One Universe: Season IV IC Thread

[Keyser Soze]

14 Days Dry

I'm in the reception outside Justin Hammer's office, waiting to see him. My attention is focused on a huge, professionally-commissioned portrait on the wall of Hammer, riding into battle on a majestic white horse. The artist has generously depicted the bare-chested hammer with a sculpted, Adonis-like physique, as he wields a machete in one hand and an Uzi in the other.

No, I'm not making this up.

"Mr. Hammer will see you now."

I nod at the receptionist, and head past her through the grand oak doors, into the plush penthouse office of Justin Hammer, the man who damn near killed my best friend. He's standing with his hands on his hips, looking out the window. When he hears the door, he spins round, arms outstretched.

"Tony, my main man! How's it hanging, bro?"

He's a little bit younger than me. Not built like the portrait outside - gangly, bespectacled, kinda greasy-looking. He was the weird kid nobody liked in school. But he's tried to hide that inherent creepiness behind this veneer of phoney charisma. You'd almost think he was impersonating someone, from the cut of his suits to the strenuous attempt at effortless cool. Let's also consider that when I stepped out of the military game, he was first to jump in and grab those juicy military contracts in my place. That's right. Justin Hammer is trying to be Tony Stark. It's like looking in a funhouse mirror.

"Hammer."

"Take a seat, Tone - can I call you Tone? Yeah I can call you Tone. Want a drink?"

"No thanks."

"You sure? This stuff's got a kick'll make your dick wet."

"No thanks."

Finally, he sits down, on the other side of the desk from me. He pours himself a scotch from a fancy decanter, and I feel a pang of longing that makes me hate him even more.

"Now first I gotta say, Phan-Tone of the Opera, you are my freaking hero, the way you CALLED OUT Lex Luthor live on TV like that. Bravo, man, fight the power, that's what it's all about..."

"....I..."

"...I tell you, what I'd have been given to be the ****e suckin' Luthor's cock in the Oval Office when he saw that on TV, not that I want to suck Lex Luthor's cock, I just meant in terms of being in the room... I mean he's the President of the United States that would just be inappropriate, not to mention I don't swing that way, nothing against those who do, I mean I know you have some friends who... you know..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you know... Superman, isn't he a.... friend of Diane...Delia... Dick?"

"Dorothy, and no, not to my knowledge. Now listen, I'm here to..."

"If it's about your military contracts that I picked up, we can work something out, I'm sure. You're Tony Stark, man! You're a legend, and you were an inspiration to me, Tone. I feel like I've known you for years..."

"...you have known me for years."

"But I mean I've known you as an idea, as a symbol of something, you know what I'm saying. I think it's really profound..."

"James Rhodes. I'm here to talk about James Rhodes, Hammer."

And at last, Hammer falls silent. He runs a tremulous hand through his hair, gathers his thoughts.

"I...oh, yes. I'm sorry for your loss. James Rhodes was the... quintisexual military man - courageous, principled and decent to the last. We really are deeply devastated at James' passing here at Hammer Corp, and his family and friends have been in our thoughts and prayers."

"...he's not dead, Hammer."

"Oh. Really? I mean I saw that crash and thought he was pizza.

I stare bullets at him.

"I mean... that's great, what joyful news..."

"But he's been seriously injured. I've known James Rhodes a long time, and he's the best damn pilot I've ever known. He knows what he's doing up there, and if he crashed, it wasn't a fault on his part. It's because someone sent him up on a plane with faulty tech. And that someone was you."

A large gulp worms its way down Hammer's throat, as he polishes his glasses while trying to word an answer.

"Well....you see there, A-Tone Bomb... great a pilot as your friend might have been... that's a very dangerous job up there, and the risks are inherent in it. An accident can happen to any test pilot, it comes with the territory. He knew what he was signing up for. Our country's at war, and like JFK said, all's fair in love and war."

He smiles at me, and he's one of those people who smirk so hard their eyes close, his jaw jutting out temptingly. If I started punching his smug face I wouldn't be able to stop.

"Look, I'm sorry about it. You tell James when he gets better you can bring him along and he can watch the planes being developed, I bet he'll like that. I really am sorry. We good?"

"Yeah. We're good."

"Good. Now tell me, this Iron Man suit... wow! That is far out, dude! You, like, built it in a cave? And now you're all 'I'm gonna save the world yeah!' Rock on, Tone Ranger! I respect what you're doing, showing the world the wonders of your technology, but something like that.... think of what it could do for our boys fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan to be kitted out in those babies. We should get together, have a few drinks and a few ladies, and you can share the schematics and we can mass produce..."

"No."

"Well, yeah, okay, I understand if you want to keep the Iron Man suit unique, but we really should find some project to..."

"No, I mean I don't want to work with you. Ever. Not only do I not want to work with you, but I won't rest until your shoddy practices have been exposed, and you pay for your criminal negligence in what happened to James Rhodes..."

"Now easy there, Tone..."

"It's not Tone. It's not Tony. It's Mr. Stark. Your aw-shucks charm act doesn't work on me. I know you're a sly, manipulative shyster who'd stab me in the back as soon as look at me. Well I'm telling you - watch yours. Because from now on, I'll be breathing down your neck."

With that said, I turn and storm out of the office. I just about make out Hammer's reply, in a tone that's dropped any sense of joviality, and is now deadly serious.

"If that's the way you want to play it, Mr. Stark..."

 

[Carnage27]

"Hey, Har," I smile at Harry as the doors of the elevator open at the penthouse level.

"Hiya, Pete," he says sheepishly, leading me into the living room. We sit down in front of Harry's massive plasma TV as the SEC championship plays in full HD. "Pete, I feel like I owe you an apology."

I put my hands up, "Harry, it's fine. I understand."

In all honesty, it's not necessarily fine. But I'm glad my friend has got his head straight again. The month and a half without him was odd, almost like losing a member of my family.

"No, it's not fine. You tried to, no, you did help me. And all I did was get angry. I feel like such a *****e."

I laugh a little bit, "Apology accepted, buddy. Harry...if you don't mind me asking...what were you taking?"

Harry shifts uncomfortably in his seat, "Something my dad was working on. It's a human performance enhancer for the military. Needless to say it wasn't done yet. That's why I got so aggressive. Apparently it's a side effect dad says they're trying to get rid of."

I want to yell at Harry with all my strength. Why the heck would he try an untested chemical compound? Does her ever listen to me when I talk about chemistry?

Pete, no one listens when you talk about chemistry.

"Oh," is all I can bring myself to say.

I hear a set of heavy footsteps coming down the stairs behind us. Harry and I turn to see Mr. Osborn descending the stairs.

"Hey, dad. I didn't realize you were home," Harry says with a confused look on his face.

"I've been in the study working on some things, Harry. And Peter! How are you, my boy?"

Mr. Osborn has always seen me as a second son, and sometimes I honestly get the feeling that he likes me more than his true son. Awkward doesn't begin to describe the situation.

He pats me on the shoulder that Goblin opened up earlier, and I noticeably flinch.

"Peter, are you alright?" the elder Osborn asks.

"Yea...I'm okay. I stepped off of a curb in front of a bike messenger. He clipped me, and my shoulder landed on the curb and got cut up a little."

Mr. Osborn's face seems to be in turmoil, like the two sides of his mind are fighting each other. He merely responds with, "Okay."

He goes back upstairs and I look over at Harry, "Was that weird, or is it just me?"

"Who knows? It's stormin' Norman," Harry shrugs off the question. "I can't believe Florida is getting killed like this!"

I sit back in the couch and smile to myself. Things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as things can get when you're a teenager with the powers of a spider.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Spinning Mjolnir, Thor headed skywards.

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

Aquaman watched as the Prince of Asgard flew off into the distance. To where the hero travels to, Orin does not know. Perhaps to Asgard for that is the realm he is native to. Prince of Asgard...like Orin, the warrior is royalty. Though they are different for in fact Poseidonis lies in ruin. The Marine Marvel has no real place to call him, but he and Mera have taken actions to attempt to make a new one.

And so the Aquatic Ace travels back to the Hidden Valley, long-time home of the Idylists: a group of Atlantean pacifists who left Aquaman's Kingdom in search of a more humble setting more suited for their beliefs. They live simple lives, and live by a very simple code of ethics. It is here, that Mera and Aquaman have found refuge. And it is here, that they have finally found peace. Why, it is only when the Marine Marvel patrols the seas that he finds any action or danger.

"Something troubles you, my love. Was today not a good patrol? Where is Topo?"

"Orm...he...he cast a spell upon dear Topo, Mera. Why, the creature grew so much in strength and size it did not even recognize me. I tried every option possible to undo Orm's dark magic, but in the end...I had to take dear Topo's life."

"And...his body? Were you able to at least--"

"The sharks came before I had the chance to give him a proper farewell. Simply doing their job, my love. I did not stop them."

Witnessing the struggle her husband went through with merely explaining the actions that took place that day, the former Queen of Poseidonis embraces her husband lovingly with open arms. He rests his head gently on her chest, and finally lets loose his emotions as he sobs for the death of his pet.


Tønsberg, Norway
An old library

"If you will not tell me where it is, I will KILL YOU ALL!"

"AAHHH!"

The young man is blasted by a spiral of a magical blast as the Ocean Master merely gestures his hand. The dead body crashes against a bookshelf and slumps to the ground. What few people are able to escape do escape, leaving Orm Marius with the old librarian behind the counter. One of the oldest of towns in Norway, Orm has traveled through the country after his underwater search proved to be a failure.

"Forgive me, old timer, but patience has never been one of my many virtues. Unless you'd like to end up like your young employee over there I suggest you tell me where the item is that I seek!"

"B-B-But, The Bone of Ullr...is mere legend, I swear to you!"

"Swear to me? Oh, you haven't even begun to swear to me...YET!"

Conjuring up a spell at the tip of his fingers, the Ocean Master steadily walks towards the counter where the old librarian fears for his life.


The Hidden Valley
Home of the Idylists

Aquaman roams the city that has been his home for quite some time now. During his time living in the Hidden Valley, he has made a few friends but one Atlantean in particular has taken a real shine to him: a young boy by the name of Garth.

"Back from another action-packed adventure, Aquaman?!"

While it is not easy for the Marine Marvel has the day did not end pleasantly, still he puts on a smile for the young Atlantean boy. Each time Orin leaves to go on patrol, Garth watches him as he leaves the Hidden Valley's secret entrance, and each time Orin returns as soon as he can the young lad asks the Aquatic Ace about his many adventures.

"Yes, Garth. Upon my adventures, I believe I made a new friend in fact."

"Holy Haddocks! What was he like, Aquaman?"

"He was mighty powerful, Garth. Cunning too. And he wielded this magnificent hammer. And he'd twirl it, like this, and fly."

Aquaman starts to mimic the movement and actions of Thor for Garth, propelling himself upward through the water as he twirls his wrists were he wielding Thor's mighty hammer Mjolnir. Returning to where the young and anxious Atlantean remained, the Marine Marvel lands.

"Suffering Sailfish! Gee Aquaman, you've really gotta take me along your adventures. I can just picture it now. Aquaman and Aqualad. Sea Sleuths of the Seven Seas!"

"Hahaha...Aqualad? Why, that's quite clever. But I don't plan on going on another adventure anytime soon, Garth. This old sea slug has had enough for one day."


Tønsberg, Norway
An old library

"I guess the old saying is indeed correct..."

The old librarian's body turns to dust as Orm's spell is finished. The disgusting scent of the old man's burned body fills the library but the stench does not bother the Ocean Master. He merely waltzes around the library, looking around the shelves.

"...if you want something done, do it yourself. The scroll must be here."

The Bone of Ullr is an ancient and powerful magical relic. It is said to have been wielded by the Norse God Ullr for ages prior to his death. On this bone, are ancient and powerful spells carved all around it. It is this wand-like item that had brought Orm to the Norwegian Sea.

Ullr was so powerful, that when Odin was exiled, Ullr ruled in his place for 10 years. Such raw and mystical power is what the Ocean Master seeks. One of the abilities the God bestowed upon it was the ability to walk on water to make traveling across the seas much quicker. And so Orm searched far and deep within the Norwegian waters, hoping to perhaps discover it in one of the many grottos. That was until the troublesome hero Aquaman got in his way while Orm was performing his search.

"Hee hee hee."

"What?"

The sound of a child's laughter echoes the rooms of the library. Orm Marius turns around, and he sees a small child looking to be no older than seven years old. The child simply stands there, looking innocent and smiling at the Ocean Master. The decayed bodies that continue to lie and rot within the library do not even stun or become apparent to the young blonde child.

"Hee hee hee hee hee."

The child starts to turn and run, continuing to giggle as he trots through the library. The villain chooses to follow the mysterious child, passing through what seems to be countless bookcases and bookshelves. Why, the library seems to have changed for there is no possible way the Ocean Master could have been traveling in the same old building; it was not quite this large.

Becoming lost in the sea of bookshelves, Orm loses sight of the giggling blonde child, and it is as if a wall suddenly opens up. For when the Ocean Master turns his head, he notices a small room with a fireplace and a desk. Near the fireplace is a small shelf with several old scrolls. As Orm walks in, the fireplace suddenly lights up: a wondrous green flame.

 

[Carnage27]

​

Right about now Gotham's citizens are sitting down for their nightly newscast. Little do they know they'll be getting a bit of a different show tonight.

I sit in the co-anchor chair wearing my best suit, with the corpse of Mike Engel sitting next to me with face paint matching mine. Two of the boys are above him, holding wires connected to his arms and head. That's right I've made Gotham's leading news man into a puppet.

Hell, if it can work for that hack Jeff Dunham, it could certainly work for me.

The opening of the shows starts, and my man working the camera gives me the signal that we've gone live. Almost every TV in Gotham is tuned into my face.

"Gotham, it's been too long!" I say spreading my arms wide to the city. "It's your old pal Joker here wondering how you've been. How are you doing, Mike?"

"Oh you know," I say through the side of my mouth as my goons flop Engel's dead body around, "a little cold, a little bit stiffer, just as ugly."

"Mike! Buddy! If there's one thing I thought could not happen was for you to get stiffer. But here we are! Whohahaha...ha..ha..."

I put my head in my hands and shake it a little, "*Sigh* You know what, forget it boys. Just drop him. Ventriloquists are never funny."

The reporter's body falls limp across the desk, and I continue, "When I got put away, I thought you people's lives would fall into a boring little rut...But look at where we are now! Our old friend Harvey's turned into a mobster that gives the term Scarface a literal meaning, and now our former white knight is running the town's organized crime! M. Night Shamalamadingdong couldn't have written a better twist himself!"

I put my feat up on Engel's back and recline a bit in the chair, "It's almost like you've all forgotten about little old me. And that's why I'm here tonight, Gotham. To announce that I've come back to my adoring public. And don't worry, we're going to make up for all the time we've lost! Oh it's going to be like The Notebook, but with more gratuitous violence! Hehehe!"

"Get ready, Gotham," my mood turns serious, a murderous look gleaming in my eye. "You're about to enter the made house from hell. The prize for those that find their way through? Their sanity. And by the end of this, I'll show the best of you that all it takes to descend into madness is one bad day."

"Sleep tight, Gotham! Seasons greetings!"

The feed cuts out and I look at the dead anchorman next to me.

"Once I'm done with this, I'm definitely going to kill Jeff Dunham."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

A Hard Day's Night ~ Part 1​

City Hall is surrounded by police cars when the Flash arrives. The street is blocked off, and a crowd of civilians have set up shop along the barricaded perimeter.

"Detective Morillo, Detective Chyre", Wally greets as he walks up to the two senior police officers on the scene.
"What's the situation?"

"Flash, it's about damn time you showed up", a frustrated Morillo says.

"Captain Boomerang has locked himself inside the mayor's office", Chyre answers.
"He's threatening to kill the mayor if his demands aren't met."

"And how much is he after this time?"

Morillo and Chyre paused and exchanged a look of concern.

"That you take off your mask and show the world your identity."

"Oh", a surprised Wally says, "that's...certainly different from his usual MO."

"All right, officers...let me go have a talk with our friend in there."

Before either detective could reply, the Flash was gone, rushing into City Hall and heading towards the mayor's office.

Something's definitely not right here. First Double Down, now Boomerang. It's a bit too coordinated for my liking. Then there's the out of character demand by Boomerang.

Have to be on my guard on this one, Wally thinks to himself as he reaches the mayor's office and phases through the wall.

"What the hell", Boomerang blurts out in surprise at the sudden appearance of the Flash.

The mayor, tied to his office chair and gagged, looks on with pleading eyes as the Flash stares down Captain Boomerang.

"Ya got alotta guts, bargin' in like ya did, mate", Digger smirks as he holds out a razor-edged boomerang, aiming it at the mayor, who sits only a couple feet away.
"So...what's it gonna be? Ya gonna be a good little hero and take the mask off? Or ya gonna stand there and let the mayor die?"

"What's your angle, Boomerang", the Flash sternly asked, his gaze never wavering as he stared the villain down.
"I put Double Down out of commission, then you suddenly pop up making unconventional demands? It doesn't add up."

"Wouldn't you like ta know", smiled Boomerang.

"Ya know what they say, Flash...ya reap what ya sow. And, junior", Captain Boomerang chuckles, "it's harvest time."

Boomerang flicks his wrist, going for the killing stroke to the mayor's exposed jugular.

No.

Speed mode instantly kicks in for Wally, and the world slows down to a snail's crawl.
Running to the mayor's rescue, the Flash grasp's Digger's wrist with one hand, stopping the strike. And, with his other hand, Wally smashes his fist into Boomerang's nose.

The world returns to normal around him, as Boomerang drops the weapon harmlessly to the floor and is sent flying over the mayor's desk and crashing through the window.

Before Boomerang can hit the pavement below, the Flash is waiting there to catch him.
Flash drops Boomerang from his arms, and gives him one more solid shot across the chin that puts him to sleep.

Chyre and Morillo are there to immediately cuff the villain, while the Flash disappears and reappears a second later with the rescued mayor.

"Thank you, Flash", the frightened mayor says.
"I don't know what would've happened to me had you not showed up."

"My pleasure, Mr. Mayor", Wally smiles and nods.
"It's all part of the job."

"Sir...Detectives", a wide-eyed officer was shouting as he ran up towards Morillo and Chyre.
"There's been an explosion at the Keystone Motors plant!"

"God dammit", Chyre curses as he hands Boomerang off to a pair of waiting cops.
"We're stretched too thin as it is with this and that crap earlier at the casino."

"Just tell them to send all available units in the area", Morillo ordered.

"And maybe you can go help if your...", Chyre began as he turned to the Flash, but he let his sentence trail off as he saw that the Flash disappeared.

"Didn't even see him leave...", the surprised, panicked officer comments.

"Yeah...that's why they call him the Flash, Einstein."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Smoke rose from the shattered buildings all around him, as Thanos calmly stepped over the defeated body of the Inhuman called Triton. Dozens of other Inhumans lay scattered about in Thanos' wake. He had gotten through the entire city of Attilan in just a few minutes and now stood in front of the the citadel where the Main Power Battery was kept.

"Go no further, Titan."

Thanos paused and turned his head up and behind him to see the little blue man floating in the air.

"Ganthet", Thanos stated.
"You have certainly taken your time to make your presence known."

"Or maybe you enjoyed watching me lay waste to the native population", the Mad Titan devilishly grinned.

"Do not try and goad me, Mad One", the Guardian scowled, "it won't work. I will give you one last chance to leave this place immediately, or suffer the consequences."

"Do not fear, Guardian", Thanos replies.
"I fully intend to leave this worthless rock behind. But, not until I obtain what I came here for."

"So be it."

Ganthet raised his hands and unleashed an blast of blue energy at Thanos. The Titan dug in and activated his personal forcefields as the blast smashed against them.
The explosion blew apart a large portion of the street, creating a massive crater in which Thanos resolutely stood.

Ganthet took hold of the Titan then in a telekinetic grip, raising him off of his feet and into the air.
But Thanos sneered at the Guardian in contempt as he fired a torrent of cosmic energy from his eyes. The blast hit Ganthet squarely, knocking the Guardian out of the air.
With his concentration broken, Ganthet's telekinetic hold over him disappeared, and Thanos plummeted towards the ground. At the last second though, the Titan used his own telekinetic power, slowing his descent to that of a falling feather and gently touching down.Ganthet again attack the Titan, but Thanos was ready. The blast smashed against his forcefields again with enough force to push the Titan backwards, digging ruts in the ground from his planted feet.
Still the forcefields held.

"You are a powerful being, Guardian, of that there is no doubt."

Thanos' eyes burned with a supernatural fire, and the earth underneath the Guardian came alive and enveloped Ganthet like a cocoon.
But the prison only held Ganthet for a couple seconds, and the shell blew apart as the Guardian was once again free.

"But so is Thanos of Titan."

Thanos' hand wrapped tightly around Ganthet's face, squeezing it like a vice. Cosmic power poured from Thanos' core and into the Guardian, frying the little blue man with a massive amount of energy.

Still blasting the Guardian, the Titan raised his enemy high above his head. Using all of his strength, Thanos slammed the back of Ganthet's head into the ground, even leaping into the blow to give it more force.

Ganthet was dazed, and Thanos smiled wickedly as his cosmic onslaught grew stronger, bringing the Guardian to the edge of defeat.

 

[Carnage27]

After a few hours, and an impromptu funeral for Garfield's mother, the team and I are flying home in the Blackbird. I sit back and watch the plane's instruments, making sure everything is fine before setting the aircraft onto autopilot.

"We should have gotten there sooner," Scott whispers from the pilot's chair next to me.

I put my hand on his shoulder, "Don't beat yourself up, Scott. Zhere vas no way ve could have known what was happening. At least ve saved Garfield and his father."

"Yea, I guess," our team leader merely shrugs his shoulders.

*******

As soon as we land, Scott takes Garfield off to show him around the Mansion, and I head to my room to get some much needed rest.

I flop down on my bed and my heavy eyelids close, and...

Kurt, I require your assistance.

"Figures...," I mumble as the Professor's words echo through my head.

Without the attitude, Kurt, I wince as Professor X reprimands me.

BAMF

Charles Xavier jumps a little as I appear in his office, "Yes, Professor?"

"Kurt, I have a mission for you," he replies quickly.

"Shouldn't Scott and zhe rest of the team be here?" I ask taking a seat in front of his desk.

Xavier merely shakes his head, "No, Kurt. This mission requires a certain level of secrecy and stealth. A level that I do not feel comfortable sending an entire team in. No. This will be a one man mission, and with Logan currently MIA, you are that man."

My ears perk up at what the Professor is saying. The last time I got sent on a one-man mission I ended up as an integral part in taking down a mutant slave trading ring. I've enjoyed the past few months with the rest of the X-Men, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dying to show of my own skills again.

"This," Professor X continues, turning on a screen on the wall to my right, "is the Amazon rainforest, as you know."

"Seriously, professor? I just came from Brazil," I half laugh at my mentor.

"The irony is not lost on me, Kurt. But I equipped the Blackbird with surveying equipment before you left in order to map the area where I detected this most recent mutant. The mission to acquire Garfield was also to let me formulate a plan to rescue another mutant in the area."

I nod as he continues, "As you can see here, is a city."

The screen zooms into what seems to be a city reminiscent of Roman architecture, "It's huge, Professor...how has zhis not been discovered before?"

"Because, Kurt, it has been protected by a very powerful magic," he responds.

"Is zhe source zhe mutant you are sending me after?"

"No, Kurt. The girl I'm sending you for is around your age, and would not have the level of control that this protection requires. I'm not sure of her abilities yet, but I have found she is powerful through Cerebro."

"So vhat is zhe plan?"

"I have packed you a survival pack. It contains a communicator to radio me when you and Amara are safe, as well as rations and other survival tools. We will have Blink open a portal to the jungle outside the city, and with the info the Blackbird sent me, I can break down the magical protection to let you enter."

Professor Xavier's mood turns even more serious, "Kurt, I want you to be very careful. I have no way of knowing what secrets this city holds, nor how long it has been sealed off from the outside world. You will need to use all your training to succeed. But I would not be sending you if I did not have incredible faith that you will."

I pick up the pack and take a deep breath, "I am ready vhen you are, Professor."

"Very well. Blink, you may enter."

My pink-skinned classmate enters, "Hi, Kurt!"

"Hey, Blink. Good to see you."

"Blink, open the portal, if you would."

Blink merely nods, and the vortex opens in front of me. I say nothing as I walk into it, and appear on the other side.

The hot sticky air clings to my fur, and sweat begins to bead on my face. I start the trek through the trees, humming the Indiana Jones song as I go.
​

 

[Keyser Soze]

Tønsberg, Norway
An old library

"I guess the old saying is indeed correct..."

The old librarian's body turns to dust as Orm's spell is finished. The disgusting scent of the old man's burned body fills the library but the stench does not bother the Ocean Master. He merely waltzes around the library, looking around the shelves.

"...if you want something done, do it yourself. The scroll must be here."

The Bone of Ullr is an ancient and powerful magical relic. It is said to have been wielded by the Norse God Ullr for ages prior to his death. On this bone, are ancient and powerful spells carved all around it. It is this wand-like item that had brought Orm to the Norwegian Sea.

Ullr was so powerful, that when Odin was exiled, Ullr ruled in his place for 10 years. Such raw and mystical power is what the Ocean Master seeks. One of the abilities the God bestowed upon it was the ability to walk on water to make traveling across the seas much quicker. And so Orm searched far and deep within the Norwegian waters, hoping to perhaps discover it in one of the many grottos. That was until the troublesome hero Aquaman got in his way while Orm was performing his search.

"Hee hee hee."

"What?"

The sound of a child's laughter echoes the rooms of the library. Orm Marius turns around, and he sees a small child looking to be no older than seven years old. The child simply stands there, looking innocent and smiling at the Ocean Master. The decayed bodies that continue to lie and rot within the library do not even stun or become apparent to the young blonde child.

"Hee hee hee hee hee."

The child starts to turn and run, continuing to giggle as he trots through the library. The villain chooses to follow the mysterious child, passing through what seems to be countless bookcases and bookshelves. Why, the library seems to have changed for there is no possible way the Ocean Master could have been traveling in the same old building; it was not quite this large.

Becoming lost in the sea of bookshelves, Orm loses sight of the giggling blonde child, and it is as if a wall suddenly opens up. For when the Ocean Master turns his head, he notices a small room with a fireplace and a desk. Near the fireplace is a small shelf with several old scrolls. As Orm walks in, the fireplace suddenly lights up: a wondrous green flame.

The green flame swirled and shifted, and from it a thick trail of green smoke curled out into the room. The smoke took shape, and soon a towering figure could be seen within it, with a horned helmet and a leering grin.

"Greetings, Orm Marius. I am Loki. I believe you have already met my brother, Thor."

 

[wiegeabo]

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?"

I step out of the vault, pulling on my gloves. "We are. Suit up," I say as walk over to the money. I pull my cowl down over my face and start loading it into a case.

"We leave in five minutes."


***

The roof is dark, quiet, and empty. It's getting cold, and the wind whips past us sharply. I walk over to the power switch and turn it on. There's the hum of electricity as the spotlight flickers on and my symbol fills the sky...

 

[Byrd Man]

My work is my life and my life is my work.

12 and 16 hour days have become routine. I swear the only time I see Barbara is when she's asleep. I leave for work before the sun comes up, and I come home well after it's went down. Two words and one hyphen dance through my mind.

Two-Face. Two-Face. Two-Face.

Sarah and the MCU is so close to pulling the net around his top lieutenants. It's only a matter of weeks before we start seeing Har-...Two-Face.

"Uhh, sir..." the young secretary peeks her head through the door.

"Yes, Stacy?"

"Someone has turned on the signal."

I'm up out of my office and on the roof in two minutes flat.

"Change of pace," I wheeze and put my hands on my knees.

"Usually I'm seeking you out."

 

[wiegeabo]

My work is my life and my life is my work.

12 and 16 hour days have become routine. I swear the only time I see Barbara is when she's asleep. I leave for work before the sun comes up, and I come home well after it's went down. Two words and one hyphen dance through my mind.

Two-Face. Two-Face. Two-Face.

Sarah and the MCU is so close to pulling the net around his top lieutenants. It's only a matter of weeks before we start seeing Har-...Two-Face.

"Uhh, sir..." the young secretary peeks her head through the door.

"Yes, Stacy?"

"Someone has turned on the signal."

I'm up out of my office and on the roof in two minutes flat.

"Change of pace," I wheeze and put my hands on my knees.

"Usually I'm seeking you out."

"I wanted to make sure I got your attention."

I wait for Jim to catch his breath before stepping up and offering him the case.

"Ten thousand in small bills. All marked. The tracker is inside. It will indicate any irradiated bill."

 

[Byrd Man]

"I wanted to make sure I got your attention."

I wait for Jim to catch his breath before stepping up and offering him the case.

"Ten thousand in small bills. All marked. The tracker is inside. It will indicate any irradiated bill."

"Thank you. I talked to Captain Essen and we've hit a bit of a snag on the case. Two-Face and his people have gotten wise to our wiretaps. These marked bills should help find out what they do with their money and where it goes."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Thank you. I talked to Captain Essen and we've hit a bit of a snag on the case. Two-Face and his people have gotten wise to our wiretaps. These marked bills should help find out what they do with their money and where it goes."

"Dent was always a brilliant man. Now that brilliance is twisted. I will be difficult to keep ahead of him."

"How will you make sure Two-Face gets these bills?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"Dent was always a brilliant man. Now that brilliance is twisted. I will be difficult to keep ahead of him."

"How will you make sure Two-Face gets these bills?"

"Three of our detectives will go undercover and purchase drugs from Two-Face's dealers. They're all young and gung-ho. Cole, Fields, and Driver. If they can get past the fun, maybe they can be good detectives. After we've surveyed the buys, we'll get search and siezure warrants from Gotham banks and tracing the dirty money through Two-Face's fronts."

 

[Carnage27]

I stalk the jungle's trees like a blue-furred jaguar, skirting around the city, trying not to be seen. As the Professor said, stealth was the key to this mission. So far all I've seen are a couple of guards dressed as Roman soldiers. A sign that tells me that these people have been sealed away for a long, long time.

After another hour of scouting, something catches my eye deeper in the jungle. I climb in for a closer look and it seems to be...

A treehouse?

I enter the domicile, and start poking around. I find old clothes scattered about, and the cores and seeds of different types of tropical fruits.

"Seems like someones be living zhe high life up here," I say.

Almost as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I feel a blade press against my neck, "And I intend to keep it that way, beast. When did she send you?"

She spins me around, and I find myself face to face with the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Long, blond hair falls over her shoulders, and her light blue eyes pierce my own. And she knows how to handle a sword. I think I'm in love.

"I'm sure I do not know vhat you are talking about, fraulein," I respond with a smile. "Now, if you vould just put zhe sword down, ve could talk."

Her eyes narrow, "I do not believe you. She must have sent you.Tell me the Black Priestess sent you, and your death will be quick."

At this point I'm sure this is the girl that Professor X has sent me for. She seems to be my age, and she's obviously running from someone here. Now, if I can just convince her not to kill me. Teleporting may scare her even more, and I'd rather not take the chance if it isn't necessary.

"My lady, I promise you, I have no idea vhat you are talking about," I say with as much earnest intention as I can. "My name is Kurt Vagner. I believe I have been sent here to help you."

She lowers the blade, "I will not kill you. But I do not trust you. If you would hand me your sword."

I oblige, and sit down on a stool, "So...I have given you my name. Vhat is yours, fraulein?"

"My name is Amara or the house of Aquilla," she says, bowing slightly. "What...are you, Kurt Wagner?"

I smile an laugh, "I am like you, Amara, zhough not as beautiful. I am human, believe it or not. Just...a different type of human."

"You flatter me, sir. Although I do not know if I believe you. You know what they say about the devil being charming," she smiles.

"Zhe devil's got nothing on me," I laugh. "Now...who is zhis Priestess, Amara?"

"Honestly...I am not sure," she muses. "Five cycles of the moon ago, a cult, accompanied with a political sect sprung up here in Nova Roma, claiming that salvation would be achieved only by worshiping the Black Priestess. It was also at this time that young girls began disappearing from their homes."

I listen intently as she continues, "My father is an important senator in the city, and opposed the new regime. He feared for my life, and sent my into the wilds as protection."

"And we've finally found you," a gruff male voice says from the entrance. The two of us spin and see a Roman soldier standing there, sword drawn, shield raised. "My lady has been waiting for you, Amara."

I spring over Amara's head while simultaneously grabbing my sword, "You vant her? Come and claim her."

The soldier merely snarls and bull rushes me. I swiftly roll out of the way and deliver a slash to the arm holding his shield, forcing him to drop it in the process. He retaliates with a few powerful slices, all of which I parry with difficulty.

Amara come up from behind him and smashes the hilt of her blade into the back of his head, knocking him out. She peers out the window of her hut, "They have got us surrounded."

"Not for long," I say grabbing her shoulder and...

Nothing. I can't teleport. I literally can't. Something is blocking my ability. Something strong.

Amara gives me a look, "...Yes?"

I shake my head, "Something's wrong. I would usually be able to get us out of this..."

A horde of soldiers storm into the treehouse. I act fast in engaging them in combat, but am quickly overwhelmed. They begin to beat me, and my vision fades as I see Amara being bound and gagged.

 

[Karem-Knight]

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.”

Oval Office

It had been two days since Tony Stark had publicly criticized Lex; calling him out and accusing him of being an egotistical maniac. Two days and Luthor had watched the interview over and over again thinking about his next course of action; Stark was just a billionaire playboy, Lex was an inventor whom had now become the most powerful man in the world. And powerful men do not get insulted.

"Er...Mr. President?"

Lex turned off the television and looked around to see his head of finance walking inside.

"Yes?"

"Um...we need to talk about the financial effects that the Sentinels are causing for the military, not to mention the Kahndaq clean up..."

"Another time."

"But sir..."

"I said ANOTHER TIME!"

And like that Mr. Banks left the room while Luthor pondered about Tony Stark challenge, the Sentinels vs Stark's Iron Man armor. He thought about it long and hard pondering about the effects this could have on his reputation, the challenge is set and the President didn't even take it upon himself to accept it. No, other men would back down from the challenge- but Lex Luthor the President of the United States wouldn't.

He got the Presidental telephone and started to type down a phone number and it rung and rung until finally a woman answered the phone.

"Hello this is Jennifer Matthews from Mr. Stark's office, how may I help you?"

"Good evening, this is the President speaking; may I talk to Mr. Stark please?"

A silence irrupted as the secutary whispered "oh my god" and finally spoke again.

"I'm sorry Mr. President, Mr. Stark is out right now. May I take a message?"

"Yes. I would like to take him up on his offer to have my Sentinels combat his Iron Man armor; see if he can make it this Saturday at Metropolis park."


"I will Mr. President, right away sir."

"Thank you."

Lex hung up the phone and clasped his hands together thinking about the challenge and as he did, he smirked over the very idea of how to defeat Tony Stark. But no, he wouldn't just defeat him; he would destroy him. Take away his company, his job, his reputation, everything he ever owned. Iron Man was going to lost more than just this fight.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Sorry to have to do this", Superman states as he flies into the monster, slamming his fists into the beast's jaw and sending it stumbling backwards.

"But something tells me you're not the talkative type", Superman finishes as he whips around and slams his fists into the back of the creature's head, driving it into and under the water.

Superman lets off as the monster stops itself under the sea and looks up at the Man of Steel. The creature swims at Superman with amazing speed, faster than Superman anticipated, and smacks him away with a powerful backhand.

Superman flails through the water and finally steadies himself.
The monster comes at Superman again, but this time the Man of Steel is ready, unleashing a blast of heat vision that instantly boils the nearby water and strikes the creature directly in the chest.

Superman doesn't let up, coming at the monster before it can recover and pummeling it with dozens of punches at super speed. With one last punch, Superman sends the creature hurtling up and out of the water and soaring out of Metropolis harbor and splashing down back into the ocean outside the city.

Superman follows the monster to make sure it's over, and discovers the creature lying in wait for him.
The monster is bruised and beaten, but still refuses to yield as it attacks Superman again, swatting him into the ocean floor, the impact shaking the entire area like an earthquake.

The monster raises it's foot to try and stomp the Man of Steel, but Clark recovers and catches the beast's appendage as it's coming down. As he struggles against the creature's strength and advantageous position, Superman hears the bold battle cry right out across the sea.

"Imperious Rex!!!"

The stranger's double fists slammed into the creature's jaw, giving the beast pause and allowing Superman to take advantage. With a mighty heave, Superman tossed the monster over and onto it's back.
As it came crashing down, the stranger hurled a massive boulder down onto the creature's head.

"No!"

Superman called out and tried to stop it, but it was already too late. The creature lay dead on the ocean floor, it's arms gently waving with the currents.

"You didn't have to kill it", Superman frowned at his rescuer.

"I believe the proper words you are looking for are 'thank you'", the newcomer scoffed.
"But I suppose all surface dwellers are ill-mannered cretins."

"Look, 'friend', I don't know who you think you are, but-"

"I am Namor", the Atlantean said proudly.
"King of Atlantis."

"And, as much as it pains me to say it...I require your aid."

 

[Carnage27]

"Do you have everything packed for the weekend, Peter?" Aunt May asks from the hallway. She's been giving me the fake excitement routine for the past few days since I told her I was going to Gotham to visit Babs. But I know how she really feels. The last time I came back from Gotham, she thought I was mugged.

In reality, I was battling Eddie Brock who had obtained the alien symbiote that formed my black suit. None the less, Gotham was a dangerous city, and I will be bringing my webshooters and costume with me.

"Yes, Aunt May. Everything is ready to go. And I couldn't have done it without you," I respond with a smile. It does weigh on my soul sometimes. Lying to Aunt May, that is. There's some days when I just want to blurt out my secret. But I know better than that.

She pokes her head through the door, "Good, dear. What time does your train leave again?"

"Eleven sharp."

"Well, I'll be at the doctor's tomorrow, be careful, and check in with me," she says pointing at me.

"You know I will, Aunt May."

"Goodnight, Peter. I love you."

"Love you too, Aunt May," I say climbing into bed.

She shuts the door, and turns out the light, and I sit up in bed and open up the drawer on my nightstand, taking out my League communicator. I send out a text message to the rest of the young League members I've recruited the past few weeks.

Headed to Gotham to recruit final member. Be ready for first meeting.

I already let Johnny Storm know that I was going to Gotham, and asked him to take over my patrols this weekend, starting tonight. Can't leave the Big Apple undefended for an entire weekend now, can I?

I put the communicator in my bag, and pick up my personal cell phone. I send a quick text to Babs.

Can't wait to see ya tomorrow.

I don't care what happens. This is gonna be a good weekend.

 

[trustyside-kick]

The Hidden Valley
Home of the Idylists

"The Aquacave? How adorable. He's really taken a shine to you, my love."

"I know. He even has started to call himself Aqualad, Mera. I laughed so hard when I heard him say it. But yes, just several miles of where Poseidonis used to lie, he found a cave. He has already practically made it a second home."

"And you will indeed use it, right?"

"Come on, Mera. Don't encourage the boy. He thinks that adventure only contains happiness and fun. The thought of any grown man putting a young boy in such danger is crazy!"

Mera laughs, as she concludes to tease her husband. Orin too begins to chuckle and the two embrace themselves in a hug. After the hero sneaks in a kiss on her cheek, his wife looks back at him with a certain look upon her face.

"...What?"

"Nothing...the boy really looks up to you. I've seen how you are with him, too. Just...thinking, is all."

"About what we talked about?"

Mera takes Orin's hands, and guides it down to her belly. The look on his face is that of astonishment and excitement. Mera giggles and nods her head. He's completely speechless.

A father.

Aquaman's going to be a father.


Tønsberg, Norway
An old library

The green flame swirled and shifted, and from it a thick trail of green smoke curled out into the room. The smoke took shape, and soon a towering figure could be seen within it, with a horned helmet and a leering grin.

"Greetings, Orm Marius. I am Loki. I believe you have already met my brother, Thor."

Here Orm Marius, the Ocean Master, finds himself face-to-face with another apparent magic-user. It does not completely surprise him, for there was something rather unusual and mystical about how he ended up in this strange room. No doubt the young boy laughing which led him here was merely this Loki, brother of Thor, disguised.

"Indeed I have. He interfered as I was tangled in battle with my own brother in fact. Well, half-brother: Aquaman. But how would you know of this?"

Orm starts to ready himself, not yet channeling but having a spell in mind should he have to defend himself. It would appear that this being has been spying on him. Could he also be after the Bones of Ullr? Or could he somehow be some sort of Guardian who keeps watch of it? It does not matter. Should he try to come between the Ocean Master and his goals, he will find himself dead in a matter of moments.

 

[Keyser Soze]

16 Days Dry

Saturday, sweet Saturday. Tonight's the night.

Lex Luthor answered the challenge, set the time and place. Right here, in Metropolis Park, his turf. But that's fine. He gave me two days notice, which was time enough to get together the only preparations I was interested in making. Now, in the middle of Metropolis Park was a large dome made of a near impenetrable glass alloy, with a stage area fitted with a large screen and a sizeable amount of seating available inside. See, I knew this fight would attract media attention, as well as the interest of the general public looking for a large scale smackdown. In short, I knew there would be a lot of innocent bystanders here to see me fight some Sentinels, and since I brought them here, it is my responsibility to keep them safe. Any fighting would be done well outside this dome, no risk of collateral damage so long as everyone stayed in here. However, since I brought them here, it is also my responsibility to keep them entertained.

Which is where the scantily-clad cheerleaders come in.

The lights dim, and the Ironettes (what do you think of that name? I kinda like it) take to the stage, dancing away to some techno beat. Once they've wrapped up their routine, they disperse, leaving a space in the middle, as the music cuts and there is a dead silence in the air. My cue. I fly down from the skies, through the hole at the top of the dome, and land in the centre of the stage.

Then "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer starts to play, and I get my groove on.

With the cheerleaders accompanying me, I start to recreate Hammer's routine so well I pleasantly surprise myself. I knew all those hours practising in my college dorm would finally pay off someday. Is it kinda sad I put a lot more work into getting that routine note-perfect than in figuring out how to beat the Sentinels?

When I'm done dancing, I soak in the applause. Oh yeah, I can even make that look cool. Sometimes, being a superhero is awesome. Finally, I speak up.

"Thank you, thank you! I feel like Apollo Creed in Rocky 4!"

Only after his pre-fight dance, Ivan Drago punched him in the face so hard he died. Let's hope I have better luck.

"I'm glad you could all make it here to see me kick some Sentinel ass..."

I let my helmet faceplate flip back open, revealing my face. Just so they all know it's me in here.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin the fight of the century. In the red corner, the President of the United States that makes us nostalgic for Nixon.... Lex Loser! I mean Luthor!"

A large canvas unrolls itself on the right side of the stage, with a picture of Lex Luthor vandalised with a Hitler moustache and glasses drawn onto it. A "Wa-wa-waaaaaaaaa" sound effect plays, and the crowd laughs.

"And in the blue corner, the world's coolest mack daddy, Iron Man himself, Tony Stark!"

And on the left side of the stage, a picture of me - looking very dashing I might add - is unveiled. Outside, a glorious display of fireworks are set off.

"If my timing is right, Luthor's Sentinels should be arriving any minute now. So enjoy the show!"

My faceplate closes again, and I fly out of the dome and land in the park outside, awaiting my three robotic foes.

 

[Karem-Knight]

16 Days Dry

Saturday, sweet Saturday. Tonight's the night.

Lex Luthor answered the challenge, set the time and place. Right here, in Metropolis Park, his turf. But that's fine. He gave me two days notice, which was time enough to get together the only preparations I was interested in making. Now, in the middle of Metropolis Park was a large dome made of a near impenetrable glass alloy, with a stage area fitted with a large screen and a sizeable amount of seating available inside. See, I knew this fight would attract media attention, as well as the interest of the general public looking for a large scale smackdown. In short, I knew there would be a lot of innocent bystanders here to see me fight some Sentinels, and since I brought them here, it is my responsibility to keep them safe. Any fighting would be done well outside this dome, no risk of collateral damage so long as everyone stayed in here. However, since I brought them here, it is also my responsibility to keep them entertained.

Which is where the scantily-clad cheerleaders come in.

The lights dim, and the Ironettes (what do you think of that name? I kinda like it) take to the stage, dancing away to some techno beat. Once they've wrapped up their routine, they disperse, leaving a space in the middle, as the music cuts and there is a dead silence in the air. My cue. I fly down from the skies, through the hole at the top of the dome, and land in the centre of the stage.

Then "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer starts to play, and I get my groove on.

With the cheerleaders accompanying me, I start to recreate Hammer's routine so well I pleasantly surprise myself. I knew all those hours practising in my college dorm would finally pay off someday. Is it kinda sad I put a lot more work into getting that routine note-perfect than in figuring out how to beat the Sentinels?

When I'm done dancing, I soak in the applause. Oh yeah, I can even make that look cool. Sometimes, being a superhero is awesome. Finally, I speak up.

"Thank you, thank you! I feel like Apollo Creed in Rocky 4!"

Only after his pre-fight dance, Ivan Drago punched him in the face so hard he died. Let's hope I have better luck.

"I'm glad you could all make it here to see me kick some Sentinel ass..."

I let my helmet faceplate flip back open, revealing my face. Just so they all know it's me in here.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin the fight of the century. In the red corner, the President of the United States that makes us nostalgic for Nixon.... Lex Loser! I mean Luthor!"

A large canvas unrolls itself on the right side of the stage, with a picture of Lex Luthor vandalised with a Hitler moustache and glasses drawn onto it. A "Wa-wa-waaaaaaaaa" sound effect plays, and the crowd laughs.

"And in the blue corner, the world's coolest mack daddy, Iron Man himself, Tony Stark!"

And on the left side of the stage, a picture of me - looking very dashing I might add - is unveiled. Outside, a glorious display of fireworks are set off.

"If my timing is right, Luthor's Sentinels should be arriving any minute now. So enjoy the show!"

My faceplate closes again, and I fly out of the dome and land in the park outside, awaiting my three robotic foes.

The Presidential Helicopter came flying over the glass dome that was placed at the centre of Metropolis Park, created and funded by LexCorp none the less as three Sentinels flew behind it and finally landed right next to the arena. Where Tony Stark decided to show off using celebrity and juvenile techniques, Lex decided to show off through sheer simple imagery and power. Lex and members of his Secret Service walked out of the helicopter into the arena, Lex had been watching Stark's introduction on the television inside the chopper and decided to attack this childish antic.

"Ah, Mr. Stark how good to see you. And might I congratulate you on that performance of yours...perhaps instead of being a business man you should have taken time becoming a dancer instead? Would be much more successful then being a comedian."

Lex said his microphone heard throughout the crowd as a few chuckles were heard throughout the crowd. "Now, I can only use this time for one hour...seeing as I do have a rather time consuming job, how about we do this task and act a little more mature about the situation?"

Lex lent out his hand signalling a handshake as Iron Man took it and both men smiled for a quick photo op.

"..We're on to you, Mr. President." Stark said under his Iron Man armour tuned down so that the public couldn't hear it.

"Believe me, after this is over it'll only be a matter of time before your comrades follow suit."

The President answered back underneath a smirk as he waved to the crowd once more and went to his seat over looking the coming battle; but before he did he made time for one last public speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, till now you have only seen short glimpses of the Sentinels in newspapers or TV footage; and an extremely quick glance accompanying me to my entrance.

Let me take this opportunity to finally introduce the government's weapon against meta human and mutant threats....The Sentinels."

The robots walked into the arena silent given the audience a time to marvel at their presence, they looked like something made from an alien being not by the United States Government. It was an amazing site but the only person who did not look impressed at all was Iron Man who stood their impatiently wanting to destroy the machines.

"Now ladies and gentlemen.....let the battle begin!"

 

[Carnage27]

I slam my fists against the desk in my hideout, "Why hasn't he showed up yet? I've sent such a lovely set of invitations to Bats and he's still playing hard to get! I don't even think Gordo and the Keystone Cops are looking for me!"

"Maybe he's just waitin' till ya slip up, boss," one of the men sitting in front of me says.

"I thought I said this was a no talking meeting, MORON!" I yell pulling a gun from my waist. I pull the trigger and the goon flinches as a little, pink and purple "BANG!" flag pops out of the gun. My maniacal laughter fills the room as I pull the trigger again. The flag flies out of the gun and impales the fool through the eye.

"Well I feel better," I say sitting down in a plushy purple chair. I look at the remaining men sitting in front of me, obviously nervous. "What are you buffoons looking at!? Back to work! I'd hate to have to give someone else a pink slip."

They scramble out of my office, and I'm left to my own thoughts. Batman has been a no show. The cops seem more interested in my new boss Harv than me. Even the people of Gotham seem to have completely ignored my big return. Which means only one thing.

I have to go bigger. The things I've been doing are common place for me. There's no shock value in it anymore. The people want to be surprised. And I'll give them one hell of a surprise.

"You ain't doing your job, clown," a voice proclaims from the door of my office. I look up and see Parker Robbins, Harvey's right hand man, leaning up against the door frame.

"Robby! How ya doin' buddy? Take a seat. Always nice to have the bosses check up from me from time to time."

He sits down in front of the desk and notices the dead man in the chair next to him, sneering at the flag sticking out of his head, "What did Harvey tell you last time? You need to stop killing our men."

"Parker... let's not sit here and argue about who killed who. I'm sure there's much more important things we need to discuss."

"Yea. Harvey's feeling the heat from Gordon and the MCU. The whole point of bringing you into this operation was to get the cops off our back," he leans forward over the desk, obviously trying to intimidate me.

They think they've got me shackled into service. They really do. It's almost comical. Old Harv's become so full of himself that he thinks he can control me.

The thought of Harvey literally being full of himself passes through my mind. I wonder if he'd send it back for being too well done.

A chuckle leaps from my lips, "You're ugly when you're angry, Robby. Relax, I've got some ideas in mind. Soon enough I'll have all the little rats chasing me like I'm a block of chedder."

"Not this time. Two-Face has sent direct orders for you this time," he smiles. "You don't get to do it your way."

My eye-brows raise, "Oh yea, what's that?"

"He wants you ta get rid of Gordon. Anyway you can. With Gordon gone, the MCU will fall apart, and the investigation into our organization will fall apart."

"Sounds like fun!" I say, jumping up onto my desk. "It has been too long since Jimmy and I spent some quality time together!"

"Just get it done, clown," Parker says as he heads for the door.

Oh, I will, Robby. And enjoy your life while you can. Once I'm done with this charade, you're the first to go.

"Prick," I say as he closes the door behind him.
​

 

[wiegeabo]

"Three of our detectives will go undercover and purchase drugs from Two-Face's dealers. They're all young and gung-ho. Cole, Fields, and Driver. If they can get past the fun, maybe they can be good detectives. After we've surveyed the buys, we'll get search and siezure warrants from Gotham banks and tracing the dirty money through Two-Face's fronts."

"Good plan." Dent is smart, but even he won't expect such a subtle attack. "When do you-"

The door to the roof bursts open and an officer rushes out. But he freezes in place when he sees me and Robin.

"-God almighty..." I just glare at him. It takes him a second to remember why he rushed up here. "Uh-um-uh, Commisioner! Th-The network was just attacked by the Joker!"

I'm already leaping off the roof, Robin behind me...

 

[Red_Robin77]

"Good plan." Dent is smart, but even he won't expect such a subtle attack. "When do you-"

The door to the roof bursts open and an officer rushes out. But he freezes in place when he sees me and Robin.

"-God almighty..." I just glare at him. It takes him a second to remember why he rushed up here. "Uh-um-uh, Commisioner! Th-The network was just attacked by the Joker!"

I'm already leaping off the roof, Robin behind me...

I pounce off the roof behind Bruce, spinning through the air and firing off my grapnel at the nearest rooftop, swinging from it beside Bruce.

"I was kind of wondering when Joker would show his freaky face again."

We continue to swing out over the night streets, people starting to look up, to only see our silhouettes gliding on.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Tønsberg, Norway
An old library


Here Orm Marius, the Ocean Master, finds himself face-to-face with another apparent magic-user. It does not completely surprise him, for there was something rather unusual and mystical about how he ended up in this strange room. No doubt the young boy laughing which led him here was merely this Loki, brother of Thor, disguised.

"Indeed I have. He interfered as I was tangled in battle with my own brother in fact. Well, half-brother: Aquaman. But how would you know of this?"

Orm starts to ready himself, not yet channeling but having a spell in mind should he have to defend himself. It would appear that this being has been spying on him. Could he also be after the Bones of Ullr? Or could he somehow be some sort of Guardian who keeps watch of it? It does not matter. Should he try to come between the Ocean Master and his goals, he will find himself dead in a matter of moments.

"I know of this because my brother has quite a talent for interference, and has meddled enough in my affairs for me to seek to meddle in his. I look at you, and see a kindred spirit, both of us forced to live in the shadow of an imbecile sibling who is inexplicably favoured while we are treated as outcasts, bastards."

The green mist swirled around the room, carrying the astral projection of Loki with it.

"I am here to propose an alliance. I will show you a means to hurt my brother Thor deeply, and let you take your revenge on him. Together, we will set a trap for him from which he will not escape. In exchange for this gesture of unity, I will assist you in eliminating your own nuisance brother."