One Universe: Season IV IC Thread

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BAMF

I appear on the outside of the ruins with Garfield and his father in tow, and place them gently on the soft soil of the dig site.

As I prepare to head back in I hear a grumble behind me, "Whasat..What's happened?"

I turn, and see Garfield rubbing his head, "What's going on? Who are you? Where's my mother?"

"Garfield, I am a friend. My name is Kurt Vagner. I do not have time to explain now. My friends are in danger."

"I'm coming with you. I can help," he says standing and brushing himself off.

"Fine," I respond, "take my hand."

BAMF

We reappear in the middle of a battle royal, cultists attacking my teammates left and right. I charge two of them as they sneak up behind Scott. I drive my foot into the first's face, and send the other flying trough the air as I toss him with my tail.

I look over to see Professor McCoy and their leader trading punches, when a deafening roar rips through the ancient atrium. I spin to find a...

...Tyrannosaurus rex standing where I left Garfield. The beast swats at cultists with it's tail, and that's when I realize it is Garfield.

"Yea...that is going to come in handy."
 
Act 3: Reversal

“Do you have any brothers, Dr. Blake?”

The comment from Tom had taken Donald Blake by surprise. He had brought the boy into Manhattan with him, so they could spend some time together. For obvious reasons, Tom wanted to avoid Times Square, so they had settled on a visit to the Museum of Natural History. Tom had been quiet for the most part, silencing any of Donald’s attempts at conversation with a polite but brief response. So it was unexpected that now, as they examined placid sculptures of prehistoric man, Tom was breaking the silence with a seemingly left-field query.

“Umm… no, Tom, I was an only child.”

“Oh.”

“And I told you, you can call me Donald.”

There wasn’t a reply. Tom walked across the dimly-lit room, placing his hands on the glass and peering down at some fossilized rocks. After a while, he spoke again.

“Donald, where are your mom and dad?”

Donald had to consider the question. He cast his mind back, trying to find the memory. He saw his parents standing beside him, posing for a photograph with him in the middle. His graduation day. They all looked so happy, so proud of him. Then the words came out, like a script unfolding in his brain.

“My dad died of a heart attack when I was 24 years old. My mom died a few months later.”

“Oh.”

It was strange, that the thought hadn’t occurred to Donald before. It was something they had in common, Tom and him. They were both orphans now. He felt a little ashamed of himself, that that chord of emotional resonance hadn’t been struck within him before now.

“Do you miss them?”

Mom and dad, smiling on his graduation day…

“Yes. Yes I do.”

“Do you still feel sad?”

“Yeah, sure I do, Tom. But… it gets easier, I guess, with time.”

At this point, Tom suddenly stopped his wander around the exhibits and turned his attention directly at Donald, walking so close towards him so fast that Donald almost had to recoil back.

“It hurts, Donald. I mean, it actually hurts, in my body. It’s this tightness all across my chest whenever I think about them, and I think I’m going to suffocate, or throw up, and I just want to start screaming.”

“Well, why don’t you?”

“What?”

Tentatively, Donald put a hand on Tom’s shoulder.

“You’ve been really brave, Tom, considering all you’ve been through. But it isn’t healthy to keep everything bottled up inside you all the time. So why don’t you just scream? Maybe you’ll feel better.”

“But we’re in a museum…”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Donald threw his head back and let out a loud scream that reverberated through the silent, otherwise empty exhibit room. After overcoming his initial surprise, Tom actually smiled. Something Donald hadn’t seen much of from the boy.

“Okay Tom,” he said, “Your turn. Go for it.”

Grinning sheepishly, Tom cupped his hands in front of him and let out a smaller scream of his own.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

At this point, a security guard appeared at the room door, staring at them with mild annoyance.

“Sorry,” said Donald, “Umm…we thought we saw a spider.”

Shaking his head, the guard walked on. Tom and Donald exchanged glances, and both started to laugh. When the laughter had run its course, Tom’s smile faded and died on his face.

“I really hate Thor. I wish I could kill him.”

And that made Donald’s smile fade too.

“It wasn’t… it said on the news that it wasn’t Thor who attacked Times Square. Some… bad guy took over his body, made him do it.”

But Tom shook his head.

“Nobody could make me do that. I’d have fought them out. If I had someone else living in my body, I’d never let them take over. If they’re in your body, you’re responsible for what they do. It’s his fault. His hammer destroyed the building that…”

But he trailed off.

“He’s responsible.”

Then Tom turned and trudged off into the next exhibit room. And Donald Blake felt a tight pain in the chest of his own.
 
"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."

[FONT=&quot]"Yeah, yeah..." [/FONT]Ted says dismissively. But I know him better than that...

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

I nod to The Flash, "Sounds like a plan."

"[FONT=&quot]I'll be in contact once the team is complete,[/FONT]" I say to Ted before addressing the rest of the League. "[FONT=&quot]Now, if you guys don't mind, I need to get home. Some of us have a chemistry test in the morning.[/FONT]"


*****
Supergirl drops me off at home, and I climb through my bedroom window, and plop down on my bed hoping that Aunt May doesn't hear me. I slip out of my costume and throw on a pair of gym shorts before plopping into bed.

I reach for my phone which is lying on the table next to my bed, and flip it open.

7 missed calls

I search though the missed calls and find that four are from Babs, two are from Gwen, and one is from Mr. Jameson.

Terrific. Tomorrow should be interesting.
 
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"I am sworn to protect
all life in the ocean, Orm."

The Ocean Master goes flying through the water, but Aquaman's trusty pet octopus Topo grapples the villain before Orm is launched too far. The Marine Marvel swims steadily at his defeated foe as Topo too steadily swims to his master. The villainous half-brother of Aquaman laughs at the former King's comment.

"Hahaha, you have wandered the oceans ever since the horrid destruction of Poseidonis and you think you still hold domain over these waters? What right do you have to reign supreme over all that dwell in the deep?"


"I need no kingdom to protect that which I love, Orm. And I will forever fight this never-ending battle with you so long as the seas are safe. Whatever it costs me."

"Watch your words carefully, brother. For it can cost you...more than you know!"


With the gesture of his free hands, Orm Marius conjures up a spell before the Aquatic Ace can react. Instantly Topo starts to glow an odd green glow, shining brightly. Aquaman tries to send a telepathic command, ordering Topo to let go of his tight grip on the Ocean Master but his command does not come through to the creature. Orm's spell is much too powerful. Although Topo does release the villain, but out of Orm's own will. Within seconds, Topo starts to increase in size and as it grows larger it also becomes more grotesque and powerful.

Within passing seconds, the Marine Marvel's pet octopus is transformed into a horrifying leviathan of a sea.

"Topo, my boy! Eradicate your former master! Hahahaha!"
 
"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.

Somehow, Steve kept Nick and I from killing each other.

It was a long, tense few hours, but I've got the League a state-of-the-art security and surveillence system up and running, tapped into Stark Industries' global satellite network. I must say I'm rather proud. I'm sure it'll even be the envy of S.H.I.E.L.D., if Nick Fury's sour puss was anything to go by. But then again, that prick's face is permanently set to look like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

"That should do for now. I'll stop by maybe a little later on if any further refinements are needed."

My visor flips shut, and I prepare for lift-off.

"Now I must be going. I have some baldy balls to bust."

And with that, I take off, leaving the Brownstone behind. With that wording, they've probably assumed I've set off to begin my strategic assault. But haha, the joke's on them, because I actually meant I'm going home to jerk off.
 
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"Odyssey: Aftermath"


Attilan...



The friends and loved ones of Norrin Radd gathered areound the Attilinian Ceremonial Hall, where the heroes that had defeated the evil Tyrant were mourning the loss of their friend the Silver Surfer. For were it not for his sacrifice, the universe would've been destroyed by the hands of the monster that was the Son of Galactus.

Attending was the Green Lanterns Matt Murdock, John Stewart and Kyle Rayner. The trio all thanked God that Norrin destroyed Tyrant at the cost of his life, and gave prayer for the Sentinel of the Spaceways in gratitude for his couragous act. Even if it was his last...

Also attending was Shalla Bal of Norrin's home planet Zenn-La, his one true love. As she looked at the tribute to him, she remembered all the moments they shared before and after the ominous arrival of the Devourer of worlds... Moments that made her shed a single tear for the love of her life, and pray that the Source bless his loving soul, whilst vowing she would never forget him. For she still had a piece of him within her heart in the form of the Power Cosmic fraction he imbued her with before his last goodbye...

Adam Strange and Alanna of Rann also took time to pay their respects to the one that helped them save their home from destruction at the hands of the Kree.

Even the Last Czarnian, Lobo, staying hidden from afar, watched the service. Silently giving credit where credit was due. As much as he didn't want to admit it... REALLY didn't want to admit it, Tyrant was too much for the Main Man to handle by himself, and lord knows what the frak would've happened to the Ultimate Bastich if the Surfer hadn't destroyed him. And for that reson only did the Master Fragger wish Radd well on his journey through the afterlife, before leaving to parts unknown...

Hal Jordan was the last to step up to the stone engraved in Norrin Radd's name, remembering the first time they met. How the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 pleaded with the Surfer to help him defeat Galactus and spare Earth the same fate Oa suffered. And how with the help of the Man of Steel and other heroes, they were successful, but only after Hal agreed to become the Devourer's new herald: Parallax, giving up the life he once had...

A life he could now return to.

Soon after all was said and done, the group all arted, heading their seperate ways, but one stayed: Kyle Rayner.

[blackout]"I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you did, Norrin. You saved the universe, and I'm going to make sure no one forgets your accomplishments. I'll make sure that your legends are known throughout the cosmos for generations...

This power, the Power Cosmic... I can feel it within me, making me stronger, and I'm going to use it to save this universe. Just like you did. In your honor, Norrin..."[/blackout]

After making his vow, Kyle Rayner decided that he was no longer the Green Lantern. He was Ion, and he was going to use the immense power he possessed to make his fallen ally proud.


* * *​

"So... 'Ion'?"

[blackout]"Sounded good at the time..."[/blackout]

"I'll bet..."

Hal and Kyle shared a quick laugh, but it was over soon after it began, and there was silence.

[blackout]"So what will you do now?"[/blackout] Kyle broke the silence by asking the now powerless Jordan.

Hal turned towards the window and stared out towards the Earth, his decision already having been made. He missed his home, and the people he care about. His brothers, Thomas Kalmaku...

Carol Ferris.

"I think I'm gonna go back to Coast City. Try and get my job back at Ferris Aircraft. Retire from the whole 'interstellar superheroics' thing..."

[blackout]"But... But you're Hal Jordan! "Greatest Green Lantern of Them All" and all that..."[/blackout]

"Heh... Yeah. That's who I used to be... Before I did all those terrible things as that... That monster's herald...

All those planets I helped him to destroy, just so he could keep from having a freakin' tummyache."

[blackout]"There's always room for redemption, Hal. C'mon. Come back to the GLC. Make up for all those things you did by helping to make the universe safe again."[/blackout]

"I wish I could, but there's no making up for what I've done. All I want is to just go home. Maybe live a normal life. Besides..." He ended as he turned back to Kyle and put his hand on his shoulder.

"You've more than proven that you can handle it without me. Been doing great so far. If you ask me? I'd say that you're the "Greatest Green Lantern" if I ever saw one."

[blackout]"Thanks, Hal."[/blackout]

Kyle smirked as he looked at Jordan. He knows that Hal's stubborn behavior was known throughout the galaxy, so he gave up trying to convince him to come back, knowing his mind was well made up.

"You're welcome, kid... I mean, Kyle."


* * *​


[blackout]"So you're leaving too, Matt?"[/blackout]

"Yes. The universe doesn't need me as much as the Kitchen does. I can hear her calling for me. So I've decided to resign..."

[blackout]"Fair enough. Either way, it was an honor working with you, Daredevil. Until next time?"[/blackout] Kyle stated as he outstretched his hand.

"Until next time." Murdock confirmed with a grin whilst shaking Rayner's hand.

Daredevil then procceeded to remove his ring, and they all watched as it zipped off towards Earth, looking for a new bearer.

Murdock then looked towards Lantern Stewart, smirking.

"I could use a ride back to New York. Care to give me a lift? For old times sake?"

"You don't even gotta ask, partner. Let's go."


* * *​


The red-haired man was down on his luck this fine day in New York, but his day, as he was about to find out, was going to become a whole lot more interesting.

"What the hell?"

"Guy Gardner of Earth, Space Sector 2814. you've been chosen to join the Green Lantern Corps. Do you accept?"

After studying the emerald ring floating before him, he shrugged. What did he have to lose?

"Sure. Why the f*** not?"


* * *​


"You did well, Lantern Rayner. I am impressed."

[blackout]"Thank you, Ganthet."[/blackout]

"But as well as you did, the time has come for you to return to your duties, as a new threat is arising."

[blackout]"What is this new threat?"[/blackout]

Summoning a construct, in it was a holographic image of a large, powerful being. One that had Kyle asking the Guardian...

[blackout]"Why does his chin look like a dried-up prune?"[/blackout]

"There is no room for humor, Ion. As this will prove to be your greatest challenge yet..."

[blackout]"Okay. So who is this guy?"[/blackout]

"His name is Thanos... Thanos of Titan."



* * *​
 
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"Interesting", the Titan commented as he poured over the readings of his trans-dimensional probe.
"A universe much like our own, though everything appears to be a mirror opposite. Further study is needed."

Thanos put in a command from the console he sat in front of, and the probe headed off into this mirror world, sending data back to him.

The Titan stood and moved away from the screen, allowing the probe time to do it's job.
Walking to the exit of his massive lab, Thanos stopped as a machine to his left began to buzz excitedly.

"Strange", the Titan stated as he checked the readings.
"This cannot be accurate."

"Computer, bring up local scans of the Deneb system, from the past year up to today."


"Acknowledged...processing data..."

Thanos' keen eyes quickly scanned the data being presented before him. Deep down the Titan wished that what he was seeing was not true, but there was no denying it.
His universe was in danger.

"How is this possible", the Titan questioned aloud.
Before jumping to any conclusions, Thanos had to be sure it was accurate. And, if it was occurring here, it would surely be occurring in the mirror universe.

"Computer, readjust the probe's sensors. Scan all space for any known or unknown anomalous activity."


"Acknowledged..."

Thanos poured over the incoming data from the probe. The readings were just as the Titan feared. The same thing that was happening in his universe was occurring in the mirror universe as well. Only the phenomena of the mirror universe was more advanced.
Then, without warning, the readings stopped.

"Computer, what happened?"

"Unknown...probe no longer transmitting data..."

"Which could only mean one thing. It was discovered and destroyed", Thanos frowned in dismay.
"This does not bode well. However, I require more information before making any conclusions on the matter", Thanos stated as he sat down, contemplating his next move.
"I need to know if this is a reoccurring event from eons past, or some new threat to the cosmic balance."

"Unfortunately, the only beings with records that date back that far are the Guardians. And Oa was consumed by Galactus not long ago."

"Computer, I want information on any and all events involving Green Lanterns since the destruction of Oa, focusing on path trajectories and regions of major activity."


"Acknowledged...processing..."


The screen in front of the Titan blurred with the readouts he desired, and Thanos' careful eyes sifted through the data.

"Stop."

Thanos couldn't help but smirk.
"Of course, it makes perfect sense. With their existence resting solely on the human, why wouldn't they relocate there?"

"Computer, engage defensive protocols Titan-Alpha-Thirteen", Thanos stated as he rose to his feet and walked towards one of the many operating tables inside his laboratory.
"I do not wish any intrusions while I am away", the Titan finished as he picked up a small device and placed it inside a secure pocket.

"Query: What is your destination?"

"I would have thought that would be obvious. I leave now for the Earth's moon, specifically the colony in which the Lantern Corps now resides. I need access to their records if I am to find out what it is that threatens my existence."

The Titan strode to the room's center, where a doorway of white light materialized from out of thin air.

"Statement: Your arrival will not be warmly accepted."


"No, I would expect not", Thanos scoffed.
"But it is a trivial concern. I do not intend for a prolonged conflict. Once I have the information I seek, I will return."

Thanos stepped through the doorway, and stepped out the other side, his large boot landing softly in the lunar dust.
As the door shut silently behind him, Thanos looked at the massive city before him. The place the Lantern Corps now called home.
Reaching into his pocket, Thanos pulled out the device he brought with him.

Activating it, the tiny thing rose from his open hand and took off into the air, shimmering as it did so, and it's form fading from sight thanks to the cloaking technology Thanos had installed in it.

As the tiny machine went to gather the data Thanos desired, the Titan some called Mad confidently strode towards the city, readying himself for the inevitable...
 
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"I am sworn to protect
all life in the ocean, Orm."

The Ocean Master goes flying through the water, but Aquaman's trusty pet octopus Topo grapples the villain before Orm is launched too far. The Marine Marvel swims steadily at his defeated foe as Topo too steadily swims to his master. The villainous half-brother of Aquaman laughs at the former King's comment.

"Hahaha, you have wandered the oceans ever since the horrid destruction of Poseidonis and you think you still hold domain over these waters? What right do you have to reign supreme over all that dwell in the deep?"


"I need no kingdom to protect that which I love, Orm. And I will forever fight this never-ending battle with you so long as the seas are safe. Whatever it costs me."

"Watch your words carefully, brother. For it can cost you...more than you know!"


With the gesture of his free hands, Orm Marius conjures up a spell before the Aquatic Ace can react. Instantly Topo starts to glow an odd green glow, shining brightly. Aquaman tries to send a telepathic command, ordering Topo to let go of his tight grip on the Ocean Master but his command does not come through to the creature. Orm's spell is much too powerful. Although Topo does release the villain, but out of Orm's own will. Within seconds, Topo starts to increase in size and as it grows larger it also becomes more grotesque and powerful.

Within passing seconds, the Marine Marvel's pet octopus is transformed into a horrifying leviathan of a sea.

"Topo, my boy! Eradicate your former master! Hahahaha!"

Thor had come to Norway because it was familiar, it was peaceful, and it was far away from New York City. He had hoped to spend some time in solitude to consider the words the mortal boy had spoken to Donald Blake. But he had been jarred from his introspection by a most unusual sight, out in the Norwegian Sea: a giant, deformed octopus wrestling with what appeared to be a human. The man of the sea was tangled in one of the creature's tentacles. Whoever he was, Thor had to intervene.

"Enough!"

With a well-aimed shot from Mjolnir at the beast's tentacle, the man of the sea was released, dropping back into the water with a splash. When the enchanted hammer returned to his grip, Thor used it to launch himself out to sea.

"I know not what you are, creature, but you must be stopped."
 

"Enough!"


With a well-aimed shot from Mjolnir at the beast's tentacle, the man of the sea was released, dropping back into the water with a splash. When the enchanted hammer returned to his grip, Thor used it to launch himself out to sea.

"I know not what you are, creature, but you must be stopped."

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"Wait! Don't!"

Spotting a nearby couple of dolphins, Orin sends out a telepathic command and instantly they swim in front of the unknown warrior who wields the remarkable hammer that broke the mutated Topo's grip. The newcomer looks at Aquaman in confusion, but before the Aquatic Ace is able to explain himself for halting him in his path, the former pet of Aquaman grapples him once more, and punishes the dolphins with its mutated tentacles.

"NOOO!"

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The Marine Marvel struggles as he tries to pry himself free. But this newfound strength Topo has with his mutation is uncanny. The unknown warrior with the hammer in hand starts to spin the hammer about and Orin can already tell it is some sort of attack he prepares for.

"You mustn't harm this creature! He's...my pet!"

"Hahaha!"

Off in the distance, the Ocean Master floats calmy looking at the battle taking place. He points at his half-brother, mocking him in the situation he has now been placed in.

"I believe he's my pet now, brother! But it would seem you have a rescuer. Well we cannot have that now, can we?"

Orm begins to conjur up a spell and instantly he is shielded and armored in a magnificent yellow glow. Laughing sadistically, he unleashes a large blast that knocks Thor back, quickly continuing with an array of blasts to follow.

"Yield, fool! For it is the Ocean Master you now face!"
 
"And do you know who you face, conjurer?"

Thor began to twirl Mjolnir in his hand. The magical hammer began to flash and crackle with sparks of lightning, the uru metal glowing as the mystical energy accumulated.

"You face the Odinson, the Prince of Asgard. You face the god of thunder. You face the mighty Thor!"

And then Thor unleashed a devastating bolt of lightning from Mjolnir, aimed right at the Ocean Master. The mortal's magicks were impressive, but they were still mortal magicks. Mjolnir had enough magical might to give great Odin himself pause, and so the Ocean Master's shields were no match for such an onslaught. His yellow shielding was shattered like glass under the blow.

"Now who is the fool?"

Throwing with reduced force, so as not to inflict lethal damage on the mortal's frame, Thor threw his hammer into Ocean Master's now unshielded chest, blasting him downwards into the waters below.
 
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The Titan was just a mile outside the walls of Attilan when six Inhumans and a large dog teleported in front of him.

"By order of Lord Black Bolt, you are to cease your advance on Attilan and leave immediately."

"Queen Medusa", Thanos smiled, unnerving some of the Inhumans that stood before him.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance. And these must surely be your guard, Gorgon, Karnak, Alaris, Crystal, and Tusk. And this mongrel must be Lockjaw."

"Watch who you call mongrel, Titan. You are not welcome here. Leave. Now."

"Impossible"
, Thanos stated.
"I have come seeking information in the possession of the Guardians. I will not leave without it."

"Now"
, the Titan's eyes narrowed and a nimbus of cosmic energy began to radiate around his body.
"Stand aside and allow me to pass, and no harm will come to any of you. You have my word."

"Your word", growled Gorgon, "don't make me laugh. You are a deceiver and a murderous dog."

The Inhumans wouldn't budge and a silent stillness fell over them all. Finally though, Thanos had enough.

"Clearly you are all too stubborn for your own good. Do not say you were not warned."

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The blast smashed into Karnak, blowing the Inhuman backwards, all the way back to, and crashing through, the city's wall.

The other Inhumans sprang into action. Gorgon created a powerful tremor that forced the Titan to maintain his balance while Medusa wrapped him in her hair.
Alaris came at the Titan, but Thanos sneered as he fired a blast of cosmic energy from his eyes at the young warrior. As Alaris failed to rise again, the cosmic aura around Thanos flared, arcing up through Medusa's hair and into her body.
Medusa screamed in agony as the cosmic energy tore at her very core.

Thanos grabbed the unconscious Medusa by her hair, and used the Queen as a weapon to swat away the miniature versions of Tusk that came at him. When the opportunity arrived, Thanos hurled Medusa into Tusk. The Inhuman Queen smashed into Tusk with a loud crack of breaking bones echoing across the entire Blue Area.
Medusa lay bloody and broken on the cold lunar surface, while Tusk was not as fortunate. The Inhuman lay dead at the Queen's feet, his head snapped back grossly like a partially broken tree branch.

The lunar rock seemed to come alive, wrapping itself around the Titan, and allowing the charging Gorgon to catch the Titan in the chest with a mule kick powerful enough to shatter his prison and send Thanos tumbling to the ground.

"I am truly amazed to find that this is the best the Inhumans can muster", Thanos states as he rolls to the side to avoid another strike by Gorgon. The Titan rises up, bringing his massive fist up with him and smashing Gorgon in the jaw.
Gorgon was sent flying backwards into the air, his body finally crashing back down to the ground in a heap.

"How your civilization has not been conquered by now is beyond me."

The air around Thanos froze solid, forming a massive block of icy dust like a large glacier. But the prison wasn't going to stop Thanos, and the Titan quickly broke free, sending ice shards flying in all directions.

Crystal, caught off guard by the Titan's explosive escape, was not able to raise a defense in time to protected against the cosmic blast that took her down and out of the fight.

Suddenly the dog, Lockjaw, disappears.

"A wise move", Thanos states.
But, no sooner than the Titan has taken one step forward does the dog return with a lone man.

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"Black Bolt."

The Inhuman King scowled as he looked down at the Titan, but Thanos merely grinned.

"I must confess, part of me was hoping that you would try and stop me."


Lord Black Bolt inhaled deeply through his nose as his eyes narrowed.

"Leave."

The force of the sonic wave was immense. The ground around Thanos was torn to pieces and flung out into space. Rocks, some large as a house, were shattered into dust. And bits and pieces of the ancient ruins that dotted the Blue Area of the moon were wiped from existence at the whisper of the Inhuman Monarch.
Thanos of Titan was sent hurtling backwards, as though caught in a mighty tempest. At a speed rivaling that of the fastest Earthling jet, Thanos smashed into the lunar surface, causing an explosion of dust and debris to rise up a mile high.

"Nnngggh..."

Thanos groaned as he slowly pushed himself up to his feet. Standing inside the middle of a massive crater, the Mad Titan cracked his neck as the dog and Black Bolt teleported into the air above him.

"Go!"

The quiet shout was more powerful than the previous blast, and leveled straight on top of the Titan. the force of the attack sent a massive tremor through the entire moon, violently shaking the buildings of proud Attilan. More dust and bits of moon rock shot up into the air and out into space.
From the those watching on in the city, it looked like the makings of a enormous hurricane that was barreling down on them.

Thanos was brutally sent smashing down into the moon's bedrock, finally coming to stop nearly half a mile down.

The Titan sighed in frustration as he slowly rose once again. Summoning his power of levitation, Thanos took his time rising out of the pit. As he returned to the surface, he found Black Bolt waiting for him again.

"Get out!!"

The most powerful attack yet made the moon shake like it was in the grip of Eternity himself. A large chunk of the planetoid broke off, drifting into space. Even from Earth, those with even ordinary telescopes could witness the devastation of Black Bolt's third strike against the Mad Titan.

But Thanos was prepared this time. A split second before Black Bolt uttered his two small words, Thanos teleported behind the Inhuman. As the attack meant for Thanos missed, the Titan fired a cosmic blast at Lockjaw and the Monarch. The Titan's attack frying the poor hound, seriously injuring him and putting him out cold.
Lord Black Bolt was sent hurtling down into the moon's surface, smashing into it like a runaway meteorite. Thanos was on him instantly, not giving the Inhuman any time to compose himself.
With a combination of punches, Thanos finished Black Bolt off, leaving the King face down in the dirt, a puddle of blood surrounding his face and chest.

"Very impressive. I see the stories about your fabled voice are indeed true. But, sadly for you, it was not enough to stop me."

For good measure, Thanos smashed his boot heel down onto the back of Black Bolt's head, burying it into the lunar surface.

Calmly dusting himself off, Thanos turned once more towards Attilan and resumed heading towards the city and his prize.
 
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"GAH!"

Topo swings Aquaman about, smashing him against the rockside of an underwater grotto, and drags him across its rough edge by the pull of its tentacles. In mere seconds, Orm Marius transformed Orin's lifelong pet into an abomination of the deep. In a matter of minutes, his loveable octopus is now a harbringer of death; and it desires his death for that is what its new master has decreed.

"Topo, stop this! It's me!"

And then Thor unleashed a devastating bolt of lightning from Mjolnir, aimed right at the Ocean Master. The mortal's magicks were impressive, but they were still mortal magicks. Mjolnir had enough magical might to give great Odin himself pause, and so the Ocean Master's shields were no match for such an onslaught. His yellow shielding was shattered like glass under the blow.

"Now who is the fool?"

Throwing with reduced force, so as not to inflict lethal damage on the mortal's frame, Thor threw his hammer into Ocean Master's now unshielded chest, blasting him downwards into the waters below.

Ocean Master continues to crash further and further down into the dark depths of the ocean. He was hit with such unexpected strength, it takes him a while to recover and finally stop. His foe makes haste, speeding at him with his hammer raised above his head, waiting to crush the villain.

"I believe it is you who remains the fool, for the longer you waste time with me, the more time my brother spends with that oh so lovable leviathan. He wouldn't hurt a shrimp; not one of his beloved 'subjects' of the sea. No. Never. And it is only a simple matter of time, until his dear and beloved Topo crushes either his ribs or his windpipe. Which comes first means little to me. Hahahah!"

With the wave of his hand, Ocean Master vanishes as Thor would've made clear collision with the villain. He re-appears below Thor the next second, blasting him and sending the hero upward. With the flick of his wrist, a spell is casted once more and Thor finds himself encased in a magical bubble.

"Can you handle...the heat?!"


Moving his hands violently and with great speed, the temperature within the bubbles jumps rapidly and ignites with fire.

The barbs on Topo's tentacles continue to puncture the Marine Marvel's tough hide, causing him excruciating pain as he does his best to pry himself out of Topo's grip. He never would've imagined himself put in this position. If Mera were here, she'd weep at the very scene of her husband battling his oldest of pets. Out of desperation, Orin tries a tactic that previously had failed, this time hoping that with enough concentration this time he can prevail.

aquamutatedtopo3.jpg

~I am your King! Your Master! All that dwell in the deep obey my command! Topo...LET! ME! GO!~


But his telepathic call goes un-answered. As he pierces into the mind of the once playful and ever so gentle octopus Topo, he cannot read a thing. Twisted and mutilated is the mind of the creature, and the Marine Marvel can do not a thing to undo the horrifying deed Orm has done.

Taking a deep breath, and sighing as he dips his head, memories begin to flash through his head.

"Topo, my boy...please forgive me....YAAAAH!!!!"

No longer holding back an ounce of his strength, the Aquatic Ace pulls as hard as he can. The sea monster screams an unholy screech as its own tentacle arms are pulled clean off. Blood spreads throughout the waters around the two, and Orin does nothing more. Losing lots of Topo, the previously violent Topo know cowers in fear of the former Sea King. And this, causes an indescribable pain in Aquaman's heart.

The creature's screams start to lose strength in their volume, and the mutated octopus starts to change as the Ocean Master's spell no longer holds sway over it. It disgustingly squirms about, transforming back to its original form, and dies. Orin is silent for a moment, quickly mourning over the death of his pet. A death by his hand.

His fists tighten, as does the hatred in his heart.

"Orm."

Picking up the sound of battle with his attune senses, Aquaman practically vanishes in an instant he swims so fast. As he comes into the Ocean Master's view, he lets out a roar at his half-brother.

"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS CRIME, ORM!"


Frightened and desperate, Orm ceases his spell on the ball of fire which caged the hero Thor. He starts to spin about, creating a vortex of water around him as Aquaman is mere feet away. As the Marine Marvel swings with all his might, his half-brother teleports within the vortex, his devilish laugh mocking the hero as he makes his last minute escape.

Floating still, he simply wants to scream.
 
Earlier Today

I almost rip apart the newspaper in anger as I read the cover story. Goblin hit the Red Dragon Gang last night while I was fighting Deadpool and Deadshot, leaving the Apocalypse Gan as Kingpin's lone gang.

I dig my fork into my Captain Crunch and shove the heaping spoonful into my mouth, chewing like my enemies are in my mouth.

"Peter, are you okay? You look so annoyed," Aunt May wonders from the other side of the table.

"I'm fine, Aunt May. Just can't believe that nobody can bring the Goblin in. Isn't that what Spider-Man's for?" I ask. Sometimes I really hate myself for lying to her.

She laughs a little, "Yes, dear. I wouldn't worry about it. Off to school with you now."

Now


What a crazy day. First Gwen asks me where I was last night, letting me know that she wanted to hang out. With me. And then at the Bugle, Mr. Jameson almost rips my head off for not having pics of Spidey's fight with the mercs, that is until I toss a folder of pictures at him.

Now I'm at home, sitting at my desk and doing homework. My phone starts to rumble, almost falling off my desk. I swoop it up and look at the front screen.

Babs


I start to sweat a little. I've been dreading talking to her. Odd, dreading talking to your girlfriend, huh? But I am worried. I care about her, a lot. And I really, really don't want to lose her...

"Hey," I say flipping the phone open and putting it up to my ear.

"Hi, Peter," she sighs back. She's annoyed. I'm screwed.

"What's up? How was your nigh last night?"

"Great, Pete. Of course it would have been better if my boyfriend actually picked up his phone once in a while. Or if he seemed to give two craps about me from time to time."

Her words cut deep because they're so true. Spider-Man business has been taking up too much of my time lately. But with putting the new team together, and the turf war, I don't know how much time I can devote to Babs.

"I'm sorry. I got jumped by two mercenaries last night hired by the Kingpin. Then I had a League meeting."

"Yea, I know. Everyone in Gotham is talking about how they saw you getting carried by Supergirl."

Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap...

"So, did you two sing 'A Whole New World'?" she mocks.

"Babs...you know it's not like that."

"How do I know that, Peter?! We never talk anymore, I never see you-"

"I'm coming to Gotham this weekend," I blurt out. "I was going to surprise you, but I guess this is the best time to tell you."

Nice save, Peter.

Not that I don't need to go to Gotham. I mean, I do need to get in contact with Robin. Of course that is secondary to seeing Babs...

"Really?" she asks, the happiness clearly showing through her anger. "You better. Don't let me down, Peter Parker."

"I won't, Miss Gordon. I'll see you Friday," I promise.

"Okay...that makes me feel a lot better. I'll talk to you later. Love you," she whispers.

"Love you, too," I say as I hang up.

"I really do."
 
76691-104166-ion.jpg



"Just where th HELL have you been, Rayner? Where the hell do you get off abandoning us like that?"

Every moment Hank Pym berated Kyle Rayner and continued ranting, Ion wanted more and more to put the overzealous leader in his place. Who was he to penalize Kyle for sving the entire galaxy once again, this time by the hands of the demon spawn of one of the most powerful beings in the universe?

[blackout]"I already told you, Pym..."[/blackout] he spat. [blackout]"The Guardians needed me..."[/blackout]

"So... What? Now these "Guardians of the Universe" are more important than the President of the United States!? And what was it exactly they needed you to do, huh? What was so important that you had to ditch us out in th middle of the desert to fend off a freakin' ARMY and a crazed super-dictator!?!"

[blackout]"Oh, I dunno, Hank... Saving the entire goddamn UNIVERSE!! How about that!?"[/blackout]

Hank then stood silent, corrected.

[blackout]"I mean, last I checked? With no universe, then there is no country to protect... So excuse me for making sure it stays that way!"[/blackout]

"Fine. Either way, I don't want it to happen again, or you're off the team. Are we clear?"

Before Kyle said yes, he stopped to think... Could he really be able to serve as a Green Lantern AND an Avenger? Because he hasn't been doing too great at it as of recent. Besides, he has the power of the Power Cosmic in his veins... Should he be wasting it to do Lex Luthor's bidding? Invading and attacking foreign countries on a single man's whim? He didn't think so. He made a promise to the Silver Surfer that he would use this power to benefit the universe, not help destroy it...

Kyle then realised what he had to do.

[blackout]"No. No we're not... I quit."[/blackout]

"Goo-- Wait... What?"

[blackout]"I'm leaving. Screw this. I have a whole galaxy to protect, and I'm not going to waste my time being some super-powered soldier of fortune!"[/blackout] Ion began as he began to levitate in preparation for his departure.

"But... but you can't! Your country needs you!"

[blackout]"See ya around, Hank..."[/blackout] Kyle finished as he flew out the window of the Avengers Mansion, heading back towards Attilan.
 
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OUaquabanner1.gif

"Orm."

Picking up the sound of battle with his attune senses, Aquaman practically vanishes in an instant he swims so fast. As he comes into the Ocean Master's view, he lets out a roar at his half-brother.

"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS CRIME, ORM!"


Frightened and desperate, Orm ceases his spell on the ball of fire which caged the hero Thor. He starts to spin about, creating a vortex of water around him as Aquaman is mere feet away. As the Marine Marvel swings with all his might, his half-brother teleports within the vortex, his devilish laugh mocking the hero as he makes his last minute escape.

Floating still, he simply wants to scream.

Hovering above the surface of the water, Thor turns his attention to the sea man who remains floating below him.

"I have questions that would be answered, stranger. What was that creature? Who is the sorcerer? And who are you?"
 
As the roar rattles the cavern, everything seems to pause while all eyes turn to the massive green dinosaur suddenly standing in their midst.

"Garfield?"

Gar Logan's reptilian eyes narrow as he sees his mother's brutally murdered body lying on top of the stone alter at the far side of the room.
With an angry bellow, the green T-Rex charged through the line of cultists. Beast had to use every once of his agility and speed to get out of the way of the rampaging dinosaur.

Gar came at Brother Blood, snapping his jaws. The murderer leaped to the side, avoiding the bite, but Gar twitched his head into Blood's direction. The smashing head butt sent Brother Blood flailing through the air like a rag doll, and smashing into the wall.

Garfield was on him in a heart beat, bearing down on the man who murdered his mother.

Blood took out his dagger, slashing viciously at the raging Rex as Gar came at him again. One strike tore a nice gash across Garfield's nose, but it didn't stop him. He pushed right through the attack and sunk his teeth into the arm and shoulder that Blood held the knife with.

Brother Blood howled in pain and was yanked up into the air by a powerful jerk. The knife fell to the floor, and Gar threw Blood into the floor, the crack of Blood's collarbone echoing through the cavern.

Blood sneered at Gar as he waited for the inevitable death blow.

"That's enough, Garfield, he's beaten. Don't become a murderer like him. You're better than that."

The T-Rex snarled at Blood, but then backed off.

"You're right."

The T-Rex shrunk down, his form quickly changing back into his usual, green self.

"Even though you deserve it"
, Gar scowled at the beaten Blood, "I'm no killer. Not like you, you piece of ****."

"Don't worry, Garfield", Scott said as he and the X-Men walked towards him, the cultist who weren't defeated having ran off.
"He'll get what he deserves, but we'll do it the right way."

"I hope you're right."

"Heh, such a...touching moment", Blood laughed through the pain.
"Such a shame none of you will make it out of here alive."

With his good arm, Blood reached down towards his belt, pressing a button.
The cavern rocked with a massive explosion as the ceiling began to crumble and fall.

"Jean, forcefield!"

Jean erected a TK shield just in time, as one massive stone was about to land on Beast. As the ceiling rained down on the X-Men, Brother Blood laughed, uncaring of his own imminent demise.
Then, his laughter stopped as a large stone came crashing down, crushing him like a bug.

"Kurt, get us the hell out of here!"
 
Hovering above the surface of the water, Thor turns his attention to the sea man who remains floating below him.

"I have questions that would be answered, stranger. What was that creature? Who is the sorcerer? And who are you?"

OUaquabanner1.gif

"That..."

Orin doesn't even have to look down below to see the sharks begin to feed on the deceased Topo. Nor does he do anything to stop it. It's not that he lacks the will to stop crazed and hungry sharks when they lust for blood. The fact that Aquaman does nothing to stop the rabid sharks from feasting on his former pet is because it is simply part of the circle of life in the sea.

To put it simple: the sharks are only doing their job.

"...that was my pet octopus, Topo. I have such fond memories with that animal. I met him when he was just a little creature, and watched him grow. Was like watching a child grow."

And then, the sharks disperse back to the corner of the depths whence they came. The only life Orin can pick up with his telepathy within his vicinity is the life of him, and this unknown companion hovering above him in the sky.

"And the...sorcerer as you like to put is none other than my half-brother, Orm Marius: The Ocean Master. He was always jealous of me and my natural bond with the sea and the creatures that dwell within. So you'd imagine what was going through his twisted mind when he found out that we share the same father; an ancient Atlantean wizard by the name of Atlan. Ever since then Orm has plundered Atlantean ruins in search of scrolls and old relics to 'claim his birthright' with supremacy over all that swims in the sea. His studies with the dark arts and olde magicks of Atlantis have since then made him a most formidable foe...and an annoyance at my desire for peace. I am Orin, but I've been dubbed with the name Aquaman in my time as the former King of Atlantis. Western Atlantis that is, in the city of Poseidonis which, before the Fire Trolls laid siege on my city leaving it to nothing more than ashes, was once the Crown Jewel of the Deep."
 
Thor was impressed. Even after all this time, Midgard still held more secrets and surprises. A whole civilisation under its waters!

"And I am Thor, Prince of Asgard and son of Odin. It is truly an honor to meet another with royalty in their blood."

They shook hands.

"I sympathise with your plight. I too have been plagued by an erstwhile brother with a fondness for magicks in my time. And I am sorry for the loss of your pet. I only wish I could have arrived sooner, and helped a little more. Maybe things would have worked out differently then."

Spinning Mjolnir, Thor headed skywards.

"Farewell Orin, former King of Atlantis. Perhaps we will meet again."
 
12 Days Dry

"Hi, and welcome back to Jimmy Kimmel Live! My next guest needs no introduction, but I'll introduce him anyway. He is the most important man in America, and possibly the most famous man in the world. No, not President Luthor! My guest first gained fame as a world-renowned inventor, businessman and philanthropist. He is one of the richest men in the world, and has been linked with a who's who of some of the most beautiful women in the world. And more recently, he also publically revealed that he is the celebrated superhero, Iron Man. Man, who wouldn't want this guy's life? Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Tony Stark!"

I step out onto the set, to applause from the crowd. I give a little bow, and then turn to greet Jimmy, who shakes my hand. God, Kimmel is actually taller than me. At times like this I miss my armor...

"Thanks, thank you, great to be here."

We both sit down.

"Okay, Tony, or should I call you Iron Man?"

"I prefer Mr. Stark, actually."

There's a little awkward pause.

"I'm kidding, Tony's good."

"Okay, Tony, first things first... how much money exactly do you have?"

Ugh...

"What, like on me?"

"Ha ha, alright, moving on to what everyone's talking about: you are Iron Man!"

"I am Iron Man."

“So what made you decide to don a suit of armor and fight crime?”

“Well Jimmy, as you know, a few years back I got kidnapped by terrorists in Afghanistan. But I didn’t get rescued like was reported at the time, I escaped. While I was their prisoner, they wanted me to make a weapon for them to use against American soldiers. Instead, I made the first Iron Man armor. A lot cruder than the shiny, handsome devil he is now, but it did its job.”

Jimmy looks impressed. That, or excited that his show had got a big scoop. Well hold on, fella, there’s more to come.

“So you built it in a cave, out of scraps?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“All by yourself. Wow, you really are the world’s smartest man…”

“Well, not by myself. I had help from another prisoner, a scientist called Ho Yinsen, who sadly died saving my life before I made my escape. But before he died, he told me not to waste my life, to do something really worthwhile with all the wealth and resources I’ve been blessed with. So I developed and refined the Iron Man armor into what you see now. And now I try to use my technology to help people and make a difference in a direct way, rather than just through signing checks behind a desk.”

“That’s great. And of course, you joined the ranks of superheroes like Superman and Captain America, and you’ve actually teamed up with them and others to form the Justice League.”

“Yep.”

“Given your reputation, I have to know… you tried it on with Wonder Woman yet?”

A laugh from the crowd. Trust Jimmy – things were probably getting too weighty for him with all that talk of death and responsibility, and so he wanted to lower the tone a bit.

“No, I think she’s saving herself for you, Jimmy.”

“Ha, tell her to call me! Right, let me ask you this. I went over it a little in the introduction, but let’s take another look. You’re one of the richest people in the world, with mansions peppered all over the world and enough sports cars to fill a parking lot. Just about everybody in the world knows your name. And now, you’re one of the most popular superheroes on Earth with a costume that everybody wants for Christmas. What’s it like to have a perfect life?”

A perfect life? The government hates me, and wants to steal my technology and use it to kill people. My best friend was just maimed in a horrible accident, and the best I could do for him was turn him into a War Machine. The woman I love finally got tired of all my BS and left me, and I don’t think she’s coming back. And… get this, I’m a recovering alcoholic. 12 agonizing days and I feel like I want to rip my lungs out. Does that sound perfect to you?

But I don’t say that. I smile and change the subject.

“Well, it’s funny you should bring up that... introduction of yours, yeah – very nice, by the way, thanks, very complimentary – because I was interested with that comparison to our esteemed President. I think I’m more famous than he is because I’m like a younger, smarter, better-looking version of him, and I’m not an amoral scumbag either.”

There were some laughs, but they were uncomfortable, and largely drowned out by the collective gasp. Jimmy looked a little nervous.

“Damn. Them’s fighting words, Tony.”

“Oh, I have some history with Lex Luthor, or as I like to call him… Baldemort.”

Okay, that got a bigger laugh.

“You see, the best way to describe Baldemort would be by calling him a poseur. His whole life, he’s been jealous and resentful of more talented people. That whole hate campaign against Superman? Whatever his lame justifications, it’s based on envy. He wishes he could fly, do all the incredible things Superman can, but he can’t. And just about everything he’s done since has been trying to make up for that. I think it’s sad that he became President of the United States in some pathetic attempt to play “who’s ***** bigger” with Superman. Forming that super boy-band of his, The Avengers, that’s been about the same thing. And still he isn’t happy, because no matter what office he holds, no matter how much good he could do from that position if he wanted to, he’s still the same small, petty man.”

“I’m not sure we should be pissing off the President, Tony, I don’t want the Secret Service showing up at my door…”

“No, no, this is fun. We’re having fun, right? The only thing Luthor is truly great at, is manipulating the media to make himself look better and more important than he actually is. Look at how he became President! By taking the credit for single-handedly saving the world from that alien invasion, downplaying the roles of the real heroes like Reed Richards. And now he’s spinning the media about this Khandaq debacle.”

Right now, this attack is being broadcast all across America. And soon, it will be seen all over the world on Youtube. Jimmy Kimmel Live! really was the perfect place to start the counter-attack against Luthor.

“Let me tell you a bit about Baldemort. You want to know how he got some juicy military contracts that I didn’t, back when I made weapons for the military? My technology was always better, but it was expensive. With all the safety checks and precautions I went through, the cost had to get bumped up a little. Luthor forgot about any safeguards to protect our troops and sold his weapons cheaper. He was literally a cut-price Tony Stark. But the cold, hard truth is, Lex Luthor is, has never been, and never will be the inventor I am. He’s good, sure, but not on my level. I know it’s just been eating him up inside that he can’t replicate the repulsor technology that powers my armor. Any energy source he can find is far too bulky to match the aerodynamics of my suit, so while I can fit everything into a lithe, man-sized package, he has to create these gigantic robot monstrosities.”

“Are you saying that with all these big robots, President Luthor is trying to compensate for something?”

“Haha, yeah. And just look at these…. Sentinels of his. Innocent people died because of what he calls a flaw in the programming. A flaw in the programming. There is blood on our President’s hands because the machines he builds are crude, sloppy hunks of junk. The work of a rank amateur. The Iron Man could run circles around any of his Sentinels.”

“That sounds like a challenge to me.”

Oh, how I was hoping you’d say that, Jimmy…

“As a matter of fact it is. Baldemort, name the time and name the place. I will take on one… no, three… of your Sentinels, armed with just my regular Iron Man armor. If they managed to destroy my armor and beat me in combat, I will give you a personal tutorial on how to build your very own Iron Man, and at last, you’ll be able to fly like Superman. But if I win, I prove that your Sentinels are ineffective at defending the country, and you discontinue their production.”

“There you go, you heard it here first. Tony Stark has laid down the gauntlet to Lex Luthor, and now it’s up to him to answer the challenge. Join us after the break, where we’ll be asking Tony if the rumors about him and Cameron Diaz are true…”

“…they are.”

“…we’ll be back after these messages.”
 
I pass the scanner over the bills, the readings jumping up just as expected.

"Can I assume from your grin that the bills meet your satisfaction, Master Bruce?"

"They certainly do." I start checking the next stack. "Thanks for all the help yesterday."

"Of course, sir. Will you be paying Commissioner Gordon a visit tonight?"

I nod. "I'll be leaving soon." I move on to the next stack.

"Very good, sir. I shall prepare your suit."

"And have Dick come down, would you. We'll go on patrol after making the delivery."

"Of course, Master Bruce."
 
I pass the scanner over the bills, the readings jumping up just as expected.

"Can I assume from your grin that the bills meet your satisfaction, Master Bruce?"

"They certainly do." I start checking the next stack. "Thanks for all the help yesterday."

"Of course, sir. Will you be paying Commissioner Gordon a visit tonight?"

I nod. "I'll be leaving soon." I move on to the next stack.

"Very good, sir. I shall prepare your suit."

"And have Dick come down, would you. We'll go on patrol after making the delivery."

"Of course, Master Bruce."

I hear footsteps outside and the door to my bedroom swings open and Alfred stands in the doorway.

"Master Dick, Master Bruce would like to see you down in the cave."

I shift on my bed and get up.

"Thanks, Alfred."

I get up and throw on some new clothes, before making my way down the stairs with Alfred and over to the grandfather clock, heading down the familiar stone stairs out into the Batcave.

"Hey Bruce. Are we delivering the money?"
 
Clark swallowed hard as he pushed up his glasses to the top of his nose. He reached up, fidgeting with his tie. He had been strangled by the likes of the Hulk, but this tie seemed to wrap around his neck like a vice.

"Relax", Lois sighed as she reached up and straighten his tie.
"You're fine."

"Sorry", Clark replied as they entered the small Italian place, the aroma of fresh, homemade food dominating Clark's senses.

"Don't tell me a big strong country boy like you is nervous of little ol' me", Lois smirked as she spoke with a stereotypical country accent.

"No, just the first time I've worn this suit."

"Uh, huh", Lois smiled skeptically.
"Just relax, Smallville", she said as he hooked her arm inside his and escorted him into the restaurant.
"Enjoy yourself this evening. I know I will."

Lois and Clark were seated and quickly served their drinks.
"Are you ready to order", the server asked.

"I'll have the veal parmesan."

"And I'll have the lobster ravioli, please", Clark smiled as the server ran off to get their put in the order.

"Lobster, eh", Lois asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Didn't figure you for a lobster guy, Clark."

"Ever since moving to Metropolis, I've become a big fan of seafood. Don't really get much of it out in Smallville."

"I bet not", Lois said with a laugh before taking a sip of wine.

"So", Lois said with a wry grin, "how long had you been waiting to ask me out on a date?"

Clark coughed as the abrupt question made some of his water go down his windpipe. No beating around the bush, just straight and to the point. It was one of the things he liked about Lois Lane.

"Uh, not...too long", Clark answered.

"Relax, Clark", Lois smiled, "I'm just teasing."

"Here's to a perfect evening"
, Lois said as she picked up her glass of wine and raised it up for a toast.

Clark raised his glass with a smile.

"I can drink to-"

The loud explosion cut off Clark in mid-sentence, and the restaurant patrons began to panic.
Then a bizarrely frightening bellow rang out, and the sounds of heavy footfalls shook the ground.

"C'mon, Smallville!"
Lois ran out of her seat, bolting to the restaurant's doors.

"Wait, Lois!"

Clark ran after Lois Lane, chasing her outside where she stood staring up, transfixed.

"Holy ****."

Both she and Clark looked up at the massive creature cutting a swath of destruction across the wharf district and port of Metropolis. The thing looked like a monstrous, fish-like humanoid, easily over a dozen stories tall. The thing plucked a tugboat from the dock and hurled it like a baseball towards a building.

"Clark, please tell me that you have a camera? Clark?"

Lois turned to find Clark gone, and the cheers from the crowd around her made her forget Clark's disappearance.
Superman zoomed overhead, a blue blur, as he caught the flying tugboat before it could impact the building.

"Dammit", Lois shouted in frustration.
"Where the hell his Jimmy when you need him!?"

Superman gently put the vessel down in the street, and smiling and nodding to the frightened captain that was in the wheel house.
Superman took off into the air, rocketing towards the mammoth monster...
 
Jean erected a TK shield just in time, as one massive stone was about to land on Beast. As the ceiling rained down on the X-Men, Brother Blood laughed, uncaring of his own imminent demise.
Then, his laughter stopped as a large stone came crashing down, crushing him like a bug.

"Kurt, get us the hell out of here!"

"Good idea!" I reply with a smile.

BAMF

We all reappear next to Garfield's father, all off us catching our breath.

"For once, I'd like to go somevhere vhere someone is not trying to kill us... Zhat vould be nice..."
 
"So what do you think?" Gwen smiles at me.

She's just asked me to go to the movies with her. I have to say no. There's no way I can't say no, right?

Right?

"Well...," Holy crap, Peter, you're about to say yes! Wait!, "Sorry, Gwen, I'm going to Harry's place tonight. He said he wanted to talk."

"Oh, okay," she says disappointed, "Well maybe some other ti-"

BOOM


The building across the street explodes in a blast of flame, sending pedestrians, including Gwen sprawling to the street.

"Peter?! Peter where are you?!" She yells as she picks herself of the pavement, but I'm long gone. I'm around the corner in an alley, putting my mask over my face.

Seconds later, I swing over the heads of the scared on lookers into the burning building. I cough as the smoke filled air fills up my lungs, but I continue to push forward. Whoever did this is still here, and I'm gonna find them.

Almost immediately as that thought crosses my mind, my Spider sense goes of, and a right hook glances off my chin, sending me flying through the hot air.

"You know, you really are predictable, Spider-Man. Like a moth to the flame."

gg.jpg


Goblin. Just what I need today. I figured he would make a move soon, but in broad daylight, it even catches me off guard.

"Gobby! It's been too long! Surprising me like this on a weekday? And I thought all the romance had left our relationship," I say while delivering a kick that sends him stumbling backwards.

"Yes, Spider, have your fun," he says, unsheathing the blade attached to his back, "Because you've spun your last web."

He takes a few swipes at me, which I manage to evade, "Awww, Gobby, there's no need to bring toys into the picture. I've never found you to be inadequate."

I deliver a strong left uppercut that sends him reeling back, "Don't you ever shut up?!"

He slices at me again, but both of us are forced to slide back as a piece of the roof slams to the ground between us. This place won't last long. The concussion from the blast mixed with the intense heat is a deadly combination.

Another piece of the building comes loose above me, sending me rolling to dodge the flaming debris. Simultaneously, Goblin's glider zooms over my head, and it's pilot hops on.

"Good riddance, Spider-Man," he says as he throws two orange balls my way. As he speeds off on the glider, the orbs explode, releasing six, razor sharp, spinning blades.

"Terrific."

I manage to spin out of the way of the first two, which collide and shatter after passing me. I shoot the next three out of the air with web balls, but the last slides by my shots, slicing my left shoulder open, but not deeply. The pain shoots down my arm, and the building rumbles around me.

I sprint towards the nearest wall, and crash through the weakened structure with ease, just as the entire roof crashes down.

I shoot a web line to the nearest building as the sirens get closer and closer, "Now all I have to do is get ready to see my best friend who I haven't seen since I accused him of being on drugs. Great."
 
0-Joker-banner4.jpg



I half stroll, half skip out of the downtown Gotham Bank, sawed off shotgun flailing loosely in my hand. Being back in Gotham makes me feel like that time me and Billy Mays got into Pablo Escobar’s personal stash. I come to a stop and wait for the Family Guy-esque flashback to start. Oh that’s right. I’m not on a TV show. Yet. I wonder who’d they’d get to play me. I bet it’d be someone like Johnny Depp, that French humping bastard.



This town has always enjoyed my antics. It’s the only reasonable explanation as to why it’s so easy for me to get the ludicrous amount of plastic explosive I've currently got stashed away. It’s the only explanation as to why the Bat still hasn’t come to sop my fun like he always does. Honestly the size of the stick that plugs up his guano hole must be massive. I wonder where him and Bird-boy put it on their nightly adventures. Or maybe the boy blunder is the catcher, he could always take a beating.

“Hehehe…” I chuckle to myself. What can I say, sometimes even I make myself laugh.

In all honesty, Well that's an odd thing to hear from me, isn't it?, the people of this town are on the brink of true chaos. Old Harv's fall to the charred side has destroyed their hope, and I'm back to kick them over the edge of madness.

You know, madness is a lot like gravity. All it takes is a little push.



KABOOM

The bank explodes in a glorious blaze of flame, the heat blasting against my face. Sweat begins to trickle down my forehead, smudging the paint that lines the creases of my face with it.

“Boss! What about all the money-“ the thug is cut off by a blast from my shotgun, his blood splattering across my face, showing brightly against the whiteness of the paint.

A smile creeps across my face as the rest of my crew pull our van around. As I get in, I plop down in the back, “Remember boys…It’s not about money…It’s about sending a message.”

I pause and look around at the guys, “Where have I heard that before?”

The van screeches away as my laugh echoes through the Gotham night. On the side of the bank, my message is left in flames.

BatmanSymbolonfire2.jpg


Come and get me, Bats.

 
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