The "One Universe" Marvel & DC Crossover RPG: Season II

[Keyser Soze]

"You know, it's really the slogan that makes it."

I grip Gilda's hand tightly, and look lovingly into her eyes.

"Of course, I give you all the credit for thinking it up."

She smiles back, that wonderful, life-loving smile that she doesn't show anywhere near enough.

"It's the truth."

The poster adorned the walls of City Hall, and had been spread around the city. Not that I'd needed them. As soon as I announced my intentions to run for the permanent slot of District Attorney, I found out I would be uncontested. That was quite the surprise. While I'd have liked to have really earned the post by campaigning for it, it really meant a lot that the people of Gotham had such faith in me that they could all agree I was the right man for the job. And I am. I know that now.

And so here we are, at my big victory speech, much earlier than expected. Our big victory speech, I should say. Gilda and I, we're in this together. Standing in the foyer of Gotham City Hall, we can hear the bustle of press and onlookers waiting outside. I look over at Gilda, squeeze her hand a little tighter.

"Are you ready?"

She leans forward, and kisses me.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Keeping Gilda's hand held in mine, we walk through the front doors together, and out onto the steps of City Hall.

What a turn-out! I'm blinded by the flash of cameras, and deafened by the cheers of the crowd.

"DENT! DENT! DENT! DENT!"

I step towards the podium. Gilda moves to slip away, to go and stand with Rachel Dawes and the rest of my staff, but I stop her. Grinning to her - and for the cameras - I wrap my hand around her shoulder, and bring her along to the podium with me.

"Thank you, thank you..."

I raise a hand, and the crowd falls quiet.

"I have so much to thank you all for. I thank you for your support and understanding during the difficult times my wife and I recently went through. As you can see, Gilda is safe. Jonathan Crane - the man who kidnapped her - is back in Arkham Asylum, and I'll be overseeing an investigation into how such a dangerous criminal was granted early release from custody. But let's not dwell on that right now. Today is a day of celebration and, as I was saying, thanksgiving."

More applause from the crowd.

"I thank you all for believing in me. For believing that I will do everything in my power to restore Gotham City to its former glory. For believing that I care about doing good and serving the city, rather than exploiting my position of authority for my own ends. For believing what I believe. That together, we can make Gotham better, safer, stronger. Thank you!"

With that, the crowd once more breaks into rapturous cheers, and a flood of questions from the press hit me. But I don't notice any of it. My attention is drawn to the black car driving slowly along the road at the bottom of the City Hall steps. Nobody else notices it. Nobody but me. I'm the only one who seems to notice the car window slowly roll down, and something slowly slide out...

The loud rattle is like an explosion, loud enough to silence even the cheering crowds. What was that, fireworks? There is a brief moment where we're all standing there, Gilda and me and the crowds, sharing the confusion. I look at the car quickly driving away. Then I find myself looking up at the sky. I hit the ground hard.

That's when the crowds start screaming.

My head hurts. I might have cut the back of my head open when I banged it off one of the steps. I'll have to get that looked at. This is rather embarassing, falling over in front of all these people. But there's no reason for them all to panic over a little fall.

With great difficulty, I tilt my head, and see Gilda lying on her back beside me. Then I panic too.

I try to speak, to shout for help. But I can't. I can't find the breath to say anything. I feel damp, clammy. I look down, and see the splotches of dark red on my shirt. They seem to be getting bigger. It's strange, I thought getting shot would be more painful than this. I don't feel a thing. Except my head. That hurts.

Struggling to catch my breath, I become aware of police and medics hovering over me. They're saying things to each other, they don't seem too happy. Jim Gordon's here now. I smile at him. He smiles back.

Then I look away. Over at the panicking crowds. Most of them are struggling, pushing, trying to get away. But one man is standing still, right at the front. He looks familiar. He ought to.

He's me.

He's smiling too. But not like Gordon's smile. There isn't sadness or pity behind the smile. It's empty. His eyes burn with cruelty, a kind of morbid triumph. And I know. I know who it is.

Good boys don't do bad things!

The other me. My dark passenger.

He stares at me, unblinking, and despite my blurring vision, I try my damndest to stare right back. It's only when I feel my hand being grasped that I look away. I turn to find Gilda smiling at me. That smile! It's like the sun and the moon to me. I'm going to miss it.

I try not to notice the bloodstains all over her dress and arms. I just focus on her face, full of beauty, and love for me. I love her so much. I look deep into her calm, peaceful eyes as I close my own. I hear Gilda - my love, my star - say one thing before everything goes black.

"I believe in Harvey Dent..."



THE END

 

[trustyside-kick]

Today marks quite a day for the Atlantean history. The duel of a lifetime for all to witness. Yes. Namor arranged it so that all the Kingdom would witness such an event. A Clash of Kings...nothing could be more entertaining. But more importantly, for morale King Namor does this. He has the full support of his people, while Orin--who may be King--is seen as an outsider; his Atlantean blood means little to the people; he is not one of them.

"Are you ready, Orin? I had hoped you spent your night resting for today, rather trotting back and forth in worry, of how you will meet Defeat today."

"The only thing I am going to meet today, Namor...is Victory at its finest."

There is no cannon fired to start the match, it is started only by whomever attacks first. The two swim around, both ready to attack and counter, and both determined. The ocean is calm, today; the tide...tranquil. Namor is the first to strike.

He comes at Orin with his speed, only to miss his first attack by Orin swift evade maneuvering. Using the whiplash of his dodge, Orin swims back around with his legs, kicking Namor in the back. Namor turns in fury, and chases after his opponent.

"This is how you choose to fight me? By toying and running away from me?"

"It is the only way to make the fight evenly matched! Why, you're so slow!"

Orin smirks, and Namor only gets even angrier, and picks up his speed attempting to grab his target by the foot. But alas, Orin yet again flips, and this time elbows Namor hard on the shoulder, causing him to fall downward. As Orin attempts to make an attack, he miscalculates the quickness of Namor's recovery, and is met with a brutal uppercut to the jaw by Namor's ascension.

The two are practically evenly matched, each bearing little, but still bearing, advantages. It will be a long fight, and it will be an ugly one. Both are determined to win. Namor fights for his honor and pride, and the pride of his people. Orin fights for justice, for the Fire Trolls. Should he lose, they will be slaughtered like animals. No being deserves such cruel consequences.

"I'd say, I'm mildly impressed!"

"Oh really, and why is that so?"

"You're lasting a lot longer than I imagined!"

Smirking yet again after his insult, Orin swims away, and Namor grows even more irritated and tired of his antics. It is a smart move Orin makes, using Namor's anger against him in this battle, but only so long as he keeps Namor's fists at bay and away from him.

Orin abruptly stops swimming, and looks down at Namor. Namor pulls his arm back as he swims up to his target, yet Orin merely floats still. As Namor makes contact, Orin catches his fist, and the two ascend with great speed from the collision. The two are now struggling to overpower the other, their hands clenched in one other's. Namor starts to show superiority as Orin winces slightly, that is until Orin headbutts Namor in the face, breaking the two apart. He then tries to knee Namor in the chest, only for Namor to catch his leg, and pull him close and lay a brutal punch at Orin's throat.

"AACCCKK!"

Orin grabs his throat, and floats backward as Namor floats with a grin on his face. He has made first blood, and he is proud. Orin coughs out some blood, and waves it away from his face as the water deluges it, spreading the particles away.

"You Western Atlanteans are so fragile..."

"Western Atlanteans? What happened to our people being one?"

"That was before I realized how weak their King is. Then I concluded that to affiliated my people to your dead ones would simply be...well, there is no better word for pathetic, is there?"

"Showing sympathy, is not a sign of weakness. Nor is admitting one's own hindrances and embracing it to improve and get better."

"How untrue. It only shows your incompetence. I'll give you a chance, Orin. Stand down and admit defeat."

Images of the Fire Trolls, who dwell in the Great Divide each through his mind. He sees the guards who watch them, and who probably abuse them, and then he sees himself, swimming downward with Namor and his council not too far behind. He finally sees Namor give him the signal for execution, and his fists start to clench. Such a vision is not one he can let pass.

"...No. Not incompetence."

Orin kicks his legs backwards, and practically disappears into the darkness of the ocean. Namor floats there, folding his arms in confusion. Orin has...forfeited? So easily? It was merely a test! Clearly he has no right to--

"AAAARRGGGHH!!"

Orin swims past Namor, make a vital blow on Namor's back as he does. He disappears into the deep yet again. This time Namor floats ready and in defense, just waiting for Orin to appear yet again. He hears swimming, and naturally assumes Orin to be attack from his left this time, and turns, only to get uppercutted in the jaw from below.

"ARRRGGGHH!!!"

Orin is using his speed to even the odds for his lack of strength. It does not fall too far below Namor's own, however Namor has a much higher level of durability. But now, his superior durability counts for nothing. Orin doesn't trick him once again, he clearly lets Namor show where he is coming from.

"You were saying something about...what was that, again?"

Namor swims forth to tackle Orin and they collide into the side of one of the many underwater caves. Namor has his hands clenched around Orin's throat, and Orin tries to get free, prying off Namor's hands. When all else fails, Orin brings his arms up, and Orin slams down with both fists at Namor's head, causing Namor to pummel to the dirt below. Orin descends, and lets his guard down as Namor takes his time to recover from the blow. Namor wipes the blood from his mouth, and to his amazement, he grits his teeth.

"Very good, Orin. You are finally starting to show some spine. I'd take it, what is it those surface dwellers say...'the gloves are off'?"

"You bet."

 

[Eddie Brock]

SEASON II PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE

"Rise and shine, Master Stark," Jarvis announces arbitrarily. He flings open the curtains in my bedroom - causing the sun's blinding rays to scald my pupils.

Shrinking away from the light, I command, "Jarvis, close those damn things."

"Late night, sir?"

"Worse," I respond. "Hangover." The very mention of the word makes my skin crawl. In the long run, it's a small price to pay for being an alcoholic - and paying for things has never been a problem for me.

"Well, you have a massage appointment in 3 minutes, and you're filming for The Tonight Show in the later afternoon," Jarvis explains. "I also took it upon myself to send 50 bouquets of flowers to Ms. Lance - in your name, of course."

Jarvis sent flowers to Dinah? In my name? "What compelled you to perform such a selfless deed?" I ask.

Jarvis shrugs. "Perhaps some of us just don't like to see you mope around," he explains.

"Jarvis, if I wasn't already paying you a ridiculously high salary, I would give you a raise."

"I'm touched, sir," he responds. I can tell that he's not actually touched, but he might appreciate the sentiment on some level.

After Jarvis leaves, I flip on the radio.

"--more information on Dent as it's coming in. In other news, a hostage situation broke out minutes ago on Liberty Island. An unnamed terrorist group seized control of the island - along with the tourists trapped over there. Police are working their hardest to get to the island and save civilian lives, but--"

After turning off the radio, I race down the stairs. Jarvis follows, naturally, to see what all the fuss is about. He follows me as I enter the lab where my Iron Man suit is kept. As I start to put it on, he asks, "Sir?"

"Jarvis? Cancel my massage. Call Leno."

"Tell him I might be late."
​

 

[Carnage27]

"What's Cobblepot want with this high tech crap from Wayne Enterprises anyway?" The thug asks as he knocks the warehouse guard out cold in the dark alley way.

"We get paid to steal this stuff not to ask questions buddy, so I'd stop doin it. Everything I've heard about the boss is bad news."

The two hired guns start to load boxes off the platform of the warehouse and into the small van, when the smell of sulfur hits them.

"What the...?" the second thug begins to ask before he is quieted by fear. He looks up and sees...

...me.

Before they can act, a fury of kicks, punches, and tail whips appear and disappear out of black and purple clouds.


After the furious beat down, one of the thugs is barely conscious and the other is out cold.

I haul the one up by my tail and look him straight in the eyes. He's terrified...good.

"Make sure you're boss knows vhat happened here tonight. And let him know zhat I'm coming for him. I...zee Incredible Nightcrawler!" And with that I throw him against the wall, knock him out, teleport, and disappear into the Gotham night...

 

[Saved]

In the blink of an eye, I'm back in my Flash costume.

"Hunter! Please, put her down. You're grudge is with me. Please, Hunter. She's eight months pregant with our children. Let's just talk about this."

My hearts beating so fast it's almost pashing through my body.

(IC: [blackout]Zoom[/blackout])

Hunter stays silent as he holds Iris in his arms. He looks down at her, a look of concern on his face.

[blackout] "Eight Months?" [/blackout]He asks in a soft voice. Barry nervously nods, his eyes fixed upon his wife helplessly held in the arms of his former friend. Hunter looks up at Barry, and then back down at Iris. As the moments of silence pass, the tension in the air rises.

"Hunter...please..." Barry says calmly, trying to rationalize. Hunter looks up from Iris's limp body at Barry, the look of compassion still on his face. Suddenly, the look of empathy turns to an evil smile, Hunter's teeth revealed beneath the frightful contortion of his lips.

[blackout]"This just makes it evenbbetter, ddoesn'titt?"[/blackout] He says heartlessly.

"Hunter, no!"

[blackout] "I ttold yyou, BBarry! LLife ggave yyouacchance ttobbe thebbesthhero youccouldbbe. YYou hhave ffailed. NNow, yyoummustrrelearn everything. I ddo tthisiinhhopes tthatyyouwwill ffinallyllearn, and bbecometthe bbest yyou ccanbbe."
[/blackout] Barry yells in rage and fear as the reality around him slowly fades, coming to a standstill. In the blink of an eye, Hunter moves Barry and Iris to the front of the Flash Museum. Surprisingly, the building still stands, it's destruction irrelevant.

Hunter carries Iris inside the building, walking through the front doors carefully and cautiously. As Hunter makes his way through the museum, he soon enters the room with the cosmic treadmill. As he enters the room, he sees a man in mid limp stepping onto the treadmill. Hunter frowns, and looks back at Iris. He carefully lies her on the ground in front of the treadmill, making sure she is not jostled or hurt. Hunter stares at her unconscious body, the look of concern returning to his face. Hunter pulls the mask off of his face, revealing the man beneath the guise. Hunter leans down to Iris, putting his head hear hers.

[blackout]"Ccongradulationss, Iriss." [/blackout]He says, the tone of humanity returning to his voice. [blackout]"BBarry nnever ttold mme. I hhope tthings wwork out. I rreally ddo." [/blackout]

Hunter stands back up, his eyes still on Iris. He takes a deep sigh, and puts the mask back over his face. Looking up from Iris, Hunter's gaze becomes fixed on the man near the treadmill. Hunter's eyes squint in anger and hate as he focuses his attention on the man. He looks away from the figure, and makes his way out of the room.

A few moments later, the reality still held at a complete standstill, Hunter exits the front doors of the Flash museum. He makes his way down the steps, walking closer to Barry's still body. Hunter stops, and takes a deep sigh. With the flick of his finger, the reality suddenly returns to its normal pace. The birds in the sky continue their flight, the cars in the street drive down the road, and the people resume their strides down the clean concrete pavement.

"Hunter!" Barry yells as he comes too. He looks around, taking in his surroundings. "What's going on?" He asks in confusion.

[blackout]"The test, Barry."[/blackout] He says, the evil smirk coming back to his face, his tone returning to the heartless inhuman sound. [blackout]"We are here at the Flash Museum, your unofficial temple where these...common people come to worship your false godliness. We are here exactly T minus ten seconds from its explosion. [/blackout][blackout]

Inside, Iris lies next to the cosmic treadmill, the same treadmill my past self is getting onto right now. You have the choice, Barry, if you are truly fast enough to do the task. Save Iris, the woman of your dreams, and keep her and your future family from dying in the blast. Or, save me, your former friend, keeping me from becoming your greatest challenge and foe. The choice is yours,"[/blackout] Hunter pauses, a grin coming across his face. [blackout]"Fastest Man Alive." [/blackout]

 

[trustyside-kick]

Orin dashes forth through the water, and Namor meets his assault with one of his own. Just as Orin gets in range, Namor knees him in the chest at impact. Orin goes flying, ascending through the water backwards at an amazing speed from the blow. Namor is quickly in motion for his next strike. As Orin finally recovers and stops floating backward, Namor comes at him with yet another crushing blow as he swims from below, locking onto Orin's abdomen; blood spews from Orin's lips.

Not allowing Namor the pleasure of besting him a third time in a row, Orin pulls both arms backward, and claps them forward, causing a boom in the ocean, the ripples knocking Namor backward and off balance as he floats. Using the reaction time, Orin kicks Namor in the shoulder, and as Namor's body naturally reacts to bend downward, Orin jabs Namor in the stomach returning the favor. As Namor's body now rocks forward Orin makes the last hit count the most, doing a backward somersault, cracking Namor in the jaw.

The two Kings are tired, now; both using what little time to recover. Although Orin is the only one who shows it; Namor acts as if not phased at all. He dives out at Orin, attempting to grab him, but Orin swims upward, and the chase begins as they ascend through the oceanscape.

Dodging what terrain and coral that lies ahead, Orin is quick about it while Namor struggles to keep up. After swimming through a farm of large kelp leaves--practically a jungle's worth--Orin takes a sharp turn. As Namor exits the kelp bed, he realizes he has lost his foe.

"Coward! I deliver you more of your blood, so you run?"

~Not entirely.~

"Huh?!"

Namor turns to his left, and sees nothing. He looks all around, and cannot tell where the sound comes from. It takes him a short while only to realize Orin is utilizing one of his gifts he demonstrated earlier when they were facing off against the Fire Trolls.

"Get out of my head, Coward! Stop these games and face me! You think your petty voice popping inside my head, will distract me? I'll sniff you out through your cowardly odor! AAAAAAHHHH!"

Namor lashes about through the kelp bed, ripping all that crosses his path apart. He knows Orin is swift, but surely he cannot be too far. Wasting his energy and effort, Orin stops him.

~You are right, popping inside of your head won't do much, say for irritate you to cause you to make hasty decisions. You could be a brilliant King, and Commanding Chief of your armies, Namor...should you learn to watch that temper.~

"You wish to coach me how to win on the battlefield?! You hide from me! Too scared to face me like a King!"

Namor gets no response, although he expects one. But he can hear shuffling, coming from among the kelp bed. Leaves being pushed away from a focal point, and it sounds like it is heading his way. Orin pops out, arms crossed, and eye-brow raised. He has a peculiar look upon his face, as if looking at Namor with pity.

"You are no doubt the most powerful foe, I have yet to face. You could become so much better, Namor. It saddens me that the only way to beat you, is to humiliate you. The sad part is, you do it to yourself."

Namor grits his teeth and clenches his fists, he lashes out at Orin, but Orin doesn't budge. Namor fails in his attack, for he is strucken with the oddest of pain, so excruciating. Orin remains floating still.

~I can do much more than enter your mind, Namor. As you can see, I can will your own motor functions to operate against you. You are beaten, admit defeat.~

To Orin's amazement, Namor starts to get up, although he struggles. He gets up to the point where he can stand up, almost straight, on the kelp bed.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

Trying to move his arm, Namor battles Orin's mind, and still to Orin's amazement, is slowly succeeding. Orin releases his telepathic attack, and Namor swims forth. Orin does the same, and the two attack, both clocking each other in the jaw; they soar backward apart. They both swim forward again, and the same outcome occurs; only this time Orin knees Namor and Namor elbows Orin.

Both panting for breath, Orin straightens his upper torso up, and gets ready for another attack. Namor does the same, although something appears to go wrong. He places his hands upon his head, and whiplashes about, frantically. The odd thing to Orin, is the fact that he is not using his telepathy. It's as if Namor has gone mad. Orin lets his guard down, and swims over to Namor; keeping a short distance.

"Namor? What...what is wrong?"

"My...ARRGHH..my head. AAAAAHHH! You see...I am Half Human...when I...AARRGGHH! When I'm in or out of the water for too long...I...I...these headaches...AHHH!!"

Orin enters Namor's mind, but humbly, and tries to ease the pain on him, but he cannot. It is the levels of oxygen of water. Namor must balance the time he spends in water and out in the fresh air. He puts his hands to the side, and Namor seems to have gone over his little temporary tantrum.

"What...what are you doing? The fight still goes on!"

"No."

"No?"

"No. You are not well. Any second now, you could easily spazz out, completely out of your control. I will not fight you; it would not be fair. The fight is over."

"Over? So you admit defeat? You surrender? Cause I do not! A King of Atlantis never backs away from Victory!"

Namor swims forward Orin, and it hurts Orin to do this, but he must. The fate of the Fire Trolls lie in his hands, so he takes advantage of Namor's flaw, and invades his mind once more. Just as Namor is about to deliver a blow to Orin's chest, Namor's motor functions all but stop. His eyes open wide in amazement, and Orin's only turn away.

With one cling hook to the jaw, Orin punches Namor, knocking him back, Orin's knuckles split open. Completely defenseless, and unable to roll with the punch, Namor gets knocked unconscious. Blood spews and floats around the water from both Namor's mouth, and Orin's hand.

"...It is over."

In complete awe, the Council and the citizens of Atlantis look at Orin as he holds Namor unconscious in his arms. Orin swims to the heart and center of the city, and gently lays Namor down. He looks over to the Council.

"You will recall your troops from the Great Divide, and you will clog it up. No more Death shall fill the Ocean's waters."

Mera swims over to Orin as guards swim over to grab Namor's immobile body. She grabs Orin's hand, examining the broken knuckles and blood. Orin winces a bit, but continues his words as she tends to his wounds by calling over a medic.

"The Fire Trolls' punishment will be entrapment, confined for all eternity in the Great Divide. This is my only order, and my last."

Basil, the most outspoken of Namor's council swims forth. The medic brings over a small stool for Orin to sit on as he starts to wrap his hand.

"Last?"

"Aye. I hereby give up the Crown, back to Namor. I never wanted to take his Kingdom from him. We are all one and the same. It makes no difference if you are a Western or Eastern Atlantean...it is but a prefix to the same thing."

The medic continues to wrap Orin's hand, but he signals him to stop, and gets up. He ties up the linen himself, as he and Mera are about to leave, Basil feels compelled as if he has something to say. But there is nothing to say.

Orin had said it all.

...He said it all.

 

[wiegeabo]

Spoiler

I laugh. "Well, seeing as how the GCPD are overwhelmed, how about we deliver the punks and their guns in a nice package?"

"I like it."

It only takes a couple of minutes to round everyone up and run them across town to police headquarters. Only a couple of officers seem shocked. Normally they'd be surprised at a bunch of criminals and their weapons showing up from nowhere. But I've been busy these last couple of days. I guess they're stating to get used to it.

Pietro and I meet up at the Brownstone. I accelerate myself to match his normal speed. Pietro lives at an accelerated rate. And I know it always tries his patience to slow himself down to the rest of the world and wait for them to catch up. Once I match his speed I grab him in in a hug. "It's been a long time Pietro."

"Too long, old timer." I give him a punch to the shoulder. "Hey!" he laughs. We walk inside.

"So, how long has it been? Four years now?"

"Try seven."

I'm shocked. "Seven?! It couldn't have been that long." I sit down, trying to get over how much time had passed. "I remember it like yesterday."

"So do I. Wanda and I were struggling to survive. Our powers just developing. And the people of our land hated us because of it. And then the JSA came, found us, and took us back to this country."

"We were lucky we ran into you. We were just there to stop some pesky tyrant who got himself super strength and decided to use it on his people. If you hadn't tried to steal from us..."

"Heh. How was I supposed to know you were also a speedster." I laugh remembering the surprise on his face when I caught up to him. "We've always been grateful you helped raise us, and train us. Although I am still somewhat annoyed that I could never be as fast as you."

"Heh. Well, I may know why now. It looks like I can tap into something called the Speed Force."

"Speed. . .Force?" Pietro leans froward in his seat, curious. "How do you tap into it?"

"I have no idea. I just found out about it a short time ago."

"I would be most interested in learning about it too."

"Anything I find, I'll let you know." I lean forward as well. "Now, how about you tell me why your here."

"It's simple. I saw what happened in Gotham, and that this new League of yours was involved. I came to help."

I raise an eyebrow. "You may not be able to use the speed force, but you're no slouch. You could have been here in no time. You used to manage what? Mach 1? 1.5?"

"I can get up to Mach 3 now. Four if I push it."

"Good to hear. But it also makes me wonder about the real reason you came."

Pietro's smile fades. "Helping is part of it. But the main reason is also why I couldn't come until now. Father wanted to see how everything played out. To see who would survive."

I lean back, breathing heavily. I should have known. "Erik." I shake my head. "It's true, isn't it. The rumors I've heard. He really is this...Magneto. The one who tried to nuke New York."

Pietro frowns. ". . .He is."

I'm stunned. "What happened to him, Pietro?" I had known Erik for years. Since the war. We helped free the camp he was being held in. And as horrible as that must have been for him, he seemed to adjust well enough. Over the years we had kept in touch and worked together. But he never mentioned having children. Not until the day he showed up at the Brownstone, claiming we had found the children he had been looking for.

"He is not the man you thought he was. He hasn't been for many years. He no longer believes humankind and mutantkind can co-exist. He is convinced that there will be a war. And he wants to make sure that mutants win."

"Good god. I never even suspected."

"His actions were never so...overt before. That is why I am here."

"...He doesn't know you're here, talking to me."

"No. He does not. Because he is preparing for something else. You were the only person I could come to."

"I can talk to him, but I doubt it will help." Pietro agress. "So, whatever he is planning, we're going to need help."

"The League?"

"I can bring them in on this. But there is someone else who may be able to help. It's time to give Charles a call."

"Do you think that is wise?"

I shrug. "He and Erik were best friends."

"Were," Pietro emphasizes. "He and my father have been against each other for many years."

"Regardless, I know Charles. And if he thought he could talk your father out of doing something, he would try. He'll never give up on someone if he believes they can still do good."

It's Pietro's turn to shrug. "Be that as it may, I am still not sure about bringing Professor Xavier in. At least, not yet. I was hoping that maybe you could talk to him first. The Professor may aggravate my father. I don't believe you will. After all, you helped to save him."

I'm somewhat stunned at first. Sure I helped free Erik from the camp, but he and Charles were friends for what seemed like forever afterwards. Seem I had no idea just how bad the blood between them had gotten.

"If you think that's best, I'll try speaking with him first. But will he want to speak to me? I'd rather not surprise him, or force him into something."

"I believe he will." Pietro looks down for a moment, then back at me. "I wouldn't have come to you, Jay, if I didn't believe it was important."

"I'm glad to help. But you don't need an excuse to come visit anytime you want. Seven years is far too long."

Pietro smiles and nods. "I agree. It's good seeing you too." He stands. "I really should be going now. I'll need to speak with my father."

"Are you sure you have to go? I'm sure the others would like to see you. Ted, Alan, -"

"Dinah?"

I point at him. "I knew it! I knew you had a thing for Dinah!"

"No, no. That's not what I meant." Pietro tries to play it off, but the red growing into his face tells me the truth."

"It's ok son, nothing to be ashamed about. Confidentially speaking, she had a crush on you too."

"Really?...I mean...she was only a 13 year old kid."

"And you were so much older?"

"I was 15." I just look at him. "Ok, so I thought she was a little...cute." I cross my arms. "Ok, now I really have to leave."

"Ha. You know, she'd be happy to see you again."

"And I'd like to see her too. I heard that she was getting married to Tony Stark."

I'm not sure what to say to that. "...Yeah. That's the plan." Pietro looks at my oddly for a moment, but lets it pass.

Pietro extends his hand, but I just grab him in a hug. "I'll let you know when father wants to meet."

"I'll be looking forward to that." This time I do shake Pietro's hand and he rushes out the door, his wake closing it behind him.

"Should be...interesting."

 

[Byrd Man]

I've been having this dream for weeks now. It's the same one, I'm always racing towards an unknown object in the darkness. My legs are always dead tired and going as fast as they can. And it ends the same way, in fire.​

BOOM!​

The end. I always wake up drenched in sweat and realizing it was just a dream. Now, I find myself living that dream.​

"You're insane, Hunter."​

[BLACKOUT]"Time's wasting, Barry."[/BLACKOUT]

I dissapear in a blur of crimson as I race into the Flash Museum, Iris is just ahead. All I have to do is reach her and get us out...

BOOM!

White light fills the museum and throws me into the air and pushes me through the debris of the museum and onto the lawn.

No. No. NO!

I'm too slow, too late to save her. She's dead. Along with the two children in her womb. My family gone like that. Hunter finished Thawne's work all these years later. He killed her..He killed her. Iris. My Iris, my whole reason for living, the one thing that keeps me sane. Gone like that.

"Oh god, no..god, no. Iris.....Iris."​

 

[Byrd Man]

​

"Hey, Smallville. How many "P's" in "Therapist"?"

I adjust my glasses as I look over cubicle at Lois.

"Umm...one, Lois."

"Thanks. Hey, look at that. If you put a space in "Therapist" you get "The Rapist" That's cool."

"Sure...if you say so."

It's been a few weeks since I turned down Lois' advances as Superman. She seemed down for a few days, but eventually got back to her normal self. It hurt me to see her sad, but it was for the better. She didn't love me, she loved the idea of me.

"Umm, Lois?"

"Yeah?"

She continues typing as I get up from my chair and lean over her cubicle.

"I..I was wondering..I don't know, maybe when you're done with that story."

She stops typing and turns to face me, her eyebrow is slightly arched and her arms are crossed.

"Go on..."

"Well, if you don't have any plans tonight..I was just.."

My face flushes a bit and she smiles.

"Clark. Are you trying to ask me out?"

I cough a bit and adjust my glasses once more for good measure.

"Umm...No..I mean..not no..No, I mean yes. Lois Lane, would you like to have dinner sometime?...I mean with me, I mean that's not to say that you don't eat dinner. I'm sure you do, but would you like to have it with me?"

It takes her almost a whole minute to respond.

"Wow, Clark. You're not exactly Shakesphere when it comes to the spoken word, eh? Sure, I'll go out with you. Let me finish this story, okay?"

A small goofy smile creeps onto my face as I dart back down to my desk.

"Okay then."

Zee Zee Zee

My ears start to ring as the high frequency alert rings through the Planet office. I'm the only person on Earth that can hear it, another little invention of Reed's.

"Lois, I'll be back in a second. I have to check on something."

Lois just nods as I quickly leave the office and head towards one of the Planet's small offices and slam the door behind me.

New York City
The Baxter Building
Five Minutes Later

I touch down on the roof of the Baxter Building, Reed and Sue wait for me.

"Good to see you once more, Kal."

"Reed, Sue. What's wrong?"

"Well, Superman. We responded to the Pentagon's calls for help after a UFO crashed in Saudi Arabia. We thought it was routine, but we got more than me bargained for once we got there."

"Yes, Kal. We encountered an alien. A Kryptonian girl who looks to be about sixteen. What's more, her ship had a symbol on it."

"Your symbol."

"Yes, of the House of El. The "S" the Kryptonian symbol of hope. The young woman is downstairs right now being entertained by Johnny and Ben. She doesn't speak a word of English, only Kryptonese. I've been able to talk a little bit to her, but she keeps asking for Kal-El. I managed to draw blood and I ran test with her blood and yours. She's your blood relative, Kal."

My jaw drops and I swear it comes close to hitting the rooftop. Looks like Lois will have to wait.​

 

[Eddie Brock]

SPIDER-MAN

It's Friday afternoon, and I don't plan to do anything today. I mean, just weeks ago, I literally saved the planet from another intergalactic being with an attitude. I think that alone warrants me some down-time. Tossing my backpack carelessly aside, I start raiding the fridge.

"Peter? Is that you?" Aunt May calls out. My head is still buried among leftovers and God knows what else. Rather than replying, I merely grunt in acknowledgment.

I hear Aunt May enter the kitchen, but I still don't look at her. I'm focusing on making a snack decision right now.

"Peter, I'd like to talk to you about the hours you've been keeping lately," she begins. I just roll my eyes. Here we go again with the lectures - doesn't she have anything better to do?

"Frankly, I don't think it's healthy for a teenage boy to come and go at all hours of the night - especially not on school nights."

I try my hardest to tune her out, but damn her nagging is persistent.

"Not to mention the fact that you won't tell me what you are doing - which is a whole different matter entirely."

"Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry about it?" she repeats. "Peter, I can't--"

"Well, TRY!" I snap. She's aggravating me to no end. "Jesus! You act like you're my mother or something! NEWS FLASH - YOU'RE NOT!"

When I see her reaction, a tinge of guilt resonates within me.

"I-I'm sorry," she replies. She's visibly upset. Before she breaks down in tears, she merely walks away.

Maybe I shouldn't have--

She was holding you back, Peter.

It's only because she cares about me.

If she truly cared, she'd let us be everything that we can possibly be.

You know what? You're right! She doesn't understand me. How could she? Aunt May has no idea what it's like to go through half of the s*** I've been through.

As I'm standing in the kitchen - reassuring myself of my righteousness - my cell phone begins to vibrate. I look down. The little screen displays: HARRY OSBORN.

"Hello?" I mutter while picking up the phone. Frankly, I'm in no mood to put up with Harry right now.

"Hey, Pete!" Harry responds. What the Hell is he so happy about? "I'm glad I caught you! Did you start that math homework?"

I shake my head. I should have known. "No, I didn't."

"Well, there's this one problem that I'm stuck on, and I was wondering--"

"Here's an idea! Why don't you try actually learning something in school - rather than using me as the ticket to your C minus average?! I'm sick of putting up with your s***, Harry! You want me to tutor you? Cough up some of Daddy's trust fund money!"

I slam the phone shut and chuck it across the counter. I'm so sick of being treated like a doormat! No more, I tell you! Peter Parker is looking out for Numero Uno from now on!

Now, if no one else wants to pester me, I'd like to blow off some steam on the next a**hole who thinks he can commit a crime and get away with it.
​

 

[wiegeabo]

Everything he says about me rings true. Which makes it all the more impressive. And more than a little frightening. Back at the benefit, something happened to Logan. Looking into his eyes it was like...like he wasn't there. No, that's no right. It was like there was no one human there. And I couldn't stop him. Couldn't even slow him down before he sliced a claw into my shoulder. I'm lucky he didn't flay me alive. And now he tells me he can heal from just about anything?

More than a little frightening.

But I put those thoughts away for the time being. He answered my question. So, even though it's not my style, I guess I must answer his. "Where I trained?" I say, thinking back. "A easier question would be where haven't I trained. Not long after my parents were murdered, I decided something needed to be done. I got the equivalent of a college education, a degree in forensics, and a couple of blackbelts by the time I was 15. And then I started traveling."

We pull out of Gotham proper, and onto the country roads. We're only a few minutes from the estate now.

"Over the next decade I learned everything I could from the masters in each field. If there's an expert out there, I've probably studied under them. I learned how to be a detective from a man named Ducard. And I learned my most advanced fighting techniques from a man named Stick. Who I assume you also studied under based on some of the moves I've seen you use."

I see by the expression on Logan's face that my words reach him for some reason. But I also notice his expression as I turn off the road and drive right towards a waterfall. And then when he realizes that he shouldn't be worried about the waterfall, but the cliff leading to it.

I just push the accelerator home and wait until the last moment to hit the booster. I hold my laugh inside as we clear the gap, burst through the water, and slam the landing.

The engine echoes through the caverns, stirring the few bats that had already returned from their night of hunting. I squeal the car to a stop on its resting place and pop the canopy.

"Welcome to my cave."

"Ah, Master Bru-" Alfred stops short on the stairs as Logan pops his head up from the batmobile.

"Oh, um. Oh. I say. I see you have a visitor?" You don't need to be the world's greatest detective to tell that Alfred is flummoxed, to say the least.

"It's ok." I pull my cowl off. "He knows. Alfred, this is Logan. Logan, my butler Alfred."

"Ah, I see. It is, uh, good to meet you...Mister Logan."

 

[Byrd Man]

​

​

The Quadruple Somersault. A move so hard that at one time, there were only three people who could do it. John and Mary Grayson were two of those people. I'm the only one left now. My dad used to say that it was my birthright, a gift to be passed down from generation to generation. I used to think he was corny for saying that, but now? When I have a child, it'll be the second thing they'll learns after walking.

I always like to practice it to make sure I can still do it. Which is why I'm in the spacious batcave swinging on the trapeze set. I pick up speed and I hear my father's voice.

Alright, Dick. Keep your speed up.

I let go at the summit of my swing and my Mother speaks.

Now, you're gonna want to tuck your arms as you turn.

I grab my legs and curl up into a ball. I keep a count in my head as I spin, me eyes shut tight to help keep me from getting dizzy.

One

The second somersault gets tricky. Naturally, you'll want to break out of the spin. you do that and you'll drop like a stone.

Two

The third one is the hardest one to get over. You'll start to feel dizzy as the revolutions take their toll. You won't know what's up or down.

Three

On the last somersault. You'll need to get your bearings back. As soon as you get to the four count, hold your arms out and you'll be right infront of the the catch bar.

Four

My eyes snap open and I'm within reaching distance of the catch bar. I grab on and swing out and land on the platform.

And that, Dick. Is The Quadruple Somersault.

"Tah-dah!"

Bruce's car roars throughout the cave. He's back from his night of crime fighting. Can't say I'm thrilled that he grounded me.

"It's ok." Bruce pulls off his cowl and looks at a rather hairy looking man I've seen before.

"He knows. Alfred, this is Logan. Logan, my butler Alfred."

"Ah, I see. It is, uh, good to meet you...Mister Logan."

"Aren't you forgetting someone, Bruce?"

I leap off the trapeze platform and make my way towards Alfred, Bruce, and Logan.

"Like me. Your ward, or whatever you call it. The one who's suppose to be your crime fighting partner."


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t302/DCMarvelRPG/Robin/Robin_logo.gif

 

[Catman_prb]

Vic walked down the street to his apartment, trenchcoat blown outwards by the wind in the darkness. His fedora was pulled down low over his masked face, keeping his head down. He had been down in the public library, looking at the voting results for the last election. He had theories about how Mayor Sionis had come to power, a power which he no doubt abused.

Up ahead was a flickering, and Vic could smell smoke heavy in the air. His eyes were instantly drawn up to his apartment building, which was of course in flames. Fire licked out of the windows, curling out and upwards, trying to reach the sky. Vic saw a gang of men walking towards him, sillhouetted against the flame. There were five of them, big and well built, hulking towards him.

They were on him in a second, as he brought out his pistol. He fired blindly into the dark, but felt his arm being thrown upwards, and a fist being plunged into his stomach. He buckled up, and something hit him hard in the back of the skull. He fell to the ground, fedora being knocked off. He lay eaglespread, and the men stamped on his prone figure.

[blackout]My evidence,"[/blackout] he managed to croak, a single tear rolling down his cheek. The thugs laughed at him.

"Mister Sionis told us to burn everything. What kind of superhero are you? You live in an apartmant and you can't fight off five guys," one laughed, kicking him in the face.

"Sort yourself out boy," one shouted. Vic curled up into a ball, as the five thugs went away, leaving him lying in the gutter, blood pooling around him and flowing into the drain...

 

[Logan Howlett]

Stick.....that name definatly rang a bell.....the memories, the flashes.....hes connected, I know it. I don't react to it, or at least I try not to. My eyes widen, but I say nothing. Thats when I see the Waterfall ahead, and the cliff.......Mother Fu....

I see by the expression on Logan's face that my words reach him for some reason. But I also notice his expression as I turn off the road and drive right towards a waterfall. And then when he realizes that he shouldn't be worried about the waterfall, but the cliff leading to it.

I just push the accelerator home and wait until the last moment to hit the booster. I hold my laugh inside as we clear the gap, burst through the water, and slam the landing.

The engine echoes through the caverns, stirring the few bats that had already returned from their night of hunting. I squeal the car to a stop on its resting place and pop the canopy.

"Welcome to my cave."

"Ah, Master Bru-" Alfred stops short on the stairs as Logan pops his head up from the batmobile.

"Oh, um. Oh. I say. I see you have a visitor?" You don't need to be the world's greatest detective to tell that Alfred is flummoxed, to say the least.

"It's ok." I pull my cowl off. "He knows. Alfred, this is Logan. Logan, my butler Alfred."

"Ah, I see. It is, uh, good to meet you...Mister Logan."

Nice set up the guy has. I been wonderin how a guy like him hides what he does.....and this would do it.

"Good to meet ya Al.....but its just Logan, mister makes me sound like a stiff." I say as I strike up a stogie. I puff on it as I hold it with my teeth, chewing a little of the flavor into my mouth.

The Quadruple Somersault. A move so hard that at one time, there were only three people who could do it. John and Mary Grayson were two of those people. I'm the only one left now. My dad used to say that it was my birthright, a gift to be passed down from generation to generation. I used to think he was corny for saying that, but now? When I have a child, it'll be the second thing they'll learns after walking.

I always like to practice it to make sure I can still do it. Which is why I'm in the spacious batcave swinging on the trapeze set. I pick up speed and I hear my father's voice.

Alright, Dick. Keep your speed up.

I let go at the summit of my swing and my Mother speaks.

Now, you're gonna want to tuck your arms as you turn.

I grab my legs and curl up into a ball. I keep a count in my head as I spin, me eyes shut tight to help keep me from getting dizzy.

One

The second somersault gets tricky. Naturally, you'll want to break out of the spin. you do that and you'll drop like a stone.

Two

The third one is the hardest one to get over. You'll start to feel dizzy as the revolutions take their toll. You won't know what's up or down.

Three

On the last somersault. You'll need to get your bearings back. As soon as you get to the four count, hold your arms out and you'll be right infront of the the catch bar.

Four

My eyes snap open and I'm within reaching distance of the catch bar. I grab on and swing out and land on the platform.

And that, Dick. Is The Quadruple Somersault.

"Tah-dah!"

Bruce's car roars throughout the cave. He's back from his night of crime fighting. Can't say I'm thrilled that he grounded me.

"It's ok." Bruce pulls off his cowl and looks at a rather hairy looking man I've seen before.

"He knows. Alfred, this is Logan. Logan, my butler Alfred."

"Ah, I see. It is, uh, good to meet you...Mister Logan."

"Aren't you forgetting someone, Bruce?"

I leap off the trapeze platform and make my way towards Alfred, Bruce, and Logan.

"Like me. Your ward, or whatever you call it. The one who's suppose to be your crime fighting partner."

My jaw drops a little,

"Woh....wait.....this kid is your...partner? As in fights crime with you? HAHAHAHA! Heh...heh..I'm sorry its just....Xavier's kids step in every once in a while with us old folks to help save the world or somethin, but they have superpowers.....but I didn't know they had a little leauge for vigilanties...hehe....."

The kid shoots me a go to hell look. I just take another puff on the cigar.

"Anyway....nice place ya got here Bruce. I was startin to wonder how a guy like you kept his affairs in order.....Looks like you got everything ya need, training equipment, computers, hardware......the whole package....its no danger room, but it works. Speakin of, I'll have the prof send you some specs on it...I got a feelin that you can put it to use."

I turn to Bruce's buttler, "Hey Al, you got any beer in this Vampire lair?"

 

[wiegeabo]

My jaw drops a little,

"Woh....wait.....this kid is your...partner? As in fights crime with you? HAHAHAHA! Heh...heh..I'm sorry its just....Xavier's kids step in every once in a while with us old folks to help save the world or somethin, but they have superpowers.....but I didn't know they had a little leauge for vigilanties...hehe....."

The kid shoots me a go to hell look. I just take another puff on the cigar.

"Anyway....nice place ya got here Bruce. I was startin to wonder how a guy like you kept his affairs in order.....Looks like you got everything ya need, training equipment, computers, hardware......the whole package....its no danger room, but it works. Speakin of, I'll have the prof send you some specs on it...I got a feelin that you can put it to use."

I turn to Bruce's buttler, "Hey Al, you got any beer in this Vampire lair?"

Alfred glances at me, I give him a small nod. "Very well Mist...Logan." Alfred gives Logan a nod and turn, heading up the stairs to the mansion. I walk to the costume safe, taking off my cape. I put the cape and cowl up, take off my utility belt and put it in it's drawer. I walk back out with a robe and start putting it on.

"I'm glad you like the cave. You're the first person to see it. Besides Alfred and Dick. And someone else you also know. Kitty Pryde?" I shoot a glance at Dick as I say the name. "Perhaps you should have a talk with her about respecting someone's personal space when you get back to your school." I'm thankful she was there to help Dick, but still , what she did...

I walk up to the main computer. Dick and Logan follow behind me. I sit in the chair and activate the system, logging in. Logan stands next to me, looking up at it, puffing away on his cigar. The smell annoys me, but it's not the worst thing in the world. "You know, those things will give you canc-" He looks at me, and I think about what happened just a little while ago. "Never mind."

"Now...tell me everything you know about Cobblepot..."

 

[Logan Howlett]

Alfred glances at me, I give him a small nod. "Very well Mist...Logan." Alfred gives Logan a nod and turn, heading up the stairs to the mansion. I walk to the costume safe, taking off my cape. I put the cape and cowl up, take off my utility belt and put it in it's drawer. I walk back out with a robe and start putting it on.

"I'm glad you like the cave. You're the first person to see it. Besides Alfred and Dick. And someone else you also know. Kitty Pryde?" I shoot a glance at Dick as I say the name. "Perhaps you should have a talk with her about respecting someone's personal space when you get back to your school." I'm thankful she was there to help Dick, but still , what she did...

I walk up to the main computer. Dick and Logan follow behind me. I sit in the chair and activate the system, logging in. Logan stands next to me, looking up at it, puffing away on his cigar. The smell annoys me, but it's not the worst thing in the world. "You know, those things will give you canc-" He looks at me, and I think about what happened just a little while ago. "Never mind."

"Now...tell me everything you know about Cobblepot..."

Heh.....cancer, yea right.

"Heh....well truth is I don't know much about him at all.", I say reaching to my belt for my cell phone. I press call twice and get Chuck,

"Hey Charlie, you mind doin that whole suround sound thing."

<"Not at all Logan. Good evening mister Wayne.">

Charlies voice comes from every direction of the cave, or so it seems. Its all in our heads hehe...

"Ya know, after all the years I known ya.....its still creepy that you can do that."

The Kid seems to be in awe, not quite sure what in the hell is goin on.

<"Its alright Mr. Grayson, I am speaking to you all telepathicly. My name is Charles Xavier, I am a mutant.....I believe you know my student, Kitty Pride.....and yes Mr. Wayne, before you ask, she will spoken to about her actions. Disiplinary action will be taken I assure you. Now....on to more pressing matters. Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot is the man you are searching for. He owns a popular Nightclub in Gotham City called "The Iceburg Lounge". It apears that he used the inheritance he received from the mysterious death of his parents to form his own criminal organization. Mr. Cobblepot is commonly refered to by those in his employ as "The Penguin" do to his unusal physical deformity brought about by his mutation. He is a mutant, and the extent of his mutation is unkown, however, judging by the information I have received I do believe that it is extremely possible that he could have abilities resembeling those of his nom de guerre. It is possible that he may have extreme resistance to cold temperatures and a strong swiming ability. This of course is all speculation. However, you should know that Cobblepot HATES his mutation as well as all other mutants. I believe this may stem from his tormented childhood and the cruelty of other children...or possibly his own parents. Thats is all the information I have at the present time.">

"Thanks bub, that should help out alot."

Bruce's buttler walks back into the room carryin a tray with some beer that I can't even pronounce. I look take the beer and look at it for a second before I pop out my middle claw and cut the top off.

"Thanks bub." I say slippin him a couple bucks into his jacket pocket. He kinda stands there lookin at me funny for second.

<"Wait....Wait a moment...Alfred? Alfred Pennyworth is that you?">

"Bloody hell, whats that?.......Charles....Charles Xavier? That is you isn't it. Its been a long time sir."

<"That it has sir. How have you been? Hows Peg?">

"Doing good, the both of us. I'll tell her you said hello. Ya know she always did have a crush on you. Thats my sister for you. But then again your taken aint ya. Hows Moira, doing alright?"

<"Well...that is slightly compli-">

"WOH! Time out! Wait a minute, is anyone else feelin just a little confused? You two know each other or somethin?"

"That we do. Chucky an I been ol' pals since grade school. Course I havent seen him in nearly twenty years....been kind of busy raising Master Bruce. To long....much to long. Ya know Charles was once all star captain of the Rugby team back home. I did pretty well myself."

<"That you did old friend.">

"Yea....lets see, there was you, me and who else.....that guy you started totin around with around college......AH! Leinsher. Eric, right?....."

<".....Yes....Yes that was Eric.">

"Yea....Whatever happened to him? Ya know I heard on the news that there was this crazy mutant magnet guy, said his name was Leinsher.....come to think of it.....thats him....isn't it. Oh dear."

<"Its all right my freind, things change and it has been a LONG time.">

"Ok....so...you've known that Xavier was a mutant since yall were kids?"

"Well a course not....he didn't get his powers till he was at least thirteen. Acourse I got so jealous that I couldn't do anything, but he more than made up for it by helping me know exactly what to say to the ladies.....I mean exactly, he would tell me what they wanted to hear sraight from their minds. We were quite a couple of studly gents back then we were."

"Indeed we were Alfed....I wish I could chat more, unfortunatly however I must be going. I have an economics class to teach in the morning and I'm not even the least bit prepared. You take care, I will see you all soon enough.......and Mr. Wayne....I couldn't help but to pick up on the idea raging through your fast paced mind, and I have to say that it seems like an excelent idea, and I'm sure that Logan wouldn't have a problem helping you at all. Good luck.">

I look around and then raise my beer, chuging half of it back in one go. Wiping the residue from my lips I say, "Ok....What in the hell just happened here? What was all of that about? And What idea?"

 

[wiegeabo]

Heh.....cancer, yea right.

"Heh....well truth is I don't know much about him at all.", I say reaching to my belt for my cell phone. I press call twice and get Chuck,

"Hey Charlie, you mind doin that whole suround sound thing."

<"Not at all Logan. Good evening mister Wayne.">

Charlies voice comes from every direction of the cave, or so it seems. Its all in our heads hehe...

"Ya know, after all the years I known ya.....its still creepy that you can do that."

The Kid seems to be in awe, not quite sure what in the hell is goin on.

<"Its alright Mr. Grayson, I am speaking to you all telepathicly. My name is Charles Xavier, I am a mutant.....I believe you know my student, Kitty Pride.....and yes Mr. Wayne, before you ask, she will spoken to about her actions. Disiplinary action will be taken I assure you. Now....on to more pressing matters. Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot is the man you are searching for. He owns a popular Nightclub in Gotham City called "The Iceburg Lounge". It apears that he used the inheritance he received from the mysterious death of his parents to form his own criminal organization. Mr. Cobblepot is commonly refered to by those in his employ as "The Penguin" do to his unusal physical deformity brought about by his mutation. He is a mutant, and the extent of his mutation is unkown, however, judging by the information I have received I do believe that it is extremely possible that he could have abilities resembeling those of his nom de guerre. It is possible that he may have extreme resistance to cold temperatures and a strong swiming ability. This of course is all speculation. However, you should know that Cobblepot HATES his mutation as well as all other mutants. I believe this may stem from his tormented childhood and the cruelty of other children...or possibly his own parents. Thats is all the information I have at the present time.">

"Thanks bub, that should help out alot."

Bruce's buttler walks back into the room carryin a tray with some beer that I can't even pronounce. I look take the beer and look at it for a second before I pop out my middle claw and cut the top off.

"Thanks bub." I say slippin him a couple bucks into his jacket pocket. He kinda stands there lookin at me funny for second.

<"Wait....Wait a moment...Alfred? Alfred Pennyworth is that you?">

"Bloody hell, whats that?.......Charles....Charles Xavier? That is you isn't it. Its been a long time sir."

<"That it has sir. How have you been? Hows Peg?">

"Doing good, the both of us. I'll tell her you said hello. Ya know she always did have a crush on you. Thats my sister for you. But then again your taken aint ya. Hows Moira, doing alright?"

<"Well...that is slightly compli-">

"WOH! Time out! Wait a minute, is anyone else feelin just a little confused? You two know each other or somethin?"

"That we do. Chucky an I been ol' pals since grade school. Course I havent seen him in nearly twenty years....been kind of busy raising Master Bruce. To long....much to long. Ya know Charles was once all star captain of the Rugby team back home. I did pretty well myself."

<"That you did old friend.">

"Yea....lets see, there was you, me and who else.....that guy you started totin around with around college......AH! Leinsher. Eric, right?....."

<".....Yes....Yes that was Eric.">

"Yea....Whatever happened to him? Ya know I heard on the news that there was this crazy mutant magnet guy, said his name was Leinsher.....come to think of it.....thats him....isn't it. Oh dear."

<"Its all right my freind, things change and it has been a LONG time.">

"Ok....so...you've known that Xavier was a mutant since yall were kids?"

"Well a course not....he didn't get his powers till he was at least thirteen. Acourse I got so jealous that I couldn't do anything, but he more than made up for it by helping me know exactly what to say to the ladies.....I mean exactly, he would tell me what they wanted to hear sraight from their minds. We were quite a couple of studly gents back then we were."

"Indeed we were Alfed....I wish I could chat more, unfortunatly however I must be going. I have an economics class to teach in the morning and I'm not even the least bit prepared. You take care, I will see you all soon enough.......and Mr. Wayne....I couldn't help but to pick up on the idea raging through your fast paced mind, and I have to say that it seems like an excelent idea, and I'm sure that Logan wouldn't have a problem helping you at all. Good luck.">

I look around and then raise my beer, chuging half of it back in one go. Wiping the residue from my lips I say, "Ok....What in the hell just happened here? What was all of that about? And What idea?"

Alfred and Xavier?! I knew there was a great deal of Alfred's past that he didn't share with us. Things only my parents knew that I was too young to be told. But he's always dodged my questions about his life before coming to work for my family. All I know is that he was in some part of the British military for a time and has training in field medicine.

Now that I think about it...I always run a background check on anyone I meet. But I never ran one on Alfred. Perhaps...

"Thank you Professor," I say, think, whatever.

For the next few minutes I say nothing, just work at the computer. Images and text scroll by at speeds even I can barely read. But there's time for a more thorough search later. The details aren't important right now, just the basics.

Cobblepot. His family. His family's squandered fortune. Years off the grid, then he shows up with money again. No apparent source for the money. At least no legitimate source. Then he buys some property and creates the Iceburg Club. No doubt a front for his other activities. But so far, nothing much more than Xavier knew. I have no doubt that with enough digging I could probably find much of what I'm looking for. But it won't be enough. We're going to have to do something else if we're going to bring Cobblepot down.

I turn around in my chair, my hands crossed together, resting on my chin in thought. Alfred stands there patiently. He's used to this. Dick is bored, but at least he's keeping himself in check. Logan...Logan needs more beer. A lot more beer.

"Ok. Here's what I'm thinking..."

 

[Byrd Man]

Edit

 

[wiegeabo]

It's Sunday morning. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. And just a few nights ago we saved Gilda Dent from two monstrous criminals. And I made a new ally in the process. Although we have yet to see how that is going to pan out. I don't envy Dick's role in all this.

But right now I'm focused on the papers scattered on my desk. I've checked the figures three times, but there's no escaping the conclusion. I-

Alfred breaks my chain of thought as he walks in carrying a serving tray of coffee and tea. "Excuse the interruption, Master Bruce. But you look as if you could use some refreshment. Although I doubt you'll-"

"Thank you Alfred, I'll could use a cup of tea right now." Surprise in his eyes, Alfred puts the trey down and pours me a cup. A small splash of milk, one sugar, just how I like it.

"Something must be troubling you sir."

I take the offered cup and inhale the vapor. "Earl Grey?" Alfred nods. "Just what the doctor ordered." I take a sip and almost feel like I'm starting to relax. I indicate the documents with my cup. "Just going over my latest financials." I take another sip.

"Is their something wrong?"

"No, not really. I just overextended myself a good bit with the donation at the benefit. I thought I had taken account for everything, even sold that hotel. But with the recent turns in real estate and the stock market...I might have to make some significant cutbacks. Tone down the extravagant purchases."

"No more hotels this month?"

I smile. I actually smile. "Not this month, no." I finish my cup and put it on the tray. Alfred immediately fills it back up. I vaguely wonder if he put something in it.

"It wouldn't happen to cut into your nocturnal activities, would it sir?" I hear the small amount of hope in Alfred's voice. As much good as he knows I do, a part of him would be more than glad to see me give up this life. But he also knows that I can't. Not until Gotham is finally safe.

"No. That's the one place I wouldn't make a cut."

Alfred does a poor job covering his disappointment. "Well, I do hope my job is not on the so-called chopping block."

"Alfred, don't ever think that. You'll always have a home here. I couldn't do this without you."

"Thank you sir." I shake my head inwardly. One day I'll get through that stoic British exterior.

"But, I may have to do something unthinkable. Take the company public."

This completely catches Alfred off guard. "Take the company public? This company has been your your family for over a century, Master Bruce. I cannot believe you would consider selling it."

"I didn't say that, Alfred. I'd make sure I was still majority shareholder. Looking at some of the preliminary numbers, I think I could keep control of at least 85% of the shares."

"Still, sir, the thought-"

"I know Alfred. I'd like to avoid that option too. But there's still plenty of time. No need to worry about this too much."

"Very well sir. I shall endeavor to not worry. Too much."

I smile again. Now I'm sure he put something in the tea. "Alfred, would you ask Dick to join me in here. I have some news for him too."

"Yes Master Bruce."

 

[Byrd Man]

​

KittyKat: Still grounded?

Boy_Wonder07: Yeah, Bruce is being a real P.I.T.A.

KittyKat: LOL

Boy_Wonder07: I'm just lucky he doesn't know too much about IMing, then he'd ground me from the comp.

KittyKat: U still gonna come to NY?

Boy_Wonder07: If I can get away from Bruce, sure. BTW, do you know a guy named Logan?

KittyKat: Yea, y?


"Master Dick?"

Alfred knocks on my bedroom door and I turn away from the computer screen to face him.

"Hey, Alfred. What's wrong?"

"Master Bruce would like to speak to you in his room."

"Hold on, let me finish this."

Boy_Wonder07: g2g TTYL

I log out and follow Alfred down the hall into Bruce's room.

"What's up?"

 

[wiegeabo]

KittyKat: Still grounded?

Boy_Wonder07: Yeah, Bruce is being a real P.I.T.A.

KittyKat: LOL

Boy_Wonder07: I'm just lucky he doesn't know too much about IMing, then he'd ground me from the comp.

KittyKat: U still gonna come to NY?

Boy_Wonder07: If I can get away from Bruce, sure. BTW, do you know a guy named Logan?

KittyKat: Yea, y?


"Master Dick?"

Alfred knocks on my bedroom door and I turn away from the computer screen to face him.

"Hey, Alfred. What's wrong?"

"Master Bruce would like to speak to you in his room."

"Hold on, let me finish this."

Boy_Wonder07: g2g TTYL

I log out and follow Alfred down the hall into Bruce's room.

"What's up?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something." I lift a couple of papers until I find the folder I'm looking for. "Here it is. It's about your parents."

Dick's eyes go wide , and the serious. I open the folder. "The paperwork finally got transfered under me. And since you're my ward, I'm responsible for this. But I think you should know about it too."

"You're parents were amazing trapeze artists. Even before you were born they were traveling the world, giving private audience's to royalty and head's of state. And they were paid well. Believe me when I say they didn't need to work in a circus. But I know you were all family in Mr. Haly's circus and they loved the people there."

"Basically what I'm trying to tell you is that they set up a trust fund for you. A well funded trust. I glance at the numbers again. A very well funded trust." I hand to folder over to Dick. "See for yourself."

He thumbs through it, and by the expression on his face, I know when he looks at the amount. "And I thought the trust I set up for you was nice."

"I also wanted to tell you that Mr. Haly has been having financial trouble lately. But I don't want you to worry. I bought the circus." Ok, if Dick's eyes keep popping open like that, they going to fall out of his head. "But it's not charity. I want to make that clear, like I did for Mr. Haly. I expect one of two things to happen. Either Mr. Haly turns it around and earns enough money to buy my share of the circus back. Or, when you turn 18, you buy my share from me. And I expect to make a profit on the deal," I say with a smile.

 

[Byrd Man]

"I wanted to talk to you about something." I lift a couple of papers until I find the folder I'm looking for. "Here it is. It's about your parents."

Dick's eyes go wide , and the serious. I open the folder. "The paperwork finally got transfered under me. And since you're my ward, I'm responsible for this. But I think you should know about it too."

"You're parents were amazing trapeze artists. Even before you were born they were traveling the world, giving private audience's to royalty and head's of state. And they were paid well. Believe me when I say they didn't need to work in a circus. But I know you were all family in Mr. Haly's circus and they loved the people there."

"Basically what I'm trying to tell you is that they set up a trust fund for you. A well funded trust. I glance at the numbers again. A very well funded trust." I hand to folder over to Dick. "See for yourself."

He thumbs through it, and by the expression on his face, I know when he looks at the amount. "And I thought the trust I set up for you was nice."

"I also wanted to tell you that Mr. Haly has been having financial trouble lately. But I don't want you to worry. I bought the circus." Ok, if Dick's eyes keep popping open like that, they going to fall out of his head. "But it's not charity. I want to make that clear, like I did for Mr. Haly. I expect one of two things to happen. Either Mr. Haly turns it around and earns enough money to buy my share of the circus back. Or, when you turn 18, you buy my share from me. And I expect to make a profit on the deal," I say with a smile.

I clear my throat and look at Bruce.

"Yeah that's great....I'd trade it all, though. Just to have them back. To be the Flying Graysons again...."

I look down at my feet as a semi-awkward silence fills the room.

"Umm, sorry about that...."

 

[wiegeabo]

I clear my throat and look at Bruce.

"Yeah that's great....I'd trade it all, though. Just to have them back. To be the Flying Graysons again...."

I look down at my feet as a semi-awkward silence fills the room.

"Umm, sorry about that...."

My eyes move over to the small picture of my parents on the table. And then at the extravagance of the room around me. "No, it's ok. I know exactly how you feel. Just know that it gets better with time," I lie. I'm sure it does, but I couldn't tell you how long it takes because I haven't gotten there myself.

"Tell you what, since I'm not going to be here tomorrow, how about we go on patrol tonight? Get out of this stuffy mansion and into some polluted Gotham air."

 

[Byrd Man]

My eyes move over to the small picture of my parents on the table. And then at the extravagance of the room around me. "No, it's ok. I know exactly how you feel. Just know that it gets better with time," I lie. I'm sure it does, but I couldn't tell you how long it takes because I haven't gotten there myself.

"Tell you what, since I'm not going to be here tomorrow, how about we go on patrol tonight? Get out of this stuffy mansion and into some polluted Gotham air."

I crack my knuckles and smile.

"What are we waiting for? To the Batcave!"

 

[wiegeabo]

I crack my knuckles and smile.

"What are we waiting for? To the Batcave!"

I smile again. "You go ahead. I'll meet you down there." I look back at my papers, starting to organize them. "Oh, and Dick?" He stops at the door.

"You can go ahead and IM Ms. Pryde and tell her your grounding is over."