One Universe: Season IV IC Thread

[Eddie Brock]

Hank sighs.

"Batman, what you're doing right now, is threatening a member of the United States Secret Service. That constitutes a felony. Yes, you may be able to take me out, but how about the forty armed agents I just called for? Not to mention, you strike me, and it will be on the news by the end of the hour, and that same media you were so ready to play up thirty seconds ago would be your worst enemy. Step down and we can figure out a solution, maybe even set something up with the president."

"That would be best for everyone," I say calmly but firmly. I touch down onto the White House lawn, unfolding my arms as a peace gesture of sorts. All three of us know that there's no need for this to escalate to violence.

 

[wiegeabo]

"That would be best for everyone," I say calmly but firmly. I touch down onto the White House lawn, unfolding my arms as a peace gesture of sorts. All three of us know that there's no need for this to escalate to violence.

"I don't know...I can handle forty."

But I take my hands off my belt and cross my arms over my chest.

"Maybe we should just let the President decide."

 

[Green Lantern]

"I don't know...I can handle forty."

But I take my hands off my belt and cross my arms over my chest.

"Maybe we should just let the President decide."

"Again, Batman. A full out attack on the White House? That would do WONDERS for proving that superhumans aren't weapons, and don't need to be registered. I'd think you'd rather not be labeled a terrorist so shortly after Amazo, wouldn't you?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Again, Batman. A full out attack on the White House? That would do WONDERS for proving that superhumans aren't weapons, and don't need to be registered. I'd think you'd rather not be labeled a terrorist so shortly after Amazo, wouldn't you?"

Before Batman can respond, I butt in, "Funny you should mention Amazo. While the President's been pushing his Registration Act, we've been tracking down the person responsible." I allow myself to smirk. "I think the President will be quite interested to learn what we know. Unless you want to explain to him why he found out about it on the nightly news?"

 

[wiegeabo]

Well put, Kent.

"Just tell President Luthor we're here to see him. Although, it's not like he doesn't already know." The last part I say louder as I look up into one of the security cameras watching us.

 

[Green Lantern]

Hank shrinks back to his normal height and looks at Batman.

"I still can't guarantee that he'll see you. And if he doesn't want to, you aren't going to. Not due to people stopping you, but due to the fact that he can get himself into a safe spot quickly. Being that this city is such a big target, you think there aren't lots of bunkers around for that purpose? Most of them LEAD lined? I'll go talk to him, but it is his decision."

Before anyone could reply, Hank disappeared from sight, shrinking to microscopic levels and heading inside the White House to find the president.

 

[Eddie Brock]

As Dr. Pym disappears, I turn to Batman. "I know Luthor. Even if he doesn't think we know anything, he won't take that risk. He's going to see us." The guards Pym mentioned begin to gather in the distance. They're just watching, waiting to see if we make a move. "How do you want to handle this? Good cop, bad cap? If so, should I even ask who the good cop is?" I give a little smile, though I know better than to expect one in return.

 

[wiegeabo]

As Dr. Pym disappears, I turn to Batman. "I know Luthor. Even if he doesn't think we know anything, he won't take that risk. He's going to see us." The guards Pym mentioned begin to gather in the distance. They're just watching, waiting to see if we make a move. "How do you want to handle this? Good cop, bad cap? If so, should I even ask who the good cop is?" I give a little smile, though I know better than to expect one in return.

I grunt noncommittally.

 

[Eddie Brock]

CYCLOPS

"What the Hell is this?"

Colossus lowers his metal skin long enough to crack his neck. "What does it look like?"

I hold up my hand, and Colossus falls back. All the while, I keep one finger pressed against the side of my visor. Allerdyce's abilities make him a serious threat, but he can't just generate a flame. That gives us a small advantage. "You know exactly what this is, Mr. Allerdyce."

Allerdyce smiles. "Mr. Allerdyce was my father." He twitches, a move that's barely perceptible. He's fast - probably by necessity. As the flames jump at me, Allerdyce shouts, "My chosen name is PYRO!"

I fire a pinpoint blast at Pyro's hand, knocking away his lighter. But the flames continue to barrel down on me - that is, until a dislodged car door appears in the space between us. I glance to my right, seeing Jean smirk. Suddenly, the smile disappears from her face.

~Scott!~

After bouncing off the car door, the flames twist and turn in midair. Under Pyro's control, they group back together into a tight fireball. I dive desperately out of the fireball's path, feeling its heat against my back. Colossus charges at Pyro, but the fireball continues to chase me.

"Hey, buddy!"

I look up to see Bobby Drake, alias: Iceman, sliding down from the sky. He holds out his hand, and the air around the fireball turns to an icy fog. The fireball dies out, and Iceman smirks.

"Cool off!"
​

 

[Catman_prb]

Luthor smoothed out his jacket as Hank Pym stepped inside. Pym frowned; he had obviously been expecting to have to go to Luthor's office, but the President had already been waiting for him. He smiled easily.

"Good job Hank, I think you've put them on the back foot," he said, patting the scientist on the shoulder. Internally he rolled his eyes; Dr Pym was about as threatening as an untrained puppy.

"Now, gather the Avengers while I go and talk to our guests. I don't think this should turn violent, but just in case it does..." Lex trailed off, allowing Pym's imagination to fill in the rest.

Lex smiled again, nodded at his Secret Service body guards and stepped out onto the White House front lawn.

"Gentlemen," he said loudly, clearly putting on a show "What can I do for you this evening?"

 

[Carnage27]

I enter the house in a stupor. My backpack slumps down on my shoulder and hits the ground with a thud. I can't believe this is happening again. An enemy, quite possibly my deadliest, has kidnapped my girlfriend. Again. And I couldn't stop him. I couldn't protect her. And now who knows what's going to happen.

"Peter, are you all right?" Aunt May asks, concerned. "You look dreadful, dear."

"Turn on...turn on the news," I respond weakly as my stomach begins to turn on me. I choke back some vomit that makes its way up my esophagus as I think of my next move. Losing Gwen is inconceivable to me. I've known her for as long as I can remember, and for almost as long I've known I love her. "It's...it's..."

Aunt May turns on the television and immediately the news report from the school pops on the TV, including shots of Gwen being carried away by the Green Goblin. Immediately, Aunt May turns to me, her eyes glistening with tears. She's obviously jumped to the worst conclusion, but I stand and attempt not to do the same, "I'm going to the Bugle. I've made some friends in the police department. I'll figure something out."

As I head upstairs and grab something from my room, and then back out the door, Aunt May grabs my shoulder, "Peter! You can't do that in your state! Sit and rest for a while."

"No time Aunt May! I love you!" I yell as I head out into the streets of New York as night begins to fall over the city.

**********

"Well, well, it's nice to finally meet your acquaintance, Miss Stacy," the Green Goblin says, pushing his masked face into the immediate area in front of Gwen Stacy's face. "I've heard so much about you."

"What...what do you mean?" she responds through a stream of tears.

"Well...let's just say I've heard about you from your boyfriend," he chuckles, as he floats around her in his glider. "And you're going to bring him to me."

"Peter?! What the hell do you want with Peter?!" she screams at the monster.

"Oh, my. You don't know? Do you? Well, well isn't that such a delicious little tidbit," Goblin outright laughs at this. "You don't know your boyfriends little secret?"

At that, Gwen's face changes to one of shock and disbelief, "No. it can't be. I mean...some things are weird. And he's unavailable some nights...but no. It's not possible."

"Oh, but it is," Goblin cackles. "Peter Parker is Spider-man."

**********

I swing through the New York night, and take out my League communicator. I stop off in Times Square and hail the Teen Titans.

The bright city lights here flood my vision in this dark night, but I have one thing on my mind. Finding Goblin and saving Gwen. Nothing else matters. Nothing else is important.

"Titans...," I start before Goblin's face pops up on the giant screen in the middle of the Square.

"People of New York! I, as you know, am known as the Green Goblin! And I'm here tonight to deliver a message. As we now speak, the varous criminal organizations of New York, which I have unified under me, are beginning to wreak havoc on the city. They will not stop until Spider-man finds me. Find me web-slinger. And we'll finish our little game of cat and mouse we've been playing for far too long."

"...I'm gonna need some help."
​

 

[Carnage27]

"Hey, buddy!"

I look up to see Bobby Drake, alias: Iceman, sliding down from the sky. He holds out his hand, and the air around the fireball turns to an icy fog. The fireball dies out, and Iceman smirks.

"Cool off!"
​

​

Pyro dives for his lighter in a desperation move, and I appear above it and kick it out of the way. The mutant looks up at me with a look of rage, and I simply wave to him with one of my three fingered hands, my tail wrapping around my shoulder, "Guten tag."

I deliver a swift kick to his head, knocking him out. I then smile at my friends, and fellow X-men, "Now zhat is how you do it. No?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

Luthor smoothed out his jacket as Hank Pym stepped inside. Pym frowned; he had obviously been expecting to have to go to Luthor's office, but the President had already been waiting for him. He smiled easily.

"Good job Hank, I think you've put them on the back foot," he said, patting the scientist on the shoulder. Internally he rolled his eyes; Dr Pym was about as threatening as an untrained puppy.

"Now, gather the Avengers while I go and talk to our guests. I don't think this should turn violent, but just in case it does..." Lex trailed off, allowing Pym's imagination to fill in the rest.

Lex smiled again, nodded at his Secret Service body guards and stepped out onto the White House front lawn.

"Gentlemen," he said loudly, clearly putting on a show "What can I do for you this evening?"

Luthor. The one name that can really get my blood boiling. I'm not sure what makes me more uncomfortable: the fact that the public can't see past Luthor's act, or the way Luthor gets under my skin, making me wonder if I'm capable of doing terrible things for the good of humanity. But I always think of how my parents raised me, and I remember that it's not my place to act as judge, jury, or executioner.

It's the only thing keeping me somewhat civil now.

"We're here to talk to you about Amazo," I announce bluntly. I lower my voice some so that the Secret Service can't hear. "Maybe you want to take this inside?"

 

[Catman_prb]

Luthor. The one name that can really get my blood boiling. I'm not sure what makes me more uncomfortable: the fact that the public can't see past Luthor's act, or the way Luthor gets under my skin, making me wonder if I'm capable of doing terrible things for the good of humanity. But I always think of how my parents raised me, and I remember that it's not my place to act as judge, jury, or executioner.

It's the only thing keeping me somewhat civil now.

"We're here to talk to you about Amazo," I announce bluntly. I lower my voice some so that the Secret Service can't hear. "Maybe you want to take this inside?"

For the briefest of seconds the smile turned to ice on his face. Then it returned again, as warm as it had ever been. Luthor spread his arms wide.

"By all means. Let me show you upstairs," Lex said, gesturing towards the doors of the White House.

With a quick nod at his bodyguards, the president made his way inside, and up towards the Oval Office. He reached it before the heroes, and sat down behind the desk. His palms spread over the varnished wood, and he felt himself calm with the cool contact. And the knowledge that there was a lead-lined box in one of the drawers.

"What would you like to discuss?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

Pyro dives for his lighter in a desperation move, and I appear above it and kick it out of the way. The mutant looks up at me with a look of rage, and I simply wave to him with one of my three fingered hands, my tail wrapping around my shoulder, "Guten tag."

I deliver a swift kick to his head, knocking him out. I then smile at my friends, and fellow X-men, "Now zhat is how you do it. No?"

I nod to Colossus, who drags Pyro's unconscious body under a streetlight. Colossus grabs the metal pole with both hands and bends it like rubber, wrapping it around Pyro extra tight. Jean lifts Pyro's lighter into the air and crushes it with her mind.

I turn to the gaping hole in the wall behind us. There, the bartender stands awestruck. "Keep him away from anything that could cause a spark or a flame," I instruct calmly. "The authorities will be here to collect him shortly." The bartender nods dumbstruck.

"Alright, Nightcrawler. Take us back to the Blackbird."

 

[Byrd Man]

​

​

I spend the better part of the night looking for the Enforcers, to no avail. Everyone I hit up didn't seem to know. Right now, I'm on my bike headed back home. Hopefully, I got word out that I'm looking for them so they'll end up coming to me. Riding into the cave, I park the bike and kill the engine. I remove my helmet just as my communicator kicks on.

The bright city lights here flood my vision in this dark night, but I have one thing on my mind. Finding Goblin and saving Gwen. Nothing else matters. Nothing else is important.​

"Titans...," I start before Goblin's face pops up on the giant screen in the middle of the Square.​

"People of New York! I, as you know, am known as the Green Goblin! And I'm here tonight to deliver a message. As we now speak, the varous criminal organizations of New York, which I have unified under me, are beginning to wreak havoc on the city. They will not stop until Spider-man finds me. Find me web-slinger. And we'll finish our little game of cat and mouse we've been playing for far too long."​

"...I'm gonna need some help."​

"Robin here. I'm on my way, Spidey. Just name the time and place."

Leaping off the bike, I run over to a small nook in the cave. Bruce's jet is out for the night, some kind of business he has with Superman in Metropolis. But that leaves a smaller protoype he hasn't had a chance to test out yet.

Leaping into the cockpit, I flick the switches and the jet starts to come to life. Pulling out the comm, I speak into it again. "I'll be in New York in twenty."

The jet blasts to life, sticking me to the seat as it rips out of the cave and off into the night. I know I'll get in trouble for this, but so what?

It's worth it.

 

[Carnage27]

Leaping into the cockpit, I flick the switches and the jet starts to come to life. Pulling out the comm, I speak into it again. "I'll be in New York in twenty."

The jet blasts to life, sticking me to the seat as it rips out of the cave and off into the night. I know I'll get in trouble for this, but so what?

It's worth it.

"I'm in Times Square. Find me on a rooftop there," I respond to Robin.

The next few moments feel like eons waiting for my teammates to show up. My mind wanders to Gwen, and what life could possibly mean, or be without her. I can't imagine it. And I'm fairly certain I can't handle it.

Luckily, I'm not by myself for too long, as Supergirl shows up after a few moments, quickly followed by Johnny Storm, Starfire, and Multiple Man.

"I saw the bastard's message, Spidey. What do you need us to do?" Johnny asks, cracking his knuckles. "I'm ready to bust some skulls, Johnny Storm style."

"Yes, we are here to help in any way possible, Spider-Man," Koriand'r nods.

"I've got a plan, but we're waiting on Robin to show up," I nod to the rest of the team, acting as strong as I can at this time.

 

[Carnage27]

I nod to Colossus, who drags Pyro's unconscious body under a streetlight. Colossus grabs the metal pole with both hands and bends it like rubber, wrapping it around Pyro extra tight. Jean lifts Pyro's lighter into the air and crushes it with her mind.

I turn to the gaping hole in the wall behind us. There, the bartender stands awestruck. "Keep him away from anything that could cause a spark or a flame," I instruct calmly. "The authorities will be here to collect him shortly." The bartender nods dumbstruck.

"Alright, Nightcrawler. Take us back to the Blackbird."

I nod quietly and take a hold of the rest of the team, "Hold on. You know how veird zhis can be."

BAMF

Instantly we're back on the plane, and Scott and I strap ourselves back into the pilot seats of the Blackbird. I put the ship through it's preflight checklists and updates before looking up at Scott, "Vhere to, boss? Back to the mansion?"

 

[J'adore]

jesse quick
​

Sitting next to my boyfriend on a crisp Friday night is just what I want right now. A busy day at the office is welcomed by a loving boyfriend with our favourite meal, Chinese. We fight over the remote, we share our food, she ask how our day was. Simple things, that normal couples do. But, of course, there's nothing normal in the life of Jessica Belle Chambers. My mother was Liberty Belle and my father was Johnny Quick. Two very different people with very different abilities...Who married.

But I guess I can thank them in some ways. If it wasn't form them and their friendship with Henry Heywood, I wouldn't of met Nathan - the love my life, the would be father of my child...The hero once known as Citizen Steel. But now, everything's...alright, you could say. But I do miss my heroic days. Short lived but certainly worth while. Nathan says he doesn't miss those days, but I know he does. He didn't have any abilities, but he was the best weapons marksman, the best fighter, I knew. His skills compared to mine and together we were unstopabble.

"I'm just going to let my hair down...I'll be in the bedroom. Back in a minute," I flash a smile at Nathan, giving him a soft kiss on his cheek.

I leave the sofa gently, placing my glass of wine down on the wooden table. I walk up the stairs and watch my reflection in the mirror. I sharply spin round, pulling the scrunchie out of my hair and throwing it onto the bed. I stare blankly above my wardrobe cupboard. A dark, dusty garment bag lays there, almost calling my name. I jump onto my bed, almost silently. I gracefully stretch up my arm, grabbing the garment bag and yanking it down from on top of the wardrobe cupboard. Blowing the dust off it, I carefully pull the zip down.

I breathe heavily before I can see the tight red fabric peaking through. I take the outfit out, running my hand down the smooth red top. I kneel down on the bed, pulling the beige boots close to my chest, taking a deep breathe in. Staring down at the black mask I once wore, I place it around my eyes once again, starring into the mirror infront of me. I stand up again, still on my bed. I place my hands on my hips, smirking as I suck in my stomach.

"Jesse Quick..."

I then slide on the red top and pursue my lips. "Jesse Quick..."

My moment of glory is interrupted by the loud footsteps of Nathan. I can hear him trailing up the stairs, quite slow. I quickly rip off my mask and slide off my top, throwing everything back into the garment bag, but I was too late. Nathan must of been faster than I had expected, as he was standing in our bedroom before I knew it. I jump off our bed, biting my lip. Before I speak, Nathan opens his mouth.

"No, it's okay. I understand Jess...you miss Jesse Quick...you miss the feeling of doing Justice..."

"Look...Nathan...I haven't been entirely honest with you. About going to work. It's just--"

I cover my mouth, fearing I have upset Nathan. But, instead he pulls me into a breathtaking kiss. The kiss lasts for a few seconds, before I pull him into a tight hug.

"Look...Nathan...I haven't been entirely honest with you. About going to work. It's just--"

My moment of confession comes to a hault, as I feel my cell vibrate within the pockets of my jeans. I slowly pull away from my boyfriend, before answering the call.

"It's my mom," I smile, flicking open my cell quickly. I'm not too happy to hear from here at this time, but she only calls me when it's important.

-Jessica, darling. I need you to listen carefully. First of all, you remember your father and I, telling you stories about Captain America...don't you?-

"Yes of course, mother..."

-I'm sorry to pull you back into this mess Jessica, I know how you 'quit' being a hero but I had to tell him something! Please, for him, will you join the Invaders?-

"Woah...Hold on...Slow down, mom. Did you have another one of your dreams? Because I'm kinda busy now --"

-Jessica, are you accusing me of being disillusioned! Steve Rogers has been brought back to our world, you should be grateful! I gave him your address, he'll be there soon. I love you...-

CLICK. BEEEEEP.

I drop the phone, still open as it hits the bed. Nathan runs his hands up my arms, looking at shocked face. My expression doesn't change until Nathan continously asks me what is going on.

"Invaders...Mom, she said...The Invaders..." I struggle to breath from the excitement. I start to jump up and down, laughing.

"Spit it out! Come on Jess!"

"I'm joining the Invaders!"

 

[Byrd Man]

"I'm in Times Square. Find me on a rooftop there," I respond to Robin.

The next few moments feel like eons waiting for my teammates to show up. My mind wanders to Gwen, and what life could possibly mean, or be without her. I can't imagine it. And I'm fairly certain I can't handle it.

Luckily, I'm not by myself for too long, as Supergirl shows up after a few moments, quickly followed by Johnny Storm, Starfire, and Multiple Man.

"I saw the bastard's message, Spidey. What do you need us to do?" Johnny asks, cracking his knuckles. "I'm ready to bust some skulls, Johnny Storm style."

"Yes, we are here to help in any way possible, Spider-Man," Koriand'r nods.

"I've got a plan, but we're waiting on Robin to show up," I nod to the rest of the team, acting as strong as I can at this time.

"Wait no more," I say as I step out of the shadows.

"How the hell did you get the drop on us?" Multiple Man asks.

"Training. Batman and I like to play a nice game of 'Hide and Go Attack' during our free time. You learn to be real stealthy after that third concussion or so."

"And I thought Reed was weird."

"I saw the video footage playing on the news on the flight over here. I'm ready to help anyway I can. Where do you need us?"

 

[Blacklight]

​

Slowly the limo pulled up to the Garrick residence, and once at a complete stop, the door was slowly open. Out came billionaire Tony Stark and his bodyguard Happy Hogan. The pair walked up to the door, and Tony's friend and protector turned to him.

"Want me to come in with you?"

"Nah. I'll be fine. Just wait for me by the limo. Stand watch."

"Yes, Mr. Stark."

"Happy... You know I hate it when you call me that."

"Right. Sorry, Tony."

"It's alright."

As his friend headed back to the limo, Tony turned back to the door, pressing the doorbell.

"Yoohoo. Anyone home?"

 

[wiegeabo]

For the briefest of seconds the smile turned to ice on his face. Then it returned again, as warm as it had ever been. Luthor spread his arms wide.

"By all means. Let me show you upstairs," Lex said, gesturing towards the doors of the White House.

With a quick nod at his bodyguards, the president made his way inside, and up towards the Oval Office. He reached it before the heroes, and sat down behind the desk. His palms spread over the varnished wood, and he felt himself calm with the cool contact. And the knowledge that there was a lead-lined box in one of the drawers.

"What would you like to discuss?"

Luthor sits behind his desk, not so subtlety reminding us that he's the most powerful man in the world. As if the giant mansion or the confrontation with Pym weren't reminders enough.

I let Superman walk right up to the desk and standoff with Luthor. I remain by the door out of habit.

Reaching into my cape, I pull out the documents with the evidence we gathered and hold them out for Superman to take. "We're going to talk about this. I don't think I need to say these are just copies?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Anthony Stark..."

I watch from the comfort of my lavish diplomatic car. The built-in camera zoomed in tightly on Garrick's home the moment I saw the limousine pull up.

Anthony Stark, one of the founders of the American League. Visiting the founder I am trying to recruit for my own League. In all probability, it is just a coincidence. It's understandable that Stark may have need to talk with Garrick at his home, rather than their headquarters. Especially due to what they've gone through.

Still, one can never be too cautious. So I decide to wait and see what, if anything, happens.

​

Slowly the limo pulled up to the Garrick residence, and once at a complete stop, the door was slowly open. Out came billionaire Tony Stark and his bodyguard Happy Hogan. The pair walked up to the door, and Tony's friend and protector turned to him.

"Want me to come in with you?"

"Nah. I'll be fine. Just wait for me by the limo. Stand watch."

"Yes, Mr. Stark."

"Happy... You know I hate it when you call me that."

"Right. Sorry, Tony."

"It's alright."

As his friend headed back to the limo, Tony turned back to the door, pressing the doorbell.

"Yoohoo. Anyone home?"

I step out of the shower and wipe the mirror down. Looking closely, I rub my face and shake my head. When did I get so damn old?

The doorbell snaps me out of my self-pity. Something I've been slipping into all too easily lately. In a few seconds, I'm dried off, and in some civilian clothes.

The doorbell rings again and again.

"Alright, alright. Hold your horses!" I open the door to see who's being so impatient-

"Oh, hey Tony....What brings you all the way out here?"

 

[Carnage27]

"Wait no more," I say as I step out of the shadows.

"How the hell did you get the drop on us?" Multiple Man asks.

"Training. Batman and I like to play a nice game of 'Hide and Go Attack' during our free time. You learn to be real stealthy after that third concussion or so."

"And I thought Reed was weird."

"I saw the video footage playing on the news on the flight over here. I'm ready to help anyway I can. Where do you need us?"

I smile knowing Robin is here. While some of my other teammates have experience, he's got the training almost all of us lack. Besides, living with someone like Batman has to prepare you for some seriously weird stuff. That guy gives me the creeps.

"I need you all to spread out through the city and keep the peace," I point out over the roof top. In the moments since Goblin's broadcast, sirens have filled the night air, leading me to believe his goons are already out in full force.

"And I need you guys to keep an eye out for Goblin," I continue. "If any of you find him before I do, contact me immediately, but don't engage him."

"Why not?" Supergirl asks, surprised. "Shouldn't we put a stop to him as soon as possible."

"Yea, but it needs to be me. I need to face him," I respond with conviction.

"But why?" Koriand'r says.

"Because he's made this personal. He's been going after me for over a year now. And he's attacked my family and friends. And he's got a hostage right now, and if it's not me that shows up, I'm afraid he'll kill her."

I look around at the group, "Everybody understand?"

 

[Byrd Man]

I smile knowing Robin is here. While some of my other teammates have experience, he's got the training almost all of us lack. Besides, living with someone like Batman has to prepare you for some seriously weird stuff. That guy gives me the creeps.

"I need you all to spread out through the city and keep the peace," I point out over the roof top. In the moments since Goblin's broadcast, sirens have filled the night air, leading me to believe his goons are already out in full force.

"And I need you guys to keep an eye out for Goblin," I continue. "If any of you find him before I do, contact me immediately, but don't engage him."

"Why not?" Supergirl asks, surprised. "Shouldn't we put a stop to him as soon as possible."

"Yea, but it needs to be me. I need to face him," I respond with conviction.

"But why?" Koriand'r says.

"Because he's made this personal. He's been going after me for over a year now. And he's attacked my family and friends. And he's got a hostage right now, and if it's not me that shows up, I'm afraid he'll kill her."

I look around at the group, "Everybody understand?"

"Crystal clear. I'll take uptown."

I nod the rest of the group and leap off the rooftop. Bruce and I are partners, but more often than not he's leading and I'm following. With the Titans it's different, I'm an equal. I don't have to follow a strict regiment and be punished if I slip up. I'm allowed to be myself with them. Not a side-kick, or a Boy Wonder, just Robin.

Flipping in the air, I fire a grapnel line into the sky and swing away towards Harlem as the sounds of chaos and rioting fill the air.