"One Universe" RPG thread.

[MaskedManJRK]

I wake up in my bed, my torso wrapped up in gauze, making me look like a partial mummy. I see two small red spots peeking through. Blood? How did I get--

Then I remember last night. The East End, the cops shooting me, the Manor, the study, the bat...the BAT...

I was half-way up before the pain from the wounds drop me back to the bed. Okay, I'll have to take this a bit more slowly.

I hear a knock and the door opens. She's an older woman, just a few years over fifty, with grey-ish hair with a hint of white revealing that fact. If one dug into my records, they would see her and Alfred as my legal guardians after my parent's death. She was Dr. Leslie Thomkins.

"For the nine years you've been away, I've had different ideas on how we'd meet again," she started, "and if I had to list them from most-to-least likely, I'd have to say pulling bullets out of you wasn't even on the list."

"Hi, Leslie," I mumble out, trying to get back up again. She saw this and pushed me back down.

"Don't think so, Bruce. You're going to lay here, Doctor's orders," she sits down on the bed, looking at me, "now, prey tell, what happened last night?" There was no use lying to her (I've had enough horror stories trying that before), so I explained everything...including the bat. In hindsight, that probably wasn't the greatest idea.

"You...you WHAT?! ...Were you on something? That's not possible."

"Can't say I was, though I was bleeding a lot at that point. But, how is that not possible?"

"Because I was just in that room, and that window isn't broken. I didn't see any bat in there last night, just you bleeding near your father's chair."

"...It doesn't matter. What matters is that I figured out what I'm going to do."

"Bruce...Bruce, that sounds so crazy it's not even funny. I mean, what are you going to do, dress up as a giant bat and beat up criminals?"

"I wouldn't exactly put it in that way, but...yes. I know it sounds insane, but...it's the only thing that feels right to me. I HAVE to do this, or I'd probably go more insane, the really bad kind..."

"...Bruce, I think you need a shrink. Since if you tell this to anyone else, they'll have you commited, I'm going to have you meet me at my clinic every week."

"Leslie, I don't think--"

"NO. If you're going to do this, then you're going to do this for me. I don't care if I drag you there kicking and screaming. You're going to go through this, whether you like it or not. Do you understand me?" At this point, I felt as though I sank half-way through the bed.

"...Alright."

"Good. We'll start next Saturday--that's a good free day for me--at the Clinic. Okay?"

"You got it," I said, slowly pushing myself to sit up on the bed.

"What are you doing?" I stand up and walk to the door.

"I'm getting started."

 

[LibrarianThorne]

He sat in his throne, contemplative. The War with New Genesis was in an uneasy truce. His son, Orion, had gone to his hated enemy Izaya, the Highfather of New Genesis. Scott Free had already escaped his grasp. Largely due in part to the incompetence of his subordinates. There was a thought that irked Darkseid. His son, Kalibak and heir to his throne. His losses in battle were many, and his victories had lways come at a price. Steppenwolf had been educating the boy in the ways of war, but Darkseid knew. He knew that Kalibak would never be a worthy heir to his throne.

Flames licked and danced around the pillar on which sat Darkseid's throne. He stood and looked out a nearby window, massive hands clasped behind his back. Parademons soared through the skies. The Firepits towered into the sky, red embers shooting into space. He could feel the Lowlies, thousands of feet beneath him, and he smiled. It was a terrible sight to behold. The slaves continued to feed his power with their misery. Towering, hundred foot statues dedicated to him wordlessly stood every few hundred feet, with more being erected as he watched. The world was Apokolips. It was Darkseid's home and ultimately, his tool.

The doors to his chamber opened with a bang. He turned, observing a small human man in long, flowing purple robes. "Desaad, I trust you have reasons for interrupting my contemplations?"

The man snivelled "I apologize, great Darkseid, may you reign past the stars' light. We've recieved word from Steppenwolf's scout units. They've located a new world, ripe for conquest. The locals call it something like 'Urth', with their plain and simple language. The General thought you should know."

Darkseid scowled "Steppenwolf is no fool. However, Desaad, you are. This news is beneath me. What is one backwater world in a universe teeming with life and chaos? It is nothing!" His voice remained calm, emotionless. He had sacrificed those worthless things eons ago. Desaad cringed as Darkseid turned his back on him. "See Granny Goodness about your punishment, Desaad. When that is over, send a message to Steppenwolf. He is to return to Apokolips and inform me about this 'Urth'. So commands Darkseid."

Desaad nodded, feeling himself lucky. His predecessor had perished when he rose Darkseid's wrath, but he had escaped with mere torture. "As you command, lord Darkseid. May your reign never end."

 

[Red]

Captain Marvel shot though the clouds above. The birds that flew in his path scattered as he past them at supersonic speed. He lowered himself below the clouds and paused for a moment searching for something. He eyes then fixed on something, a radio stations mast. He darted towards it.

He landed in the woods near the radio station. He checked to see if he was alone first, then softly whispered "Shazam". From out the sky a lightening bolt stuck Captain Marvel and from out the grey smoke Billy appeared once more. He ran inside the station and up the stairs but was stopped by a man’s voices.

“What are you doing to me here Billy? Your ten minutes late.” He asked angerly.

Billy turned and saw a untidy man an in a suit in his late 20’s holding a coffee mug in one hand and sheets of paper clipped to a board in another. It was WHIZ radio’s mogul Sterling Morris.

“Well you see Mr Morris, there was a bank robbery and…” Billy was abruptly stopped.

“And what does this have to do with you, what could you have done? He breathed in and shook his head. “Look Billy, heres tonights bulletins you’ve got to fit 20 mintutes of news in 10." He handed Billy the board with the papers and sipped his tea. “Well go!” he ordered.

 

[Watchman]

He was standing on the highest building of Gotham looking down on his chaos. He heard the screams and the cries and they filled him with such joy. He looked over his shoulder and saw somebody crawling away from him. He walked ovr to him and picked up the person and carried him over the edge. He looked into the person's eyes and whispered "Scarecrow". He dropped the man and he fell to the street below. Next thing he knew he was standing in the middle of street surrounded by a ring of fire. He started to laugh and his laughter filled Gotham as did his man made nightmare.

Crane woke up from his dream. He sat back up in his chair and glanced back at his clock it read 5:00 am. He went back on what he said the dean and his dim-witted colleagues were not his greatest experiment. Gotham would his greatest achievement. He had enough chemicals that he stole from the chemistry labs back at the university. What he lacked were the reasources for his dream. Here in Gotham though he could find that anywhere. First thing first is to find some people to help him in his dirty work and he knows just wear to find them. He put his mask into his pocket and attached his shooters to his wrists.

A few days ago he heard a student talking about how he was in with some gang, maybe just some small time crooks. They were having some sort of illegal weapons exchange at the docks tonight. He picked up his phone. "Hello Gotham City Police Department... yes there seems to be some noisy kids hanging around the docks..yes that would be nice if you sent a car over..thank you". He hung up his phone and walked out the door he had a meeting to catch.

 

[cerealkiller182]

IC: Deadpool

My name....is Deadpool. My occupation.....Mercenary.

Gotham City, 10 o'clock, or is it 9. Not sure the time zone. Never heard of Gotham City before. Strange.

Everything about this is strange. I'm sitting on my coach eating Fritos watching the golden girls when some whack-a-doo calls in some hit on some guy I've never heard of. What kind of name is The Penguin? Not very scary. Not like Deadpool.

Maybe its 11 o'clock

I walk into a some dive. Any dive is as good as the other. As long as I get some alchohol in me, I'll be peachy. Noonan's sounds like a good a place as any.

I walk to the bar and take a seat. My big bag of goodies (RPGs, sniper rifle, knives, same-old, same-old) is on the stool next to me.. The bartender walks up to me. There was something funny about him. I couldn't put my finger on it.

"I AM BAYTOR!" He screams it over and over.

I nudge the guy next to me. A giant with a mo-hawk. He kind of looked like a white Mr. T. "Hey, I think his name's Baytor," I say. He gives me a terrible look like he's got no friends in the world.

"Tough crowd. Hey, Baytor, serve me up a brew." The freak in the robe slides a big mug my way. I couldn't get over that bartender. Maybe it was the fact he had no eyes, or maybe it was because his mouth was bigger than my head. Oh wait, there it is! How come I didn't see it before.

"Hey, your skin is purple."

Baytor just stares at me. He turns his attention else where. I take my mask off and take a big swig.

"WOW!" yelled Baytor.

Baytor's reaction to my hideous face is no surprise. My face has been this as long as I can remmeber. Considering I have amnesia, its not that long ago.

The Mr. T. look-a-like laughed. "He usually doesn't say anything besides 'I am Baytor'"

"Groovy, Listen, Big guy. Can I call you big guy? You know where I can find this Penguin character?" I ask.

"The Penguin? What did you want with that fowl?" he asks.

"I got to bone to pick with him. About 5 million bones."

"A hitman! I used to be a hitman."

"Found God?"

"Lost friends"

This guy is such a downer.

"Can you help me out or what?"

"Sure, I'll be right back. By the way, I'm Hacken"

I give him a salute and introduce myself. "Deadpool's the name, killing's my game."

The big guy leaves. Now it's just me and Baytor. This should be interesting.

First time i did this, feedback would be nice.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

James Gordon slept in his apartment, laying on the couch, with a photo in his hand. The photo was of him, more than half a decade ago, back when he was in the DEA academy, with his bunk-buddy, Bruce Wayne.

His dreams were half-filled with the memories of those days. He had been there for a little more than a month when he saw someone moving in. He decided to go over to him, see the guy that would be replacing him as "The New Guy."

"Hey, Jim Gordon," he said, taking his hand out towards him.

"Bruce Wayne," he replied, taking the hand and shaking it.

The two talked for a while, and became friends. Unfortunately, Bruce left the DEA after 2 months or so, saying that the place wasn't where he wanted to go. Gordon never saw him again...until last night.

His dreams were interrupted when Jim's wife, Sarah, blonde-haired, slim figure, belly big with pregnecy notwithstanding, wearing one of his old training academy shirts, layed down next to him. That was enough to stir him.

"Hey Sarah," he placed a hand on her stomach, "hey Little James."

"What makes you think SHE's going to be a boy?"

"Chalk it up to man's instinctal need for a heir, I guess." He started to move under her, trying to get off the couch. "As much as I hate to get up, I gotta. Got some heavy chores to do." Sarah helped him by moving off of him so that he fully stand.

"I know, I was getting you up so you can 'support the family,' and stuff. The whole pregnacy thing is interesting and all, but I can't wait to get back to my job, you're practically working yourself to death." She stood up, stretching her aching back, when he or she kicked in her stomach. She yelped and clenched her belly until it subsided. Gordon rushed back to her, seeing and hearing her cry of distress.

"You alright, Sarah?" He put a hand on her shoulder, conforting her.

"Yeah, just a kick," she said, kissing him on the cheek before going back to bed, "our little creation wants to get into this world, too..."

***

It took took weeks to prepare my..."costume."

The first few days was to actually design it. At one point, I had some strange thing with a red jumpsuit, dymano mask and wings, but I threw it out, chalking it up to a light-headed spell from excerting myself a bit hard. I even had a design with underwear over it, and decided to toss that aside. It might have worked for the old superheroes, but not for me.

When I had a design I liked, I decided to go shopping. I went in disquise at some places, buying chemicals for the tools I'll need, the materials for the suit, and the tools needed to sow it together.

I cannot get my father's company involved in this process, there are too many variables to think of. But, what I could do was take the blueprints of it, the materials nessesary, and recreate them with my..."trademark."

The whole time, making these things, I felt closer to complete yet. It's not there yet, but I'm feeling that empty space grow, like a child in the womb, until it is complete, and ALIVE.

I sowed bits and pieces of the kevlar and nomex armor together. I concocted the chemicals that I will use to evade, surprise, or coax the truth out of the criminals I entend to fight. I put together machinery, to both activate the electronic tools and even had special controls to fit on the underside of my left forearm. I found boots that could both withstand heat, tough, yet light. I constructed a ultility belt to fit across my waist and thighs, along with the shroukins carved into my trademark.

And I trained. Good God did I train.

Everything I learned during the last nine years, that I tried to forget after...after what happened to HER...came back to me in a flash, and I gladly retook them into me.

I meditated two hours a day, feeling the energies of everything around me, and taking its strength to my own. When I first saw this done, I didn't believe that was possible. I would have scoffed at that, but that would have broken my meditation.

I included things that not even I thought of until later on, what I called the "finishing touches": make-up and prostetics. Eyeshadow that would cover the exposed skin around the eyes when I did not have the lenses over them, contacts, with a sheet of white that would fit under the colored parts of my eyes (I remember the Bat, with only the small deadly pupil boaring into my soul, and decided to do the same to my enemies), and teeth with more developed canines, making me become a "vampire bat." To finish the "dramatic" part of the costume, I placed a cape over the costume, to also conceal my weaponery and my limbs (I'll find another pratical use later).

Finally, came the mask. I took a cast of my head, placing the hard-plated armor together, with only room for my mouth and my eyes, which would be fitted to have opening and closing lenses.

After the two weeks, the suit was finally complete. The tools have been tested and deemed acceptable. I am ready.

"Tomorrow night. Tomorrow night...we start the hunt..."

 

[LibrarianThorne]

He had stood observing hisworld. While he had watched, emotionless, peering, fourteen statues dedicated to him had arisen, each the larger than the last. This would have pleased him, had he any feelings left. His emotions, as well as all other unnecessary things, had been burned away in the search, the quest for the Anti-Life Equation. It occupied his thoughts constantly, for it was the one thing in the universe he longed for.

The doors to his throne room opened, the metal squaking and cracking with age. Before him stood a tall man, swathed in green robes. He had the common sense to bow.
"Glorious Darkseid, your vassal Steppenwolf has appeared as you requested. Desaad told me you wished to hear of the planet Urth?"
Darkseid turned, his granite-like face remaining impassive. "You considered it noeworthy enough to send me a message before your conquest. Tell me, Steppenwolf, what is so remarkable about such a backwater world? Why does it deserve the attentions of Apokolips and DARKSEID?"
Steppenwolf bowed lower. "My lieutenants first brought the scans to my attention. Apparently, this 'Urth' has many champions, but they are of little consequence. Their military forces are pathetic, their governments weak and bickering. Their resou-"
"I can read your report, General. I summoned you here to have you explain why you thought this world was worth my notice. You will tell me, now."
"Yes, great Darkseid. We found, in our scans of the planet, what appears to be a Kryptonian."
"A Kryptonian? Intriguing. I thought them gone along with their world. Many of their scientific advances would prove useful against New Genesis and, " his voice carried a not of disgust as he said "Highfather."
"I thought you would be intrigued, lord, which is why I had the message dispatched. Kryptonian technology would greatly help our armies as they conquer worlds in your name."
Darkseid sat in his throne, a contemplative look on his face. "You said this world had champions. Who are they, Steppenwolf?"
"They seem to be as many and varied as the New Gods, my lord. Simply too many to name, though the people these champions protect, the humans that make up the majority of the planet's populace are weak, wretched creatures. They will fall if their champions are defeated."
Darkseid stood up from his throne, drawing himself to his full height, an imposing eight feet tall. He strode down from the pillar atop which his throne sat. Stairs emerged from the fire below, embers falling off but bearing no burn marks, as Darkseid descended. He reached where Steppenwolf still knelt, showing his respect.
"Stand, Steppenwolf, and accompany me. This world intrigues me. Champions who do not lord over their lessers, but serve them. An... interesting approach. I desire to see how it works. When we have observed enough, we will conquer Urth. Come! The fleets will be ready."
Steppenwolf behind him, Darkseid stode out of his throne room. The doors, guided by nothing, closed.

 

[cerealkiller182]

IC: Deadpool


Two hours later, I was face down in spit and beer on the counter at Noonan's. Hacken walks in and pokes me. I'm embarrassed to say. It scared me.

"I didn't do it."

Hacken slips me a piece of paper. It had an address on it. A penthouse in the swanky part of town.

An hour later, a pit stop for directions, and an extra half hour later, I found my self on the rooftop across from The Penguin's penthouse.

Through the scope on my sniper, I search his home. Very swanky. Glamorouos decor, beautiful dinette set, and beautiful girls. What a stud.

"Hello, Mr. Fancy-pants."

Then the Penguin walks in. Stud was the overstatement of the year. He was short, fat, and shared a fashion sense with Mr. Peanut. What a dweeb.

Alright, remember your training. Take aim, relax, and.....a bird swoops in my way and scares the bejesus out of me.

"Holy MOther of Moses!"

A shot goes off. Misses Penguin. Story of my life. He makes a run for it.

"Thrill of the hunt!"

I jump to the fire escape and race down. I notice the Penguin exiting the apartments and getting in a limo with two brick walls. They were actually guys but you could have fooled me.

I jump off the fire escape and fall about 5 stories. I made a big splat. I get up and wait for my bones to adjust.

See, I have this thing called a healing factor. It heals lickedy split.

i run to a guy with a mortorcycle. "I need to borrow this." I kick him out of the way and drive away. I weave through traffic.

Its funny the things you remember. I remember how to use a gun, sort of. I remember how to fight and kill. I know they called me Deadpool and that I had cancer but i don't anymore. I remember I have a healing factor, but what the hell is a healing factor. It sounds like something out of an L. Ron Hubbard book. Not that I read thoughs.

Like usual I take my eyes off the road as I try to unscramble my brains. and a car jumps out of nowhere. A limo in fact. Wasn't I following a limo.

 

[Watchman]

"Hurry up there the Kingpin doesn't like waiting" shouted some portly guy. Two other guys were loading boxs onto some truck. The two men dropped the box drop in the eighteen wheeler and headed back toward a ship that was docked in the harbor. "C'mon you idiots hurry up here" shouted the portly guy.

"Hey Ted" said the other guy silently "Me and other guys were talking about trying to get rid of Vinnie ya know try and bring these gang back up without Vinnie holding us down"

Ted looked at him with a funny face "Well Sal how do you think we do that without the Kingpin coming down on us"

"I dunno we haven't thought about that part". Ted shook his head and started to pick up a box. The sound of police sirens echoed in the background. Sounds of an arguement start until they hear a voice shout "get on the ground!" Sal and Ted run outside of the boat and see two cops pointing their guns at Vinnie.Then out of the shadows comes two lanky arms and tap the cops on the shoulders. The cops turned their heads only to be pelted, in the face, with gas. Both cops broke down. One of the cops sprinted right into the water while the other curled up into a fetal position. The figure stepped into the light and what showed up shocked all three men. A person in dirty and sewed up clothes with a wide brim hat. He was completely in brown execpt for the black trench coat but what was most startling was what the person wore on his face. It look like a burlap bag but it had two eye holes and where the mouth was suppose to be was just sewn up.

"Gentlemen if I could have your attention" said Scarecrow " I would like to...."

"Who are you?!" demanded Vinnie while he ran up to Scarecrow and pointed a gun to his head.

"I recommend you put that down" the Scarecrow said.

"What are you going to do about it" Vinnie taunted "I'm going to give you to the count of three and your going to tell me who you are or I'll blow your brains all over this dock. One, two,....". There was a click and gas went straight into Vinnie's face. Vinnie dropped to his knees and looked up into Scarecrow. Bugs were coming through his mask while his eyes were red.

"I ToLD yOU tO PUt thAt dOwN!" screamed Scarecrow. Vinnie started to cry and scream. He raised his gun to try to shoot Screaecrow but all around him but everything was shaking. "WhAt'S a MAtTEr SCAreD". Vinnie lined up a shot and fired. He shot Sal in the leg and both, Ted and Sal, opened fired on Vinnie. He dropped dead instanely.

"Now what I was trying to say was that I have a proposal for your men". They both listen on what the freak had to say before they smoked him. He went on his plan about he had in store for Gotham City. Both of their faces looked stunned. "Now get into the truck and back to where your located we have much work to do.". Sal and Ted drove away in the truck full of weapons while the Scarecrow followed closly behind him. His plan was coming to coming together very well, soon Gotham will tremble in fear.

 

[cerealkiller182]

IC Deadpool


My head is splitting. Must have blacked-out. It feels like Andre the Giant is doing a tap-dance on my head. I look around the room. A big factory or warehouse.

Two guys are on the floor bleeding.

"Hey he's up," says a harsh voice.

A big guy stands in front of me. The Penguin walks between us. I;m tied to a chair.

"Who are you and who sent you?"

"My name's Deadpool. No one sent me. What am I doing here?"

Penguin and the big guy laugh. "You don't remember crashing your motorcycle into my limo, then killing two of my bodyguards."

"Can't say I do. Sounds like my work though. Yuk-yuk."

The big guys back-hands me across the face. The penguin pulls off my mask. They stare at the mangled face.

"What the hell happened to your face?" asks Penguin.

"Don't remember that either. See, I have some severe memory problems."

"You can't remember nothing?" asks the big guy.

"I remember the lyrics to American Pie and most of the lines of West Side Story. Everything else is kinda.....fuzzy."

"Excuse us," the Penguin leaves. The big guy follows.

Now's my chance. I try to stand. The chair sticks to my butt. I hop around the room looking for something to cut these ropes.

I see my gear on the table. Thank god for that. I use my long-sword to try and cut the ropes. That's when Hacken busts through the damn wall screaming with a chainsaw.

"Shut up, idiot. They'll come back."

The big guy runs back in from the other room.

"Quick, cut me loose."

The big guy tackles Hacken. Hacken drops his chainsaw. The chainsaw is still on so its sliding all over the place. While Hacken wrestles, the big guy, I keep cutting with my sword.

The Penguin comes running out of the back room. He points his umbrella at Hacken. He gets a shot off. It misses both Hacken and the big guy.

I finally get loose. I grab the umbrella from Penguin.

"An umbrella gun? How cheesy! The cheesiest cheese of all time."

I back hand the little guy. He slides into the corner. I look at Hacken. He's being strangled by the big guy. Now, I got to make a descision. Son of a &#^$%, I hate being the good guy."

I pull the big guy off with the umbrella. I put the sucker in afull-nelson. Hacken gains his breath and starts punching away on the guy's gut. Eventually, the big guy passes out, and the Penguin is long gone.

"So, much for the Penguin payment, huh?" asks Hacken.

"You'll have to excuse me if I don't know what your talking about. I got a memory problem. But that's not important, I owe you a drink."

Hacken and I go back to the bar and share a couple of mugs.

 

[cerealkiller182]

IC Deadpool


I went back to the bar with Hacken. You could say I got a little drunk

Hacken and I sing:
Show me the way to go home,
I'm tired and I want to go to bed.
I had a little drink about an hour ago
And it went right to my head.
Where ever I may roam,
By land, or sea, or....

Our tune was cut-off by the loud bang the door made as it hit the floor. A short guy in a suit and a flat head stood in the doorway. Boy, did he look pissed. HIs name was Hammmerhead

I whisper to Hacken. "I think we're gonna need a bigger boat."

Hacken snickers, but I don't get the chance to laugh. Hammerhead gets me in the gut with his head.

I lay in the corner. The wind was knocked right out of my.

"You son of a *#&%$, you were suppose to kill The Penguin."

Penguins. Hammerheads. What's with these guys with ocean names?

"I'm sorry, not really, but I don't know what your talking about."

"You don't know what I'm talking about! Are you stoned?!" I could tell Hammerhead was mad.

"I don't think so. Hey Hacken, we didn't smoke anything did we?"

Hacken snores on the bar. Hammerhead head-butts me. "I oughta kill you."

"Step in line."

Smoke was litterally being blown out Hammerhead's nose. He pulls his gun and points it in my face. I stare down the barrel of the gun. I;m sick of playing with this little fella.

I take the gun adn wretch it out of his hands. I can hear three seperate bones break in his fingers. He screams like a little girl. I shoot him in the foot and kick him in the groin.

"Butt-head, I'm relaxing right now. Not the best time to talk shop. Now scurry along."

I throw his butt to the curb, and continue my binge drinking. Role model I'm not.

 

[Batman]

It takes me,literally,ten seconds to change out of and hide my civillian clothes,in the Janitor's closet.After I've hid them,I start to think about what I'm about to do.This is...insane.

I look down at the costume I'm dressed in.

...Yep.Definatley insane.What am I thinking?Should I really be doing this?

I look absolutely rediculous.

I mean,Yes...the colors are reminiscant of the colors I saw on Krypton...And yes,the symbol is of kryptonian origin...but...Who really goes out in a bright red and blue pair of tights,in this day and age?And the UNDERWEAR...Don't even get me started on that.

But...I have to admit...as rediculous as they look,they do devide the bodysuit quite nicely.And the cape might actually help me with flying.When I think about it...Maybe the suit isn't really what I'm worried about.Maybe...It's just...going out there,for the first and possibly the last time.

I mean...I've never publically used my abilities.Sure,I've stopped a car from hitting an elderly woman usuing my speed and strength,and saved a cat from a tree using my flight...but...no one saw either of those incidents.I'm about to go and try to save a CROWD of people.Should I really be doing it?Is it safe?

If I fail at this,and get recognised,I can never have a normal life.Or as close to a normal one as I can get,anyway.I'll lose my job...My identity...Maybe even cost Ma and Pa their lives aswell.

The more I think about it,the less I want to do it.But...then my hearing kicks in.The people out there are scared out of their minds.They're afraid for their lives.I can take away their fear.I can actually do something about it.If I try hard enough...Maybe I can really make a difference today.

If that means endangering my own life for the benefit of others....well....so be it.

Shedding any fear I had earlier,I run my hand through my hair...So I won't be recognised by my hairstyle,at least.The end result leaves somewhat of a curl sticking out infront of my forehead.Since I don't have time to fix it now,I leave it as is,and walk out the back door.

As I walk out,A young homeless boy looks up at me,from digging through the garbage for food.Can't be older than fifteen.It's sad to think that someone that young can be without a home...but...that's reality.Someone should do something about things like this.Maybe...I can,one day.But right now,I have to focus on my current situation.

The boy's eyes widen at the sight of my outfit.

"Whoah,dude!That's one tight outfit ya got there!"

...Well...at least he didn't laugh.And I actually think that was a compliment,even though I barely understood half of what he said.

I smile at him.

"Excuse me."

Using my feet to kick off the ground,I propel myself into the air.As the wind hits my face,I can hear the young man murmur something else...

"...Now THATS tight..."

Flying above the skylight of the auditorium,I peer in,to see what the current situation is.It seems like the thugs are commiting some kind of robbery...Considering they're collecting people's money and valubles.So...the situation hasn't gotten too out of hand,and no one's gotten hurt.Yet.Hopefully,it'll stay that way.

Everyone seems to be cooperating with the thugs,so far.Of course...having a gun shoved in your face probably can probably make you very cooperative.While I don't like what these thugs are doing,it's good that the crowd is cooperating...Because that means the thugs probably won't hurt anyone.

And then...I hear something.Turning my attention to the southeast corner of the room,I hear fighting.Yelling,actually.

...Oh No.

It's Lois.She's resisting the thugs.While I admire her bravery...I have to admit,she's not being very smart.Especially considering the thugs she's resisting are all armed.

"You slimes won't get away with this!!!I'll report each and every one of you in tommorow's edition of the Planet!!!And don't think I don't know who you're working for,you filthy pieces of-"

One thug covers her mouth,cutting her off.Maybe for the better,as much as I hate to say it.Another thug grabs her by the arms,from behind.Just when the situation can't get any worse...it does.

Lois,living up to her tough-as-nails army brat reputation,elbows the thug behind her,and kicks the thug infront of her.Even though,as I said,they're armed.She's not a coward...I'll give her that.

"Don't you DARE touch me!"

*click*

Both Lois and I turn our attention to the origin of the clicking sound.A gunman stands infront of her,with his weapon aimed.

"I've had about enough a you,Sweetie."

I can hear the tumblers in his gun.Oh no...He's ACTUALLY going to do it.I can't let him.I just...can't.Even if she is the most annoying person I've ever met...I can't let an innocent life be taken.I won't.

"Say goodbye!"

NO!

Before I know it,I've bursted right through the glass of the skylight.Everything around me becomes slower,as the gunman fires at Lois.I can even see the bullet,as it goes straight towards her.

I have to stop it.

But...wait...Can I?Though I'm virtually indestructable,and I've never been severely injured...I've never been shot at.The bullet could hurt me.No,The bullet could KILL me.

...It's a risk I'll have to take.If it means saving at least one person,today...It's worth it.

Landing infront of Lois,I turn around,towards the bullet.It strikes me in the chest the minute I see it.I cringe,expecting the worst pain I've ever felt in my life.

...

Only...I don't feel any pain.Nothing,whatsoever.I look down at my chest,where the bullet hit me.No wound,no blood...Not even a tear in my costume.I look down to my feet,to see a flattened,smoking bullet between my boots.I'm alive.

Truthfully,I've never really tested my invulnerability to it's true potential.I really am bulletproof.

I look up at the thug,who's jaw nearly drops.

"What...in the hell...?"

I glare at him.

"It's Over."

The thug does nothing,He's still too shocked.I look around at the crowd.They all share the same,shocked expression.Of course,I DID just stop a bullet off of my chest...

I look back at Lois,who's probably the most shocked at my prescence.I smile at her.

"You alright?"

She looks at me,like I'm some sort of god,or some such nonsense.Then,she turns her attention to something behind me.

"L-L-"

I look at her,confused.

"I'm sorry?"

"L......LOOK OUT!"

I turn around,hearing more clicks.The thugs,it seems,have gathered into one group,all pointing their guns at me.

"WASTE HIM!"

As they fire,everything around me becomes slower,again.I can see the bullets coming towards me.I look over at the crowd behind me.I can't let any of the bullets hit them...

So...in a somewhat,last minute move...I run,back and fourth,grabbing the bullets in mid-air.It's impossible for anyone else...but...relatively easy for me.They just...float there,as if they're waiting for me to catch them.

By the time everything goes back to it's normal pace,I've caught every one of the bullets.The thugs' eyes all widen,simultaneously,as I drop all of the bullets to the ground,as if they were nothing.

"Now,that wasn't very nice of you gentlemen."

I have to stop and think about what I've just said.'That wasn't very nice of you gentlemen'?Even I have to admit...that was rather...stupid.As if the costume didn't make me look rediculous enough...

But they seem to go along with it,as I fold my arms.I think I'm actually starting to get the hang of this...

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to surrender."

I expect them to laugh at me for saying that.Instead,they drop their guns,and drop to their knees,still in awe of me.They actually complied?Wow...I..didn't expect that,actually.I didn't expect to really suceed.But...I DID.

As I ponder my...um...triumph,My hearing kicks in.Sirens...Heading this way.Good,That means I don't have to worry about these clowns for very long.But,in the meantime...

Walking over to one of the LexCorp banners,I take the metal pole,and...to the crowd's amazement,bend it like it were a piece of paper.I take it,and wrap it around the thugs,binding them.It should hold them until the police arrive.

I...did it.

I defeated them.I saved lives.I...made it without anyone laughing at my costume.I really did it...I suceeded.I think I actually just did something...heroic,even.

Then,just when I start to feel good about this...I realise where I am.I'm in a crowd,full of reporters,after doing things the world has never seen.Heard of,but not seen.Infact,I heard reports of a man who can actually crawl walls in New York...

But...I think this is actually the first time a large number of eyewitnesses has ever gotten a glimpse of extraordinary abilites,like...oh,I don't know...Flying through the air,Bouncing bullets off of your chest,and bending metal like a pretzel.

And sure enough,they begin to swarm me.It's like they want a piece of me.Thankfully,not in the literal sense...but...they're asking so many questions.Even I can barley keep up with them...

The most frequently asked are 'Who are you?','How did you do that?',and 'What's with the outfit?'.I don't know what to do.How should I answer?SHOULD I answer?

That's when I remember Lois.The thugs first opened fire on here.Is she...alright?

"Excuse me..."

I walk through the crowd,dodging microphones,video cameras,and tape recorders,until I finally spot Lois.As soon as she sees me coming towards her,She drops her notebook and pen.I smile at that.

"Here...Let me get that for you,Ms.Lane."

I bend down,and pick up the notepad and pen.She looks at me in utter astonishment as I hold them infront of her.

"Here you go."

She looks at my hands like they're the forbidden tree of Eden,before finally taking them,and stuffing them into her pocket...Not taking her eyes off of me for a second.

I hope she doesn't recognise me.She's the only one in this auditorium who's really seen me,as Clark Kent,up close...So...If I'm to be recognised,it'll be by her.

"Y-You...know my name?"

...

Well,I guess that confirms that she doesn't recognise me....

I notice her voice is different.Almost as if it's her true voice,as opposed to the tone she uses at work.Maybe there's a different side to her...

"Of course I do.You're Lois Lane,star reporter for the Daily Planet.I'm a big fan of your work."


I extend my hand,so she can shake it.She reponds by slowly falling backwards.I think she's fainting...

Using my speed,I run to her,and catch her from falling to the ground.She looks up at me,astonished by even that.I keep smiling at her.

"Are you going to be alright?"

She puts her hand on her forehead.

"I have to be dreaming..."

"Actually,Ms.Lane...I believe we're both very much awake."

Good lord...Everything I've said for the past five minutes has to be some of the corniest sentances ever uttered by something on this earth.

But...No one seems to care.It's as if I can do no wrong,to them.I don't know whether to like or hate that...I'm no god.

I look at Lois.She's dazed,and probably light headed.She needs rest.I need to get her out of here...And get her some air...Before she really does pass out.Scooping her up in my arms,I carry her through the crowd,and outside the doors,where everyone follows.I look down at her,as she seems to get...comfortable.

"You need rest,Lois.I'm going to take you home.Is that okay with you?" I ask,kindly.

She manages a nod...Even though,for all she knows,I'm just some stranger in a cape.I smile at her,again...as an attempt to relax her.

"I hope you're not afraid of heights."

Her eyes widen as I soar into the air,still carrying her.Perhaps I should've waited for her to actually answer before I took off...

As we fly into the city,I can hear people in the crowd,gasping in awe.Some of them even say things like...'He's flying!Oh my god,He's really flying!' and 'He's like a bird!Or a plane!'.I smirk,at those comments.It seems I've made an impression...

At first,Lois clings onto me for dear life,as we fly above the skyscrapers of Metropolis.But,eventually...She eases.Infact,I think she's beginning to enjoy this...

We land on the balcony of her apartment.She has the door opened,so I simply walk in,and lay her down on the couch in the living room.

"You shouldn't leave your doors open like that,Ms.Lane.You never know what kind of things could just fly right in." I say,with a wink.

...It's only a split second later that I realise how contradictory that sentance is...Considering not very many things,or people...for that matter,in Metropolis can actually 'fly right in'.I notice she's still dazed,as she gets comfortable on the couch.

"Well,I think I'll leave you to rest for the day.Have a good evening,Ms.Lane."

I turn around,and walk out to the balcony.But,before I can take off...

'Wait!'

I turn around,seeing her scrambling to get up off of the couch.

"Yes,Lois?"

She slowly walks towards me,still partly mesmorised.

"What...How did...I mean...Who...Who are you?"

I give her one last smile,before floating upwards.

"Just think of me as a friend,Lois..."

"...Just think of me as a friend."

 

[Sparta*]

- DAY OF LAUNCH -

"Is everyone secured?" Reed said looking over at Ben, Susan and Johnny.

"Everything is good to go Reed" Johnny said back

"Superb" Reed said "Begin launch sequence" he said into his communicator

"Launch sequence activated" A voice responded

"This is it Sue..." He said looking over to her "After all the planning its finally happening"

"And I couldn't feel more secure knowing that you planned everything" She said with a smile

Ben butted in "I feel good knowing you planned it too Reed, but whats the worst that could happen anyways?" He said, pushing some dials on the control panel. "Plus with me as your pilot, you can feel extra secure" he said. The ship rumbled for a second

"You were saying?" Johnny said

"Just wait and see kid, you ain't never seen a pilot as good as Benjamin Grimm. Now get ready, the countdown is about to begin" Ben said turning his attention forward. The others followed suit

Ten...............

Nine..............

Eight.............

Seven...........

Six................

Five..............

Four..............

Three............

Two..............

One..............

BLAST OFF!!

The ship rumbled violently as it lifted from the ground. It propelled itself forward off into the deep darkness of space where these 4 people had no idea that their lives would soon be changed forever.

Days passed as the crew was slowly reaching their destination

Reed and Sue were sitting in the front of the ship, while Johnny and Ben were in the back.

"Wow Reed.....the stars are so beautiful from up here" She said looking over at him with her gorgeous blue eyes, almost reflecting the grandeur of space. Reed paused for a moment, awestruck by her beauty

"Uh..yea...it's great isn't it?" Reed said. She nodded her head and smiled "I took extra care in calculating a flight plan that wouldn't intersect with an anomaly i've been tracking the past few months"

Her smile turned to a neutral expression as Reed began to talk about science again "An anomaly? what kind of anomaly?" she said

"I'm not entirely sure...from what i've managed to gather, it appears to be a cloud of pure radioactive energy" he responded

"Thats strange..." she said "What could be the cause of something like that?"

"Thats the thing.........for the first time in my life, I don't know. It was hard finding a route that didn't intersect with the cloud because it's movements and actions are speratic...and unpredictable" Reed said

"Just like you Reed" She said leaning in close to him, staring deeply into his eyes

**CRASH**

Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud noise in the back of the ship

"Can't you do anything right kid?!" they heard Bens voice say from the back of the shuttle

"Hey, your the one that knocked the tools over with your giant hands you big ape, not me...and don't call me kid" Johnny replied

"Well maybe if you handed me the right tool in the first place, this wouldn't have happened, hot shot" Ben replied

They shook off the distraction, and Sue turned her attention towars the stars again...acknowledging the severe mood killer that was her brother and Ben.

"So if this clouds movements are so speratic Reed, How can you be so sure we're not flying towards it as we speak?" She said...only half serious. She had faith in Reed's intelligence

"I tracked the movements of the anomaly for months, seeing how it travels from place to place, and what its patterns are like. They follow a certain path for the most part, but there are certain times when it jumps from place to place with no explanation. It is unpredictable but I am confident our trajectory will not intersect it in any way" Reed said

"I know your right Reed....." Sue said "Well...I really hope your right..."

"I've never been wrong before have I?" he answered

"No...not wrong...but even you said the movements are unpredictable" Sue said beginning to question...

"There is nothing to worry about Susan Storm...you are safe with me" Reed answered "besides...if we did intersect with the cloud, the worse thing that could happen according to my calculations would be dramatic mutations in our entire cellular structure" Reed said...passing off his idea of a joke

"Oh...............I feel so much better now..." Sue said turning her attention away from Reed. The last statement perturbed her. "I really hope he's right about this......he's never been wrong before...but I really hope he's right about this......"

 

[SuperFerret]

Metropolis. We've (Martha and I) have lived here since I got out of the service, after I was discharged when I lost my right arm. I got a decent job at STAR Labs, as an "experimental herpetologist" and we've been living the American dream ever since. I've even been researching a technique that could regrow lost limbs. And better yet, we're expecting.

Dr. Curt Conners. Scientist. War Hero. Husband. Now, father is being added to that resume.

I can't believe it. Everything is going great. Life is wonderful. Nothing can make today a bad day. Nothing.

"Curt? Are we ready to start the test?" asked my colleague, Dr. Pieter Cross, a very gifted surgeon who was reknowned for limb grafting. This expertise made him a perfect partner to conduct this experiment with. In his right hand he held an empty syringe, in his left, the vacu-sealed vial of our "Regen-serum" which, by duplicating the process a reptile goes through when it regenerates a lost limb, has a great possibility to grant that very effect on humans.

"You know it." I say, rolling my right shirt sleeve up even farther, revealing my right elbow, the point where the limb was severed after an infected bullet wound became gangrenous. Cross and I agreed that this would be the best point of injection.

Pieter hesitated momentarily, and then filled the syringe with 10cc of the serum. He then handed me the syringe.

"It's your experiment, Curt. You should have the honor."

I smile at him, and he returns it.

"This is going to change the world."

I inject the serum into my bicep, and then wait for the results.

 

[Victor Creed]

The helicopter blades whirred over head. I could hear engines roaring about a quarter mile down the road so I knew we would have plenty of company. I walked over to the door and stuck my head through the broken screen.

LOGAN! GET OUT HERE! I'M REALY HOPIN THESE AINT FRIENDS A YOURS! CUZ IF THEY ARE THOSE FILES ARE GONA ROAST ALONG WITH ALL A YA!

Oh **** what now?

I didn’t feel like explaining it to him, so I pulled the bowie out of the door frame and stepped inside.

SHIELD

Guess the finally figured ya out.

Or someone led em here…

We don’t have time for this. Look.

He was right. There were two Jeeps pulling down the dirt road and the helicopter was now directly over the house. Smoke bombs flew in through every window and the SHIELD special forces came swarming in.
(Sabretooth looks at Logan and grins)

This should be fun.

We got into position, back to back, Logan with his claws drawn and me with the knife in hand and that grin still smeared across my face.

Just like our days in Weapon X, eh? ‘Cept maybe this time you’ll follow yer instincts and kill.

Bullets flew at us from every angle. I don’t know how many hit me before I took the closest soldier to me and slit his throat. Logan wasn’t doing too bad either. We had each taken a few of them down when the Jeeps arrived. We both counted ten to a jeep and expected them to come rushing in, but instead they just sat there, waiting.

Logan and I tore through the rest of the soldiers, coating the floor with a puddle of blood. I looked over at Logan’s face and I swear I saw him become me for a second, like he almost let go, but the look vanished and we were left wondering why the others hadn’t stormed through the front door.

Wonder why they ain’t comin in to say hello?

Maybe they’re just bein polite, bub.

Wait. Listen.

The helicopter was moving. The blades spun as the pilot maneuvered the chopper around between the Jeeps and the shack. He pointed his machine gun at us and prepped his rockets for firing.

Great.

 

[SuperFerret]

Metropolis. We've (Martha and I) have lived here since I got out of the service, after I was discharged when I lost my right arm. I got a decent job at STAR Labs, as an "experimental herpetologist" and we've been living the American dream ever since. I've even been researching a technique that could regrow lost limbs. And better yet, we're expecting.

Dr. Curt Conners. Scientist. War Hero. Husband. Now, father is being added to that resume.

I can't believe it. Everything is going great. Life is wonderful. Nothing can make today a bad day. Nothing.

"Curt? Are we ready to start the test?" asked my colleague, Dr. Pieter Cross, a very gifted surgeon who was reknowned for limb grafting. This expertise made him a perfect partner to conduct this experiment with. In his right hand he held an empty syringe, in his left, the vacu-sealed vial of our "Regen-serum" which, by duplicating the process a reptile goes through when it regenerates a lost limb, has a great possibility to grant that very effect on humans.

"You know it." I say, rolling my right shirt sleeve up even farther, revealing my right elbow, the point where the limb was severed after an infected bullet wound became gangrenous. Cross and I agreed that this would be the best point of injection.

Pieter hesitated momentarily, and then filled the syringe with 10cc of the serum. He then handed me the syringe.

"It's your experiment, Curt. You should have the honor."

I smile at him, and he returns it.

"This is going to change the world."

I inject the serum into my bicep, and then wait for the results.

My arm began to tingle after a minute of waiting, the sensation was like that you feel when your foot falls asleep, it wasn't pleasant, but not painful either. I tell Pieter this, and he jots it down on his clipboard. I don't think I've ever seen him without it. That's a pity, now that I think about it, I've never met with Pieter outside of work. I wonder if Martha would mind if I invited him to dinner with us tonight.

"Pieter," I began, "Are you busy this evening? My wife's making her delicious potato soup tonight, and there's always some leftovers, so I was hoping you'd want to come by and help us finish it."

He smiled, "No, I'm not busy. That sounds nice. What time should I....Oh my god! Curt!" he stood and pointed, "Your arm!"

I looked down at my arm. It was growing, and the tingling increased. It was getting very uncomfortable now, and it itched. "It itches." I said, and Pieter scribbled it down.

My forearm was nearly completed and then a wrist formed, followed by a palm and five fingers. I flexed these new digits, staring at them in amazement. A quick glance at Pieter told me he was doing the same, his jaw hanging open in a very unscientific way.

"It worked." I whispered, almost afraid to say it aloud, "Holy crap, it works. It really, truly works."


That's when the pain kicked in.

 

[cerealkiller182]

What a start to being a career hitman. Both the Penguin and Hammerhead are gunning for me. I havn't even collected any bounties yet.

Now, I'm strapped to another chair on a dock. A big guy strikes me in the face. Hammerhead walks out of the shadow.

"Nobody treats Hammerhead the way you did. Take off his mask, Vinny?"

A giant gorilla hand takes off my mask. The resounding gasp tells me they are surprised. Vinny speaks up.

"Boss, that's a face a mother couldn't even love."

"He sure is a crispy critter. What the hell happened to your face?"

"Your mother!" I say. Let's just say it was a bad move.

Gorilla boy backhands me. I see nothing but stars for about two seconds until my healing factor kicks in. Then I'm fresh as rain.

"I'm sick of whooping on this guy, boss."

"Yeah, I'm sick of watching. Let's throw him in the harbor."

Vinny drags the chair to the end of the dock, and throws me in. I go straight to the bottom. No weapons. No mask. I thought I'd go out in a blaze of glory.

Hours later, I awake in what looks to be a sewer. A little green kid stands over me.

"Hey Mister, Are you okay?"

I shake off the pain and take a look around. The little green kid isn;t alone. Theres hundreds of ugly people standing around.

"Where am I?"

The little kid says, "You're in the sewers of Gotham. I'm Leach. This over here is Callisto. We're the Morlocks"

"How poetic!"

He points me in the direction of a woman in an eye-patch.

"Um...Take me to your leader."

"I am the leader. We saw those guys throw you in the harbor. Are you a mutant?"

"Mutant? Now way sister."

"Caliban?" Callisto beckons.

A plain looking pale imp comes over.

"He's no mutant. Although I sense something. Something subtle."

"What are you guys doing down here?" I ask. "This can't be very sanitary."

"We have no choice. The humans hate and fear us. This is the only place where no one will be judged. Including you."

She holds up my mask. I snatch it away and put it on.

"Why do you hide behind that layer of fabric?" she asks.

"Long story. Tell me, do you have my weapons too?"

She throws my gunbelt and my sheath.

"I've heard millions of horror stories before. I can stand to here just one."

"Listen, it's all a little fuzzy, but of what I can remember. My name is Wade Wilson, trained by the US government as a black ops. I came down with a terminal case of cancer. The government said they could help me. The next thing I know, I'm in a vat being tested on. My molecules were ripped apart and put back together. You see my face, my skin? It's not burned or mangled, its continually changing. They genetically altered my healing process. It's always going. My cells are always rearranging. I'm as close a normal person can be to untouchable. Who or why they did what they did? i don't know. It sure wasn't to cure Agent Wilson of cancer. Cancer was there scape-goat."

"I've heard about mutants undergoing the same kinds of operations as you, but never have I heard about humans going through the same thing."

"Well, I wasn't the only human. There were a dozen of us. Maybe more. The orderlies had deadpools on them. You know? Who would die first. They would bet on us. But enough with the chit-chat, I got to go."

I start my way down the tunnel to find the exit.

"We can help you, Wade."

"Its not Wade anymore, its Deadpool."

I continue down the tunnell.

"Arn't there any sewer grates around here?"

I slam my head into a ladder.

"Goddamn! You freakin' Morlocks should invest him some light!" I yelled down the tunnell.

The response was yelling and screaming.

"Oh no!"

I run down the tunnells back to the Morlock's lair. I see a giant purple creature (one of their own) duking it out with a giant stark-white guy in a tattered suit. He was yelling "Grundy!" over and over.

Grundy knocked out the Morlock. And went toward Leach.

"Know you don't."

I stuck my sword into Grundy's back.

"Leach, get out of here." Grundy backed into the wall crushing me. He turned and palmed my head with one hand. With a quick wrist flick, my neck breaks. Callisto starts banging away at him with a metal bo staff.

My neck snaps back into place and I grabbed Grundy's arm before he could back hand Callistio into the next city. Grundy looks at me.

"Solomon Grundy, Born on Monday!"

"Grundy die Today. How's that sound?"

Grundy takes a swing, but he I evade. I pull my guns and blast away.

Grundy is pushed back, but not dead.

"Holy crap!"

Grundy strangles me, but I fight him off.

"He's not a mutant," says Caliban.

"Big whoop! Anything I can use."

"No!"

"Your a big help!"

to be continued.....

 

[cerealkiller182]

Grundy had me around the throat. Everything was going dark. A big green guy gut checks Grundy, and the massive pressure on my larynx returns. I don't know where I'd be without my voice. Everyone says otherwise, but I know they like my quips.

Callisto came up to me. "I thought you were untouchable."

"Me too. Never suffocated before."

"Well, Brute's getting his ass handed to him."

"He's mine."

Brute was about to give in when I attacked Grundy. Punch, Punch, kick. I gave him everything I got. I even drew blood from him.

"You give?"

"Solomon Grundy, Born on...."

"That is so getting old."

I look around. A valve? A ladder? A tunnell? I've got an idea.

I slap Grundy in the face and jump down a shaft. He follows. As soon as he hits, I make my way back up the shaft. I seal the shaft and crank the valve. Al I hear is the rush of water and a screaming giant.

I make my way back to the Morlocks where they are either injured, tired, or tending to the injured.

"Don't all thank me at once."

Callisto walks up to me.

"What was that?"

"I don't know, but I suggest you make your way to New York. I hear they got nice sewers. I'm pretty sure this one's already claimed."

Callisto puts out her hand.

"You're a good man, Deadpool."

"No, I'm not. I'm a killer baby."

I leave them. Before I make the last step, I look over my shoulder. Leach waves to me. I wave back, and if he could see under this mask, Ihe'd see me smile too.

 

[rex26]

Magneto spent the rest of that evening's sunset flying out over the coast line of Genosha. His mind was riddled with thoughts lately, making it impossible for him to make a decision about his people's fate. He slowly drifted back to his Metal Palace constructed high above the mountain face.

An iron walkway came shooting out from the side of his balcony. Magnus walked powerfully in stride into his bedroom chambers from the sky. He had isolated himself from the rest of his people over the past weeks.

Not out of disrespect or arrogance, but strictly concern.The only way he could be reached was threw Genosha's fast means of communication...telepathic message. Yet still Magnus wore his helmet to ward off psychic attackers, making it impossible to reach him.

His people deserve more, the mutant race deserves more. Magneto turned and slammed open his iron clad doors with a mere thought, sending them hurdling out over the sea miles away. He stormed out and flew straight up as fast as his electromagnetic field allowed him. He pulled together layers of metal from the atmosphere, forming a shell of metal to protect him from passing out of Earth's gravity.

Magneto had timed it perfectly, he focused his control over the shell containing him as it approached Asteroid M. Magneto's shell came flying toward the landing zone of the Asteroid, flying right into the atmosphere-contained landing area.

Magnus walked uneasily through his Asteroid fortress. He had turned this into his own personal paradise. A place where he could get away from everything that ravaged his thoughts on Earth. He stood in a clear bubble room, staring back at the Earth that taunted him from so far away, growing angrier by the second.

 

[SuperFerret]

My arm began to tingle after a minute of waiting, the sensation was like that you feel when your foot falls asleep, it wasn't pleasant, but not painful either. I tell Pieter this, and he jots it down on his clipboard. I don't think I've ever seen him without it. That's a pity, now that I think about it, I've never met with Pieter outside of work. I wonder if Martha would mind if I invited him to dinner with us tonight.

"Pieter," I began, "Are you busy this evening? My wife's making her delicious potato soup tonight, and there's always some leftovers, so I was hoping you'd want to come by and help us finish it."

He smiled, "No, I'm not busy. That sounds nice. What time should I....Oh my god! Curt!" he stood and pointed, "Your arm!"

I looked down at my arm. It was growing, and the tingling increased. It was getting very uncomfortable now, and it itched. "It itches." I said, and Pieter scribbled it down.

My forearm was nearly completed and then a wrist formed, followed by a palm and five fingers. I flexed these new digits, staring at them in amazement. A quick glance at Pieter told me he was doing the same, his jaw hanging open in a very unscientific way.

"It worked." I whispered, almost afraid to say it aloud, "Holy crap, it works. It really, truly works."


That's when the pain kicked in.

It started as a burning sensation, moving slowly up my arm, and then spreading throughout the rest of my body. I fell to the ground, holding my newly-formed arm close to me.

"Aaarrggh!"

Instantly, Pieter was kneeling at my side, his ever-present clipboard forgotten in his concern for me. He was saying something, I'm sure of it, but I couldn't hear him over the excruciating ringing that had filled my ears.

I shove him away from me with my right hand, throwing him easily against a nearby cabinet. His face smashed into the vial, cutting him severely. His screams were no doubt added to my own.

I stared in horror at my right arm. It was covered in dark green scales, and the hand was instead a gnarled four-fingered talon. What was happening to me?

Despite the agony I stood up, I felt taller than usual, and my tail knocked over the stool I had been sitting on. My tail!? What's going on? I look to Pieter, he was sitting in a corner, holding his eyes, blood pouring from between his fingers. "Curt... Curt..." he whimpered.

I move towards him, "Pieter..." , my voice...

I need a mirror.

I stumbled over to the large mirror in the washroom adjacent to the lab. To my horror, I saw that I was slowly transforming into a humanoid reptile.

The experiment had gone horribly, horribly wrong.

I remember my last words before the fateful injection.

"This is going to change the world."

 

[LibrarianThorne]

In the depths of space...

The stars shine, their light piercing the vacuum of space. Nearby lies a frozen world, it's sun a mere speck in the distance. The scene is calm, serene, peaceful.

It is destroyed when a white vortex appears, an echoing BOOM resonating at its appearance. It is follwed first by one, then many more similar vortexes. They sit, whirling in space momentariy, odd intrusions upon the laws of physics. From them emerge dozens of sleek ships, designs far past what normal humans would even consider possible.

Aboard the largest ship was the leader of this improbable force. He stood on the bridge, surrounded by trained Parademons and his general, Steppenwolf. On viewscreens surrounding the bridge were his other commanders and generals. An old, bitter face framed by wild white hair looked down upon him, as did the face of a younger man, topped by shockingly orange hair.
"Steppenwolf, repeat for those here what you have told me about the human known as Magneto."
"Yes, great Darkseid. He apparently has the ability to control natural magnetic fields. Beyond that, he is ruler of the nation of Genosha, as well as the orbiting asteroid, Asteroid M. He has typically low human intelligence, yet it is my opinion that a strategic alliance with him would be fruitful, and of course make the takeover of Genosha much smoother."
Darkseid nodded, rubbing his chin. "I am in agreement with Steppenwolf on this matter. Godfrey, initiate contact with this Magneto. I am prepared to offer him a position as governor of 'Urth' in my stead, as well as a Mother Box."
The assembled leaders stared questioningly at their lord. "These offers will entice him, and of course the offer of rulership of his pathetic world will appeal to his vastly overinflated ego. He will join us, and we will use his power and forces in the first wave of the invasion. Then we shall sweep from the skies and destroy the opposition. 'Urth' will fall in a single day, once we begin. "
The orange-haired man, the Glorious Godfrey as he was known, nodded vigorously. "Great plan, my lord Darkseid. Real growth possiblities there. This primitive Earth man will be swayed by the offer, and if not by that, then by my voice." He winked at Darkseid. "We'll contact this Magneto as soon as possible, and I am happy to serve one of your infallible plans, lord Darkseid."
Darkseid scowled. "You may be proud when your work is done, Godfrey, and no sooner. Urth will stand as an example of the might of Apokolips. This invasion will pave the way for my ultimate goal. See that it goes well."
With that, the viewscreens winked out, and the bridge resumed its normally busy pace.

 

[Watchman]

The truck pulled up to the abandoned warehouse that was serving as their hideout for a few years now sincethe mafia families and crime bosses came to full power. The gang went into full decline after this and were just used as pawns in their jobs. Ted and Vinnie were here since the beginning and Ted hated were Vinnie steered the gang. Then this new guy came into the picture. Sure he was dress like it was Halloween but what happened at the docks and what is going to happen to Gotham will bring respect to the gang. The truck came to a full stop and men came out of the building to load things out of the truck.

"Where's Vinnie?" asked one of the men

"Not now" said Ted

"Vinnie's dead" Sal blurted out

"What?... I know we we were talking taking about getting rid of him but these things take time...and the Kingpin..." the man went and on and on

"Listen there's this new guy.. everyting will be explained Lenny just put those weapons in there". Ted and the rest of the men went into the warehouse. Upon entering Lenny felt something that chilled his spine. He had a feeling that something lurking in the shadows.

"What the hell happened out there" shouted someone

"You two are screwed you know that, the rest of us are not going to go down because of what happened out there" shouted another.

"There's someone else..." Ted started

"He can do nothing against Kingpin" shouted one more.

A screech echoed through out the warehouse silencing all the men. "Ye of little faith" said the a voice from the shadows. "Why are so afraid of the Kingpin? Is it the ruthless killings or is it how he just makes people just disappear" the voice continued. "I believe you should be more afraid of what lurks in the shadows not some man". "You should be more afraid of fear incranated" Scarecrow walked out of the shadow and revealed himself to his audience. The whole gang was stunned and outbursted then erupted. Scarecrow took his sickle and scratched on the window again. "Again if I could have your attention". Lenny ran up and pointed his gun straight at Scarecrow's head.

"Who the f*** do you think you are" shouted Lenny.

"My name is..." a gas came from his arm and into Lenny's face "sCaREcrOw". Lenny backed away from Scarecrow screaming even crying for his mother " NoW Who ARe yOU afRaID Of Me OR thE KINgPin?" Lenny soiled himself and was now curled up into a corner crying. Scarecrow walked up to him " I aM FeAr INCarNAtED!". Lenny took out his gun but could barely aim. Scarecrow swatted the gun out of his hands and Lenny saw fire in his eyes. He turned his attention back to the crowd. "Now gentlemen this is but just a small sample of what will happen." Scarecrow acted as nothing happeded but Lenny's screams continued. "Gotham will fear me, Gotham will fear us all!". Cheers from the crowd erupted. "Gotham will pay and they will pay big or else the city will tremble to it's knees." More statements of agreement came from the crowd. "Now on to the first job, we need more chemicals for the fear toxins... there is a chemical plant across town owned by the prince of Gotham who returned a few weeks ago tomorrow night go there and collect my chemicals that I need". Of course the men would never know his true intentions. He grinned under his mask.

 

[Red]

“And that’s all for tonight thanks for listening” Billy finished up the news bullets on the radio. Morris tapped on the plastic between the studio and the hallway and opened the door as Billy turned off the microphone.

“Billy since you were late, you can lock up tonight” He yawed. “Make sure you’re here on time tomorrow.” Before Billy could answer he had gone.

Billy looked at his watch it was almost 9.30, by the time he finished it was 11:00. He set the stations alarm and locked the door.
Seconds after leaving it begun to rain “Oh, great” Billy muttered to himself. As he made his way down the street three large thugs jumped Billy. They dragged him down the nearby alley one pushed him against the wall the other put a knife to his throat, while the third smiling lent against the wall.

The third thug, who seemed older than the others, perhaps that meant he had more experience spoke “Look kid, you’ve got two choices, you can give us the key to the radio station or we can take it from you.”

“How about no to both!” The older man nodded to one that held Billy against the wall, he then punched Billy in the stomach.

“Look kid…what the hell, Carl just get the keys.” Billy struggled franticly, and then it came to him.

“SHAZ...” the older brute punched Billy straight in the face and he went out cold, and then stole the keys from his pocket. The three thugs left Billy lying in a puddle on the floor. The blood from his lip, washed away by the pouring rain.

 

[SuperFerret]

It started as a burning sensation, moving slowly up my arm, and then spreading throughout the rest of my body. I fell to the ground, holding my newly-formed arm close to me.

"Aaarrggh!"

Instantly, Pieter was kneeling at my side, his ever-present clipboard forgotten in his concern for me. He was saying something, I'm sure of it, but I couldn't hear him over the excruciating ringing that had filled my ears.

I shove him away from me with my right hand, throwing him easily against a nearby cabinet. His face smashed into the vial, cutting him severely. His screams were no doubt added to my own.

I stared in horror at my right arm. It was covered in dark green scales, and the hand was instead a gnarled four-fingered talon. What was happening to me?

Despite the agony I stood up, I felt taller than usual, and my tail knocked over the stool I had been sitting on. My tail!? What's going on? I look to Pieter, he was sitting in a corner, holding his eyes, blood pouring from between his fingers. "Curt... Curt..." he whimpered.

I move towards him, "Pieter..." , my voice...

I need a mirror.

I stumbled over to the large mirror in the washroom adjacent to the lab. To my horror, I saw that I was slowly transforming into a humanoid reptile.

The experiment had gone horribly, horribly wrong.

I remember my last words before the fateful injection.

"This is going to change the world."

I look at my reflection in horror. My hair was falling out, and my skin was scaly and turning green. My eyes looked like those of a gecko, and I could feel my teeth and jaw growing longer and sharper. And I could feel a sinister, reptilian persona begin to emerge, to share my mind with me, and it was growing strong.

On this day, I became a monster.
On this day, I was born.

I was terrified. I escaped out the window for fear of being discovered.
I was hungry. I left this place through the window in search of prey.

I was getting weaker, and losing control over my own body, which was mutating more and more.
I was getting stronger, and gaining more control over my new body, which was improving more and more.

I ran through the daylit streets of Metropolis, unintentionally frightening people as I cried out for help.
I ran through the daylit streets of this human settlement, humans fleeing from my path as I roared ferociously.

I was losing control. I chased after a man who ran down an alleyway to escape me.
I was gaining more influence over my body. I persued a mammal as it ran into a dark alley, trying to escape me.

I cried inside as I killed the man. Curt Conners died with him.
I roared in triumph as my jaws closed around my prey. The Lizard lives!!

 

[Sparta*]

-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-

"What is that noise Reed?!" Sue said examining a flashing emergency light on the beeping panel

"Oh God! There is something directly ahead of us in our flightpath!" Reed exclaimed "Ben, Johnny, come up here right now!!" Reed said into his communicator

"What is it Reed?! Can't we avoid it?" Sue pronounced in a worried tone

"Avoiding it is not an option Sue, its too big...we would never make it in time" Reed said

"Whats all the hubbub about?" Ben exclaimed as he approached Reed and Sue with Johnny right behind him

"Yeah, I was just explaining to Ben here, the many ways in which he resembles a bald gorilla" Johnny snickered

"Shut up Johnny!" Sue screamed "This is an emergency!"

"She's right...we are heading on an unavoidable collision course" Reed said

"What?!" Johnny said "I thought you planned out our flight path perfectly Reed?! How can this be happening??"

"Now take it easy kid, we just gotta change our flight angle" Ben said

"It won't be of any use Ben, It's to large to avoid, and we only have seconds!" Reed said

"We'll see about that Reed, your forgetting i'm the best pilot going" Ben said pushing his way past Reed and Sue and proceeding to the manual controls

"What is 'IT' Reed? What exactly are we flying in to?" Johnny exclaimed

"I'm afraid..." Reed said looking at Johnny and then Sue "...we're heading for a cloud of radioactive energy"

"The anomaly you've been examining all this time? how can that be?" Johnny said

"It's movements are speratic...its impossible to lock on to where it will go next" Reed said

"Well I can tell you where it is right now..." Johnny said pointing out the front window of the shuttle. A large yellowish cloud was right infront of them and approaching fast

"Can't you turn the shuttle any faster?" Sue said

"I'm trying Suzie...i'm trying!" Ben shouted

"It's too late! Brace yourselves!!" Reed said as the cloud erupted through the front of the shuttle and into the cab. Equipment began malfunctioning and sparking everywhere. Ben was first to get hit because he wasn't giving up hope on steering away from the cloud. Sue instinctively grabbed on to Reed as the cloud hit them both, and lastly it passed through Johnny.

Each second felt like a lifetime as the 4 astronauts screamed in the silence of outerspace...no one to hear them or help...the situation was utterly hopeless. Small explosions erupted all over the shuttle as it lost its momentum. It finally lost all power and began to plummet back into earth's orbit. The earth got bigger and bigger as the shuttle fell closer and closer. The 4 astronauts were sure that their demises were at hand...

"I'm so sorry!" Reed shouted out to them all "This is all my fault! I'm so, so, sorry!"

Sue looked up and kissed Reed "I love you Reed Richards...I always have...and I can't die before I let you know that"

"I am a fool Susan...I have always loved you as well but I never thought you cared for me, so I stayed true to the only thing I was ever sure of...science...I'm sorry I wasted the chance for us to be together" Reed said

Sue cried and hugged Reed. The ship broke through the earths atmosphere and crashed deep into the ocean. Pieces of the shuttle were missing and it rapidly began to fill with water. With a newfound strength ben never witnessed before he pulled open the jammed emergency hatch. Suddenly the 3 were incased in a bubble of air, and were floateing to the surface. Sue was still holding Reed, as they emerged above the surface of the water

"We're alive!!!!!" Johnny shouted "We are alllivvee!!"

"Marvelous!" Reed said "What happened down there? How did we have enough air to make it to the surface?"

"Divine intervention Richards" Ben said "no other explanation...scientific or otherwise"

"We'll see about that" Reed said

"Look, theres an island" Sue said as the 4 began to swim to the shore. They washed up and laid on the sand staring up at the sky. They looked at eachother and began to laugh with joy. They stayed motionless for minutes before Johnny finally spoke

"NASA is going to kill us..." he said

"Yea well that's just too bad for NAS- ugh...I don't feel right" Ben said...he got up and stumbled a few feet before falling to the sand on all fours "AARRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH" Ben screamed as he held his head. Just then his space sut began to fill out until it eventually ripped open

"What is happening Reed?!" Sue said

"I don't know...I dont know!" Reed shouted. The top and bottom of Ben's space suit completley ripped and what was revealed to the other 3 crew members startled and shocked them. Where Benjamin Grimm once stood, now remained a large orange rocky creature.

"Ben...?" Reed said approaching him from behind

"Stay away from me Reed! STAY AWAY!" Ben shouted

"JOHNNY!" Sue shouted turning to face her brother

"What is it? am I turning into one of those...things too!?" Johnny replied in a frantic tone

"No...you-you-your on Fire!" Sue stumbled getting the words out

"Whhhaatt?!" Johnny screamed looking at his arms and hands "....it....it doesn't hurt......I can't feel a thing!" Johnny said

Sue turned back to Reed "Could it be the cloud that did this to us Reed"

"It has to be Sue.......Sue?" Reed said "Where did you go Susan?!"

"I'm right infront of you genious" She replied

"Your...your not there Susan" Reed said

"What?! What do you mean i'm not here?" She replied frantically

"Look at your hands Sue!" Johnny shouted

There was silence then Sue said "I'm going to pass out"

Reed stretched out his hands to where he remembered her being last, but he was too far. Without warning his arms stretched out a few feet from his body. He caught Sue before she could fall

"What...what is happening to us?!" Ben said in a gruff voice

"The cloud has altered our genetics...caused mutations on a cellular level" Reed said. Sue reappeared infront of them.

"Well what do we do about it Reed?!" Ben said extremely aggrivated "I can't stay like this for the rest of my life!"

"When we get back to the Baxter bulding I can run some tests to see if I can reverse our transformations...and yes I said WE. I don't think its safe for us to be apart, and our best bet of reversing these changes is working together" Reed said. Everyone agreed with Reeds proposal and with that, the fantastic four were born...