The New Ultimate DC RPG

[Eddie Brock]

"Yeah, that was pretty sweet."

Ambulances and fire truck sirens are starting to fill the air. They're a few minutes out.

"Surprised we haven't met before. I run through Keystone as much as I do Central. You just start up or what?"

"Uh, yeah, kinda. This is my...trial period, sorta," I answer. I don't know how else to explain it without getting into great detail about my relationship - or lack thereof - with Superman. It doesn't help that I don't even know how or why he and I are connected, either.

I look at the emergency crews scrambling around the plant's perimeter.

"We should probably go somewhere else and get out of the way. I think we've done what we can here."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Uh, yeah, kinda. This is my...trial period, sorta," I answer. I don't know how else to explain it without getting into great detail about my relationship - or lack thereof - with Superman. It doesn't help that I don't even know how or why he and I are connected, either.

I look at the emergency crews scrambling around the plant's perimeter.

"We should probably go somewhere else and get out of the way. I think we've done what we can here."

"Sure thing. Hope you can keep up with me. Supes had a little trouble awhile back when we raced."

With that, I take off down the streets and navigate through Keystone at super-speeds. When I stop on the roof of the Johns building, the Superlady is just coming over the ledge.

"Not bad. So, you from Keystone? Or am I maybe infringing on secret identity territory?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Sure thing. Hope you can keep up with me. Supes had a little trouble awhile back when we raced."

With that, I take off down the streets and navigate through Keystone at super-speeds. When I stop on the roof of the Johns building, the Superlady is just coming over the ledge.

"Not bad. So, you from Keystone? Or am I maybe infringing on secret identity territory?"

He's met Superman?

"Well, my adoptive father is from Chicago - so is my adoptive mother - and they moved to Keystone when I was still little, but..."

I take a deep breath. This next part's always the hard one.

"...I'm from...a little farther away." I sigh before cracking the smallest of smiles. "Sorry to be so vague, but I don't really...know where I'm from or who I am." I pause before quickly adding, "I mean, I know who I am. I just don't know who I'm supposed to be. If that makes any sense."

I shake my head.

"I should probably shut up now, huh?" I joke. "Well, I think that's about enough out of me, so what about you? Always been this fast?"

 

[Byrd Man]

He's met Superman?

"Well, my adoptive father is from Chicago - so is my adoptive mother - and they moved to Keystone when I was still little, but..."

I take a deep breath. This next part's always the hard one.

"...I'm from...a little farther away." I sigh before cracking the smallest of smiles. "Sorry to be so vague, but I don't really...know where I'm from or who I am." I pause before quickly adding, "I mean, I know who I am. I just don't know who I'm supposed to be. If that makes any sense."

I shake my head.

"I should probably shut up now, huh?" I joke. "Well, I think that's about enough out of me, so what about you? Always been this fast?"

"Naah. I got my powers a few years back. Remember how they said not to cross the stream in Ghostbusters? Well, I did it and that's how I ended up like this."

Rubbing my neck, I look out at the city skyline.

"It's funny, though. I spent most of my life reading comics and talking about superheroes. Hell, I've spent many late night on an online message board debating about comics. Seems funny that I guy like me would end up with superpowers."

I trail off turning back to my new cohort.

"Now who's rambling? Umm, anyway. What's your name? I figured, with the S, you'd have a Super prefix. What is it? Superwoman? Superlady? Super...uhh, person?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Naah. I got my powers a few years back. Remember how they said not to cross the stream in Ghostbusters? Well, I did it and that's how I ended up like this."

Rubbing my neck, I look out at the city skyline.

"It's funny, though. I spent most of my life reading comics and talking about superheroes. Hell, I've spent many late night on an online message board debating about comics. Seems funny that I guy like me would end up with superpowers."

I trail off turning back to my new cohort.

"Now who's rambling? Umm, anyway. What's your name? I figured, with the S, you'd have a Super prefix. What is it? Superwoman? Superlady? Super...uhh, person?"

"Supergirl, and--"

I was going to say, 'It's not an 'S,'" but that would require a lengthy explanation of the symbol and the alien language it's from. Feels a bit too much like nitpicking to be honest. So if people want to think it's an 'S,' let them think it.

"--and thanks." After a brief silence, I announce, "You know, you're younger than I imagined. I always thought you'd be more Superman's age or something."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Supergirl, and--"

I was going to say, 'It's not an 'S,'" but that would require a lengthy explanation of the symbol and the alien language it's from. Feels a bit too much like nitpicking to be honest. So if people want to think it's an 'S,' let them think it.

"--and thanks." After a brief silence, I announce, "You know, you're younger than I imagined. I always thought you'd be more Superman's age or something."

"Yeah, I get that all the time. It's really bad at the bars, movie theaters, and pretty much any event or activity that requires a photo ID."

A small silence lingers for a second before I press on.

"After three years, It's good to have someone else out here. I know there are others doing this kinda work. Heck, I've met a few of them in the past year. But having someone in my own town is really cool. Just a heads up, though. Might want to watch out for Captain Cold and Heatwave. They're chumps, but chumps who don't play around."

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Yeah, I get that all the time. It's really bad at the bars, movie theaters, and pretty much any event or activity that requires a photo ID."

A small silence lingers for a second before I press on.

"After three years, It's good to have someone else out here. I know there are others doing this kinda work. Heck, I've met a few of them in the past year. But having someone in my own town is really cool. Just a heads up, though. Might want to watch out for Captain Cold and Heatwave. They're chumps, but chumps who don't play around."

"You have your own rogues' gallery?" I laugh. "I must admit, I'm kind of jealous."

I look out over the city - well, cities, since you can see them both from up here.

"Sorry to disappoint you, though, but I won't be sticking around in Keystone much longer. There are...places I need to go. People I need to see." I look back at the Flash. "I need to know the truth about myself, or else I can never be my own person. I'll just be Superman's sidekick."

Punching Flash lightly on the shoulder - though judging from his wince, maybe not lightly enough - I say, "But, hey, you look like you've got things pretty well handled around here. What do you need me for?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"You have your own rogues' gallery?" I laugh. "I must admit, I'm kind of jealous."

I look out over the city - well, cities, since you can see them both from up here.

"Sorry to disappoint you, though, but I won't be sticking around in Keystone much longer. There are...places I need to go. People I need to see." I look back at the Flash. "I need to know the truth about myself, or else I can never be my own person. I'll just be Superman's sidekick."

Punching Flash lightly on the shoulder - though judging from his wince, maybe not lightly enough - I say, "But, hey, you look like you've got things pretty well handled around here. What do you need me for?"

Don't rub it. Don't rub it. Don't even admit it hurt. You better not.

"It's always good to have backup," I say as I resist the urge to rub my arm. "I've learned about strength in numbers recently. I admit I do okay here in Central and Keystone. But just imagine if we could all band together. You and I, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Green Arrow out in California, even that crazy Bat-Man in Gotham! Who knows what we could do if we all pooled our resources."

I stop for a moment, realizing I've been running on.

"Sorry about that. I get kinda excited about certain stuff and can't shut up about it. My bad."

 

[Mr. Majestic]

After the little incident with the NASA aircraft Jim had finally made it to Elijah’s baseball game but he showed up late. He fell down from the sky landing behind the bleachers. ​

As he was approaching Elijah and Jessica he could tell by the look on her face that she is a tad bit upset. Once he gets in front of the two he right away begins to plead his case. ​

“Jessica, Elijah I’m sorry that I’m late I tried to get here as fast as I could.”Which he did but flying at super speeds through Metropolis stopping almost every second you hears a siren or a scream would have you running late for anything.​

Jessica was about to dig deep into Jim but before she did she realize something. As long as she’s known Jim he never apologizes for anything. Well there were time when he said he was sorry for being late or something like that but she could tell that they weren’t sincere. But this apology was different she could feel that he was genuine sorry.​

She takes a look at Elijah and sees a big smile on his face. Even though he was late this is the first time Jim has made it to one of Elijah’s game. Guess he doesn’t care if he was late or not, at least he came. Jessica thought.​

“You should have seen me Jim I stole a base for home and won us the game.” Elijah informs Jim with great joy. ​

Jim then kneels down on one knee facing Elijah. “That great little man I’m proud of you. Tell you what since you won how bout we go get some ice cream?”​

Elijah’s face then lights up with delight. “You mean it? We can get ice cream?”​

“Yeah I mean it, you deserve it.”​

“Alright!” Elijah screams as he begins jumping up and down making his way to the vehicle all excited about getting ice cream.
​

Jim and Jessica both look at him in satisfaction.​

“You know his mom would be so proud of him.” Jessica’s says ​

“Your right she would be very proud of him.” Jim replies.​

“Did you decide how you was going to tell him about his mother?”​

“There’s nothing to tell him.” Jim replies.​

“Jim you can’t be serious. You remember what the doctors said. His mother won’t be coming out of that comma. We shouldn’t keep giving him false hope.”​

“Jessica I am far from giving him false hope. I told him his mother will come out of that comma and she will. I promised him that and I do plan on keeping it.”​

Out of all the emotions Jessica has seen from Jim this is the first time she ever seen his caring frame of mind. She then takes a couple of steps forward so she is side by side with Jim.​

“You may not want to admit it but something did happen to you. Jim you don’t even seem like the same person I’ve be around for the last couple of months. What ever happened I like it.” Jessica tells Jim as she leaves his side and walks to the car to join Elijah.​

After coming back from the ice cream store in Metropolis Jim had put Elijah to sleep. He stood by his door for a couple of moments to make sure he was sound asleep. He then went to his room and made his way to the window. As Jim is looking out of the window he can’t help to think about Jessica saying that he is now acting different. He realizes that what she was saying is true. For the past year he has been feeling like he has been living his life through another person eyes and he knew why. ​

He heads to the closet, opens the door and pulls out a suitcase. He places the suitcase on the top of the desk next to the closet door. As he opens his suitcase his Majestic costume lay folded inside. He grabs it and places it on the bed. It all then began to add up, everything change when he went to that place. His life changed when he found out who and what he was a year ago. ​

He turns back to his suitcase and opens the secret department. Behind the department lay another costume. It was a black t-shirt and some blue jeans. It was Jim’s clothes that he wore when he first began his attempt at being a hero. ​

“Now this brings back memories.”​

Coming Soon​

Walking Down Memory Lane​

​

 

[Catman_prb]

The Martian's eye flew open.

*****​

International Space Station - 05 00 hours East Coast time

"Colonel," the radio crackled "Colonel respond. We've got satellites picking up crazy **** all over the radar here. Colonel please respond,"

The Colonel stared out of the glass at the form out side.

"We're losing all readings - what the **** is it?"

"He is here,"

"Colonel!" the radio crackled, more static than words.

The radio went dead.

*****
​

"Waller!" the Martian Manhunter screamed, slamming his hands on the walls of his cell, causing burns from the electric shocks that run through his hands "Waller!"

The guard that sat eternally outside of his cell, looked up from his pornographic magazine with mild disgust, and turned up a dial on the wall next to him. He was shocked violently through the manacles locked around his wrists.

"Waller! I can stop it Waller! WALLER!"
​

*****
​

All across the world television sets turned to static. Children complained to their mothers about the loss of their cartoons, housewives sulked over their lost soap operas, alcoholic degenerates threw their beer at their sets in a rage.
​

*****
​

The cell opened and the riot guards stepped in. They drew their shock batons and readied their shields. J'onn threw a desperate fist at the first one, caving his helmet in and throwing him against the wall. Another one he punched in the stomach, doubling him over in pain. Three surrounded him, and he changed form into a snake, diving between them, before reforming to his usual form. He cracked two heads together with such force that one died instantly. The last one backed away out of the cell door.

"WALLER!"
​

*****
​

The next to feel it were the psychics. Not the fake-mediums, but the real psychics. The ones like J'onn J'onnz. They felt it reaching out towards them, a malevolent presence that noticed them like they were a child spying on an adults meeting. The lesser ones were burnt out instantly. Their minds blanked and they died on the spot, vegetables.
​

*****
​

He knew now that he would have to escape. He thought that Waller might have heard him out...but she obviously still viewed him as a threat. He used the power that CADMUS did not now about, could not prepare for. His ace in the hole. He slid out of this reality and partway into another, still anchoring himself in this one. The trick of the old martian shamans - the shadow walk. He lifted himself through the ceiling, through layers of concrete and iron and dust. He tasted air again.
​

*****
​

The last, the most important thing, to happen that evening, was the rain. The creatures arrived in the rain. It rained all over the world, at the same time - although no meteorologist would be able to tell you so, with their satellites disabled. Some of them made up the shooting stars the people saw that night. Decades old technology falling down from the sky as if the strings of a puppet had been cut. In the rain was the spawn. This was their original infection.
​

*****
​

Alone...how he feared to face it alone...face him alone...

But there were others. Those that CADMUS feared to pick up, feared to take because of the public reaction. Because the public loved them, but the government feared them. He had been assigned to the highest level that they could afford to abduct...to enlist them into various new squads and assignments. For redemption...for a pardon. But there were others. There were better men and women.
​

*****
​

Some of them saw him. The astronomers positioned in the right place, with their telescopes. Those that looked directly at it, saw it's eye, saw it for what it was...were blinded. Their eyes burnt out of their sockets. And they weeped, not for their sight, but for their world...their life...
​

*****​

He sent it out as a coded message to those who had been on CADMUS' lists...rosters of heroes and metahumans...

-First I must apologise for invading upon your privacy. You do not know me, but it is a matter of upmost urgency. My name is J'onn J'onnz, they call me the Martian Manhunter. There is a creature in the sky, a creature that will threaten our very way of life on this planet. It means to destroy us all - it will possess the peoples of this planet via a bioform that will attach to the face of the victim. I tell you this because you may need to combat them on your home turf. They will be violent. I ask all of you to consider my proposal. Alone we can be broken, by the hivemind or by the abomination itself. Together...together we stand a chance...we stand a chance to save this planet that we so love. Any of you willing to accept my invitation, may I suggest that you meet me in Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis, as soon as you possibly can. Time is a factor. The creature's name is Sta'rro. Some call him the Star Conqueror, some call him the Deciever. Do not be fooled by it or it's minions. Good luck -
​

*****

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Rhiannon sits in her office at Wayne Enterprises going over the monthly reports. She is starting to feel restless as she takes off her reading glasses and drops them on her desk.

Rhiannon rubs her temples and takes sip of coffee.

Let's see so far today I have managed to terminate 3 projects due to insufficent findings, ordered to 2 more to be put on-hold and audited because someone is possibly cooking the books, and I need to help get one project greenlighted based solely on a promise that Silas Langstrom made before he was murdered, and that project calls for significant funding. Which means a direct appeal and presentation to the Board of Directors. Which also means that this will need to be done in front of Bruce Wayne probably. Assuming we can persuade a couple of the fashion model bimbos he likes to hang out with to show up that'll assure us of his pressence. Whatever.

Rhiannon then sees a reminder on her outlook appointment

Oh yeah the annual Wayne Enterprises Ball is coming up in 2 weeks and two of the three guys who asked me out are looking to see how many drinks it would take to get me out of my gown, and the other is basically looking for a designated driver.

She takes another sip of coffee and stares out at the Gotham City skyline.

Then there is the whole super-hero gig. Last night I near got taken out by a garbage disposal, I know I destroyed Waller's surveilence equipment but it's only a matter of time before she pops back into my life, and not to mention I haven't felt like I've made a difference in about 2 months most of the crooks I help take down are out in a matter of months.

I just wonder....

Then she hears the following message in her mind.

-First I must apologise for invading upon your privacy. You do not know me, but it is a matter of upmost urgency. My name is J'onn J'onnz, they call me the Martian Manhunter. There is a creature in the sky, a creature that will threaten our very way of life on this planet. It means to destroy us all - it will possess the peoples of this planet via a bioform that will attach to the face of the victim. I tell you this because you may need to combat them on your home turf. They will be violent. I ask all of you to consider my proposal. Alone we can be broken, by the hivemind or by the abomination itself. Together...together we stand a chance...we stand a chance to save this planet that we so love. Any of you willing to accept my invitation, may I suggest that you meet me in Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis, as soon as you possibly can. Time is a factor. The creature's name is Sta'rro. Some call him the Star Conqueror, some call him the Deciever. Do not be fooled by it or it's minions. Good luck -

*****

AHHH! What in the world !?!? It feels like my head was ripped apart and put back together, but be there no doubt that voice was real. If I don't help save the world none of my issues are going to matter at all.

She closes her folder and pulls up a phone number of an office building near Glenmorgan Square. Rhiannon then dials the number and activates her speakerphone.

Once the voicemenu picks up at the office building she transforms into The Atom. She shrinks down to microscopic size, hops into the speakerphone, terminates the connection on her end and rides the current all the way to Metropolis.

The Atom flies out of the phone and grows to about 2 inches tall, she then floats on the air current to Glenmorgan Square. She then takes refuge inside a statue.

Now let's see if anyone else shows up to this party.....

 

[Eddie Brock]

Don't rub it. Don't rub it. Don't even admit it hurt. You better not.

"It's always good to have backup," I say as I resist the urge to rub my arm. "I've learned about strength in numbers recently. I admit I do okay here in Central and Keystone. But just imagine if we could all band together. You and I, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Green Arrow out in California, even that crazy Bat-Man in Gotham! Who knows what we could do if we all pooled our resources."

I stop for a moment, realizing I've been running on.

"Sorry about that. I get kinda excited about certain stuff and can't shut up about it. My bad."

"World's full of bad guys. Find one big enough and maybe you'll get your chance," I say supportively. "Though - between you and me - I'm not even in your guys' league, so..."

I allow myself to trail off. The thought of teaming up with Wonder Woman, Batman...Superman. It would probably be fantastic, but I can't help but feel like I wouldn't belong. Nobody needs the lost, confused orphan girl hanging around.

"Can I ask you something, though?" I add sheepishly. "What's...he like? Superman, I mean."

 

[Byrd Man]

"World's full of bad guys. Find one big enough and maybe you'll get your chance," I say supportively. "Though - between you and me - I'm not even in your guys' league, so..."

I allow myself to trail off. The thought of teaming up with Wonder Woman, Batman...Superman. It would probably be fantastic, but I can't help but feel like I wouldn't belong. Nobody needs the lost, confused orphan girl hanging around.

"Can I ask you something, though?" I add sheepishly. "What's...he like? Superman, I mean."

"He's a cool guy, really isn't a jerk or pretentious. He's actually bit of a goof, but who am I to call someone goofy? We actually worked really well together. Oh, and when it comes to speed? He gave me a run for my money, but the Fastest Man Alive is standing right here," I say with a wink.

 

[Eddie Brock]

"He's a cool guy, really isn't a jerk or pretentious. He's actually bit of a goof, but who am I to call someone goofy? We actually worked really well together. Oh, and when it comes to speed? He gave me a run for my money, but the Fastest Man Alive is standing right here," I say with a wink.

"That line ever work for you, lover boy?" I laugh. "Listen, I've gotta split, but maybe sometime we can race." I turn around and start to hover a bit off the roof. I then glance back at the Flash. "You can tell me how my costume looks from behind," I add with a smirk.

 

[Saved]

(BATGIRL)​

Gotham Heights High School
8:18 AM

I walk down one of the many hallways of the high school, passing clusters of students chatting and killing time as they prepare to begin their usual school day. The bell rings loudly over the intercom; a low monotone hum continuing for ten long seconds before suddenly ending. As the bell cuts off, the students continue their conversations, acting no differently than they had a few seconds ago. The first bell of the day is meant to be a ‘warning’; telling students to make their way to homeroom immediately, lest they be marked late and suffer the consequences. Ha – the day that actually scares anyone.

Luckily there’s only a few weeks left of classes. Once finals are finished, it’s goodbye junior year – hello summer. Hopefully I’ll have more time to do things I want … like, you know, sleep.
As I approach my locker, my mind drifts back to last night. A smile slowly rises over my face as a feeling of pride rises within me. Man, that was cool. I got to rescue some cops! I felt just like Batman – working under the cover of darkness, hiding in the shadows – SO cool. And those crooks thinking Gotham’s haunted? Haha – priceless.

Having a quiet chuckle, I laugh under my breath for a moment – reveling in their superstitious nonsense. Of course, something they said did trouble me. Those crooks mentioned they were from Star City – working for some guy called “Brickwell”. Gotham’s underworld is big enough without pushers trying to muscle their way into the business... Hopefully, this is a new phenomenon. If these guys have already had the chance to root themselves here in Gotham, they may pose more of a threat than I had previously thought.

As I reach my locker, I stop in front of it and begin to turn the dial, entering the numbered code carefully. These lockers are so picky… you go over the number just one digit and it’s all screwed up. Heck, sometimes you put the numbers in just right and it STILL doesn’t open. Nothing like a moody locker to begin the day.

After lining up the final number, I lift up on the latch and the locker opens without a hitch. “Huh,” I say aloud in a surprised voice. “That’s lucky.” As I push the door open wide, the final bell rings, filling the halls with its loud obnoxious tone once more. “Crap,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I’m late.”

Unaffected by the realization, I go to grab my books for the first period of the day as the other students behind me quickly shuffle into the classrooms, emptying the hallways. As I reach down to grab a book, something strange catches my eye – a photograph taped to the interior of my locker. From a short distance, it looks as if someone has scribbled on the face of someone with a black marker - how odd. I grab the picture and bring it closer to my eyes to get a better look. Suddenly, my eyes open wide and my mouth drops as I realize who the identity of the person in the photograph.

“It’s me…” I say in a gasp, shocked to my core. I quickly turn around, looking to see if anyone is watching me. The hallways are vacant – not a single person there. I turn back to my locker and look at the picture clasped tightly between my fingers. “Someone knows who I am,” I whisper quietly, finding it difficult to swallow. As I take in a short, bated, breath – I hear the sound of someone breathing behind me. My body becomes tense and I ball my fists, ready to fight.

“Miss Gordon,” the voice begins, sending a chill down my spine. Gritting my teeth, I spin around fast and prepare to fight. I raise my hands in a battle stance as I face my foe the-
Principal?

“I don’t find that appropriate, Miss Gordon,” he says sternly, placing his hands on his hips as he shoots me a dirty look. Instantly, I drop my hands, letting out a sigh of relief as I stand awkwardly in front of him.

“Uh…sorry, Mr. Miller,” I say with an embarrassed grin. “You startled me.”
“Indeed,” he grumbles. “You realize your two minutes late for homeroom, don’t you?”
“No, sorry. I was just going there.”
“I’d hope so. I’ll let you off with a warning, but don’t let me catch you tardy to class again. Understood?” I nod, and he shakes his head. “Good,” he says simply, taking off down the hall back toward his office.

“Well,” I sigh, turning back to my locker. “That was … embarrassing.” Putting the incident behind me, I focus my attention back on the photograph – staring at it intently once again. “I’ve been so careful,” I say in disbelief, looking at the cruel sketching of a cowl over my face. “How could this happen?” As I flip the picture over, I find a message written on the back. I quickly observe the handwriting – it’s not sloppy, but it certainly isn’t neat. Whoever wrote this did it casually; using the same style in which they may write a grocery list or a reminder on a post-it note. That’s interesting...

I read the message in my head, fearful to say it aloud for any passersby to hear. The message is short, and concise – conveying a simple and ambiguous meaning. “I’ll be in touch. - RH,” it says plainly.

Stepping back, I shut my locker, closing it with a bang as I let out some pent up aggression. I crumble the note and stuff it in my pocket as I make my way to class. “I’ll be in touch…” I repeat, saying it softly to myself. What could he mean? Is it a warning? A word of caution so I’m ready for his appearance? Or, is it just a notice – informing me that I should expect a visit shortly?

Either way, the ‘memo’ was meant to inform me of one thing; someone’s been watching me – and they intend to meet face to face soon… I’ll have to be alert 24/7 now. This city’s full of whack-jobs and psychopaths. I can’t afford to drop my guard – not now- not even for a second.

 

[Byrd Man]

"That line ever work for you, lover boy?" I laugh. "Listen, I've gotta split, but maybe sometime we can race." I turn around and start to hover a bit off the roof. I then glance back at the Flash. "You can tell me how my costume looks from behind," I add with a smirk.

"Honestly? It's a hundred times better than anything I've seen on those cosplay sites I....have heard about, but have certainly never visited."

Shaking her head, Supergirl streaks off into the sky. She's good, but she's no Wonder Woman. Yep, I'm still holding out hope. She will be mine. Oh, yes - she will be mine. My slightly to moderately creep thoughts about Wonder Woman are interrupted by my cellphone ringing out.

I wanna roll with- the gangsters, but so far they all think I'm too white n' nerdy, think I'm just too white n' ner-

"Go for Bart!....Yeah....yeah, Mom. I'm on my way. I'll be home in a few minutes."

Closing up my phone, I streak down the Johns building and race back home. Well, that's the plan anyway....

-First I must apologise for invading upon your privacy. You do not know me, but it is a matter of upmost urgency. My name is J'onn J'onnz, they call me the Martian Manhunter. There is a creature in the sky, a creature that will threaten our very way of life on this planet. It means to destroy us all - it will possess the peoples of this planet via a bioform that will attach to the face of the victim. I tell you this because you may need to combat them on your home turf. They will be violent. I ask all of you to consider my proposal. Alone we can be broken, by the hivemind or by the abomination itself. Together...together we stand a chance...we stand a chance to save this planet that we so love. Any of you willing to accept my invitation, may I suggest that you meet me in Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis, as soon as you possibly can. Time is a factor. The creature's name is Sta'rro. Some call him the Star Conqueror, some call him the Deciever. Do not be fooled by it or it's minions. Good luck -

Huh. That's something that doesn't happen often....even for a guy like me.

Just as soon as it started, the voice inside my head stops. Hmm. I pull my phone back up and redial Mom.

"Hey....yeah, Ralph just called me up and wanted me to have dinner at his house, that cool? Okay....okay. I'll see you later tonight. Love you, too."

Hanging up, I race out of Keystone and across the bridge to Central City, bypassing home and running east towards the East Coast and Metropolis. Maybe my words to Supergirl might actually turn out to ring true sooner than I thought.

 

[Saved]

Red Hood​

Arkham Asylum

Jason Todd walks casually on his way as he passes through the many hallways of Arkham Asylum. Beneath his three piece suit, a bloody bandage winds around his shoulder, keeping the bullet wound from the day before sterilized. It wasn't easy to extract the bullet himself - nor was the improvised cauterizing process once he had finished. Luckily for him, this wasn't a method he hadn't used before. Too risky would it have been for him to go to a hospital - too many questions and eyebrows raised about the 'how' and 'why'. No, for him, it was better to endure the excruciating pain to maintain his privacy. After all, the wound will just be another scar on his skin - another reminder of a battle fought and won.

Turning the next corner, Jason walks past a row of offices belonging to the staff at the facility. As he walks down the hall, he soon finds the office of his lover, Doctor Harleen Quinzel. He stops outside the door and peers inside. As Jason leans on the doorframe, he sees her typing away on her computer - most likely filling out another report for a patient she's been treating. With a grin, Jason knocks on the wall, getting her attention in a gentle fashion. "Hey Harley," he says aloud. Harley spins around slowly in her chair to face him.
"Jason," she says pleasantly, adjusting the glasses on her face as she leans back in the chair. "You're alive."
"Haha, yes I'm alive," he jests. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, based on your recent track record, I half expected to get a phone call from the hospital again."
"Half expected?" He asks curiously. "What was the other half?"
"That you'd be dead," she replies with cold sarcasm.
"Mmhh, funny." He says in a dry tone.
"Well, what am I suppossed to think? You rushing out of her saying you've got to see someone. You've got a knack for getting yourself into trouble."
"You've got a point," he says as he adjusts his arm, wincing slightly as a pang shoots out from his shoulder. "But I told you I was leaving it to the professionals - and I did."
"Oh, yes, I heard," she begins. "Doctor Crane told me how you dropped the investigation into your office's ransacking."
"What - he told you that, but-" Jason stops, silencing himself as falls into confusion. "I did that just this morning, at like, five AM! How'd he find out?"
"Probably in his conversation with Doctor Arkham earlier this morning. Johnathan told me he finally got to speak with him after a few months of unreplied emails and messages. Apparently, your name came up in conversation - Arkham said how odd it was that you asked the police and the staff to let the whole thing go - how it wasn't important to you since nothing was missing or stolen."
"Right..." Jason says, disgruntled.
"Oh, and apparently you paid for the damages out of your own pocket too. Didn't want to burden the already over-extended budget with 'untrivial matters'."

Jason goes quiet for a moment, silenced by surprise at how quickly word had spread about his personal matter. So sure was he that this incident would blow over - little did he know Jonathan Crane was so interested in his buisness. "Why did Crane tell you that?" Jason finally speaks.
"Because wetalk," she explains. "You know, talking? That thing you and I never do anymore."
"What's there to talk about?" Jason asks, slightly naive to Harley's intent. "Work is work."
"Your missing the point."
"Well, explain it to me," he grunts in a frustrated tone.
"When was the last time you and I actually talked - you know, like deep, intimate conversation? A few months ago when we started dating, we used to have great chats about our work with the patients here - about ambition and the futures we hoped to make. Now, it seems like the only time we communicate is when you need my help."
"I took you out to dinner two weeks ago; we had a nice time."
"Until you left midway through - some kind of 'problem' with one of your patients here."
"Oh, right..." he says in a hushed voice. "But it was good until that point."
Harley lets out a long sigh - a sigh of not only frustration, but of worry. As she removes the glasses from her face, she inhales deeply - preparing to say what's been on her mind for a while. "Jason," she begins calmly, "I told you before, I'm not stupid - and it insults my intelligence when you think I am. You've been telling me for a while now that you'd be honest with me - that you'd tell me all the secrets you've been keeping. But everytime you say that, it feels like you're only making more secrets - more lies to lock them away."

"Harley, I-" Jason pauses, taking a moment to reflect on what she's said. As hard as it may be for him to comprehend, every word she's spoken is true. His lies have been building up - every one stacked on top of another as he builds a wall of deceit around his 'other life'. But what was once meant to keep his hobby safley hidden has now become a wedge driven between Harleen and himself, dividing them and pushing them farther and father apart. No longer can he put this aside - it's time to confront it, and decide his path.
"Harley, look, I'm sorry," he begins with a heavy voice. "But, look - I've got secrets - lots of secrets. Things that, for now, I've got to keep to myself. But, you're right... it doesn't mean I have the right to lie to you, or let it drive us apart. If you want to keep this relationship going, you're going to have to accept that there are things about me I just... can't explain right now. But, if you trust me that I'll come clean when the time is right, I promise I'll be more open and honest with you." Harley stays quiet for a moment; simply resting in the chair as she stares intently into his eyes. She notices his facial expression - the shape of his mouth, the position of the muscles in his face and brow. She scrutinizes even the tiniest movements of his fingers, analyzing him as she would a patient - looking for any signs of deception or faked remorse.

"Jason," she speaks, blinking slowly as she gathers her thoughts. "It's been fun, being with you, but - I just don't want to waste my time with someone who's only going to lead me on until things end horribly. I don't want this to be another mistake."
"It won't be," he smiles. "I promise. I'll make it up to you. Dinner tonight, anywhere you want. We'll talk - like we used to - open and honest." As Harley gazes at Jason's face, the corner of her mouth lifts slightly into a faint smile. She bites the end of her glasses and lets out a short giggle, the stress and pent up emotion finally making its way out in an awkward laugh.
"Alright," she relents. "I'll give it another chance."
"Great," he says joyfully, feeling a sense of peace he hasn't felt in much too long.
"Sous Le Capot; you pick me up at 7:30."
"Sous Le Capot," Jason says with playful distress. "This one's gonna cost me, huh?"
"You betcha," she tells him proudly as a wide grin comes across her face.

****​

 

[Spike_x1]

After spending a few minutes going over my notes with Dr. Hamilton and discussing Lex Luthor's theories, he simply nods in agreement with Lex's assessment. "That sounds reasonable enough, based on what we've seen of the Banshee."

"All right. Do you have anything that you might like to add or elaborate on?"

"Nope."

As he turns back to his work I step closer to Hamilton to regain his attention. "I, er, I honestly expected a little more, Doctor. My partner spoke pretty highly of you." Suuure she did.

"She did, did she?"

The compliment seems to have at least caught his attention. "Would you have any ideas on how Superman or the authorities might be able to disable the Silver Banshee?"

"I'm sure I could come up with something to satisfy yourself and Ms. Lane (your partner certainly has a nice bum, don't you think?)." Sooner rather than later, please. "Even though the Banshee's abilities apparently originate outside of the realms of our understanding of science, she is still bound--at least in some ways--to our laws of physics. She still occupies the same earthly space as we do, she can affect the things around her that don't hail from such extra-dimensional origins, and her voice--powerful though it may be--presumably still travels through the air like yours or mine." He smiles at me and shrugs his shoulders. "I simply don't have the data to make a more in depth analysis or discuss any further theories."

"Get the SCU! You over there! Yeah, you! Call a radio station or something and get the word out that we need Superman here right-freakin'-NOW!"

"That's fine, Dr. Hamilton. I'm going to have to run now anyway. I think I hear Lois calling for me."

"I didn't hear your phone go off."

"Uhh, it's on vibrate. Yeah. Anyway, gotta go. Thanks a lot!" I quickly jog out of the lab, and as soon as I'm in the hallway I break into a run.

"Say hi to Lois for me!"

After waving at the grumpy janitor and the friendly receptionist on my way out, I kick into superspeed and hope that Mom won't get angry at me when I ask her to put the buttons back on to another shirt.

I should really get her to teach me how to sew one of these days.

It takes me a fraction of a second to zero on the location of Lois' cries for help as I take to the skies, shedding my civilian clothing and breaking the sound barrier. I can see what's happening in the police station from here as the officers open fire on the familiar form of the Silver Banshee. She barely seems to even notice the gunshots when they ricochet off of her body and she lays waste to the officers in her path. She's obviously after the remaining members of her former terrorist group, and isn't going to let anything stop her. I guess I'll have to be just as determined.

Before she can even register that I've arrived on the scene, I slam into the Banshee and send her through several walls. I don't know the true extent of her strength and durability, but she was able to shrug off my tackling her through the wall of the museum this morning, so I don't think I have to worry about her fragility too much.

The instant that Siobhan realizes I'm here, she takes a swipe with her claws, but only catches empty air. Keeping up the speed, I've already moved the five members of the McDougals who were in custody from their holding cells into a couple squad cars outside. Content that they're not going anywhere, I fly back in for Lois, but as soon as I reach the top of the steps leading into the station, I'm met with the sound of ten atomic bombs going off in my head.

"RRAAAARRRGH!!"

The next thing I know, I'm face down on the pavement. "kltpzyXm," I groan. Alright, so she recovered faster than I thought she would. No biggie. I can still do this. At least the Banshee's not inside the station any longer, along with Lois. And I'm outside as well. More space to maneuver is good. That's when I feel the Silver Banshee flip me onto my back and wrap her clawed hands around my throat.

Here it comes.

The pavement beneath me begins shattering from the force of her scream, and I think my ears are bleeding. It's taking all of my effort just to stay conscious. "Enough of this!" I scream, although my voice is easily drowned out by the Banshee. My hand suddenly lashes out and jabs the supervillainess in the throat, making her recoil as she coughs uncontrollably. Having bought myself a little time, I get to my feet and grab Siobhan by the arm just as she stops gagging. I'm going to take this to where no one can be hurt and she won't be able to cause any more property damage.

Before the Silver Banshee can inhale to let loose another scream, I drag her into the Metropolis skyline. Just as we clear the peak of LexCorp Towers, she slashes at my hand and manages to break free from my grip. She's also not falling. Huh. I guess she can fly too. That's when I'm snapped back to the immediacy of the situation as I hear Siobhan inhale sharply.

"Oh no you don't, young lady." The air is suddenly sucked from the Silver Banshee's lungs as I begin flying around her at superspeed, forming an intense cyclone. This better work. She gasps for air, but she'll live. She's definitely going to be sore after this next trick, though. With careful maneuvering I force the entire cyclone downward, diving through the buildings until the winds finally slam the thing that was once a naïve young woman named Siobhan McDougal into the street. She's old cold.

The officers and bystanders outside the police station start to approach as the winds die down, and I commit to staying by the Banshee until STAR Labs or a similarly qualified group can get here to safely restrain her. Then I see Lois emerging from the station and running towards me. Oh, darn.

 

[Bounce]

“You said your name is Superboy,” the Dabney Donovan commented simply, his eyes never leaving the boy’s. “How would you like the chance to prove it?”

The child rose higher and higher into the air, until he could no longer feel the ethereal hand of gravity tugging at him and the only clouds were a blanket upon the Earth below him. A horizon of blue and black, the place where the sky slowly dispersed outward into space. It was a sensation like standing on top of the world, hovering there and seeing the globe at his feet. How like a god, to be on such a pedestal. And to be needed on that pedestal. Raising his head, the boy caught a sparkling glimpse of the tumbling space craft that was hurdling back to the planet. He imagined that the humans within were terrified, crying out to gods or holding out for a hero. He would give them this, and more, for he was of Krypton.

He was a Zod.

In a red blur, the child bolted to intercept the wildly spinning shuttle. Already friction was mounting in the air and a faint aura of heat was glowing at the edges. Lor stuck his hands out in anticipation of catching the space shuttle...

...and found himself getting whirled around like the washing machine on spin cycle.

He’d have cried out but for the lack of air, which wasn’t something he thought about being that he’d lived most of his life without the need to breathe. That was corporeal. Then again, so was the space shuttle that was tossing him around like a wild stallion. Bracing his hands against the craft, the child struggled for leverage with which the straighten out the vessel’s harried descent.

“You just need to straighten it out so it’s no longer spinning,” Donovan had told him, hurried instructions en route to the roof of the Metropolis lab. “The pilot should be able to control the landing from there, but... try to angle the nose up if you can.”

Easy for the human to say.

Planting a hand against the black tiled underside, and another braced against the wing, Lor fought against the force of the shuttle’s spin. The gyrations grew less chaotic as the centrifugal force of its rotation began to lessen, until finally he had it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
​

The mission commander was certain that the jolt he’d felt was the harbinger of the shuttle’s disintegration. Squeezing his eyes shut, he took a last breath... Death came not as a tunnel or light, but rather a silent pause of... nothing unusual. Opening his eyes, the commander found himself staring out at Earth. And then realized that the shuttle was coasting into the atmosphere as a stable glider, as it should be. The man looked down at his controls. The board was green. Turning toward the pilot, he blurted out, “Lucy, what the hell did you do?”

She just shook her head. “I didn’t do any...” the woman began, trailing off as a shadow passed over the front of the shuttle. Glancing up, her eyes grew large as the color drained out of her face. “Oh my god.”

Standing on the nose of the shuttle was a large dog. Platinum coat shimmering in the naked starlight. Tongue drifting out of its open muzzle as it happily wagged its tail. “Tell me I’m not the only one seeing this,” the mission commander stated, before the mission specialist spoke up behind him.

“Okay, who prayed for Lassie?”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
​

Exhausted, the child watched the shuttle descend upon the planet. Krypto flew up from below, Lor reaching out to scratch the canine behind its ears as he rested a moment. As he did, the boy found himself under a... shadow. Not literal, but a feeling. An ill feeling. Turning, the young Lor-Zod almost expected to find someone watching him. Instead he saw only darkness. But suddenly space seemed forboding...

~First I must apologise for invading upon your privacy.~

The boy grasped either side of his head with his hands, shocked beyond words at the voice echoing inside of his head.

~You do not know me, but it is a matter of upmost urgency. My name is J'onn J'onnz, they call me the Martian Manhunter. There is a creature in the sky, a creature that will threaten our very way of life on this planet. It means to destroy us all - it will possess the peoples of this planet via a bioform that will attach to the face of the victim. I tell you this because you may need to combat them on your home turf. They will be violent.~

As the words came, the boy began to relax. It was still disquieting, but the initial surprise had worn off. And the voice confirmed what he felt. There was something out there. Something dark. He probably should have been afraid of it, but that was not the way of Zod. Kryptonians did not fear, they were feared.

~I ask all of you to consider my proposal. Alone we can be broken, by the hivemind or by the abomination itself. Together...together we stand a chance...we stand a chance to save this planet that we so love. Any of you willing to accept my invitation, may I suggest that you meet me in Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis, as soon as you possibly can. Time is a factor. The creature's name is Sta'rro. Some call him the Star Conqueror, some call him the Deciever. Do not be fooled by it or it's minions. Good luck ~

As the voice faded from his mind, the boy found his second wind. A red blur streaked across the curve of the Earth, this time after a solitary white figure. The astronaut that he was supposed to recover. The man looked as though he might still be alive, but he seemed as though he were asleep...

Taking hold of the bulky figure, the child began descending back toward the Earth. Back toward Metropolis.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
​

Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis

It was probably thirty minutes before the Superboy descended on the statue at the middle of the square. He’d had to slow the initial descent to keep the friction from becoming too much on the astronaut. Afterward, it had taken a bit for Donovan to give him the location of the meeting place. There had been some people with little boxes that kept erupting with flashes of white light as well. Press, Dabney had called them. The story about the space shuttle, which had landed moments earlier at White Sands, had been leaked out.

The boy’s foot was about a meter above the head of the statue. As superheroic costumes went, it certainly didn’t get any more comfortable. Blue jeans. A red t-shirt which was untucked. And feet shod in simply leather sandals. A black outline of the Kryptonian script for hope emblazoned on the chest. And that was that.

Perhaps this... Superman would show up.

Perhaps Lor would finally get some answers about the Kryptonian living on this world.

 

[Spike_x1]

"Superman, can I have a few words?" asks Lois before she's even reached me, although I'm fairly certain she wasn't really asking for my permission.

"Well, I-"

"First, congrats on giving that girl what she deserves." I knew it. "Secondly, what are your thoughts on the city converting the old Stryker's Island nuclear plant into a prison for supercriminals? Has anyone from the city council consulted you on it?"

I haven't actually heard too much on this subject, having been so busy with the matter of the McDougals and just getting back from my trip to the planet Almerac. I've heard enough about it, though.

"It's not my place to look over their shoulders on decisions like that, so they certainly don't need to go through me to set up their prison." Today's looking to be a big news day for Lois.

Lying on the ground at our feet, Siobhan moans in pain, getting our attention. She has my sympathy for the life she was forced into, but choosing to murder her brother and former partners isn't something that I'm about to stand for. Lois then looks back at me with another question in mind.

"Then how do you feel about your old playmates being locked up there? Like Neutron, Blackrock, Riot, and probably the Silver Banshee in the women's wing. Any worries about housing them so close to your hometown?"

"I believe the reason why they chose Stryker's Island for the prison's location is because it's isolated enough from the mainland that access to it can be controlled, and also because many of the materials they need to construct special cells for energy wielding criminals like Nathan Tryon and Dr. Silverstone are already easily accessible right here in Metropolis, thanks to the resources of LexCorp and STAR Labs just a stone's throw away, so to speak." A couple vans from STAR finally arrive and Lois and I watch as police officers run by us to give the scientists a briefing on what needs to be done. Turning back to Lois, I continue, "So I have the utmost confidence that the city has the means to house those prisoners safely." My feet slowly start to leave the ground and I can see Lois about to blurt out another question to prompt me to stay a little longer, but this time it's my chance to cut her off. "As for how I feel about imprisoning them so close to home... well, even if they do manage to break out, remember that I beat each of them at least once before. I think I can do it again." I give her a reassuring wink and then take off.

It's getting dark and I've still got a truckload of writing to do, and then I could sure go for a nap.

 

[Andy C.]

Ever since my encounter with the Flash, my run-ins with Kobra's minions have been fewer and further between. There was a brief skirmish over Omaha with a woman in some high-tech armor called the 'Silver Swan,' and an attempt to ambush me staged as a terrorist attack on the Hoover Dam, but neither of those lasted long or provided me with any additional information on Kobra and his organization. I seem to be fighting only the symptoms, unable to get at the root of the disease.

It's been frustrating to say the least, both for myself as Wonder Woman, and for myself as Diana Prince.

"Look, I understand why you're doing this," Steve says, continuing the argument we've been having for the last hour as we barrel down the interstate from Las Vegas towards Coast City. "I just don't understand why we're having to do it this way. I mean, Kobra is out to get you, there's no question about that. But you're tough enough to take whatever they throw at you, whether it's an army or another super-villain or whatever. So why let them chase us? Why not hunker down somewhere, set up some defenses, and let them come to us?"

"I need to stay on the offensive here, Steve. We still don't know how powerful that organization is, just how much they can hit me with at one time. If I stay in one place for too long, they could gather something far bigger than what they can throw at me now. Besides, staying in one place means that there would be....complications. Unnecessary attachments that Kobra could exploit. People that I could grow close to, and have that turned against me."

"So we're on the run because you don't want to get attached to someone?" he says, a bitter edge to his voice. I don't reply, and we sit there in silence for a while before he finally says, "So where exactly do I fit into this then?"

"Steve....you know I care about you. You know I want you here with me. But until I can find Kobra and take him out, I just.....I don't know."

"Right. I'm just the guy who drives the truck and carries your things around then."

"That's not what I--"

-First I must apologise for invading upon your privacy. You do not know me, but it is a matter of upmost urgency. My name is J'onn J'onnz, they call me the Martian Manhunter. There is a creature in the sky, a creature that will threaten our very way of life on this planet. It means to destroy us all - it will possess the peoples of this planet via a bioform that will attach to the face of the victim. I tell you this because you may need to combat them on your home turf. They will be violent. I ask all of you to consider my proposal. Alone we can be broken, by the hivemind or by the abomination itself. Together...together we stand a chance...we stand a chance to save this planet that we so love. Any of you willing to accept my invitation, may I suggest that you meet me in Glenmorgan Square, Metropolis, as soon as you possibly can. Time is a factor. The creature's name is Sta'rro. Some call him the Star Conqueror, some call him the Deciever. Do not be fooled by it or it's minions. Good luck -

"Pull over. Pull over right now."

Trevor pulls the truck to the shoulder of the interstate, a worried look on his face.

"Diana, what's going on?"

I can't even answer for a moment. The voice in my head, the images projected into my mind, thoughts and messages that are not my own, and not of the gods. I'd heard that the military had experimented with telepathy and ESP during the Cold War, but I was always led to believe that it was a dead-end, that there was no such thing. Apparently they were wrong, as this "Martian Manhunter" was able to speak to me and to others it seems.

"Steve, I just got a....a message, something that I need to check out. Well, that Wonder Woman needs to check out at least. There's something big happening, and I need to go to Metropolis to find out what I can do."

"Metropolis? That's on the other side of the country!"

"I know. But I can be very, very fast, remember? Just keep going til you hit Coast City, and I'll find you there once this is over. Okay?"

"...Okay. But we're picking this conversation up where we left off. You're not getting off that easily."

"Fine. I'll be back soon."

"You better, Prince."

With that, I step out of the truck, and harness the power of the gods. Seconds later, I'm little more than a streak in the air as I fly as fast as I can, with as much haste as Hermes himself can muster, making the approach to Metropolis.

The territory of the world's most celebrated champion, Superman himself. If there is anywhere on Earth where we can gather enough power to fend off the threat of which the Manhunter has spoken, it is here.

I swoop down towards Glenmorgan Square, catching quite a few eyes as I do. I can't help but smile as I see the Flash arrive seconds before me. There is also a boy in plain clothes save for Superman's symbol standing in front of the large statue. I cannot tell if he is one of us, however, or simply an admirer of the city's hero.

I swoop down gracefully behind the Scarlet Speedster, startling him when I say something.

"It seems we are the first to arrive. Good to see you again, Flash."

 

[Byrd Man]

With that, I step out of the truck, and harness the power of the gods. Seconds later, I'm little more than a streak in the air as I fly as fast as I can, with as much haste as Hermes himself can muster, making the approach to Metropolis.

The territory of the world's most celebrated champion, Superman himself. If there is anywhere on Earth where we can gather enough power to fend off the threat of which the Manhunter has spoken, it is here.

I swoop down towards Glenmorgan Square, catching quite a few eyes as I do. I can't help but smile as I see the Flash arrive seconds before me. There is also a boy in plain clothes save for Superman's symbol standing in front of the large statue. I cannot tell if he is one of us, however, or simply an admirer of the city's hero.

I swoop down gracefully behind the Scarlet Speedster, startling him when I say something.

"It seems we are the first to arrive. Good to see you again, Flash."

"I....I....umm....," I gulp loudly and take a deep breath. "It's good to see you, Wondy. Always a pleasure."

It almost pains me, but I turn away from Wonder Woman and eye the kid wearing the Superman shirt. Seems like I'm running into all kinds of people with S on their shirts.

"Hey there, little buddy. You got the message, too?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

GREEN ARROW

"Ollie, we've been training for almost a month now. When are you going to let me go out on patrol?" Bonnie asks.

It's the question I've been avoiding. Make no mistake, I've had my doubts about this. Pulling a civilian into the fight, putting her in the line of fire. It's not something I've been entirely comfortable with. However, Bonnie is an adult, and she's going to make her own decisions. If she's going to go after the Yakuza, I might as well make sure she's damn ready to do so.

Besides, she's still one Hell of an archer.

"I guess you're ready," I say begrudgingly. I've grown more and more comfortable with Bonnie knowing my secret. It saves me the trouble of wearing my costume all the time and masking my voice. Plus, it's nice to feel like I'm not in this fight alone. "But we're going to start small."

Bonnie nods, her face a mixture of understanding and silent determination.

"I made you something," I announce suddenly, moving across the room to the garment bag I left hanging over a wooden chair. Unzipping it, I take one last look at its contents. "You can't exactly go out there in civilian clothes." I take out the outfit and toss it to Bonnie.

She looks over it with a smile before looking at me. "How do you know my size?"

Shrugging, I explain, "I can be very observant. But try it on, see if it fits." I turn around so she can slip into the outfit. I have to resist the temptation to peek over my shoulder. Clearing my throat, I ask, "So have you given any thought to what I should call you out there? I keep thinking, but the best I can come up with is 'Arrowette.'"

"Shado," she replies calmly in a deeper voice. "Call me Shado. How does it look?"

"You're ready."

***

I'm perched on the roof outside the Leaky Roof Bar. I sent Shado in for her first assignment about fifteen minutes ago. I've been tracking a man named Carl Lisse, a wanted fugitive. This was supposed to be a simple extraction. Go into the bar, subdue Lisse, gift-wrap him for the police. But Shado's been in there much longer than I anticipated.

Finally, there's a crash, and Shado comes tumbling out of a second-story window. Upon hitting the ground, she tucks and rolls - just like we always practiced. I noticed that she's holding her shoulder. I give a whistle, and Shado looks up and sees me. She clambors up onto the roof.

"What happened?"

Out of breath, Shado answers, "Lisse pulled a knife. I had it under control, but the bartender pulled out a shotgun. Next thing I knew, the entire bar erupted into a fight."

"What about Lisse?"

Shado sighs. "He escaped through the back."

Damn. I should have been watching. Pulling her hand away from her shoulder, I ask, "What happened here?" I can see the blood shimmering in the moonlight.

"Got clipped by a shotgun blast," Shado answers. "It doesn't hurt. I can keep tracking Lisse. He can't have gotten far."

I admire her determination. She doesn't want to let me down. Even though Lisse got away, we'll have another chance at him eventually. Worst case scenario: he flees town, and then he's someone else's problem. What I do notice is that Shado escaped from a situation that hairy with minimal damage. That's impressive for a rookie.

"No. Lisse is a nobody. Don't worry about him," I instruct. "You need to clean out that wound and put some pressure on it." I look around, double-checking that no one is listening or following us. "C'mon. My penthouse isn't far from here."

***

Bonnie winces as I dig the tweezers into her shoulder. "Easy," I whisper soothingly. "I think this is the last piece." Shotgun wounds are messy. Instead of a single bullet to pull out, depending on the type of shotgun, there can be a dozen little pieces of metal lodged under the skin. And to clean the wounds, you need to pull them all out.

"I messed up, huh? I was sloppy," Bonnie reprimands herself.

I bite my lip as the tweezers grab onto the last little piece of shotgun shell. Pulling it out as slowly as I can to minimize the pain - and to keep from tearing up the inside of her shoulder - I reply, "Everyone's sloppy at first. It takes practice." I pull the piece free, finally meeting her gaze. "And you did very well."

I drop the piece into the metal pan with the other ones I extracted from her shoulder.

"How can you say that? I let the target get away. I started a bar fight. I got shot."

"And you still walked away in one piece." I hand Bonnie a warm towel to hold against her shoulder. It's still bleeding quite a bit. "Listen, when I first met you, I was worried that you'd be overaggressive. My fear for you was that you wouldn't know when to stand and fight and when to run."

Bonnie looks at me silently, considering what I'm saying.

"And for the most part, you won't be on your own. I'll be there with you," I say with a smile. Bonne smiles back. "I wanted to see how you handled the pressure of working alone. I pushed you into the deep end, and you treaded water." I put my hand on her uninjured shoulder.

"I did get a couple of good shots off," Bonnie says quietly with a smirk.

I smile. Then, before I know it, we're kissing. I don't know how it happened. All I know is that it feels...natural. It feels right. Don't overthink this, Ollie. Just go with it. For once in your life.
​

 

[Bounce]

"Hey there, little buddy. You got the message, too?"

Lor turned his head, the sandy-haired Kryptonian finding himself looking up at the red-suited teenager. His was not the voice that had echoed in Lor's head earlier, nor was this teen dressed as Mxyzptlk had shown him Superman would be. But apparently whoever he was, he'd gotten the mental cry for help as well. And the manner in which the teen spoke to the woman made it easy to assume she might be there for the same reason. "Yeah it was, like, kinda surprising 'cause I was up in space at the time and you, like, can't talk up there and stuff," the child commented candidly, unconsciously levitating himself to about Bart's eye-level. It was easier than craning his neck to look up at folks all the time. The boy was obviously still full of energy, having caught a second wind since the shuttle incident while waiting there under the sun. Throwing his arms out, as though to illustrate his point, he added, "But there was this voice and images and everything!"

Glancing up for a moment, the boy seemed to be deep in thought as the question took him back to the experience. "It was kinda... hmmm," he mused aloud, before glancing back over at Bart and uttered something in a different language. "I don't know how to say it in your language though."

With a shrug, the child settled down so that he was seated on the base of the statue. "Anyway, I'm Superboy," Lor offered by way of introductions, continuing the masquerade he'd started the previous day at NASA. Looking between the teen and the woman, the child asked, "Who're you?"

 

[Batman]

"I'll keep watch for now," I explain. "This--" I wave in the general direction of his penthouse, and really this entire building. "--isn't exactly laying low. Whoever's trying to kill you has connections. Otherwise, your would-be assassin wouldn't have been able to get so close to you tonight." I look right at Wayne. "Maybe I'm being overly cautious, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry, don't you?"

Hh. I pause for a moment, finding myself caught completely off guard. Given how moronic most of the city's police have proven to be, I didn't begin to think that my suspicions about the shooter's beneficiaries were being shared. It intrigues me, to some degree, that she would be clever enough to make that connection - but at the same time, it only tells me that the longer she stays here, my secret is in even more danger than before. If she's actually capable of some level of detective work...

Doesn't matter. One way or another, I'll have to work hard to lead her off of making any incriminating discoveries. Because even the least observant cop can discover my secrets within this house - they just have to stumble upon the right bit of evidence. But even that doesn't mean that I'm about to allow my nights to become preoccupied. Not with yet another killer on the streets.

"Fair enough. I was just suggesting that if you get bored with the police work and want a little off-the-clock rest, you're welcome to any of the guest rooms. Infact, I was thinking of turning in, myself. It's been a frightfully hectic evenin-..."

As if a godsend, my cellphone interrupts the increasingly tense moment. Taking it out of my pocket, I inspect the number as if I didn't expect the call, and give Selina a wry smile. "Excuse me, I need to take this. Negotiations with some investors."

Kindly excusing myself towards the study, which is just down the hall from the living room, I open the phone and begin pretending to speak to the caller. "Bruce Wayne. Hmm? Oh, no, don't apologize. You caught me at just the right moment!"

By the time the door closes behind me, I stop and breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Alfred, on the other side of the penthouse, speaks quietly from the other end of the line. "Quite the predicament. Any ideas on how you're going to escape this one?"

Looking back to make sure the door's tightly secured, I begin to unfasten my tie, heading across the room to the false bookcase located off to the right. "She thinks I'm conducting a business deal in the study. Keep her occupied. Distract her by any means necessary, and try not to oversell it. I'll be back before dawn."

"I'll do my best, sir. But I would advise that you take care of the immediate matter at hand and return home at once. It's going to seem suspicious otherwise, and I'm afraid that I cannot help that."

"Neither can I, Alfred."

Closing the phone shut, I toss it onto my desk and grasp the head of a William Shakespeare bust sitting just beyond it. The head folds over to reveal a switch, carefully hidden under it's neck. I press the switch and watch as the bookcase slides back and opens, revealing a secret elevator that'll take me down to the cave.

To our guest, it'll need to appear that Bruce Wayne is still in the penthouse, conducting a business deal of no particular interest. Eventually, if I'm lucky, she'll tire out and become less focused on whatever I'm doing. Alfred can hopefully take care of the rest, because as much as I'd love to stay and ensure that my secrets are safe...

I've got an assassin to find.