"One Universe" RPG thread.

[wiegeabo]

"You can't stop me from going to Zod."

I can't help but let the dissappointment cross my expression. I had hoped I had gotten through to him. That I had shown him that the fight is always worth it and life is too precious to just throw away. But I can't blame him. He thinks he's doing what is right. Sacrificing his own life to save others. If it meant saving Joan, or Dinah, or Ted, or anyone I loved, I'd gladly give up my own life.

And he's not just thinking about the lives of his loved ones, he's thinking about everyone. People he has never met, nor likely to.

He is the definition of a hero.

I can see the disappointment begin to surface on his face. But I respond to him with a smile. To think... He actually thinks that I'm a hero.

"But I'm not saying that I'm going to surrender, when I do."

That brings a smile to this old man's face. "I'm...I'm really glad to hear that." I extend my hand. "My offer still stands. There's a place on the team for you if you want one. And, if you need us, we'll be there to back you up when you face Zod. Just give us the time and place."

"You are not alone."

 

[Andy C.]

Washington, DC
The Pentagon
Six Stories Underground

The war room was dimly lit, and the men who sat around it all wore the same expression: one of utter resignation. In a few short hours, the alien warlord and terrorist leader known as General Zod would arrive in Washington, and there was seemingly nothing they could do about it. A cold silence hung over the room; the United States military, the most powerful armed force in the history of mankind, was powerless.

Only one man's expression had any trace of optimism. He, like all of the other members of his organization, kept a low profile, never quite speaking up about what he knew. Until, after the long hours of generals prattling on about "acceptable losses" and the like, the shadowy figure cleared his throat.

"Gentlemen, the crisis we face today is one that may go down in the history books. Assuming, of course, that there's someone left to write the history. Over the course of the last few months, the American people have been victim to countless attacks on our own soil, in our own homes. The people behind these disasters have varied in their origin, but one thing remains the same: no conventional armed force has been able to stop them.

In just a few hours, General Zod will cross into American airspace, and will touch down in this very city. If Superman refuses to surrender himself, then Zod will commence a wave of attacks all over the country. Our intelligence has indicated that Zod has raised a veritable army of guerilla fighters and terrorists, many of whom are already operating within our borders. When the General gives the signal, they will launch a series of attacks in over a dozen cities. Our sources say that this is intended to keep the metahuman and mutant vigilantes busy while Zod destroys D.C. With Superman surrendered and the other super-types occupied, there will be nothing to stop him.

"Nothing...except for us."

The war room began to stir with the sounds of the other generals, murmuring skeptically amongst themselves.

"As many of you may have guessed, I am a representative of S.H.I.E.L.D. And this is the exact sort of scenario our agents are trained to handle. We already have agents en route to intercept a large portion of Zod's attack parties, and are poised to enact a contingency plan on how to dispatch of Zod himself should Superman not deliver. Every one of our operatives is the absolute best of the best, and I can tell you that I have every faith in our men."

"But what about your Director?" a voice popped up, the question coming from a rotund general with a pair of ridiculous-looking MacArthur-esque sunglasses. "Maria Hill is, for all intents and purposes, an empty uniform. She's handled operations against Intergang, but that's about it. Now we're supposed to believe she can lead your men against the kind of threat Zod presents?"

"Actually, sir, Director Hill will not be leading our venture. For this operation, we require a veteran, someone who knows how to prevent catastrophe. We need someone who knows our capabilities inside and out, and can put them to use at their absolute best. Quite frankly, we need a legend. And we got him."

"...you mean...."

"Yes. He is en route to this building, and should be here to assume command within the hour. I have come here solely to provide briefing so that The Colonel will be able to give you your orders. You should receive them shortly. Thank you."

As the S.H.I.E.L.D. operative calmly gave a quick salute before leaving, the room again fell deathly silent. This time, however, it was not out of despair, but awe. The legend himself was going to lead this operation. The man who drove Ra's Al Ghul into hiding, the man who single-handedly brought down HYDRA, the man who ended the Thanagarian Invasion before it even began. The only man in history who was higher in the chain of command than the President himself. The single greatest agent the world had never seen.

****

Up on the ground level, Colonel Nick Fury stepped through the doors of the Pentagon for the first time in nearly a decade.

 

[Watchman]

America's Heartland, 40th Century

This is the final battle of planet Earth. The world that we know is no more. This world is a gigantic wasteland. A world torn apart coming together into different warring factions. These wars ravaged the Earth until one man united most of them together crushing all who opposed him. One final restiance has come together to defeat this man and but an end to his rule. This man has come to be known as:

"KANG!!!" one man yelled. He stood in front of a massive army holding out his sword.

"You domination of these lands will come to an end tonight. You are tyrant that has ruled with an iron fist. Your oppression will end tonight! I stand united with my brothers ready to defeat you. Tonight you will die by my sword" a small device appeared from the sky when suddenly an image of Kang appeared.

"Your dare defy me Ibn. For far to long you are you resistance have stood in my way of complete domination. Tonight that will change tonight the world will be mine" the image disappear. Arcoss the land a large army appeared over the land. Ibn raised his sword and pointed straight at them.

"ATTACK!" his army and Kang's met at the middle and the bloodshed started. Ibn killed a few on Kang's men. He was growing impatient.

"Show yourself coward"

"You have called me Ibn" Kang was hovering above him sword drawn. "Well? What are you waiting for?" Ibn flew into the air connecting swords with Kang.

"You can't beat me Ibn...I have known that since you've started" there swords collide again.

"And how would you know that" Ibn sees an opening and goes for the killing blow. Kang takes out a dagger and stabs Ibn hand. Ibn drops his sword.

"Because I have seen the future" Kang grabs Ibn and picks him up over his head. The suit was giving hims super strength and he was going to show these rebels what he intends to do with it.

"Look!" he calls toward the rebels "Look upon your great leader" he ripps Ibn in half dropping both pieces.

"Your leader is dead I am your new king!"

 

[Byrd Man]

I tense up, inadvertantly squeezing Dinah's hand harder. I want to hit him, right in the jaw, and hard.

But, I don't, even though I've had a few already, I'm still in control. I let go of Dinah's hand and storm out of the room.

I watch as Tony Stark runs out the room in anger, I cut him deep. I know it was a cheap shot but I doubt he would have showed me pity, had I been in the same situation. I turn my attention to Dinah.

"Um, well since he's gone, I um, I um, have something I want to tell you."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Finally arriving at their destination, the Surfer descended into the atmosphere of the planet called Earth to bring the last surviving Green Lantern home.

"Down there...at the edge of that continent", said a exhausted Hal Jordan as he sat on the tip of Surfer's board and pointed towards a land mass.

"Very well", replied the Surfer as he streaked towards the planet's surface.

After a few minutes of receiving directions from the Lantern, the Surfer came upon an old airfield outside of Coast City. Bringing his board to hover just a few feet above the ground, the Surfer helped the Lantern off.

"As I promised, you are home, Hal Jordan", stated Norrin as the Lantern put his feet on the ground.
"Is there anything else I might help you with", asked Norrin, guilt welling up inside him for what he had helped bring about.

"No, I'm fine", said Jordan as he dusted himself off, "thanks for the lift."

"You are welcome, Hal Jordan of Earth."

"Please", replied the Green Lantern as he waved his hands in the air in a dismissive manner, "it's just Hal."

"Very well...Hal."

"I am...I'm", stuttered the Surfer, "I am sorry for what transpired this day, Hal Jordan of...Hal. I am as guilty as my former master for the destruction of Oa. I only hope that someday I might be able to atone for my sins."

Hal stood in silence as he looked at the Silver Surfer, not sure whether to hit him, yell at him, or just console him.
Eventually, Hal spoke up.
"I hope one day you will be able to atone for your crimes, Surfer, but right now...I'm in no mood to discuss it. I think you understand why."

"I do."

"Good. Then let's end this", continued Hal as he extended his hand to the Surfer, "with a "thank you" for the ride, and a hand shake."

"Very well", replied the Surfer as he extended his hand and clasped Hal's.

With the handshake over with both being gave each other a nod signifying goodbye, and the Surfer took off back into space. It was time he had a chat with Galactus.

Hal watched the Surfer leave as he willed his Lantern's uniform away and once again was adorned in simple outfit and flight jacket.
"See you around, Norrin Radd", said Hal to himself as he put on his sunglasses and began walking to town.

 

[twylight]

I watch as Tony Stark runs out the room in anger, I cut him deep. I know it was a cheap shot but I doubt he would have showed me pity, had I been in the same situation. I turn my attention to Dinah.

"Um, well since he's gone, I um, I um, have something I want to tell you."

I stare after Tony as he leaves, did he just...leave me? I look at Ollie, something doesn't feel right and I don't like this. Anxiety wells within me and I just want this to be over.

I sit down and motion for him to do the same.

"Yes, what can I help you with?" I ask graciously and maybe a little to formally.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

It was night and the moonlight was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, covering the industrial complex in shadows save for the orange glow of light posts positioned around the grounds.

A shadowy figure crept up to the main doors of the large building in the complex's center. With a single punch, the figure loudly shattered the glass doors and stepped on through.
The security guard at the front desk jumped up as the loud noise woke him from his slumber. Before he could remove his gun from its holster, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. Dropping to his knees, the guard grasped at his neck as blood flowed freely from the wound. Lodged in his Adam's apple was a small shuriken like piece of metal shaped like a bat.
With a final gurgle, the guard's eyes rolled back into his head and he slumped over to the cold tile floor, dead.

With a mischievous chuckle the figure stepped over the fallen guard and calmly walked towards the elevator.
Entering it the figure took out the hidden camera's with frightening ease and pressed the button to go down.
But the elevator did not stop at the basement. No, it traveled deeper. Much deeper.
After a minute of riding the elevator the doors opened up. Six armed guards opened fire into the elevator as they were alerted to the intruder's presence by the silent alarm from the breaking of the glass and the cameras being taken out.
The six guards unloaded every single one of their clips before they stopped firing. It was as the smoke began to clear and they started to reload when they heard.
That God-awful laughter that sent chills right down their spines. Crashing through the top of the elevator came a horrible sight to behold. A demonic looking green monster with yellow eyes and a toothy smile, riding on a mechanical bat and holding two smoking pumpkins.

"Nyah-nyah", the Goblin shouted through smiling teeth as he stuck out his tongue, "missed me!"

"Now it's my turn, boys", he said with a cackle as he tossed the two pumpkins at the guards. The pumpkins exploded upon impact, blowing apart four the the guards and sending the other two crashing into the far wall with a sickening crunch.

The Goblin leaped off his glider and stretched his legs and cracked his neck.
"Jeez, that was a cramped ride down that elevator shaft. Why the hell did Norman put this place so far down here anyway. Have to have some words with him about that, Hahahahaha!"

The Goblin walked down the hallway until he came to the forth door on the right.

"Now", said the Goblin with a toothy smile as he walked up to the door's keypad, "let's see if I remember what Norman put in..."


The explosion rocked the hallway and blew the door right off of it's frame.
"Just don't make 'em like they used to, heh", smiled the Goblin as he dusted himself off and entered the large room.
The Goblin stood on a walkway that followed around the edge of the room and held many computers and other pieces of technology.
In the center of the room in the wider lower level was a large, alien looking craft.
The Goblin paid the craft no heed at all and made his way to a section of computers in the corner on the lower level.
Sitting down, the Goblin started working the keyboard feverishly until he finally found what he was looking for.
"Eureka, he exclaimed with great delight! HAHAHAhahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Placing a disc into the computer, the Goblin began to copy the on-screen data to file. When the task was complete, the Goblin retrieved his disc and placed it in a case in his belt pouch.
Reaching into his bag of tricks, the Goblin pulled out a small piece of putty shaped like his face and stuck it to the computer tower.
Whistling an upbeat tune, the Goblin skipped out of the room. As he exited the hole in the wall that used to be the door, the plastic explosive went off destroying the computer and all it's data.
Jumping on his glider, the Goblin flew with all speed down the hallway and up the elevator shaft. When he made his way out to the main lobby of the building, he saw that many red and blue flashing lights just outside the doors.

"Ah, this is really turning into my kind of party! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha..."

 

[Byrd Man]

I stare after Tony as he leaves, did he just...leave me? I look at Ollie, something doesn't feel right and I don't like this. Anxiety wells within me and I just want this to be over.

I sit down and motion for him to do the same.

"Yes, what can I help you with?" I ask graciously and maybe a little to formally.

I take in a deep breath and look out the window, here goes nothing.

"Ithinki'minlovewithyou." I mumble.

 

[twylight]

I take in a deep breath and look out the window, here goes nothing.

"Ithinki'minlovewithyou." I mumble.

Dinah blinks.

Thoughts racing through her mind, no this wasn't happening. She was a cultured person, things like this didn't just happen, yet, isn't this what Tony had done to her? No, Tony had wooed her and swept her off her feet. Dinah took a deep breathe.

"I'm...I'm sorry." she said a little stiffly.

"Was..is there anything else?" She asks not knowing what else to say.

 

[Byrd Man]

Dinah blinks.

Thoughts racing through her mind, no this wasn't happening. She was a cultured person, things like this didn't just happen, yet, isn't this what Tony had done to her? No, Tony had wooed her and swept her off her feet. Dinah took a deep breathe.

"I'm...I'm sorry." she said a little stiffly.

"Was..is there anything else?" She asks not knowing what else to say.

I turn to her, I...I pictured this going a lot diffrent in my mind.

"Look, can I start over? The reason I came here today is because, I think I'm in love with you. I don't know why, I felt a connection a few weeks ago and I think you did too. I came all this way to find out if that connection was just one sided. The thing about Stark is that he's an @sshole and a @sshole with money is rich @sshole, you may love him now but in a few months when he cheats on you with some bimbo from Hooters or gets drunk again you'll think about this night and what I'm about to say. Dinah I want you to come to Star City with me and live with me, we can go as slow as you want to, It's totally up to you."

I squat down next to her and put my hand on top of her's

"I'll do anything you want me to do, and if that means leaving you to be with Stark then I would do it."

 

[wiegeabo]

"You are not alone."

Superman takes my hand and shakes it. "I...thank you," he finally says. "It's nice to know that. And...I'd be honored if you team was there tomorrow. No matter how it goes."

"No matter how it goes? I thought your mind was made up."

"It...was. But you have given a number of things to think about. It's going to be a long night."

I smile. "I hope it is, son. I can tell you've already torn yourself up over this. But that's good. Because this my be the biggest decision of your life, and once you make it, you will never be able to go back."

"I know."

"I pat him on the shoulder and then begin to walk away. "We'll be here tomorrow, backing you up."

"Thank you."

I look back. "Anytime." My red blur makes it's way back to Tony's mansion.

 

[twylight]

I turn to her, I...I pictured this going a lot diffrent in my mind.

"Look, can I start over? The reason I came here today is because, I think I'm in love with you. I don't know why, I felt a connection a few weeks ago and I think you did too. I came all this way to find out if that connection was just one sided. The thing about Stark is that he's an @sshole and a @sshole with money is rich @sshole, you may love him now but in a few months when he cheats on you with some bimbo from Hooters or gets drunk again you'll think about this night and what I'm about to say. Dinah I want you to come to Star City with me and live with me, we can go as slow as you want to, It's totally up to you."

I squat down next to her and put my hand on top of her's

"I'll do anything you want me to do, and if that means leaving you to be with Stark then I would do it."

I stare at him cooly for a few moments. Was he right? Would I stop loving Tony?

Memories flash through my mind, mornings with him, days with him, nights with him. As much as I hate to admit it, Tony had been my first. I remember him coming all the way to Gotham to get me during the invasion. Had I resented being shoved away in a bomb shelter? Yes, but....it showed how much he loved me. I'd commited to him and somehow Ollie's offer fell hollow on my ears in comparison to how I felt for Tony.

I stand up.

"Mr. Queen," I say a little stiffly.
"Moving in with you, a whole country away from my family and friends is now what I consider 'slow.' Also I don't know what's going to happen between Tony and myself months in the future, nor even weeks in the future. But I do know this. I love him.

I love him more than anything else in the world and if your declaration of love didn't have the desperate pleading tone to it I would laugh.
I know there is rivalry between you and Tony in the business sector but you're making me feel like a trophy that you two are fighting over."

I take a breathe and even my voice out.

"I know that if the role was reversed, you hope I'd stay with you and not fly off with the first millionaire to declare their love for me. Please understand that."

I turn away for a second.

"I hope that this doesn't cause more tension between you and Tony. You're still invited for dinner if you'd like."

 

[Byrd Man]

I stare at him cooly for a few moments. Was he right? Would I stop loving Tony?

Memories flash through my mind, mornings with him, days with him, nights with him. As much as I hate to admit it, Tony had been my first. I remember him coming all the way to Gotham to get me during the invasion. Had I resented being shoved away in a bomb shelter? Yes, but....it showed how much he loved me. I'd commited to him and somehow Ollie's offer fell hollow on my ears in comparison to how I felt for Tony.

I stand up.

"Mr. Queen," I say a little stiffly.
"Moving in with you, a whole country away from my family and friends is now what I consider 'slow.' Also I don't know what's going to happen between Tony and myself months in the future, nor even weeks in the future. But I do know this. I love him.

I love him more than anything else in the world and if your declaration of love didn't have the desperate pleading tone to it I would laugh.
I know there is rivalry between you and Tony in the business sector but you're making me feel like a trophy that you two are fighting over."

I take a breathe and even my voice out.

"I know that if the role was reversed, you hope I'd stay with you and not fly off with the first millionaire to declare their love for me. Please understand that."

I turn away for a second.

"I hope that this doesn't cause more tension between you and Tony. You're still invited for dinner if you'd like."

I listen patiently as she shoots down my offer, Okay Ollie play it cool.

"You thought I was serious?"

I start to laugh.

"Well sorry to get you all hot and bothered Dinah but I was just saying that for kicks, see if I could rattle Tony's cage a little."

I hope that throws her off my trail.

"The real reason I'm here today is that I heard through the grapevine that you and Tony are putting togther a team of Meta-Humans and Superheroes and I want in, You know I'm pretty handy with a bow and arrow and as for dinner I'll probably stay."

I smile and turn to leave the room, my smile fades fast into a frown.

 

[wiegeabo]

Dead. All dead. I stand on a balcony on the third floor of the warehouse, my cape swallowing me up in the darkness I live in. Below me, the bodies of a number of men sit in chairs or lay on the floor, agony on their faces. By the way most of them are grabbing their throats or abdomens, it was something they ingested.

The smell is overwelming. The bodies must have been laying in here for at least a week. It isn't a pretty sight. It makes me glad that tonight is the first night I've been alone on patrol since the Octavius fight. Dick training in Japan means he is spared this sight.

I, on the other hand, have work to do.

Since there is no food or food containers in sight, it is likely the cups still contain the residue of whatever killed these men. The dead rats on the table seem to confirm this. So, I need a sample, but it is unlikely the police in the room will leave before they've taken all off the evidence. But I can work around that.

I silently jump to a rafter, then the next, then the next until I am directly over the table. The officers do not even notice as they look out the door and talk, waiting for the crime lab van.

I don't have much time. I attach a line to the rafter and set the decender on my belt for the proper height. I then pull out a small plastic sample bag with a swab inside. I am ready to drop down when I hear...

"What are you thinkin, Captain?" a smug and loud voice says.

"I'm not sure, Sergeant Bullock. That's why I want to take another look," a familiar voice replies.

Dammit! The two men walk into the room. The larger one I've never seen before, but I know the thinner man. Recently promoted James Gordon out of Chicago. Even though he is moving quickly up the ranks, from what I can tell, he's never taken a dime that wasn't honestly earned. That is more than I can say for 73% of the Gotham police force. And yes, I counted.

"Sergeant, have the men wait outside." The one named Bullock does that while Gordon examines the evidence more closely.

"Any ideas now," the larger man says as he walks back up to Gordon, "Captain."

Gordon ignores the slight against him. I make a mental note to check my files for Bullock, see if he's crooked, or just an *******. "Something in their drinks." An eyebrow goes up under my mask. Gordon continues. "These three are grabbing their throats. There's no food, but a cup for each of them. Looks like these rats tried to drink whatever was in the cups too." I am actually impressed. No wonder he's been moving up so quickly.

A sound of a vehicle outside reaches us and one of the officers looks in. "CSU's here, Captain."

Gordon nods. "Bullock, go out and help them. Tell them they'll need a lot of bodybags and sample containers." Bullock heads outside. I watch as Gordon takes out a pack of cigarettes and a matchbook. He pulls a match and is about to light it. Don't do it, you'll contaminate...Before I complete my though, Jim shakes his head as if mentally chiding at himself.

That's it, Gordon. Head for the door. Light up outside. And he does. I only have moments, so I drop down, my line silently slowing my decent so I land on my feet without a sound. I quickly take the swab around the lip of one cup and put it in a bag. I'm about to lift myself back up to the rafters when I notice a smear of white powder on the floor. I look back up at the door as the team gets closer to Gordon who drops his cigarette and steps on it. Dammit! I pull out another sample pack and bend to the ground.

"In here," I hear Gordon say. Not now DAMMIT!!! Gordon turns around, and sees nothing. I look down as the team makes their way into the room. I disconnect my cable and leap back to the balcony and out the open window. I stick my head back in and watch. The Crime Scene Unit's technique isn't impressive, but it should get the job done. Then I notice Gordon stop and backup, taking a closer look at a cup. The cup. Then he looks down and notices the powder. No, he notices my swipe of sample in the powder.

Gordon looks up at the rafters, then the balcony and window. But I'm already long gone.

 

[twylight]

I listen patiently as she shoots down my offer, Okay Ollie play it cool.

"You thought I was serious?"

I start to laugh.

"Well sorry to get you all hot and bothered Dinah but I was just saying that for kicks, see if I could rattle Tony's cage a little."

I hope that throws her off my trail.

"The real reason I'm here today is that I heard through the grapevine that you and Tony are putting togther a team of Meta-Humans and Superheroes and I want in, You know I'm pretty handy with a bow and arrow and as for dinner I'll probably stay."

I smile and turn to leave the room, my smile fades fast into a frown.

Dinah resists the urge to throw him against the wall, that would blow her 'secret' identity. Still she doubted he was joking, no man could bluff that well. either way if he's saving face there was no reason to deny him that right. It un nerved her that he'd come out with it though. Sure there'd been some chemistry between them before, during the party. But she was true to Tony then and she'd remain so now.

And then during the invasion...


He was obviously in lust, not love.

"You've made some mistake. It's Flash and Tony who're forming it." She said before he left.

She sighed, this was going to be a long night.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

The glass doors of the building exploded in a ball of fire, showering all the police officers close to the building in debris and shards of glass.
Like a bat out of hell, the Green Goblin bolted out of the smoke and flames, laughing maniacally.

He cut the path of his glider sharply so that he was headed straight up into the night sky.
As he climbed higher, the officers who were not caught or injured in the blast opened fire. So far they were unable to tag him, but that didn't stop the Goblin from firing back.
Reaching into his side pack, the Goblin began digging around for a pumpkin bomb.

"Ah, screw it", he finally said with an evil grin as he simply opened the side pack fully and dumped it's entire stock of explosives onto the police below.
Over a dozen small, fiery pumpkins plummeted onto the officers below. Many tried to run out of the bomb's blast radius, but only a few made it.
As the final bomb went off on impact, the Goblin was already gone.
All that remained was a damaged building and squad cars, and a dozen dead or critically wounded officers.

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

"Dad", said Harry, a little bit louder this time, as he stood over his father as Norman slept on the expensive leather couch in his study.
Norman's eyes shot open, bloodshot as though he hadn't gotten any sleep at all, and glared at his son.
"What!?"

"Um...a Dr. Morrow is on the phone", answered Harry as he tried to keep his voice steady, "he says it's urgent."

Norman growled as he sat up on the couch and stretched. He still felt dead tired. How long was he asleep for, he wondered?

"Move", order Norman as he rose to his feet and gently pushed Harry out of his way.

"Are you all right, Dad", asked a concerned Harry Osborn.

"I'm fine", replied Norman as he opened the door to his home office and entered, slamming the door behind him.

Moving to the phone, Norman picked up the receiver and pressed a blinking button to transfer the call to his office.
"This had better be good, Morrow", grumbled Osborn into the phone.
"I wish I could say it was, Mr. Osborn, but I have terrible news."

Norman sat down behind his desk in his comfortable office chair.
"What happened", he asked coldly.

"We...we had a break in last night, sir. A break in of the lower level."

Norman sat up in his seat, "A what!? That complex was supposed to be impenetrable, Doctor! What the hell happened!?"

"Whatever this thing was, it was well armed and powerful. It also knew exactly where everything was located. It took out every security camera, and killed all of the guards."

"What do you mean, "it"? Explain yourself, Morrow!"

"The police who arrived on the scene, well, the police who survived, described a green humanoid flying atop of a bat shaped, mechanical glider."

Norman went silent. Green with a glider? He had seen this person before...in the paper. He was about the only "super hero" whom Norman actually liked. Well, that's why pencils have erasers, as it were.

"What did he take", asked Norman in a calmer tone as he leaned back in his chair once more.

"Morrow..."

"...He took the design plans for the alien weaponry, Mr. Osborn. Not only that, but he destroyed all of our records of it. We'll have to start over from scratch once again."

Norman felt like screaming out loud. He felt like firing Morrow and anyone else he could think of at the moment. But, most of all, he felt like putting his hands around this Goblin's neck.

Norman hung up the phone without saying another word.
Still leaning back in his seat, Norman kicked his feet up on the desk, rested his elbows on the seat's armrests, and crossed his fingers under his chin to hold up his head.
Someone had hired this costumed menace to not only steal from him, but to humiliate him as well. And Norman could not, would not, stand for it.
He'd use his resources and find out who hired this thug.
Then both he and the Green Goblin will pay...

 

[Andy C.]

Hal Jordan walked the streets of Coast City, still trying to shake off what had happened to him. The sidewalk he stepped on was real. The buildings that he walked by were real. The noise from the city's traffic was real.

And yet, the bizarre aliens, the strange and distant planet, the horrible battle with that 'Galactus' thing, all of the chaos and destruction was real too. Common sense told him that it was all some weird dream, some strange hallucination or something along those lines. But if that were so, why was there no "waking up?" Why had his stream of consciousness keep going from the instant the Silver Surfer dropped him off? Why was this ring still on his finger? And why did he still have the Central Battery tucked away in his backpack?

Hal kept walking as the day passed, and he picked up a newspaper from the day before, detailing some sort of horrible attack in Chicago. Nobody was sure how many people were killed when the Sears Tower came down; estimates ranged between nine hundred and two thousand. One thing was sure, however: it was all because of someone who called himself "Zod."

Jordan was stunned by this, though he knew he shouldn't be. After all, it was only one building; yesterday he saw an entire world destroyed. But this wasn't some far-off alien world. It was home. What happened in Chicago could have happened here, in Coast City. It could have been someone he cared about. It could have been Tom, or the rest of the guys at Ferris, or....Carol.

A chill ran down his spine when he thought of that, but he quickly pushed the thought away. No. It would never happen here. Not here, or anyone else. Not while he was a Green Lantern.

Hal kept on walking until he reached the outskirts of Coast City, then ducked beneath one of the interstate overpasses. Hidden from plain sight, Hal opened his backpack and pulled out the Battery.

"Ring? The other Lanterns....can they be freed? Can you pull them back out of the Battery?"

"IT IS POSSIBLE, BUT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT. THE BATTERY HARNESSES INCREDIBLE AMOUNTS OF POWER, THEREFORE DRAWING LIFE-FORMS FROM ITS GRASP WILL REQUIRE GREAT FOCUS AND WILLPOWER."

Jordan's stern expression did not fade.

"Then let's do it."

Hal extended his right hand, pointing his power ring towards the Battery. A bright jade beam shot forth from the ring, connecting itself with its source of power. Jordan felt a wave of energy pulse through him as he himself was connected to one of the most powerful items in the whole of the universe. As he tapped into it, he could feel the power of the Battery tapping into him as well, drawing him towards it. For a brief moment, Hal considered how easy it would be to let go and become one with this emerald flame. Just as quickly as the thought entered his mind, it was pushed out. He was in control, not the Battery. And he still had a job to do.

He strained as every synapse in his brain screamed to let go, but he would not give in. The Air Force pilot from Coast City delved into the phenominal power and found what he was looking for: Ganthet, Kilowog, Tomar-Re and the others. With every fiber of his being, he reached out to them, and pulled them back into reality.

And there, in a filthy alcove under a freeway bridge in California, lay thirteen of the most powerful Green Lanterns the universe had ever known. With them was Ganthet, who was the first to regain his consciousness.

I....where....Jordan? What have you done? Where are we?"

"You're on Earth, my home planet. I didn't know where else to go."

"Then Oa...."

"Oa's gone. I couldn't stop Galactus; he was too strong for me."

The glimmer in the old Guardian's eyes seemed to fade, and the ineffectual look on his face turned to one of utter sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Ganthet. I failed. But I was able to save the Central Battery, and the Lanterns who were there with us."

"Ugh....I got such a headache. So what happened? Did we win?" the massive Kilowog asked groggily, coming out of his daze.

"No, Kilowog, we are defeated. Galactus was able to destroy Oa, and most of the Corps as well."

"It gets worse. Sinestro's turned against the Corps. I don't know why or how, but he was able to use the battle to make his move. Now he's missing, and he's got something called the Ultimate Nullifier with him."

Kilowog and Ganthet looked at Hal with shock, as did many of the other Lanterns who were just coming to.

"And the Battery...I couldn't hold off Galactus from getting into the Central Battery. But when he did, there was something....something inside of it that attacked him. I don't know what it was; it just broke out and attacked him. When it did, Galactus couldn't finish me off. That's what saved you guys...not me."

Hal lowered his gaze, ashamed at his failure. Ganthet saw this, and spoke.

"Do not despair, Hal Jordan. Your accomplishments are greater than you know. You withstood one of the most powerful beings in the universe, with no experience or training to focus your power. The same cannot be said for even the most powerful members of the Corps. You risked everything, and though you were not able to end the threat, your actions allowed us and the Battery to survive. That is worthy of commendation of the highest level."

"So...what happens now?"

"Now there is work to be done. Oa may be gone, but the loss of the planet is not the end of our mission. As long as the Central Battery functions, the Corps rings will find new hosts. And it will be our job to train them. For where the Corps once stood thirty-six hundred strong, there are now....thirteen.

"The betrayal of Sinestro and the pursuing of Galactus will commence soon enough. In the meanwhile, you yourself need to be trained in the ways of the Corps."

"But how? I can't just leave my home again, not while there's still so much danger here! How will I be able to protect them?"

"Y'know, this little poozer here ain't the first guy from this planet to call himself a 'Green Lantern.' I know the guy wasn't a Corps member, but isn't this planet where the Star-Heart ended up?"

The sparkle returned to Ganthet's eyes.

"Of course! He would be invaluable in the defense of this planet, as well as the training of the new Lantern! That is...if he is still alive; Earthmen are not particularly long-lived.

"Nonetheless, Hal Jordan, if you wish to protect your world, you will need his guidance while we go about re-building the Corps. Seek out the one who wields the Green Flame, and you shall learn the ways of heroism."

With that, the Green Lanterns fired up their rings and took flight. Ganthet gave Hal Jordan a wry grin before joining them, as they quickly became little more than a few points of emerald light in the sky. Hal watched them depart, then looked down at his ring.

"Well, ring, it looks like we have ourselves a mission."

 

[wiegeabo]

Dr. Nina Torres walks down the empty hallway of Gotham Mercy Hospital. Hospitals are always busy, even late at night like this, but not typically near the lab. And that was where Nina was heads. She looks through the notes she carried. Something was wrong with Mr. Morris' blood test. Specifically, he was apparently pregnant. Obviously someone mixed up the sample, so now she has to retest with the fresh draw in the test tube in her pocket.

She opens the door and reaches for the light switch when something fast breezes by her hand and embeddes itself in the wall. She gasps, droping her notes when she sees the metal object.

"I would prefer you do not turn on the lights," I say without looking up from the microscope I was looking in. "And that you do not scream." She nods her head even though I can't see it, in too much shock to make a sound. "I will be done here in a moment."

I continue to look at the sample from the cup for any obvious toxins, molds, bacteria, viruses, and anything else I can think of. While doing that, I add a reagent to the test tube sample I have of the substance. It change color. I sit back in my chair. "Nitric acid. Interestin. Simple, yet effective. Somehow I was expecting something more...complicated."

"Um..." she tries to say.

"I have one more sample to examine," I say, pulling out the packet containing the powder. "Once that is done, I will lea-"

"AAAAAIIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!" she screams, running out of the room.

I sigh and shake my head. I quickly replace the untouched samples into my belt and dump the test I had made. As the lights in the hallway come on I can hear footsteps quickly approaching. I grab the batarang I threw and run towards the window.

When the guards bust the doors in, all they and Nina see is an open window and a thin notch in the wall next to the light switch.

...

"Is something wrong Master Bruce?" Alfred asks. I sit a large plush chair in one of my mansions living rooms. Usually when I brood, I do it in the room with the large painting of my parents. For some reason, having them watch over me is comforting. But right now, I don't want them looking over my shoulder. I want to focus on the problem without distractions.

"I was able to determine the sample in the cups was nitric acid."

One of Alfred's eyebrows goes up in surprise as he dusts one of the busts in the room. "Not a pleasant way to die."

"How so," I ask, only half listening.

"If you must know. Throat and stomach dissolve allowing the stomach acid and enzymes to seep into the body. Internal organs dissolve as the acid makes its way into the bloodstream, burning the person from the inside out...Sir."

I look up at my butler, not for the first time wondering exactly what kind of life he's led. "Gruesome, I agree. But is there anything as a good way too die?" I ask with two people in my mind, as always.

"In one's sleep after many happy years sounds appealing."

I smirk for a moment. "Not to me. I want to be aware when it happens. I want to face death when it comes for me." I lean back in the chair. "When the Reaper comes for me, he's in for a fight."

"Speaking of gruesome..." Alfred says.

"I have an idea." Alfred looks at me. I hold the sample in my hand. "We'll probably need a few more dummy corporations..."

 

[DarkHellRider]

Ghost rider travels the highways of America seeking vengence for the weak dealing justice where is necesarry. As of late evil is more powerful and more abundant but ghost rider didn't mind ghost rider loved dealing justice it litllerally what he was here for.

In a motel off the highway outside of another dirty city. two men are robbing a helpless women. what they dont know is that the spirit of vengence sense them ans is coming for them.

Come on allen you got her purse lets go.
Hold on James I want to have a little fun with the one.

Please someone help me.

Outside the window a bright light apears then disapears as the door is kicked in by GHost rider

Allen turns around just in time to see hia friend James get thrown through the window and a face of fire look right at him.

What are you

I'm the ghost rider and I've come for you

GHost rider then grabs the guy up off the floor with one hand and makes him look into his eyes.

Look into my eyes and feel the pain you've caused others


There was a blinding light and all you could hear was the man scream and then he was gone along with the man who saved her

vengence has been delt

Ghost rider then takes off on the highway again heading towards new york

OOC: well that was my first post I hope you like it

 

[wiegeabo]

Talking with Superman only took a few mintues. And running back to New York should only have taken a few seconds. But as I learned long ago, the world doesn't live on your schedule. So before I even reach Gotham I had to stop half a dozen crimes ranging from vandalism, boy were those taggers surprised when they were sprayed with their own cans, to mugings.

And New York wasn't having a calm day either. By the time I get back to the mansion, several more minutes have gone by. When I get there, Jarvis tells me that Joan and Ted went out to the store to replace what I had eaten.

"But I thought you were having groceries delivered?"

"Indeed, sir. But they were insistant."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Did you cancel the delivery?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, well, I'll help you clean up my mess."

"No need sir, the staff has nearly finished."

That makes me frown. I don't like people doing things for me, and I never really liked the idea of having servants. Guess it's something I'll have to get used to while I'm here. But I don't have to like it.

"Ok. I'll just go see Dinah and Tony. Maybe get them to introduce me to Mr. Queen." I smile and walk up the stairs. At the top I walk towards my room when I pass the office Dinah and Tony had been in. Peeking inside I see Oliver Queen and Dinah with none-to-happy expressions on their faces. This is not good.

I decide to break the tension, or at least try. I put a smile on my face and walk into the room. "Hi, Jay Garrick," I say, offering him my hand. "Good to meet you."

 

[Byrd Man]

I shake his hand and smile a fake smile.

"Nice to meet you, I heard through the grapevine that you and Stark are putting a team of Meta-Humans and other specialist together and I want in, I' m pretty handy with a bow and arrow if I may say so myself."

 

[wiegeabo]

"I remember you from the Apokolips rescue. Good to see your up and about again." How the hell did he find out about the team? I only invited a few people, and I doubt any of them would have said anything. Still, his help would be invaluable. And it's not like we can afford to turn anyone away who would be an asset to the team.

I'm about to say something when I notice Dinah's face. She doesn't seem too happy about the prospect of Mr. Queen joining us. Granted, I can't really read her expression, but the fact she doesn't appear to be happy or optimistic doesn't speak well for the situation.

Well, there's no reason to pretend there isn't a team since he obviously knows about it. "Actually, we are looking to put together a group of...heroes, for lack of a better term. I can't speak for Dinah or Tony, but if you've got the skills to back you claim up, we could use the help. Infact," I look at Dinah, "we need to talk about something important."

"Do you know where Tony is?"

 

[DarkHellRider]

Outside of New york city

Just before morning ghost rider looks down on the city of new york

Ghost rider enters new york turning back into johnny blaze just before entering the ciyt

Ahh the fresh air of new york "cough" gotta love it I wonder if spider-man or the punisher are here. It has been awhile since ghost rider or me has seen either one of them I doubt they will be happy to see me. although with alll this evil going around i bet they could use a helping hand from ghost rider.

Johnny rides into the city sensing evil everywhere if it had been a couple years ago zarathos would have taken over easily but johnny has learned to control him. so he just keeps riding hoping to run into an old friend or someone anyone who could give him a place to stay since it seems like forever since he had a good nights rest

 

[Andy C.]

The weather in the skies over Washington, D.C., took a turn for the worse. Black clouds hung over the city's great monuments, the darkness broken only by the occasional white flashes of lightning. For what may very well have been the first time, the streets of the nation's capital were completely empty of its citizens, but it wasn't the weather that kept people in their homes. All across the city, citizens were locking themselves up tight in their houses, climbing into shelters, gathering in churches. They prepared themselves almost as they would for the coming of a hurricane. But unlike a hurricane, the destructive force heading across the Atlantic had a mind, a will, and a name: Zod.

On Capitol Hill, soldiers and weapons crowded the streets, ready to unleash state-of-the-art ordinance at the Kryptonian to either stop him or slow him down. In the wake of the Darkseid invasion and the countless other metahuman attacks recently, the upper echelons of the United States Army and Marine Corps had adapted quickly and dramatically, pushing forward the advancement of arms and armor. Laser and other direct-energy weapons developed by LexCorp, advanced body armor from Stark Industries, cutting-edge guidance computers from WayneTech, and experimental energy shields created by Kord Technology were all at the soldiers' disposal. Waiting secretly in the wings, operatives of S.H.I.E.L.D. readied themselves, armed with weapons even more advanced. Theoretically, they would be able to neutralize Zod before he would cause any extensive damage to the city, or at least hold him in one place for the brunt of the military's firepower to converge on him.

Thousands of miles away, NORAD carefully scanned the airspace above Eastern Europe, looking for signs that Zod had left Pokolistan. When his signature was picked up by their satellites, moving at several times the speed of sound over the Atlantic, a warning was relayed to the soldiers stationed around D.C.: General Zod would enter American airspace within the hour.

The clouds over the city grew ever darker, and a light rain began to pour. The weather seemed appropriate for the men and women prepared for the confrontation. Even more palpable than the storm itself was the sense of dread and foreboding that hung over the citizens of Washington. And with it, one question on the tips of everyone's tongues...

Where is Superman?

 

[Batman]

IC: Superman

I look back. "Anytime." My red blur makes it's way back to Tony's mansion.

I watch as the red blur shoots off of the building and out of the city by the time I've finished a blink. Huh. So that's why they call him 'The Flash'...

I look back at Metropolis. And immediately want to take that back. It only reminds me of what I'm holding in the balance. So many lives... So much hard work, in the creation of it. Who am I to even decide what happens to it? I didn't create it. I just tried to protect it to the best of my abilities. I guess in the end, for that to be put into question makes me question my motives themselves.

I step onto the roof's edge, and push off, vaulting myself into the air as I catch it, and fly into the sky.

A team of superheroes. So much has changed for me in the past year. I remember the last, when I was hoping to get a job in journalism. I had been so eager to get a normal job... to live a normal life, in a city that was far from it. Maybe that was my mistake. Maybe moving here is when my life first became so unbelieveable.

I also remember the heartbreak when I went off to study journalism. I had a future with Lana planned out from the time we were kids. We were going to live... how do you say it?... happily ever after, on a farm in the town that we grew up in. Ma and Pa would have grandchildren. And I? Well, I'd be a successful journalist, providing for a family under the decendant of an extinct race. But it wouldn't matter. None of it would matter. Because I'd have a normal, everyday human life.

Then I moved to Metropolis. Sure, at first, I tried to adapt. Ignoring the muggings that occured in clear daylight, the bank robberies, and police chases... That was all easy. Well, at first. But the more it happened, the more I realised that these people needed something. The police couldn't handle all of it... They were only human. Something I wanted to be. But what these people needed was exactly what I was destined to be: A protector.

Even then, I didn't ever count on actually doing it. I had Ma sew the suit after a design I drew up using flag-like colors and memories of my parents' own attire, from the day that I was sent away from Krypton. But the minute I wore the costume for the first time, I was skeptical that I could ever find the courage to wear it and use it to protect my identity. Of course, then came the day that I was hired as the newest journalist for the world renowned newspaper of The Daily Planet, where I was assigned to cover a certain exposition at LuthorFisk Industries...

Wait.

That's not applause. The building really IS shaking. My hearing starts to pick up some sort of... buzzing noise, coming from outside. I turn to the northern wall, and lower my glasses, just a few inches... so I can get a better view. Then, my x-ray vision starts to kick in.

Some sort of...craft, is heading this way. Men in masks are aboard it, carrying weapons. Either they're overdressed health inspectors... Or the people in here are in danger. I turn, to see if anyone else has noticed it.

No one. Not one notices the noise, or the shaking, as Luthor starts taking questions. What can I do? How can I warn these people? I clench my fists, in frustration. I can't warn them.

Then, it happens.

The craft, which resembles a floating tank over a craft, smashing through the wall. Everyone screams, in horror, as pieces of debris go flying. Luthor himself is rushed out by his security. That's... odd. It's as if he expected this to happen...

No time for that. There are people in danger. There has to be something I can do...

I look down at my shirt and tie, hesitant. There is something I can do. But... What if I'm found out? What If I've put too much into this disguise theory? What if...

The masked men start coming out, guns raised at the crowd. They start making demands that no one can hear over the sceaming. Not even me.

I can't worry about being found out now. I HAVE to do it. I'm the only one who can, at this point... considering the police in this city are nothing short of useless, it seems, from their reputation.

As some crowd members start fleeing... I duck into a nearby janitor's closet, right outside the auditorium. Not the best place to pull something like this off, mind you... but it'll do.

Am I really about to do this?

I hear the screams for help. I hear the innocent's in danger. I hear the men who need to be stopped.

The answer becomes more and more obvious, and now... The suit that Mom made for me seems more appropriate than ever.

I guess it's time I showed the world what I really am...

And that's how it began. A simple need to do the right thing, in a time where no one else could. I can't really recall correctly, but I believe that's when it all started. When the reports from New York came in about a man who could climb walls and spin webs started making the headlines. When we'd get numerous eyewitness accounts from a branch in Gotham about a gigantic Bat. And others followed. It was as if we all chose this path in unison. And ever since, my life has become far beyond the point of normalcy.

I land on the balcony of my apartment, walking in. I remove my cape as I pass the many boxes I was in the midst of packing when I went to Perry about taking a story in South America that was sure to get me killed. That would've accounted for my abscence as Clark Kent. I had... considered holding my own press conference, revealing who I am to everyone, and explaining why I did all of this and how. But I couldn't put Ma, Pa, Perry, Jimmy, and especially Lois through the stress that would come with it.

Maybe they'd figure it out eventually, I told myself, when I was sure of my departure. But now, I don't know what I'm going to do. Flash's plan seems logical. Zod may have my powers, but I'm quite sure that even I couldn't handle an entire team of those people. But... what if I'm wrong? What if Zod is even more powerful than I imagined? Could I be sending them off to their deaths?

I sigh to myself, walking back to the balcony. So much to consider, still. But who knows how much time I-

I look up, as something catches my hearing. A radio report, from one of the surrounding apartments. It's talking about... Zod. I listen in, alert, as it continues.

"-nd in the capitol city's darkest hour, The menance only known as General Zod, responsible for the mass murder of countless innocents in Chicago just recently, has yet to make his promised appearance. However, city officials warn not to take this threat lightly. In a statement made today, they have confirmed that the city is on an immediate lockdown until Zod can be captured or cleared from the area. But many remain skeptical of that, counting on Zod's demand to be their freedom of his terrany: The surrendering of the Metropolis based hero known only as Superman."

So that's it, then? He's coming for me now? And I'm just to go to him and surrender?

I pause. Maybe I should. Maybe Flash was wrong... I should just end this before anyone else can be hurt. Wait... What? No. I can't. He'll just turn and slaughter even more innocent lives, and I won't be there to protect them. It's because that's what he wants. Or what he wanted, even on Krypton. I have to remember what I've been told about him. About how he was a terrorist and conqueror on Krypton, only wanting to seize power even if he had to destroy hundreds, even millions of people to do it.

I cannot allow him to succeed. Not this time. And never again.

I grab my cape, placing it back onto my costume. The sunrise is becoming clearer, in the distance, as I take a breath of the dawning air. It's... a nice day. A good day to die, if that's what today will be.

And then, I'm off. Faster than a speeding bullet, as Lois once called it. I soar into the clouds, making my way towards Washington DC. I break my overall record of flight speed, then double it. In less than a minute, I've made it miles away from Metropolis. But not once do I ever consider stopping. No, not this time. I'm not stopping until this madman answers for his crimes once and for all.

I don't know how close you are, Zod. I don't know what your intent is. But you better be praying. And hard. Because Krypton's last son is coming for you. I'm coming for you. And one way or another...

One of us is leaving this planet today.