One Universe: Season IV IC Thread

[Carnage27]

"You know Nick can never be civil," Alan says with a smirk.

"Too true. Now, getting back to the Luthor issue. Is the plan trying to dig up dirt on him? Because, quite frankly, I feel uncomfortable with that. He's a slimeball, yeah. But he's still the president and not supporting him seems....unamerican to me."

My cheeks flush slightly as I finish. I feel sort of like a dumb, naive schoolboy. But that's how I feel.

"Sounds like something right up Batman's alley," I say stepping forward. "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if the guy had each of our weaknesses on file."

I shuffle my feet slightly, "Of course I'm not even sure if he's in the League anymore. He never seems to show up."

 

[Keyser Soze]

"Sounds like something right up Batman's alley," I say stepping forward. "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if the guy had each of our weaknesses on file."

I shuffle my feet slightly, "Of course I'm not even sure if he's in the League anymore. He never seems to show up."

"Sure he does. He's behind you."

Spider-Man actually spins around instinctively, but Batman is of course not there.

"And Steve, I'd say it's un-American to abuse the office he currently holds, to pervert it to his own ends. And I'm not talking about digging up dirt. If what I'm planning works the way I think it will, a few choice words on TV by yours truly to push his buttons, and Luthor will dredge up the dirt all on his own."

 

[Carnage27]

"Sure he does. He's behind you."

Spider-Man actually spins around instinctively, but Batman is of course not there.

"And Steve, I'd say it's un-American to abuse the office he currently holds, to pervert it to his own ends. And I'm not talking about digging up dirt. If what I'm planning works the way I think it will, a few choice words on TV by yours truly to push his buttons, and Luthor will dredge up the dirt all on his own."

I slowly turn back to face Iron Man, "Oh, not cool, dude."

"But I do like the plan. Now that that's taken care of, there's something Superman and I have to tell you guys," I change the subject. "Under the instruction of Superman, I've been putting together a team of teen heroes. Kind of like a League incubator. So far it's Johnny Storm, Bobby Drake, Supergirl, and me. Figured you guys would want to know."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Before any of you say anything", Superman says with a raised hand.
"Let me say that I think a junior Justice League is the perfect way to teach the younger generation of meta-humans about the responsibilities that come with having their powers. With us keeping an eye on them and guiding them along, well..."

"They can turn out to be the next generation of heroes that this world needs to keep it safe when we're gone", Superman smiled proudly as he looked to Kara.

 

[Carnage27]

Scott fires an optic blasts that sends a pair of cultists slamming into the far wall. Jean puts up a telekinetic shield to stop the bullet fire from the trio of cultists firing their handguns their way.
With a mental tug, Jean yanks the pistols from their hands, smashing them like tin cans and letting them drop to the floor.

"We have to get to Garfield and his father", Scott shouts as the fearless cultists swarm at them.
"We need to grab them and get back to the surface before we're overwhelmed!"

I stand and shake the cobwebs out of my head, "I've got zhem, just keep zhe vackos off my back."

Scott nods, and I teleport towards the two unconscious men. Two cult members jump at me, and are blasted back by Scott's beams. I teleport even closer, and spring off my tail, knocking three more of them to the ground.

I reach the two, grabbing both by the collar, and teleporting back to the team, "Shall ve, say...blow zhis popsicle stand?"

Then, the leader springs into the center of our group, sending a shockwave that brings us all to the ground, "Not so fast, mutants!"

 

[Byrd Man]

"They can turn out to be the next generation of heroes that this world needs to keep it safe when we're gone", Superman smiled proudly as he looked to Kara.

"I believe this could be a good idea, if done right. As you all know, I had a young partner I lost."

I shake my head in disgust.

"I really have no idea what I was thinking, sending a kid into the middle of the war with me. I somtimes wonder if I had a screw loose back then. Anyway, back to topic. I'm in favor for it only if we monitor the team's training and, to an extent, their activites."

 

[wiegeabo]

"I believe this could be a good idea, if done right. As you all know, I had a young partner I lost."

I shake my head in disgust.

"I really have no idea what I was thinking, sending a kid into the middle of the war with me. I somtimes wonder if I had a screw loose back then. Anyway, back to topic. I'm in favor for it only if we monitor the team's training and, to an extent, their activites."

"Oh great. And I suppose I'll have to do all the training. That'll be looooads of fun. Kids are so known for paying attention," Ted says. "No offense." He glances at Spider-Man and Supergirl.

"Getting to boss around a whole new generation of heroes around? I think you'd love that, Ted," I tease.

"...grumblemumbleyeahgrumble..."

"What was that?"

"I said, I could use another-" Ted's empty bottle is replaced with a cold full one "-beer?" He tips the bottle towards me. "Knew you were useful for something."

I smirk and Alan rolls his eyes. Nick blows a puff of smoke Ted's direction, and Ted returns the favor with a subtle hand gesture.

"I like the idea. The Flashes have had good luck mentoring each other..." The thought of Barry saddens me as much as the thought of Wally fills me with pride.

 

[Blacklight]

The fighting was intensely brutal, but in under a minute the Green Lanterns and the Heralds of Galactus had torn apart Tyrant's forces. Now, with robotic debris floating all around them, the Spawn of Galactus' eyes flared in rage as he stared down at the heroes.
"Impressive, but futile", the cosmic god spoke as a cosmic blast unleashed from his eyes. Parallax and the Lanterns threw up their shields, but the blast blew through them and blew the heroes backwards.

"Hal", the Surfer called as the cosmic guardians gathered themselves as Tyrant waded in.
The Galactus Spawn fired a blast of energy at Daredevil, but the nimble Lantern was able to throw himself out of the way at the last second.

"I am going to make my move", Norrin said as the others engaged Tyrant.
"Lure him in as close as you can, and be ready."

"Piece of cake", Hal smirked as he flew off to join the others engaging Tyrant.

The Silver Surfer turned around on his board and shot off to the massive, waving wall of blueish energy, The Cosmic Crunch.

Kyle, alongside Daredevil and Stewart, prepared themselves for the final phase in their battle against Tyrant. Soon joined by former Lantern Hal Jordan, they begun their attack.

Rayner's Power Ring began the assault by forming it's emerald light into that of a Sphynx-shaped construct. One comparable to that of the pyramids of which it was based.

Daredevil, using his sonar like senses, detected Tyrant's position, and he aimed his giant construct towards him. it's shape being that of one of his own billy clubs, only larger in scale.

John Stewart, architect, too made a hard-light creation from his own Power Ring, it being that of a construction crane.

Parallax, former herald of Galactus, simply concentrated. The green-hued energy of the Power Cosmic flowing through his hands as he did.

"NOW!"

All at once, the constructs fired energy from their focal points, all powered by the sheer will of their respective creators. Jordan too fired energy from his palms at the Son of Galactus, increasing the power of their combined might.

But what transpired caused the wills of the Lantern's to falter in shock, as Tyrant appeared to be unaffected.

"HA! Did you really think your primitive Power Rings could stop me!?"

"No, but it did distract you from him..."

Just as the Tyrant began to turn his head, the Last Czarnian had rammed into the Son of Galactus's head on his Power Cosmic fueled cycle, causing his balance to falter. The impact had little effect other than angering the monster.

Slowing down near the Lanterns as Tyrant was regaining his bearings, Lobo revved up his bike as he prepared to head to the Crunch.

"What're you *****es waiting for? Let's get the frak movin'!"

Lobo then sped off, and Parallax an the Lanterns followed, not stopping until they reached as far as they could near the Cruch, waiting for the Surfer to make his move...

 

[Johnny Blaze]

THE ODYSSEY
Chapter 6 ~ Endgame - Act 3​

As the heroes drew Tyrant in, the Silver Surfer steeled his nerves and took off at incredible speed along the Cosmic Crunch. He had to be perfect for this to work. Concentrating as hard as he could, Norrin Radd created an energy field around him, only inches from his board and himself.

May The Source protect me...

The Surfer slid into the turbulent sea of raw energy that was The Crunch. Energy powerful enough to wipe out anything matter that came into contact with it.
As the Surfer slammed into the crunch, he winced, and a silver streak of liquid ran down his nose. But his concentration held, and the Silver Surfer began to surf The Crunch.
It took everything he had to maintain his shield as it was all that stood between him and certain death. And his Surfing of The Crunch kicked up a massive tidal wave of energy, heading out towards the heroes.

Parallax created a large tube like funnel out of his emerald energy, and caught the cosmic wave as it spilled off from The Crunch.
It was a test of will for Hal, the greatest one he had faced, to contain all that raw power and funnel it right at Tyrant.

But the Spawn of Galactus saw what he intended to do, and loosed a blast of cosmic energy from his eyes that slammed into Hal and broke his concentration.
Parallax's funnel faded away, and The Crunch energy was once again loose and hurtling right towards the heroes.

"No", Norrin could only watch on in horror as his friends looked up at their approaching demise...

 

[Carnage27]

I walk into the Brownstone, completely undetected, and lean up against a wall towards the back of the group. I'm almost disappointed in them. They're supposed to be the best of the best, and they can't even hear me come in.

Then again, Jay and Ted are getting old.

I listen to them ramble on about a new team of super-powered teens. Sounds like a good idea to me, but of course I'm always game for a new influx of barely legal blondes into my life. Can't have too many notches on one's belt, after all.

"I like the idea. The Flashes have had good luck mentoring each other..." The thought of Barry saddens me as much as the thought of Wally fills me with pride.

"Yea, I agree. Sounds like a great plan," I say, stepping out of the shadows and making my presence known.

Almost everyone has a surprised look on their face, "I know! I didn't see this coming either."

 

[Blacklight]

As the heroes drew Tyrant in, the Silver Surfer steeled his nerves and took off at incredible speed along the Cosmic Crunch. He had to be perfect for this to work. Concentrating as hard as he could, Norrin Radd created an energy field around him, only inches from his board and himself.
May The Source protect me...

The Surfer slid into the turbulent sea of raw energy that was The Crunch. Energy powerful enough to wipe out anything matter that came into contact with it.
As the Surfer slammed into the crunch, he winced, and a silver streak of liquid ran down his nose. But his concentration held, and the Silver Surfer began to surf The Crunch.
It took everything he had to maintain his shield as it was all that stood between him and certain death. And his Surfing of The Crunch kicked up a massive tidal wave of energy, heading out towards the heroes.

Parallax created a large tube like funnel out of his emerald energy, and caught the cosmic wave as it spilled off from The Crunch.
It was a test of will for Hal, the greatest one he had faced, to contain all that raw power and funnel it right at Tyrant.

But the Spawn of Galactus saw what he intended to do, and loosed a blast of cosmic energy from his eyes that slammed into Hal and broke his concentration.
Parallax's funnel faded away, and The Crunch energy was once again loose and hurtling right towards the heroes.

"No", Norrin could only watch on in horror as his friends looked up at their approaching demise...

Kyle immediately took action as the energy came towards him and his Lantern allies.

He summoned all his will, enough to recreate the funnel Parallax was using to direct the energy Tyrant's way. The energy did become entombed in the funnel, but it was energy too powerful for Kyle's more primitively-powered funnel to contain.

Kyle was doing his best to contain it, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead as he clenched his fists tight and was gritting his teeth to the cores. He was shaking as the power was trying to escape his ring's hold, but he focused on keeping it in and aiming it at Galactus' spawn.

Luckily for him, Kyle was able to hold it long enough for his fellow Lanterns of Sector 2814 to assist him, their rings giving their emerald light to Kyle's construct, strengthening it more. But even their will's combined was not enough...

Then, Hal Jordan recovered from Tyrant's blow. Waking to see Kyle trying his best to keep his construct in tact to finish Tyrant once and for all, he was amazed at Kyle's willpower. Willpower that rivaled his own. So then Hal realized that not he, but Kyle, could be the one that can finish Tyrant off and finish the Surfer's plan.

While Lobo kept Tyrant at bay while the heroes were working on destroying him, Parallax quickly approached Kyle as he concentrated on the power, and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Rrrgh..." he grunted while struggling. "...Hal?"

"Listen, kid... Kyle. The Ring... Your will... It's not going to be enough. Not even I could hold the Crunch's power, and I have the Power Cosmic flowing through me..." He started, while Kyle listened, but payed no heed as it would cause his will to cave in.

"So then what do we do? Give up?" John Stewart inquired at Hal's seemingly grim outlook.

"No..." Hal sternly replied.

"I'm going to give him my portion of the Power Cosmic. If he can combine it with his Ring, he should be able to sustain the construct long enough to launch the Crunch's energy Tyrant's direction."

Stewart and Daredevil gave him puzzled looks.

"It's the only way..."

Hal then took his hand off of Kyle's shoulder, and held out both of his palms.

The cosmic energies slowly flowed from Hal's hands and into Kyle's body. Kyle's green aura as the proccess went on began to glow brighter and brighter, until his whole form was nothing but greenish-white light as Hal had finally gave him every last ounce of his power, collapsing as he finished.

Murdock and Stewart were able to catch Hal as he fell and protected him from the vaccuum of space in a protective shield, and watched as Kyle was reborn.

Kyle was no longer the Last Green Lantern as he once was...

He was a completely new being. One that had the power of not one, but two of the most powerful forces in the Universe. He was more powerful than he ever was as a Green Lantern, like how an [blackout]Ion[/blackout] is stronger than a molecule...

So with his newfound power, Kyle Rayner finally was able to contain the primordial energy of the universe, and direct it at his foe. The power was dashing towards the Tyrant, and the heroes all watched in anticipation of it's impending collision with the monsterous son of the Devourer of Worlds...

 

[Johnny Blaze]

THE ODYSSEY
Chapter 6 ~ Endgame - Finale​

Norrin Radd watches on in mixed horror as the scene unfolds. The Lanterns quickly move to pick up where Hal left off, but even their combined power is not enough to hold the energy of The Crunch.
But, just when all seems lost, Hal Jordan once again saves the day.

With the combination of the Power Cosmic and the ring, the Green Lantern named Kyle is able to hold the energy long enough to direct it towards Tyrant.

Lobo moves away just in time as the energy wave crashes into Tyrant. The Spawn of Galactus is only able to let out a grunt of protest before the energy washes over him, covering him completely.
As The Crunch energy trails off and dissipates, Tyrant is gone, wiped away from existence by the powerful cosmic force.

The Silver Surfer smiles in weary relief. It has taken his all to hold back against the power of The Crunch, but he can do it no more. He tries to get out of the cosmic sea, but he cannot make it out in time.

The final wave from his gambit of the Cosmic Crunch crests and envelopes him. As the wave crashes down on top of him, the Surfer says a final prayer to The Source to watch over Shalla Bal and his homeworld.
The Crunch energy crashes like a wave breaking against the rocks, and, as it spreads out, disappearing into space, the Silver Surfer, like Tyrant, is no more...

--------------------------------------------------​

The Silver Surfer opened his eyes to see the wave hanging motionless mere inches away from his face.

"By The Source...", Norrin exclaimed as he looked around and silently floated out from underneath it to see the entire world frozen around him.

"No", came a voice from behind him, "by me."

The Surfer spun around to see his apparent savior.

"Do not be alarmed, Silver Surfer", the man in the floating chair spoke as he, along with four other colorful characters approached him.
"My name is Metron, and these are my allies..."

Spoiler

"Adam Warlock..."

Spoiler

"...Orion..."

Spoiler

"...the Martian Manhunter..."

Spoiler

"...and Captain Marvel."

"Hello, Norrin", Marvel smiled, "it's been a while. Still fighting the good fight, I see."

With the presence of the Kree hero, as well as the Martian, whom he fought briefly alongside to defeat Galactus on Earth, Norrin relaxed his guard a bit. These were two characters who would not associate with an unsavory lot.

"Captain...what are you doing here? What's going on."

"I'm afraid we don't have much time to discuss it in length, Norrin Radd", the golden one, Adam Warlock stated.

"But you can call us the Infinity Watch, Silver Surfer. We are a coalition of powers that have banded together to help safeguard the universe. And we want you to join us."

"Join you", Norrin repeated, a bit confused. Given the situation, and the sudden appearance of these cosmic heroes, the Surfer was at a loss for words.

"This whelp does not seem fit enough to count himself among our number", Orion scoffed.
"Perhaps you made a wrong choice, Adam."

"You're wrong, Orion", Warlock flatly replied.

"I've peered into your soul, Norrin", Adam stated, the green gem embedded in his forehead shimmering in the starlight.
"You're a noble soul and a true hero. We will need your help against what is coming."

"And what is coming?"

"A Crisis, Norrin Radd. A Crisis that will shake the foundation of this very universe. Moves have been made to prevent it, but I fear we may already be too late."

"We need your help, Norrin", Mar-Vell stated.
"The entire universe needs your help."

Norrin paused as he contemplated the words of the Infinity Watch. He knew the Kree Captain to be an righteous person and he sensed no lies from the others.
They were telling the truth.

"Very well", Norrin said with a nod.
"For the sake of the existence, I will join your cause. But, this Crisis...what is happening that threatens all of creation?"

"All in good time, Norrin", Warlock smiled.
"In truth, we don't know much, but we will fill you in on what we do know."

"But not here", Metron stated as he opened a boom tube behind the group.
"We shall return to our base and brief you on all we know there."

The Martian and Orion stepped through the boom tube, followed by Metron and Warlock.

"Welcome to the resistance, Norrin", Marvel turned and smiled at the Surfer before disappearing into the worm hole.

The Silver Surfer followed his new allies into the boom tube, disappearing within the shining vortex.
The worm hole disappeared as fast as it had arrived, and time once again began as the energy wave that was covering the Surfer crashed down, covering where he once stood.

And, as the wave slowly dissipated into nothingness, the Silver Surfer was gone. Seemingly destroyed by the power of The Cosmic Crunch...

 

[Red_Robin77]

The Avengers. Luthor. The Rogues. Jay. All those problems going around my head, while I scramble for a solution. I'm still working on it. In the meantime, I've got a chance to catch up on what else is going on at home. Running through Keystone City on a Saturday night is always full of things to do. Somebody always pulls something.​

I run between cars in a traffic jam, the various radios I run past playing all varieties of music, until I spot a police car up ahead. I begin to slow down so I can listen in on the police radio.​

"Attack on Barney's Casino on Green Street, all available units proceed with caution-"​

With the details in my head, I run off, leaving a streak of red behind me, as I make my way through narrow alleys and large streets until I'm standing outside of Barney's, the neon sign glowing distinctively. I burst through the door, skidding to a halt as I come out into the main room. Bouncers and guards lay on the floor, deep cuts and blood splattered around them. I look over to a large huddle of people, a man standing over them. He's covered head to toe in playing cards, a cruel smile visible on his face. Double Down.​

"Glad you could make it Flash, I was worried you might fold."​

"Oh, great. I was hoping it'd be somebody else, but no, it's gotta be the stupid card guy."​

A flurry of cards are shot in my direction and I step to the side as they rush past me and into the doors behind me.​

"Bad miss."​

The cards fire backwards, and I run towards Double Down, swinging my fist into his jaw and knocking him backwards. Before I can go in for another swipe, the cards whizz towards me and I dive to the side, getting away with a small cut. The cards take position back onto Double Down, as he pulls himself up. He aims again and the cards fly off in a line, and as they near me, I dodge and run towards Double Down.​

Instinctively, he leaps to the side, but I sprint around him, the cards trying to follow after me, but only managing to get caught in the gusts of wind I cause. As the wind increases, the cards flutter around dangerously, before finally, I throw a punch straight into Down's face, knocking him to the ground, a bit of blood dribbling from his nose. As he passes out, the cards drift to the floor harmlessly.​

"Get some practise."​

I turn to the group of terrified people who look at me, wide-eyed.​

"You might wanna go now," I say as the familiar sound of police sirens fill the air.​

"Seeyah."​

The cards are blown aside as I rush out of the doors and around the police cars. Double Down was with the Rogues earlier, so either he's split from the group, or they're attacking strategically. As I run down the next street, I see a large crowd of people staring at a shop window, completely transfixed. I skid to a halt and look at the shop window, where a large array of TVs are piled behind the window, showing the local news channel, everybody watching intently. I take a peak at one of the screens and read the description at the bottom of the screen.​

BOOMERANG HOLDS MAYOR HOSTAGE​

Okay, they're trying to be strategic.​

 

[Byrd Man]

I walk into the Brownstone, completely undetected, and lean up against a wall towards the back of the group. I'm almost disappointed in them. They're supposed to be the best of the best, and they can't even hear me come in.

Then again, Jay and Ted are getting old.

I listen to them ramble on about a new team of super-powered teens. Sounds like a good idea to me, but of course I'm always game for a new influx of barely legal blondes into my life. Can't have too many notches on one's belt, after all.



"Yea, I agree. Sounds like a great plan," I say, stepping out of the shadows and making my presence known.

Almost everyone has a surprised look on their face, "I know! I didn't see this coming either."

"Green Arrow, welcome back to the Brownstone."

"Too busy marching for some Commie cause to show up early?"

"Actually," I say as I clear my throat. "I'm glad you're in the discussion. I know you have a young girl that works underneath you. I'm assuming you'll let her work underneath the League as well?"

 

[Carnage27]

"Too busy marching for some Commie cause to show up early?"

"It's so nice to see you too, Nick!" I say with a smile.

"...Prick..."

"Actually," I say as I clear my throat. "I'm glad you're in the discussion. I know you have a young girl that works underneath you. I'm assuming you'll let her work underneath the League as well?"

"Underneath me is probably the best way of describing it, yea. Of course sometimes I'm underneath her," I respond with a smirk. I haven't seen Arrowette since I left her in charge of Star City, and just thinking about her makes me want to get back. "I don't know how I'd feel about sharing her with you guys, though."

All I get is a bunch of disapproving looks, and a snicker from Spider-Man, "Relax, boys, she's legal. And yes, I'm sure she'd be open for joining our little league team."

 

[Karem-Knight]

"Five minutes, Mr. President." Lex's spokeswoman said timidly to the President who after his encounter with Thor was not in the best of moods. "Thank you, Lisa." Lex said as the make up artists did the finishing touching s on Luthor's facial features waiting patiently the camerae men set up for the live broadcast that would appear for five minutes round every TV Station in America, mainly ones that Lex himself was in charge of. Finally the cameras were set and stationed at Lex and the director starting counting down with his hands and gave a thumbs up as Luthor starred deeply at the camerae and to the population of the United States.

"Good evening, once again , my fellow Americans. As you might have heard our country was in a direct with Kahndaq and their leader Black Adam; who was now currently head of a vast mutant army capable of causing mass death and destruction to this nation.

Originally I had intended to sort this out with The Avengers; as a secret Government operation after our failed attempts of diplomacy with Black Adam and his nation, to which he declared war. I kept this a secret as our military is currently strecthed thin enough as it is with the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Another middle-eastern conflict that would surely take the lives of American soldiers was not something anybody would have wanted.

But even this is not what some consider the worst of my actions, I understand that the public is split on this but I will now finally speak on the matter that, in this past week has been debated around the world. The Sentinels.

Black Adam's meta-human forces were proving too much of a threat to our Avengers, and so I launched a secret government project that would become the Sentinels on the unsuspecting Kahndaq. I only intended to neutralise the mutant soldiers but in this unfortunate event, many Kahndaquian civilians were killed in the conflict; the exact number is not known but sources tell that over a thousand were murdered that day.

Believe me, I feel every death that the machines caused that day and take it to my heart; and just like the United States many years ago officially apologised to the Japanese people for the bombing of Hiroshima; so does the United States Government of today state an officially apology to the citizens of Kahndaq.

But I also remind you to remember, over these past few years the world has changed vastly to what we once knew. People with super powers and mutants are on the rise, growing every day; now some will have the people's best interest at heart while others will not. For every minor criminal there will be a superhero to stop them, powered or non-powered, however we must remain vigilant; Black Adam alone was powerful enough to destroy an entire country single-handedly and so I announce my stand on firm and efficient stance on mankind's defence against these god-like threats. The Sentinels will only, I repeat, only be dispatched in a time of absolute meta human catastrophe against the American government and her people.

I thank you for listening to me and hope that you see my point of view on this stance; good night and may God bless America."

 

[wiegeabo]

The night had been and gone and the meeting with Gordon seems as though it was years ago. The school bell was a dream come true as I run out of class and out of the school building. I meet up with Kitty outside and walk home with her, tonight's events buzzing through my head. Were we going to take down Two-Face tonight? Or would another villain catch our attention first? These thoughts run around my head until I find myself outside Kitty's house and I kiss her goodbye, loving every moment of it. I pick up the pace and head onwards towards the Manor. Before I know it, I'm walking through the front door of the Manor, everything deadly quiet.

"Alfred? Bruce?" I call out to the Manor.

I head up to my room and dump my bag there, before running down the stairs and over to the grandfather clock in the study. I open it up and pull the mechanics, making it slide away to reveal a staircase. I race down the steps, my fingers brushing against the cave wall and I come out into the labryinth of the Batcave. I skid to a halt as I see Alfred and Bruce in protective gear, dunking money into a batch of green solution.

"Got the radioactive stuff then?"

As Alfred finishes up with the last bills, I yank my gloves off and pull up my mask. "Just wrapping things up. They'll need a few hours to dry, and then we can test them and get them to Gordon."

Alfred stands up and removes his own protective gear. "Shall I clean up then, sir?"

I stand as well, stretching my back. "Please." I give my neck a couple of cracks and turn to Dick. "So, how was school?"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"It's so nice to see you too, Nick!" I say with a smile.

"...Prick..."



"Underneath me is probably the best way of describing it, yea. Of course sometimes I'm underneath her," I respond with a smirk. I haven't seen Arrowette since I left her in charge of Star City, and just thinking about her makes me want to get back. "I don't know how I'd feel about sharing her with you guys, though."

All I get is a bunch of disapproving looks, and a snicker from Spider-Man, "Relax, boys, she's legal. And yes, I'm sure she'd be open for joining our little league team."

"Well, I'm sure Spider-Man can talk with her soon to find out", Superman said after a long, awkward silence from Ollie's revelation.

"We've covered Luthor, the Brownstone upgrades, and the young hero team...so, if there's nothing else, I've got to get back to Metropolis", Superman asked as he looked over his fellow Justice Leaguers.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

I stand and shake the cobwebs out of my head, "I've got zhem, just keep zhe vackos off my back."

Scott nods, and I teleport towards the two unconscious men. Two cult members jump at me, and are blasted back by Scott's beams. I teleport even closer, and spring off my tail, knocking three more of them to the ground.

I reach the two, grabbing both by the collar, and teleporting back to the team, "Shall ve, say...blow zhis popsicle stand?"

Then, the leader springs into the center of our group, sending a shockwave that brings us all to the ground, "Not so fast, mutants!"

"Nightcrawler", Scott yelled as he sat up and blasted the leader with optic energy square in the chest that sent him tumbling over.
"Get them out of here, now! Multiple Man, you're on crowd control! Deal with the cultists! Jean, Beast, you're with me!"

"Time we teach this maniac a lesson", Cyclops stated as he rose and the team responded to his orders.

"You think you can teach me a lesson", the cultist leader laughed.
"That's rich...but, I'll indulge you."

With a wave of his hand, all of his followers halted in their advance and began to back away.

"Come on, freaks", the leader smiled sadistically as he cracked his neck and gestured for the X-Men to 'bring it'.
"Come show Brother Blood what you've got."

 

[Carnage27]

"Well, I'm sure Spider-Man can talk with her soon to find out", Superman said after a long, awkward silence from Ollie's revelation.

"We've covered Luthor, the Brownstone upgrades, and the young hero team...so, if there's nothing else, I've got to get back to Metropolis", Superman asked as he looked over his fellow Justice Leaguers.

"Yea...It would probably help if I got home soon, too. I can still get a few hours of sleep before school," I sigh. The hero thing takes more and more of a toll on my real life.

Then again, what is my real life now? Is it fighting super villains on the rooftops of New York? Or is it cuddling on the couch watching a movie with Babs?

I honestly don't know anymore.

I look over at Supergirl, "Can I get a ride home?"

Superman gives me a look, "Crap...that came out wrong, you know what I mean."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Nightcrawler", Scott yelled as he sat up and blasted the leader with optic energy square in the chest that sent him tumbling over.
"Get them out of here, now! Multiple Man, you're on crowd control! Deal with the cultists! Jean, Beast, you're with me!"

"Time we teach this maniac a lesson", Cyclops stated as he rose and the team responded to his orders.

"You think you can teach me a lesson", the cultist leader laughed.
"That's rich...but, I'll indulge you."

With a wave of his hand, all of his followers halted in their advance and began to back away.

"Come on, freaks", the leader smiled sadistically as he cracked his neck and gestured for the X-Men to 'bring it'.
"Come show Brother Blood what you've got."

"'Brother Blood'? What an original name," I say as I leap into the air and kick the cult leader in the head. He grabs at me and I jump back to safety.

"You remind me of a professional wrestler with that name."

I jump back and swing for his head. Brother Blood dodges my strike and counters with a fist to the head that sends me stumbling backwards.

I regain my composure and prepare to strike again.

"Tell me, was 'Father Fearsome' taken? What about 'Sister Sinister'?"

 

[Red_Robin77]

As Alfred finishes up with the last bills, I yank my gloves off and pull up my mask. "Just wrapping things up. They'll need a few hours to dry, and then we can test them and get them to Gordon."

Alfred stands up and removes his own protective gear. "Shall I clean up then, sir?"

I stand as well, stretching my back. "Please." I give my neck a couple of cracks and turn to Dick. "So, how was school?"

"Same old, same old, I get bored, they get bored. The usual," I say as I stroll over to Bruce.

"So, what're we doing tonight?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Same old, same old, I get bored, they get bored. The usual," I say as I stroll over to Bruce.

"So, what're we doing tonight?"

"Well, tomorrow, these will be dry. And we can deliver them to Gordon."

"But tonight," I nod towards the exercise equipment, specifically the mat, and give Dick an evil grin. "We spar."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Well, I'm sure Spider-Man can talk with her soon to find out", Superman said after a long, awkward silence from Ollie's revelation.

"We've covered Luthor, the Brownstone upgrades, and the young hero team...so, if there's nothing else, I've got to get back to Metropolis", Superman asked as he looked over his fellow Justice Leaguers.

"Well...I sure can't think of anything else. I think getting the Brownstone upgraded should be first priority. It'll be nice to actually have an edge on the bad guys for a change. And there might be someone else I can ask for help..." I mutter, letting the thought trail off for a second.

"Thanks for coming everyone. Tony, why don't you work with Steve and Nick on the new systems and security." I can see that nasty looks between Tony and Nick. But if we're going to be on the same team, they'll need to learn how to work together. Maybe Steve can keep them from killing each other. "Spidey, Supergirl, you keep finding recruits for your team. Once your better, of course," I say to Spidey. "And I'm sure Ted will be glad to help train all of you."

"Yeah, yeah..." Ted says dismissively. But I know him better than that...

"And I guess the rest of us need to work out a rotation schedule..."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Sounds like a plan to me, Jay."

"I think it's time I said goodbye. I've got a...an appointment back in Metropolis that I can't be late to."

"When you have that rotation figured out, let me know", Clark smiled and waved goodbye as he departed the Brownstone.

Once outside, he immediately took to the skies, heading to Metropolis as fast as he can. He had to meet Lois at the restaurant in five minutes.

Not much time to get ready. Thank God for superspeed, Superman smirked as rocketed into Metropolis, a blue blur beelining straight for his apartment.

Within two minutes, Clark was dressed and groomed and taking off back out of the window and off to his date with Lois...