DC: New Age Volume I IC Thread

[Batman]

"Hell of a first night for The Dynamic Duo, huh?"

Batman looks over, sneering at Robin's comment as he fires out a line from his grapnel, aswell. Not because he's angry with his partner... but because he's angry with the night in general. First, there was the elderly man back at the scene of the attempted burglary. The one that looked familiar, yet he couldn't place. Second, there was the police, and eventually the goverment agents. Hunting the two of them down for doing nothing but trying to make Gotham a safer place... something they had barely even attempted. And worse, that in itself put Jason closer to danger than Batman was actually willing to admit.

Then of course, worst of all... the clown. The maniacal madman that he had just faced for the first time, marking only one more of possibly millions of nights that The Joker had clashed with a Batman, be it Bruce Wayne, Jean Paul Valley, or even his father beneath the famous cowl. And somehow, someway, he was still active and alive, more powerful than he had ever been at his supposed 'prime'. Now, The Joker was back, and willing to bring Gotham to it's knees once more. John knew that, from that moment on, his career in succeeding the mantle of Batman was about to get a hell of alot harder.

"Let's just head back, Robin... and without another word about tonight.", Batman muttered, before taking off into the sky, still feeling the agonising wounds seep full of his blood.

 

[Eddie Brock]

At home, I'm practicing with one of Dad's bows. Honestly, my parents didn't want me to know about their...other lives until I was older. But when your 7 year-old starts destroying things with a Canary Cry, an explanation is in order.

In any case, Dad trained me as best he could. It's a scary world out there, and he wanted to equip me properly to face it. I don't think he'd been too keen on me using my talents to fight crime or anything, but he figured that he'd teach me in the name of self-defense.

I line-up the first arrow and fire. Bullseye.

I line-up the second arrow and position it the exact same way. I fire. Bullseye again - only this time, the second arrow splits the first down the middle.

"Nice."

I pull three more arrows out of the quiver and line them all up properly. I pull back and release. Three more bullseye's.

"Too easy..."

I put the bow down, and then I have an idea. I look around - even though I know I'm alone. I clear my throat, focus on the target, and unleash a Canary Cry. It rips through the arrows - reducing them to splinters. I watch as the target cracks from the center out. It looks vaguely like a bullet hole.

"The Green Arrow never did that!"

Satisfied with my practice for the day, I grab my Dad's quiver and bow and take them back inside. But I can't help but wonder...what exactly am I practicing for?
​

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Spoiler

Owen sits in his room, on his bed, and spaces out. He doesn't exactly ponder about anything specific just yet, more like an overall view of his life; he'd never felt so free. When he was out there, swimming out of the outer dome, it was as if it was entirely different water to him; fresher, better.

And then he thinks about that large ball of fire he saw shining through the water. Its rays were so radiant and bright, cutting through the oceanscape. Owen didn't touch them, for fearing the unknown, but now that he thinks about it, he wish he had. A whole new world of wonders awaits Owen upon the surface of the sea, but he missed his opportunity it seems.

Someone knocks on his door. He doesn't answer right away, partially because he finds himself lost in thought. But quickly, he shakes himself out of it, and answers.

"You can come in."

The door creaks slowly, and his father steps in. He walks over to Owen's bed, and takes a seat at the edge; Owen doesn't budge one bit. What he merely does is shift his body weight, laying back along his bed.

"So, what kind of consequences am I looking at for this endeavor?"

"I'm not here to talk about your punishment...if I even decide to give you one."

"What?"

Owen sits back up, putting his arms locked around his knees.

"Then what could you possibly be here for then?"

"Can't we just talk? We did a pretty good job at it the last time."

"Keywords, dad: pretty good."

Orin gets up from his bed, and walks over to Owen's night stand. He kneels down a bit, finding the switch to his lamp, and turns it on.

"It's a marvelous thing, isn't it? Light, of course."

"It's okay, I guess."

"When I found you out in the ocean, before I pulled you back in I--"

Orin stops for a brief second, wishing he had chosen better words. However has didn't therefore he must just move on."

"...I saw you reaching out towards the surface, grasping for something."

Owen doesn't respond. Orin turns around, and their eyes meet. Course, this doesn't last too long because Orin turns back facing the window now. He slowly glides his hand loosely across the smoothly crafted window sill.

"In case you were curious...it's called the Sun."

"How could you do that to me? Hmm? I never felt so free, but you just had to stop me; you and your damn laws. Well I broke your laws father, and you know what I felt? Do you know what I experienced? Happiness at its fullest. It was like I was one with the sea."

Orin's creates a sudden grip on the window sill in reaction to Owen's last sentence, cracking it as he does so. He turns around, as if seeing a ghost; Mera said something similar to him once about such a feeling whenever she swam.

"Our last conversation, while better than right now, wasn't entirely complete, son. I never spoke of some of your mother's most fondest of memories. And for that, I apologize."

Orin turns from the window sill, and pulls up a chair to his bed from his small table, sitting down.

"She, like you, viewed the entire ocean as her playground. When you were little, it was clear that someone would see you swimming, and point out 'that's Mera's boy'. It wasn't cause of your green eyes either, my son. It was because you were so much like her."

Owen smiles, and Orin stands up, putting his arm around his son as he points outward towards the window.

"And there are times when you are still like her. Oh, the similarities sometimes are too many to count. She too probably would've hated the idea of the outer dome...but...at the time it seemed for the best."

"Probably, dad?"

"It had been talked about for years, tracking back to even before my time as King. But many argued that what is now known as the inner dome, was enough in the old days. But it was for the sake of mainly your mother, that I never allowed such a job to be started. She loved swimming freely outside the city of Poseidonis, playing with the animals; a lot like you did when you were still a baby. She argued that the only thing measuring close to her love of her family, was her love and freedom of the sea. And yet...now I look upon the magical waters that make up the outer dome, and feel like I've betrayed her...perversed my own dream for the greater good and protection of Atlantis."
​

"Why did you do it then, dad? If even Mom was against it...why did you go through with it?"

Orin's grip around his son's shoulders loosened, and he sighed a great deep sigh before he answered his son. He turned to face him, and again their eyes met, and again Orin grew weak as he sow those same green eyes he used to see in Mera.

"I became...fragile, and strucken with loss...becoming desperate, I finally gave in to such a construction. But that time around, I proposed to change the initial plans. And that is why, it is now an almost invisible magical cloak of water; impenetrable to say the least."

"The loss of what?"

"Please...do not continue to play this game you are playing, my son. I already know. I know you entered the Archives. But I do not feel any betrayal or anger more than I do for myself, for it is I that has betrayed you. I shouldn't have kept it all a secret, my son. The very idea of making Mera's memory nothing more than a ghost has haunted me ever since the day she was taken from me."

"...from the disease you mean, right?"

Orin responds shocked in his expression. He hadn't known what Owen read, only assumed.

"What did you read back in the Archives?"

"It was how you met mom. She didn't die from a disease?"

"No."

"...I knew it..."

Owen gets up from his bed, and walks around his room as he takes it all in. He tries to hold back any anger he has for his father, because he feels he may finally understand some of it; why the way things are. Perhaps now he will learn it all. So he turns, leaning against his small table.

"...How did she die?"

What was about to happen next, is something that Orin has tried to dodge for the past 20 years. In a way, it was his only way to cope for his loss. And for 20 years, he stuck with it. And each passing year, on the day of the 'anniversary' of Earth's darkest day, Orin would lock himself up in his bedroom chambers for the entire day; cut off from the world just as he had cut off Atlantis. This year's anniversary was not too far way, just around the corner, but this time Orin questioned what he would do this time around.

"It was a most festive time of the year. Atlantis' exports had sky-rocketed, and we became the world's number 1 supplier of salt. Everything was truly glorious, and it looked like the true Great Age of Atlantis was not too far away. It looked like an Age would come, that would surpass what is known to us as our people's Golden Age thousands of years ago. Life was good."

Orin brings a smile on his face as he re-thinks this time in his life. He thought that speaking of the past could never do such a thing, but then he forgot about the events that followed. His smile soon became a frown.

"But as all things...not even the greatest moments last forever. We were on the brink of war, and we never even saw it coming; the entire world never saw it coming. A war that took place not only in the ocean, but in the sky and on the earth."

Orin's fists clench, and he starts to grind his teeth as he lowers his hand, flexing his muscles as if about to curse, but finds the strength to refrain form doing so. His tension lessens, and he places a hand upon his forehead as he leans forward, resting on his kneecap.

"The Deep Six, a group of aquatically adapated soldiers from a planet named Apokolips, was again on the move. But this time, they were supported much further than before by their dark lord. The numbers were endless! Atlantis was struck before we could give notice to the world above. And by the time I was able to get word to the surface, it had already been too late. The words of my scout are such that I would never forget. He called it hell on Earth...and that's exactly what it was. It was hell, Owen...hell. "

"Who led this campaign, father? What is the name of the dark lord from Apokolips?"

"This man wasn't just some powerful lord of his world...he was a tyrant! All that felt his touch, touched Death. His world was one that had been stripped of all its beautiful life. There were no glorious streams flowing down the mountain, and no grand oceanscape where the whales would dwell. Only fire and ash were all the could see over the horizon. All who were born and all that lived were bound by the rule of Darkseid."

Owen was speechless. One man. One...being...it was almost impossible to accept at first. But he had closely paid attention to his father's body language, and knew there was no exaggeration. Surely what his father was speaking about, was Death incarnate.

"But why here? Why...of all places would he attack our home and that of the world above?"

"Revenge. Boredom. Because he could...pick one, for the reasons could be many, my son. But it wasn't the first time we were up against such an enemy as fowl as he."

"We?"

"My comrades and I. The Justice League of America."

Owen can recall such a story about a team of extraordinary men that came together, putting their differences aside from the same campaign against evil in a few of the stories Vulko and Garth would tell him as a child. Although they were referred to as The Keepers of Justice, Owen now has no doubt in mind it was actually this team of heroes his father now speaks of. There were seven of them if Owen's memory served him right.

"And so, when the tide seemed to be on our side, and my army was starting to push the invaders back, I left the protection of our people and entire civilization on Koryak. Of course, I had Rodunn keep an eye on him."

"Who?"

"Koryak...while you have never known him as this...is your brother-in-law. You see, before I met your mother, I had relations with another woman. But I never knew about Koryak til after he was born; by this time I was no longer acquainted with his mother."

Owen smirks, in spite of it all, as he hears this brief part about his father.

"So I did get some traits from you after all, didn't I? You're...charm against woman. Why haven't I met Koryak before?"

"Because he met his end earlier than intended."

"Did he die in this--"

"No. He died in a battle further down the road. But your mother..."

Orin struggles with his next set of words. It is as painful to continue as it was to accept her death all those years ago. He never exactly truly blamed himself for her death...but he cursed Fate every now and then why they took her life instead of his.

"...She urged me on that we go help our friends in the world above since we were finally able to take the upper hand in the battle below. It was without a doubt the right thing to do, so we did. Utilizing her amazing hard-water skills, she was indeed a powerful force to be reckoned with during the great battle above. I had never seen her fight so valiantly...so strong and so determined. I..."

Orin stops again. He tries to hide it, but he starts to weep, and covers the rest of his face with his other hand as he silently struggles to control himself and his emotions. Owen stops leaning against the table and goes to his father, placing his hand upon his shoulders.

"Don't continue, dad...I don't to cause you the trauma of re-living that tragic day again. Another time...you've already told me enough, and I greatly appreciate it. Another time you can finish that part for me. I cannot bare to see you act in such a way, father. You are always so strong and so firm."

"No...no...you must know. Only then could you understand why everything is as it must be...if I lost you I'd--"

Orin wipes his eyes a bit before he continues and sighs.

"Your mother died fighting, Owen...she died fighting for the right we all are allowed. The right to our freedom. For years I was viewed as a hero...the mighty King of the Seven Seas...the courageous Aquaman...No. She was the true hero. She died fighting...and I couldn't save her...but I lived. I am no hero."

 

[Catman_prb]

Tim sat on his hotel bed and looked at the letter.
Dear Tim
I've written this before i've gone. On good old paper, with good old pen. You wouldn't approve. I'm writing this, because i thought you'd need saving. From yourself. At some point, whether its today, or tomorrow, or the day that Bruce dies, you'll give up. You can't do that. They need you. Your family. Your real one. The one you've always hoped of having. A little kid called Jason? You plan everything don't you? (Btw I have read your diary). You carry on. Save the world. You've got a hero complex. Make the most out of it. For me. For Connor. For everyone you've ever lost and are ever likely to lose. Fight the good fight. Be a man. Save them.
Yours, from beyond the grave,
Dick Grayson

 

[trustyside-kick]

There is a brief moment of silence, only brief. Owen doesn't let a cloud of awkwardness start, and acts upon his thoughts quickly. He recalls the stories that Vulko and Garth would tell him as a child. And since he found out the day he snuck into the The Archives that the hero all along was indeed his father, he knew exactly what to say.

"What about the time you united all the lost cities of Atlantis to fight a common enemy? A threat that was so huge, it expanded beyond all the oceanscape? What about the time you waged battle against one of the gods of the sea? You stood your ground, and battled for your honor and your reign over the seven seas. I cannot think of a better King other than you, father. And there is no greater hero I had ever admire as a child."

"As a...child?"

"Vulko and Garth. You see...heh, they would spend countless minutes, sometimes even hours, telling me stories. They thought they were being clever, changing the names of characters and locations...but now I know them, and the stories to be true. They were your adventures as a hero, father. You were so joyful so happy so...glorious.You were my biggest hero, even if you and I didn't know it."

A smile comes upon Owen's face, and he turns, facing Orin. Orin lowers his head a bit, but cannot help but smirk a bit as well.

"So they told you about the time with the giant star-fish named Starro?"

"That was real? I surely thought that one had to be just to keep me giggling to help move the story along."

"Nope. And you wouldn't have been giggling if you went up against the beast. He was stronger than he looked."

The two find themselves laughing now, and it feels like they are having one of those overdue father-son moments. However, Owen interrupts, but only making the moment that much more special.

"Despite of all the hatred I have for that...thing..."

Owen begins to point out the window, at the mystical outer dome.

"...I'm sure Mom would be proud. I think she would've understood. You just had your people's best interests at heart. I have no doubt in my mind that you were her biggest hero too, dad."

A tear runs down Orin's eyes, but he doesn't wipe it away; for it is a tear of joy. And such a tear, should not be wiped away in shame. Orin closes his eyes, and takes a deep sigh, and then he too looks out through the window at the outer dome.

"Then she would've understood why now I have decided to take it down."

Owen's neck quickly snaps away from the window and towards his father, and he mouth opens wide with shock.

"Are you serious?"

Orin keeps his eyes on the outer dome, and closes them as he smirks, nodding his head.

"I've kept Atlantis together, protected, and strong for 17 out of the 20 years that dome has been standing tall. It is about time I restore something else to the people aside from security and order...will you be by my side when the time comes?"

Owen's emotions are all over the place at the moment, and he tries to keep it all contained. No more feeling like a prisoner in his own home. No more staring up at the world above, wondering what lies ahead.

"How could the Prince of Atlantis not make such an appearance?"

"Oh, so now you take pride in your title?"

"...I'm getting there."

An idea comes to Orin and Owen catches this, for his father gets this certain look in his eyes; this spark of life that is so rarely there. He has rarely seen his father so excited.

"Well, then...it seems you must dress for the occasion."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Something that will truly make our people remember such an occassion. Something symbolic."

"Uh...I'm, not...I'm not following."

Orin again finds himself smirking, and wipes the dried up tear away from his face and looks over to his son. His smirk widens and he cannot help but smile as he responds back.

"...You'll find out."

 

[Byrd Man]

​

Batman looks over, sneering at Robin's comment as he fires out a line from his grapnel, aswell. Not because he's angry with his partner... but because he's angry with the night in general. First, there was the elderly man back at the scene of the attempted burglary. The one that looked familiar, yet he couldn't place. Second, there was the police, and eventually the goverment agents. Hunting the two of them down for doing nothing but trying to make Gotham a safer place... something they had barely even attempted. And worse, that in itself put Jason closer to danger than Batman was actually willing to admit.

Then of course, worst of all... the clown. The maniacal madman that he had just faced for the first time, marking only one more of possibly millions of nights that The Joker had clashed with a Batman, be it Bruce Wayne, Jean Paul Valley, or even his father beneath the famous cowl. And somehow, someway, he was still active and alive, more powerful than he had ever been at his supposed 'prime'. Now, The Joker was back, and willing to bring Gotham to it's knees once more. John knew that, from that moment on, his career in succeeding the mantle of Batman was about to get a hell of alot harder.

"Let's just head back, Robin... and without another word about tonight.", Batman muttered, before taking off into the sky, still feeling the agonising wounds seep full of his blood.

"Here you are, Master Drake."

Reddy lays a plate down on the table as he walks away.

"You don't have to call me 'Master', What is this?"

"Eggs with shredded cheese and black pepper."

I take a bite and smile.

"That's my favorite. How did you know?"

"Master Grayson programmed your personal prefrences and informaton as soon as you took up the Robin mantle. While you were gone, I took the liberty to wash your street clothes."

I pull look down at my t-shirt. I notice the ketchup stain from lunch is gone.

"Thanks..."

I look across the room at the clocktower's little balcony, through the clear doorway. I can see John standing and looking out at the sunrise.

I take another bite of my eggs and put the fork back on the plate and cross the room, opening the balcony's door and leaning on the balcony next to John. I look out at the sunrise slowly coming over Gotham.

"Heck of a view. You know, from this high up. It all looks sane. The city looks like an actual achivement"

 

[trustyside-kick]

The day had finally come. After 20 long years, the outer dome had finally served its purpose. When King Orin made the announcement, there were mixed feelings about such a decision. Some liked the idea, while others grew terribly paranoid, claiming it was all that stood in the way of Atlantis and its enemies. But the King assured them that this would not be a step backward, rather a step forward.

Owen, who has been waiting in his bedroom chamber, grows impatient and irritated. The big day is finally upon them, and his father made mention that he would have his tailor have him wear something most symbolic and special for such an occasion. After the tailor came to properly measure Owen's dimensions, many thoughts about what his father had in mind quickly rushed in. He starts to sketch something on a piece of paper, hoping his mind does not forget the image rolling around. There is a knock on the door and Owen turns around, excited, but he tries to hide it, placing it into one of his drawers of his dresser.

"Uh, you may come in."

The door opens and his father, along with two chambermaids step into Owen's room. The tailor's masterpiece, as Owen was hoping it would be, was hidden in a protective coat that one of the chambermaids was now holding.

"Are you ready to help write some history, my son?"

"...You bet. Course, it helps to have some clothes..."

"Yes, I didn't forget about that."

One of the chambermaids walks over to Owen and lays down the clothes on his bed. As she kneels down to do so, she turns her head towards Owen and he winks at her; she cannot help but blush. But when Owen looks back over at his father, he sort of nods his head in disapproval. Owen just shrugs back at him, and Orin's expression changes to a small smirk he cannot help but try to hide. Garth was right...Owen is the same kid. It fills Orin with great joy they are finally starting to feel like a true family. Orin then walks over to the chambermaid, lays down his hand her shoulder, and she gets up.

"You may go now."

She nods her head, and walks out the door with the other chambermaid giggling. Owen doesn't watch when she turns back looking at him, for his mind is fixated on the clothes laid before him, hidden beneath the coat.

"Go ahead, open it. I think you'll like what you find inside."

"You bet I will. The entire time, waiting for that damn tailor I--what he hell?"

Owen unzips the zipper, revealing the clothing inside the coat.

"What's the big deal--"

"You don't like it?"

"Like it? No! No...that isn't it. I thought--"

"You thought what? Will you wear it? Or would you prefer I had the tailor make you something else?"

Owen is silent for a moment, in pure disappointment. When his father said it would something symbolic, he quickly thought of something else entirely. Sure, this ceremonial outfit suits a prince for wearing...but it wasn't what Owen wanted. But he does not find the guts to tell his father. He just wants the day to go smoothly.

"No, I'll wear it."

"Good. Now, get ready. We must start soon. Cannot let the people waiting, now can we?"

Owen nods back a 'no' to his father, and Orin gets up, pats his son on the back, and walks out the door. Owen starts to put on the ceremonial outfit, but when he spots one of the chambermaids from before walk past his room, he calls her in. He takes out the same sheet of paper from before, and finishes the sketch up. He smirks as he does so, gives it to the chambermaid to give to the tailor, but before she turns away he kisses her on the hand. She giggles of course, and walks out the bedroom chamber.

"Well...time to make history."

 

[Batman]

He failed.

It was the first true scope of a reality so harsh that John had made the mistake of never taking it into account. Maybe it was his pride. Maybe his arrogance, in thinking he could be just as good... just as clever as the original Batman. Or maybe it was the biggest common flaw, in this associated family: Their own humanity. Bruce Wayne had never had to fight a Joker that powerful. And now, in this situation, he didn't have Bruce Wayne's expertise to go off of.

Maybe that was the problem in itself. Maybe John was relying too much on what Bruce Wayne would do, now not utilizing the mantle of the Batman for his own mind... his own perspective. Maybe he needed to become his own Batman, and let the old one rest with Wayne's grave. John turned, looking up at the computer screen that displayed all of the Joker's information, via a file stored on his mother's harddrive... and shut it off. He didn't need it anymore. Now, they had new information that could never come from the file. And that's what they were going to go off of, if The Joker was to be stopped.

"You know, from this high up. It all looks sane. The city looks like an actual achievement."

John's thoughts wondered, as Jason looked out at Gotham, almost regretful. He couldn't blame the kid, after what he had seen tonight.

"And from what my mom's files alluded, Pamela Isely looked nothing short of a goddess. Didn't stop her from taking the lives of at least a forth of the city's population, twenty years ago.", John responded. "Doesn't matter anyway. We need to focus on what's important. Namely, how we're going to stop The Joker before he does something horrible."

 

[Byrd Man]

He failed.

It was the first true scope of a reality so harsh that John had made the mistake of never taking it into account. Maybe it was his pride. Maybe his arrogance, in thinking he could be just as good... just as clever as the original Batman. Or maybe it was the biggest common flaw, in this associated family: Their own humanity. Bruce Wayne had never had to fight a Joker that powerful. And now, in this situation, he didn't have Bruce Wayne's expertise to go off of.

Maybe that was the problem in itself. Maybe John was relying too much on what Bruce Wayne would do, now not utilizing the mantle of the Batman for his own mind... his own perspective. Maybe he needed to become his own Batman, and let the old one rest with Wayne's grave. John turned, looking up at the computer screen that displayed all of the Joker's information, via a file stored on his mother's harddrive... and shut it off. He didn't need it anymore. Now, they had new information that could never come from the file. And that's what they were going to go off of, if The Joker was to be stopped.

"You know, from this high up. It all looks sane. The city looks like an actual achievement."

John's thoughts wondered, as Jason looked out at Gotham, almost regretful. He couldn't blame the kid, after what he had seen tonight.

"And from what my mom's files alluded, Pamela Isely looked nothing short of a goddess. Didn't stop her from taking the lives of at least a forth of the city's population, twenty years ago.", John responded. "Doesn't matter anyway. We need to focus on what's important. Namely, how we're going to stop The Joker before he does something horrible."

"You're right. If that was the Joker dad told me about, then we would have been in a world of trouble just him alone. Now that he has superpowers...that just frightens the crap out of me...but it can be done."

I stifle a yawn with my hand. God I'm glad it's a Saturday, I couldn't stand the thought of having to go to school now.

"I guess I should head home, god I'm scared....I don't know if I told you...but when we split up to run, I ran into dad. He knew who I was."

I smile as I look up at John.

"You know, after you left and mom and dad began the training, they made me swear an oath not to take up this life. Guess I broke it, huh?"

The smile dissapears, all traces of joking are gone.

"But, I want you to take an oath today. An oath I'll take and we'll swear to keep it. It's the same oath Bruce Wayne took the night his parents died and it's the oath he made our father take when they became his partners."

I hold up my left hand up in the air, palm open, and place my right hand on my chest, right over my heart.

"I, Jason Conner Drake, swear to do everything in my power as Robin and as Jason Conner Drake to protect and rid Gotham City of the superstitious and cowardly lot that are the criminal fraternity. I will also do everything in my power to help and protect my partner, Batman. Together we will strike fear into the underworld as Batman and Robin. We will also protect and defend each other, not as father and son or student and pupil, but as brothers."

John stares as I finish the oath. I don't know how close it is it the orginal oath our fathers took, but it's pretty good for something I just came up with on the fly.

"So help me God."

 

[Karem-Knight]

“Why did I leave!?”

I say to myself putting on my blazer starring at my city, it used to be such a peaceful place just such a joy to be in. The one city in the world that wasn’t crime infested there was a beacon of hope that shined bright in that city, to the people it was Superman but to me it was a woman named Lois Lane.

I stare at myself in the mirror, had a good night rest, I go to the phone and call the reception telling to cancel my taxi to the Memorial, I’ll rather walk.

Taking the stair I think of everything I abounded on this day 20 years ago, D Day they called it, The day when Darkseid the bastard ruler of Apokalypse destroyed half of every city in the world just leaving enough for people to suffer.

I still remember how useless I felt that day, for as long as I remember I felt like a reluctant god that didn’t want or need those powers but I chose to help people with, never letting my anger go never going all out and never crossing that line, but the one time I needed to cross the line……the one time it would have been justified. I was beaten and nearly crippled and saw the world go into shambles.

As soon as I woke up I searched for survivors, I did what any good human being would do, I went looking for my loved ones. Only to see that she had been killed holding her dead body in my arms. I felt useless.

Then, I remember how I failed Bruce, Diana, Ollie everyone. The JLA disbanded shortly after I left, Then the A.V.A. was passed. And finally Bruce died.

The death toll doubled when I left, when the A.V.A. was passed more wars more chaos!

But worst of all, I think what I had done to Christopher poor kid, I abounded him let him live with Ma and Pa, I know it was to be like him powerful then other people on the outside but just as weak as them on the inside.

I could have helped him cope better I could have helped myself! What did I do, I ran away, I was a hero before that! Hero’s don’t run, but what’s worrying is for everyone I abounded how they must feel, if a Superman can cower away then what chance does a human man have?

All of a sudden I notice no more stairs to walk on to anymore as I hear that massive great THUD! On the stairway.


I make my way pass the hotel, walking on the city streets of this city, It’s day time, Not a cloud in the sky and a bright glowing yellow star to give it an even brighter feel.

To bad it’s not a bright day to be.


I walk for half an hour, in that time I see several people looking down and morning. In my day the only people who looked down on the feet was Clark Kent, now I’m the one looking up in the sky for a hero.

I stand in the entrance of Metropolis park, in giant letters I see it.

20th ​

ANNIVERSARY​

​

D DAY​

​

I take a deep breath and make my way through, as I walk but looking at the five million candles in the river, I notice that one person is lighting one, I rush over.

“Excuse me!”

“Yes?”

“Can I light a candle?”

“Of course.”

He hands it to me with a match I light it, I kneel to the river and lay it on top as it floats by.

I get up and smile at him whispering thank you but not having the guts to say it.

I walk through the ceremony, as I walk I notice several pictures of various inspirational people.

Jesus Christ, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, John F Kennedy, I even see one of Lex himself, Modest as always.

But then I am surprised. I see my…….debut in Metropolis, I walk over to it.

Why have I been put in with all these people?
I leave the praises and make my way to the ceremony I stare at the tablet of stone with each victim who died on that day, all in alphabetical order.

I can briefly here the Senator’s speech but I ignore it, As I see several people mourn on that day, even those who weren’t born that year still feel guilt and loss.

Using my eye sight I stare into one name that’s on the tablet.


Kevin Laee
Lois Lane
Luke Lancy
Lancy Law
Lucy Lawless

I stare closer.

Kevin Laee
Lois Lane
Luke Lancy

Then finally I see it.

LOIS LANE

I close my eyes and can only briefly hear the senator say.

“….And now ladies and gentlemen, Your President.”


I ignore it as a tear runs through my cheek then I mutter the words to myself.

“……………Lois………………”

 

[MST3K 4ever]

“Why did I leave!?”

I say to myself putting on my blazer starring at my city, it used to be such a peaceful place just such a joy to be in. The one city in the world that wasn’t crime infested there was a beacon of hope that shined bright in that city, to the people it was Superman but to me it was a woman named Lois Lane.

I stare at myself in the mirror, had a good night rest, I go to the phone and call the reception telling to cancel my taxi to the Memorial, I’ll rather walk.

Taking the stair I think of everything I abounded on this day 20 years ago, D Day they called it, The day when Darkseid the bastard ruler of Apokalypse destroyed half of every city in the world just leaving enough for people to suffer.

I still remember how useless I felt that day, for as long as I remember I felt like a reluctant god that didn’t want or need those powers but I chose to help people with, never letting my anger go never going all out and never crossing that line, but the one time I needed to cross the line……the one time it would have been justified. I was beaten and nearly crippled and saw the world go into shambles.

As soon as I woke up I searched for survivors, I did what any good human being would do, I went looking for my loved ones. Only to see that she had been killed holding her dead body in my arms. I felt useless.

Then, I remember how I failed Bruce, Diana, Ollie everyone. The JLA disbanded shortly after I left, Then the A.V.A. was passed. And finally Bruce died.

The death toll doubled when I left, when the A.V.A. was passed more wars more chaos!

But worst of all, I think what I had done to Christopher poor kid, I abounded him let him live with Ma and Pa, I know it was to be like him powerful then other people on the outside but just as weak as them on the inside.

I could have helped him cope better I could have helped myself! What did I do, I ran away, I was a hero before that! Hero’s don’t run, but what’s worrying is for everyone I abounded how they must feel, if a Superman can cower away then what chance does a human man have?

All of a sudden I notice no more stairs to walk on to anymore as I hear that massive great THUD! On the stairway.


I make my way pass the hotel, walking on the city streets of this city, It’s day time, Not a cloud in the sky and a bright glowing yellow star to give it an even brighter feel.

To bad it’s not a bright day to be.


I walk for half an hour, in that time I see several people looking down and morning. In my day the only people who looked down on the feet was Clark Kent, now I’m the one looking up in the sky for a hero.

I stand in the entrance of Metropolis park, in giant letters I see it.

20th
ANNIVERSARY

D DAY
​

I take a deep breath and make my way through, as I walk but looking at the five million candles in the river, I notice that one person is lighting one, I rush over.

“Excuse me!”

“Yes?”

“Can I light a candle?”

“Of course.”

He hands it to me with a match I light it, I kneel to the river and lay it on top as it floats by.

I get up and smile at him whispering thank you but not having the guts to say it.

I walk through the ceremony, as I walk I notice several pictures of various inspirational people.

Jesus Christ, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, John F Kennedy, I even see one of Lex himself, Modest as always.

But then I am surprised. I see my…….debut in Metropolis, I walk over to it.

Why have I been put in with all these people?
I leave the praises and make my way to the ceremony I stare at the tablet of stone with each victim who died on that day, all in alphabetical order.

I can briefly here the Senator’s speech but I ignore it, As I see several people mourn on that day, even those who weren’t born that year still feel guilt and loss.

Using my eye sight I stare into one name that’s on the tablet.


Kevin Laee
Lois Lane
Luke Lancy
Lancy Law
Lucy Lawless

I stare closer.

Kevin Laee
Lois Lane
Luke Lancy

Then finally I see it.

LOIS LANE

I close my eyes and can only briefly hear the senator say.

“….And now ladies and gentlemen, Your President.”


I ignore it as a tear runs through my cheek then I mutter the words to myself.

“……………Lois………………”

Lex walks by the former Presidents shaking their hands as they applaud him with the gathered crowd. He and President Obama even give each other a warm embrace after years of feuding.

He steps up to the podium and puts his cane off to the side. Lex acknowledges the applause and gently motions for the crowd to settle down.

Lex says, "Thank you my fellow Americans. Please be seated thank you."

He steadies himself and says, "My fellow Americans, distinguished guests and to our world wide audience I stand before you this day in not as a President or statesman or any other title that could be mentioned. No today I stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as survivors of an event that forever changed our world. 20 years ago we can readily recall where we were, what we were doing even what we were wearing in some cases. The terrible thunder from the sky, the horrific image of Darkseid and his minions descending upon our world."

Lex takes a deep breath and says, "The chaos and panic unlike anything humanity as ever known. So many lives lost during that first wave of attacks and there after. Loved ones, children, friends, co-workers many of us even found ourselves mourning the loss of those we once considered our rivals. However out of that chaos order came into being. Humanity banded together and said with one voice, 'Darkseid we are sending you and your kind back to the h*** you came from! This is our world! This world belongs to us!"

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Lex soaks it in and as the applause dies out he says, "We are now able to look back upon that dreaded day and remember the lessons of it. We have seen prosperity in our world, peace and hope restored as well. Nevertheless on this day we remember those who lost their lives during that dark chapter in our history. There are those who mourn everyday as do I. I will never forget the moment I held a child in my arms as he slowly slipped the bonds of this world and took his rightful place with the angels above. Many of us have stories like that and today we honor those moments with our candles held for all to see and we say with one voice, 'You are remembered'. Let us say it for all to hear..."

The gathered crowd all say, "you are remembered."

Lex says, "Now let us go forth, remembering the lessons of the past, living in the moment of now, and embracing the next chapter in the history of humanity...thank you and God bless the United States of America."

The crowd applauds again and Lex bows his head slowly.

 

[trustyside-kick]

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and as such King Orin was applauded endlessly for his poetic speech about Atlantis and the Crown Jewel of the Sea it truly is. In his speech, to persuade his people further, he claimed how it was a Crown Jewel that must light proudly in the oceanscape and its depths; to remain in hiding no longer. And so it was done; the outer dome was gone.

When Owen got back from the great ceremony, and the reception that followed, he returned to his chambers to find that the clothing he had asked the tailor to make for him had already been waiting for him. He opened the protective coating concealing the clothing, and was most satisfied with his results. But alas, the day was over, and he was most worn out from the excessive partying; it was time for the Prince to rest his eyes.

When 'day' broke, if you could call it that for in Atlantis they went by the change in the tides, Owen woke up most excited about the day ahead. Today would be the first day he could swim outside the inner dome with pure freedom; without any worries. No soldier would come to pull him back, and no sea creature would remain seperated from he. The Sea would become his playground; as it should have always been to him.

A chambermaid knocks on his door, and he grants her entrance.

"My Prince?"

"Yes?"

Owen gets up from his bed, half naked in fact, and walks over to his dresser. The chambermaid blushes, but she quickly speaks, not forgetting her purpose for her visit.

"Your father has requested your audience. He wishes to take the first swim with his son, my Prince."

"Is that so?"

Owen takes off his shirt without care of her presence, and opens his drawer, placing the shirt folded into it. He walks past her in the doorway, winking as he does and sits down to put on his shoes.

"...Uh, yes. Shall I tell him you will only be a minute?"

Owen looks over at the zipped up clothes on his bedroom chair, as if losing all sense of reality as he stares at it. The chambermaid grows confused, and repeats her question. Owen snaps out of it, and opens his mouth yet pauses as he is about to speak. He shakes his head, and stands up, walking towards her, nudging her chin softly in a playful manner.

"Actually, could you tell my father that I am not feeling too good, hmm?"

The chambermaid again looks confused, for she can see just how healthy Owen looks. But that is until he slowly whispers something into her ear, and she giggles briefly. She nods at him, and he winks to her as she departs. After she closes the door behind her, however, Owen sighs and shakes his head.

"She has no respect for herself...I hope girls upon the surface are not like that."

He then walks over to his chair, and unzips the coat revealing the clothes the tailor had made for him. He starts to put the clothes on, and thinks about that bright ball of fire he saw the last time he almost reached the surface; his father called it a Sun. A smile falls on his face as he envisions that first fresh air he is going to finally smell today.

 

[Catman_prb]

Lex walks by the former Presidents shaking their hands as they applaud him with the gathered crowd. He and President Obama even give each other a warm embrace after years of feuding.

He steps up to the podium and puts his cane off to the side. Lex acknowledges the applause and gently motions for the crowd to settle down.

Lex says, "Thank you my fellow Americans. Please be seated thank you."

He steadies himself and says, "My fellow Americans, distinguished guests and to our world wide audience I stand before you this day in not as a President or statesman or any other title that could be mentioned. No today I stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as survivors of an event that forever changed our world. 20 years ago we can readily recall where we were, what we were doing even what we were wearing in some cases. The terrible thunder from the sky, the horrific image of Darkseid and his minions descending upon our world."

Lex takes a deep breath and says, "The chaos and panic unlike anything humanity as ever known. So many lives lost during that first wave of attacks and there after. Loved ones, children, friends, co-workers many of us even found ourselves mourning the loss of those we once considered our rivals. However out of that chaos order came into being. Humanity banded together and said with one voice, 'Darkseid we are sending you and your kind back to the h*** you came from! This is our world! This world belongs to us!"

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Lex soaks it in and as the applause dies out he says, "We are now able to look back upon that dreaded day and remember the lessons of it. We have seen prosperity in our world, peace and hope restored as well. Nevertheless on this day we remember those who lost their lives during that dark chapter in our history. There are those who mourn everyday as do I. I will never forget the moment I held a child in my arms as he slowly slipped the bonds of this world and took his rightful place with the angels above. Many of us have stories like that and today we honor those moments with our candles held for all to see and we say with one voice, 'You are remembered'. Let us say it for all to hear..."

The gathered crowd all say, "you are remembered."

Lex says, "Now let us go forth, remembering the lessons of the past, living in the moment of now, and embracing the next chapter in the history of humanity...thank you and God bless the United States of America."

The crowd applauds again and Lex bows his head slowly.

Tim clapped with the rest of them. It was a good speech, granted. It would win voter confidence, and the public would fall in love with Lex Luthor all over again. And if it hadnt been for the fact that Lex Luthor had been saying it, Tim would have believed it. Every word. But it was Luthor. So he could only partly believe it.

Had Luthor become a new man? No. People like that never changed. He'd just changed the way he was playing the game. He stood near the front, and made sure that Luthor got a look at his face just once. The look of momentary suprise was evident. He must of thought that I of all people wouldn't have turned up. It would only have been stranger if Clark Kent himself had turned up.

People had died in his arms that day. Many, many people. He'd fought for for them. Even he died a little bit. He'd given up on the people he loved. He'd tried to do it from within the confines of the law. He looked at Luthor as he walked away from the podium. But if the law is corrupt, then what does that achieve? Exactly nothing.

Tim stopped for a while, a still figure among the bustling crowd. He watched the candles float down stream. It was a beautiful sight, if it had not been so sad. Tim imagined that every candle represented a life lost in the invasion. The light from the river lit up half the city.

Bruce, Dick, Connor, Rose he thought Im sorry. I thought it was you that made me give up. I was wrong. It was me. It always was me that gave up first. But i will make you proud. I will live up to your names. I will remember you.

 

[Oh Snap!]

Lex walks by the former Presidents shaking their hands as they applaud him with the gathered crowd. He and President Obama even give each other a warm embrace after years of feuding.

He steps up to the podium and puts his cane off to the side. Lex acknowledges the applause and gently motions for the crowd to settle down.

Lex says, "Thank you my fellow Americans. Please be seated thank you."

He steadies himself and says, "My fellow Americans, distinguished guests and to our world wide audience I stand before you this day in not as a President or statesman or any other title that could be mentioned. No today I stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as survivors of an event that forever changed our world. 20 years ago we can readily recall where we were, what we were doing even what we were wearing in some cases. The terrible thunder from the sky, the horrific image of Darkseid and his minions descending upon our world."

Lex takes a deep breath and says, "The chaos and panic unlike anything humanity as ever known. So many lives lost during that first wave of attacks and there after. Loved ones, children, friends, co-workers many of us even found ourselves mourning the loss of those we once considered our rivals. However out of that chaos order came into being. Humanity banded together and said with one voice, 'Darkseid we are sending you and your kind back to the h*** you came from! This is our world! This world belongs to us!"

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Lex soaks it in and as the applause dies out he says, "We are now able to look back upon that dreaded day and remember the lessons of it. We have seen prosperity in our world, peace and hope restored as well. Nevertheless on this day we remember those who lost their lives during that dark chapter in our history. There are those who mourn everyday as do I. I will never forget the moment I held a child in my arms as he slowly slipped the bonds of this world and took his rightful place with the angels above. Many of us have stories like that and today we honor those moments with our candles held for all to see and we say with one voice, 'You are remembered'. Let us say it for all to hear..."

The gathered crowd all say, "you are remembered."

Lex says, "Now let us go forth, remembering the lessons of the past, living in the moment of now, and embracing the next chapter in the history of humanity...thank you and God bless the United States of America."

The crowd applauds again and Lex bows his head slowly.

Hal Jordan
Part VI​

It had been a long week for Hal, it had taken him quite a while to get used to prison life, not that he'd never been incarcerated before, but things had changed since then. The prisoners in this prison were allowed to roam free, do whatever they wanted, the walls were so tall and strong nobody had ever broken out and nobody could get in unless the people in charge wanted them in. It took Hal alot longer than he would have wanted to find Connor, whom now sported a small goatee and looked more like his father than ever, Hal snuck up on him and placed his hand on his shoulder; Connor instinctively twisted and threw the old man over his shoulder, but looked horrified when he recognized the face below him.

"What on Earth are you doing here, Uncle Hal?"

"I'm here to free you.."

Hal groaned loudly and struggled to his feet, brushing some of the dirt off him and making a mental note to never try and sneak up on Connor again. After he had finished licking his wounds, a large smile appeared on his face and he hugged Connor, uncomfortably, but well meant. He saw the look on the man's face, he looked touched, but he looked slightly confused aswell; there was a large explosion from above and a large whole in the prison walls appeared.

"You might be a little late.."

Captain Atom, he stepped through the whole and blasted all of the guards, he sapped the energy away from the lights and sped over to the two men, encasing them in a large shield and attempting to talk before being cut off by Hal.

"Hal Jordan? My God, I haven't seen you si-"

"You just get us out of here first, Atom.. There'll be plenty of time to talk once we're out of this place "

"Yes, sir!"

Atom sped out of the prison holding the two men's hands tightly, he flew through the air with an unmatched speed, but suddenly behind them Hal could see the silouette of August General in Iron, grinning widely and catching up, on either flank were two fighter jets which opened fire upon the fleeing men.

"Throw me! I can make it!"

"Are you mad, Connor?"

"Do we have any other choice?"

Atom threw the slight man at one of the fighet jets, he twisted in the air and landed with a thud on top of it, slowly fighting his way towards the cock pit and smashing his hand straight through it; he pulled the chinese pilot out of the jet and threw him out, Hal grimaced and wondered how much Connor really had changed in the past 20 years, he always seemed so moral before.. Now he was just as humble and timid, but he didn't have as many inhibitions, was that for better or worse? He saw the look Connor was giving Atom and the hand gesture he threw, suddenly Hal wasn't feeling so brave, Atom threw him over towards the jet and Connor caught the middle-aged man with one arm, dragging him into the cockpit and laughing slightly.

"Connor?"

"Hal?"

"Never do that again.."

"Well, how did you expect a man who grew up in a monastery to fly a fighter jet home 'Highball'?"

"Pfft.. I'll 'Highball' you if you don't explain to me what the hell is going on"

In the background Atom dispatched the other fighter jet and tackled August General head on, the two traded blows for a while and then Atom grew impatient, with a single wave of his hand his chinese counterpart exploded, blood flying everywhere and the remaning pieces of him spiralling back down to the ground in flames.

"We're Checkmate.."

 

[Gallagher]

A coin spun in the darkness, its metallic finish reflecting the light of the moon as it flipped over and over. It came to land on a man's hand. Harvey sat alone in a cell, alone with his thoughts, alone with Him.

"Harvey... Harvey... Whats the matter Dent... Why are we sad?"

"You ruined my life... Stay out of my head dammit!"

"I can't leave Dent, we're one and the same, you made me Harv, you made me, just like I made you."

"I dont need you anymore, I can control it now, I can control YOU!"

The fiendish voice within his head laughed. It's sadistic deep tones ringing through his mind.

"You would be nothing without me Dent, You know it."

He sat alone, in the darkness, a coin flipped into the air once more.

***

Harvey Dent stood on a rooftop, the batsignal glaring into the night sky, projecting the image that haunted the criminals of Gotham, the sign of the Batman. Jim Gordon, the police commissioner, stood with Harvey, looking him over and waiting for the third man to arrive to this meeting. A meeting of crime fighters of different types. There was Gordon, his Gotham police worked tirelessly against the corrupt and the guilty. Dent himself, the DA of Gotham City, the man whose job it was to see these criminals stayed behind bars. And then there was him. The extreme, the antidote to the infestation griping Gotham by the throat. The living shadow, the Dark Knight, The Batman.

"Gentlemen."

Dent and Gordon recoiled in suprise, as the figure of Batman practically floated into view. The three conversed about the state Gotham was spiraling into, the actions they would take, what needed to be done. Dent looked at the demonic Batman standing beside him throughout. Pondering the inner workings of a man who would go to these lengths, these extremes.

"So, I want to be clear on this. In our... Zeal... to bring Falcone to justice I'll let you bend the rules. But you cannot break them. Otherwise how are we different from him."

"Of course." Said Dent, his clear cut morals and sense of duty would allow him to say nothing else on the subject. He knew what he was and wasnt capable of. Or at least he thought he knew. Batman was silent for a long moment.

"Bats?"

"Batman I have to have your word on this."

Dent looked on as the Bat was silent for a moment longer.

"Agreed."

***

The same dream every night, never ending, on a constant loop, never differing from the truth.

"Why?"

"Because they lied Dent. Batman, Gordon, they betrayed you Harvey."

Harvey Dent was silent, sitting on his bed with his head in his hands he wept.

 

[Kaboom]

Lex walks by the former Presidents shaking their hands as they applaud him with the gathered crowd. He and President Obama even give each other a warm embrace after years of feuding.

He steps up to the podium and puts his cane off to the side. Lex acknowledges the applause and gently motions for the crowd to settle down.

Lex says, "Thank you my fellow Americans. Please be seated thank you."

He steadies himself and says, "My fellow Americans, distinguished guests and to our world wide audience I stand before you this day in not as a President or statesman or any other title that could be mentioned. No today I stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as survivors of an event that forever changed our world. 20 years ago we can readily recall where we were, what we were doing even what we were wearing in some cases. The terrible thunder from the sky, the horrific image of Darkseid and his minions descending upon our world."

Lex takes a deep breath and says, "The chaos and panic unlike anything humanity as ever known. So many lives lost during that first wave of attacks and there after. Loved ones, children, friends, co-workers many of us even found ourselves mourning the loss of those we once considered our rivals. However out of that chaos order came into being. Humanity banded together and said with one voice, 'Darkseid we are sending you and your kind back to the h*** you came from! This is our world! This world belongs to us!"

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Lex soaks it in and as the applause dies out he says, "We are now able to look back upon that dreaded day and remember the lessons of it. We have seen prosperity in our world, peace and hope restored as well. Nevertheless on this day we remember those who lost their lives during that dark chapter in our history. There are those who mourn everyday as do I. I will never forget the moment I held a child in my arms as he slowly slipped the bonds of this world and took his rightful place with the angels above. Many of us have stories like that and today we honor those moments with our candles held for all to see and we say with one voice, 'You are remembered'. Let us say it for all to hear..."

The gathered crowd all say, "you are remembered."

Lex says, "Now let us go forth, remembering the lessons of the past, living in the moment of now, and embracing the next chapter in the history of humanity...thank you and God bless the United States of America."

The crowd applauds again and Lex bows his head slowly.

"I call shenanigans," I whisper as I take notes from the press gallery.

"Don't believe him," Dinah Queen asked.

"Not a word of it. He's Lex Luthor."

"He's the President."

"I know you don't believe that. I saw your green tights."

Dinah looked at me dumbfounded. "So you're?"

"Supernova," I said. "I'm Superman's son."

"Really?"

"Well, sort of......."

"Green Canary. Pleased to meet you."

 

[Karem-Knight]

Lex walks by the former Presidents shaking their hands as they applaud him with the gathered crowd. He and President Obama even give each other a warm embrace after years of feuding.

He steps up to the podium and puts his cane off to the side. Lex acknowledges the applause and gently motions for the crowd to settle down.

Lex says, "Thank you my fellow Americans. Please be seated thank you."

He steadies himself and says, "My fellow Americans, distinguished guests and to our world wide audience I stand before you this day in not as a President or statesman or any other title that could be mentioned. No today I stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as survivors of an event that forever changed our world. 20 years ago we can readily recall where we were, what we were doing even what we were wearing in some cases. The terrible thunder from the sky, the horrific image of Darkseid and his minions descending upon our world."

Lex takes a deep breath and says, "The chaos and panic unlike anything humanity as ever known. So many lives lost during that first wave of attacks and there after. Loved ones, children, friends, co-workers many of us even found ourselves mourning the loss of those we once considered our rivals. However out of that chaos order came into being. Humanity banded together and said with one voice, 'Darkseid we are sending you and your kind back to the h*** you came from! This is our world! This world belongs to us!"

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Lex soaks it in and as the applause dies out he says, "We are now able to look back upon that dreaded day and remember the lessons of it. We have seen prosperity in our world, peace and hope restored as well. Nevertheless on this day we remember those who lost their lives during that dark chapter in our history. There are those who mourn everyday as do I. I will never forget the moment I held a child in my arms as he slowly slipped the bonds of this world and took his rightful place with the angels above. Many of us have stories like that and today we honor those moments with our candles held for all to see and we say with one voice, 'You are remembered'. Let us say it for all to hear..."

The gathered crowd all say, "you are remembered."

Lex says, "Now let us go forth, remembering the lessons of the past, living in the moment of now, and embracing the next chapter in the history of humanity...thank you and God bless the United States of America."

The crowd applauds again and Lex bows his head slowly.

I look around this place; so many people have fallen for Luthor’s lies. The man does make a good speech, I admit. But the man’s nothing but what he is, a lying venomous monster.

Before I know a few members of the crowd start to leave, I for some reason……….stay, Should I stay in this place? Earth? Or should I wonder around space through various systems and possibly nearly die because of it?

I sigh, and ask myself I inspired so many people for so many years I lead them through dark times, but who can a hero look up to when they’ve all gone and disappeared through times, hunted like dogs by smaller dogs in bigger numbers or forced to hide and weep in fear unable to even save someone.

As I wonder round, I can’t help but notice something strange, some people are looking up in the sky, I look to their direction and in the distance I hear someone scream.

“Oh my god!”

I take off my glasses, why I don’t know.

All of a sudden I use my vision to see what’s going on……………no!

A plane burns down, before I know it everyone in the crowd seems to be running away as if it’s coming towards them, I’m running past them my natural impulses to run in the opposite direction, towards the danger, before the reasons that I feel so strongly about this are coming to me,

I rip my shirt, soon everything else comes off me and my old suit returns, I soon glide into the air as fast as I can.

It feels good to be back, but before I can embrace it I’m below the falling plane I grab it gently but not to gently I then lift it with both hands and slowly hover a bit, notching it’s on fire I blow as hard as I can cooling the fire I then rise above the plane fast enough, the passengers don’t know what the hell’s going on but I do.

I then fly straight ahead as far as I can slowly descending to a safe spot, I then notice the airport it’s self.

I slowly descend towards it landing the plane on a runway, softly I place it on the ground, I descend into the air, within moments I see reporters come around and A.V.A. troops passing by,



“SUPERMAN SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN!”

I see one of them and smile, the A.V.A troop obviously to scared to aprrend me runs away.

“SUPERMAN, PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU’VE COME BACK AFTER SO LONG, WHATS THE STORY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING!?”

They all crowd round me and I only say one word to them.

“Hope.”

I then fly away, knowing that it's neither a bird or a plane, it's Superman, And I have come back for good.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

I look around this place; so many people have fallen for Luthor’s lies. The man does make a good speech, I admit. But the man’s nothing but what he is, a lying venomous monster.

Before I know a few members of the crowd start to leave, I for some reason……….stay, Should I stay in this place? Earth? Or should I wonder around space through various systems and possibly nearly die because of it?

I sigh, and ask myself I inspired so many people for so many years I lead them through dark times, but who can a hero look up to when they’ve all gone and disappeared through times, hunted like dogs by smaller dogs in bigger numbers or forced to hide and weep in fear unable to even save someone.

As I wonder round, I can’t help but notice something strange, some people are looking up in the sky, I look to their direction and in the distance I hear someone scream.

“Oh my god!”

I take off my glasses, why I don’t know.

All of a sudden I use my vision to see what’s going on……………no!

A plane burns down, before I know it everyone in the crowd seems to be running away as if it’s coming towards them, I’m running past them my natural impulses to run in the opposite direction, towards the danger, before the reasons that I feel so strongly about this are coming to me,

I rip my shirt, soon everything else comes off me and my old suit returns, I soon glide into the air as fast as I can.

It feels good to be back, but before I can embrace it I’m below the falling plane I grab it gently but not to gently I then lift it with both hands and slowly hover a bit, notching it’s on fire I blow as hard as I can cooling the fire I then rise above the plane fast enough, the passengers don’t know what the hell’s going on but I do.

I then fly straight ahead as far as I can slowly descending to a safe spot, I then notice the airport it’s self.

I slowly descend towards it landing the plane on a runway, softly I place it on the ground, I descend into the air, within moments I see reporters come around and A.V.A. troops passing by,



“SUPERMAN SUPERMAN! SUPERMAN!”

I see one of them and smile, the A.V.A troop obviously to scared to aprrend me runs away.

“SUPERMAN, PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU’VE COME BACK AFTER SO LONG, WHATS THE STORY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING!?”

They all crowd round me and I only say one word to them.

“Hope.”

I then fly away, knowing that it's neither a bird or a plane, it's Superman, And I have come back for good.

As the Secret Service hustles the President away he sees the familiar face answering the questions and flying away.

The reporters then begin to gather around Lex and shouts various questions to him. At first he wants to glare but then realizes he is on live TV and composes himself.

Lex says, "I have no officail comment at this time as to the sudden reappearance of the Man of Steel. Though he and his kind are now outlawed his heroic rescue should not be overlooked, and it is in that spirit we will not declare a manhunt for him at this time. Thank you all very much."

As he begins to walk away he gets on his cell phone and calls various members of his cabinet to begin dealing with the aftermath of the near disaster.

Lex gets into his Limo and as the door closes the public facade fades and his face becomes very stern.

I knew it was too good to be true...I knew that abomination would return one day. I must get back to the Oval Office sooner or later he will confront me and I need to have the edge.

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Spoiler

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and as such King Orin was applauded endlessly for his poetic speech about Atlantis and the Crown Jewel of the Sea it truly is. In his speech, to persuade his people further, he claimed how it was a Crown Jewel that must light proudly in the oceanscape and its depths; to remain in hiding no longer. And so it was done; the outer dome was gone.

When Owen got back from the great ceremony, and the reception that followed, he returned to his chambers to find that the clothing he had asked the tailor to make for him had already been waiting for him. He opened the protective coating concealing the clothing, and was most satisfied with his results. But alas, the day was over, and he was most worn out from the excessive partying; it was time for the Prince to rest his eyes.

When 'day' broke, if you could call it that for in Atlantis they went by the change in the tides, Owen woke up most excited about the day ahead. Today would be the first day he could swim outside the inner dome with pure freedom; without any worries. No soldier would come to pull him back, and no sea creature would remain seperated from he. The Sea would become his playground; as it should have always been to him.

A chambermaid knocks on his door, and he grants her entrance.

"My Prince?"

"Yes?"

Owen gets up from his bed, half naked in fact, and walks over to his dresser. The chambermaid blushes, but she quickly speaks, not forgetting her purpose for her visit.

"Your father has requested your audience. He wishes to take the first swim with his son, my Prince."

"Is that so?"

Owen takes off his shirt without care of her presence, and opens his drawer, placing the shirt folded into it. He walks past her in the doorway, winking as he does and sits down to put on his shoes.

"...Uh, yes. Shall I tell him you will only be a minute?"

Owen looks over at the zipped up clothes on his bedroom chair, as if losing all sense of reality as he stares at it. The chambermaid grows confused, and repeats her question. Owen snaps out of it, and opens his mouth yet pauses as he is about to speak. He shakes his head, and stands up, walking towards her, nudging her chin softly in a playful manner.

"Actually, could you tell my father that I am not feeling too good, hmm?"

The chambermaid again looks confused, for she can see just how healthy Owen looks. But that is until he slowly whispers something into her ear, and she giggles briefly. She nods at him, and he winks to her as she departs. After she closes the door behind her, however, Owen sighs and shakes his head.

"She has no respect for herself...I hope girls upon the surface are not like that."

He then walks over to his chair, and unzips the coat revealing the clothes the tailor had made for him. He starts to put the clothes on, and thinks about that bright ball of fire he saw the last time he almost reached the surface; his father called it a Sun. A smile falls on his face as he envisions that first fresh air he is going to finally smell today.

The sea never looked as beautiful as it did now. Well, Owen had to try hard to remain hidden as his father and others took the official "first swim" outside the palace walls and the inner dome, but...when he was finally out of their range of sight he went ballistic.

Playing with the dolphins swimming by never felt so great before in his life.

As a child, he had these unusual and unnaturals games he would play with the sea creatuers. But now? Now he was one with them; as it should be. However he cannot bask in the ocean for too much longer, for soon someone will notice him missing. Being the Prince of Atlantis does not have as many perks as one would expect; he is easily missed.

"I'm sorry, my friends. But a whole new world awaits me up above that churning cascade. I must go now."

And as if the fish understood him, he bid them farewell. Little did he know, however...they did. While Owen did not notice it, he inherited more than his mother's gifts. The dolphins turn to each other, forming a semi-circle.

<Shouldn't we go tell Swimmer?>

<What? No. Think about how much fun Swimmer had when he was Little Swimmer's age.>

<If anything we must make sure Swimmer does not find out his Little Swimmer is aloof and about the ocean surface.>

And with one of the dolphin's reluctantly agreeing, the three dolphins swam towards the Atlantean Capital City to join in the joyous celebration.

Owen sees that luminous sunshine as he bursts out of the water, taking his first breath of this different compound of oxygenated air, and exhales. He flips his hair back, and just enjoys the rays from the sun for a brief moment.

"It's...beautiful."

 

[Batman]

"Reports seem to indicate that-"
"This is Angela Stryker, with Gotham K-5 News, bringing you an update on the condition of-"
"Various onlookers have said that the killings resemble the methods of Gotham's once notorious serial murderer, known as The Clown Prince Of-"

Johnathan Grayson's eyes couldn't stay shut for even a moment, as every report going in and out of Gotham City relayed to him in a matter of moments. His mother, being the technical genius that she was, had managed to stablize a link throughout the city that left virtually even the faintest whimper of sound recorded. He had to commend her, for that... she must have been an amazing woman.

But as the weeks had gone by, John had felt a certain... regret, in doing what he had done. Reivigorating the mantle of The Batman had been, in ways, both a blessing and a curse for the people of Gotham. While some saw hope in the re-emergence of The Dark Knight, others only responded with either fear or hatred, blaming both him and Robin for the re-emergence of criminals like The Joker. But it was a reality he had to face, as he found himself surrounded by glowing monitors and sounds of every police radio in the city.

He had chosen this path. He had to live up to the responsibility. Though there had been many men in the past twenty years that could've easily taken up the cape and cowl in the wake of Bruce Wayne's death, no one even attempted to. His father, prime among them. But whether out of fear, or out of simple respect for the man, they hadn't tried to give Gotham it's hero back. So John felt that, regrets aside, he had a duty to maintain the work he had started. He was Batman, now.

"Yo, Knighty. What's crackin'?"

John turned, an eyebrow shot up, as his adopted brother, Jason Drake, ascended from the floors below the clock tower, a wide smirk on his face. John didn't even want to know why he was so proud of himself, seemingly. But it probably had to do with some girl. A luxury of which John actually just then realized he had cut himself off from, when he took on this life.

"...Monitoring the crimewaves.", He hastily responded. "Since when the hell do you say 'Yo'?"

"Since I learned what the nineties were, Gruesome.", He shot back, without missing a beat. "By the by. When's the last time you shaved, bro?"

John closed his eyes, annoyed... but then smirked, a little. He had almost been too lost in his work to notice that he needed Jason's wit, as annoying as it was to put up with on a day-to-day basis. It had shaken him out of his determined, complexive nature in trying to focus on the tasks ahead.

"So. What's dad got to say, lately?", John asked, ignoring the subject. "You and him have a talk about... well, this?"

"Dullest. Night. Ever.", Jason replied. "He basically said he's okay with it, as long as you look out for me. Speaking of, he wants to talk to you as soon as possible."

"Later,", John stated, getting up from his perch and walking past him, into the armory. "We have work to do tonight. Some insane woman is going around with a question mark shaped machine gun, claiming to be The Riddler's daughter."

"Sounds like a date. To The Batmobile!"

 

[trustyside-kick]

He continues to stare at the light up in the sky which his father called the Sun for a few moments. It is so bright and large, yet he feels a tender warmth rather a scorching flame.

And then, when he is done gazing upon that beacon of light in the sky, he becomes struck with awe with the openess of the Ocean. He looks around and all he sees upon miles upon miles end is more and more water.

"I suppose I start...swimming? There's bound to be land somewhere."

After struggling for a brief moment to decide as to which direction to take, Owen makes his decision and heads westward. He uses all the strength in his legs and kicks his speed dramatically higher. There mere thought of stumbling upon surface dwellers excites him.

&#8220;SUPERMAN, PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU&#8217;VE COME BACK AFTER SO LONG, WHATS THE STORY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING!?&#8221;

They all crowd round me and I only say one word to them.

&#8220;Hope.&#8221;

I then fly away, knowing that it's neither a bird or a plane, it's Superman, And I have come back for good.

Owen marvels as he sees a man in blue clothing fly away into the clouds of the endless sky. Surely he was expecting many new marvels of this surface world, but not a thing such as that. Could there be more? Do all surface dwellers fly? Like how Atlanteans swim around?

"Is that why their sky is so vast and open?"

Curious to know more, Owen swims up into an area by the water with boats. Some small, some large, but almost like a shipyard of boats. Little does Owen know, it is a harbor in Metropolis. Trying to remain hidden from the surface dwellers on the boats and getting off them, Owen hides under the wooden Docks. They all seem to be gathering somewhere, following one another in unison.

Out of pure curiosity, when all is clear, Owen jumps out of the water onto the wooden Docks, and starts to walk towards that same direction. What happens next, is something he does not expect at all.

As the Secret Service hustles the President away he sees the familiar face answering the questions and flying away.

The reporters then begin to gather around Lex and shouts various questions to him. At first he wants to glare but then realizes he is on live TV and composes himself.

Lex says, "I have no officail comment at this time as to the sudden reappearance of the Man of Steel. Though he and his kind are now outlawed his heroic rescue should not be overlooked, and it is in that spirit we will not declare a manhunt for him at this time. Thank you all very much."

As he begins to walk away he gets on his cell phone and calls various members of his cabinet to begin dealing with the aftermath of the near disaster.

Lex gets into his Limo and as the door closes the public facade fades and his face becomes very stern

Surface dwellers by the masses, and one in particular was standing on some large platform and podium. Owen does not act scared of course, just surprised. What could be the meaning of such a meeting of the masses? Owen hides in the shadows behind one of the buildings and peeks around the corner.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex hobbles back into the Oval Office and closes the door.

He types into his computer one word: Kryptonian.

The computer responds: Defenses activated.

This could border on being paranoid, but if there is one thing I have learned about Superman...he has habit of showing up when I least expect it.

He then watches the continuing coverage on all the News Channels.

I worked damn hard on that speech how dare he steal my spotlight like that. Oh well I have a surprise or two waiting for him and those other costumed fools.

 

[Catman_prb]

Tim walked down the alley way, noting everything from the dog crap to the burning cigarette on the floor. At the end of the alley was a metal garage door. Tim thrust the key in, and lifted it up to reveal a dark room. He stepped in and closed the shutter behind him, turning on the strip lights.

The lights revealed rows of weapons, racks of guns and various types of nunchuckas. There were glass cases with Robin suits in, and trophies from defeated foes. He walked past a display of Scarecrows staff to the costume he was after.

He opened the glass case, and pulled out the suit. It was almost exactly the right size, a bit big around the shoulders maybe but good enough. There as a desk with papers spilt over it, and Tim pulled the draw open, pulling out a phonebook which he quickly flicked through. He pulled out a mobile phone and dialled the first number in.

"Vic? It's Tim...yes I know it's been a long time. Listen Vic, you know what's going on? Oh right, Cassie called. Yeah, I'm sorry about Rose too. Anyway onwards and upwards. I want you to get the old gang back together, as many people as you can. Yeah, the Titans. Yeah, I'll speak to you soon. It's been nice talking with you too," Tim said.

Dick, you looked after me like a brother, and like a son. You and Babs deserved longer together. I hope I can live up to you, my friend, my brother, my father.

"Hi, Cassie? I've got Vic calling up the old crew, you get as many as you can. I'm taking a new name, there's another Robin in town. Yes, *****. Yeah you are meant to call me Nightwing down. Look I cant talk long, I think I'm being followed. Nah, I'll be fine. Probably just paranoia. Ever feel like you're being watched?"

 

[Karem-Knight]

Clark Kent, for the first time in years flew on Earth with joy and pride for decades he had been depressed over his failure to save the world from that great tragedy known as D-Day, flying into the sky and going like a bird the air hit Clark’s face, he could breath, all that time having to hold his breath in space using oxygen supplies was finally over him, and he can rest, protect people, don’t let anyone down, he could be the hero, bring back hope to the masses, all of a sudden a near by sound of a plane and a commanding voice came behind him.

“Superman! Stop and surrender yourself, now! We are under strict orders that if you do not co operate we will be forced to fire upon you!”

Stopping in mid air, Clark looked at the two fighter planes starring into the pilots eyes in a commanding way, “Very good indeed Superman, now if you follow us to the United Nations base and hand yourself in…”

“No.”

Within a second, Clark went straight towards the wings, grabbing the torpedoes of one airplane and throwing them up into the air where no one would be harmed by them, soon both the pilots fired their missiles at Clark, flying away in a quick speed and a safe distance so that they wouldn’t be hurt, he fired his heat vision into them and a gigantic explosion happened with in a few yards of him.

Didn’t feel a thing, and thus glided to the pilots, grabbing both planes with each arm, holding them still, their exhausts were becoming heavier, knowing that they would explode and kill the men, he blew and froze the exhausts;

“Turn off your engines!”

Fearing, they didn’t know what he was cable of, turned them off, a man who can hold fighter jets with one arm? What could they do, sure he dressed in bright colors but had been gone for so long, they didn’t know what he was capable of, “Open the windows so you can hear me!”

“That’s better.”

Gulping and terrified, Superman instead gave them a smile, “I know you men were only following orders granted to you by the government, rest assured, I have no problem with that, you’re good men and ha ha, let’s face it there aren’t that many people who would come after me.”

Releasing his more friendly tone to a more serious one, as he glided down towards land and in which appeared to be Greenland, “But tell your commanding officers that I will not be captured, and wish not to harm anyone in anyway. I’m just here to help!”

Superman slowly glided in what appeared to be a airbase, the soldiers and fellow pilots stared in awe and shock, The Man of Steel was there, right in front of them as he glided down with two planes, both in his hands.

“Hopefully these men will give you assistance back to the United States, I can’t offer that since I’m probably not allowed there, and I’m sorry to leave you here gentlemen, but I must be going.”
Putting the planes, softly on the ground and seeing all the workers gaze at him, Clark saluted them with a smile and flew off into the sky.

Flying there, this time faster, Clark didn’t want to be disturbed and thus appeared in the an tartaric before a very familiar place;







The Fortress, he smiled walking over on the steps of the great hideout, Clark picked up the key and opened the doors, soon opening like the gates of heaven it ‘self, slowly opening then a loud noise announced that it opened, he entered in and soon the doors closed.

Soon a herd of robots came rushing towards him, [FONT=&quot]“Greetings, Kal-El, do you wish for anything?”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
“No thank you, just some water right now.”

Clark walked to the newsroom, an area in the Fortress which carried all the latest up dates on disasters around the world, floating up into the sky he saw several reports on his return, all saying the same thing, Superman tried to focus all computer energy on urgent tasks, the world was more dangerous now, and he needed to fix that.

There didn’t seem to be any immediate danger, Clark kept it on alert status so if anything vital came up, he would be there to help, walking from the news room into the main hall, he saw the shield, the symbol he had been placing on himself for years, and then saw his father, Jor-El’s statue in the fortress, then turning to his other side, another picture. His adopted father, Jonathan Kent, Clark sighed putting the photo down and sitting on a chair.

[FONT=&quot]“Here is your water, Sir.”[/FONT]

“Thank you.”

Clark, drank from it, before putting it down on the table and resting on the chair, thinking to himself.

“Christopher……”

 

[Oh Snap!]

Hal Jordan
Part VII
​

The flight home was a long one, but it was one that Hal could have made with his eyes closed, once upon a time he was one of the greatest pilots in the skies, back before everybody started using spartial discombobulators and all those new fangled things that had been invented in the last twenty years. It was times like these that he was thankful for his father, without him he wouldn't have joined the airforce, wouldn't have got where he was now; but still.. it cost his father his life, something Connor would soon have to deal with.

He wasn't sure how he was going to take it.​

​

"You're what?!"

Checkmate had once been a counter-terrorism organisation, but over the years their duty had changed ever so slightly, they were no longer chasing KOBRA units around the planet, but super-heroes. People that wanted to do well, that wanted to help others.. Hal resented the very few remaining heroes, but he hated Lex Luthor, how he had wormed his way into the White House with his money and his stupid agenda against Superman. It had run the country into the ground, sooner or later he would be exposed for the fraud he was.

"You heard, Uncle Hal.. I'm a member of Checkmate, as is Atom"

The twenty years that had passed had barely even aged Connor, he looked exactly the same as he had done the last time Hal had seen him; he wasn't sure whether that was by means of foul play, or something sinister, but it wasn't his business to pry. Atom stood vigilant, they had landed atop a sky-scraper in New York and the last thing they needed was to run into trouble, he was silent, it unnerved Jordan; he had always known Atom was a military man, like him, but Hal was his own man, he didn't jump through anyone's hoops.. but Atom was different, he followed orders unconditionally. He wasn't sure whether to trust him, but it wasn't the time nor the place.

"Why? You used to be one of us, you used to.. do good, Connor. Now you're helping that bastard Luthor lock everyone up?"

"I had no choice, it was that or they were going to lock my dad up.. and I couldn't let that happen"

Hawke's loyalty to his father made Jordan feel even worse, feel more guilty that he had yet to tell him what had made him seek him out, what was happening back in Star City.. that his father was going to die and there was nothing either of them could do about it. Luthor and his friends had solved alot in their time, he would give them that, but they had yet to find a cure for cancer and wouldn't give it to Ollie even if they had.

"Well.. what the hell are you doing in China? I come half way across the world, get myself locked up in some prison, try to rescue you and you're telling me that.. well.. you didn't need my help?"

Hal scratched his head, he was slightly embaressed that he had spent weeks travelling across the world and almost freezing to death climbing mountains, just to find out that he needn't of bothered.

"Pretty much, is something wrong? I mean.. I always respected you, but we never very close.. so something must be real bad if you've come this far"

Tears welled up in Jordan's eyes as he spoke the last words, he fought back the tears and cleared his throat, saying in a very low voice.

"It's your dad, Connor.. He's dieing"

Connor looked shocked, there was a split second where he could see his the relatively young man's (in comparison) heart break, he fell to his needs and sobbed loudly. Connor was like a son to him, seeing him so broken up made him feel the weakest he had in twenty years, his 'nephew' was always optimistic, always joking and jovial, he had never seen him like this before.

He crouched down and hugged him tight, patting him on the back as he did so.

"Don't worry, son.. Everything's going to be alright, it's going to be okay.."

But it wasn't, it wasn't going to be alright and it wasn't going to be okay, Ollie Queen was going to die and there was nothing either of them could do about it.​