved up...they're getting married actually...though I'm probably not supposed to tell you that. We found Connor, so Cassie's happy. Tell me Dick...does it ever get any easier? The loneliness I mean? Everyone else in the job can seem to manage a real life, except the Bat family...we must get it from Bruce I suppose. When will it get easier? Please?" Tim said, turning away from Dick.

I place my hand on Tim's shoulder in a comforting way.

"Don't say that, Tim. Think of everyone in your life. The Titans, Bruce, Babs, me, even Huntress. No matter how bad you think it is, you're never alone. And if you think the whole Robin role is consuming you, then you might need to take a step back and look at it all. Give up being Robin for awhile and see things as Tim Drake. I did the same for close to a whole year, and I realized that as much as I enjoyed being Dick Grayson, I love being Nightwing."

I pat his shoulder once and smile.

"So, anyway. I was thinking of moving back to Blüdhaven. New York is a good place, but the 'Haven has just about the same number of people as it did before Joker's bomb wiped it all out. And word under the street is that Blockbuster has the whole city back in his pocket. All that hard work, gone just like that."

[Catman_prb]

"So, anyway. I was thinking of moving back to Blüdhaven. New York is a good place, but the 'Haven has just about the same number of people as it did before Joker's bomb wiped it all out. And word under the street is that Blockbuster has the whole city back in his pocket. All that hard work, gone just like that."
"Doesn't that just prove my point? We have to work so hard to get a little way, and then if we take a minute to live our own lives we go back to square one! We put the criminals away, and then the world puts them back out again. Then they do the same old thing and nothing changes. And people get hurt. Look at...look at Alfred. He got hurt. Because we didn't stop the Joker. Ever think that Jason was right? That one swift bullet to the head of that monster would end a world of suffering? Bruce says it's the easy way out...but what if, what if it's the best way forwards?"

[Byrd Man]

"Doesn't that just prove my point? We have to work so hard to get a little way, and then if we take a minute to live our own lives we go back to square one! We put the criminals away, and then the world puts them back out again. Then they do the same old thing and nothing changes. And people get hurt. Look at...look at Alfred. He got hurt. Because we didn't stop the Joker. Ever think that Jason was right? That one swift bullet to the head of that monster would end a world of suffering? Bruce says it's the easy way out...but what if, what if it's the best way forwards?"

I'm taken back by his speech.

"Don't say that, Tim. If we do that, then we become the very thing we spend our lives fighting, we become them. Compassion is the thing that seperates us from them. If we cross that line, then we're not better. If they die, that's not justice. That's revenge and revenge never heals old wounds, it makes them worse....believe me, I know."

I turn towards the window. I look back at Tim before I leap out.

"It was good seeing you, I hope we can do it again. Maybe next time we'll leave out the seemingly dead former side-kick and the crazed, one eyed, mercenary."

[Catman_prb]

I'm taken back by his speech.

"Don't say that, Tim. If we do that, then we become the very thing we spend our lives fighting, we become them. Compassion is the thing that seperates us from them. If we cross that line, then we're not better. If they die, that's not justice. That's revenge and revenge never heals old wounds, it makes them worse....believe me, I know."

I turn towards the window. I look back at Tim before I leap out.

"It was good seeing you, I hope we can do it again. Maybe next time we'll leave out the seemingly dead former side-kick and the crazed, one eyed, mercenary."
"Oh but we can keep the chains and the bomb can't we?" Tim said, smiling slightly. Tim remained by the window, looking out at the silhouetted night sky. He hung his head low, shocked by his own outburst. He looked at his hands and found they were shaking. Could these hands ever become the hands of a killer? No. He wouldn't let it happen. Dick was right. There was a line that can't be crossed, no matter what happens.

A real life..., Tim thought, Something I don't have. I can't end up like Bruce - more Batman than Wayne. I don't even know where I'm sleeping tonight... I always seem to be on the move, somehow. I have to have my own life...I'm 18...I think it's time to dip into my trust fund...

[Keyser Soze]

Slaughter Swamp. Monday.

"What a dump."

The Joker was early. The others wouldn't be here until 11pm. But he had his own deadline to keep, and it was fast approaching.

The stench was overpowering. It hung in the air like a mist of decay. With every step, Joker heard the squelch of mud beneath his shoes. He was sure the rest of his newfound friends would have a whale of a time meeting up here. It would be worth it to see them curling their noses in unison.

"It's a dirty, stinking business, crime. Heh."

The Joker knelt down next to the bubbling, steaming surface of the swamp. Watching it intently. The time was now, or round about now at least.

"But then again..."

A shape rose out of the swamp, soon taking the form of a head.

"....sometimes you can meet friends...."

Lurching out of the swamp came a hulking figure, with grey skin and lost, empty eyes.

"...in the most unlikely of places."

"Solomon Grundy.......Born on a Monday......"

http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC05/AlexRoss/Soloman_grundy.jpg

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg


Gotham City
The Clocktower

I have to make just one more stop before I head back to the big apple...

"I heard you coming a mile away. You suck."

Barbara doesn't even bother to turn around from her computer.

"That hurts."

She finally turns around as I emerge from the shadows.

"Well you do suck at sneaking, compared to Bruce that is. You're still better than Tim."

I jump and land on a console next to Babs' computer. She winces back as she sees my face.

"God, what happend to you?"

"Long story."

She leans on her hands with her chin and smiles.

"I like long stories."

So, like with Bruce and Tim before, I tell the tale of Slade, Jason, and the apparent second death of the second Robin.

"..wow. Do you think that was really Jason Todd?"

I shrug my shoulders nonchalantly.

"Who knows? We've been fooled before. But those moves, the smugness, the rage. It had to be Jason, no shapeshifter could get that close to the real thing."

"Interesting. I'll do some computer leg work and try to see if the name Jason Todd hits anywhere."

I nod in agreement. For a few moments we sit in an awkward silence.

"...look, Dick. About the other night."

"Forget it. I understand. You were worried about your dad and did something a bit irrational. I know the feeling."

"So how goes things with your gal pal? Cheyenne Freemont. The fashion designer?"

"Yeah..she dumped me."

Babs flashes a wicked smile.

"I know. I saw it on the internet."

I arch my eyebrow in curiosity.

"I was on the internet?"

"Oh yeah, you are the heir to the Wayne fortune, after all. You even have your own wikipedia page."

"I do?"

"Yep. Though it's a stub compared to Bruce's article. You keep a low profile."

"And that's the way I like it."

"So, Boy Blunder. Now that you've suited back up into your skivvy shorts, where do you go from here?"

"I'm thinking of going back to Blüdhaven. It's almost at full capacity and as corrupt as ever. I think it's time Nightwing goes back and puts the fear of god in them."

"Well rock on with your bad self."

I let a smile break out on my face.

"Call me sometime."

"Why? All I have to do is wait for you to hit a wall in some case and then you'll call me, begging me to help."

"Whatever."

"Whatever yourself, Hot Pants."

"You've been talking to Roy again."

"Maybe."

I just shake my head as I leap off the console I was sitting on and run towards the window.

"Bite me, Babs."

"No, you're the biter. I'm the screamer."

I almost lose my composure as I leap out the clocktower window and swing through the air.

[Harlekin]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7313/bannerod8.jpg

“So what happens now, Boston?” Crispus asks, his hand on the doorknob.
“You go into the white light, you rube,” Boston replies with a smile. The two shake hands.
“I’m not one for long goodbyes, so… thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. Enjoy your eternity.”

With a smile, Crispus opens the door.

The white expanse greets him.

* * *

“What about Dore, the kids?”
“You’ll see them, eventually.”
“Will I be able to see them, you know, from heaven?”
“You will.”

The two ghosts sat silent in the cabin for a moment.

“Can they see me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Can I go down there? As a ghost?”
“No. Well, unless you want to, but I wouldn’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ll most likely be stuck. The big guy doesn’t look too fondly on people leaving his kingdom, unless they’ve got a good reason.”
“So I wouldn’t be able to go back?”
“It’d be renouncing heaven, Cris, and that’s pretty final.”
“What about reincarnation?”
“Do you believe in it?”
“No.”
“Then it won’t happen.”
“What if my soul gets pulled back onto Earth?”
“What? By someone else? With real magic?”

A few days ago, if time could even be measured here, Crispus would’ve balked at such a suggestion. Magic didn’t exist, not really. That was all just tricks and illusions.

Of course, since coming here, Crispus had learned a lot.

“Yes.”
“Then you’ve got a chance.”

Silence.

“When do I go?”
“When you’re ready.”
“When’s that?”

Boston smiles.

“You’ll know it when the time comes.”

[Electro UK]

Slaughter Swamp. Monday.

"What a dump."

The Joker was early. The others wouldn't be here until 11pm. But he had his own deadline to keep, and it was fast approaching.

The stench was overpowering. It hung in the air like a mist of decay. With every step, Joker heard the squelch of mud beneath his shoes. He was sure the rest of his newfound friends would have a whale of a time meeting up here. It would be worth it to see them curling their noses in unison.

"It's a dirty, stinking business, crime. Heh."

The Joker knelt down next to the bubbling, steaming surface of the swamp. Watching it intently. The time was now, or round about now at least.

"But then again..."

A shape rose out of the swamp, soon taking the form of a head.

"....sometimes you can meet friends...."

Lurching out of the swamp came a hulking figure, with grey skin and lost, empty eyes.

"...in the most unlikely of places."

"Solomon Grundy.......Born on a Monday......"

It seems like I'm one of the first to arrive. An unemployed freak man-crocodile doesn't have much to do with his time after all. The others will hate the idea of this swamp, I actually kind of like it. I feel... at home here. I appear behind the Joker as Solomon Grundy appears. "You invited Solomon Grundy? He's a little... anti-social when he's in the "Born on a Monday" mood. Then again, a meeting between Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and The Joker doesn't exactly scream night on the town... does it?"

[Karem-Knight]

OOC: Keyser, you and everyone else can bunny me from here till I get back.


Harvey Dent drove to the site of the Slaughter Swamp, wearing his two peice suit and coin in his hands flipping it, constanly as he rode in his car his two henchmen, a driver and a bodyguard of sorts.

"So Boss, what's with this "Icarus" thing?"

"I'm not allowed to say, and to be honest........I don't have a single clue."

The car pulled up on the site, the driver went out the door opening it for Harvey. "You two, stay here if I need anything I will phone you!"

"Sure thing, Boss."

Walking out the car Harvey entered the site, it was windy, dark and confusing site to see not a single person could see past it. One side of him hated it, the other didn't mind.

Slaughter Swamp. Monday.

"What a dump."

The Joker was early. The others wouldn't be here until 11pm. But he had his own deadline to keep, and it was fast approaching.

The stench was overpowering. It hung in the air like a mist of decay. With every step, Joker heard the squelch of mud beneath his shoes. He was sure the rest of his newfound friends would have a whale of a time meeting up here. It would be worth it to see them curling their noses in unison.

"It's a dirty, stinking business, crime. Heh."

The Joker knelt down next to the bubbling, steaming surface of the swamp. Watching it intently. The time was now, or round about now at least.

"But then again..."

A shape rose out of the swamp, soon taking the form of a head.

"....sometimes you can meet friends...."

Lurching out of the swamp came a hulking figure, with grey skin and lost, empty eyes.

"...in the most unlikely of places."

"Solomon Grundy.......Born on a Monday......"

http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC05/AlexRoss/Soloman_grundy.jpg

Walking to the site, Two-Face appeared before Soloman Grundy,Killer Croc and The Joker, flipping the coin he appeared before all three men.

"Hello all, Long time no see...."

[Keyser Soze]

"Do you remember me?"

Grundy's eyes narrowed, as he looked down at the clown he towered over.

"We were friends once, you and I....in a previous life. Do you remember?"

"Born on a Monday....Solomon Grundy..."

Grundy lurched threateningly towards The Joker.

"Harley, do you remember Harley? Pretty eyes?"

The hulking zombie hesitated.

"Har.....leee...."

"Yes, yes. You remember now. We're pals, Solly. We're family!"

"Born on a Monday."

With Grundy placated, The Joker's attention was drawn to a new arrival.

It seems like I'm one of the first to arrive. An unemployed freak man-crocodile doesn't have much to do with his time after all. The others will hate the idea of this swamp, I actually kind of like it. I feel... at home here. I appear behind the Joker as Solomon Grundy appears. "You invited Solomon Grundy? He's a little... anti-social when he's in the "Born on a Monday" mood. Then again, a meeting between Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and The Joker doesn't exactly scream night on the town... does it?"

"It does for me," The Joker replied, with a sly grin, "Waylon, glad you could make it."

Walking to the site, Two-Face appeared before Soloman Grundy,Killer Croc and The Joker, flipping the coin he appeared before all three men.

"Hello all, Long time no see...."

Grundy tilted his head, eyes glimmering with the faint sense of recognition.

"Ah Solly, you remember Harv, I'm sure. You two fellas go way back, no?"

The Joker turned to Two-Face, his grin widening.

"We're early. Understandable, we're the Gotham locals. I'm expecting some arrivals from...further afield..."

[Byrd Man]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/Red_X123/logo_Deathstroke_180.jpg

Gotham

"Son of a *****!" I murmur underneath my breath as I run as far away from that nutjob Jason Todd.

Guy was a few fries short of a happy meal. All that talking and he wasn't able to deliever Grayson like I wanted. Damn nutjobs are all the same, but he takes the cake, and that's saying something, considering I used to work with a guy who dressed up like a calculator. I'm getting too old for this ****, I really am.

BZZZTTTT!

My cellphone goes off and I stop to check it out, someone sent me a text message...


PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM



I smile underneath my mask as I change directions and head towards the swamp.


"Maybe this old dog has a few more tricks left to learn..."

****************

Slaughter Swamp

I can hear the sound of diffrent voices chatting as I sneak through the muck and mud of the swamp.

"You invited Solomon Grundy? He's a little... anti-social when he's in the "Born on a Monday" mood. Then again, a meeting between Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and The Joker doesn't exactly scream night on the town... does it?"

I can see that Killer Croc freak standing in the muck next to Joker and Solomon Grundy. About that time, Harvey Dent strolls next to them flipping a coin.

"Hello all, Long time no see...."

"We're early. Understandable, we're the Gotham locals. I'm expecting some arrivals from...further afield..."

Jesus. What have I gotten myself into?

"What the hell is going on here?"

They turn to look at me as I emerge from the shadows.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Deathstroke/112488-deathstroke_400.jpg

"Which one of you whackos sent me the text message?"

[Keyser Soze]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/Red_X123/logo_Deathstroke_180.jpg

Gotham

"Son of a *****!" I murmur underneath my breath as I run as far away from that nutjob Jason Todd.

Guy was a few fries short of a happy meal. All that talking and he wasn't able to deliever Grayson like I wanted. Damn nutjobs are all the same, but he takes the cake, and that's saying something, considering I used to work with a guy who dressed up like a calculator. I'm getting too old for this ****, I really am.

BZZZTTTT!

My cellphone goes off and I stop to check it out, someone sent me a text message...


PROJECT: ICARUS IS HERE!
aRe yOu iN....oR oUt?
sLauGhtEr sWamP, JusT oUtsIdE GotHam
mOndAy, 11pM



I smile underneath my mask as I change directions and head towards the swamp.


"Maybe this old dog has a few more tricks left to learn..."

****************

Slaughter Swamp

I can hear the sound of diffrent voices chatting as I sneak through the muck and mud of the swamp.

"You invited Solomon Grundy? He's a little... anti-social when he's in the "Born on a Monday" mood. Then again, a meeting between Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and The Joker doesn't exactly scream night on the town... does it?"

I can see that Killer Croc freak standing in the muck next to Joker and Solomon Grundy. About that time, Harvey Dent strolls next to them flipping a coin.

"Hello all, Long time no see...."

"We're early. Understandable, we're the Gotham locals. I'm expecting some arrivals from...further afield..."

Jesus. What have I gotten myself into?

"What the hell is going on here?"

They turn to look at me as I emerge from the shadows.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Deathstroke/112488-deathstroke_400.jpg

"Which one of you whackos sent me the text message?"

The Joker raised his hand.

"That would be me. I figured it was about time to get the band together, Slim Slady. We have much to discuss..."

[Byrd Man]

The Joker raised his hand.

"That would be me. I figured it was about time to get the band together, Slim Slady. We have much to discuss..."

I stare at Joker with disdain. The same Joker who's killed hundreds, no maybe thousands of people just for ****s and giggles. He's nutter than squirrel turds. But I'll stick around long enough to hear what he has to say.

"Speak qucikly, clown."

[Electro UK]

"Quick question, what's the policy on eating Solomon Grundy? I haven't eaten in a while and all..."

[Keyser Soze]

I stare at Joker with disdain. The same Joker who's killed hundreds, no maybe thousands of people just for ****s and giggles. He's nutter than squirrel turds. But I'll stick around long enough to hear what he has to say.

"Speak qucikly, clown."

The Joker flashes a hard grin in Deathstroke's direction.

"Patience, friend. We're still waiting on some people. We'll start the chat when everyone's here."

[Keyser Soze]

"Quick question, what's the policy on eating Solomon Grundy? I haven't eaten in a while and all..."

"While I don't think he'd object, rotting plant matter might be unappetising, even for you, Croc. And besides, one does not eat ones acquaintances in civilised company."

[Electro UK]

"While I don't think he'd object, rotting plant matter might be unappetising, even for you, Croc. And besides, one does not eat ones acquaintances in civilised company."

"The day I take table manners from you Joker will be a very sad day indeed." I look around at the little gathering there is now. Deathstroke sure looks appetising, and he's blind in one eye, maybe he won't notice if I eat his bad side. "So who else we waiting for?"

[Keyser Soze]

"The day I take table manners from you Joker will be a very sad day indeed." I look around at the little gathering there is now. Deathstroke sure looks appetising, and he's blind in one eye, maybe he won't notice if I eat his bad side. "So who else we waiting for?"

"It's a surprise," The Joker replies with a conspiratory wink.

[Byrd Man]

"It's a surprise," The Joker replies with a conspiratory wink.

"You better have someone serious coming."

I cross my arms and look around at the others.

"All you Bat-Rogues are fried in the head, I want someone normal to talk to."

[Harlekin]

“It would be wise to simply listen, Deathstroke,” Albrecht Krieger says as he arrives at the swamp. Krieger is dressed in his old outfit, or rather, uniform. Its cape is thrown majestically over his left arm. Tucked in the belt’s holster is Krieger’s old luger. His face is scarred and tight, his expression grim. His physique diminished, but still imposing. Beneath the uniform, one can see Kreiger’s muscles tensing.

An unknown determination, an urge, radiates from him.

[Watchman]

A figure moved suddenly out of the shadows. Prometheus steps toward the group. Information begins to download into his brain about each one of the villains. Their weakness, their strengths, and in Deathstroke's case his moves.
He stays in the back of the group barely making a sound and showing no emotions.

"I'm here, l've been here for over fifteen minutes watching this useless bickering. Let's get to work."

[Watchman]

A noise sounded from up above. The villians craned their heads to see the familiar red S illuminated by moon.

"Looks like we have company." Prometheus said. The villains who had guns pointed them at the figure.

"Put your weapons away, they are not necessary." The voice was not that of Superman but more mechanical. "And quite useless." The Cyborg Superman hovered over the group.

"I intercepted an e-mail and a text message both containing the same message. What is the meaning of this meaning?"

[Keyser Soze]

"Mr. Krieger! Mr. Henshaw! And good ol' Prometheus! You're all here, fabulous!"

The Joker approached the new arrivals, Grundy hovering protectively behind him.

"Now I'm sure you fellas have questions and queries, and they'll be answered soon. We're just waiting for one more associate, then we can get this show on the road."

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg

New York

"Dick? Are you awake?"

My eyes snap open in the squadcar. The rain's softly pounding against the windshield, it's making me want to go back to sleep. It's been a week since the incident in Gotham. Every night for the past week I've been patrolling the streets as Nightwing. New York has it's share of problems, but it also has it's heroes. Heck, it has the JSA. The first super team. New York is in good shape, it's not helpless.

"I'm awake Michelle. I just didn't get much sleep last night."

"Sounds juicy..."

I think about that drug dealer I threw through a brick wall.

"Not really."

"Car 5-5, come in. We got a 10-15 in your area, please respond."

"Domestic dispute, we're on it."


********************


It's early morning by the time I swing into my loft for the night. the glowing clock on the wall says three. I'm turning in early for once.
By the time I strip out of my Nightwing clothes and take a shower, it's easily four o'clock. That's when I hear the soft knocking at my door.

"Hello?"

I'm still wet from the shower and the only thing I'm wearing is the towel wrapped around my waist. I tip-toe to the door and look out the peep hole.

"Dick?"

"Michelle?"

I undo the chains and slide the deadbolt loose.

"What are you doing here?"

I open the door and while she's a bit taken back by my nudity, she still walks in. I note the redness of her eyes and the bag in her hand.

"It's Kevin. This was the last straw, I caught him red handed this time. With another woman, in our bed."

"You need a place to crash?"

I shut the door behind me and lock it up. I follow Michelle into the living room.

"I do. I don't want to go to my mom's, she's been warning me about him since we first started going out. I don't want her to be proven right."

I smile and cross my arms.

"Yeah. I know a little bit about how parents can be. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Well, first how about you put on some clothes?"

I look down and realize I'm still wearing nothing but a towel.

"Whoops. Heh. Hold on a moment."

I rush towards my bedroom and quickly slip on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Michelle's sitting on the couch by the time I walk back in.

"So. How about that drink?"

"Sure."

We spend the next few hours just talking. I console her about her heartache and we even talk about past realtionships.

"Her name was Kory. I came close to marrying her. We even made it to the altar."

"What happend?"

"There was a problem with the priest and one of the guest. The wedding was postponed. We broke it off right after that, it was for the best. We were both too young and I was rushing into it, and she loved me so much she was afraid to tell me other wise."

"That doesn't sound like you, Dick. In the few months we've been partners, you're always rational and level headed."

"Well, I thought that if I got married, everything would be alright."

"Do you still keep in touch with Kory?"

"We're friends and see each other a good bit. We've tried to give it another chance a few times. It just never seems to be there and it ends."

"We'll atleast you two still love and care about each other. Right now I could give a rat's ass about Kevin. Just makes me sick, I've given him chance after chance. I've been nothing but faithful to him and he cheats one me every chance he gets. God, I want to get back at him so ba-..."

Michelle stifles a yawn and I can see the sun slowly rising.

"Dang. It's almost six. We've got to go on patrol at eight. You need to get some sleep."

I get off the couch and stretch.

"I'll get you a pillow and some cover. Sorry, but I don't have a spare bed."

"That's fine. As long as I'm far away from that bastard."

I dig up a pillow and a blanket. I hand Michelle the cover..

"Thanks a lot, Dick."

"Don't thank me. As my partner, it's my job to look out for you and make sure nothing happens to you."

"Aww, that's so sweet.." She pokes out her toung and mocks me.

I smile and throw the pillow in her face.

"Go to sleep."

"Good night, Dick."

"Night, Michelle."

I watch as she lays her head on the pillow and curls up under the cover. She'll be out like a light in no time. I make sure her eyes are closed before I turn towards my room, the Blüdhaven classifieds tucked underneath my arm.

[Batman]

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2032/flashlogogs6.gif

"...Yeah, talking to his shrimp and lobsters keeps him busy all the time. Still, I'd say it warrants investigating. Shall we?"


"Hey, by all means. Knock yourselves out. But... my strengths are sorta not water tolerant, if you catch my drift.", Wally responds, lifting up his boots and pointing to the soles. "I'd be slowing you guys down. And for me, that's pretty rare."

[Green Lantern]

"It's alright Fleet Feet. We don't want your gym socks polluting the ocean anyway. But hey, you were right. It has been awhile. I'll give you a call when we save the old seaman. Maybe we could hang out grab a few pizzas and what not."

Kyle smiles, and looks at the other heroes.

"Alright, what are we waiting for? Justice HO!"

Kyle flies out of the Hall and towards the open sea.

[wiegeabo]

"It's alright Fleet Feet. We don't want your gym socks polluting the ocean anyway. But hey, you were right. It has been awhile. I'll give you a call when we save the old seaman. Maybe we could hang out grab a few pizzas and what not."

Kyle smiles, and looks at the other heroes.

"Alright, what are we waiting for? Justice HO!"

Kyle flies out of the Hall and towards the open sea.


Kyle looks up to see Superman and myself already in the sky, looking down at them. "Do you always take so long? It's a wonder the League ever got anything done."

[Green Lantern]

Kyle looks up to see Superman and myself already in the sky, looking down at them. "Do you always take so long? It's a wonder the League ever got anything done."
"Grumble... rotten pink skinned..."

They fly off towards where the signal is pointing them, and Kyle looks over at Superman.

"So, how's your cousin doing? She still with that other speedster? You know the one thats smarter than Wally?"

[MST3K 4ever]

"Mr. Krieger! Mr. Henshaw! And good ol' Prometheus! You're all here, fabulous!"

The Joker approached the new arrivals, Grundy hovering protectively behind him.

"Now I'm sure you fellas have questions and queries, and they'll be answered soon. We're just waiting for one more associate, then we can get this show on the road."

A boom-tube opens and out steps the former President of the United States in his full battle-armor.

He looks at the gathering and then turns to the Joker and says, "An interesting assortment, and a deadly one to say the least."

Lex then powers down his battle suit and says, "Sorry for the suit, but it is important to set the tone from the beginning. For as of now we are at war with those caped fools. This time we will succeed, this time there will be no mercy and most of all this time Kal-El will not return form the dead I have something in mind just for him. When the pages of history are written it will proclaim Superman as the destroyer of humanity."

http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/4/4e/Lex_Luthor_with_warsuit.gif

[Andy C.]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/nowhereman716/Comics/Copyofsbir12lrg.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2032/flashlogogs6.gif




"Hey, by all means. Knock yourselves out. But... my strengths are sorta not water tolerant, if you catch my drift.", Wally responds, lifting up his boots and pointing to the soles. "I'd be slowing you guys down. And for me, that's pretty rare."

"Fair enough, Wally. Hang back here, and we'll call for you if we need help with evac."

I've got to admit, it's not often that I make a lapse in judgement on picking team members like that, but it just goes to show I'm not as perfect as some people like to think I am.

"It's alright Fleet Feet. We don't want your gym socks polluting the ocean anyway. But hey, you were right. It has been awhile. I'll give you a call when we save the old seaman. Maybe we could hang out grab a few pizzas and what not."

Kyle smiles, and looks at the other heroes.

"Alright, what are we waiting for? Justice HO!"

Kyle flies out of the Hall and towards the open sea.

That's Kyle for you, and I can't help but smile. In a lot of ways, he's more like Barry than Hal: impulsive, witty, always meeting the situation with a grin. Then again, the Guardians didn't pick Barry to wear a ring, so I guess the comparison isn't completely fair.

Kyle looks up to see Superman and myself already in the sky, looking down at them. "Do you always take so long? It's a wonder the League ever got anything done."

"The League's known for a lot of wonders, Sinestro," I say, and leave it at that. There's been enough needless antagonism as it is.

"Grumble... rotten pink skinned..."

They fly off towards where the signal is pointing them, and Kyle looks over at Superman.

"So, how's your cousin doing? She still with that other speedster? You know the one thats smarter than Wally?"

"Kara and I have been...distant lately. A lot of that is my fault, I admit. Ever since Lois...well, it's just been hard to be around the people close to me. But Bart's a good kid. I hope nothing but the best for them."

And with that, I pull out ahead of the other Leaguers as we soar over the open ocean. It's not that I don't want to talk to Kyle, but everything in my personal life has been so derailed lately. I've always struggled with how much of me is 'Superman' and how much is 'Clark,' but lately I've been spending more and more time in the costume and have left a lot of my human life behind. If I don't find Lois soon, or --God forbid--something's happened to her, then I might just let Clark go altogether.

Right now, though, I just want to focus on the task at hand. I reach out with my senses, my vision zooming out ahead of me and down beneath the water. I focus through the depths until I find what I'm looking for.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/mforcesattack1.jpg

"Take cover! Incoming!"

Rivers and Davies take action, swimming at two men of Team Sigma. Aquaman uses the sharks to put an extra amount of scare into the men as the two Sea Devils swim forth, causing their attacks to be incredibly off with a lack of aim. Davies elbows one of the, and Rivers knees the other in the stomach. The sharks grab both of the men by the ankles, biting only tight enough to lock their jaws in place. The men still scream, and the two Sea Devils go to work. After the two men are knocked out cold, the sharks swim away, to help elsewhere in battle, and Davies takes one of the unconscious men's unique fire-arm.

"You even know how to use that thing?"

"Who gives a ****? That's the punk that killed Melinda! Hows about we use their own weapons against em?"

"I like the sound of that!"

Aquaman finds himself fighting off now two flanks of Marauders men: the remainder of Team Sigma and the new arrival of part of Team Delta. He sees the battle turning to their advantage, as he sees Davies and Rivers hitting Marauder's men with their own stolen technology. It somewhat fuels Orin; gets him going again. It also boosts up the morale of the other Sea Devils, and there is finally some newfound hope amongst them.

He spots the Marauder, and he swims with all his might, hitting him with both arms extended outward, causing critical damage in The Marauder's mechanical abdomen. As he recovers from his blow, he and Orin float briefly, looking down one another as to who makes the next move. The Marauder smiles with glee, as his mechanical hand shifts and flips out a long knife.

"Perhaps it was time I got more acquainted with your insides, Aquaman. I'd imagine it would be much like gutting a fish, but you can never be sure..."

The Marauder swims forth, when something unexpected happens. One of the hostages foolishly tries to stop him.

"What's this? One of the locals coming to your aid."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/mthreateni1.jpg

"Blades against flesh...I like my chances, don't you?"

There he is. And he's not alone.

"Okay, I've found Arthur. He's got his hands full with a pretty nasty looking villain."

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/nowhereman716/Comics/142421-superman_400.jpg

"How about we give him a hand?"

[Green Lantern]

"How about we give him a hand?"
"You got it, Chief."

Just then a green studio audience materialized, along with an applaud sign, and the air was filled with an outburst of clapping. Kyle noticed the stares he was getting from the other two. The stern fatherly look of Sinestro, and the slightly bemused look on Superman's face.

"What? Not funny? They thought it was."

Kyle pointed at his audience as the sign changed to "Laugh" and a studio laughtrack filled the air.

"Fine. I get it. Don't quit my dayjob."

The sign changed again, to "Boo" and the booing disapproval of the audience echoed in the air as the audience vanished. Kyle was suddenly in a green suit, holding a green uzi.

"Alright then, lets get down to business then."

Kyle dived towards the water.

[trustyside-kick]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Devilfish roams around the city of Dyss, the city created for their Lord and Saviour: Urlok. In this case, the city was built for him; for 'his return'. The Sea Bishop as well as his most loyal of High Priests follow Devilfish as he swims about the city. He stops when he picks up a scent; a familiar scent. This catches the Sea Bishop's eyes as Devilfish clenches his fists.

"Is it time then, Milord?"

"Hmm?"

Devilfish turns to the Sea Bishop as the Sea Bishop swims higher to meet eye to eye with the gargantuan being.

"The time of The Great Judgement, Milord. Is it time to lay waste to the Un-loyal?"

Devilfish is shocked at the Sea Bishop's question. They believe their 'saviour' has come back to cleanse the ocean for all that do not heed to their Faith. This most definitely makes things interesting for Devilfish as he smiles.

"...Yes. And I know exactly where the first to purge shall occur."

"The Sea King, I presume, Milord? Only he can stop you, so says the Prophecy."

Off the distance, the scent that Devilfish can smell, is not but a few miles away from the center of the Arctic Circle. The scent, of course. Is that of Aquaman. It is a scent he will never be able to forget. The Sea Bishop summons his Priests and High Priests to come forth as Devilfish raises his arms up high.

"Come, my brothers and sisters--"

Devilfish is really starting to get into the groove with the whole 'league of followers' situation he has fell into. Even if he is not truly their God, that isn't what matters. He has to merely play along so he can use them as he wishes.

"--it is time to strike down the first to succumb to my power! We will meet arms with the Sea King, and I will bathe in his blood as I suck on the marrow of his bones!"

Devilfish swims off, and 'his' followers follow suit and swim away from the City of Dyss as well. Their destination? Quite simple. Devilfish is following his scent. All but the Sea Bishop stays behind, with one of his Priests.

"Be sure to fetch Arion The Immortal from his chamber. With the help of the guards, you should be able to restrain him."

"But, sir is that wise?"

"Of course it is. Our Lord and Saviour requests for our allegiance in battle. I dare not think what would happen should we be without any magic. We will need Arion The Immortal to sap magic from. He is but a generator for us, his power is how we finally became successful! Quickly! Before the magic we have already taken from him flows back through him once more! I will wait here for you."

"Yes, sir."

[wiegeabo]

"You got it, Chief."

Just then a green studio audience materialized, along with an applaud sign, and the air was filled with an outburst of clapping. Kyle noticed the stares he was getting from the other two. The stern fatherly look of Sinestro, and the slightly bemused look on Superman's face.

"What? Not funny? They thought it was."

Kyle pointed at his audience as the sign changed to "Laugh" and a studio laughtrack filled the air.

"Fine. I get it. Don't quit my dayjob."

The sign changed again, to "Boo" and the booing disapproval of the audience echoed in the air as the audience vanished. Kyle was suddenly in a green suit, holding a green uzi.

"Alright then, lets get down to business then."

Kyle dived towards the water.


Superman and Rayner dive into the water below. "Gods help me...but I'm starting to miss Jordan."

I follow the pair under the ocean. It only takes moments for us the find the reason behind Aquaman's silence. To say the least, it's a very good reason.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/mthreateni1.jpg


"Save the civilians!" I shout as Superman plows into the figure in red. I focus on the men behind them. Energy blasts rips through the water, boiling it as they strike the shield I erect between us. "I've been in the heart of stars," I say grabbing four of them and slamming them together. "And you think guns are going to do anything?"

Energy strikes the back of my head. I hear a shout of triumph behind me. I turn my head and stare down my new target. He starts swimming away frantically.

"Time for some fun..."

[trustyside-kick]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Orin is in complete shock when suddenly unexpected allies get themselves involve in the struggle at hand. He sees Superman swim forth through the water, tackling The Marauder to battle, as well as the likes of even Sinestro, tending to Marauder's men who dare threaten the civilians. He is not the only one who is shocked, however. Dane Dorrance and the rest of the Sea Devils are just as shocked.

"Holy...holy ****! He got help after all, Dorrance!"

"Just like he told us he would!"

"That he did, boys. I think it's time we let the Big Guns handle this situation now. Now is a prime time to use this distraction to get the hostages out of harm's way. That was, in fact, our mission. Let's leave the heroes to the trouble of dealing with the evil mastermind."

"Yee haw!"

Dorrance himself chuckles at Davies' response as the Sea Devil finally are able to tend to the hostages aboard the sunken vessel. Rivers and Davies continue to fend off what few men stray towards their direction as Aquaman and his allies can only do so much, while the other Sea Devils start to escort and evacuate the hostages.

Energy blasts rips through the water, boiling it as they strike the shield I erect between us. "I've been in the heart of stars," I say grabbing four of them and slamming them together. "And you think guns are going to do anything?"

Energy strikes the back of my head. I hear a shout of triumph behind me. I turn my head and stare down my new target. He starts swimming away frantically.

"Time for some fun..."

Orin notices one of Marauder's men swimming away from Sinestro, and quickly swims forth, catching him around his arms. He squeezes hard, just enough to render him unconscious, and lets him go as his body floats to the surface. He turns to Sinestro.

"Try to keep your targets on a shorter leash, Sinestro."

Orin floats there for a moment, retaining his royal, serious, look, and then smiles. He swims away, and back into battle. Words cannot describe how he is feeling right now. It feels good to have allies you can trust.

[Blacklight]

edit

[Karem-Knight]

A boom-tube opens and out steps the former President of the United States in his full battle-armor.

He looks at the gathering and then turns to the Joker and says, "An interesting assortment, and a deadly one to say the least."

Lex then powers down his battle suit and says, "Sorry for the suit, but it is important to set the tone from the beginning. For as of now we are at war with those caped fools. This time we will succeed, this time there will be no mercy and most of all this time Kal-El will not return form the dead I have something in mind just for him. When the pages of history are written it will proclaim Superman as the destroyer of humanity."

http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/4/4e/Lex_Luthor_with_warsuit.gif

OOC: Completley swamped with sight-seeing, thought I might give a small IC post.

Harvey stood around, watching all the villians gathered around, he gave a small grunt, Lex Luthor, Killer Croc, Deathstroke, The Joker, Cyborg Superman and Soloman Grundy. Admitnetley, Harvey only liked and felt any remorse for Grundy, the rest Two Face could trust.

This is insanity, look around us. More murderers, theives all of them have evading true justice, we sould hand them in to the police, I'm sorry but no! I can't work with these people.

Ohhh, that's to bad, we've just started our goal to become the biggest thing the underworld has ever known! But now, you want to get rid of that? Look around you Harv, with this time we can get rid of the bird and the entire country could be ours!

But think how many people's lives have been endend by these physopaths, think how much destruction they could bring, the entire world would be in their grasp!

If you want to make an omlet, you've got to crack a few eggs!

That got Harvey straight away, sighing looking around the almost god like beings, and the freaks around him, made him uneasy to say the least. Not wanting to give these animals the benefit of making them think of Harvey as weak, he simply relaxed, flipping his coin up and down waiting in silence, watching the gathering patiently.

[Catman_prb]

Tim Drake

It was a studio in the slums of Gotham. It was fairly large, and fairly expensive. However being the adopted son of a multi-billionaire had it's advantages; he had barely dented the large amount of money Bruce had saved for him. He had brought all of his possessions, and they barely filled the place.He walked over to the great oak bookcase and pulled out two books from different places, on different shelves. He pushed the case, and it span round, revealing his Robin costume, three batarangs and a grapnel. He smiled and put it back. He smiled to himself. Unlimited resources and his own studio. This was going to be interesting.

[Keyser Soze]

A boom-tube opens and out steps the former President of the United States in his full battle-armor.

He looks at the gathering and then turns to the Joker and says, "An interesting assortment, and a deadly one to say the least."

Lex then powers down his battle suit and says, "Sorry for the suit, but it is important to set the tone from the beginning. For as of now we are at war with those caped fools. This time we will succeed, this time there will be no mercy and most of all this time Kal-El will not return form the dead I have something in mind just for him. When the pages of history are written it will proclaim Superman as the destroyer of humanity."

http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/4/4e/Lex_Luthor_with_warsuit.gif

"Ah, Lexy, fashionably late as always. I'm digging the skirt."

The Joker stepped forward, arms outstretched.

"But Lex is right, my friends. We are at war. You've all been very patient, but now it's time to explain why I brought you all here tonight. This is a war a few of us have been laying the groundwork for over the past several months. I got together with Lex Luthor, Deathstroke and Prometheus a while back, and together we formulated this little plan. Before the rest of you were recruited, each of us was off doing our own thing, setting the stage."

The Joker turned to Deathstoke.

"Slade has been our surveillance man, keeping tabs on the Teen Titans, and the activities of various other heroes. Prometheus has managed to get his hands on some advanced weaponry, and has been busy arming the criminal underworld of various key cities, building up our own personal army. And Signor Luthor has been bankrolling our little operation, as well as developing some advanced weaponry of his own."

Flashing grins at Deathstroke, Prometheus and Luthor in turn, The Joker cast his gaze onto the rest of the group.

"And as for me? I've been doing my bit to alienate our costumed do-gooder friends, and knock them out of their little comfort zone, starting with Gotham. The Jack Spade vigilante that's out there killing people and giving vigilantes a bad name? That's me. But here's the real punchline. Hi folks, I'm Cal Cornette, Commissioner of the GCPD! It's the performance of a lifetime. I wanted Daniel Day-Lewis to play the role, but you know how picky he is. So I ended up just doing double duty and playing it myself! We've got the whole Gotham police department under our thumb, and soon we're gonna have more."

He grinned triumphantly, clearly proud of his little ruse.

"Now, the million dollar question. What is Project: Icarus? In Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun, his wings burned off, and he plummeted to his death. And I think the same fate's long overdue for these so-called superheroes. They fly high, and perch on their pedastals, keeping the drooling masses wide-eyed and complacent. For too long, each of us has stood alone, and been forced to taste defeat at their hands. No longer! Now, it's our time. We band together, and strike these do-gooders on all fronts. We will attack them, their loved ones, their reputations, the ideals and institutions they stand for. And we have the manpower to do it all at once."

The Joker's smile had faded. There were no wisecracks now. Now, he meant business, his cruel eyes burning with empassioned hate and a twisted determination.

"I know we've all had our differences in the past. I believe I've tried to kill half of you at least once. I know we have...opposing ideologies, and when this is all said and done we can sort them out. But we can all agree on one thing. Whatever it is each of us wants to achieve...these so-called superheroes are always going to stand in our way, unless we make a stand and do something about it. Together, we will drag them down out of the sky, and bring them crashing down to Earth. We are the end. We are the dawn of a new era."

And then his smile returned.

"We are....the Dark Alliance."

[wiegeabo]

I've been flying high for the last couple of days. Everything finally seems to be going right for our family for a change. The Rouges have been quiet. Wally has Iris and the twins. Bart is starting a life of his own. Things may be changing, but its seems to be for the better.

For the first time since Ted died...I'm happy.

For the last twenty minutes I've been patrolling Keystone. Usually it doesn't take that long, but some fools tried an armed robbery of the First National. They got some laser weapons from who knows where and thought they were unstoppable.

They were wrong.

I also took a few minutes to run around Central City. Wally doesn't know it, but I've been dashing over there ever since the twins were born. Taking care of some of his problem means he gets to spend more time with his family. It may only be a few minutes here and there, but we speedsters can make a few minutes last a long, long time.


By the time I get back home, Joan's almost finished dinner. The smell fills the house and makes me smile. But I also feel a little sad. Even though he used to spend most of his time with the Titans, the house feel empty now that Bart has moved out. About this time, Bart would be sneaking snacks at superspeed and Joan would be getting after him for eating just before dinner. Joan knows that, with our metabolisms, it doesn't matter how much we eat. I just think Joan and Bart liked teasing each other that way.

So I grab and apple and start eating it. "JAY!" she yells at me. I try not to laugh with my mouth full. "It's almost ready."

I just nod as I take another bite. Joan decides to ignore my taunts. "So, busy run? You were gone for almost half and hour. Decide to take a trip to the Brownstone?"

I throw the apple core away and rinse my hands off. "No, this is my weekend off and I'm going to enjoy it," I say, wrapping my arms around her waist. "Just another bank robbery."

"When will they ever learn?" Joan gives my a bump to move me away as she takes the pan off the stove.

"If they did, I'd be out of a job."

"Oh, well, we couldn't have that. Talk to Wally lately?"

The question catches me by surprise. "Actually, I haven't. Not since the JLA meeting. Guess I should catch up with him tomorrow, see how it went..."

[MST3K 4ever]

"Ah, Lexy, fashionably late as always. I'm digging the skirt."

The Joker stepped forward, arms outstretched.

"But Lex is right, my friends. We are at war. You've all been very patient, but now it's time to explain why I brought you all here tonight. This is a war a few of us have been laying the groundwork for over the past several months. I got together with Lex Luthor, Deathstroke and Prometheus a while back, and together we formulated this little plan. Before the rest of you were recruited, each of us was off doing our own thing, setting the stage."

The Joker turned to Deathstoke.

"Slade has been our surveillance man, keeping tabs on the Teen Titans, and the activities of various other heroes. Prometheus has managed to get his hands on some advanced weaponry, and has been busy arming the criminal underworld of various key cities, building up our own personal army. And Signor Luthor has been bankrolling our little operation, as well as developing some advanced weaponry of his own."

Flashing grins at Deathstroke, Prometheus and Luthor in turn, The Joker cast his gaze onto the rest of the group.

"And as for me? I've been doing my bit to alienate our costumed do-gooder friends, and knock them out of their little comfort zone, starting with Gotham. The Jack Spade vigilante that's out there killing people and giving vigilantes a bad name? That's me. But here's the real punchline. Hi folks, I'm Cal Cornette, Commissioner of the GCPD! It's the performance of a lifetime. I wanted Daniel Day-Lewis to play the role, but you know how picky he is. So I ended up just doing double duty and playing it myself! We've got the whole Gotham police department under our thumb, and soon we're gonna have more."

He grinned triumphantly, clearly proud of his little ruse.

"Now, the million dollar question. What is Project: Icarus? In Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun, his wings burned off, and he plummeted to his death. And I think the same fate's long overdue for these so-called superheroes. They fly high, and perch on their pedastals, keeping the drooling masses wide-eyed and complacent. For too long, each of us has stood alone, and been forced to taste defeat at their hands. No longer! Now, it's our time. We band together, and strike these do-gooders on all fronts. We will attack them, their loved ones, their reputations, the ideals and institutions they stand for. And we have the manpower to do it all at once."

The Joker's smile had faded. There were no wisecracks now. Now, he meant business, his cruel eyes burning with empassioned hate and a twisted determination.

"I know we've all had our differences in the past. I believe I've tried to kill half of you at least once. I know we have...opposing ideologies, and when this is all said and done we can sort them out. But we can all agree on one thing. Whatever it is each of us wants to achieve...these so-called superheroes are always going to stand in our way, unless we make a stand and do something about it. Together, we will drag them down out of the sky, and bring them crashing down to Earth. We are the end. We are the dawn of a new era."

And then his smile returned.

"We are....the Dark Alliance."


Lex nods at the Joker.

For once in his miserable life I think that the Clown is on to something...and if he is willing to work for this common goal then so am I.

Lex stands up and very quickly sprays the room in a fine mist.

He says, "That mist is a vaccine specially grafted towards each person's DNA. When Superman and I clash, and you know we will, he will then become humanity's greatest outcast. As many of you all know I have studied Kryptonian DNA for years now, and I have now constructed and tested on various subjects what can best be called...Kryptonian Leprosy. Superman will find away to be immune or to save himself but this virus has some very nast side-effects. Like many other drugs now a days the cure is worse than the disease. That my commrades is where things get messy."

Lex smiles and says, "I assure you all of this when Superman falls the Justice League will fall right behind him."

[Byrd Man]

I just observe as Joker give his grand speech and Baldie sprays everyone with that mist.

"A chance to pick everyone of those ****head 'heroes' down, one by one. Everyone one of them suffering at my hand. Hearing them scream and beg for mercy, to kill them and make their pain stop. Not giving them the satisfaction to end it right there. Watching them slowly die and having them finally know that whatever hell they go to, it's going to be a cake walk compared to what I just put them through."

I look around at my associates and smile.

"I'll do this Pro Bono."

[Supergirl]

Kara picked Bart up as they stepped out the door. Bart kissed her on the cheek and rolled out of her arms.

"Hey babe. As much as I love being emasculated by you... I need to run to the Tower. I have some stuff to do... Meet me at the Tower in an hour?"

Kara smiled at him.

"Yeah. Sure. Then we can go tell Kal."

"Deal. I'll get us a few pizzas too."

They took off their seperate ways, as Kara flew towards the Fortress and Bart ran off towards the Tower.

[wiegeabo]

Orin notices one of Marauder's men swimming away from Sinestro, and quickly swims forth, catching him around his arms. He squeezes hard, just enough to render him unconscious, and lets him go as his body floats to the surface. He turns to Sinestro.

"Try to keep your targets on a shorter leash, Sinestro."

Orin floats there for a moment, retaining his royal, serious, look, and then smiles. He swims away, and back into battle. Words cannot describe how he is feeling right now. It feels good to have allies you can trust.


"At least I don't need help." I turn back to the group of marauders. A number have decided to wise up and abandon the fight. The others are either too stupid, or too foolish, to realize they are greatly outmatched.

"Although...a leash isn't such a bad idea." Dozens of tendrils shoot out in all directions. A couple of these fools avoid being grabbed, but all the rest find themselves chained by a collar around the necks. A short burst of electricity takes the fight out of them. Soaring through the water with them in tow a use them as battering rams against those smart enough to try and get away. I may not have gotten all of them, but it's more than enough.

"So, where do you want them?"

[Green Lantern]

"At least I don't need help." I turn back to the group of marauders. A number have decided to wise up and abandon the fight. The others are either too stupid, or too foolish, to realize they are greatly outmatched.

"Although...a leash isn't such a bad idea." Dozens of tendrils shoot out in all directions. A couple of these fools avoid being grabbed, but all the rest find themselves chained by a collar around the necks. A short burst of electricity takes the fight out of them. Soaring through the water with them in tow a use them as battering rams against those smart enough to try and get away. I may not have gotten all of them, but it's more than enough.

"So, where do you want them?"Kyle swam up, a green whale in tow.

"Yeah, I've got four in old Willy's belly here. They made like Jonah."

He held out a plate of green fishsticks, offering it to Aquaman.

"Anyone hungry?"

[Eddie Brock]

I smile at Cassie from across the table. This feels nice. God, I missed using my abilities - but I missed just being with Cass more. Besides, even before I went comatose, Cass and I hardly had time for each other. There was always someone threatening the world or something.

But for now, we have vanquished the immediate threat, and we have time to spare. Bart, Kara, and Tim are off doing their own thing, so why shouldn't we?

"Do you remember the last time we went out to dinner?" Cassie asks with a laugh.

I shake my head. "I really don't," I admit. "It's been far too long."

Cassie nods in understanding. We both look down at our menus. I'm really starving. It's come to my realization that I haven't eaten a lot since my return from the 'dead.' The chicken parmigiana sounds pretty great right about...

BOOM!

Cassie and I both turn instinctively at the disruption. I feel my stomach sink as I see the figure standing in the hole in the wall. Of all people, why did it have to be him?!

"Superboy! Me am here to prove that me am the REAL Superboy!"

"Shall we, Cassie?"

Cassie nods while balling her fists.

"Good. Because I'm really going to enjoy this."

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/nightwing_2.jpg

I can't help but grin as I swing through the New York night. God it feels good to be back.

It was close to one A.M. before I could suit up and sneak out. I guess that's one of the down sides with trying to hide your secret life as a costumed avenger from your co-worker who's staying with you.

I land on a ledge and my thoughts turn to Michelle. We've been working together for close to four months now and she's my best friend in New York. She's funny, kind, beautiful...

"Whoa, Grayson. Cool your jets. We're not in the market for a girlfriend. Especially not a fellow officer. Now quit talking to yourself and get back to work."

I take my own advice and grab onto my grapnel line. I can hear heavy gunfire off in the distance. Sounds like .45 rounds, but it's a fully automatic gun.

"Oh god."

I swing into the air and whisper a quick prayer. It can't be him.

I land on a fire escape and look down at the scene with my jaw hanging open. Four or five well dressed men lay on the street with bullet holes all over their body, but it's the hitman that I'm interested in. He moves gracefully and fires at the other men. He glances up and sees me.

"Well, look who it is."

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Torque47.jpg

"Ya look like ya seen a ghost, Lad. Like you've had your whole world turned around."

[Keyser Soze]

Lex nods at the Joker.

For once in his miserable life I think that the Clown is on to something...and if he is willing to work for this common goal then so am I.

Lex stands up and very quickly sprays the room in a fine mist.

He says, "That mist is a vaccine specially grafted towards each person's DNA. When Superman and I clash, and you know we will, he will then become humanity's greatest outcast. As many of you all know I have studied Kryptonian DNA for years now, and I have now constructed and tested on various subjects what can best be called...Kryptonian Leprosy. Superman will find away to be immune or to save himself but this virus has some very nast side-effects. Like many other drugs now a days the cure is worse than the disease. That my commrades is where things get messy."

Lex smiles and says, "I assure you all of this when Superman falls the Justice League will fall right behind him."

I just observe as Joker give his grand speech and Baldie sprays everyone with that mist.

"A chance to pick everyone of those ****head 'heroes' down, one by one. Everyone one of them suffering at my hand. Hearing them scream and beg for mercy, to kill them and make their pain stop. Not giving them the satisfaction to end it right there. Watching them slowly die and having them finally know that whatever hell they go to, it's going to be a cake walk compared to what I just put them through."

I look around at my associates and smile.

"I'll do this Pro Bono."

"I'm glad you approve, Slade. And I assure you the satisfaction of watching our enemies squeal like pigs will be something money can't buy."

The Joker turned his attention back to Lex Luthor.

"Very impressive, Lexy. But as it happens, I have another favor to ask of you, one that will require you to capitalise on your scientific expertise."

With a wave of the hand, The Joker gestured towards Captain Nazi.

"Our good friend Mr. Krieger here, appears to have lost his mojo. Now, Lex, you and I both know he's a force to be reckoned with when firing on all cylinders. Perhaps one of your research teams could take a look at him, see if there's any elements remaining in his DNA that can be used to reactivate his powers?"

[MST3K 4ever]

"I'm glad you approve, Slade. And I assure you the satisfaction of watching our enemies squeal like pigs will be something money can't buy."

The Joker turned his attention back to Lex Luthor.

"Very impressive, Lexy. But as it happens, I have another favor to ask of you, one that will require you to capitalise on your scientific expertise."

With a wave of the hand, The Joker gestured towards Captain Nazi.

"Our good friend Mr. Krieger here, appears to have lost his mojo. Now, Lex, you and I both know he's a force to be reckoned with when firing on all cylinders. Perhaps one of your research teams could take a look at him, see if there's any elements remaining in his DNA that can be used to reactivate his powers?"

Lex looks at The Joker and says, "Taking him to Lexcorp is far too risky. I'll have to see what I can do from here. When I entered here I did a cellular scan of each one of us so that the antidote to the virus would work. Let me see about Mr. Krieger's situation."

Lex punches a few buttons on his wrist band and begins studying it.

After a few moments he looks at Krieger and says, "I have identified your problem and a possible solution. The cells which enable you to excute your powers are dormant not gone but in a state of suspened animation as it were. My theory from a scientific perspective is simple, but from a human perspective is highly dangerous and only has a 50% chance of working."

Lex presses some more buttons and 3-Demensional hologram of what looks to be a metal bee-hive appears.

He asks, "How many of you all saw the 1986 version of 'The Fly'?"

This is followed by many blank looks and Lex continues, "Teleportation on a cellular level was the key to making the teleportation pods in the movie like you see here work. MY theory is this. I will telport Mr. Krieger from one pod into another. During the teleportation process hundreds of nanites would be floating in pod #2. As he is being, for lack of a better term, re-assembled the nanites would be programed to seek out the dormant cells and re-engerize them. Thus once the teleportation process is complete Krieger should be back to his powered state."

Lex deactivates the hologram and says, "From a scientific perspective it is simple enough, however from a human perspective there is tremedous risk involved anytime you work with human cells and having your atoms broken down and reassembled through a data-stream."

He looks directly at Krieger and asks, "Are you prepared to go through this? If you agree to this I can open the boom-tube and get everything I need, with the assitance of two of our more able-bodied associates to get the pods, bring it here and you can have your powers back within a matter of seconds once everything is ready. It is now your decision Mr. Krieger."

[Harlekin]

Krieger takes another look at Luthor. He is unsure of the man’s plans. Yes, when he had agreed to aid the Joker and become a part of ‘Project: Icarus’, somewhere, he had hoped to regain his powers. But through science? This man seemed to rely on it all too much, looking at his giant armour. Still… Krieger did need to regain his powers.

Could it be done?

Was the magic that had empowered him still dormant in his cells?

Could he take the chance?

Could he really afford not to?

“Do it,” Krieger finally replies.

[MST3K 4ever]

Krieger takes another look at Luthor. He is unsure of the man’s plans. Yes, when he had agreed to aid the Joker and become a part of ‘Project: Icarus’, somewhere, he had hoped to regain his powers. But through science? This man seemed to rely on it all too much, looking at his giant armour. Still… Krieger did need to regain his powers.

Could it be done?

Was the magic that had empowered him still dormant in his cells?

Could he take the chance?

Could he really afford not to?

“Do it,” Krieger finally replies.

Luthor nods and says, "Very well then let us proceed."

He points to Croc and Grundy and says, "Come with me your assistance is required."

Luthor opens a boom-tube and they all step in. Once they arrive at Luthor's lab he places 2 eggs in each pod and says, "These pods are very delicate peices of machenery any damage to them and this project is off. I will know if there is any damage when we return if the eggs are broken."

He opens the boom-tubes and says, "Go I will join you momentairly."

Luthor grabs a computer console and a tube with the nanites steps through.

Once they have returned to their location Luthor checks the pods and sees no damage.

He then proceeds to program the nanites with the console and the suit. Lex then steps over to pod#2 and places the tube on an opening.

He strides back very focused on his task and enters a code. The computer replies, "Nanites deployed."

Luthor opens the hatch to pod #1 and nods to Krieger.

He says, "Once the hatch is sealed there is no going back. If you want to back out now is the time. YOu should know this though if this fails...you won't feel a thing...it will be over within a second."

Lex awaits Krieger to step into the pod.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Telepod1.JPG/325px-Telepod1.JPG

[Byrd Man]

Luthor, Captain Nazi, and those two goons Croc and Grundy march into a boom tube. I look at Joker.

"I already know what I'm going to do. The Titans, everyone one who is or every was a member will suffer."

Joker starts to cackle and it sends a small shiver down my spine.

"And they call me crazy. HAHAHAHA!"

Joker tosses me a small device, it's one of those boom tube operators.

"Beats the hell out of using a jet."

I punch a button and a boom tube opens up in the swamp.

"I'll keep in touch. But you'll know when I make my move, rest assured you'll hear about it."

I walk into the tube and it closes up behind me. I smile as I walk out of the tube from the other side and come down on a rooftop.

"Let the hunt begin."

[Karem-Knight]

The Dark Alliance....the name sent a shiver down Harvey's spine, and a tingle to Two Face's, now the man and fire power he had, the bird didn't stand a chance against Harvey now. Justice would be served, but Dent was a little less then willing.

No. This can't happen, we can't be a part of this, think how many people will die, needlessly because of us!

Yeah well, to win World War Two, Roosevelt had to make friends with Stalin, what's your point?

This is insanity, we can't just....., uh, conflict!

You know what to do.

Flipping the coin, as he usually did no one noticed as he casually did it but this time he actually looked at the palm of his hand, so many desicons that effected so many lives, this one was no different, now Harvey had the opportunity to stop the Dark Allaince, inform the JLA, only they could stop this mess. But soon the small weight gave a bigger burden on Harv's shoulders.

Scarred.

Flipping the coin, he held it in his palm calmly walking into the pod.

[Blacklight]

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/179107-blue-beetle_400.jpg
Blue Beetle Begins pt.III

The Lot, a few hours later...


"So what are you saying, Jaime?"

"The thing like covered me in a suit of armor! And it was talking in some kind of different language I've never heard before!" I yelled at Paco frustratedly.

"Is it magical?"

"Is it alien?"

"I don't know yet..." I answered awkwardly. What happened this morning really freaked me out. What if it happens again? What am I going to do?

"...but this beetle--"

"--Scarab."

"Whatever it is, it's stuck to my back. I can't get it off." I responded while feeling it on my back with my hand.

"Maybe this is a sign?"

"Sign of what? That I'm destined to be a freak?"

"Maybe you're supposed to be a hero. I mean it wouldn't be that farfetched. You always help out your family, the community, us... Maybe you're destined to save the world."

"I don't know..."

Maybe Brenda's right. Maybe this thing has superpowers, and I'm supposed to use them for good. I have always wanted to be a hero anyways. Maybe this is my chance...

*************************************

CSSSHH! "Carapax. Have you located the scarab yet?"

"Not yet."

The metal goliath known as Conrad Carapax, the Indestructible Man, made his way towards where the scarab was located. The Calculator communicating with him through some upgrades in his helmet and suit.

CSSSHH! "Is the tracking device locked onto the scarab's energy signature?"

"Yeah I'm following it now."

CSSSHH! "Good. Call back when you get the scarab."

"Yeah yeah."

CSSSHH! "Oh and Conrad..."

"Yeah?"

CSSSHH! "Kill the Blue Beetle while your at it."

"With pleasure..."

**************************************

"So Jaime... can you show us what it looks li--"

BOOOOMM!!!

We all stumble to the ground as we see a cloud of smoke from what looked like a missle, and when the smoke cleared up, I saw what looked like a giant f***ing robot!

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/48000/47586/51433-carapax_400.jpg


"Where's the scarab?"

The thing walked over to me. I tried to crawl away, but it pulled me up by my shirt.

"WHERE'S THE SCARAB!?!"

I was so scared, I couldn't muster up an answer. He dropped me, and pointed on of the guns on hi arms at Brenda and Paco.

"Tell me where it is and I won't fry your friends like a Fourth-of-July barbeque..."

Then at that moment, something came over me. I stood up and summoned the suit. They all stared in amazement as the suit threaded around my body until the suit was complete.

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/130453-blue-beetle_400.jpg


"Leave them alone..."


He lowered his gun, and then re-aimed it at me.

"This'll be interesting. Like 'Raid'-ing a bug..." He remarked as he fired a shot of energy, but I jumped high up in the air and backflipped a few feet behind where I was just standing. He then continued his barrage of energy blasts. I needed a way to take him down, but then like a computer screen, a menu popped up in front of my left eye. There were lots of choices of weapons, but one caught my attention that didn't seem so lethal or destructive as much as some of this other stuff...

Energy Shot? That doesn't sound to bad.

Then that instant I could feel my whole arm starting to power up and energize. Like the Scarab knew I wanted that weapon. Then I just released the built up power in one blast...

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/13311-blue-beetle_400.jpg


"Cool..."

Then the blast hit the thing right in his chest, and he fell over. He may have been far from knocked out, but the way it looked when the blast hit him, this fight could be over sooner than we think...

[Byrd Man]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/Red_X123/logo_Deathstroke_180.jpg


The boom tube rips a hole in the calm, sunny skyline. I smile as I leap out of the tube and look up.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6858/titanstowernj8.jpg

"Oh, children. Daddy's home."

I've studied the tower's security system and cameras for a six months, needless to say it was easy for me to make my way into the heart of the tower.

"Mia, Bart. I've got to go to Opal City and help Starman with some stuff."

I smile and duck into the shadows. I recognize that voice from anywhere, Victor Stone AKA Cyborg. He's the heart of The Titans. Looks like it's time for me to do some surgery.

"Cyborg out."

He stomps down the hallway, he's big and loud so he never hears me coming.

"Don't move."

I softly whisper in his ear as I press a metallic object against his the back of his neck.

"Slade..."

He shifts his body slightly, he's reaching for the alarm on his robotic arm.

"I said don't move!"

I jab the metallic object into his neck and he winces a bit.

"Was that suppose to hurt?"

"Not really. The real surprise comes in ten seconds, when the computer virus that was inside that USB drive hits your life support systems and you start to crash. In 3, 2...and..."

The big pile of bolts starts to shake and his eyes roll into the back of his head. He falls to the floor with a god almighty noise.

"Cyborg?"

Speedy, Green Arrow's ***** runs into the hallway.

"Oh my god! Bar-"

That's all she gets out of her mouth before I back hand her into the wall. She slumps again the wall and blacks out. I get my gun ready when I hear Kid Flash zip into the room.

"What the hell? Slade?"

I squeeze my rifle's trigger and the tranq lodges itself Kid Flash's neck.

"Jesus, kid. That's the second time you've fallen for that. Are you a retard?"


*************

I trudge across the grass towards the boom tube. I've got Kid Flash and Speedy slung over my shoulders, christ they're heavy. I left Cyborg behind, he's going to be my first victim.

"I break into your house. Leave your leader for dead and take two of your members. I think the message has been sent...well almost."

I turn around as I step into the boom tube and press a button on my wrist.

BOOM!!

Titans Tower goes up in a giant ball of fire and melting steel.

"There we are. Now, Mia, Bart. Let's go, I have someone I want you to meet."

I carry the two unconscious teens into the boom tube, it closes behind me as I head deeper into the portal. Time for the real fun to begin.

[Saved]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Edge_027/Ravager.png

San Franscico

Rose Wilson, daughter of the deadliest assassin alive and former assassin herself sits at the bar of a downtown club. She is dressed in her civilian clothes, wearing tight black pants and a low cut shirt. Over her scarred eye, she wears a bright silver eye patch.

She leans on the bar her he elbow, her face starring into her glass of Jack Daniels, her mind elsewhere. As the lights flash on and off, shining many different colors, the music blarring, the people behind her dance and party. Rose looks over her shoulder at the people and takes a heavy sigh. She picks up her glass, and takes a drink from the hard liquor. As she places the glass down on the counter, the bartender comes over to her.

"Another shot." She says emotionlessly.

"Uh, you have ID, kid? You don't look twenty one to me." Rose frowns. Suddenly, she changes her disposition, a seductive smile coming to her face.

"Really?" She asks in a heavy voice, leaning over the counter to the bartender. The man laughs nervously, starring at her lustfully. Rose grips the man's shirt, and slowly pulls him closer to her. The man succumbs to her, and loosens his body, preparing to go in for a kiss. Just as Rose's lips are about to meet with the mans, she suddenly pulls hard on his shirt, and slams him to the counter. "I've faced armed homicidals, stopped RPGs with my bare hands, fought the best assassins alive, and trained with the deadliest. You really think you're going to stop me?" The man shakes in fear, his voice cracking and stammering. Just as Rose stares the man down, eye to eye, an angered sneer planted on her face, a man steps up behind Rose and places his hand on her shoulder.

"Let me handle this, Miss." The man says with a charming smile. He turns to the bartender, still in Rose's grasp, and pulls out a twenty dollar bill. "Give the lady what she wants, okay?" The bartender reluctantly nods and Rose throws him backward. She sits back in her seat as the man takes the seat next to her.

"Quite a grip you have there." He says with a grin. Rose looks back at him unamused, staring at him with a dull look. "Chris Fornen." He says with a kind voice. Rose continues to stare at him blankly. The bartender sets another glass in front of Rose, and quickly walks away. Rose takes the glass, and raises it to her mouth, holding it in the air for a few moments.

"What do you want?" She asks, taking a sip from the glass.

"Well, I came here tonight to have some fun. I noticed you sitting at the bar and I thought I'd say hello."

"Hello." Rose says taking another drink. "And goodbye."

"Not the social type, I see?" The man replies unphased.

"Not today."

"I have to tell you, I think you're the most beautiful woman here." The man says as he tries to charm Rose. She smiles, and leans back on the barstool.

"Well thank you." She says with a grin. "But, seriously, I'm not in the mood."

"Everyone's in the mood." He says with a grin. "Everyone here. I mean, why else would you be in a bar on a Friday evening?"

"Ever think I have nothing better to do?"

"Aw, come on. No one comes to a club because their bored." Rose smiles sarcastically, brushing the hair in her face back.

"You don't know who I am, do you?"

"No. But that's why I came over here. I'd like to know you."

"I'm sure you would." She says taking another drink from the glass. The two sit in silence as the music continues to play loudly. After a few moments, Chris breaks the silence.

"Look, I just want to know you're name. That's all. I don't want to aggravate you. You just look depressed, and I thought I could cheer you up. I mean, I'm not having the best time in my life either." Rose grins, her mind thinking to all the problems in her life. She thinks about how they must compare to this man's, reminicing on all of her current perilous situations.

"Look, uh..."

"Chris."

"Right, Chris. I'm really not in the mood for a relationship right now. I appreciate you trying to be nice and all, but, I'm having some problems that I really need to think about alone." The man looks down, discouraged. Rose puts her hand to the man's chin, lifting his head up. She stares into his eyes for a moment, and smiles kindly to him. She leans in and gives him a quick kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for the drink."

Rose gets up from the bar, and walks toward the exit of the club. As she makes her way through the sea of people dancing on the floor, a loud noise suddenly sounds inside the club. All the people stop and stand still as they feel a slight tremor beneath their feet. Rose rushes outside, running quickly.

As Rose steps outside into the cool air, the sun still in the sky casting its rays and light onto the city. She hears another loud noise coming from the distance, a large fiery pillar of smoke rising into the sky.

Rose quickly runs to the building across the street, jumping up onto the fire escape. Through a series of flips and jumps, she makes her way to the top of the building. Making her way to the ledge, she looks out across the shore line in disbelief. To her surprise, she sees Titans Tower consumed in flames and smoke.

"No..." She whispers to herself, a swift wind brushing up against her. Her hair flows in the breeze, covering her face. She brushes the hair out of her face, and continues to stare at the burning building.

"This can't be happening." Rose takes a few steps back, readying herself. She takes a deep breath, and runs across the building's roof. As she reaches the edge, she jumps to the next building, repeating the motion as she hops from rooftop to rooftop with agility and grace. As she makes her way toward the edge of the city as fast as she can, one thought echoes in her mind. With a deep breath, she lands onto the next rooftop, pausing before continuing her sprint.

"Just like everyone says. It's always darkest before dawn."

[Byrd Man]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/Red_X123/logo_Deathstroke_180.jpg

Undisclosed Location
Keystone City

I walk through the darkend shadows with my hands behind my back. The smell of sweat and blood fill the air in this stuffy underground dungeon.

"I've got Kid Flash in the other room. And, as per our agreement. Speedy is all yours, Doctor."


http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/1616/drarthurlightbz7.jpg

A soft smile creeps on to Light's face as he stands up and walks towards Speedy, who's still in her costume and hung up by chains wrapped around her wrists.

"Take the boy, I'm sure me and her can have....fun..."

"Just remember what I said about her. Be careful with her blood and any other bodily fluids that may leak out."

Light strokes her cheek gently and smells her hair.

"Yes, she's quite the whore. It's a shame, she smells so good and her skin is so soft..."

Speedy's eyes snap open in horror.

"Oh, god!"

Light starts to laugh as he steps away.

"Haha. God? Call his name all you like, even God is afraid to come here. Oh, and for our entertainment...let's see."

A bright light fills the room and a full grown naked man appears next to Light.

"Here we are. A hard light hologram. The closest thing to reality you can get, and as you can see, he's anatomically correct."

The man starts to change shape, suddenly he looks like Superman.

"Tell me, who's your favorite hero? Superman? Nightwing? Green Arrow?"

The figure of Superman starts to walk towards Speedy, it changes shape as it walks.

"What do you think, Speedy? Do you want good ole GA to have some fun with?"

I turn away and head towards where I have Kid Flash held up.

"Oh, god. No...NO!"

I hear Speedy's clothes tear and her grunts to fight the Green Arrow hologram.

"Well, we'll let them have their fun, now I can have ours."

Kid Flash lays on the hard concrete, stripped down to nothing but his boxer shorts and unable to move.

"See, your speed is what makes you so deadly. But..."

I tap the clamp on the back of his neck.

"You apply pressure to the nerve bundle on your brain stem and you're nothing but a vegetable."

I pick him up a start to wrap barb wire around his whole body.

"Another thing you have going for you is your speed. You're not just fst with your legs, everything on you is fast. Including your ability to heal, but like everything else, it can be turned around to hurt you. Take this as an example."

I tie the barb wire tight and hook up a loop of barb wire around a hook attatched to a pulley. Speedy screams in the next room and a small chill runs down my spine.

"NO!! GOD!! GOD!!!"

"God won't help you here, whore! Now take it!!!"

I look over at Kid Flash and shurg my shoulders.

"What can I say? He's commited to his job."

I grab the pulley rope and start to lift Kid Flash into the air, the barb wire cuts into his body and blood starts to drip onto the floor.

"That's got to hurt. But what I have in store will hurt worse."

It only takes a minute for it to happen, his super healing kicks in and the skin starts to grow over and around the barb wire. It only takes a whole minute for every inch of barb wire to be covered up by the healing skin.

"Now the fun begins..."

I lift him down and lay him on the floor, I grab a hold of a small sliver of barb wire and pull as hard as I can, the wire tears his flesh and skin apart as it violently leaves his body. He winces in pain and I can see tears running down his cheek. The chunks of flesh and blood start to pool on the floor as I wrap the barb wire around his body again.

"Ready for another go?"

*********************

I take off my mask and wipe my brow, it's been a few hours since I started my torture session with Kid Flash. In the other room Speedy's voice is hoarse and tired from her hours of screaming and fighting.

Kid Flash finally passes out from the pain and I walk into the other room. Light is in the middle of having Batman and Robin have their way with Speedy.

"Alright, that's enough."

"No. I'm just getting started with her..."

I place my hand firmly on his shoulder and look him in the eyes.

"I said that's enough. We've had our fun with them, now it's time to go after someone else."

I hold up Kid Flash's Titans communicator and look at Light.

"Time to send out an emergency bulletin to our next target."

I pull out a tape recorder and hold it to the commincator as I press a button labled "SG"

"Hello?"

I press play on the tape recorder and Kid Flash's voice comes out.

"Kara."

"Bart?"

"Help."

I stop the tape recorder and shut off the communicator.

"Now we can have some real fun."

[Catman_prb]

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii130/alexgprb/rob.gif

Tim stepped out of the shower, listening to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers blaring out on the speakers. As he dried himself off he could vaguely hear a high pitched beeping over the top of the music. Walking into his bedroom, Tim saw a flashing red light on his desk, his built in Titan's communicator. He hurried over and checked the desk, pulling back the top to reveal a computer console. There was a flashing warning symbol, saying the alarm at the Titan's Tower has been trippedd, but promptly shut off. Now there were no readings coming from the Tower at all.

He turned around and switched on the TV, already tuned to the news channel. Even the news anchor looked shocked at the breaking news.

"Reports are coming in that the Titan's Tower in San Franscico has been destroyed. There have been no casualty reports as of yet, and fire crews are rushing to the scene-" the woman said, before Tim turned the TV off. He turned to the bookcase, and triggered the mechanism, revealing his Robin uniform. He pulled it on quickly and gathered all the gadgets he had hidden around the apartment. He burst out of the apartment, starting to gain speed as he realised the enormity of the situation.

Vic and Mia were probably there when it blew. Bart would be ok, he would be with Kara. What about Cassie? What about Connor? They would probably be out celebrating his return. What about Rose? Was she even staying with the Titans? His heart wrenched as he came to the bottom of the stairs. This couldn't be happening, he thought. He sprinted to the small garage that was leased with the apartment and unvieled a small red motorbike. As he jumped on, he remembered this time a few days ago, when he had been pulling himself up from the bed at Leslie's. His wounds from the encounter with Todd and Deathstroke still ached. He had still been limping around yesterday. A wave of doubt flowed over him; what if he wasn't able to help? Then an image of Mia, burning in the Tower flashed into his head. He started the motorbike and started his way to San Franscico.

Later

Tim sped towards the wreckage of Titan's Tower, the fire crews already there, desperately trying to put out the flames. He jumped off the bike, and ran over the nearest engine, engaging the nearest fireman.

"What the hell happened?" Tim growled. The fireman raised an eyebrow.
"Is that any way to talk to you elders, sonny?" he asked. Tim grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the fire engine.
"NOT in the mood," he shouted "Are there any survivors?"
"Over there," the man gasped, pointing towards the area where three men were trying to pull Cyborg out of the flames. Tim's eyes widened, and ran over to them. The firefighters had managed to pull him from the crumbling building, and left him to help their team mates fight the fire.

Cyborg was badly burnt, his flesh burnt and blistered and his cyberntic parts scorched. Tim knelt down next to him.

"Cyborg? Cy? Wake up! Vic, get up!" he shouted. He ran over to his motorbike, and pulled a laptop out of one of the satchels. Approaching Cyborg, he plugged a USB lead into the back of his neck. On his laptop, he clicked "Run System Diagnostic". It seemed that his lifesupport had been shut down by a foreign body. He clicked "Run VirusScan". A virus had been downloaded into him, but it couldn't find the time. Tim went to Vic's memory drive, praying it hadn't been affected by the virus. It wasn't, it was still intact. Tim opened the file for the last ten minutes of audio recording:

"Mia, Bart. I've got to go to Opal City and help Starman with some stuff. Cyborg out."
There was a loud clanking sound as Cyborg walked along the corridor, so loud that Tim couldn't hear anything else.
"Don't move."
"Slade..."
"I said don't move!"
"Was that suppose to hurt?"
"Not really. The real surprise comes in ten seconds, when the computer virus that was inside that USB drive hits your life support systems and you start to crash. In 3, 2...and..."
There was an almighty crash, which Tim guessed was Vic falling to the floor. But the audio recording kept on going.
"Cyborg?"
"Oh my god! Bar-"
There was a crashing sound as Mia is thrown into the wall.
"What the hell? Slade?"
Oh no...Bart was there, Tim thought
"Jesus, kid. That's the second time you've fallen for that. Are you a retard?"
There is the sound of Slade picking up Mia and Bart and walking off with them. There is silence for a few minutes, then a massive BOOM! signifying the Tower being blown up. Then the recording ended.

"Deathstroke did it...and he's got Bart and Mia...this gives a new definition to the phrase 'Bad News'," he muttered. He fished in his utility belt and pulled out his Titan's communicatior.
"Calling all Titans, calling all Titans. Get to the Tower ASAP. Code 11, I repeat Code 11. Be on your guard, Slade has already got Mia and Bart, and Cyborg is down. I repeat Cyborg is down," he called into the communicator. He didn't want to panic anyone, but he needed help right now.

[Keyser Soze]

Luthor, Captain Nazi, and those two goons Croc and Grundy march into a boom tube. I look at Joker.

"I already know what I'm going to do. The Titans, everyone one who is or every was a member will suffer."

Joker starts to cackle and it sends a small shiver down my spine.

"And they call me crazy. HAHAHAHA!"

Joker tosses me a small device, it's one of those boom tube operators.

"Beats the hell out of using a jet."

I punch a button and a boom tube opens up in the swamp.

"I'll keep in touch. But you'll know when I make my move, rest assured you'll hear about it."

I walk into the tube and it closes up behind me. I smile as I walk out of the tube from the other side and come down on a rooftop.

"Let the hunt begin."

"I think that's the cue for us all to go our seperate ways, for now."

The Joker looked around at the remaining members of the group.

"Two-Face, say hello to Prometheus. Be nice to him, you'll be using his firepower to cement your strangehold on Gotham City's entire criminal underworld. Croc, you go with them. Spread the love, gents!"

The Joker turns his attention back to Luthor and Captain Nazi.

"As for me, I'll be waiting to see how our little experiment turns out..."

[Harlekin]

Krieger simply grunts as he takes his position in one of the pods.

First, there is nothing.

Then Luthor starts the machine, and it starts.

He can feel it.

Every hair on his body stands up.

Every cell is active.

In motion.

Then the power starts to surge through him.

Whatever magic there was left has been reactivated by this… science.

Albrecht Krieger smiles.

The source is different, but the power’s the same.

Then the machine starts to whir, and for a moment, Krieger fears this may be the end.

But his power remains.

He smiles.

The machine explodes, the pods breaking apart, pieces sent hurtling into the swamp.

The dust clears.

He is back.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9312/classicgn0.jpg

Captain Nazi.

[Saved]

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii130/alexgprb/rob.gif

Tim stepped out of the shower, listening to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers blaring out on the speakers. As he dried himself off he could vaguely hear a high pitched beeping over the top of the music. Walking into his bedroom, Tim saw a flashing red light on his desk, his built in Titan's communicator. He hurried over and checked the desk, pulling back the top to reveal a computer console. There was a flashing warning symbol, saying the alarm at the Titan's Tower has been trippedd, but promptly shut off. Now there were no readings coming from the Tower at all.

He turned around and switched on the TV, already tuned to the news channel. Even the news anchor looked shocked at the breaking news.

"Reports are coming in that the Titan's Tower in San Franscico has been destroyed. There have been no casualty reports as of yet, and fire crews are rushing to the scene-" the woman said, before Tim turned the TV off. He turned to the bookcase, and triggered the mechanism, revealing his Robin uniform. He pulled it on quickly and gathered all the gadgets he had hidden around the apartment. He burst out of the apartment, starting to gain speed as he realised the enormity of the situation.

Vic and Mia were probably there when it blew. Bart would be ok, he would be with Kara. What about Cassie? What about Connor? They would probably be out celebrating his return. What about Rose? Was she even staying with the Titans? His heart wrenched as he came to the bottom of the stairs. This couldn't be happening, he thought. He sprinted to the small garage that was leased with the apartment and unvieled a small red motorbike. As he jumped on, he remembered this time a few days ago, when he had been pulling himself up from the bed at Leslie's. His wounds from the encounter with Todd and Deathstroke still ached. He had still been limping around yesterday. A wave of doubt flowed over him; what if he wasn't able to help? Then an image of Mia, burning in the Tower flashed into his head. He started the motorbike and started his way to San Franscico.

Later

Tim sped towards the wreckage of Titan's Tower, the fire crews already there, desperately trying to put out the flames. He jumped off the bike, and ran over the nearest engine, engaging the nearest fireman.

"What the hell happened?" Tim growled. The fireman raised an eyebrow.
"Is that any way to talk to you elders, sonny?" he asked. Tim grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the fire engine.
"NOT in the mood," he shouted "Are there any survivors?"
"Over there," the man gasped, pointing towards the area where three men were trying to pull Cyborg out of the flames. Tim's eyes widened, and ran over to them. The firefighters had managed to pull him from the crumbling building, and left him to help their team mates fight the fire.

Cyborg was badly burnt, his flesh burnt and blistered and his cyberntic parts scorched. Tim knelt down next to him.

"Cyborg? Cy? Wake up! Vic, get up!" he shouted. He ran over to his motorbike, and pulled a laptop out of one of the satchels. Approaching Cyborg, he plugged a USB lead into the back of his neck. On his laptop, he clicked "Run System Diagnostic". It seemed that his lifesupport had been shut down by a foreign body. He clicked "Run VirusScan". A virus had been downloaded into him, but it couldn't find the time. Tim went to Vic's memory drive, praying it hadn't been affected by the virus. It wasn't, it was still intact. Tim opened the file for the last ten minutes of audio recording:

"Mia, Bart. I've got to go to Opal City and help Starman with some stuff. Cyborg out."
There was a loud clanking sound as Cyborg walked along the corridor, so loud that Tim couldn't hear anything else.
"Don't move."
"Slade..."
"I said don't move!"
"Was that suppose to hurt?"
"Not really. The real surprise comes in ten seconds, when the computer virus that was inside that USB drive hits your life support systems and you start to crash. In 3, 2...and..."
There was an almighty crash, which Tim guessed was Vic falling to the floor. But the audio recording kept on going.
"Cyborg?"
"Oh my god! Bar-"
There was a crashing sound as Mia is thrown into the wall.
"What the hell? Slade?"
Oh no...Bart was there, Tim thought
"Jesus, kid. That's the second time you've fallen for that. Are you a retard?"
There is the sound of Slade picking up Mia and Bart and walking off with them. There is silence for a few minutes, then a massive BOOM! signifying the Tower being blown up. Then the recording ended.

"Deathstroke did it...and he's got Bart and Mia...this gives a new definition to the phrase 'Bad News'," he muttered. He fished in his utility belt and pulled out his Titan's communicatior.
"Calling all Titans, calling all Titans. Get to the Tower ASAP. Code 11, I repeat Code 11. Be on your guard, Slade has already got Mia and Bart, and Cyborg is down. I repeat Cyborg is down," he called into the communicator. He didn't want to panic anyone, but he needed help right now.http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Edge_027/Ravager.png

Rose approches Tim, walking up to him slowly. Dressed in her Ravager suit, her blades mounted securely on her back, the costume she wears is one of the worst images for Robin to witness at the moment.

Rose continues to stare at the burning tower, still in awe of its destruction. As she nears the young hero, she looks down and noticed the broken and charred remains of Cyborg.

"Cyborg?" She whispers in a surprised tone. "Mind filling me in, boy wonder?"

[Supergirl]

Kara hears her communicator beep and taps the button on her belt.

"Kara?"
"Bart?"
"Help."

Before she even thought to turn off the communicator she was in the air. As she started flying towards the Tower, she heard it click off from the other end. She could swear she heard Slade's voice momentarily in the background. There was a sonic boom that rippled behind her, and within seconds she was hovering over San Francisco. The Tower was in ruins, fire crews working desperately to get the blaze under control. She scanned the wreckage for life, but didn't see any. Then she used infrared to try and discern clues in the area. There was residue inside the burning Tower that she had seen before. A boom tube.

Oh Rao. Who gave Slade a damned boom tube?

She rocketed upward, not hearing the voices calling after her. Suddenly she was in space and scanning the whole planet for boom tube traces. They were all over today. Gotham... Metropolis... San Fran... Keystone.
Thats it. Gotta be. I'll check the other ones out later.

She plummeted downward towards the warehouse she saw the boom tube residue in and crashed through the roof at mach ten.

[Catman_prb]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Edge_027/Ravager.png

Rose approches Tim, walking up to him slowly. Dressed in her Ravager suit, her blades mounted securely on her back, the costume she wears is one of the worst images for Robin to witness at the moment.

Rose continues to stare at the burning tower, still in awe of its destruction. As she nears the young hero, she looks down and noticed the broken and charred remains of Cyborg.

"Cyborg?" She whispers in a surprised tone. "Mind filling me in, boy wonder?"
Tim looks up at her and blinks slowly. For a second he thought it was Deathstroke, but he realized that Slade would not be returning to the scene of the crime for a while yet.

"Your fa-...Deathstroke. He infiltrated the Tower, I don't know how yet. Cyborg was leaving to go to Opal City. He almost got out, but Slade downloaded a virus into him via his USB drive. He said it would shut down Vic's life-support systems, and it did. But the audio recording kept working. Deathstroke knocked out Mia and I think he shot Bart with a tranquilizer...like last time. Then he dragged them out of the Tower, and blew it up. That's when his memory shut off. I don't think I can bring Vic back from this...who knows, maybe," Tim said, his eyes fixed on Cyborg "But I'll tell you one thing. If Deathstroke has Bart, he'll have Kara within minutes,"

[Saved]

Tim looks up at her and blinks slowly. For a second he thought it was Deathstroke, but he realized that Slade would not be returning to the scene of the crime for a while yet.

"Your fa-...Deathstroke. He infiltrated the Tower, I don't know how yet. Cyborg was leaving to go to Opal City. He almost got out, but Slade downloaded a virus into him via his USB drive. He said it would shut down Vic's life-support systems, and it did. But the audio recording kept working. Deathstroke knocked out Mia and I think he shot Bart with a tranquilizer...like last time. Then he dragged them out of the Tower, and blew it up. That's when his memory shut off. I don't think I can bring Vic back from this...who knows, maybe," Tim said, his eyes fixed on Cyborg "But I'll tell you one thing. If Deathstroke has Bart, he'll have Kara within minutes,"
"Damn..." she whispers. Rose falls silent for a moment as she thinks on her past, her relationship with her father. She remembers how he left her for so many years, only to suddenly return into her life to mold her into another copy of himself. Rose's hand tightens into a fist, and she looks down at the ground, staring into nothingness. After a few minutes, she looks up, and stares back at Tim. "If he took Bart, that means he wants Kara to come to him. My father's not stupid. Where's everyone else?"

[Catman_prb]

"Damn..." she whispers. Rose falls silent for a moment as she thinks on her past, her relationship with her father. She remembers how he left her for so many years, only to suddenly return into her life to mold her into another copy of himself. Rose's hand tightens into a fist, and she looks down at the ground, staring into nothingness. After a few minutes, she looks up, and stares back at Tim. "If he took Bart, that means he wants Kara to come to him. My father's not stupid. Where's everyone else?"
"I would bet money that Cassie and Connor are on a date," Tim whispered. He felt tears forming underneath his mask, but forced them back. Now was not the time. As he crouched next to Vic on the scorched earth, he noticed that his organic eye was still wide open. Tim reached out with his gloved hand and closed it. He stood up.

"If it's a fight that Deathstroke wants, it's a fight he's going to get. My stomach still aches from last time we met," Tim growled. Rose raised her eyebrow.
"He and an ex-Robin captured and tortured me. I was going to die, until Nightwing saved me. They tied me to a pole and beat me, then tried to blow me up," he croaked, his eyes downcast "But I bet it's nothing compared to what's happening to Bart and Mia..."

[Saved]

"I would bet money that Cassie and Connor are on a date," Tim whispered. He felt tears forming underneath his mask, but forced them back. Now was not the time. As he crouched next to Vic on the scorched earth, he noticed that his organic eye was still wide open. Tim reached out with his gloved hand and closed it. He stood up.

"If it's a fight that Deathstroke wants, it's a fight he's going to get. My stomach still aches from last time we met," Tim growled. Rose raised her eyebrow.
"He and an ex-Robin captured and tortured me. I was going to die, until Nightwing saved me. They tied me to a pole and beat me, then tried to blow me up," he croaked, his eyes downcast "But I bet it's nothing compared to what's happening to Bart and Mia..."
As Rose keeps her eyes on Tim, she notices his disposition. His current mood reflects emense emotion, sadness and mourning for his fallen friends. Rose has only known the Titans as he enemies for years, which can account for her apathetic feelings toward their current situation. But, surprisingly, Rose feels some kind of sadness in her soul. A sense of compassion. She walks closer to Robin, and puts her hand on Robin's shoulder.

"They'll be okay, Robin." She says in a soft voice. "Deathstroke has done many unspeakable things...to the titans...to you" she pauses, her voice fading to a whisper. "To me." Rose rubs Tim's shoulder, her mind drifting back into her memories. Rose quickly becomes enveloped in anger and rage, her hatred for her father growing. Slade was her only living family, and she would rather have him dead then alive. Trying to hide her emotions, she takes a deep breath and calms herself down. "We'll need a plan. And considering your lineage, I think you're probably best at making one."

[MST3K 4ever]

Krieger simply grunts as he takes his position in one of the pods.

First, there is nothing.

Then Luthor starts the machine, and it starts.

He can feel it.

Every hair on his body stands up.

Every cell is active.

In motion.

Then the power starts to surge through him.

Whatever magic there was left has been reactivated by this… science.

Albrecht Krieger smiles.

The source is different, but the power’s the same.

Then the machine starts to whir, and for a moment, Krieger fears this may be the end.

But his power remains.

He smiles.

The machine explodes, the pods breaking apart, pieces sent hurtling into the swamp.

The dust clears.

He is back.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9312/classicgn0.jpg

Captain Nazi.

Luthor shields his eyes from the exploding pods and sees Krieger smiling.

He says, "Judging from your expression I think it is safe to say that our experiment has worked. Also considering that either your powers would be restored or your atoms would be crushed into nothingness."

Lex looks at the Joker and says, "Pity though I did like using those pods I seroiusly doubt I can get the insurance company to reimburse me for their loss. However Lex-Corp does have a couple extra that I might be able to get my hands on for future use."

Lex bows his head to Krieger and says, "Welcome back Captain Nazi."

[Catman_prb]

As Rose keeps her eyes on Tim, she notices his disposition. His current mood reflects emense emotion, sadness and mourning for his fallen friends. Rose has only known the Titans as he enemies for years, which can account for her apathetic feelings toward their current situation. But, surprisingly, Rose feels some kind of sadness in her soul. A sense of compassion. She walks closer to Robin, and puts her hand on Robin's shoulder.

"They'll be okay, Robin." She says in a soft voice. "Deathstroke has done many unspeakable things...to the titans...to you" she pauses, her voice fading to a whisper. "To me." Rose rubs Tim's shoulder, her mind drifting back into her memories. Rose quickly becomes enveloped in anger and rage, her hatred for her father growing. Slade was her only living family, and she would rather have him dead then alive. Trying to hide her emotions, she takes a deep breath and calms herself down. "We'll need a plan. And considering your lineage, I think you're probably best at making one."
"Lineage? He's not my father," Tim says. He takes a final look at Cyborg, before turning around and walks towards the motorbike, with Rose behind him. He leans on it for support, breathing hard.
"Just give me a second to think," he grunts. As he stands there he can hear his thought process, in the voice of Bruce.
Who do you need to take out Slade?
The powerhouses.
List them Tim.
Kara Zor-El - Active
Bart Allen - Incapacitated
Cassie Sandsmark - Active
Kon-El - Active
Kara is a liability. Do not base the plan on her.
Okay, we use Kon to find out where they are keeping Bart and Mia. We hit Slade like we hit HIVE. Me and Rose first, as a distraction; and then Kon and Cass bringing up the rear.
Have faith Tim. They need you.

He pulled his Titan's communicator out of his utility belt. His gaze lingered on the initials VS, before looking at SG. He pressed it, and there was no response, only static. She either didn't want to answer, or wasn't able to. He hopped onto his motorbike and looked at Rose.

"Going my way?" he said, then smiled at the look of repulsion on her face "Sorry, couldn't resist,"

[Byrd Man]

Kara hears her communicator beep and taps the button on her belt.

"Kara?"
"Bart?"
"Help."

Before she even thought to turn off the communicator she was in the air. As she started flying towards the Tower, she heard it click off from the other end. She could swear she heard Slade's voice momentarily in the background. There was a sonic boom that rippled behind her, and within seconds she was hovering over San Francisco. The Tower was in ruins, fire crews working desperately to get the blaze under control. She scanned the wreckage for life, but didn't see any. Then she used infrared to try and discern clues in the area. There was residue inside the burning Tower that she had seen before. A boom tube.

Oh Rao. Who gave Slade a damned boom tube?

She rocketed upward, not hearing the voices calling after her. Suddenly she was in space and scanning the whole planet for boom tube traces. They were all over today. Gotham... Metropolis... San Fran... Keystone.
Thats it. Gotta be. I'll check the other ones out later.

She plummeted downward towards the warehouse she saw the boom tube residue in and crashed through the roof at mach ten.

It only takes thirty seconds for Supergirl to crash our party.

"Hit her."

Light sends a bright ray of light into he eyes to blind her. I grab the small lead-line box on my side and open it up. The box contains a pair of brass kunckles, but these brass kunckles are bright green. I slip the kunckles on and rush her while she's blinded. I land a hard shot square in the face and break her nose.

"That must have been weird. You, break something?"

I crack my neck as she stands to face me.

"Welcome to my world, *****."

[Eddie Brock]

Cassie's lasso hangs loosely around Match. We have been fighting for near thirty minutes by now, and our opponent has been severely weakened by our efforts.

"One more time," I nod. Cassie nods back in understanding. She pulls on the lasso and runs electricity through it. Match winces in pain as the electricity flows through his body. When Cassie relents, Match slumps over.

Walking over slowly, I deliver a final crushing hook to Match's jaw. He collapses on the ground, and the surrounding crowd applauds our victory. Better luck next time, I think.

Suddenly, the Titans communicators for myself and Cassie ring out.

"What now?"

Not answering her question, I focus on the direction of the Tower. Blocking out all other noise, I listen closely.

"What do you hear?" Cassie asks when she understands what I'm doing.

"Fire," I reply grimly. "Let's go."

And without warning, I grab Cassie's hand and we take off for the Tower at near Mach 1 speeds.

[Byrd Man]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/Nightwing-1.jpg



http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Nightwing/nightwing_2.jpg

I can't help but grin as I swing through the New York night. God it feels good to be back.

It was close to one A.M. before I could suit up and sneak out. I guess that's one of the down sides with trying to hide your secret life as a costumed avenger from your co-worker who's staying with you.

I land on a ledge and my thoughts turn to Michelle. We've been working together for close to four months now and she's my best friend in New York. She's funny, kind, beautiful...

"Whoa, Grayson. Cool your jets. We're not in the market for a girlfriend. Especially not a fellow officer. Now quit talking to yourself and get back to work."

I take my own advice and grab onto my grapnel line. I can hear heavy gunfire off in the distance. Sounds like .45 rounds, but it's a fully automatic gun.

"Oh god."

I swing into the air and whisper a quick prayer. It can't be him.

I land on a fire escape and look down at the scene with my jaw hanging open. Four or five well dressed men lay on the street with bullet holes all over their body, but it's the hitman that I'm interested in. He moves gracefully and fires at the other men. He glances up and sees me.

"Well, look who it is."

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb232/byrdRPG/Torque47.jpg


"Ya look like ya seen a ghost, Lad. Like you've had your whole world turned around."



What can I say about the man that's firing a machine gun at me?

He used to be Inspector Dudley Soames, the dirtiest cop in 'Haven, and that's really saying something. He was pulling double duty as the most decorated officer and consigliere to Blockbuster's criminal empire. Blockbuster got tired of him and did a 180 with his neck. Funny thing is, he didn't die. He now walks around with his head on backwards and calls himself Torque. It's a miracle he's even alive, let alone have this kind of coordination. Isn't modern medicine wonderful? He even uses mirrored sun glasses so he can see backwards...err, forwards. I guess.

"Funny to see ya here, lad."

I run up the side of an alleyway wall and barely avoid the .45 bullets whizzing at my head.

"I can say the same thing about you, Soames. You never crawl out of The 'Haven."

He goes to reload his tommy gun barrels, I take the opportunity to land a blow on the "back" of his head with one of my escrima sticks. He stumbles back, or is it forward?, and the gun drops from his hands.

"Eh, Blüdhaven is so last year. As much as I hate Blockbuster, he has the town in his iron grip. I want to get some money and some power, so I come to the big rotten apple."

I deliver a roundhouse kick right into his face, Torque falls backwards, forwards, whatever. Either way, he lands so his face is on the ground. I kick him hard in the ribs to make sure he stays down. I hear sirens off in the distance. Heh, chances are those cops are from my own precinct.

"The cops are coming, you'd do well to stay down, Soames."

I shoot a grapnel line into the air and swing off. I shake my head as I land on a rootop. Bruce gets schitzo attorneys and killer clowns and what do I get? A walking Pez dispenser.

Deet! Deet! Deet!

My old Titans communicator goes off. I pull it out and look at the screen.

Code 11

Oh no. I press another button on it and Roy's voice comes out through the speaker.

"I was wondering if you were going to call."

"You got it too?"

"Yeah, I'm about to leave my place right now. I've got a sitter coming over to watch Lian."

"How are you getting there?"

"I got an old jet from back in the day, only seats about four people. Need a ride?"

"Sure."

"Just give me your 40 and I'll be there ASAP."


It takes about twenty minutes for Roy's small jet to find me, it hovers in the air and he lets down a rope. I pull myself up and slide in the passenger seat.

"What do you think it is?"

"I don't know. I remember the old codes. Code 11 is always the worst case sceneario. I'll try to contact Tim."

"Think he'll accept our help?"

I shrug my shoulders as Roy punches the accelerator and we start to speed out of New York.

"Tim's proud sometimes, but I think he'll understand. Once a Titan, always a Titan."

I find Tim's channel and press the talk button.

"Come in, Robin. It's Nightwing, Arsenal and I got your distress signal on our Titans communicator. What's going on?"

[Catman_prb]

"Tim's proud sometimes, but I think he'll understand. Once a Titan, always a Titan."

I find Tim's channel and press the talk button.

"Come in, Robin. It's Nightwing, Arsenal and I got your distress signal on our Titans communicator. What's going on?"
Tim was suprised to hear Dick's voice, but welcomed it.

"Deathstroke turned up at the Tower. He's killed Cyborg, and he's kidnapped Speedy and Kid Flash. He's blown the Tower up. I would also bet money that he's got Supergirl by now. Connor and Cassie should be heading to the Tower now. Are you going to be picking anyone else up?" Tim said, a hint of pleading in his voice. He was only positive that there was him and Rose at the moment. For al lhe knew, Connor and Cassie could be dead by now. He couldn't be alone for this.

[Supergirl]

It only takes thirty seconds for Supergirl to crash our party.

"Hit her."

Light sends a bright ray of light into he eyes to blind her. I grab the small lead-line box on my side and open it up. The box contains a pair of brass kunckles, but these brass kunckles are bright green. I slip the kunckles on and rush her while she's blinded. I land a hard shot square in the face and break her nose.

"That must have been weird. You, break something?"

I crack my neck as she stands to face me.

"Welcome to my world, *****."



STUPID! ROOKIE MISTAKE. Think.

Kara was seeing white spots in front of her as her newly broken nose throbbed in pain. She could see the green sparkle of the Kryptonite, and it was close enough that it was making her sick. She backed up, and glanced around. She saw Bart hanging nearby, in a pained daze. If she could only grab him, she could get them both to safety and come back for Mia.

No, I can't do that. But there IS something I can do.

With superspeed she touched the button labeled ALL on her belt communicator.

"Why Keystone, Slade? Why not Gotham, or Metropolis? You made your hand obvious."

Before Slade could react, she focused heat vision on his left hand, melting the brass to his fingers. He grunted in pain. The radiation was taking its toll on Kara, and she couldn't move fast enough to avoid his oncoming charge.

[Byrd Man]

STUPID! ROOKIE MISTAKE. Think.

Kara was seeing white spots in front of her as her newly broken nose throbbed in pain. She could see the green sparkle of the Kryptonite, and it was close enough that it was making her sick. She backed up, and glanced around. She saw Bart hanging nearby, in a pained daze. If she could only grab him, she could get them both to safety and come back for Mia.

No, I can't do that. But there IS something I can do.

With superspeed she touched the button labeled ALL on her belt communicator.

"Why Keystone, Slade? Why not Gotham, or Metropolis? You made your hand obvious."

Before Slade could react, she focused heat vision on his left hand, melting the brass to his fingers. He grunted in pain. The radiation was taking its toll on Kara, and she couldn't move fast enough to avoid his oncoming charge.

I hit Supergirl dead in her stomach with the chunk of kryptonite, the breath flys out of her lungs and I slap her with the back of my hand. She falls to the ground and spits up a little bit of blood.

"Why Keystone? It's so poetic. This is the Flash's town, it's a place that holds superheroes up in the higest esteem. Even going as far as to make statues of their heroes, only boosting their egos and making them believe they're gods."

I squat down to Supergirl and grab her hard by her long, blond hair.

"This is the perfect place to show people what happens when you fly too close to the sun."

I slam her head into the concrete floor. I hold the chuck of kyptonite close to her head as I continue to pound her head into the hard floor.

[Byrd Man]

Damn my computer....

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Too long."

"Guess I'm just going to have to train that much harder, won't I? Hope I'm not too much out of shape. Otherwise I'm in for quite a work out."

Jason thinks more about the fact that Bruce claims he has been gone away for too long...but he still never answered his question of how long. If Bruce followed the Joker back to Gotham, and they had their final battle...how much time could've really have passed? So many people he hasn't seen in so long then.

"Hmmm...guess I kinda made Alfred's job easier, sitting here and resting up. What, with not having to clean up all my messes in my room, or making my breakfast, or helping me study...Is Alfie waiting on the street corner in the Rolls Royce? Can...can you get him, please? I haven't seen him in...so long."


"He's...with Leslie. 'Helping' her at the clinic. You know them. He's...been with you for a while."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"He's...with Leslie. 'Helping' her at the clinic. You know them. He's...been with you for a while."

"...He's mad at me. Isn't he? Because I left. Because I left without telling anyone I was going to look for my Mom on my own. That's why he isn't here, I know it. You don't have to cover up for him, Bruce...I understand."

Jason looks up at the ceiling. For a while, he just looks as he did earlier before.

"Everyone is mad at me, aren't they? Alfie, Dickie, Babs...even you. All because I left."

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"He's...with Leslie. 'Helping' her at the clinic. You know them. He's...been with you for a while."

"...He's mad at me. Isn't he? Because I left. Because I left without telling anyone I was going to look for my Mom on my own. That's why he isn't here, I know it. You don't have to cover up for him, Bruce...I understand."

Jason looks up at the ceiling. For a while, he just looks as he did earlier before.

"Everyone is mad at me, aren't they? Alfie, Dickie, Babs...even you. All because I left."


"...I'll admit it wasn't the smartest thing you ever did, but...I understand why you did it. Same with everyone else. We...understand."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"...I'll admit it wasn't the smartest thing you ever did, but...I understand why you did it. Same with everyone else. We...understand."

Jason yawns, and he starts to close his eyes and tries to comfortably lay his head on the side of the pillow.

"...I had a feeling you might understand. I mean, I did find her after all. Say, Bruce? Could you get her for me? I--I wanna see her before I get knocked out. I'm so...so sleepy..."

Jason's eyes shut.

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"...I'll admit it wasn't the smartest thing you ever did, but...I understand why you did it. Same with everyone else. We...understand."

Jason yawns, and he starts to close his eyes and tries to comfortably lay his head on the side of the pillow.

"...I had a feeling you might understand. I mean, I did find her after all. Say, Bruce? Could you get her for me? I--I wanna see her before I get knocked out. I'm so...so sleepy..."

Jason's eyes shut.


Eyes closing. That's what he did before...

I softly shake his shoulder. "Jason...Jason, wake up..."

Please don't let it happen again...

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Jason...Jason, wake up..."

As Bruce whispers to Jason and shakes him softly, Jason's eyes start to slowly open.

"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!

Jason's smiles as he opens his eyes, only to see Bruce there. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

[Supergirl]

I hit Supergirl dead in her stomach with the chunk of kryptonite, the breath flys out of her lungs and I slap her with the back of my hand. She falls to the ground and spits up a little bit of blood.

"Why Keystone? It's so poetic. This is the Flash's town, it's a place that holds superheroes up in the higest esteem. Even going as far as to make statues of their heroes, only boosting their egos and making them believe they're gods."

I squat down to Supergirl and grab her hard by her long, blond hair.

"This is the perfect place to show people what happens when you fly too close to the sun."

I slam her head into the concrete floor. I hold the chuck of kyptonite close to her head as I continue to pound her head into the hard floor.

The pain was intense. Worse than anything she'd ever imagined. She felt bones shatter, and she could feel her own brain hemoraging in her head. Focusing, she summoned up all of her remaining power and threw Slade off of her.

"OFF SLADE!"

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/SupergirlKara/Headband%20Uniform/Peeved.jpg?t=1203747588

She turned to Bart, now awake, coherrent and wide eyed in fear. He'd have never believed that he would ever see Kara this badly beaten.

"Just remember... No matter what happens... I'll always love you. Always. But now... Slade gets his."

Kara flew right at Slade, she heard ribs snap under her fists. She swung her right hand, brutally connecting with Deathstroke's jaw. She could tell it had broken even under his full face mask. Now that she was close to the deadly rock again though, her punches were losing strength. She'd have to finish him off before he could do the same to her.

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"Jason...Jason, wake up..."


As Bruce whispers to Jason and shakes him softly, Jason's eyes start to slowly open.

"Bru...Bruce? Bruce!"


Jason's smiles as he opens his eyes, only to see Bruce there. Jason chuckles.

"Am I glad to see you. I knew you'd come, though. I woke up here, my costume missing and...my mask! I couldn't tell what was going on. So I did what you told me to do. Exactly what you told me to do should something like this happened. I had them call the house. And? Here you are!"

Jason lays this, and rests his head back as he sighs in relief. And then, something hits him, something that causes his head to jerk back as his eyes go wide and his face looks concerned.

"So...did we get him? I mean, you of course. Did you stop him? I must've gotten knocked out I imagine. But you got there in time, didn't you? You saved me, just like I knew you would. So, did we get him? The Joker?"

No. No. No no no. Not again--can't lose him again--

I grab him by the shoulders and I look directly into his eyes. I start talking and I can't stop.

"Jason--listen to me. Listen to me. I need you to remember what I'm about to tell you. I need you to try--as hard as you can--do remember this, okay?"

I barely see him nod but I continue anyway.

"I need you to remember that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't get there in time. I'm sorry I couldn't save your mother. I'm sorry I...couldn't stop you from dying.

"I'm sorry I didn't train you well enough. I'm sorry I didn't stop you from looking for your mother. I'm sorry that I let you be Robin because I was angry at Dick. I'm sorry we even met in the first place--you didn't deserve to die the way you did."

He looks at me, confused, but I can't stop. I hear a breaking voice in the room and I realize it's my own.

"And I don't know what happened to you, Jason. I don't know how you came back, but I'm sorry I didn't find you. Sorry I didn't notice you gone from your grave. I'm sorry I didn't help you...I'm sorry you turned into...that Red Hood. You, Tim...it haunts me and I blame myself for it."

My breathing is too fast. Feel like I'm hyperventallating. Too damn hot in here--can't stop talking.

"I'm sorry you died. I'm sorry you came back. I'm sorry I couldn't save you from the blast. Sorry you turned into...this."

My head lowers, I can't look at him anymore.

"I'm sorry...that it was you who died...instead of me."

[trustyside-kick]

Jason Todd- 'Deja Vu'
------------------------
"I'm sorry...that it was you who died...instead of me."

There is a loud knock on the door. Bruce's head jolts towards the direction of the knocking. Jason's eyes remain on Bruce, confused with what he has just said to him: all of it. Bruce's eyes meet with Jason's again.

"Bruce? What do you mean I--"

"Mr. Wayne? This is Dr. Larsen. If you do not open the door immediately, we will be forced to knock the door down! Mr. Wayne? That's it. Do it, boys!"

The door swings wide open as several of the hospital attendants knock it open, breaking the door off the hinge. Immediately two of them grab Bruce by the arms, locking their arms around his to restrain him. Dr. Larsen along with two other attendants walk over to Jason's hospital bed.

"What, what are you doing? STOP! Stop. I can get him help. Listen to me. I'll watch over him. I'll get him the help he needs to--"

"Simply out of the question, I'm afraid Mr.Wayne. Out of the question. You can visit him at--"

"No no no. Listen to me. I have people who can deal with this. People who can help him."

"Bruce? What's going on? Bruce?"

"The test results have just come back, Mr. Wayne. I'm afraid it is worse than we thought. We...we cannot treat him. Not here. He will be re-stationed at another facility more attune at dealing and helping one cope with such...a problem as this."

"Problem? What problem? Bruce!"

"Jason!"

"NO! Don't...don't let them do this! NO! I wanna stay here! NOOO!!"

The two attendants start to undo Jason's straps, and as soon as Jason tries to get up, they quickly grab him. Jason struggles to move free, whiplashing at them, but they have too good of a hold on him.

"I'm so sorry, son. It is for the best."

"BRUCE! STOP THIS! PLEASE!"

The doctor signals the attendants to follow him out the door. As they go through the hallway, Jason's screams as he pleas for Bruce's help echo.

"BRUCE!"

"JASON!"

"BRUCE! I DON'T WANT TO GO! BRUCE!"

"JASON!"

Bruce manages to headbutt one of the attendants, and starts to make a run for the elevator. He sees Jason with the doctor and two attendants getting on the elevator as he makes it halfway. One of the attendants from behind shout.

"Stop that man! Don't let him get on that elevator!"

"JASON!"

The elevator doors start to shut, and Bruce is tackled from the side from another attendant. After knocking him down, several other attendants come to help him keep a tight hold on Bruce.

"JASON! JASON! JASON!"

The elevator door shuts, and it travels its way down the lobby. As the elevator descends, the shouts of a screaming man on the 6th floor, are forever turbulent and resonant in the hospital walls.

[Keyser Soze]

Luthor shields his eyes from the exploding pods and sees Krieger smiling.

He says, "Judging from your expression I think it is safe to say that our experiment has worked. Also considering that either your powers would be restored or your atoms would be crushed into nothingness."

Lex looks at the Joker and says, "Pity though I did like using those pods I seroiusly doubt I can get the insurance company to reimburse me for their loss. However Lex-Corp does have a couple extra that I might be able to get my hands on for future use."

Lex bows his head to Krieger and says, "Welcome back Captain Nazi."

"Welcome back indeed. Our alliance grows stronger..."

The Joker is cut off by the sound of a phone ringing.

"Oh, excuse me..."

He takes out a Banana Phone, holds it against his ear.

"Nope, not that one..."

He takes out another phone. This one is ringing. He answers.

"Cornette speaking...Yes....I see...I'll be there right away."

The Joker ends the call, and looks up at his partner in crime.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to love you and leave you, gentlemen. You'll be hearing from me soon. But for now, I have business to attend to. You see... Jim Gordon's just woke up."

[SenseiofCheese]

Zatara

I'm Zachary Zatara, and I've been given the gift of magic. I use it to score money and chicks.

I'm Zachary Zatara, and a month back I sold my soul to the devil.

I'm Zachary Zatara, and I guess you could say I'm the black sheep of the family.

I should probably explain. A month ago, my best friend Danny, who you probably now better by the name Blue Devil, got taken to hell. See, when he was young he'd sold his soul to Neron (That's the devil) for some power. He got the power, just like he asked. But he also got blue skin and horns, which was pretty lame.
But like I was saying, he got whisked off down below. Seems Neron wanted to collect. Like the hero I am, I go after him and bravely offer up my own soul in exchange for Danny's freedom. Pretty heroic of me, right?

Yeah, I thought so too. Danny didn't.

"No! If you keep thinking you won't be able to do it, you never will! Now, try again and this time, know you'll do it!" Danny shouts.

See, this is why I never went to school. It sucks.
Ever since we came back, after a couple of weeks of scolding me for being so brash and never thinking things through, Danny thought it best to take it upon himself to train me for what lies ahead. Train, you say? The greatest teenage magician in the world? Surely you jest.

I take a deep breath and stare straight at the chicken clucking innocently in front of me. I raise my hand, hold my breath and exclaim "!God ot hprom"

My heart begins thumping like crazy as the chicken freezes. It stares right at me, and by now I can hear something happening. It begins making a strange clucking sound, lowering it's body to the floor as it's head shifts from side to side. I look over to Danny, whose eyes are fixed on the fowl.
Finally, I did it. The chicken's gonna morph. I know it.

All of a sudden, with all the wonder of magic, the chicken.....

...lays an egg.

The white oval clanks onto the floor as the chicken raises it's body again and clucks. I swear, it's mocking me.

Sighing and rubbing his temple, Danny pats me on the shoulder. "That's enough for one day, Zee. Go home and get some rest."

"Come one, Blue, let's keep going. I can do it this time, I know I can."

"Zee, this isn't something you can just power through. Making your spells work on living things is the most challenging aspect of magic. I mean, just look at Zatanna. It took her a year to get it right!"

I smile and sigh. "Alright, D. Same time tomorrow?"

"You bet. And Zee...if you tell Zatanna what I told you, I will personally send you down."

[Byrd Man]

The pain was intense. Worse than anything she'd ever imagined. She felt bones shatter, and she could feel her own brain hemoraging in her head. Focusing, she summoned up all of her remaining power and threw Slade off of her.

"OFF SLADE!"

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/SupergirlKara/Headband%20Uniform/Peeved.jpg?t=1203747588

She turned to Bart, now awake, coherrent and wide eyed in fear. He'd have never believed that he would ever see Kara this badly beaten.

"Just remember... No matter what happens... I'll always love you. Always. But now... Slade gets his."

Kara flew right at Slade, she heard ribs snap under her fists. She swung her right hand, brutally connecting with Deathstroke's jaw. She could tell it had broken even under his full face mask. Now that she was close to the deadly rock again though, her punches were losing strength. She'd have to finish him off before he could do the same to her.

"Hehehe."

With Supergirl's strength fading, I grab her fist and twist her wrist until it makes a sick pop. Her hand is cocked sideways and her wrist is definatley broken. Even though my jaw is broken and it hurts like hell to even talk, I laugh.

"Hehe, 'I'll always love you'? You know, I had heard rumors that Kid Flash and Supergirl were dating, but I had no idea."

My eyes lock in on Supergirl's left hand, the one I didn't break, and the ring on her finger.

"You have to be ****ting me, you two are engaged? Oh, well this is going to make this so much better."

I hit Supergirl dead in the forehead with my kryptonite knuckles. She flys off her feet and lands on the floor hard.

"I hate to do this to you two love birds."

The kryptonite has weakned her skin enough, now it's time to strike. I reach behind my back and pull out my broadsword. I loom over Supergirl with my sword pressed right on her throat, I press the sword tight, blood starts to run down her throat as the sword cuts into her.

"Looks like the wedding's off."

[Byrd Man]

Tim was suprised to hear Dick's voice, but welcomed it.

"Deathstroke turned up at the Tower. He's killed Cyborg, and he's kidnapped Speedy and Kid Flash. He's blown the Tower up. I would also bet money that he's got Supergirl by now. Connor and Cassie should be heading to the Tower now. Are you going to be picking anyone else up?" Tim said, a hint of pleading in his voice. He was only positive that there was him and Rose at the moment. For al lhe knew, Connor and Cassie could be dead by now. He couldn't be alone for this.

Damn. Slade, I should have known he'd try something like this after helping Jason attack us. Vic's dead, Bart and Mia are gone from the tower. Tim says Kara might be with Slade. We should be calling in the calvary, but instead...

"I've tried to contact all the people I know. Superman and the Justice League are on some kind of mission. I even tried calling Batman, didn't get a response. Everyone is either busy, or away. It looks like it's just gonna be the two of us."

I sigh slightly as Roy's jet picks up speed. We're somewhere over the midwest.

"We'll be at the tower in about 20 minutes."

[Supergirl]

"Hehehe."

With Supergirl's strength fading, I grab her fist and twist her wrist until it makes a sick pop. Her hand is cocked sideways and her wrist is definatley broken. Even though my jaw is broken and it hurts like hell to even talk, I laugh.

"Hehe, 'I'll always love you'? You know, I had heard rumors that Kid Flash and Supergirl were dating, but I had no idea."

My eyes lock in on Supergirl's left hand, the one I didn't break, and the ring on her finger.

"You have to be ****ting me, you two are engaged? Oh, well this is going to make this so much better."

I hit Supergirl dead in the forehead with my kryptonite knuckles. She flys off her feet and lands on the floor hard.

"I hate to do this to you two love birds."

The kryptonite has weakned her skin enough, now it's time to strike. I reach behind my back and pull out my broadsword. I loom over Supergirl with my sword pressed right on her throat, I press the sword tight, blood starts to run down her throat as the sword cuts into her.

"Looks like the wedding's off."Kara's eyes widened as the sword pressed against her bare throat. She felt the cold steel pressing into the soft flesh. She felt the hot blood running down her neck and chest.

She tried to speak, but it sounded more like a gargle as blood ran out her mouth.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/SupergirlKara/Headband%20Uniform/Battered.jpg?t=1203786799

"Bart. Tell. Kal. I loved him, and that she's out th.."

With that Kara's head fell backwards and crashed against the concrete floor, leaving a smear of blood. Kara's chest wasn't rising or falling anymore. This had been the end of the Girl of Steel's Neverending Battle.

[Byrd Man]

Kara's eyes widened as the sword pressed against her bare throat. She felt the cold steel pressing into the soft flesh. She felt the hot blood running down her neck and chest.

She tried to speak, but it sounded more like a gargle as blood ran out her mouth.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/SupergirlKara/Headband%20Uniform/Battered.jpg?t=1203786799

"Bart. Tell. Kal. I loved him, and that she's out th.."

With that Kara's head fell backwards and crashed against the concrete floor, leaving a smear of blood. Kara's chest wasn't rising or falling anymore. This had been the end of the Girl of Steel's Neverending Battle.

I thrust the blade in harder, it tears through her throat and plants in the concrete floor below her. Supergirl makes some gargling noises as the blood flows freely from her body. The ***** is dead now.

"This is sort of ironic. Last time we did this dance, I thought I killed your little boy friend. Now, I know I've killed you."

I look over and see Kid Flash laying there, tears running freely down his face.

"The only reason I leave you alive is that so you can tell the tale. Tell everyone that Deathstroke is here. Tell them that as of this moment, nobody is safe."

I reach down and tear Supergirl's Titans communicator from her belt. I reach down and press an "All-Alert" button and lay it next to her dead body.

"There we go, that should have a GPS tracker on it. Shouldn't take too long for the kids to get here."

I look at Kid Flash and smile as the boom tube rips open.

"Have a nice day."

Light follows me into the boom tube and it closes behind us. I've done my job today, I've drawn first blood. Now comes my favorite part, I get to watch the heroes squirm.

[Catman_prb]

Damn. Slade, I should have known he'd try something like this after helping Jason attack us. Vic's dead, Bart and Mia are gone from the tower. Tim says Kara might be with Slade. We should be calling in the calvary, but instead...

"I've tried to contact all the people I know. Superman and the Justice League are on some kind of mission. I even tried calling Batman, didn't get a response. Everyone is either busy, or away. It looks like it's just gonna be the two of us."

I sigh slightly as Roy's jet picks up speed. We're somewhere over the midwest.

"We'll be at the tower in about 20 minutes."
"Dammit. Supergirls communicator just started transmitting on the GPS. She's in Keystone. There's no way Rose and I can make it there on foot. If you and Arsenal can pick us up and take us there ASAP, we'll tell Superboy and Wonder Girl to head straight there. Stay safe," Tim said, ending the commuication.

[Byrd Man]

"There's no time for that. Supergirls communicator just started transmitting on the GPS. She's in Keystone. You and Arsenal head there now, Rose and I will head there on my bike. I'll contact Connor and Cassie and tell them to head there," Tim said, beckoning for Rose to start the bike up "We'll see you there. Keep safe,"

Tim and I break contact.

"So, Keystone it is."

Roy changes direction and dips down towards Keystone. It takes twenty minutes for us to pick up Tim and Rose. Then another half hour to get to the warehouse Supergirl's communicator is in.

"Let's see what we got."

Roy, Tim, and Rose swing down on a rope while I back flip onto a crate and stare at the scene.

"Oh, god."

"Holy ****..."

Roy goes to check on Bart while I head towards Kara. Bart's stripped down to his underwear and he's bloody and bruised. Kara's got a sword sticking in her neck and blood is flowing from her neck. Tim and Rose take care of Mia.

"Bart, Bart? Can you hear me? He's not responding."

"Kara? Kara!?

I reach down and feel her pulse, it's not there. Even though the training I've been through tells me there's no chance, I still try. I pump on her chest and administer CPR in a feeble chance to bring her back to life.

"One...two....three....."

"Bart?"

I look back and watch as Roy finds a clamp on the back of his neck. He removes it and Bart dissapears.

"KARA!"

Bart knocks me out of the way and starts to give her CPR at superspeed. He's moving so fast it's hard to see him, but I can see the tears flowing from his face.

"No, god. Please! Please!!!"

It takes both Roy and I to pull him back from her dead body. He collapses to the ground and sobs uncontrolably.

Roy goes over to help Tim and Rose with Mia while I find my Titans communicator and find the "All" button.

"Calling all Titans, Calling all Titans. This is Nightwing."

I can feel the lump in my throat starting to form. I swallow hard and continue talking.

"Su-...Supergirl is dead."

I drop the communicator and hold my head in my hands. Bart continues to sob as I just sit down on the floor and close my eyes. Another person killed, another friend, another teammate, another loved one. Gone in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, this costume I'm wearing feels even more foolish than usual.

[Green Lantern]

Roy ran to the girl who had taken his first name. She was sobbing uncontrollably. Her leggings were ripped and her hair was a mess.

"MIA! Are you okay? What happened?"

"..."

"Mia. Talk to me. What happened?"

She burst into tears again. "Dr. Light."

"Light? ... ... NO. Tell me he didn't."

Mia just sobbed.

"That. SICK. TWISTED. BASTARD. Don't worry Mia. We'll get him. We'll make him pay. In spades."

Roy grabs her around the shoulders and walks her into the other room. He shudders when he hears Dick's voice on the communicator and feet away. The strong voice of his best friend cracks with the sentence he utters.

"Su-...Supergirl is dead."

[Eddie Brock]

Titans Tower - or what's left of it - is in sight. I push forward with all of my speed to get there. Along the way, our communicators start beeping an alert.

"Cassie! Check that!" I shout over the roar of the wind racing past us.

Cassie struggles to reach for the communicator, but she finally gets it. I slow down so she can get a good look at it.

"Well?"

Cassie's brow furrows. "It's Kara's communicator. She's transmitting a signal from Keystone."

Keystone?

I close the gap to the Tower and land softly. Unfortunately, the place looks empty. Which either means that everyone has scattered...or...

No. Don't think about that.

"Where is everybody?" Cassie asks, posing the question on both of our minds.

I point to the communicator. "It sounds like Keystone."

Cassie nods, but I can see the worried look on her face. We've been hit hard and unexpectedly. And as of right now, Cassie and I are out of contact with our fellow Titans. It's up to us to follow the breadcrumb trail.

"C'mon," I beckon as I take flight. This time, I let Cassie fly on her own - which means I'll have to go a little slower for her to keep up. It'll give me some time to think - and strategize.

Mid-flight, we get another call on our communicators. This time, it's from Nightwing.

"Su-...Supergirl is dead."

The words don't register. Cassie looks at me in anticipation of my response, but I give her none. As I look into her eyes in complete silence, I see her starting to break down. I look away and stare straight ahead in the direction of Keystone.

Without warning, I take off at incredible speeds - leaving nothing but Cassie and a sonic boom behind.

[Catman_prb]

The sight of Mia in her ripped clothes made him feel sick to his stomach. As Roy took Mia away, Tim just stood and stared at Bart kneeling down over Kara's dead body. Not another one, he thinks to himself.

"Su-...Supergirl is dead." Dick croaks. Tim hung his head. Putting it into words made it official. Again the tears tried to make their way forwards, but Tim sucked it up. There would be time later. He walked forwards and put a strong hand on Bart's shoulder. He was crying uncontrollably. The wedding made it horrifyingly worse.

"We'll get him Bart. I swear to you, we will find him and we will make him pay for this," he whispered. Bart didn't reply, just sobbed. Tim felt like he was intruding on his grief. He turned to Dick.

"What now?" he asked.

[Saved]

Tim and I break contact.

"So, Keystone it is."

Roy changes direction and dips down towards Keystone. It takes twenty minutes for us to pick up Tim and Rose. Then another half hour to get to the warehouse Supergirl's communicator is in.

"Let's see what we got."

Roy, Tim, and Rose swing down on a rope while I back flip onto a crate and stare at the scene.

"Oh, god."

"Holy ****..."

Roy goes to check on Bart while I head towards Kara. Bart's stripped down to his underwear and he's bloody and bruised. Kara's got a sword sticking in her neck and blood is flowing from her neck. Tim and Rose take care of Mia.

"Bart, Bart? Can you hear me? He's not responding."

"Kara? Kara!?

I reach down and feel her pulse, it's not there. Even though the training I've been through tells me there's no chance, I still try. I pump on her chest and administer CPR in a feeble chance to bring her back to life.

"One...two....three....."

"Bart?"

I look back and watch as Roy finds a clamp on the back of his neck. He removes it and Bart dissapears.

"KARA!"

Bart knocks me out of the way and starts to give her CPR at superspeed. He's moving so fast it's hard to see him, but I can see the tears flowing from his face.

"No, god. Please! Please!!!"

It takes both Roy and I to pull him back from her dead body. He collapses to the ground and sobs uncontrolably.

Roy goes over to help Tim and Rose with Mia while I find my Titans communicator and find the "All" button.

"Calling all Titans, Calling all Titans. This is Nightwing."

I can feel the lump in my throat starting to form. I swallow hard and continue talking.

"Su-...Supergirl is dead."

I drop the communicator and hold my head in my hands. Bart continues to sob as I just sit down on the floor and close my eyes. Another person killed, another friend, another teammate, another loved one. Gone in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, this costume I'm wearing feels even more foolish than usual.Rose stares at the bodies of the fallen Titans. As she glances over their bruised and beaten bodies, her eyes move to Kara. She sees Dick kneeled next to her, watching as he stares at his fallen friend, his fallen family.

Rose moves closer to the group, her hands balled tightly into fists, her fingers almost ripping into her skin through her gloves.

"I...I know I haven't be trust worthy. And I know that I am probably the last person any of you want to see or hear from right now. I mean, I hardly knew Kara...didn't even like her that much. But...I swear to you...all of you, when I find my dad," Rose reaches over her shoulder and pulls out her two swords, gripping the handles with all her anger, all her hatred. "I'll cut out his heart myself."

[Green Lantern]

Rose stares at the bodies of the fallen Titans. As she glances over their bruised and beaten bodies, her eyes move to Kara. She sees Dick kneeled next to her, watching as he stares at his fallen friend, his fallen family.

Rose moves closer to the group, her hands balled tightly into fists, her fingers almost ripping into her skin through her gloves.

"I...I know I haven't be trust worthy. And I know that I am probably the last person any of you want to see or hear from right now. I mean, I hardly knew Kara...didn't even like her that much. But...I swear to you...all of you, when I find my dad," Rose reaches over her shoulder and pulls out her two swords, gripping the handles with all her anger, all her hatred. "I'll cut out his heart myself."That sets Roy off. He lets go of Mia and walks over to Rose.

"You're right. We don't trust you. Know why? Two years ago. The last time Slade was gunning for Titans. When BART disappeared, you killed my daughter. The daughter that I entrusted you to care for. I don't trust you as far as I can spit, Rose. I made that mistake once in my life. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ahold of Ollie. Mia needs him."

Roy turned his back on Slade's daughter and put his arm back around Mia.

"Ollie, come in. It's Roy. We need you to get to Keystone ASAP. Mia's hurt. Get Dinah too if you can."

[Catman_prb]

edit.

[Catman_prb]

"You're right. We don't trust you. Know why? Two years ago. The last time Slade was gunning for Titans. When BART disappeared, you killed my daughter. The daughter that I entrusted you to care for. I don't trust you as far as I can spit, Rose. I made that mistake once in my life. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ahold of Ollie. Mia needs him."

Roy turned his back on Slade's daughter and put his arm back around Mia.

"Ollie, come in. It's Roy. We need you to get to Keystone ASAP. Mia's hurt. Get Dinah too if you can."
Tim turned to Rose.
"Your hearts in the right place, Rose. You deserve to hate Slade as much as any of us. You're just unfortunate to be here right now. But you're forgetting one thing," he said, stepping forwards and taking the swords out of her hands " We. Don't. Kill." he said throught gritted teeth. He dropped the swords on the floor, and leaned over to her.
"If it's any consilation, I trust you," he muttered.

[Saved]

That sets Roy off. He lets go of Mia and walks over to Rose.

"You're right. We don't trust you. Know why? Two years ago. The last time Slade was gunning for Titans. When BART disappeared, you killed my daughter. The daughter that I entrusted you to care for. I don't trust you as far as I can spit, Rose. I made that mistake once in my life. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ahold of Ollie. Mia needs him."

Roy turned his back on Slade's daughter and put his arm back around Mia.

"Ollie, come in. It's Roy. We need you to get to Keystone ASAP. Mia's hurt. Get Dinah too if you can."

Tim turned to Rose.
"Your hearts in the right place, Rose. You deserve to hate Slade as much as any of us. You're just unfortunate to be here right now. But you're forgetting one thing," he said, stepping forwards and taking the swords out of her hands " We. Don't. Kill." he said throught gritted teeth. He dropped the swords on the floor, and leaned over to her.
"If it's any consilation, I trust you," he muttered.
Rose looks down, staring at the body of Kara, a true Supergirl. She sheathes her blades, reaching over her shoulder and placing them carefully in their place. She looks up at Tim, staring at him with no emotion. Her eyes drift, and she looks over to Roy. She stares at him beneath her mask, watching him as he has his back turned. "Yeah." She says in a soft whisper. "We'll see."

[Byrd Man]

"What now?" he asked.

I stare at Tim for a long moment, I'm still too shocked to speak. Around me, Roy and Rose start to bicker about where her loyalties lie.

"Okay."

There's always been something about me that set me apart from the heroes my age. Even back when we were teens, they looked to me for guidance I became the Titans' unquestioned leader. Now, years later it still holds true.

"Here's the plan. We wait for Superboy and Wonder Girl to get here. Once we do that, we all go to everyone we know that is, or ever was a Titan. Slade has be going after them. The key to us surviving it staying in groups. By ourselves, we're beatable and highly vunerable to his traps and mind games. But in small groups we can beat him. He may be one of the most brilliant stragetic minds on the face of the earth, but he can be broke just like a normal human."

I stare around at the faces in this place. My voice takes a hard tone as I speak.

"We take it to him, hard. We show him that the Titans are family and that if you kill one of us, there will be hell to pay. We do it for Kara, for Bart, for Mia, for Cyborg. For all of us."

[Byrd Man]

EDIT: Double post thanks to my crappy computer/hype.

[Green Lantern]

I stare at Tim for a long moment, I'm still too shocked to speak. Around me, Roy and Rose start to bicker about where her loyalties lie.

"Okay."

There's always been something about me that set me apart from the heroes my age. Even back when we were teens, they looked to me for guidance I became the Titans' unquestioned leader. Now, years later it still holds true.

"Here's the plan. We wait for Superboy and Wonder Girl to get here. Once we do that, we all go to everyone we know that is, or ever was a Titan. Slade has be going after them. The key to us surviving it staying in groups. By ourselves, we're beatable and highly vunerable to his traps and mind games. But in small groups we can beat him. He may be one of the most brilliant stragetic minds on the face of the earth, but he can be broke just like a normal human."

I stare around at the faces in this place. My voice takes a hard tone as I speak.

"We take it to him, hard. We show him that the Titans are family and that if you kill one of us, there will be hell to pay. We do it for Kara, for Bart, for Mia, for Cyborg. For all of us."Roy looks at Dick.

"First thing buddy, you and I have to go check on Lian. Then we'll chase those bastards. But if Slade is aiming to hurt us, and trap us, he knows that Lian is where he needs to hit me. I want to get her somewhere safe."

[Catman_prb]

"The Tower's destroyed," Tim said, pondering aloud "What are we going to use as a safe house? We need to get Mia, Lian and Bart out of the line of fire,"

[Green Lantern]

"The Tower's destroyed," Tim said, pondering aloud "What are we going to use as a safe house? We need to get Mia, Lian and Bart out of the line of fire," "I know a place that your 'Dad' owns. Seems as good a spot as any."

[MST3K 4ever]

Luthor watches the Joker leave the area and turns to Captain Nazi and says, "I need to do one last thing for you Captain."

He sprays him once with the mist and says, "Your DNA has been altered so I just need to make sure that you still immune to what is coming. Now if you'll excuse me I have to finish finalizing my trap for Superman."

Lex bows his head and leaves.

[trustyside-kick]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Ocean Master wakes up, and finds himself in an underwater grotto. It is dark, and he can see very little. He crawls over to the edge of the rock of the grotto, where the rock meets the water and reaches the exit, and splashes his face with water. As he does this, he notices several sea creatures' heads pop out of the water. He practically jumps back as he sees a tiger shark, an octopus, and an electric eel swim towards Orm in unison.

"They will not hurt you, love. I know you are not well. That is why I have brought them here to help you."

Orm turns to the voice behind him, and spots a woman in a green suit, with a kind of mohawk mask, and goggles.

"How...how long have I been out?"

"Quite some time, love."

"Stop calling me that."

"But I've done nothing but take care of you."

"You don't even know me."

Ocean Master's hands start to emanate with magic as he gets up on one knee. He makes his threat known. The woman before him does not do a thing. She simply stands there, and makes a pouting face.

"Now now, is that a way to thank one for their hospitality? If it weren't for me, your mind would still be lost..."

She smiles, a most odd smile, and it confuses Orm greatly. Then, all of a sudden, he finds his arms pulled backward, bound together disrupting his spell. He turns his head to see the best he can behind him, and he sees the octopus reeling him into the water.

"No...NO!"



"At least I don't need help." I turn back to the group of marauders. A number have decided to wise up and abandon the fight. The others are either too stupid, or too foolish, to realize they are greatly outmatched.

"Although...a leash isn't such a bad idea." Dozens of tendrils shoot out in all directions. A couple of these fools avoid being grabbed, but all the rest find themselves chained by a collar around the necks. A short burst of electricity takes the fight out of them. Soaring through the water with them in tow a use them as battering rams against those smart enough to try and get away. I may not have gotten all of them, but it's more than enough.

"So, where do you want them?"

Kyle swam up, a green whale in tow.

"Yeah, I've got four in old Willy's belly here. They made like Jonah."

He held out a plate of green fishsticks, offering it to Aquaman.

"Anyone hungry?"

To Orin's surprise...as he was about to swim off to check on The Marauder, he turns back to Sinestro and Kyle. Both ringslingers, and both with most useful tactics. He can see victory in this afternoon. And that, surely is what makes him smile now.

"Toss them into the sunken vessel, where we got the hostages out of. That'll definitely hold them so we can go after the Bigger Fish."

The Marauder, after being tackled by Superman, recovers quickly. He knows his entire file. He had no anticipated such an arrival, but surely he has his file. The organization he works for--O.G.R.E.--wants no interruptions and no problems. The Marauder's right arm starts to rotate, twist, and transform into a sort of arm blaster.

"A most...unexpected visit Superman. So the friends of Aquaman wish to stop O.G.R.E., do they? If I know anything, it is that kryptonite is highly radioactive. Now, I may not have the exact calculations, but thankfully...I'm just the guy who gets to test out new toys."

He smiles at Superman as it starts to charge power.

"I wonder how much juice they packed into this!"

The Marauder fires off a blast of radiation, and it hits Superman like a train, knocking him back against some drilling equipment. Turning his back on Superman, foolishly, The Marauder brings his attention to his men still working on the drill.

"Number Two? What is the status? You better tell me 100% or else."

"Sir, I assure you were are trying our...oh god...WHAT'S THAT?! WHAT'S--zzzt"

"Number Two? Number Two?"

The Marauder feels someone tapping on the shoulder of his mechanical suit. He turns around.

"I believe we got on the wrong foot."

With one cling hook to the helmet, Superman punches The Marauder, sending him soaring backward.

"I'm Superman."

[Byrd Man]

"I know a place that your 'Dad' owns. Seems as good a spot as any."

"Good idea, Roy. Nobody would think to look in the old cave."

I squat down and place my hand on Bart's shoulder. His sobbing has stopped, but he just lays on the floor in a crumpled pile. It's almost as if his soul has been ripped from him.

"Bart, I swear that I won't stop until Slade is brought to justice."

Bart finally looks up from the floor, his eyes are red and watery.

"It doesn't matter. It won't bring her back."

He lowers his head again. I turn to look at Roy, he starts to climb the rope. I look at Tim.

"We're going back to New York to get Lian. I have to make sure everything is okay at my place, too. Wait for Superboy and Wonder Girl before you head to the cave. I pray that the Justice League will answer our calls. I'll call the JSA and see if they can move Kara's body to a safter location. All of you be careful, we all seen today what Slade can do when he puts his mind to it. It's up to you now, Tim. You're the leader of the Titans."

I follow Roy up the rope and into his nearby jet.

[Watchman]

The Cyborg had barely said anything to the rest of the group. The others had their own agendas and he had his. He flew across the states until finally reaching Nevada. According to every map there is nothing here, just empty desert. Although in the middle of the desert there is a single hatch guarding by two soldiers who do not know what is behind the hatch. Inside is one of the greatest weapons that the United States although something went wrong. One of the soldiers check his watch his shift was almost over and a helicopter would come and pick him up and bring him to a base miles away. Here he would be given a sum of money to keep his mouth shut. He notice something in the air but it wasn't the helicopter. A blast of energy shot from the sky killing one of the soldiers. The other soldier tried to radio for help.

"We need back up right now. We are under attack!" But there was nothing. No static nothing the radio had completely shut down. Another blast came and the killed the other. Henshaw landed next to the charred bodies. He tore that hatch right off its hinges and threw it to his side. Not one alarm went off. He had shut the security system down. He flew through the bunker and stop in a room with a giant computer. The monitor show a shot of space and various readings. The Cyborg hacks into the system until he reaches the proper program.

"Override Program 1435. Upload Program Icarus." A bar flies across the screen and confirms the program was successful. The machine now recognizes its new master.

"Upload Target List." At lightning fast speed hundreds of pictures of super heroes scroll the screen.

TARGET LIST UPLOADED

"Initiate Project Icarus." Up in the cold reaches of space a great machine stirred. Lights came on and machines turned. What looked like a giant eye opened up.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/AgentClarkNova/eye.jpg

"BROTHER EYE ACTIVATED"

[wiegeabo]

It takes Rayner and I but a moment to seal the marauders in the wreckage. A few large masses of rock over the gaps ensure they will remain there for the duration of this battle.

Superman takes a blast of energy. But he's back up before we can help. Yet, I can't help but feel something is off.

"When it's this easy, it's never a good sign."

[wiegeabo]

It may have not been my turn to cover thee weekend watch, but it's my turn at the Brownstone now. Fortunately for me, it's been quiet. I say for me because, for some, quiet equals boring. But not me. I've been at this game long enough to associate quiet with peace. And I've learned to enjoy the peace because it never las-

The main computer starts beeping. A signal is coming through, but not one I immediately recognize. Curious, I flip a couple of switches to tune the frequency in and activate the comm.

"This is Garrick."

"...Jay? It's Nightwing."

"Nightwing?" Why would Nightwing be calling the JSA? "Well, I've got to admit, this is a bit odd. What can I do for you?" I have the computer track down his coordinates.

"We're...god. We're here in Keystone. The tower was attacked. It's...It's Bart and-"

I don't hear whatever Nightwing has to say. At the sound of Bart's name I'm already outside the city running as fast as I can towards the coordinates the computer listed. The world is a blur. All I can think of us Bart and pushing myself faster. And if Nightwing had to make the call, does that mean...

No, don't think like that. Just run.

The wake I'm leaving behind must feel like a hurricane. But I don't care. Nothing matters but getting home as fast as I can. And I'm fairly certain that whatever speed record I had between Keystone and the Brownstone is shattered.

When I arrive at the coordinates I'm confronted with a large abandoned warehouse. I'm not surprised in the least since that's where these things always seem to go down.

"BART!!!"

I see him sitting on the ground, bloodied and bruised. Various Titans stand around the room. I run up to Bart.

"Bart, what-" My breath catches in my throat. I can't breathe. I drop to my knees next to Bart, all energy gone from my body. "No."

Kara. I can only look at her. Such a beautiful young woman. Now, she looked beaten and bruised. A pool of blood around her head where a sword viscously jutted from her neck. My heart sinks and my eyes sting. If Bart could be considered my son, then Kara would have been my daughter-in-law. She would have been a part of my family. No, she was part of my family. Kara and Bart may not have been married, but they loved each other, and that's all that matters. I brush a stray hair from her face, not even realizing I'm doing it.

"Bart, I-" His face is filled with so much pain. I put my hand on his shoulder, and he pulls away. But I just grab him up and hold him close. He fights for a few seconds, and then the tears come. The pain comes out. And I feel the tears on my own face.

"What happened." I demand, the anger in my voice enough to melt steel. "Who did this?"

[twylight]

“Dinah we have a problem.”

Dinah’s ear perked at the sudden voice in the silence. The somewhat to be solidified JLA had raced off to help Aquaman’s call. Being virtually helpless under water Dinah’s suggested staying and learning the equipment and so she was. Smiling as she went at how traditional Clark was. All of it was beyond cutting edge, yet it had the feeling of the equipment in the last JLA Headquarters.

“Go ahead.”

“About 50 minutes ago I got a ping on Supergirl’s GPS from Keystone City, I just picked up a call on all Titan frequencies from Nightwing.”


Dinah blinked. Dick? He wasn’t an active Titan any more, he was a founder, a reservist, the one they called in when….
“Supergirl is dead.”

Shock hit like a wave, and Dinah grasped the counter in front of her as a lump rose in her throat. Her mind searched frantically
“Do you have anything else?”

“No…let me— Hold on I have a message from Ollie for you.”

Ollie..that meant…Mia…a brisk voice cut into the line.
“God damn it Oracle, you and your freq-“

“Ollie?” Dinah asked, her casual investigation of the new equipment turning into a hasty search as she sought what she wanted.

“Roy called, it’s Mia, I’m on my way to Keystone now.”

Dinah nodded finding what she wanted.
“Me too.”

“Sqeeeeeeteettt..teettt..ett” Dinah looked up as Booster sauntered through looking around, Skeets trailing behind him babbling about fractures and broken bones.

“I’ll meet you there…” She said, absently as the next moves formed in her head. She kept her gaze on Booster Gold, who paused noticing her absent stare and looked at her confused.

“Oracle get Nightwing on the comm. And tell him…” She glanced at the prolific JLA symbol Superman had put on the wall. She bit her lip, the thoughts and memories bombarding her. Simultaneous missions, teams going in and out, she glanced at the monitor which showed where the other Leaguers were. Yes, that’s what they were. Leaguers. Dinah took a breath and let it out, exhaling the emotions of the past and steeling herself for new ones.

“Tell him that the JLA is on it’s way to help.” Dinah let the line go dead as she imagined Babs working furiously on networking the heroes. Boosters eyes went wide behind his goggles, before he looked around and put his hand behind his neck.

“Canary, I don’t know what you’re planning, but last I looked 99.9% of the ‘Justice League’ was gone and I’m not technically a part of it.” He glanced down the hall towards the room where Ted was.

Dinah searched the console before inputting the coordinates, before turning to him and smiling, trying to hid the worry in her eyes.
“Michael, you’ve been in the Justice League before. You know what to do.” He raised his eyebrow and Dinah patted his shoulder.

“I out in the coordinates for Keystone and back, and also for you to pick up Ollie.”

Booster looked slightly blank and Skeets gave a little salute.
“I shall keep him on track!”

Dinah nodded and Booster pushed the button transporting her into the middle of the warehouse. After the initial queasy shock and the thought that she was out of practice with these her focus cleared to the dim light and she held back a gasp, directly in front of her was the beaten and bloodied body of Kara.

“Oracle did you-“

“I blocked all frequencies to Superman.” she said finishing Dinah’s request. Dinah silently thanked Babs, right now there was nothing to be done for Kara, and Superman’s presence and focus was needed elsewhere. Bart was kneeled next to her in nothing but his boxer’s, gently moving her hair from her face. Robin, and Ravager stood nearby another form that Dinah instantly recognized.

“Mia!” Dinah raced across to her, quickly taking in Mia’s injuries, she was lucid, her torn clothes barely covered her body. The girl was in a compensatory stage of shock. Dinah coughed back tears as her fingers hovered over Mia’s bloodied wrists. Cradling Mia’s head, Dinah glanced up at the teenagers still standing, the pain in the room was evident and she pushed down her own feelings to remain calm for them. What happened, whom to go after, it was all secondary to the immediate needs of the teens.
She noticed a lack of Nightwing and wondered why he’d left before confirmation of another adult with the teens. She glanced at Bart’s condition.
“Oracle, we have more injuries than anticipated, can you plug the biometrics into the transporter, so we don't have to be in physical contact?”

“I can but it’ll take a while.”

Dinah looked up at Robin, and gave him the leadership deference he needed.
“The Justice League offers medical service, we can get everyone there in an instant.” She said leaving it an open ended sentence.


Dinah turned at Jay calling Bart's name an gave a sigh of relief at the familiar and fatherly face before it changed in an instant to steel

"Jay." She said softly.

"Ugh...Clark certainly had firewalls around it, but after that it was easy to pick up the signals. "

[wiegeabo]

“Dinah we have a problem.”

Dinah’s ear perked at the sudden voice in the silence. The somewhat to be solidified JLA had raced off to help Aquaman’s call. Being virtually helpless under water Dinah’s suggested staying and learning the equipment and so she was. Smiling as she went at how traditional Clark was. All of it was beyond cutting edge, yet it had the feeling of the equipment in the last JLA Headquarters.

“Go ahead.”

“About 50 minutes ago I got a ping on Supergirl’s GPS from Keystone City, I just picked up a call on all Titan frequencies from Nightwing.”


Dinah blinked. Dick? He wasn’t an active Titan any more, he was a founder, a reservist, the one they called in when….
“Supergirl is dead.”

Shock hit like a wave, and Dinah grasped the counter in front of her as a lump rose in her throat. Her mind searched frantically
“Do you have anything else?”

“No…let me— Hold on I have a message from Ollie for you.”

Ollie..that meant…Mia…a brisk voice cut into the line.
“God damn it Oracle, you and your freq-“

“Ollie?” Dinah asked, her casual investigation of the new equipment turning into a hasty search as she sought what she wanted.

“Roy called, it’s Mia, I’m on my way to Keystone now.”

Dinah nodded finding what she wanted.
“Me too.”

“Sqeeeeeeteettt..teettt..ett” Dinah looked up as Booster sauntered through looking around, Skeets trailing behind him babbling about fractures and broken bones.

“I’ll meet you there…” She said, absently as the next moves formed in her head. She kept her gaze on Booster Gold, who paused noticing her absent stare and looked at her confused.

“Oracle get Nightwing on the comm. And tell him…” She glanced at the prolific JLA symbol Superman had put on the wall. She bit her lip, the thoughts and memories bombarding her. Simultaneous missions, teams going in and out, she glanced at the monitor which showed where the other Leaguers were. Yes, that’s what they were. Leaguers. Dinah took a breath and let it out, exhaling the emotions of the past and steeling herself for new ones.

“Tell him that the JLA is on it’s way to help.” Dinah let the line go dead as she imagined Babs working furiously on networking the heroes. Boosters eyes went wide behind his goggles, before he looked around and put his hand behind his neck.

“Canary, I don’t know what you’re planning, but last I looked 99.9% of the ‘Justice League’ was gone and I’m not technically a part of it.” He glanced down the hall towards the room where Ted was.

Dinah searched the console before inputting the coordinates, before turning to him and smiling, trying to hid the worry in her eyes.
“Michael, you’ve been in the Justice League before. You know what to do.” He raised his eyebrow and Dinah patted his shoulder.

“I out in the coordinates for Keystone and back, and also for you to pick up Ollie.”

Booster looked slightly blank and Skeets gave a little salute.
“I shall keep him on track!”

Dinah nodded and Booster pushed the button transporting her into the middle of the warehouse. After the initial queasy shock and the thought that she was out of practice with these her focus cleared to the dim light and she held back a gasp, directly in front of her was the beaten and bloodied body of Kara.

“Oracle did you-“

“I blocked all frequencies to Superman.” she said finishing Dinah’s request. Dinah silently thanked Babs, right now there was nothing to be done for Kara, and Superman’s presence and focus was needed elsewhere. Bart was kneeled next to her in nothing but his boxer’s, gently moving her hair from her face. Robin, and Ravager stood nearby another form that Dinah instantly recognized.

“Mia!” Dinah raced across to her, quickly taking in Mia’s injuries, she was lucid, her torn clothes barely covered her body. The girl was in a compensatory stage of shock. Dinah coughed back tears as her fingers hovered over Mia’s bloodied wrists. Cradling Mia’s head, Dinah glanced up at the teenagers still standing, the pain in the room was evident and she pushed down her own feelings to remain calm for them. What happened, whom to go after, it was all secondary to the immediate needs of the teens.
She noticed a lack of Nightwing and wondered why he’d left before confirmation of another adult with the teens. She glanced at Bart’s condition.
“Oracle, we have more injuries than anticipated, can you plug the biometrics into the transporter, so we don't have to be in physical contact?”

“I can but it’ll take a while.”

Dinah looked up at Robin, and gave him the leadership deference he needed.
“The Justice League offers medical service, we can get everyone there in an instant.” She said leaving it an open ended sentence.


Dinah turned at Jay calling Bart's name an gave a sigh of relief at the familiar and fatherly face before it changed in an instant to steel

"Jay." She said softly.

"Ugh...Clark certainly had firewalls around it, but after that it was easy to pick up the signals. "


"Dinah?" When did she get here? Wait...was she already here? I shake my head, can't think straight. Is that...Speedy? Good lord, what went on here?

"Dinah. What-what happened?"

[twylight]

"Dinah?" When did she get here? Wait...was she already here? I shake my head, can't think straight. Is that...Speedy? Good lord, what went on here?

"Dinah. What-what happened?"

Dinah shook her head as emotions rapidly came to the surface as she sees the tears on Jay's face. She takes a breath trying to level her voice, it comes through thin, tight and strained.

"I don't know, I just got here from the JL Hall." Mia gasped for breathe her eyes closed a she verged on hyperventilating, as shock hit her system.

"It happened about an hour ago, I got the call from Oracle after Nightwing arrived 45 minutes afterwards." She looked at Robin.

"We need to get Mia and Bart medical attention. Oracle's sending Dr. Mid-Nite ahead to the Hall and they're ready to receive us on their end."

God, what was Clark going to say, she looked down at Mia, what was Ollie going to do. She shuddered and grabbed a nearby packing blanket and wrapped it around Mia to separate herself from the blood.

She glanced at Kara's body and closed her eyes for a minute. If Jay hadn't come she'd given Mia to Robin and carried Kara herself but...

"Jay I- we have to move Kara as well."

[wiegeabo]

Dinah shook her head as emotions rapidly came to the surface as she sees the tears on Jay's face. She takes a breath trying to level her voice, it comes through thin, tight and strained.

"I don't know, I just got here from the JL Hall." Mia gasped for breathe her eyes closed a she verged on hyperventilating, as shock hit her system.

"It happened about an hour ago, I got the call from Oracle after Nightwing arrived 45 minutes afterwards." She looked at Robin.

"We need to get Mia and Bart medical attention. Oracle's sending Dr. Mid-Nite ahead to the Hall and they're ready to receive us on their end."

God, what was Clark going to say, she looked down at Mia, what was Ollie going to do. She shuddered and grabbed a nearby packing blanket and wrapped it around Mia to separate herself from the blood.

She glanced at Kara's body and closed her eyes for a minute. If Jay hadn't come she'd given Mia to Robin and carried Kara herself but...

"Jay I- we have to move Kara as well."


I just look at Dinah for a moment, not believing what she's asking of me. Then I look at all the others. God, they're just kids. They shouldn't have to-

"Robin," I say. He doesn't seem to respond. "Robin!" That gets his attention. I indicate Bart. "Your cape." He gets the hint.

As Robin takes Bart, I contemplate my solemn task. I kneel down next to her. Her eyes, missing that spark of life, look up into oblivion. I gently pass my hand over her face, closing them.

I grab the hilt of the sword, take a breath, and pull. It doesn't budge from the concrete. Taking another deep breath to hold my anger and grief at bay, I vibrate the sword, phasing it from the ground and Kara's neck. I set it on the ground, it's clang filling the empty room.

I slip one arm under her shoulders, the other under he legs, and lift her into the air. Blood soaks into my uniform, but I don't notice it.

"Let's go."

[Eddie Brock]

I come bursting into the warehouse - following the GPS religiously. There is quite a group assembled around the area. Nightwing, Tim, Rose, Black Canary, Bart, Jay Garrick...

That's when I realize that Jay is carrying Kara.

"NO!" I shout. I race over to take her out of Jay's arms, but he moves out of my path.

"It's too late, son."

I collapse on the floor, pounding it brutally as I go down. I leave watermelon-sized craters in the floor.

"WHO DID THIS?! WHO?!"

Robin mutters under his breath, "Slade."

I clench my fists so hard that my fingernails break the skin of my palms. Ignoring the superficial pain, I grimace in sheer anger.

"I will remove his trachea and force it back down his throat. I swear to--"

"Don't, Kon," Cassie interrupts. I'm actually surprised that she got here this quickly. "We're all upset, but don't sink to his level. You're better than that."

"I make no promises. When I see Slade again..."

I glance over at Kara's lifeless body.

"...He. Will. Pay."

[Green Lantern]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Ocean Master wakes up, and finds himself in an underwater grotto. It is dark, and he can see very little. He crawls over to the edge of the rock of the grotto, where the rock meets the water and reaches the exit, and splashes his face with water. As he does this, he notices several sea creatures' heads pop out of the water. He practically jumps back as he sees a tiger shark, an octopus, and an electric eel swim towards Orm in unison.

"They will not hurt you, love. I know you are not well. That is why I have brought them here to help you."

Orm turns to the voice behind him, and spots a woman in a green suit, with a kind of mohawk mask, and goggles.

"How...how long have I been out?"

"Quite some time, love."

"Stop calling me that."

"But I've done nothing but take care of you."

"You don't even know me."

Ocean Master's hands start to emanate with magic as he gets up on one knee. He makes his threat known. The woman before him does not do a thing. She simply stands there, and makes a pouting face.

"Now now, is that a way to thank one for their hospitality? If it weren't for me, your mind would still be lost..."

She smiles, a most odd smile, and it confuses Orm greatly. Then, all of a sudden, he finds his arms pulled backward, bound together disrupting his spell. He turns his head to see the best he can behind him, and he sees the octopus reeling him into the water.

"No...NO!"







To Orin's surprise...as he was about to swim off to check on The Marauder, he turns back to Sinestro and Kyle. Both ringslingers, and both with most useful tactics. He can see victory in this afternoon. And that, surely is what makes him smile now.

"Toss them into the sunken vessel, where we got the hostages out of. That'll definitely hold them so we can go after the Bigger Fish."

The Marauder, after being tackled by Superman, recovers quickly. He knows his entire file. He had no anticipated such an arrival, but surely he has his file. The organization he works for--O.G.R.E.--wants no interruptions and no problems. The Marauder's right arm starts to rotate, twist, and transform into a sort of arm blaster.

"A most...unexpected visit Superman. So the friends of Aquaman wish to stop O.G.R.E., do they? If I know anything, it is that kryptonite is highly radioactive. Now, I may not have the exact calculations, but thankfully...I'm just the guy who gets to test out new toys."

He smiles at Superman as it starts to charge power.

"I wonder how much juice they packed into this!"

The Marauder fires off a blast of radiation, and it hits Superman like a train, knocking him back against some drilling equipment. Turning his back on Superman, foolishly, The Marauder brings his attention to his men still working on the drill.

"Number Two? What is the status? You better tell me 100% or else."

"Sir, I assure you were are trying our...oh god...WHAT'S THAT?! WHAT'S--zzzt"

"Number Two? Number Two?"

The Marauder feels someone tapping on the shoulder of his mechanical suit. He turns around.

"I believe we got on the wrong foot."

With one cling hook to the helmet, Superman punches The Marauder, sending him soaring backward.

"I'm Superman."Kyle's holding a pennant, and hollers. "WOOT! Go big blue!"

Kyle felt Sinestro staring at him.

"Jeez buzzkill much? Lighten up, and maybe you won't grow to be a major anal control freak again."

With that, he conjured up two dozen men in armor carrying lances while mounting seahorses.

"SEA BORN CAVALRY, CHARGE!"

Kyle yelled as the constructs moved quickly towards the Marauder.

[Green Lantern]

"Good idea, Roy. Nobody would think to look in the old cave."

I squat down and place my hand on Bart's shoulder. His sobbing has stopped, but he just lays on the floor in a crumpled pile. It's almost as if his soul has been ripped from him.

"Bart, I swear that I won't stop until Slade is brought to justice."

Bart finally looks up from the floor, his eyes are red and watery.

"It doesn't matter. It won't bring her back."

He lowers his head again. I turn to look at Roy, he starts to climb the rope. I look at Tim.

"We're going back to New York to get Lian. I have to make sure everything is okay at my place, too. Wait for Superboy and Wonder Girl before you head to the cave. I pray that the Justice League will answer our calls. I'll call the JSA and see if they can move Kara's body to a safter location. All of you be careful, we all seen today what Slade can do when he puts his mind to it. It's up to you now, Tim. You're the leader of the Titans."

I follow Roy up the rope and into his nearby jet.
As Dick sat beside him, Roy tried to shake off the fear and tension by cracking a joke. Its just what he does.

"See what happens when I take a break from the hero gig? Everything falls to s**t."

Most of the plane ride is silent, neither hero wishing to say anything for fear of losing control.

"We're near NY, need to stop and get anything?"

[Catman_prb]

"I make no promises. When I see Slade again..."

I glance over at Kara's lifeless body.

"...He. Will. Pay."
"Connor, there will be time for grief later. Right now let's get the dead and wounded out of the line of fire," Robin said, wrapping Bart in his cape and pulling him up. He didn't seem able to stand, so Robin scooped him up into his arms, without protest. Tim sighed.
"How do we get out of here?" he said, his voice becoming croaky.

[twylight]

Dinah watches, knowing that it was an impossibly hard thing for Jay to do, but the authorities would be on their way soon and...the last thing the Titans needed now was to have to worry about the press. Babs was probably re-routing the police even as they spoke.

Standing up she cradled Mia in her arms, tears welling in her eyes.
"Thank you Jay."

A loud crash accompanied a shout as Superboy and Wonder Girl flew in. Dinah let Jay do the talking and held Mia close, as Babs told her she’d added the biometrics’ for Conner and Cassie.
“Also remind him to rest it so it’s not based on the individual bio sign.” Babs said absently.

Swallowing the tears Dinah firmed her voice, tears would come later, the living needed to be cared for first.
"Booster we're ready."

In an instant they were transported to the Hall. Dinah's first sight was Ollie pacing back and forth, he abruptly stopped when he saw them and rushed to Dinah, taking Mia from her.

"Skeets, show them to the...show them to a private room." She directed looking at Jay and the limp body in his arms. She was unable to bring herself to say 'morg'.

"Yes ma'am, this way sir."

He floated off down the Hallway, Dinah catching Jay's shoulder gently.
"I'll send Pieter in when he get's here."

"Oh..Dr. Mid-Nite?" Dinah noticed Booster's location for the first time. His face pale at the shock of the scene that came through the tube.
"He's already in the Infirmary with Mister Terrific." The distinctly female voice came from the hallway as Power Girl walked through.


"Where is that?" Ollie asked briskly. Dinah mentally drew up the map she'd go through in her mind.
"This way." Dinah lead Ollie down the hall as Karen averted her eyes from Kara and gave the other Titans a once over before settling them in to get the full story.

[Karem-Knight]

OOC: Electro, Watchmen hope you don't mind the bunny but I've had you guys waiting around for a couple of days.

Slaughter Swamp

Harvey stood with his two new lieutenants, breathing heavily he watched the two of them starring at him, an interesting bunch. One a highly intelligent human being, capable of anything, the other a mutated dumb brute who only thinks of eating people.

I'm tempted to turn them in.

And what waste all the time we've had to take over the city? Snap out of it Harv, we've played this game to long for this childish fantasies.

But..

And look out the law treated you, Batman tried to kill you, Gordon keeps putting you in Arkham, why bother? You hate Batman just as much as me, I know you do, but trust me him and the birds will pay!

"Hello, Prometheus, interesting to meet you."

Harvey saw the man in the high tech warrior gear, and looked at Croc, ready to bit Harvey's head off and digest it quickly, Two Face gave him a nod.
"Croc!"

Harvey flipped his coin, in front of the two, his habit ever since he quit smoking. The two starred at him, "What do you want Dent? I'm starving, and that face of yours allready looks,quite well cooked!"

"In due time, my alligator friend, there are plenty of people who will deserve it. First off, our plan. For the past few months, the Birds of Prey have been "controlling" the Gotham crime scene along with, an un named informant. His name we're not to sure of yet.

What I am sure of is though, that we do the just way, no death unless this little gem decides what we do with the murderers, the pedophiles, drug addicts, rapists all the pathetic scum are given two choices.

Join us or face trial!"

The two stood, arms folded as Harvey shined the coin in front of their eyes. He looked at Prometheus.

"Now, Prometheus, where's this high tech equipment of yours?"

[Harlekin]

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4397/dacp0.jpg

He stands alone at the side of Slaughter Swamp. Most of the others have left, all to fulfil their own objectives, and the rest, well, Captain Nazi has no compulsion to speak to them. Solomon Grundy has retreated into the murky depths of the swamp. A vile creature, the Captain thinks, much like the ones he has chosen to align himself with. Insane, ugly men. All of them borne from the breast of evil, seeking only destruction. Real evil, not like him. Never like him.

He is not evil.

The weak, the feeble-minded might regard him so. The heroes, looking down upon him and others from a pedestal that they do not deserve. They envision a world of order, but are too cowardly to enforce it. Is that justice? Is that good? To have the power, the ideal, but not the will to claim what should rightfully belong to you? To waste a precious gift, to serve rather than to rule?

Pff, they are pathetic, the Captain thinks to himself.

Captain Nazi smiles. By now, Deathstroke will have attacked the Titans. With any luck, he’ll have killed at least one of them. The little brats had always annoyed the Captain. Young, and brainwashed by their ‘mentors’, they were blind to the true path. Perhaps they would be made to see by Deathstroke’s actions, but the Captain doubted it. The heroes’ principles were strong.

That at least, he thinks to himself, he can respect.

Slowly, Captain Nazi starts to levitate.

It feels good to be able to fly again.

“It is time,” the Captain says to no one in particular, as he flies away from Slaughter Swamp.

* * *

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/338/perdegatoninthetimestrecs3.jpg

Floating within the timestream, Per Degaton watches the recent events with glee.

“It begins…” he says, and he laughs.

[Byrd Man]

As Dick sat beside him, Roy tried to shake off the fear and tension by cracking a joke. Its just what he does.

"See what happens when I take a break from the hero gig? Everything falls to s**t."

Most of the plane ride is silent, neither hero wishing to say anything for fear of losing control.

"We're near NY, need to stop and get anything?"

I clear my throat and look at Roy. The playful atmosphere we usually have is long gone.

"Umm, yeah. I need to stop by my loft and check on Michelle. Make sure everything is alright before I leave again."

Roy nods and flys low over the New York skyline.

"Just meet me on my roof when you get Lian, I'll be there."

My apartment building is coming up fast. He decreases speed and I leap out the cockpit. I do a few somersaults through the air and tuck my body as I roll on the apartment's rooftop and come to a stop unharmed.

"SHOWOFF!!" Roy yells from the jet's cockpit window. My serious mood breaks for once as a smile plasters my face.

***************

"Michelle? Michelle?"

Michelle lays asleep on the couch, her light snoring fills the room.

"Michelle!"

I've stripped out of my Nightwing gear, the less she knows the better.

"Dick? What's going on?"

She sits up on the couch and rubs her eyes.

"I have to go. It's not safe to live here right now."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Something serious has come down with me, someone's after me. It's not safe to stay here, they know where I live."

"Look, if you don't want me staying here just go ahead and say it."

I sigh and rub my temples.

"I'm serious. As serious as a heartattack."

"Bull****. I don't have anywhere else to go. I'm too broke to go to a hotel."

I reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet, I remove my debit card and hand it to Michelle.

"Here. Pick any hotel or motel in New York. My PIN number is 1940."

She stares at me for a second, her eyes are still unwavering.

"What's going on with you, Dick? I know you're a trust fund baby of the mighty Bruce Wayne, you told me that, but you leave at odds hours of the night and don't come back until morning time. Don't act like you don't, I'm awake and can hear it. What's going on? Are you selling drugs?"

"No."

"Then what?"

I take a deep breath and finally say it.

"I'm Nightwing."

Michelle stares at me for a second before she starts to giggle and finally breaks down laughing.

"HAHAHA. Oh, please. That's the lamest excuse I've heard of! You're Nightwing? HAHAHA!"

While she's still laughing, I go into my bedroom and toss my costume at her.

"HAHAHAHA!"

SMACK!

"Ow, you jerk!...Hey? Wait a minute, is this?"

"Yes, like I said. I'm Nightwing. I have to go right now because Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke The Terminator just tortured and raped Kid Flash and Speedy as well as killing Supergirl. He's going after all the members of the masked community, including me. Now you have to leave."

She just stares at me, with her jaw wide open.

"I...I...Umm..."

"I have to go, Aresenal is coming by in a few minutes to pick me up."

"Umm....okay."

I help Michelle with her clothes and walk her to the door.

"Now, like I said. With my debit card, you can get a room at any hotel in New York. Go to one of the rich ones, you deserve it."

"I just...I just can't believe it. When, how, why?"

"There will be time for that later. I'll get in touch with you when all this is done."

"But you said this guy this..Deathstroke..is targeting heroes. What if he kills you?"

"Well, if it's been six months and you have yet to hear from me, assume the worst."

We stare at each other for a long moment, niether one of us breaking eye contact.

"Well...good luck."

"Thank you."

Michelle stands around like she's waiting on something. Finally, she opens the door and waves goodbye.

"Goobye, Dick...Nightwing."

"Goodbye, Michelle."

I shut the door behind her and lock it up. Time to get back to work.

**********************


I'm back in my costume, standing on the roof as Roy's jet flys low and hovers above me. He lets a rope line down and I climb up it.

"Alright, ready to go."

[Keyser Soze]

"Mr. Gordon....it's a pleasure to meet you."

Cornette sat at Jim Gordon's bedside, smiling at him with a scheming glint in his eye. This was most unexpected, Gordon being alive, never mind awake. He'd been so sure that the poison he used to spike Gordon's blood pressure would have killed him. But oh well, life's full of little surprises.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Commissioner Cornette."

"Commissioner?"

"Yes. Your replacement."

Cornette stared hard into Gordon's eyes, taking his time before continuing.

"Temporarily, of course. Until you're back on your feet."

"Barbara..."

"Your daughter? The crippled girl?"

Cornette took some secret pleasure from the hurt in Gordon's eyes.

"My wife," he replied, an angry edge in his voice, "I mean....my ex-wife. Is she still in Gotham?"

"Hmmm.....I don't know, Mr. Gordon. I can find out though. And if she is..."

Cornette leaned forward, patting Gordon on the knee.

"...we can take care of her."

[trustyside-kick]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/dhunter22/Aquamanbanner2.gif

Orin swims as fast as he can, trying to get to where the remainder of The Marauder's men remain. This plot...this entire plot, was for oil. O.G.R.E.'s number one priority it seems is to strike back at the U.S. and start their own war, and Orin cannot have that. Not with his plans for Atlantis and her future. He will not and cannot put his people in the crossfire any longer.

As Orin arrives, he sees floating, motionless bodies. The only thing that moves in the water, is their blood. In pure confusion, Orin swims in closer. Other than himself, a few members of the reformed JLA, and the Sea Devils...who could have done this? He finds one...one survivor. He swims over to him.

"Who...who did this to you and your men?"

The man's jaw is broken, and his as he tries to speak to Orin, even with Orin's great hearing of being adapt underwater cannot make it out clearly. He man starts to seem to raise his voice, trying to scream. He starts to point behind Orin, his voice trying to raise higher and higher. Orin turns his head around.

"By Poseidon..."

It takes Rayner and I but a moment to seal the marauders in the wreckage. A few large masses of rock over the gaps ensure they will remain there for the duration of this battle.

Superman takes a blast of energy. But he's back up before we can help. Yet, I can't help but feel something is off.

"When it's this easy, it's never a good sign."

Davies and Rivers, while enjoying every minute of their revenge against Marauder's men for the death of Melinda, turn to Dane Dorrance.

"Sir, it seems the cavalry took care of the rest of them. And by the looks of it, Gideon and Sigourney have already evacuated the hostages. Mission complete?"

"Correct. We will get in contact with Aquaman as soon as they apprehend The Marauder. Let's get these hostages to our medical facility and check for any potential injuries they may have endured. Sea Devils, out!"

With compliance to their commanding officer, Davies and Rivers drop their weapons, and follow Dane Dorrance at the helicopter where Gideon and Sigourney are now getting the hostages on board.

Kyle's holding a pennant, and hollers. "WOOT! Go big blue!"

Kyle felt Sinestro staring at him.

"Jeez buzzkill much? Lighten up, and maybe you won't grow to be a major anal control freak again."

With that, he conjured up two dozen men in armor carrying lances while mounting seahorses.

"SEA BORN CAVALRY, CHARGE!"

Kyle yelled as the constructs moved quickly towards the Marauder.

The Marauder finds himself struck by what feels like a stampede underwater, and attempts to shoot a radioactive blast at the Green Lantern as well after he manages to get out of the attack. His attack does not work as he planned, as the Green Lantern evades. And before he can attack yet again, Sinestro strikes him with with a yellow hammerhead shark construct. Superman, while audience to The Marauder's misfortune, looks around, somewhat confused.

"What's wrong big blue?"

"Where's Arthur? Where did Aquaman go--AAARRGHH!"

Superman is struck with a magical bolt, electrocuting him and sending him flying back in the water. From the dark corners of the deep, more magical attacks are launched forth. The Marauder, recovering from the hard blows, turns in response as well.

"What the hell is this? Oh shi--"

Activating his propulsion mechanism in his legs, he swims away like a torpedo, just bearly missing Aquaman who goes flying backward towards his direction. He collides against Sinestro, who to his misfortune breaks his fall.

"What the frak, Aquaman? What is the meaning of--"

That is when Sinestro sees it. That is when all the heroes see it. A large leviathan, practically larger than the tallest buildings of Metropolis himself, creeps out from the deep. The Devilfish, with the Church of the Deep are here. Aquaman tries to clear his throat, as Devilfish choked him before launching him to where he remains now, and gets up.

"He...they...are responsible for the Global Warming threats. Not The Marauder."

In the back of the Priests of the Church of the Deep, resides their Sea Bishop. With him is two of his High Priests, keeping a spell, channeling power from Arion The Immortal from himself, to the other Priests.

"O...Orin!"

Orin can hear the familiar yell, and his fist clench.

"Orin! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!"

Now clenching his other fist, his mystical water hand, Orin swims forth at the Priests of the Church of the Deep, as they continue to throw magical blasts at his allies, yelling back at Arion The Immortal.

"I'm coming for you, Arion! Just hold on! Hold--OOF!"

With one clean punch, Devilfish sends Orin back flying once again, keeping him from attacking the magic users. The Sea Bishop swims upward, high above his small army of Priests and High Priests, and beside the shoulder of Devilfish.

"DRUMS ARE BEATING, COUCHES BLOWING. THE ICE IS MELTING. THE SLEEPER STIRS. ONLY THE SEA-KING CAN STAND AGAINST THE AWAITED, FOR URLOK IS MIGHTY BEYOND ALL THINGS! ONLY THE SEA-KING CAN OVERCOME HE WHO IS AWAITED, AND SO THE SEA-KING MUST DIE!"

[Batman]

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2032/flashlogogs6.gif

Watching Clark, Sinestro, and Kyle leave, Wally immediately took to the computer monitor, at lightspeed, to try and watch over the situation. Typing a few commands within seconds apart from eachother, he watched as the monitor suddenly displayed their location and communicator wavelinks, just in case anyone was in danger.

Only to realize there was no danger.

Rushing down to the bottom floor of the Hall, Wally searched, found, and brought a chair up to the top floor, before setting it up infront of the monitor and promptly plopping himself down, relaxing as he watched everything unfold.

Five minutes passed. No distress beacon.

Thirty minutes passed. Still no distress beacon.

An hour later, and Wally yawned, hard, before stretching his arms. So much for the big JLA comeback he had hoped for. He couldn't wait to tell the twins of this feat of accomplishment, when they came of age to know about their dad's greatest missions: Sitting duck, watching blips on a radar screen. Eventually, Wally furrowed his brow, annoyed, before a grin came to his lips.

"Okay. Snack break, anyone?"

Not waiting for a response from any of the parties still behind, The Flash dashed off, and made it to the second floor, systematically punching in commands to the vending machines as countless snacks and drinks came pouring out. In a crimson blur, the snacks were picked up, and vanished, along with the blur, as Wally came to a stop on the top floor, his arms full of chips, candy, and various treats that had probably set Superman back quite a bit of money to aqquire.

Plopping back down in the chair, Wally lifted his mask back, and started chowing down without any sense of self control. His metabolism usually made him nothing short of a pig... but this sight, regardless, was ridiculously disgusting to watch. If could be seen by the human eye, that is. But he didn't care, as he let the noirishment settle in, calming his unnatural hunger.

Bllp. Bllp.

Raising his eyebrow as he sucked the residue of Cheeto cheese coating from his glove's fingers, Wally looked down, noticing that his old Titans communicator frequency was beeping, in place of his JLA frequency. Curiously, Wally picked up the transmitter, and put it to his ear, grabbing a handful of chips and stuffing them down his throat.

"This is The Flash. One man garbage disposal, at your service. How may I help thee?"

"Calling all Titans, Calling all Titans. This is Nightwing."

Eyes widening, Wally instantly stood up in his seat, with a large, potato chip coated smile on his face.

"PIXIE BOOTS! Long time no chat, man! Haven't heard from ya in awhile. Funnily enough, I was just thinking about you and the rest of the guys. Say, would you believe what Supes installed on the second floor of the new JLA homebase?"

"Su-...Supergirl is dead."

And just like that, the world stopped on it's head.

Wally stood still, for the first time in hours, silent, as he tried to piece together what exactly that Dick had just said. And even going so far as to replay the message, Wally still wasn't sure he had heard right. Must be the static. Has to... has to be the static.

Rushing to the other side of the room in less than a second, Wally punched in every command that he could, on the console, trying to relay them to Supergirl's JLA and Titans communicators. The signals were active, but barely. Wally stared at them for a straight minute, before speaking into the microphone.

"Supergirl. C... Come in, Supergirl.", He stated, relying desperately on any response. "Supergirl, this is The Flash. Come in Supergirl."

Still no response.

"Kara? ...Kara, please. Please, speak up.", Wally stated, as a look of uncertainty passed upon his face. "Please, just..."

Lowering his shoulders, Wally hung his head low, in sorrow, as he finally gave up. He hadn't heard wrong. Dick had made it perfectly clear. Wally's future cousin-in-law was no longer with them. The world was standing still, for the fastest man alive.

He couldn't believe it. He really couldn't. Even though he had witnessed pretty much the greatest hero of them all fall before, the shock of hearing about that same hero's female counterpart take such a fall still resonated within Wally, as he tried his best not to cry. Admittedly, he didn't know Kara that well. Sure, they had met, and worked together, but she was still just Superman's cousin in his eyes. Until, of course, he had been asked to be the best man at Kara and Bart's wedding. Then, all ties to Clark aside, Wally had realized that this young woman... this hero he had known, was going to become family to him. And boy, had Bart chosen greatly.

Wally's head shot up, as his jaw dropped, realizing something.

"Oh my god.", He whispered. "BART!"

Seconds later, a large hole in the side of the Hall Of Justice errupted, as The Flash, his mask pulled back on, raced across the frozen lakes surrounding the structure. Wind and snow pounded at him, but quickly melted as they touched his heated body, as Wally darted through gravity in, literally, the speed of absolute light.

He knew what it was like to lose someone that close. Linda... god, Linda had been taken from him all too soon, recently. It was only a miracle that she had been restored to life. But Wally knew that the chances of Kara coming back anytime soon weren't as great, or as expected. Even the twins had been stolen from him, once, in an attack by Zoom. That day had been, arguably, Wally's darkest. So he could only imagine that this was Bart's. And right now... he needed to see him. He needed to tell him that everything was gonna be alright. Even if they weren't going to be.

Passing through the Sahara, which was a far cry from the artic climate he had just raced out of, Wally increased his speed, gradually breaking himself down into little more than pure energy, as he accidentally realized that he was entering the speed force.

"Nogoddammitno,", He muttered, angrily, in the bending light around him. "Idonthavetimetodealwiththiscrapdamnyou. I'vegottaseeBart. Heneedsme. Heneedsme. I'vegottaseemylittlecousin!"

Closing his eyes, Wally gritted his teeth as he broke from the energy's hold, with every ounce of strength that he had, and came out into Gotham City. Turning around, Wally didn't stop, as he crossed into Gotham traffic, and sped past them, entering Coast City within a minute. He was literally going around in circles, all around the country. Coming to a stop, just near Ferris Aircraft, Wally took a deep breath, as his costume was literally fuming. Even as unstable molecules, Wally's speed had greatly affected them, to the point that there were rips and tears all over them. But he honestly didn't care. He just needed to get to Keystone... if that's where Bart even was, right now.

Pulling up his nearly destroyed communicator, Wally tracked down the signal of Nightwing's in an instant. Keystone. Exactly where he thought they'd be. A morbid thought of irony came into Wally's mind, as he realized that Kara had died in the same place that heroes were remembered to this day. Including his Uncle Barry. Wally took a mental note to try and make arrangements for a special tribute to Supergirl in the Flash Museum, when he'd get the time. But for now...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/The%20Flash/theflash2dw5.png

In another blur, Wally was off in a more controlled pace, in comparison to before. Coast City gradually replaced itself with Arizona. Then the Grand Canyon. Then Texas. Until finally, after a few turns, Wally passed the sign he had been looking for: Welcome To Central City. A slight relief passed him, as he sped straight through the town, and ran atop the river seperating it and keystone. Looking to his communicator, Wally turned, heading exactly for where Nightwing's signal was still resonating. Until finally, he came across a warehouse on the Eastern edge. Not even bothering to stop, Wally broke through it's walls, vibrating himself through the thick cement.

Just as he spotted the forms of everyone Black Canary, Jay, Dick, Roy, Robin, and right down to the corpse of what would've been probably the closest thing to a little sister he would've ever had, Wally was blanketed in a thick light, just seconds upon stopping. Either the speed force had caught up with him, or they were teleporting...

...straight to the Hall of Justice.

Wally clenched his fists in annoyance, as he realized that he had just wasted all the time in the world, racing around it to try and make it to his cousin. But those thoughts were pushed aside, just as he saw Bart, near Tim. He was pale... with tears brimming down his cheeks, and his eyes were reddened. Wally couldn't contain his own tears anymore, as he rushed forward, and embraced Bart in a strong, long hug.

"I'm so sorry, Bart.", He whispered, as the tears fell to his chin, never wanting to let go of his devastated cousin. "God, I'm so sorry. Just let it out. Just let it all out."

From Bart's reaction, he could tell he was right. This was the darkest day in the fastest boy alive's life.

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/15121433_l.gif

So Renee told me her story, and I told her mine. We talked about our likes and dislikes, we talked about movies and music. I like her, and the more I talk to her, the more I could see her being an ally. Hell, if it weren't for her orientation I would try for it to be more then that.

The Satallite Cave turned out to be a perfect hideout--quiet, virtually inpenetrable by others, and with enough crime fighting tools that I'm sure even Batman himself salavates over.

I start looking through there, away from the Batarangs--could be useful, but wouldn't fit my motif--and onto the experimental stuff. I see something in particular and I scream out to Renee.

"Renee, you have to see this."

"What?"

"I think Batman found the brown note."

I let that settle into silence for a while.

"Isn't that just a myth?"

"Well, Batman seems to have found truth to the myth. Look at this," I pull out the gun and show it to her, slick and sci-fi like, "It said at the holding case 'Bowel Disruptor.'"

"...You point that anywhere near me and I'm killing you."

"Don't worry--I intend to use this power for good instead of evil." I put the gun in my overcoat pocket and smile.

"Won't Batman be pissed if you steal one of his weapons?"

"I'm not going to steal it--I'm going to write him a note, and if he wants it back, he can take it. Besides, the guy's been on me for using guns, so this is me getting the perverbial bat-monkey off my back."

Suddenly I feel something...odd, another presence in the room. I look to the darker area of the room.

"Someone there?" I hear footsteps from the dark, and a petite girl in an all-black costume, the only colors being the yellow belt and yellow batsymbol, walks in.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Supporting%20Characters/Batgirl/157196-batgirl_400.jpg
"You heard me. No one hears me."

"Batgirl. Cassandra Cain, right?" I feel her staring into me and pulling out something. "Don't worry, I'm not a supervillain, I just wanted to get to know you better. Looking at you, I hear we're a lot alike."

"Batman told me to watch you, but had to make sure. How are we alike?"

"You can see what people will do from their movements, I can determine the same by...well, by seeing into them. Christ I need to start getting used to that..."

"Yes. I can see now. First time I heard of someone...like me. Can you..."

"Look into you? Yes. You knew that. But, the question is, do you want me to?"

"...Yes."

I close my eyes and start to let my mind clear. It comes up quicker then it has before--practice makes perfect? Perhaps.

"You are...a lot better then you think you are. You've come a long way since...No Man's Land. You are smarter then you think you are, and...despite your upbringing...you're not like him, Cassandra."

I think I see a small smile under her mask, or the light is playing tricks with my eyes. Can't tell for sure with that full face mask of hers. "Thank you."

"No problem."

And we sit. And we talk.

[wiegeabo]

Dinah watches, knowing that it was an impossibly hard thing for Jay to do, but the authorities would be on their way soon and...the last thing the Titans needed now was to have to worry about the press. Babs was probably re-routing the police even as they spoke.

Standing up she cradled Mia in her arms, tears welling in her eyes.
"Thank you Jay."

A loud crash accompanied a shout as Superboy and Wonder Girl flew in. Dinah let Jay do the talking and held Mia close, as Babs told her she’d added the biometrics’ for Conner and Cassie.
“Also remind him to rest it so it’s not based on the individual bio sign.” Babs said absently.

Swallowing the tears Dinah firmed her voice, tears would come later, the living needed to be cared for first.
"Booster we're ready."

In an instant they were transported to the Hall. Dinah's first sight was Ollie pacing back and forth, he abruptly stopped when he saw them and rushed to Dinah, taking Mia from her.

"Skeets, show them to the...show them to a private room." She directed looking at Jay and the limp body in his arms. She was unable to bring herself to say 'morg'.

"Yes ma'am, this way sir."

He floated off down the Hallway, Dinah catching Jay's shoulder gently.
"I'll send Pieter in when he get's here."

"Oh..Dr. Mid-Nite?" Dinah noticed Booster's location for the first time. His face pale at the shock of the scene that came through the tube.
"He's already in the Infirmary with Mister Terrific." The distinctly female voice came from the hallway as Power Girl walked through.


"Where is that?" Ollie asked briskly. Dinah mentally drew up the map she'd go through in her mind.
"This way." Dinah lead Ollie down the hall as Karen averted her eyes from Kara and gave the other Titans a once over before settling them in to get the full story.


I numbly follow the floating robot down a corridor. It open a door into a large room. Probably a sleep chamber from the bed off to the side. I walk over to the bed and lay Kara on it as gently as I can.

"Sir?" I turn to look at the robot. Using a small tractor beam, or some other technology I don't understand, it carries a sheet over to me. "If I understand 21st century human customs properly..."

The sight almost makes me breakdown. "Th-thank you." I take the sheet, and cover Kara's...body with it. I take one last look at her face before bringing the sheet over it. Then I turn and leave the room without looking back.

"Take me to the infirmiry," I say to the robot.

"Certainly, sir. This way please." I follow it for a short ways until I hear the sound of voices.

I walk into the infirmary. "Good lord, Jay!" Michael shouts.

I wave him and Pieter off. "It-It's not my blood."

"So it is true," Wonder Woman says. I can only nod my head. The expression of grief and anger on her face can't be described. I hear the sound of twisting metal and realize it's the side of Blue Beetle's bed as she squeezes it. Beetle puts a reassuring hand on Wonder Woman's hand and some of the anger leaves her face, only to be replaced by the grief.

A blast of red and wind blows through the door as Wally takes Bart into his arms. I decide to leave them be as I notice that we're not all in here. I walk out into the hallway and see Dinah and Ollie standing outside a door.

"How is she?" I ask quietly.

[Andy C.]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/nowhereman716/Comics/Copyofsbir12lrg.jpg

There are moments when, even if you aren't there to see it, you just know something has gone horribly wrong in the world. You may be tending to everyday business, concerned with your own personal matters, or asleep in your bed, but somehow, you just know it. Ma and Pa told me they felt that way when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Perry once said the same thing when Kennedy was shot. For a lot of people...it was when I came to Metropolis. While you were out, the whole world has changed.

I feel a chill running down my spine, a sinking sensation in my gut. Everything has become cold and dark, and it's not just the water. Something is very, very wrong elsewhere...

God, what's happened?

Unfortunately, it will have to wait. My friends and I still have some business to attend to.

Orin swims as fast as he can, trying to get to where the remainder of The Marauder's men remain. This plot...this entire plot, was for oil. O.G.R.E.'s number one priority it seems is to strike back at the U.S. and start their own war, and Orin cannot have that. Not with his plans for Atlantis and her future. He will not and cannot put his people in the crossfire any longer.

As Orin arrives, he sees floating, motionless bodies. The only thing that moves in the water, is their blood. In pure confusion, Orin swims in closer. Other than himself, a few members of the reformed JLA, and the Sea Devils...who could have done this? He finds one...one survivor. He swims over to him.

"Who...who did this to you and your men?"

The man's jaw is broken, and his as he tries to speak to Orin, even with Orin's great hearing of being adapt underwater cannot make it out clearly. He man starts to seem to raise his voice, trying to scream. He starts to point behind Orin, his voice trying to raise higher and higher. Orin turns his head around.

"By Poseidon..."



Davies and Rivers, while enjoying every minute of their revenge against Marauder's men for the death of Melinda, turn to Dane Dorrance.

"Sir, it seems the cavalry took care of the rest of them. And by the looks of it, Gideon and Sigourney have already evacuated the hostages. Mission complete?"

"Correct. We will get in contact with Aquaman as soon as they apprehend The Marauder. Let's get these hostages to our medical facility and check for any potential injuries they may have endured. Sea Devils, out!"

With compliance to their commanding officer, Davies and Rivers drop their weapons, and follow Dane Dorrance at the helicopter where Gideon and Sigourney are now getting the hostages on board.



The Marauder finds himself struck by what feels like a stampede underwater, and attempts to shoot a radioactive blast at the Green Lantern as well after he manages to get out of the attack. His attack does not work as he planned, as the Green Lantern evades. And before he can attack yet again, Sinestro strikes him with with a yellow hammerhead shark construct. Superman, while audience to The Marauder's misfortune, looks around, somewhat confused.

"What's wrong big blue?"

"Where's Arthur? Where did Aquaman go--AAARRGHH!"

Superman is struck with a magical bolt, electrocuting him and sending him flying back in the water. From the dark corners of the deep, more magical attacks are launched forth. The Marauder, recovering from the hard blows, turns in response as well.

"What the hell is this? Oh shi--"

Activating his propulsion mechanism in his legs, he swims away like a torpedo, just bearly missing Aquaman who goes flying backward towards his direction. He collides against Sinestro, who to his misfortune breaks his fall.

"What the frak, Aquaman? What is the meaning of--"

That is when Sinestro sees it. That is when all the heroes see it. A large leviathan, practically larger than the tallest buildings of Metropolis himself, creeps out from the deep. The Devilfish, with the Church of the Deep are here. Aquaman tries to clear his throat, as Devilfish choked him before launching him to where he remains now, and gets up.

"He...they...are responsible for the Global Warming threats. Not The Marauder."

In the back of the Priests of the Church of the Deep, resides their Sea Bishop. With him is two of his High Priests, keeping a spell, channeling power from Arion The Immortal from himself, to the other Priests.

"O...Orin!"

Orin can hear the familiar yell, and his fist clench.

"Orin! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!"

Now clenching his other fist, his mystical water hand, Orin swims forth at the Priests of the Church of the Deep, as they continue to throw magical blasts at his allies, yelling back at Arion The Immortal.

"I'm coming for you, Arion! Just hold on! Hold--OOF!"

With one clean punch, Devilfish sends Orin back flying once again, keeping him from attacking the magic users. The Sea Bishop swims upward, high above his small army of Priests and High Priests, and beside the shoulder of Devilfish.

"DRUMS ARE BEATING, COUCHES BLOWING. THE ICE IS MELTING. THE SLEEPER STIRS. ONLY THE SEA-KING CAN STAND AGAINST THE AWAITED, FOR URLOK IS MIGHTY BEYOND ALL THINGS! ONLY THE SEA-KING CAN OVERCOME HE WHO IS AWAITED, AND SO THE SEA-KING MUST DIE!"

Whoever these guys are, they're versed in magic...as I just learned the hard way. I'm not much good against magic, but the big guy leading the charge looks to be right up my alley.

"I don't know what it is you want, Urlok," I say, thankful that Sinestro has the presence of mind to keep an air bubble around me so I can breathe and speak underwater, "but the King of Atlantis isn't alone here. If you want to get to him, you've got to go through me."

The massive creature lunges forward, and I dive down below, moving too quickly for his magic-using cronies to fire another spell at me. Rather than duck down behind them as they expect, I continue downwards, deeper and deeper through the cold and the black.

They think I'm retreating, or baiting them to follow me.

They're wrong.

I hit rock bottom--literally--as I plough into the ocean floor. A corner of the world that has never seen light suddenly blazes crimson as I let loose my heat vision, carving out a large chunk of stone. Once the enormous boulder is loose, I dive under and catch it, lifting several hundred tons with my bare hands.

I focus my telescopic vision on Urlok and his friends. All the water resistance is going to make this harder than usual, but it should still do the trick.

With a heave, I take off again, carrying the gigantic rock up with me. I pick up speed, faster and faster, tearing through the water as I get closer to the monstrous creature. Before they can even register what's coming towards them, I slam the boulder into Urlok full-force.

Kyle and Sinestro shield themselves (and throw a barrier around Arthur as well), but everyone else isn't so lucky. The impact shatters the rock and sends the members of the Church tumbling in all directions. Normally, I'd save such drastic measures for later, but if this feeling in my gut is right, this fight is no longer the priority. I want to finish this as soon as I can, and find out just what is going on elsewhere.

"Arthur, you know more about these people than the rest of us, so we'll follow your lead. Justice League...let's get to work."

[MaskedManJRK]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DarkKnightJRK/batmanfm5.gif

They calmly escort me after the building after I stopped. They told me since I came out quietly they won't let anyone in the paper know about my...episode.

They walk me to my car and they go back into the hospital as I step into the car. The upside of "having money," I guess--you can have an episode like that and no one will bother you. Espicially since you regularly donate to the hospital.

I start the car and start driving back to the Tower. I don't think about him. I can't. Not now.

I drive into Wayne Tower and go into my private elevator. I take my key and insert it in a panel under the buttons. The elevator goes down into my new headquarters.

I walk inside and put a message to the Gotham frequency. They need to know.

"This is Batman. I...met Jason at Gotham Hospital. He survived, but he has major brain damage. Amnesia and short term memory loss. They're...taking him to a...psychatric unit... Over and out."

I quickly shut off the communicator, and it all floods back to me. I try to surpress it, but it comes back stronger.

Jason, scared as I caught him near the Batmobile.

Jason, cocky and flying high in the Robin suit.

Jason, dead and bloodied under the rubble.

Jason, screaming and confused, pulling them toward some ward somewhere.

I almost black out, and come back with most of my tools splayed across the floor, shattered from my throwing them around. No, can't do that have to stay in control.

Have to...stay in control...

Have to...stop the tears...

*****

The helicopter flies through the air, erratic. The Joker laughs like the madman he is, clad in traditional Muslim clothing instead of his usual suit.

I can take him down for killing all the people at assembly at the U.N., but I can't take him down for the reason I truely want to--for the death in the family.

"So...I take it you're a little pissed at me for ole' short pants?"

I punch him hard in the face. Harder then any punch I've thrown in my adult life. Joker spits out blood and teeth.

"I'll take that as a yes."

I grab him in the neck with both hands and start to squeeze.

"Ohh...finally grew a pair, did we? Finally going to put this ole' mad dog down, eh? Well, go on--do it. You know you want to. Go on, be like me. Kill me, so you may be me. You can do it--I always knew you had it in you..."

I squeeze harder.

"Don't you know what will happen if you don't? I'm going to kill everyone you ever know and love and I will laugh right at your face at it. It's really in your best interest to kill me."

I squeeze harder.

"COME ON! Kill me! Rip me to shreads! You want justice? It's in your hands! Don't just choke me, KILL ME!"

I look down and I let him go. He steadies himself and stands as straight as he can.

"Heh. I knew you didn't have the g--"

I grab his chin and the back of his neck and I snap his neck. His head torques all the way to the back and I grab his head again and pull it back. I hear a singular death rattle and he dies. I grab him by the collar and throw him out of the helicopter. He flops around in the air like a ragdoll and he slams into the ground, head first. His head is driven to his stomach and is crushed, resembling more raw meat then man, the only thing remotly human is his legs splayed.

And I laugh.

And laugh.

And laugh.

*****

I wake up as the police scanner screams at me.

"Just want to make the announcement--the Commish' just woke up! Heard it from the guards on duty and he is up and aware. I would like to thank everyone who's..."

I stop listening and put on my suit.

*****

I run through the rooftops to Gotham Hospital, again. I leap towards his room and remain perched near it--need to see if anyone is in the room.

Cornette, sitting next to Gordon. Something's...off about the man. I remember Sage's assertion, that Cornette is not who he seems--that there is nothing in this man but hate and violence.

I make it to the edge and I listen in--waiting for the right time to strike...

[Green Lantern]

I clear my throat and look at Roy. The playful atmosphere we usually have is long gone.

"Umm, yeah. I need to stop by my loft and check on Michelle. Make sure everything is alright before I leave again."

Roy nods and flys low over the New York skyline.

"Just meet me on my roof when you get Lian, I'll be there."

My apartment building is coming up fast. He decreases speed and I leap out the cockpit. I do a few somersaults through the air and tuck my body as I roll on the apartment's rooftop and come to a stop unharmed.

"SHOWOFF!!" Roy yells from the jet's cockpit window. My serious mood breaks for once as a smile plasters my face.


With Dick gone, Roy let himself let it out. He punched the dashboard, shattering the LCD.

"GODDAMN HIM. . MOTHER****ER! WHY? WHAT THE **** DID WE EVER DO TO HIM?"

Roy punched the dashboard again as he landed the jet on the roof of his condo. His fist came away bloody. His other hand went to his face and wiped his brow. He picked up his cellphone and dialed a number, a man's voice picking it up. "Hello?"

"James, its Roy. Turn off the security system, I'm coming down. Lian's coming with me."

"Password?"

"Fishsticks."

"Alright, system down."

Roy shoved the penthouse door open, and was greeted with a leaping hug. "DADDY!"

Roy hugged her, and tried to smile at her.

"Whats wrong? You look sad."

"Nothing sweet heart. How do you feel about a road trip?"

"Where?"

"Uncle Kal's new place. I'm sure it has video games, Aunt Dinah will be there too. But we gotta go now. Ready?"

"Okay!"

Lian ran for the door.

"Hold on, don't go without me. I need to talk to Mr. Shephard."

She stopped with her hand on the doorknob.

"What's going on Roy?"

"There's someone hunting down heroes and their loved ones, I've gotta get Lian somewhere safe. This guy hates me. With a passion, and he's targeted her before. You're free to go."

"Nah, I knew the risk when I signed up to be your security Roy. I'll keep things running for appearance."

"You're awesome. Thank you."

He dialed another number on his cell and a familiar voice picked up.

"Dinah, can you get Lian teleported from this location? I'll pick up Dick and we'll go from there."

The transporter locked on and Lian vanished in a flash of light, and Roy went back to his jet.



I'm back in my costume, standing on the roof as Roy's jet flys low and hovers above me. He lets a rope line down and I climb up it.

"Alright, ready to go."
"We got two choices. We go to the safehouse, and hide... Or we go proactive. Call Wally. Get the gang back together and HUNT THIS MOTHER F**KER DOWN."

[Byrd Man]

"We got two choices. We go to the safehouse, and hide... Or we go proactive. Call Wally. Get the gang back together and HUNT THIS MOTHER F**KER DOWN."

I look at Roy while he flys the plane. The only sound we can hear is the jet's engines while I ponder his offer.

"Slade Wilson has possibly the world's most dangerous mind."

"And it's f**king rotten."

"He knows our every strength and weakness."

"And we know his."

"He could kill us in every man imaginable and a few that aren't."

"And right now, I could do the same damn thing to him."

I look out the window and then look back at Roy.

"You call Wally, I'll call Donna and Garth. Time to turn the hunter into the hunted."

[Batman]

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2032/flashlogogs6.gif

The room around them fades to silence, as Wally grips Bart tighter than he ever has. The teen sobs on the lightning bolt of his chest, screaming her name every so often, his emotions muffled by Wally's costume. But even as the teen vents, Wally never lets go. Not once. Family had always been a constant element in Wally's life, whether it was his Uncle Barry, his aunt Iris, the Titans, the JLA, Jay, Linda, the twins, or Bart. He had always strived to be there for them during their darkest days. And unfortunately, that day had come for his little cousin.

He wished it were him. Just so he could spare Bart's pain. He wish it were him that felt as if his life had been shattered apart. But it wasn't. And now, all that there was left to do was pick up the pieces and move on.

As the tears continued to pour, Wally was gently tapped on the shoulder by Stargirl, one of the JSA. Sniffing up his sadness, Wally slowly turned, still not letting go of Bart.

"I... I'm sorry to bother you,", She stated, obviously trying to hide tears herself, as she saw Bart buried into Wally's chest. "But you... you just got a call. An urgent one."

Wally turned back around.

"It can wait."

"He said you'd say that.", Stargirl cut off, trying her best not to step on any toes. "But he said it's really urgent. Something about Slade Wilson?"

Flash turned back around, confused.

"Slade?", Wally asked. "Slade Deathstroke Wilson? What about him-"

"Oh, god. No. Not him."

Wally turned, as Bart finally pulled himself from Wally's chest, with tears still streaming down his face. The expression said it all, aswell as the numerous bruises that were only beginning to heal. Wally's jaw dropped, but his anger was evident, as he realized...

"Him.", Wally whispered, behind grit teeth. "I should've known that rat bastard was behind this. It was Slade, wasn't it?"

Even in his state, Bart managed a subtle nod. Wally turned, immediately facing Stargirl down.

"Who's the caller?", He asked, still angered.

Stargirl froze, picking up on this. But she still managed to give him the detail he required.

"R... Roy Harper.", She stated. "Arsenal."

In a blur of motion, Wally was gone, leaving behind nothing but red streaks of energy and a high gust of wind. He had retreated to the hall's lower levels, where no one had gone, taking one of the phone's with him. By the time he reached the room, Wally dialed Roy's cellphone number at breakneck speeds, and pulled back his tear soaked mask again, listening as the number dialed.

"Come on, Harper, pick up...", Wally whispered to himself, tapping his foot.

"Wally?"

Wally tried to hide his anger over Slade having been Supergirl's killer. But he didn't hide it particularly well.

"You picked a real lousy time to finally call, Roy."

[Green Lantern]

"You picked a real lousy time to finally call, Roy."
"Tell me about it wing feet. Listen. I know you've heard by now. Slade's hunting again, and WE are NOT going to let him. He got two of us ****ing stuffed on his wall. He got Vic and Kara, and he's NOT going to get anymore of us. We're going to find that bastard and nail his testicles to the wall. Meet us in Gotham in five minutes. At the old cave, not Bats, ours."

[Keyser Soze]

Cornette left the hospital, and stopped to talk to a couple of reporters who had gathered outside.

"I'm pleased to report that James Gordon seems to be in a good condition. Understandably, he is still frail, given all he's been through, but it seems like he'll make a full recovery."

"What does this mean for the Gotham City Police Department?" one of the reporters asked, "Will he be taking over again once he's back to full health?"

"I don't see why not. And since my days as commissioner may indeed be numbered, I've organised a very important meeting, right here in Gotham City. It's going to be held at the Gotham Civic Centre, tomorrow afternoon..."

"The arena?"

"Yes, well, we're going to need a lot of room. The meeting will be attended by the police departments of Gotham, Metropolis, Keystone and Central City, and New York. Police officers of all ranks coming together, to discuss a crucial issue affecting our society. Metahumans, and exactly what authority they have to take the law into their own hands. These cities are the ones most affected by metahuman activity, so its only appropriate that their law enforcement officials have their say on the matter. I hope to see you and other representatives of the press there, too. You won't want to miss it."

With a wink and a smile at the camera, Cornette moved past the reporters, and got into the waiting car.

...

A few hours later, and The Joker was back at Slaughter Swamp. The others were all gone now. He was out of his Cornette disguise. Now, he was dressed in a wetsuit, looking down hesitantly at the swamp.

"Meh, I've swam in worse before."

Making sure the oxygen tank was properly equipped, The Joker dove in. He swam down under the surface, the swamp proving to be deceptively deep. He could barely see ahead of him through the filth and murk, but he was just about able to make out the entrance into the tunnel. He swam through it, and for the next several minutes swam in total darkness. When he finally emerged, it was into an underground cavern.

"My own personal Batcave."

The Joker stripped off the wetsuit, and changed into a purple suit. Solomon Grundy was here, waiting for him.

"Ah, Solly, I just love what you've done with the place! Very cosy. How's our guest doing?"

"Born on a Monday..."

The Joker approached his prisoner. He was heavily sedated, his muscular form slumped forward feebly. Nevertheless, he was restrained securely, chained and strapped to the stone chair, embedded deep into the ground to keep it (and its occupant) upright.

"No, it's quite alright, don't stand up on my account."

He circled around the chair. Despite the sedation, the prisoner tensed in his presence. And The Joker relished that.

"They can have their little meetings, and make their little plans, but while those so-called superheroes run around like headless chickens, they're blissfully unaware that one of their own is in my hands."

The Joker kneeled in front of his prisoner, and flashed a wide, threatening grin.

"Ah....Martian Manhunter...."

[Batman]

"Tell me about it wing feet. Listen. I know you've heard by now. Slade's hunting again, and WE are NOT going to let him. He got two of us ****ing stuffed on his wall. He got Vic and Kara, and he's NOT going to get anymore of us. We're going to find that bastard and nail his testicles to the wall. Meet us in Gotham in five minutes. At the old cave, not Bats, ours."

Without even a second guess, Wally took a long pause, to absorb the information. Within seconds, he knew exactly what he was going to do, and where he was going to go. In order. Either way, it meant really bad news for Deathstroke.

"You better believe I'm coming.", Wally simply said, angrily, before crushing the phone in his hand, and pulling his mask back over his face.

In another blur of motion, The Flash had rejoined those still on the top floor of the base. Not saying a word to anyone, as he went through the crowd of superheroes, Wally grabbed Bart by the shoulders, and got on his knee, to be at eye level with his cousin. The teen was hesitant, but Wally forced him to pay attention.

"Listen to me, Bart.", He began, his voice brimming with all sorts of emotions. But at the forefront was compassion and understanding. "I'm going to tell you something that I wish had been told to me a long, very long time ago, when I lost the love of my life: It's not over. Not by a longshot. I know that anything and everything, from this point on, is going to hurt... god knows, it's going to hurt. But it's not over. Whoever you are... whatever you become, it's still alive and kicking, and it's not going to slow down. Kara wouldn't want you to. Your family wouldn't want you to. And god knows, I wouldn't want you to. So think about that, Bart. Think about the fact that Kara wouldn't want you to think that it's ever over."

With a slight smile, Wally's lip quivered, as Bart nodded, in understanding... but still overwhelmed by his loss. Wally understood, and simply patted him on the shoulder, before dashing off, to the other end of the room. Stopping at Jay, Wally came face to face with him. Obviously, the old man couldn't take it either.

"I... I don't know what to do, Jay. I don't know what's gonna happen, from here on out. But I'm gonna try to figure that for myself.", He stated, knowing he could trust Jay. "Just please... please take care of him like you took care of me, when Barry died. He needs it, badly."

Before Jay could respond, Wally was off again, and finally out of the facility... racing towards Gotham, faster than lightning itself.

[Green Lantern]

"Wally's on his way."

Dick looked over from his own phone call.

"How do you know?"

"Because he's Wally. And I bet he assumes Donna will be there too. Ah... School boys and their crushes."

[Green Lantern]

Kyle and Sinestro shield themselves (and throw a barrier around Arthur as well), but everyone else isn't so lucky. The impact shatters the rock and sends the members of the Church tumbling in all directions. Normally, I'd save such drastic measures for later, but if this feeling in my gut is right, this fight is no longer the priority. I want to finish this as soon as I can, and find out just what is going on elsewhere.

"Arthur, you know more about these people than the rest of us, so we'll follow your lead. Justice League...let's get to work."

Kyle stared at the horde of enemies approaching. Out of his ring came a calendar, flipped to the month of October.

"Get it? The Green October."

The silence overwhelms him again.

"Damn, you... it sets up my next one."

A green submarine started firing torpedoes into the Church members.

[Byrd Man]

"Wally's on his way."

Dick looked over from his own phone call.

"How do you know?"

"Because he's Wally. And I bet he assumes Donna will be there too. Ah... School boys and their crushes."

"You're one to talk, Speedy....anyway, I just got off the phone with her. She's aching to bust some gray head. I still have to call Garth. Wait, do they have underwater phones?"

"I dunno. Find out."

I find his frequency on my communicator. It takes a few minutes until he responds.

"Hello?"

"Garth."

"Dick? Sorry about that, I was asleep. What's wrong?"

I spend the next few minutes telling him about Bart, Kara, Mia, and Slade.

"-So Roy and I are getting everyone back together. The five of us, we're gonna take this bastard down once and for all."

I hear Garth breathing slowly on the other line.

"When and where?"

"The cave. The orginal cave."

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

Garth and I cut the connection and I look at Roy.

"Looks like we're getting the band back together."

"Pssh, using a Blue Brothers quote. How lame."

"What can I say? We're on a mission from god."

[Green Lantern]

"You're one to talk, Speedy....anyway, I just got off the phone with her. She's aching to bust some gray head. I still have to call Garth. Wait, do they have underwater phones?"

"I dunno. Find out."

I find his frequency on my communicator. It takes a few minutes until he responds.

"Hello?"

"Garth."

"Dick? Sorry about that, I was asleep. What's wrong?"

I spend the next few minutes telling him about Bart, Kara, Mia, and Slade.

"-So Roy and I are getting everyone back together. The five of us, we're gonna take this bastard down once and for all."

I hear Garth breathing slowly on the other line.

"When and where?"

"The cave. The orginal cave."

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

Garth and I cut the connection and I look at Roy.

"Looks like we're getting the band back together."

"Pssh, using a Blue Brothers quote. How lame."

"What can I say? We're on a mission from god."

Roy just shakes his head.

"Well we're there. When's Donna getting here."

Roy tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, but knew it didn't work. It'd been so long since he'd seen her. Even in these worst of times, it was a silver lining.

Roy smiled slightly as he landed the plane on the beach near the cave that served as the first Teen Titans Headquarters.

[Byrd Man]

Roy just shakes his head.

"Well we're there. When's Donna getting here."

Roy tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, but knew it didn't work. It'd been so long since he'd seen her. Even in these worst of times, it was a silver lining.

Roy smiled slightly as he landed the plane on the beach near the cave that served as the first Teen Titans Headquarters.

I arch my eyebrow slightly as we walk across the sand.

"Who's the schoolboy now? She said she was in New York, doing something with Wonder Woman and the UN. She's already on her way."

I smile as Roy and I walk across the beach and into the cave. As bad as things are right now, there's something about getting back together with the old group that makes me excited. The only downside is the reason why we're meeting.

"I'm really surprised Wally isn't here yet. To hear him tell it, he can go across the world five times before you can scratch your nuts."