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[Saved]

Red Hood​

Trail of Slaughter Part IV


Less than a mile from the harbor, the skyscrapers of Gotham begin to taper off. The buildings shrink smaller, devolving from towers into duplexes until all that is left are small abandon sheds. Between the city’s edge and the river’s bank are vacant spaces – strips of roadways leading into fenced off and empty parking lots.

Like a gazelle on the savannah plains, a single figure darts out from the city’s cover and runs forward, seeking cover. The Red Hood soon takes refuge behind a vacant shack, ducking back into the shadows once more. As he leans against the wall at his back, he surveys the area – looking for something specific. As his eyes spot a lone car in the middle of a parking lot, his feet spring up – and he sprints toward it without pause.

Seconds later, he reaches the vehicle – moving around it like a lion circling its prey. He takes note of the decals and markings, even the license plate under the trunk. “Burke’s car,” he says under his breath as he stands straight. “It’s been here a few days, from the look of things.”

As the Red Hood looks further on, he sees the tops of the circus tents only a few blocks a head. “Oh no,” he says with an ominous tone. Jason’s eyes grow tight beneath his mask as an inner rage wells up inside him. The voice of his nightmares returns, saying 'Burn it … Burn it all!' As the horrible cackle trails off inside his mind, his hands tighten into fists – and Jason’s entire body begins to constrict.

Pressing off his foot with immense power, Jason runs off toward the circus before him – a scowl on his face, and a brutal flicker in his eyes.

****​

Nearly a half hour passes – allowing the sky to grow darker and the landscape grimmer. Jason stalks about, lurking in the shadows as he finally creeps to the edge of one of the tents. He’s bided his time – making use of every second to ensure his implicit anonymity is not compromised.

Jason knows better than to run gun hoe into an unknown area – especially if a hostage is involved. After his third time circling the tents from a safe distance, he’s noted all is calm, but assumed the circus is not empty. Belseraph may have left, thinks to himself as he crouches low. But I know someone is still around to keep watch. Even if Burke and Belseraph aren’t around, the ‘watchman’ will be all I need to get the next lead – worst case scenario, that is.

Leaning forward, Jason gropes the edge of a tent nearly four yards from the entrance. He lifts it less than a foot high as he drops to his back, rolling under and letting the flap drop as subtlety as he can manage. As he stabilizes himself in on his hands and knees, he raises his head and looks around the dark room – searching for any bodies that may be ready to greet him with violent intent.

“Good,” he says quietly. “No one yet.”


Breaching the silence, a single groan startles Jason – inciting him to act. He flips into the air, reaching into his jacket simultaneously and pulling out a large knife as his feet touch the ground. As he looks around for the source of the noise, he sees a figure masked in the blackness suspended from the ground. “What the-“ as Jason moves into a more casual stance, he steps closer to investigate – remaining cautious as ever.

A faint light comes through a tear in the cloth, shedding a small ray over the figure’s face. As Jason comes within range, he sees the familiar features of the man’s face, and he drops his guard as he moves in close.

“Burke,” he says in a relieved voice, rushing to his friend’s aid. Todd takes note of the contraption incarcerating him – the many cables and wires wrapped tightly around his appendages, holding him dangling above the floor. “Wow, how are you still conscious?” He asks, eyeing the blood dripping from his torn skin, as well as the dried red stain below. Jason sees the police badge fixed painfully in his friend’s neck – the golden etchings now obscured with a dark crimson blemish. Jason bites his lip, anger boiling inside him as he desperately tries to keep calm. “Sorry I got you into this, Tommy,” he says, raising the knife in his hand as he prepares to cut the man free. “But, don’t worry, I’ll get you out.”

“…ap…” Burke groans, his consciousness fading.
“I know,” Jason says, cutting the first wire with a quick swipe of his blade. “Just be still – the wire’s going to unravel from your skin. Probably hurt like a bugger, but-“ he cuts another, allowing the detective to sway limply. “You’re probably used to it at this point.”

“No,” Burke spits, desperately trying to stay awake. With all his strength, he grabs hold of Red Hood’s collar with his newly freed hand – weakly tugging the clothing, using his best effort. “Lis…ten, ‘ood … hhhiiiitss…rap.”
“What? Tommy, relax,” Jason says, grabbing his arm and pulling the detective’s fingers from his jacket. “Just let me get you out of here, and then we can talk.” As Jason moves to cut another wire, a thought suddenly enters his head. He scrutinizes the syllables Burke repeated – recognizing the annunciation. “Ap …rap… oh ****,” he growls, turning around with a furious spin. Standing at the entrance is a small group of men – patiently staring at him with malicious expressions.

​

“Trap,” he says with dismal realization. At the forefront is a familiar face – a smile Jason had once forgotten, but now can’t seem to purge from his mind. As the man begins to speak, his voice strikes a chill in Jason’s bones, reminding him of the night he was left to burn.

“Ah, the Red Hood,” he announces with a haunting smirk - seeming to stare behind the vigilante’s mask and directly into his eyes. “Didn’t I kill you?”

 

[Andy C.]

Spoiler

There was a moment in his life, long ago, where all form of humanistic logic and science left his mind entirely - leaving only bridled instinct in it's wake. While no where near as significant as that crucial part of his past, this new variable offered only the same solution: to eradicate, or be eradicated. Removing several batarangs from his belt, The Dark Knight slung the glowing lasso that Wonder Woman had given him over his shoulder and charged, unafraid of the dire consequence. Metahumans, monsters, and aliens. There was no room for him among this conflict - but if the people of Gotham were in danger, he was going to force his way into it.

"Forget a plan,", Batman growled, leaping onto the nearest car's hood. "That thing is our new objective. Hit it with everything you've got."

The beast's roar could be heard for blocks, as it stumbled out of it's crater and stomped it's way into downtown Metropolis. Hundreds of cars came to a screeching stop, and were immediately vacated by screaming pedestrians. The creature, unlike a wild animal, didn't easily scare from the panic. It simply chose to cause more, striking at a nearby building and taking a good percentage of an entire wall with it. Debris immediately rained down upon the people of Metropolis, with some pieces revealed to be larger than others.

As he tried to catch up to the monster's stead, Batman immediately recognized the imminent peril, and cursed under his breath. No matter his priorities, he couldn't let anyone be killed by this rampage. Leaping in the opposite direction of the attacking monstrosity, the vigilante fired a grapnel outwards and ziplined into the air, releasing several explosive mini-mines towards the descent of the debris. Small explosions coursed through the air above the streets, turning the large chunks of brick and metal into harmless rocks and dust.

Using the line to swing over to a nearby rooftop, Batman watched the creature as it's large head turned, hearing the loud discharge of his collective mines. It spotted the vigilante, and momentarily stared. The Dark Knight remained still and silent, but on the offensive, ready to prepare several different weapons from his belt at a moment's notice. Not that he had any particular hope that they'd do any good against a twenty story alien, but they'd provide necessary distraction for an escape - provided he wasn't killed first.

But rather than easily take out the standing target that Batman represented, the monster grunted, and turned back towards it's earlier path. It wasn't interested in him, or any of the pedestrians and military in the opposite direction. It was being driven to one goal, and it was on the far East corner of Metropolis. In the direction of...

The eyes behind his cowl widened. It didn't seem possible, but Star'ro knew exactly what was happening, and it had sent that thing down to Earth as a defensive measure. Star Labs. It's trying to stop development of the antiviral.

Looking around for any sign of her, Batman spotted Wonder Woman flying overhead in a beeline straight for the monster. Hoping she'd be able to her him, he called out to her before she headed straight into battle.

"We need to keep it distracted! Don't let it leave the area!"

With little more than a prayer that she'd realize what was going on aswell, Batman leaped off of the rooftop and onto the vacant streets, already greatly ravaged by the monster's mere footsteps. The vigilante had to come up with a way to keep the beast in place so that it could be easily subdued, but nothing at his disposal immediately came to mind. He could call in favors from WayneTech to have an industrial strength bridging cable brought in from Gotham, but that would take hours to secure.

Unless...

The vigilante looked to his shoulder at the glowing lasso, remembering words of caution that had only been given to him moments ago. Previously disregarded as nothing more than a strange rambling in a time of crisis. "The Lasso cannot be broken by the hands of mortals or gods." If there was any time to put his faith in the words of a woman that had made such an extreme claim, it was now.

Quickly, Batman went to work devising a solution as Wonder Woman brought the attack to the beast itself.

"Hyaaah!" I shout as I drive my fist into the enormous beast's skull. The impact would shatter boulders, but does not seem to do much other than cause the creature to wince.

Its hide is astoundingly thick, which is hardly surprising given that it is meant to survive even in the merciless void of space. Still, the beast snarls in anger as it recovers from the blow, buffeting me with a gust of hot, foul-smelling air.

I stay within the monster's field of vision, hovering before it to keep it distracted, as Batman suggested. Still, frontal assaults against are making little progress against such a heavily armored creature.

It lunges forward, crushing the pavement into gravel as it moves with surprising speed, opening up its cavernous maw to reveal row after row of jagged, rotten teeth. I fly back and upwards out of the way, but still within its sight, and there is a loud crunching sound as the beast's mouth snaps shut, man-sized teeth crashing against each other, drenching spouts of saliva flinging from its gums.

Like a wasp I hover out of harm's way before rushing back in to strike again, kicking with both of my feet in between the monster's eyes. It shrinks back and lets out another enraged roar. I am so focused on the beast's head that I do not see the enormous pincer-tipped tail thrusting towards me like a scorpion's sting.

The blow sends me tumbling away back towards the streets of Metropolis, while a pair of gigantic bony claws close in on both sides of me. Apparently the pincer was meant for grabbing onto much larger targets than I, however, as I slip between the two ends while trying to regain control of my flight.

I manage to land on my feet, and already the beast is charging again, its mouth wide open, looking to swallow me whole. I brace myself, by feet planted firmly on the trembling ground as it approaches.

Hurting it from the outside has proven ineffective. Perhaps we should see if I can do some damage from within....

"Batman," I call out to my comrade, "I hope you have had time to come up with a cunning plan to bring down this creature. For I am about to do something that could well be very, very stupid."

As the monster closes in, I rush towards it, fists at the ready amidst a virtual sea of teeth....and I disappear inside the monster's mouth.

 

[J'adore]

.LESLE WILLIS.
​

"Where do ya think you're going, missy?" Leslie heard a thick southern accent, before she could feel a sharp pain in her back. Her eyes rolled back before she let out a moan of pain.

Leslie rubbed her head, pulling a dart out of her back before it could knock her out completley. She rolled over, to find a dark skinned beauty standing over her, a large gun pointing down in her face. Behind her, stood a tall blonde woman. The dark skinned woman chuckled, opening her mouth to speak. "We have a fighter Bonny, gal. She's kinda pretty, too bad she wears those hideous clothes,"

"Go to hell b*tches...."

Leslie groaned in pain, before using all the strength in her body to flick her wrists. A blast of electricity shot through to the dark skinned one's gun, sending a powerful jolt up the gun and into one half of the Body Doubles.

"Carmen!" Bonny screehed, as Carmen flew straight back into the boxes, smashing into them with a hard impact, her gun sliding over to Leslie's hand. Leslie grunted before kicking her leg straight into the stomach of Bonny.

Bonny hurled over in pain, grasping her stomach. "Don't f**** with me!"

Leslie had fully reigained consciousness, grabbing Bonnie's wrists. Flashing the southern belle a smirk, Leslie blasted high jolts of Electricity up her skin, watching as Bonnie shrieked in agouny. Bonnie's wrirts started to burn as her eyes violently rolled back and then closed. Quickly dropping the blonde bombshell, Leslie grabbed Carmen's gun, twirling it around her fingers. Pulling the trigger continously, the bullets hit and plunged straight into the stomach of Carmen.

"All of you, get up...NOW!" Leslie ordered.

Leslie aggresivley shook Bette, waking her up. Clutching her sides, Bette stood up, walking over to Dr Moon. "Moon, get up - now."

Dr Moon grabbed his disfigured glasses. He slid them on and pushed away the bits of broken boxes on top of him. "I've encountered numerous splinters within my hands..."

"I've got Jewelee...come on let's get a move on,"

As the team prepares to leave, a booming voice echoes around the factory floor. The team look up to see Benjamin, leaping over the balcony. "Wait!"

"The woman! Don't leave her alone!" Benjamin frantically pointed at the unconcious woman who was suited up in the red catsuit. "She shot me,"

Benjamin showed the bullet hole on his left arm. Bette bent down to the woman that had earlier attacked them, slapping her face hard. "Wake up!"

"Wait, no!" Benjamin leapt towards Bette, reaching his hand out to pull her back. But it was too late. The female quickly slammed both her feet into Bette's face, breaking her nose instantly.

"Bette!" Leslie laid Jewlee down next to Bonny's body, before curling her hands into fists and blasting towards the female in the red catsuit. Her bolts were quickly dodged as the woman jumped up to her feet and backflipped sharply.

"The name's Manhunter...And I'm here to kill you Dr Moon..." Manhunter quickly blasted into a roundhouse kick, her leg flinging towards Benjamin. Benjamin blocked the kick, grabbing her foot and swinging her around, throwing her back towards Carmen's body.

"Oh dear. A hit, on me? How unusal..."

--kkzzzzt, kzzzt. The mission has been sabotaged, get out of there quickly. kkkzzzttt. That woman is highly dangerous. kzzzkzkttt---

Amanda Waller's voice was heard in each of the Suicide Squad's ears. Bette quickly picked up Jewelee, running towards the nearest exit. Benjamin pushed Dr Moon into the exit direction, forcing him to leave. "Get out, Moon, she wants to kill you!"

BUDDA BUDDA

Rapid fires of bullets had already hit Dr Moon's back, the bullets ripping through his white jacket, the blood exploding onto the white trench.

 

[Saved]

Having walked for the better part of an hour in search of Larfleeze, I can feel the beginning of fatigue starting to set in. I have long since lost count of how many thickets of shrubs, towering trees and unfamiliar insects I've come across. On more than one occasion I have been tempted to have my ring analyze samples of the wildlife, chalk it up to Korugan thirst for knowledge, but decided against it in an efforts to conserve my ring's energy levels.

A split second before my ring lets me know, I realize I'm being followed.

"I suggest you not make this any more difficult than it has to be, Larfleeze. Surrender now and return to Oa with me. Don't make me have to hurt you."

Larfleeze's eyes widen for a moment as he lets out a stifled grunt of shock. He had thought he was being covert - but something gave away his position. Then again, there was always the possibility that his hunter was bluffing.

Taking a chance, Larfleeze speaks up - shouting his replies loudly, using the trees and dense foliage around him to allow his voice to echo - and remain contained within the area. "I didn't do it, Sinestro!" He replies cryptically. "You need to leave ... NOW."

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Larfleeze's eyes widen for a moment as he lets out a stifled grunt of shock. He had thought he was being covert - but something gave away his position. Then again, there was always the possibility that his hunter was bluffing.

Taking a chance, Larfleeze speaks up - shouting his replies loudly, using the trees and dense foliage around him to allow his voice to echo - and remain contained within the area. "I didn't do it, Sinestro!" He replies cryptically. "You need to leave ... NOW."

"I haven't accused you of anything, Larfleeze." I shout into the foliage, slowly turning in circles to try and spot the Lantern.

"But then we both know you're lying. We both know you seemingly have no problem with killing your partners." I call out, my voice laced with venom.

Ring, scan immediate area

Scanning....sc...scaaaaAAAAAAaaAannznnzzzzzzzzz

What the....How the hell is he doing that?

"Is this who you are, now? Giving in to temptation? Killing your partner? And to think I actually thought you were innocent." I lie, trying my best to find him.

 

[Byrd Man]

I stand in front of my window and watch the sun going down the horizon, basking the city in the orange glow of sundown. Time to start getting dressed.

Stripping out of my jeans and t-shirt, I ruffle through the collection of suits and accessories and finally decide on an all black ensemble complete with a black fedora and red tie. Sure, Batman may have me beat when it comes to his tech, fighting style, intimidation tactics, and overall crime fighting....but nobody can deny that the Question is one dapper crime fighting mother****er.

After dressing, I grab my .45 and a few clips of rubber bullets. After adding the gun, bullets, and a few other goodies, I apply my mask to my face and hit the streets.

Sneaking through the streets, it's well past sundown by the time I hit the storage building where my life's work lays inside.

"Hello, baby..."

"Did you miss me?"

The 1965 Pontiac GTO. The ultimate in American muscle. She was just a pile of rust when I found her in a junkyard ten years ago. I bought her for a hundred dollars cash and have spent a decade rebuilding her. No kids, an ex-wife who makes more than I could ever dream, and living in a rent control apartment means that my cost of living is very low. I worked in SVU for five years, Homicide for another five. That's ten years of overtime pay poured into this sweet thing. After all this time, she's ready.

Opening the door and sliding into the driver's seat, I look around at the leather seats and the redone interior. The car's registration and custome license plate, (? Authority in case you were wondering) are all registered to me under a phony name. Even if someone sees me driving it and writes down my plate, they'll find out the home address of Charles Evans is O'Neil Stadium, home of the Gotham Knights.

I adjust the rearview mirror and turn the key. The car starts up with a loud rumble as I crank it up. As much as I'm thinking about my car, there's another lady I got on my mind tonight.

Eight year old Oksana Russovich, was kidnapped from her Bennett Beach home over 24 hours ago. My best bet is the Chechen, a Cold War relic who rules Little Moscow like it's his own personal Soviet Union. From what Knox told me, her kidnappers are demanding a ransom of over a million dollars. Her father, a successful business owner, doesn't have that kind of cash. Odds are that they'll kill her once they find out.

That's not happening on my watch.

Putting the car in drive, I tear out of the storage building and peel off into the new night. My lights on bright, my car making a beeline for Bennett Beach.
​

 

[Saved]

"I haven't accused you of anything, Larfleeze." I shout into the foliage, slowly turning in circles to try and spot the Lantern.

"But then we both know you're lying. We both know you seemingly have no problem with killing your partners." I call out, my voice laced with venom.

Ring, scan immediate area

Scanning....sc...scaaaaAAAAAAaaAannznnzzzzzzzzz

What the....How the hell is he doing that?

"Is this who you are, now? Giving in to temptation? Killing your partner? And to think I actually thought you were innocent." I lie, trying my best to find him.

"LIAR!" Larfleeze shouts in anger. "You always wanted to see me pay - pay for a crime I didn't commit!" As Larfleeze allows his pent up feelings to let loose, the interference of the orange light continues to wreak havoc with Sinestro's ring - causing the power to flicker.

"And now - NOW you come here, my partner missing, and you assume I've killed him!? Was this the excuse you were looking for, Sinestro? The opportunity to take me down and get your promotion to an even higher rank in the corp?! So much for the book - so much for its laws-" Larfleeze stops as he notices the turmoil Sinestro's ring fights against. He sees the green light flicker from bright to dim, disappearing and reappearing randomly.

Larfleeze's body becomes tense and his eyes become fixed as he lets out a weak breath. "The impurity..." he says with a wheeze. An grand illumination of orange light begins to peak through the sky - casting beams like rays of sun on the dense jungle below. The light shines so bright is casts out all shadows, killing even the bleakest darkness under the trees' canopies.

"Sinestro!" He calls out, leaping forth from the jungle and revealing himself with unhampered audacity. "Power down and surrender your ring to me!" Saliva dangles from his tusks - his eyes turning red as the blood vessels swell. "GIVE ME YOUR RING!"

 

[SenseiofCheese]

"LIAR!" Larfleeze shouts in anger. "You always wanted to see me pay - pay for a crime I didn't commit!" As Larfleeze allows his pent up feelings to let loose, the interference of the orange light continues to wreak havoc with Sinestro's ring - causing the power to flicker.

"And now - NOW you come here, my partner missing, and you assume I've killed him!? Was this the excuse you were looking for, Sinestro? The opportunity to take me down and get your promotion to an even higher rank in the corp?! So much for the book - so much for its laws-" Larfleeze stops as he notices the turmoil Sinestro's ring fights against. He sees the green light flicker from bright to dim, disappearing and reappearing randomly.

Larfleeze's body becomes tense and his eyes become fixed as he lets out a weak breath. "The impurity..." he says with a wheeze. An grand illumination of orange light begins to peak through the sky - casting beams like rays of sun on the dense jungle below. The light shines so bright is casts out all shadows, killing even the bleakest darkness under the trees' canopies.

"Sinestro!" He calls out, leaping forth from the jungle and revealing himself with unhampered audacity. "Power down and surrender your ring to me!" Saliva dangles from his tusks - his eyes turning red as the blood vessels swell. "GIVE ME YOUR RING!"

My heart jumps when Larfleeze's bent-over form bursts from the foliage, his hands outstretched like a beggar's and his eyes wild with desire.

I take a step back, immediately raising my fist and pointing my ring towards him. "Get back! Under order of the New Guardians of Oa, I command you to stand down!!"

I momentarily take my eyes off Larfleeze, my head tilting upwards to see the impossibly bright, orange light swallow the skies. I had no idea....it was so powerful.

"Don't take another step, Larfleeze." I warn the crazed Lantern, feigning authority but I do not even know if my ring still works. Larfleeze continues to advance, saliva cascading from his open mouth.

Fire, fire NOW!

XXxxxxzzzzzklæjcælksne

Blast it! FIRE AT TARGET!

WARNzzzzxxxxxxmmmpurityzzxxxzXZXCzxxxmmmmiiiine

I have no idea how he's doing this. It's as if the power of avarice is claiming my ring....without Larfleeze even touching it.

"Larfleeze, I am warning you to STAND DO-"

IMPURIMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINE

"GGGGggGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHRRRrrRRR"

My knees buckle and my head explodes into a blizzard of agony. I hit the ground, gasping for air as the orange light completely engulfs the planet's skies, all the while Larfleeze rushing in to deliver the killing blow.
​

 

[Saved]

Red Hood ​

Trail of Slaughter Part V

Within the confines of Belseraph’s Circus, the Red Hood stands beside his wounded ally, Detective Thomas Burke of the Gotham City Police Department. Blocking the only exit is the grandmaster of the circus, Belseraph himself, and his not so merry gang of twisted performers. The Red Hood grunts in disgust – amazed at his own stupidity for allowing himself to fall into his enemy’s trap. Like a sheep, he has been lead to slaughter – blinding following the cues of his butcher every step of the way.

“Pitiful,” Jason says, cursing himself. All the signs were there, he thinks – refraining from voicing his self reprimand aloud. Every indication that something was awry was so obvious, so evident – and I ignored them.

“I’m sooo glad you made it,” Belseraph says happily – his joyful and airy tone ironic in the current predicament. Bringing his hands together, he connects his fingers at the tips – positioning them at the base of his nose as he intently stares at the Red Hood with malicious intent. “I must admit, I’ve let my excitement get the best of me. I just couldn’t wait to get started, so the detective and I have been having a little … fun in the interim.”

Jason turns his head slightly, looking to detective Burke as he continues to dangle by the few wires still attached to his extremities. He gazes upon the numerous lacerations and bruises adorning his body – souvenirs from his stay with the madman, Belseraph – the Joker. “So,” Jason begins, turning back to face his foes. “You remember me, then?”

“How could I forget!” He says gleefully, his eyes opening wide in exhilaration. “That bulky exterior, your incredulous bravado and cocky wit – and, of course, that shiny little helmet you pull over your gorgeous face.” A brief silence rises as Jason ponders the man’s words – unsure if his intent is mocking or flattering. But a single phrase sticks Jason’s mind like a pin – pulsating a fearsome worry within him as he dwells on the implication.

“Gorgeous face?” He says, displaying his usual bold behavior. “How would you know what I look like?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you forgot,” the Joker begins, leaning forward as he places his hands behind his back. “You lost your helmet during our last performance,” he explains with brutal honesty. “Then again, I suppose you were unconscious at that point – a steel rod to the back of one’s head tends to have that effect.”

​

Jason fights the urge to lunge at the man, restraining his every instinct to lash out in a fit of fury. Instead, he stays calm – biding his time and calculating his next move. As he adjusts his grip on the knife in his hand, he begins formulating a strategy – eyeing up each member of the Joker’s crew and wondering which member would be the first to feel his wrath.

“Well, it sounds like we had a wild time,” he says, frowning under his hood. “I’ve got to hand it to you, you certainly know how to party.” Belseraph bows luridly, taking the Red Hood’s biting remark as a compliment. “I’m sorry I missed the after party – I’ll bet it was epic. Let me guess, things got a little crazy and you and komodo face over there shared some ‘magic’ together.” Belseraph maintains his jovial complexure, unaffected by Jason’s dig. Croc, on the other hand, responds in a more disrupted manner. Snapping his jaws shut tightly, the scaly tissue slaps together with a loud ‘clack’. His eyes thin and the red retina in the center seems to enlarge as the muscles in his face tighten.

“YOU PIG!” He snaps, forcing his weight forward as he prepares to attack. “I’ll rip you in two and crush your head like an egg!”

“Now, now, Croc,” Joker says, placing his hand on his comrade’s shoulder. “He’s just having some fun.” Croc sharply turns his head to Belseraph with indignant anger.

“But boss, he-“ the glance from Belseraph impedes Croc mid thought. Instantly, the sharp sensation from the Joker’s malevolent stare strike the beast at his core – causing his demeanor to change instantly as he retreats to one more docile.

“You’ll have to excuse, Killer, here. He can be a bit unstable.”
“Sounds irritating.”
“His spontaneity keeps us entertained.”
“I’m sure.”

Clearing his throat, Belseraph erects his back and stands straight – holding himself lightly, yet with a firm disposition. His expression becomes more professional – stiff and stern as he positions his arms securely by his side.

“Now, if you’d be so kind, I believe it’s time for us to begin the show.” He snaps his fingers and Firebug steps forward, raising his arms toward the Red Hood as he approaches. Small metal coils line the henchman’s arms, leading all the way toward the base of his palms. At the end of the tubes, a small blue light burns – a pilot light for the man’s unique line of work.

“This … show,” Jason begins, staggering his stance as he readies himself. “I take it I’m the guest of honor.”
"More like ... the main attraction."
Jason smiles, letting out a brief laugh as he tightens his grip on the knife. “Lovely,” he begins as Firebug comes within a yard of him. “But, sadly, I think I’ll decline!”

​

Leaping into action, Jason grabs his attacker’s hands, forcing them to the side and away from him. A large stream of liquid fire bursts out from the tubes on the henchman’s arms, igniting the side of the tent as he misses Jason. Responding swiftly, Jason unleashes a quick barrage of strikes – plunging the knife into the man’s torso in the blink of an eye. Despite the violent retaliation, Jason maintains his impressive skill, making sure each stab misses vital organs and arteries. The skirmish ends as fast as it began as Firebug drops to the floor, falling unconscious from the fierce attack.

“Impressive,” the Joker says, massaging his chin with his fingers.
“Thanks,” Jason says, tossing the bloody blade to his other hand. “Who’s next?” As the fire spreads to the ceiling, Belseraph snickers with controlled subtlety.

“Croc, my dear boy,” he begins, slapping the scaly brute on the back. “Would you mind putting our guest in his place?”

“Ha,” he grins – his jagged teeth gleaming from the radiance of the flames. “It’ll be my pleasure.” As Croc’s lumbering figure approaches, Jason breathes quickly, raising his heartbeat as he eyes his opponent up. Croc looks to the knife in Jason’s hand and laughs, “You’re gonna need something better than that if you plan on lasting any longer than a minute, little man.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Jason says confidently. “I bet you’ll make a nice pair of boots when this is over … or maybe a vest – I haven’t decided.”
“Just for that? I’ll make this niiiice and slow.”

“Aw, now I feel special.” Jason holds out his free hand, motioning to the lizard as he folds his fingers back into his palm in a taunt. “Come on then.”

 

[Green Lantern]

Since his encounter with the Corinthian, Dick had encountered several more of Morpheus's enforcers. A muscle headed steroid abuser calling himself Brute, working in tandem with a morbidly obese southerner he called Glob. Most disturbing of these encounters was the one he had had with one of Morpheus's key lieutenants. The girl had seemed unassuming and harmless. He found her through the lead given him by Glob. At first it seemed the lead was false, after all how could this little girl with multi-colored hair and a dress two sizes too big for her be one of Morpheus's top people? She seemed so happy, as he observed her through the warehouse skylight. Sure enough she was sorting drugs and money on a table below him.

Dick crashed through the skylight, dropping to one knee right in front of the girl.

"You look familiar, have I seen you before? Are you in the circus? I like the circus. And banana-fish flavored ice cream."

Her inane rambling about nonsense through Dick off, not expecting her to be so... weird.

"The boss know you partake in the product?"

"The product? What are we multiplying? Bunbun rabbits? They are soft and fuzzy not like clouds. Clouds are wet, and immawhazit."

Without warning she punched at Dick and he felt something nick his face. Seconds later there was a burst of color, as it seemed the room was exploding. The sights he saw made an acid trip seem tame. There were walking fish, and rainbows of colored frogs. Pink bubbles in odd shapes, like forks and cats. He woke up several hours later, with a splitting headache. The drugs, money and girl were gone. Dick rubbed his temple as he silently cursed his ineptitude. I got beat by a little freaking girl? What the hell did she hit me with?

He left the warehouse through the front door, and kept to the shadows as he started back home, disappointed with his bad luck for the night. That's when he saw it ahead of him. A shadow he'd been looking for since starting this crusade. Ahead of him a shadow was cast with two long pointed ears and a flowing cape. The man responsible for his father's death. Batman. Without thinking, he pulled two shuriken from his belt and let them fly at the source of the shadow.

 

[Saved]

(BATGIRL)​

"Uhhh," I moan, leaning my forearms on my knee. "This summer weather is killing me." As I grab the back of my neck, I stroke the muscle softly - trying to loosen the tight fibers and alleviate the pressure. "This humidity is terrible. I think the barometers have given up at this point." Looking over the edge of the building, I peer down at the streets below - searching for anything out of the ordinary ... you know, like crime and stuff.

"It'd be great if the underworld could take a hiatus in lieu of this heat," I wish as I step up on the ledge. "I'd like to see them run around in 90 degree weather in spandex." I pause, thinking about my comment for a second. "On second thought, no I wouldn't. That'd probably be gross," I recant.

As I stare at the fire escape clinging to the side of the building about a story below, I let out a long breath and step off - plumeting downward. The quick rush of wind cools my skin, giving me minor relief before I touchdown on the metal scaffold. Letting my legs give, I roll with the momentum, letting the force of my fall discharge off my joints. In the same movement, I roll into a stand - brushing myself off as I recover. Without wasting a second, I run down the fire escape and head for the ground below.

As I reach the end, I flip off the ledge and land with ease on the street. A wide smile comes over my face, proud of the execution of the adept move. Instinctively, I move back into the shadows to avoid being seen as I take in long, deep breaths. "Alright," I start, getting back to buisness. "All seems quiet here, I should probably move on to the next district." I take off down the street, ducking into an alleyway and taking my usual route about the area as I move forward.

Since his encounter with the Corinthian, Dick had encountered several more of Morpheus's enforcers. A muscle headed steroid abuser calling himself Brute, working in tandem with a morbidly obese southerner he called Glob. Most disturbing of these encounters was the one he had had with one of Morpheus's key lieutenants. The girl had seemed unassuming and harmless. He found her through the lead given him by Glob. At first it seemed the lead was false, after all how could this little girl with multi-colored hair and a dress two sizes too big for her be one of Morpheus's top people? She seemed so happy, as he observed her through the warehouse skylight. Sure enough she was sorting drugs and money on a table below him.

Dick crashed through the skylight, dropping to one knee right in front of the girl.

"You look familiar, have I seen you before? Are you in the circus? I like the circus. And banana-fish flavored ice cream."

Her inane rambling about nonsense through Dick off, not expecting her to be so... weird.

"The boss know you partake in the product?"

"The product? What are we multiplying? Bunbun rabbits? They are soft and fuzzy not like clouds. Clouds are wet, and immawhazit."

Without warning she punched at Dick and he felt something nick his face. Seconds later there was a burst of color, as it seemed the room was exploding. The sights he saw made an acid trip seem tame. There were walking fish, and rainbows of colored frogs. Pink bubbles in odd shapes, like forks and cats. He woke up several hours later, with a splitting headache. The drugs, money and girl were gone. Dick rubbed his temple as he silently cursed his ineptitude. I got beat by a little freaking girl? What the hell did she hit me with?

He left the warehouse through the front door, and kept to the shadows as he started back home, disappointed with his bad luck for the night. That's when he saw it ahead of him. A shadow he'd been looking for since starting this crusade. Ahead of him a shadow was cast with two long pointed ears and a flowing cape. The man responsible for his father's death. Batman. Without thinking, he pulled two shuriken from his belt and let them fly at the source of the shadow.

As I turn the next corner, I hear a strange sound resembling a quick breeze fill the silent air. With a 'whoosh' a gust blows past my face and a sharp pain suddenly eminates from my back. The pain grows greater in a few short seconds, and a wet sensation begins to trickle down my skin.

"Ow," I cry, grabbing at the injured area as I turn to see what it is that ails me. "What the heck was that?"​

 

[Saved]

My heart jumps when Larfleeze's bent-over form bursts from the foliage, his hands outstretched like a beggar's and his eyes wild with desire.

I take a step back, immediately raising my fist and pointing my ring towards him. "Get back! Under order of the New Guardians of Oa, I command you to stand down!!"

I momentarily take my eyes off Larfleeze, my head tilting upwards to see the impossibly bright, orange light swallow the skies. I had no idea....it was so powerful.​

"Don't take another step, Larfleeze." I warn the crazed Lantern, feigning authority but I do not even know if my ring still works. Larfleeze continues to advance, saliva cascading from his open mouth.​

Fire, fire NOW!​

XXxxxxzzzzzklæjcælksne​

Blast it! FIRE AT TARGET!​

WARNzzzzxxxxxxmmmpurityzzxxxzXZXCzxxxmmmmiiiine​

I have no idea how he's doing this. It's as if the power of avarice is claiming my ring....without Larfleeze even touching it. ​

"Larfleeze, I am warning you to STAND DO-"​

IMPURIMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINEMINE​

"GGGGggGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHRRRrrRRR" ​

My knees buckle and my head explodes into a blizzard of agony. I hit the ground, gasping for air as the orange light completely engulfs the planet's skies, all the while Larfleeze rushing in to deliver the killing blow.​

Mine...

Mine...

Mine...

Mine...

MINE...
​

Haunting voices fill the air, calling out in disembodied whispers, echoing rapidly as more murmurs continue to call out. As Sinestro falls to the ground, his ring continues to act out sporatically - performing actions it's wearer did not command. It begins to take on a mind of its own as the orange light from above begins to corrupt it - seizing it, and taking control.

"You FOOL!" Larfleeze growls as he rushes to Sinestro's side. Reaching down, he grabs the Lantern's arm - seeming to crush his bone as he squeezes tightly. "Give up the ring, Sinestro. GIVE IT TO ME!" He shouts in a frantic fury, acting crazed and wild. He paws at the Lantern's hand, desperately trying to pull the ring from his finger as he fights with ferocity.

"Listen to me! You have to give me the ring! If you don't, we'll both die!" Suddenly, a ray of hard light blasts free from the sky - striking Larfleeze in his open wound and knocking him back, throwing him across the field. As he groggily comes to, he tries to recover in a frenzy - leaping to his feet as the blood spills out from the cut as his side. Leaping into a sprint, he moves toward Sinestro - acting on instinct, not thought. Another bolt pierces the clouds and hits him in the center of his back, thrusting him into the ground with tremendous force. Clumps of dirt and grass jump up from the ground around him, forming a cloud of debris about him.

"...no..." he weakily says, barely able to speak. "Too late... He's here..."

A luminous figure descends from the sky, an amber aura about his body. Fire constructs waft freely from the tips of the being's fur, making it appear as if a blazing inferno surrounds every inch of his person. Sites of flashing light shine from his joints, and with every movement the light grows stronger.

...Mine​

As the being looks upon the fallen body of Larfleeze, he laughs - heinously reveling in the fruits of his labor. His gaze turns to Sinestro - watching the Lantern struggle violently with his ring as he tries to gain control of his weapon. As he looks to Sinestro's hand, he sees the green halo glowing brightly - acting as a beacon, drawing his attention. "OOoooh!" He says with delight as his eyes combust into empty sockets of tenne flames.

Mine...​

"Another ring," he shrieks, stretching out his hand to reveal two rings coiled about his boney fingers. "I want it ... it must be ... MINE!"

 

[Spike_x1]

The Atom floats towards the Man of Steel and Superboy and says, "We got a shot."

She floats back to the computer control station and says, "We discovered that these creatures have a vulnerablity to a certain frequency. What happens is that the sound causes the creature's Central Nervous System to basically self-destruct. Once that happens the cells that have melded with the humans also self-destruct. Kind of like an audio EMP."

The Atom floats over to where a group of portable sonic emitters are and says, "These emitters produce the proper frequency. You hold them about 2 feet away for about 3 seconds and that does it. It causes the creature to crystalize and the human being is left with some disorientation and a mild headache. That being said we only have enough resources to make about 3 dozen, and once the 24 charge is up that's it they are useless. We are emitting the frequency through carrier-waves through various Satellites, emergency brodacast systems, cell-phones anything that can produce a sound."

She then steps on a couple of buttons and shows a computer shot of the planet and says, "All that though is at best a temporary solution because the creature in space is the key, and here is where we have an issue."

The Atom floats to Superman and says, "To generate enough power and to handle the frequency to stop the one in space we can't use the satellites already in use, because this needs to be a concentrated blast. To take the others away not only would put us pretty much back at square one but once this is over those satellites would be useless."

The Atom floats back to the computer screen and says, "What we need is a satellite big enough and powerful enough to do the job, and there is one."

She touches a button and the schematic of LexCorp's Titan Satellite appears she says, "This one is perfect, but no one has seen Lex and phone lines are down at Lexcorp."

"I'll fly to LexCorp Towers and see if he's there." I already know that it's no use to try to scan Luthor's corporate headquarters from here, as almost all of the building is shielded in lead. I'll just have to conduct the search in person. "If I find him, I'll tell him to get in contact with STAR Labs so that all of you can work out the details. I'm sure he has other means of communication at his disposal in the off chance that his regular phones are ever down."

In a sudden blur of red and blue, I'm off and flying towards LexCorp. I have no illusions about how cooperative Luthor is likely going to be when I propose this plan, but maybe if I can appeal to his grander plans and sense of public relations, it might go a little easier...

 

[Green Lantern]

(BATGIRL)​

"Uhhh," I moan, leaning my forearms on my knee. "This summer weather is killing me." As I grab the back of my neck, I stroke the muscle softly - trying to loosen the tight fibers and alleviate the pressure. "This humidity is terrible. I think the barometers have given up at this point." Looking over the edge of the building, I peer down at the streets below - searching for anything out of the ordinary ... you know, like crime and stuff.

"It'd be great if the underworld could take a hiatus in lieu of this heat," I wish as I step up on the ledge. "I'd like to see them run around in 90 degree weather in spandex." I pause, thinking about my comment for a second. "On second thought, no I wouldn't. That'd probably be gross," I recant.

As I stare at the fire escape clinging to the side of the building about a story below, I let out a long breath and step off - plumeting downward. The quick rush of wind cools my skin, giving me minor relief before I touchdown on the metal scaffold. Letting my legs give, I roll with the momentum, letting the force of my fall discharge off my joints. In the same movement, I roll into a stand - brushing myself off as I recover. Without wasting a second, I run down the fire escape and head for the ground below.

As I reach the end, I flip off the ledge and land with ease on the street. A wide smile comes over my face, proud of the execution of the adept move. Instinctively, I move back into the shadows to avoid being seen as I take in long, deep breaths. "Alright," I start, getting back to buisness. "All seems quiet here, I should probably move on to the next district." I take off down the street, ducking into an alleyway and taking my usual route about the area as I move forward.



As I turn the next corner, I hear a strange sound resembling a quick breeze fill the silent air. With a 'whoosh' a gust blows past my face and a sharp pain suddenly eminates from my back. The pain grows greater in a few short seconds, and a wet sensation begins to trickle down my skin.

"Ow," I cry, grabbing at the injured area as I turn to see what it is that ails me. "What the heck was that?"​

As at least one of his throwing stars hit it's mark, Dick was shocked at the feminine sound of the cry of pain and following question.

I knew he was a wuss, but I expected him to at least SOUND intimidating.

As the individual came into full view, he saw that it was NOT BatMAN. Far from.

HOLY DAMN. Look at that body. Unless Batman made a trip to Thailand recently, there is no way in hell that's HIM.

Dick's hormones went into overdrive, and it took several seconds to process what he had done.

"Oh. ****. Um... Wait. What are you doing running around town like that? It's dangerous. You could get hurt. I mean. Who wears that kinda get up anyway? I'm um... well I'm uh... Redbird. Yeah. That's it. Who are you?"

 

[Batman]

"Batman," I call out to my comrade, "I hope you have had time to come up with a cunning plan to bring down this creature. For I am about to do something that could well be very, very stupid."

As the monster closes in, I rush towards it, fists at the ready amidst a virtual sea of teeth... and I disappear inside the monster's mouth.

What the hell is she doing?!

Batman's thoughts are momentarily distracted as he sees Wonder Woman make a beeline for the creature's mouth. But before he can protest and stop her from evident suidicide, she's gone - instantaneously out of sight and likely to be dead before the evening's over. For a second, Batman considers abandoning his present cause of action out of fear that he could hurt her in the process. His eyes dart back to the row of abandoned vehicles left on the street, then to the monster, realizing his options are growing more scarce by the minute.

Whether or not Wonder Woman makes it out alive, she made the choice. And she chose to endanger herself. But even if the circumstances were different, in the end, one life against several hundred million isn't a difficult decision to make. He had to take that chance. Cursing under his breath, The Dark Knight raced back towards the dead traffic of cars and approached a recent model, knowing it would better suite his needs.

Smashing the driver's side window with his boot, he reached in and unlocked the door, immediately leaning down to the steering panel and ripping his way into the controls. Wires upon wires blocked his view of the main terminal, but he eventually found what he was looking for - the controls to the automatic startup, a standard feature for the brand and design. Jamming his fingers into the back pocket of his belt, Batman pulls out a military-grade frequency transmitter and attaches it to the panel. The gadget beeps once, securing a connection to the car's automated systems.

Slipping out of the vehicle, The Dark Knight jaunts over to a second vehicle - this one considerably larger than the other. Perfect for the plan. Running over and leaping at the passenger window with a high elbow, Batman shatters his way in and climbs, hearing the rumble of the creature's footsteps just a block away. Everything shakes, providing a brief pause, but Batman resumes the same pattern as before - pulling out another transmitter, breaking into the main terminal, and applying it to the automatic startup. One part of the plan was ready, and now it was time for the other phase to be enacted.

Removing the glowing lasso from his shoulder, Batman threw one end out to the first car, wrapping it around the steering wheel and securing it with a clamp. He proceeded to follow the same proceedure with the other end and the second car, effectively leaving several feet of rope between each vehicle. Opening the side pocket of his belt, he removed a third gadget - the transciever to the two transmitters. Waynetech had developed a military arsenal, and this was part of it. It was designed for stranded soldiers that needed to jumpstart a vacated civillian vehicle.

In Batman's mind, it was the same principle. Just a very different different scenario.

"Oracle. Voice recognition override."

Confirmed.

"Assume control."

Transmission Recieved. Software Overridden.

"Start ignition."

Both engines of the vehicle roared to life, as Batman stood directly behind them. The creature was beginning to move out of the district, and if it got any further, this current plan wouldn't work. Luckily, everything was working out exactly to The Dark Knight's estimations. All that was required as a simple aim and fire. The rest of the work was up to him.

"Switch gears to drive. Deploy at top speed."

The cars reacted with a momentary pause, followed by the screeching of all eight tires. Both vehicles sped directly towards Star'ro's drone's massive calves, doing nearly 200 MPH by the time they reached it. Running towards the scene, Batman took cover behind a nearby newsstand and watched as his plan unfolded. The first car, with it's more sported design, led the charge and sped right past the creature. But once the second car did the same, something different happened. Wonder Woman's lasso tethered across the back of it's legs and yanked both cars back.

Still running at their top speeds, both vehicles sped in opposite directions, wrapping the lasso around the creature's calves and effectively acting as a gigantic bola - constricting the legs in place and causing the creature to lose it's balance. As it began to tumble forward, directly towards a recently vacated street, Batman leapt over the newsstand and tossed several more mini-mines towards the speeding vehicles.

As they clashed upon the final lap around the creature's lower claws, the mines hit their fuel lines and activated. The following explosion nearly tore the entire block in half, forcing Batman to fire a grapnel in the opposite direction and flee, barely missing the resulting flames that singed the bottom of his cape. But even as he swung his way to safety, The Dark Knight could hear the agony of the beast. And he could only hope, deep down in his mind, that the same agony wasn't being shared by Wonder Woman.

 

[Mr. Majestic]

The heat from the heat vision had weakened him. His punches on the parasites were less powerful, but were still there. J'onn shuddered.

-I shall be fine. We need to keep up the pressure on Sta'rro-

He flew towards the abomination, raining blows down upon it's body, and heading towards the great eye that marked the centre of it's body.

This battle has carried on for to long and as much as I like to believe I’m invincible I still need air to breath. While Sta’rro is still at a daze I need to put on the pressure.

I quickly manure my way to Sta’rro’s center. It tries it’s best for countermeasures but thanks to Superman’s assault it’s reaction time is a bit sluggish.

As I make it to the center of the eye I waste no time to release a good combination. First some well place left and right punches on the eye and then a strong right hook fallowed up by a left upper cut with a great deal of power behind it.

Good but the looks of it Sta’rro is feeling the heat I have to keep this up. With a few more blows we may be able to win this thing yet, but nothing is ever that easy.
​

 

[Saved]

As at least one of his throwing stars hit it's mark, Dick was shocked at the feminine sound of the cry of pain and following question.

I knew he was a wuss, but I expected him to at least SOUND intimidating.

As the individual came into full view, he saw that it was NOT BatMAN. Far from.

HOLY DAMN. Look at that body. Unless Batman made a trip to Thailand recently, there is no way in hell that's HIM.

Dick's hormones went into overdrive, and it took several seconds to process what he had done.

"Oh. ****. Um... Wait. What are you doing running around town like that? It's dangerous. You could get hurt. I mean. Who wears that kinda get up anyway? I'm um... well I'm uh... Redbird. Yeah. That's it. Who are you?"

"I wear that kind of get up," I snap, turning to face my attacker. He comes into view as he steps out into plain sight. As I lower my gaze to see him, a sense of surprise comes over me. A kid? I ask myself curiously. A kid just threw those things at me? Seriously?

Reaching over my shoulder, I grasp one of the blades and pull it from my body - tossing it to the ground with a "clank". "You're worried about me getting hurt?" I begin, turning back to face him. "That's kind of ironic, don't you think?" He continues to stare at me through his mask, jerking his head as he brings his gaze back to my face. Oh boy ...

"You can call me Batgirl, by the way - and my face is up here." I tell him, pointing to my head. "You want to explain why you felt it was necessary to assault me?"

 

[Green Lantern]

"I wear that kind of get up," I snap, turning to face my attacker. He comes into view as he steps out into plain sight. As I lower my gaze to see him, a sense of surprise comes over me. A kid? I ask myself curiously. A kid just threw those things at me? Seriously?

Reaching over my shoulder, I grasp one of the blades and pull it from my body - tossing it to the ground with a "clank". "You're worried about me getting hurt?" I begin, turning back to face him. "That's kind of ironic, don't you think?" He continues to stare at me through his mask, jerking his head as he brings his gaze back to my face. Oh boy ...

"You can call me Batgirl, by the way - and my face is up here." I tell him, pointing to my head. "You want to explain why you felt it was necessary to assault me?"

Like rain, on your wedding day? No... NO. Do NOT SAY THAT.

Dick looks her in the eyes, and then nervously looks at his feet.

"Um... I thought you were someone else... I'm really sorry. In my defense, some freaky psycho chick just dosed me with some pretty nasty hallucinogens... Please forgive me? You're beautiful."

He mumbles, almost incoherently, especially the last few words.

 

[Saved]

Red Hood​

Trail of Slaughter Part VI

Jason Todd - the Red Hood - stands off with the daunting adversary, Killer Croc. Jason maintains his concentration, failing to allow his anger, his rage, even his confidence to distract him. As he watches the reptilian beast step closer, he realizes how difficult this fight will be.

Around the two men the tent continues to burn, allowing the flames to creep and crawl onto every available surface, melting it away into thick, corrosive smoke that begins to suffocate the enclosed space. The light from the dancing flames causes the scales on Croc's back to glow, making his thick exterior all the more obvious. The claws at his finger tips shimmer by the illuminate blaze - resembling daggers or knives sharped to the apex. "Well, come on, hot shot," Croc instigates. "Make the first move, that is, unless you've finally come to your senses and realized how dead you really are."

"No, that's not it," Jason replies, the heat from the fire causing his skin to soak with sweat. "I was just wondering what you are," he tells his foe with suprising honesty. "I mean, are you a lizard ... a man ... come on, pick one." Croc grunts, unamused by the Red Hood's taunt.
"It doesn't really matter," he says, regaining his ground. "You won't care as much when I kill you."

"See, there you go with the 'murder' thing again. Why does everything with you end in violence?"

"You know something? ... You talk too much." Jason smiles beneath his mask as he flips the knife in his hand, allowing the blade to face palmside down.

"Maybe..." With surprising speed, Jason leaps next to Burke, standing beside the man as he continues to hang. With two quick swipes, he severs the remaining wires tied about his body, allowing him to fall loosely to the ground below. "Or maybe I was biding my time to do that."

Croc growls with frustration, aggravated he allowed himself to be played. "The whole place is burning up!" He retorts, spewing spit from his jaws. "There's no way you'll get him out of here alive!"

"You would be right," he begins, cocking his arm back and tossing the knife toward the behemoth. The blade hits croc's side, embedding itself in the boney scales of his skin. With ease, Croc grabs the weapon and pulls it from his body, tossing it to the ground recklessly. As he looks back up, he sees the Red Hood holding detective Burke carefully in his arms. "If you had half a brain." With a quick burst, Jason leaps backward, moving to a roll as he holds onto the injured detective tightly. Using the force of his body, Jason breaks through the burning fabric of the tent, making his way outside into the warm Gotham air.

Placing Burke on his back, Jason raises his head and watches as the tent errupts in fire, caving in on itself in a dazzling display. "That was cutting it close."
"Hood..." Burke groans, returning loosely to consciousness.
"It's okay, Tommy, just relax." Jason reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, dialing 911 in haste.

"What's your emergency?" The operator answers.
"Yes, I need an ambulance at 208 Ledger Street - might want to send a couple firetrucks too-" before Jason can finish his thought, pieces of flaming planks and boards errupt into the sky. Embers scatter about, and the image of a large man rises from the wreckage.

​

"You think that's gonna stop me?!" He roars, stepping forward - moving through the inferno effortlessly. "You think you can beat me that easily?" Croc snarls in a low and startling tone as he walks free from the blaze, smoke billowing from his skin as he comes into focus - unharmed, and unscathed. "You'll have to do better than that! Much better..."

Jason stares in disbelief, shocked that the monster could withstand such trauma. The operator calls to him to respond, but he cannot - for the first time in this battle, Jason realizes how difficult this will truly be.

"Hello? Sir, are you there? Sir?" Jason slowly brings the phone back to his mask, keeping his eyes fixed on Croc, failing to even blink as the beast watches him with murderous eyes.
"You know, while you're at it - just send everything you've got." Jason closes the phone and drops it at Burke's side, rising to his feet as he prepares to engage his enraged oponent.

"I'm going to enjoy grinding you to pieces!" Croc shouts as he moves into a sprint. Jason lets out a final breath as he watches the monster barrel toward him with amazing speed.

"Hey, Burke," Jason says as he tenses his muscles - readying himself to fight. "Do me a favor, huh? Don't die." With his final words spoken, Jason runs as fast as he can, drawing Croc away from Burke's helpless body as best he can.

"Stop running, you coward!" Croc shouts, quickly gaining ground on Jason.
"Okay, note to self," Jason tells himself with labored breaths. "Next time, when you're facing some some chimera from hell, assume he's immortal." As he looks over his shoulder to see the crazed man-thing moving faster and faster, a large lump forms in his throat, and his stomach seems to sink to his feet. "I wish I told Garfield to stick around. I could really use his help right now."

****​

Inside the big top of Belseraph's Circus, the Joker and Azrael walk toward a cott at the far end of the tent. The roof above them quickly catches fire from the connecting tent, allowing smoke to fill the air above them rapidly as the whole circus begins to come undone.

"Jean," the Joker begins, turning to his loyal hechman. "Pick up Ragdoll and meet me outside."
"We're not running right?" He asks, pulling the sheets off the wounded man and slinging him over his armored shoulder.
"Heavens no," Joker smiles, licking his lips maliciously. "Croc's merely keeping him preoccupied so I can get down to the real fun." Hearing the tone in his leader's voice, Azrael recognizes the mood - the terrifying tell that alerts him to Belseraph's heinous demeanor. A chill runs down his spine as he sees the bizarre look in the Joker's eyes - the glare of a madman without morals or conscience.

"Ha ha, very good, boss," he says nervously, complying with Belseraph's wishes as he makes his way toward the opening before him.

"Oh, and Azzy," the Joker calls out, stopping Azrael where he walks. "Be sure to get Ragface's knives too, would you? I feel like getting a little ... crazy tonight. Hahahaha."

 

[Saved]

Like rain, on your wedding day? No... NO. Do NOT SAY THAT.

Dick looks her in the eyes, and then nervously looks at his feet.

"Um... I thought you were someone else... I'm really sorry. In my defense, some freaky psycho chick just dosed me with some pretty nasty hallucinogens... Please forgive me? You're beautiful."

He mumbles, almost incoherently, especially the last few words.

"So ... essentially ... you're high?" I ask, slightly surprised by his response. Psycho chick makin' him trip on some acid? ... seems outlandish, but then again, it would be a terrible lie if it weren't true.

"And, aside from that, who else could I be," I ask, thinking out loud. "Not many girls in spandex running around Gotham in the middle of the night." Not many people running around Gotham at night, not in this get up anyway - no one besides Batman. I pause for a moment as the thought enters my head - nah, he can't mean him.

"Alright," I begin, my voice reluctant as I decide to bury the hatchet. "I ... forgive you." How could I not? He's, like, five. Besides, he's kinda cute. Reminds me of Justin Bieber - you know, if he ran around throwing knives in people's back.

 

[Green Lantern]

"So ... essentially ... you're high?" I ask, slightly surprised by his response. Psycho chick makin' him trip on some acid? ... seems outlandish, but then again, it would be a terrible lie if it weren't true.

"And, aside from that, who else could I be," I ask, thinking out loud. "Not many girls in spandex running around Gotham in the middle of the night." Not many people running around Gotham at night, not in this get up anyway - no one besides Batman. I pause for a moment as the thought enters my head - nah, he can't mean him.

"Alright," I begin, my voice reluctant as I decide to bury the hatchet. "I ... forgive you." How could I not? He's, like, five. Besides, he's kinda cute. Reminds me of Justin Bieber - you know, if he ran around throwing knives in people's back.

As he feels his face turn red, Dick abruptly spins around, still looking at his boots, to avoid eye contact with the girl. "All I saw was your shadow. The ears and the cape and what not. If I'd have seen your uh, um... well... hair, I wouldn't have thrown anything, and I feel so bad. It's just... Batman killed my dad. He's evil and demonic and I need vengeance. Again, I'm so, so sorry for that. Can I buy you dinner to make up for it? Please?"

 

[Saved]

"Dinner?"I say suddenly, the brunt of his speech not hitting me yet. "How would you-" I stop myself as his words finally register in my brain.

"Wait, wait, wait," I say, holding up my hands as I try to make sense of things. "Batman didn't kill your dad," I explain, defending someone I've never really met.

"I don't know what happened to you, or your father, but - believe me, Batman doesn't kill. I've had some ... personal experience," I tell him, refraining from going into too much detail. I did just meet the kid ... in an alley way ... at night. Yeah, this is like an eleven on the 'shady' scale. "Just trust me on this one; he does everything in his power not to take a life - even when the person in question deserves to die." The memory of Black Mask suddenly comes to the forefront of my mind. I remember the sadistic monster's face - the haunting growls of his twisted voice. I see my brother's body lying dead on the ground after that horrible freak took his life ...

Immediately, I push the thoughts from my mind - ejecting them from my consciousness before I become enveloped in the nightmare once again. Long slow breaths calm my body, and I relax my muscles as I return to my usual demeanor.

"But, as for the 'demonic' thing, yeah - I'm not really 100% sure I can refute that point. He chills with Bats ... seems a bit questionable."

 

[Green Lantern]

"Dinner?"I say suddenly, the brunt of his speech not hitting me yet. "How would you-" I stop myself as his words finally register in my brain.

"Wait, wait, wait," I say, holding up my hands as I try to make sense of things. "Batman didn't kill your dad," I explain, defending someone I've never really met.

"I don't know what happened to you, or your father, but - believe me, Batman doesn't kill. I've had some ... personal experience," I tell him, refraining from going into too much detail. I did just meet the kid ... in an alley way ... at night. Yeah, this is like an eleven on the 'shady' scale. "Just trust me on this one; he does everything in his power not to take a life - even when the person in question deserves to die." The memory of Black Mask suddenly comes to the forefront of my mind. I remember the sadistic monster's face - the haunting growls of his twisted voice. I see my brother's body lying dead on the ground after that horrible freak took his life ...

Immediately, I push the thoughts from my mind - ejecting them from my consciousness before I become enveloped in the nightmare once again. Long slow breaths calm my body, and I relax my muscles as I return to my usual demeanor.

"But, as for the 'demonic' thing, yeah - I'm not really 100% sure I can refute that point. He chills with Bats ... seems a bit questionable."

As she addressed his offer of dinner, Dick's eyes widened, and a small smile crept up on his face, only to be eliminated when she didn't actually answer. "My dad was on to him. He was working with the mob, and my dad knew that and was trying to stop them from strangling the last bit of life from the city. I know cause I heard him on the phone one night, talking about it. The police are after him for the murder of my dad, but I want him first."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom watches as Superman takes off.

She turns to Superboy and says, "Go grab a transmitter and get one for Flash. Start going around and taking care of these things. I have to be here when Superman finishes talking to Lex so we can negotiate the deal."

Atom looks away to the Computer Monitors deep in thought.

Lamar says to her, "Hopefully Lex will be reasonable about this."

She looks up and asks, "What makes you say that?"

Lamar replies, "Lex is a very shrewed businessman. Don't get me wrong he has done a lot for this city and the planet that cannot be denied, but if he gives you $1,000 somehow someway you can bet that he's making $20,000. All at your expense."

Atom replies, "I'm willing to let him have all the credit for this. I'm willing to let him have the credit for the frequency theory. Just as long as we win I don't care."

 

[J'adore]

.LESLIE WILLIS.

It had been a couple of hours since Dr Moon was pronounced dead. The Suicide Squad had postponed. Leslie had been the only one to be dismissed from Checkmate's base, Bette and Benjamin were called to stay behind by Amanda Waller.

It was raining in Metropolis. Leslie had amerged from the subway, into direct downfalls of heavy rain. Her roommate, Kate Kane had her cousin over at the apartment, so Leslie didn't really feel like going back go there. Instead, she stopped outside The Daily Planet. She'd been meaning to get a job there for a while now, but being caught up with Checkmate made everything so much harder.

Guards are no where to be seen. Leslie closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and sensing for electrical uses. There are no lights on in the entire building, except for the top floor. Arching an eyebrow, Leslie walks into the grand lift, pressing down on the highest button.

Waiting in the lift for a few minutes, the doors finally opened to a small room, with one lamp lit up and one redheaded female standing in the darkness, a torch in tact. "Hello?"

The redhead female spins round, sharp. The torch beams into Leslie's eyes.

"Ugh, put that light away..." Leslie squints as she waves her hand, trying to block the light.

"Hey, Vale -- Vicki Vale. I work here too at the Daily Planet," The naïve reporter gets out her pen, beginning to write down on the notepad she holds in her left hand.

"Actually, I don't work here. But I was coming here to ask about just that...What are you doing here, in the dark - anyway?"

"Oops! Look at the time, gotta go, I'll be back soon though. Call me if you want a job,"

Vicki slams her card down on the small desk that Leslie stands next to. Leaving the small room and jolting off down the stair case, Leslie walks over to the elevator, smirking as she reads the card.

The Gotham Gazette...? Hah, shoulda known she didn't actually work at the Planet.

The elevator doors slide open and a familiar face stands in the back end. Leslie begins to laugh, getting into the elevator as the doors shut.

"Well, long time no see. So, Etta, what brings you here, to me?"

"You have a message, from Checkmate. It's a solo mission - dangers to say the least..."

Leslie smirks again. She flicks her wrists and the elevator ligths flicker, a blue aura surrounding them. The elevator soon comes to a hault, causing Etta to stumble to the floor, droping the small photo she had in her hand.

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