The "Ultimate DC" RPG

[Venom160]

{Harvey Dent}

I wander around Gotham until I end up back at my house, or whats left of my house. I look through the eye holes of the mask at nothing but a smoldering pile of rubble.

"My whole life gone in one feld swoop."

"Come on Harvey why the hell are we here?"

"Maybe I can salvage somthing and maybe think of who could possibly do this."

I hear stuff being thrown around only to see somone digging around in the rubble dragging one of my old suitcases behind him.

"Hey what the hell are doing!"

Guy - "Hey back off the people who lived in this house isnt going to miss this stuff anyway."

Without another word I start walking over to him. He sees me coming and pulls out a knife.

Guy - "I said back the f**k off or im going to slice ya, but by the look of that crappy mask your wearing somone already had."

I lunge at him and grab his arm, I twist it behind him and apply alittle pressure making him drop his knife. I pick up the knife and throw the man aside and head over to where he droped the suitcase.

Guy - "Hey you aint taking that! I went through all the troble of digging that crap out! It belongs to me!"

I turn in time to see him pull out a .22 caliber pistol from his pocket, without warning the arm holding it chucks the knife at him hitting him square in the chest before he could fire a single shot.

"Thanks."

"No prob."

"But we have to come to an agreement about stuff like this, we can't go killing every person that gets in our way."

I start digging through the suitcase and find one of my buisness suits and my white suit I wore on my wedding day, but both were cinged on one side. I find on of Gilda's old sewing kit and my old coin collection that my grandfather gave me, but there was only one coin left in the case. I guess that the other coins were either stolen or blown clear when the bomb went off. I pull the remaining coin out of the case and almost laugh at the irony of what I was seeing, one side of the coin was damaged while the other side was perfectly fine.

"I think we just found the solution."

I flip the coin and catch it in my hand.

"The good side I win."

"And the bad side I win."

"Yep."

I throw the empty coin case aside and put the cinged suits and the sewing kit back into the suitcase and walk over to the guy.

"What should we do with him?"

"Lets take whatever money he has and leave his ass here."

I flip the coin and it comes up the scared side.

"Alright you win."

Surprisingly the guy has well over a hundred dollars in his pocket which I stuffed into the pocket of my trench coat, I yank the knife out of his chest and take the pistol as well.

"These will come in handy later."

I pick up the suit case and walk away from the shattered remains of my life.

 

[Trigger]

Don landed so hard that for a moment he thought he had broken something. The girl didn't move at all. It almost appeared as if she was watching him for a reaction. Don gave her that reaction in the form of a drop kick on her head.
She let out a small grunt and fell backwards. She made a quick motion in his direction and a small rock followed. It hit Don in the head, but this one didn't hurt nearly as much. He landed another drop pick and followed with a right hook. She launched a swarm of stones that ripped part of Don's costume and then she slapped him hard in the face.
The fight soon degenerated into a rythm of kicks and stones. Don wouldn't give her enough time to throw a bigger piece of rock, but she wouldn't just stand around and let him pummel her.

"Give it up!" Don said before trying kick her again.

"No." she said coldly.

"Give up!"

"No!" Terra dogded one of Don's kicks and launced another flail of stones. One connected with Don's head and he let out an agonized grunt. She then summoned forth a huge chunk of rock. She jumped on it and ascended into the air.She smiled as Don made a pathetic grab for the edge of the rock but missed.

"You should give up! Without any powers you're outclassed!"

Don had a defeated look on his eyes as he stared at the powerful female metahuman. He wanted to yell something witty at her (something Hank and Conner were better at), but he wasn't that clever. He couldn't just give up. Hank, the group, and the cops outside needed him. Don let out an exhausted sigh and tried to gather himself.

"You're cunning and powerful, but I can't just hang in the towel!" Don leaped into the air and tried once more to subdue Terra.

 

[Venom160]

{Harvey Dent}

With some of the money I took off the bum I rented a room at a dingey little motel room. I sat on the bed and stare at the chard suits in the suit case.

"What the hell are you doing."

"I have an idea."

I take out the knife and start to cut the suits in half.

"Oh your going to sit there and shred clothes huh? We got s**t we have to do!"

"Yeah we're really going to be taken seriously wairing ragidy ass clothes we found in the dumpster."

But he wouldnt shut up.

"Ok here I'll settle this!"

I pull out the coin and flip it, it lands heads.

"There I win."

"Whatever."

I cut away the charred parts of the suits and pull out Gilda's sewing kit, having watched her sew all the time I pretty much had the jist of what to do. A hour and many pokes to the thumbs later I stand in front of the mirror warring the sewn together suit, the left side was the white suit while the right side was my black buisness suit.

"I think you look like an idiot."

"Who the hell asked you? But anyway its better than what we had on."

I go back over to the bed and turn on the tv only to be greeted by the the grinning face of Sal "Boss" Maroni.

"......Maroni was released today after Judge Faden threw out the evidence against him ruling it circumstantial. In other news......"

"Ha I think we just found our first suspect."

I get up and and put the mask back on my face and pull the trench coat back on and grab the 22. and the knife.

"Hahahaha yeah interrogation time!"

I walk out of the room leaving the the charred suit halves, the sewing kit, and the suit case laying on the bed.

 

[twylight]

“Be careful of the…”

“I know…” I cut mom off as I prop the bundle of flowers up in a container on the table in the shop. It’s barely 7 o’clock in the morning and mom dragged me out of bed to go to the floral market with her.

“The fresh air will do you good.”

I smile as I fluff the flowers with my fingers. I think she just wanted to have things like they were in the old days. The two of us flower shopping.

I turn slightly and yell at mom as she hurries to the back of the shop with a bundle of flowers to stick in the glass front refrigerators.

“Do you want me to put them in the front one or the back?”


“Keep them there I have something planned for them.” I shrug to myself and hop onto the counter. The sun was just peeking up over the buildings and the people were just starting to walk the streets. I look out the window, past the metal bars covering them, at least until mom rolls it up. And this was the safe side of Gotham, the ‘newly reclaimed’ side as they called it.


“I’ll keep you my dirty little secret…”


Darn it.. I slip off the counter and pull out my cell phone.

“Dirty little secret..”

“Dinah...what kind of a song is..”

I hold up my hand to silence mom.

“Lance Asylum, how may I direct your call?”

“Dinah?”


…..I sigh inwardly….Helena.

Outwardly I put on a great big smile. She must have guessed I’d be up this early. That or Josh told her.

“Hey Helena! How are you?” I paint my voice worried.

“I’m fine, given the circumstances. I was wondering if you wanted to try again on the whole ‘party’ thing.”

A confused look crosses my face and I lean my back against the counter as mom takes another bundle of flower to the back of the shop.
Another party? How does a simple school teacher from Gotham….darn..you forgot her parents again Dinah.

“Oh, Josh will be with us this time, and you are more than welcome to bring a date of your own. What about Mr. Bard?”

…Jason…how does she…? Josh by way of Howard sometimes I wonder how much less involving my life would be without brothers.

“I’ll…I’ll have to see how he is. Where is this party anyway?”

“Oh, it’s tonight in Metropolis, so we won’t have to worry about any unwelcome guests.” She said a tight laugh following.

Tonight? Ugh..throws a crimp in my plans. Still….I glance over at mom. I kind of liked it last time. Sans the freaky guy who thinks straw is the ‘in’ style.

I smile. One more night to be ‘free’ and then I’ll commit my nights to living in the dark, thick shadows of Gotham City.

“I’d love to go.”

I could practically hear Helena smile over the phone.
“Great! Josh and I will pick you up this afternoon. Don’t worry about getting dressed. Just bring it with you. I’ve got a friend in Metropolis we can change at her house.”

I nod into the phone.
“Sounds great!”

“See you then.”

I snap my phone shut and turn, my hands on the counter waiting for mom to come back in.

“Helena? What did she want?”

I smile and lean across the counter.
“She invited me to another party. This time in Metropolis.”

Mom smiled broadly.
“Oh Dinah It’s the Luthor party.”

I raised my eyebrow.
“Who..what?”


Mom gave me an odd look.
“For a Detective you don’t keep up very much on current events. Your father always..”

I put up my hand and she stopped before continuing.
“Well, anyway it’s Lex Luthor.”

I put my hand on my chin thinking. Lex Luthor. Helena had some connections….

“We need a dress, the other one is ruined…maybe Marcy will have something at her shop. We’ll go there once it …”

I sigh.
“No…what I need is a date”

Moms eyebrows shoot up.

 

[Red]

The limo grinds to a halt. I move in closer to the darkened windows and look outside, then turn my wrist and look at my watch, 12.00pm. I better not be wasting my time with another of Edge’s exaggerations.

The driver steps out and opens my door; I slip a 50 dollar bill in his pocket “Get lost for a while.”

“Yes sir.” He walks off towards the nearby bars and disappears into the fog.

I spot Edge puffing on a cigar in the corner of the docks; he’s standing next to some old ship containers. I check the holstered gun under my jacket; never can be too careful even if it is a worm like Edge. As I get in closer he drops his cigar and grinds it under his shoe. He runs his hand through his greasy brown hair, then down his stubble beard.

“You better not be wasting my time Edge?” I ask as my eyes match his.

“It’s the Kasnians. The deal, we set up, I mean you set up Luthor. They’re backing out unless they get another demonstration of the Lexoskel in action. They seem to think that the demo they witnessed was for their show only and the lexoskel is nothing but a kids play thing made of fiberglass.”

“Ingrates.” I pause for a moment. “But maybe I can use this. So they want a demonstration…tell me have you heard these reports that have been plaguing the Daily Planet for the last few weeks of this “Super-man” flying around the sky saving people?

“You mean the one you caught messing around at the construction site?What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Well whatever this “thing” is it obviously has some kind of hero complex, one I can use to my advantage.”

“How you gonna do that?”

“Lexcorps charity event for the hospital next week is going to have some uninvited guests. Extend an invitation to our “friends” in Kasnia to come to the benefit. Then have the Lexoskel striped of anything that incriminates Lexcorp and get the most experienced pilot you have to fly it.”

“What if he can’t be bought?”

“There are many other ways to persuade someone, use your imagination. Have it crash the party and our mysterious flying saviour will no doubt intervene, to which he will meet an unfortunate end. The Kasnians will be able to see the Lexoskel in combat and I will have one less annoyance.”

“Two birds, one stone.”

“Exactly, I trust you can handle this.”

“Its done Luthor.”

“Good. Don’t mess this Edge or you’ll be down there.” I place my hand on this shoulder, then move in closer and point down to the ocean “With your friends.”

I step out my limo beside my yacht into the constant flashes of cameras. I put on my “public” face as I wave to the countless photographers; I make my way across the walkway and onto the yacht and give the media morons, one last smile before I get on board.

I make my way across the ship shaking hands with every delegates and politicians that’s in my path. I spot some of my business associates, Falcone and Thorne Gotham twos biggest crime lords. I wonder what the paparazzi and reporters here would think if they knew who half of the people here really are? I make my way up the stage and raise the microphone to my height. I look at to the legion of people standing drinks in hand, smiling as they look at me.

This is true power. I smirk. “Welcome everybody. I would first like to formally thank everyone for coming. Whether you be a citizen, business associate, a reporter or just here for the school paper.”

The guests’ laugh quietly. “No in all seriousness this evening is important to us all it’s about raising support for Metropolises central hospital, buts it’s so much more than that. It’s about us all coming together not just as people but as citizens of Metropolises.”

 

[Charlie No-One]

Pamela stood in front of the crowd.

“I am currently looking for a well suited company to help me learn more about Rycogec. If any fine thriving enterprises are interested, please see me at the back of the auditorium,"

 

[Batman]

Pamela stood in front of the crowd.

“I am currently looking for a well suited company to help me learn more about Rycogec. If any fine thriving enterprises are interested, please see me at the back of the auditorium,"

(IC: Bruce Wayne)

I assumed this would probably be the best time, considering if I didn't take this chance, Lucius wouldn't let me hear the end of it.

I can't help but wonder, though, if this could be unbeneficiary, in any way. I don't know why... But something seemed off, in that presentation. As if there was more that met the eye, than what Pamela was trying to lead on.

I leave those suspicions behind as the crowd leaves, and more than a few buisnessmen from other companies... rival companies... make their way towards the back of the auditorium. I knew Pamela, once. Though her love for the earth may have been a tad extreme, to some people... She was a good person. Maybe it's wrong of me to jump to conclusions.

I make my way to the back, along with Lucius. He looks around, seeing the many other obviously interested buyers.

"Tough Competition, It seems..."

I smirk, looking at him.

"For Wayne Enterprises?"

He smiles.

"Well, I'll admit... You've got me there."

My father's company (Which I still consider it to be) is world renowned... Not limited to the United States, unlike some of the people around us. It's also donated nearly millions to helping preserve some of the few remaining rainforests on the planet. That, and I know Pamela Isley personally, though it's been quite a long time.

I have little doubt that she'll go with our offer. It's just a matter of getting her attention, at this point...

 

[Logan Howlett]

"People of Krypton! We have always been a fair and just race. Our planet is one that others across the galaxy idolise and adore. We have the highest level of interplanetary imagration in the quadrent, but we have not lost that wich makes us Kryptonian! We are a strong, proud race! And our planet must in turn reflect that side of us! I.....General Dru-Zod, have fought for you, ALL of you! I have battled in the trenches ans suffred unspeakable horrors of our enemys, and I can assure you this day, THEY HAVE NO WISH TO PRESERVE OUR LIVES! Do you think the Czarnians care about sparing a Kryptonian life? Do you think that those trechorous men and women house vaporized half of the original council during the cival war CARED.....about what happened to those they killed? Do YOU.....Kryptonians......actual belive that our enemies will spare us, because WE care about life? We must....stand.....strong! We must show our enemies that KRYPTON will be feared! Jor-El would have you belive that if we do not kill.......that makes us barbarians.......HE would tell you.........that it is virtous to spare their lives..........but let me ask you this........If a man were to force himself into your house, and KILL your family.......would you stand their idoly by and do nothing? That is what he asks of you...........His......NEW INVENTION!.......This......"Phantom Zone" technology.......it allows these criminals to live.......TO LIVE........forever......in a coporial form..........It can be veiwed as punishment.........to live forever......seing nothing, felling nothing, hearing nothing, yet maintaining thought.........but it is not punsihment enough! Perhaps for smaller crimes yes, but MURDER undoubtedly deserves DEATH, RAPE undoubtedly deserves DEATH, and TREASON......obove all.....Deserves tourture.......and then DEATH! We must stand strong! Our Kryptonian heritage is the most important thing we poses! We are an exceptional race of beings, and we show that in all that we do. Let that not deminish, but grow in strength. I truely hope you take my words to heart this night, listen carefully to what I have said, and then in turn to Jor-El, but understand what is important. .......................HAIL KRYPTON!"

The audience yells,
"HAIL KRYPTON!"

General Zod takes his seat once again as Jor-El rises. He steps up to the podium and begins to speak,

"People of Krypton...........I more than anyone can respect Genral Zod's opinion.......as you know my father served.....and died.....during the cival war. It was his last wish that I NOT follow in his footsteps. As he died he told me......."Jor-El my son.......violence was never our way, but we made it so out of fear......fear of Peace. I want you to be better than I was, I want you to learn that this world CAN exist without fighting......that a world can thrive on peace.....it will take a long time......and in itself.....ironicaly......fighting, but it is possible. Do not follow me Jor-El, do not be as foolish as I. Instead dedicate your life to finding that Truth, that Justice......that is our TRUE Kyptonian way. Killing is not our way, we are better than that my son.........may you never know what it means to take life.".........and then.....he died.......but I will never forget his words. Killing is not our way. As our planetary seal states......TRUTH! and JUSTICE! THAT is our way.......not death..........no where in our history has KILLING been a right of the people, to protect yourself is, but not to kill! I undersatnd those left with little choice, those in desperate situations......but what we are talking about is the choice fo our own weapons, and punishment. THIS IS A CHOICE! We don't have to kill any longer! With this new technology we can sentace prisoners to hundreds of years of punishment! They average life span of a Kryptonian is only 275 years.......We could FORCE these prisoners to serve SEVERAL life sentances. As well......if we use "Phantom Zone" weaponry, we could imprison our oposition in war, and question them, gaining a significant advantage. Do not misunderstand me........I do not support war.......but if this council feels that we have no other choice.......that war is unavoidable.....than at least let this logic take hold. We are not only sparing life, but gaining a tactical advantage. Of all people YOU General Zod MUST see this.........."

As Zod sat he thought of what the scientist had said. It was true that TACTICALY advantages could be taken, but the FEAR would be lost. As well as that pleasue of the kill that so many soilders, including himself, rely on in battle. His mind would not be sued this day. He looked silently at Jor-El as he continued.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the council, do you hear my logic? Will you answer a desperate call for peace? Can we be more that a strong race of beings, and become....A SYMBOL?!"

 

[Watchman]

The police car slowly pulled up to the docks. John got out with his mafia partner.

"Did ya bring the explosives?"

"Yeah here you go" he hands him the bomb.

"Ok wait here when the bomb goes off go in firing". John slowly made his way through the docks and to a building. He looked through the window and saw a few guys in there. They were dressed better then the men working around the dock they must have been the one's in charge. He plants the bomb and sets the timer. He makes a run for it and dives into the air as the bomb goes off. His mafia partner charging in opening fire with his machine gun. He runs to a few guys pointing his gun at them.

"Freeze Gotham City Police Deparment". The men drop their guns and raise their hands in the air. He marches up to one of the men.

"What cop has been working here?"

"What are you talking about" the man is scared

"Did you say James Gorden?"

"Wha..." Corben slams the gun into the guy's mouth breaking some of his teeth.

"Say it say James Gorden!"

"James Gorden" he says muffled by the gun.

"Better" he says. He turns to his partner "You get out of here the press should be here any moment" the guy heads out of the docks. John could see the headline John Corben: Hero Cop stops smuggling operation.

 

[Charlie No-One]

Pamela sat behind a desk in a small office in the back of the auditorium. A line of people was forming outside. Rycogec was a success. She was on step closer to helping the world. Fixing her hair, she opened the door. Before the gang of greedy businessmen surrounded her, a man caught her eye. He was young with jet black hair.

“Bruce? Bruce Wayne? Is that you?” Pamela rushed over to him and shook his hand.

“Please, let’s talk in my office,”

 

[Batman]

Pamela sat behind a desk in a small office in the back of the auditorium. A line of people was forming outside. Rycogec was a success. She was on step closer to helping the world. Fixing her hair, she opened the door. Before the gang of greedy businessmen surrounded her, a man caught her eye. He was young with jet black hair.

(IC: Bruce Wayne)

I put on somewhat of a friendly smile, as Pamela spots me. She then rushes over to me. I guess that's one of the benefits of having my father's genes on my side... Women always found his smile to be breathtaking. Of course... He had my mother. He didn't pay any attention to them. Together, they were-

...

I'm getting too involved in the past already. Why do I always do that? It must be due to the fact that my past controls a large portion of my life...

But that was then. This is now.

Keep focus... You have a job to do...

“Bruce? Bruce Wayne? Is that you?” Pamela rushed over to him and shook his hand.

I nod, as we shake hands.

"Hello, Pamela. Good to see you again."

I look back at Lucius, briefly, before looking back at her.

"This is my buisness partner and corperate manager, Lucius Fox."

“Please, let’s talk in my office,”

She seems more interested in me than the other buisnessmen. My suspicions proved correct, it seems. My history with her no doubtedly played a part in this. That, or the company's history. Maybe even both.

I look back at Lucius.

"That okay with you?"

"Honestly? I'd love nothing more.", Lucius says, looking around at the other, money hungry CEO's and their assistants.

I smile at Pam.

"Then it's settled."

The three of us make our way to her office, not far from the area. Closing the door behind him, Lucius eyes me, obviously telling me to speak up, without really saying it. I look at Pam.

"I trust you've been well?"

 

[Nightwing 52]

(IC: Ultimate Green Arrow)


Oh you did it this time, Harper. You really ****** up this time. I've been following the Chinese mob for months from a tip I recieved from unamed sources who've offered me a payday so big if I make it out alive, tonight though it doesn't seem that way. These guys are some of the best in the business, and I'm not afraid to admit even better then little old me. But that's just in hand to hand, I doubt any of these guys could hit a certain target with four arrows in hand like I can. So here I am, stripped of my equipment and personal information with nothing but my green pants, all because I was one man jumped by about a dozen ninjas. The funny this was that I thought I had enough training to go in alone, should've called for backup.

Minutes pass and two of the guards start talking and laughing to eachother while talking in chinese, and all I can do is sit there and watch. Usually, I'm known for my temper of never being calm no matter what the situation. But that's different, I DID come all the way from Star to Gotham for a reason. Akido Akebono, leader of some of the world's finest underground mobs. I was told when I was captured that he'd deal with me himself when he was finished with whatever the hell he was dealing with in the first place. It's only a matter of time, and I aint goin' nowhere. One of the guards come to me and jabs me right across the face, knocking two of my teeth out. I was already bleeding from the beating I got when I got into this dump, but that's ok I've been hit harder.

"You have alot of nerve dealing with people who aren't even in your league, kid."

"And here I thought you only spoke chinese. If I have alot of "nerve" as you put it, then you hit like a girl."

That earned me another jab right in the gut, and I nearly fell over in the chair.

"Don't piss me off tonight, I've broken many necks before in my time with working for Mr. Akebono. You're lucky he gave us orders not to kill you right here and now, or you would've been dead before you had the chance to make another one of your sharp insults."

"Look buddy, I don't want to be here just as much as you do. But unfortunately for you, I have a little business of my own with Akibono. So you mind not gettin' all up in my face? And another thing, the next time you try and threaten me, make sure I'm not a guy whose been hit by the likes of giants, metahumans, or even goons like you. You don't scare me, big guy."

"Why you no good peace of..."

"Enough!!"

Finally. Akido walks in after my new friend attempted to rip me a new one, with his nice expensive suit, cheap $30 dollar haircut, and red sunglasses. If I was dealing with him, I could never take him seriously. I mean all that cash and he couldn't afford a decent Rolex watch? I'm not here for that anyway, tonight, I'm here to deliver an arrow directly through his skull.

"I've been hearing you both long enough. Chang, get back to your quarters and take Chi with you. Remember, he's not fluent in English like the rest of us. Our new associate here and I need to have a private conversation of our own."

"Sir, yes sir."

"So, I take it you had a "busy" night?"

I grinned at my shot to joke around with him, just so he doesn't see what I'm really capable of doing to him. I like to soften up my opponents before taking 'em out. But he wasn't in the mood for small talk. Once his boys left and I went for a punchline, the next thing you know he came out of nowhere and did some flying judo kick which gushered even more blood.

"You think I'm here for games? You're nothing but a waste of time for me, all you heroes that have tried to bring me down just ended up making fools of themselves. I'm one of the best of the best, and I plan on being like that for years to come. I've read alot about you and actually found out you prance around calling yourself, the Green Arrow."

"Well who did you expect I was, the big bad Batman? Look who's doing the small talk now, mister general chow's chicken. You seriously don't think you can keep me here for long, do you?"

If there's another trait I'm known for, it's for always being prepared. Luckily when these guys were friskin' me and taking all my stuff, they never had the thought of checking the inside of my mouth. While I've been sitting here for hours, I kept a sharp arrow bud underneath my bottom teeth and managed to twist my neck behind me and spit it out in my left hand. I've been working the ropes they tied me up in since then, what the hell is it made out of? I can slowly feel it loosening, it'll just take a little more time.

Akido starts pacing back and fourth in the room, just my luck. That's when I start whispering to myself after what I saw he was going for.

"Aw hell..."

He comes to a halt, and grabs the two swords hanging on the wall. Within those swords in my reflection, which he grins once seeing. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what is going through his head, he was going to MY head off in about 10 seconds if I didn't do something.

"KIAAAHH!!"

****. Akido came running toward me with both swords at hand and slashed the two together when he reached closed enough to do some real damage, I pushed back on the chair I was in a fell on the ground. He missed, and tried another swing while I kept rolling out of the way as the swords kept hitting the chair instead of me. The rope that held me up broke and I was suddenly free, all I have to do now is get my gear.

"Get back here you fool, and face me! You're about to feel the real wrath of the dragon."

I run toward the back of the room where all my stuff had been stashed, and then the next thing you know he starts blowing out fire out of his mouth and his lights are glowing like the frontlights to my Lambo. His body is fused with some sord of dragon....great, guess that explains the red shades he was wearing earlier.

I start rapidly shooting arrows and pulling back on about 5 each time I released the last batch, each of them got fried in mid air and didn't even make it to Akibono. I think out of the five though, two managed to pin him up against the wall. Damn, should've used that to my advantage. He came toward me and didn't need the swords anymore obviously, the entire room started getting embrawled in fire and I was that much closer to my death bed every where I turned. Now how in the blue hell am I going to take down this guy? That's when it hit me.

"The fire extinguisher arrow."

Even with all the crap happening to me now, I managed to crack a grin at the thought I just had. I kept rolling out of the way everytime he took a swing at me or spitted out a bigger ball of fire then the last. All that was in question now was how I was going to get that arrow down his throat....

The thought of the fire extinguisher arrow was my only option of making it out of this thing alive, the was though, I had no clue as to how I was going to get it down his throat.

"You fool, you actually think your puny wooden arrows can defeat me?"

"Never underestimate your opponents, Akido. I can't tell you how many goons I've faced like you who have told me the exact same thing."

He laughs for a quick few seconds, and spits out another big ball of fire. I jump out of the way, and flip over the table next to me for some cover. I pull back three arrows, then come up from hiding. I don't see him as I get up, so I look above me.

"Great, you can stick on walls too?"

Akido crawls around the walls like a speeding lizard, but then finally drops down after I fire an exploding arrow in his direction. All the arrows I shot at him kept getting vanquished once the left my hand, and I was running out of 'em pretty damn fast.

"Not so quick on your aim, are you boy? I look forward to seeing how you'll defend yourself with someone with powers like myself, after I burn your little bow to a crisp.

He put on a big grin after what he just said, and went for the table I once hid behind. He lifted it off the ground like it was a piece of a paper ball, and threw it at me in an instant. I jumped into the air and shot another two arrows as the tables missed. Oh he was even angrier now, I'm real quick on me feet. Another ball of fire came from his mouth, as the table erupted into flames and the whole building felt like it was going to explode.

The next thing you know, he switches from dragon mode to Jackie Chan as he came up to me quickly and knocked my bow out of my had. After, started delivering karate kicks back and fourth until I blocked them and got a cheap shot my jabbing him across the throat. Then, I grabbed an arrow from my quiver, and jammed it into his spinal column. I could tell it hurt him, but he didn't show any sign of pain when he got up from the floor after being knocked down. Again and again, we fought hand to hand each fighting with our own style. Blood flowed from each of us, but neither of us were letting the other have an advantage.

The fire was growing within every minute, and we both came close to getting near it. Wait a minute. What if I try and land him into the fire and use his own weapon against him? It's just so risky that it might work, I'll take the chance. And if it fails, then it's my own mistake.

For the next several minutes we exchange blows, and I felt like he was just getting started even from all we had done before. My arms were starting to let me down, as my blocks started to lose their strength.

"Awww, what's the matter? Starting to get exhausted? Here, let me put an end to your misery by ending your life!"

I flew across the room and crashed into the wall that was ahead of me. after a huge kick he gave me. It hurt like hell when I got up, my ribs felt cracked and my vision was a bit blurry. Damn, how much more of this is my body going to withstand? He flew some more fire, and it destroyed the window next to me as I saw smoke leave the room and into the sky.

Akido came up to me again, and beat down to the ground with about a dozen kicks nonstop. But that's when I got the upperhand, during the next kick I grabbed his ackle and broke it with a fierce twist. He yelled out a faint cry of pain, and I punched him across the face a couple of times. And then grabbed him from behind and threw him into the fire, without any hesitation.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! NO! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!!!!"

"Please, just please keep quite."

His body was getting embroiled with flames, from head to toe and there was my chance. I ran for my bow, and grabbed the extinguisher arrow from it's greay end. Then pulled back and waited for him to try and spit out his last breath of fire. It was all about the timing, and I saw him slowly starting to open his mouth in hope to catch me off guard. That's when the arrow was released and landed straight into his throat, it started taking it's effect as I could hear it explode inside of him. Akido started choking, and coughing up the black gas from the arrow fell to his knees. I walked up to him calmly knowing he wasn't getting back up, and pulled back one last arrow, aiming for his skull.

"This....this isn't over!!!"

"Oh yes it is."

The arrow flew out of my hand in close range, and in less then a second it went right through his skull and out. I watched him fall to the floor, as the fire wiped out his entire body completely and that was the end of him.

"Damn, what a freakin' mess."

His guards who had been watching me before, brought even more friends of their own and gave a command to fire at me with their semi automatics at hands.

"He killed the boss! Don't hold back, kill him now!"

Shots fired rapidly, and one bullet got me in my shoulder. I ran for the windows in front of me, but they were blocked by enormous flames. It was either that, or I was going to die right here with guys I REALLY didn't like. So I continued to run, and jumped as fast as I could toward the windows. Glass shattered, as I dove for the water on the outside and landed into it with a big splash. My left arm was a but useless from the bullet I took, so I swam without pause as the shots continued to fire even when I was under water. Even with all that has just happend, I couldn't help but think I was making out of it a rich man. I completed my assignment, now all I had to do was make it back home for my payday. The shooting stopped as I realized they finally gave it a rest, and that's when I saw this huge boat ahead of me.

It was lit up from all the lights covering it, and from where I was swimming, I could see ALOT of people there. I thought to myself, and decided I'd make my way onto it. After all, I was nowhere near land. I continued swimming until I reached the back of the boat, and fired a grapple rope. I started climbing slowly and silently, until I made it aboard. I saw a sign that said Restrooms, and one of the doors started opening as a man walked out and started walking back to the party.

"I could use some new threads."

I snuck up behind him while crouching on my knees and grabbed him by the neck, he starting yelling so I put my hand over his mouth to shut him up. The least thing I need now is to bring even more attention to myself. I stopped and he looked back at me.

"P...P...Please don't kill me, I swear I'll give you anything you want!"

"I'm not going to kill you, and as much as your offer seems tempting, I already have what a guy like myself could possibly want out of life. But thanks."

I hit him in the back of the neck just so it would knock him out for a couple of hours, then tied him up. I found a storage room next to me, and picked the lock to it. I entered and left the body there, after I closed the door and took his clothes. I took off my "business" outfit and tore the left arm to it, so I could tie up my bullet wound. Then I dressed up in the guy's nice fancy suit. Minutes passed and I was changed, I left the room and sealed the door shut again. I looked down to fix the tie I just stole and to my suprise, it just so happend to be green.

"This must be your lucky day, Harper."

I combed back my hair, and walked to the party where the rest of the guests were for the evening. A waitress passed by me serving some wine to everyone, and offered me some. She wasn't that bad looking either, I took the glass and thanked her then continued my walk around the yacht. I stopped and looked up to see this huge banner, and read it as I was in complete shock when I realized whose party I was at.

"Lex Luthor's Charity Event?!"

 

[twylight]

When Helena said it was a party, in Metropolis, I gues my mind raced ahead and I figured it would be at a huge mansion, full of lights. Instead when Josh pulled his car up I saw that it was a yacht.

If you could call it that..it is huge. Strings of lights drape from it and candles dot the railings and decks. I’m glad I wore something simple. For tonight, mom picked out a champagne colored dress, a mermaid skit that stopped just above my knee. It was satin with an overlay of lace embroydered with beans.

My hair was pulled back the same as before, little blonde ringlet’s covering my head.

Helena’ had opted for a long deep purple dress and Josh was in a nice tux.
Josh helps Helena out of the car and then me. Yes, I am dateless, again. I did ask Jason, but he wasn’t healed enough.

“Well, here we are.” Josh said as the valet drove off with the car. He rocked back on his heels and looked at the yacht.

Helena linked her arm through his.
“Shall we go?” Josh did a mock bow and lead her down the Dock, while I trailed behind.
The eternal third wheel. I was bored before we even set foot on the yacht.

“Joshua! Helena!”

I turn as a lady comes up and air kisses them on each of their cheeks, her glass of chamgane held carefully. I look her over. Her silver hair is brought up in a bun and she doesn’t seem to be much older than mom.

“Leslie, it’s so good to see you.”

Helena said gripping the older woman’s hand.

“Cross polinating the Hospitals?” Josh asks

Leslie smiles.
“Indeed, I was also hoping to drum up some supprt for the clinics in Gotham. Who’s this?” She motioned towards me standing behind them.

Helena turned and smiled.
“This is Dinah. She’s Josh’s younger sister.”

“Well.” She said holding her hand out.
“It’s nice to meet you.”

I nod.
“Yes, it is.”

“Weel, I hate to tell you but you missed a very nice and very egotistical speech by Mr. Luthor.”

Helena gave an agasted look.
‘Les..”

Leslie waved her off.
“Don’t deny it, that is why you came late.”

Helena gave a shocled look.

I crossed my arms and leaned against one of the rails. This was going to be a boring night, I couldn’t even pick out the people here like I could in Gotham. Everthing here was so….cheerful and….bright I tug on Josh’s sleeve.
“I’ll be at the bar.” He nods and continues conversing with someone else who greeted him.

Ah, the lower levels of society. I weave my way in and out of the crowds before taking a seat at the empty bar. Everyone else seems to be busy in conversation.

“Virgin Margarita, please.” I say before the bartender can ask. He nods and hurries off to make it.

I sigh and lean my elbow on the bar resting my chin in my hand. After I bostered my spirits with a drink I’d try to network.

 

[Nightwing 52]

The thought of the fire extinguisher arrow was my only option of making it out of this thing alive, the was though, I had no clue as to how I was going to get it down his throat.

"You fool, you actually think your puny wooden arrows can defeat me?"

"Never underestimate your opponents, Akido. I can't tell you how many goons I've faced like you who have told me the exact same thing."

He laughs for a quick few seconds, and spits out another big ball of fire. I jump out of the way, and flip over the table next to me for some cover. I pull back three arrows, then come up from hiding. I don't see him as I get up, so I look above me.

"Great, you can stick on walls too?"

Akido crawls around the walls like a speeding lizard, but then finally drops down after I fire an exploding arrow in his direction. All the arrows I shot at him kept getting vanquished once the left my hand, and I was running out of 'em pretty damn fast.

"Not so quick on your aim, are you boy? I look forward to seeing how you'll defend yourself with someone with powers like myself, after I burn your little bow to a crisp.

He put on a big grin after what he just said, and went for the table I once hid behind. He lifted it off the ground like it was a piece of a paper ball, and threw it at me in an instant. I jumped into the air and shot another two arrows as the tables missed. Oh he was even angrier now, I'm real quick on me feet. Another ball of fire came from his mouth, as the table erupted into flames and the whole building felt like it was going to explode.

The next thing you know, he switches from dragon mode to Jackie Chan as he came up to me quickly and knocked my bow out of my had. After, started delivering karate kicks back and fourth until I blocked them and got a cheap shot my jabbing him across the throat. Then, I grabbed an arrow from my quiver, and jammed it into his spinal column. I could tell it hurt him, but he didn't show any sign of pain when he got up from the floor after being knocked down. Again and again, we fought hand to hand each fighting with our own style. Blood flowed from each of us, but neither of us were letting the other have an advantage.

The fire was growing within every minute, and we both came close to getting near it. Wait a minute. What if I try and land him into the fire and use his own weapon against him? It's just so risky that it might work, I'll take the chance. And if it fails, then it's my own mistake.

For the next several minutes we exchange blows, and I felt like he was just getting started even from all we had done before. My arms were starting to let me down, as my blocks started to lose their strength.

"Awww, what's the matter? Starting to get exhausted? Here, let me put an end to your misery by ending your life!"

I flew across the room and crashed into the wall that was ahead of me. after a huge kick he gave me. It hurt like hell when I got up, my ribs felt cracked and my vision was a bit blurry. Damn, how much more of this is my body going to withstand? He flew some more fire, and it destroyed the window next to me as I saw smoke leave the room and into the sky.

Akido came up to me again, and beat down to the ground with about a dozen kicks nonstop. But that's when I got the upperhand, during the next kick I grabbed his ackle and broke it with a fierce twist. He yelled out a faint cry of pain, and I punched him across the face a couple of times. And then grabbed him from behind and threw him into the fire, without any hesitation.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! NO! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!!!!"

"Please, just please keep quite."

His body was getting embroiled with flames, from head to toe and there was my chance. I ran for my bow, and grabbed the extinguisher arrow from it's greay end. Then pulled back and waited for him to try and spit out his last breath of fire. It was all about the timing, and I saw him slowly starting to open his mouth in hope to catch me off guard. That's when the arrow was released and landed straight into his throat, it started taking it's effect as I could hear it explode inside of him. Akido started choking, and coughing up the black gas from the arrow fell to his knees. I walked up to him calmly knowing he wasn't getting back up, and pulled back one last arrow, aiming for his skull.

"This....this isn't over!!!"

"Oh yes it is."

The arrow flew out of my hand in close range, and in less then a second it went right through his skull and out. I watched him fall to the floor, as the fire wiped out his entire body completely and that was the end of him.

"Damn, what a freakin' mess."

His guards who had been watching me before, brought even more friends of their own and gave a command to fire at me with their semi automatics at hands.

"He killed the boss! Don't hold back, kill him now!"

Shots fired rapidly, and one bullet got me in my shoulder. I ran for the windows in front of me, but they were blocked by enormous flames. It was either that, or I was going to die right here with guys I REALLY didn't like. So I continued to run, and jumped as fast as I could toward the windows. Glass shattered, as I dove for the water on the outside and landed into it with a big splash. My left arm was a but useless from the bullet I took, so I swam without pause as the shots continued to fire even when I was under water. Even with all that has just happend, I couldn't help but think I was making out of it a rich man. I completed my assignment, now all I had to do was make it back home for my payday. The shooting stopped as I realized they finally gave it a rest, and that's when I saw this huge boat ahead of me.

It was lit up from all the lights covering it, and from where I was swimming, I could see ALOT of people there. I thought to myself, and decided I'd make my way onto it. After all, I was nowhere near land. I continued swimming until I reached the back of the boat, and fired a grapple rope. I started climbing slowly and silently, until I made it aboard. I saw a sign that said Restrooms, and one of the doors started opening as a man walked out and started walking back to the party.

"I could use some new threads."

I snuck up behind him while crouching on my knees and grabbed him by the neck, he starting yelling so I put my hand over his mouth to shut him up. The least thing I need now is to bring even more attention to myself. I stopped and he looked back at me.

"P...P...Please don't kill me, I swear I'll give you anything you want!"

"I'm not going to kill you, and as much as your offer seems tempting, I already have what a guy like myself could possibly want out of life. But thanks."

I hit him in the back of the neck just so it would knock him out for a couple of hours, then tied him up. I found a storage room next to me, and picked the lock to it. I entered and left the body there, after I closed the door and took his clothes. I took off my "business" outfit and tore the left arm to it, so I could tie up my bullet wound. Then I dressed up in the guy's nice fancy suit. Minutes passed and I was changed, I left the room and sealed the door shut again. I looked down to fix the tie I just stole and to my suprise, it just so happend to be green.

"This must be your lucky day, Harper."

I combed back my hair, and walked to the party where the rest of the guests were for the evening. A waitress passed by me serving some wine to everyone, and offered me some. She wasn't that bad looking either, I took the glass and thanked her then continued my walk around the yacht. I stopped and looked up to see this huge banner, and read it as I was in complete shock when I realized whose party I was at.

"Lex Luthor's Charity Event?!"

I was in total awe of myself, I couldn't believe that after all that I went through tonight I ended spending the rest of it here? Well, I've got to give
Luthor his props, he sure know how to throw up a party. I mean the list could go on and on, from the expensive lighting to all the wine and dine that was going around along with the classy music being played. People talked and danced, as I kept walking around the boat seeing if I could get myself into any trouble. I sipped some more of my wine, until I came across the huge bar ahead of me and decided to try my newly found luck over there.

I walk in to find it quite a bit empty, and it didn't really suprise me. From all the drinks being passed around on the outside, who would need to stop by here? I continue to look around, until my eyes freeze to the right of me for a about two minutes. I gaze as I see the light above the roofing of the place fall upon a beautiful looking woman sitting all by herself, an appeared to be a bit down. I walked up to her calmly and pulled out the next seat beside her. The waiter comes by and asks me what I'll have to drink.

"So, what'll be for you tonight, mister?"

"Two Kir Royal's please, one for myself and one for the lady sitting next to me."

I turn to look at her, and saw her already drinking her down her own drink. Well, if she doesn't want the drink I ordered her then more for me...The waiter comes back with the drinks at hand and displays them on the counter.

"That'll be 20.50, sir."

Dammit. I realized I didn't have any money on me, started feeling the pockets of the suit I took from the party guest earlier. I stopped as I felt a square item in the left side pocket and pulled it out, I opened it to realize it was a brown wallet with nothing but 20's in it. I grabbed two, and left it for the waiter to pick up.

"Keep the change."

I finally turned over to the mystery woman beside me and took one sip from my Royal as I started talking to her.

"Why hello there, y'know I saw you sitting alone while walking in and couldn't stop asking myself, why would a lovely looking thing like you be drinking by herself here tonight?"

 

[twylight]

I was in total awe of myself, I couldn't believe that after all that I went through tonight I ended spending the rest of it here? Well, I've got to give
Luthor his props, he sure know how to throw up a party. I mean the list could go on and on, from the expensive lighting to all the wine and dine that was going around along with the classy music being played. People talked and danced, as I kept walking around the boat seeing if I could get myself into any trouble. I sipped some more of my wine, until I came across the huge bar ahead of me and decided to try my newly found luck over there.

I walk in to find it quite a bit empty, and it didn't really suprise me. From all the drinks being passed around on the outside, who would need to stop by here? I continue to look around, until my eyes freeze to the right of me for a about two minutes. I gaze as I see the light above the roofing of the place fall upon a beautiful looking woman sitting all by herself, an appeared to be a bit down. I walked up to her calmly and pulled out the next seat beside her. The waiter comes by and asks me what I'll have to drink.

"So, what'll be for you tonight, mister?"

"Two Kir Royal's please, one for myself and one for the lady sitting next to me."

I turn to look at her, and saw her already drinking her down her own drink. Well, if she doesn't want the drink I ordered her then more for me...The waiter comes back with the drinks at hand and displays them on the counter.

"That'll be 20.50, sir."

Dammit. I realized I didn't have any money on me, started feeling the pockets of the suit I took from the party guest earlier. I stopped as I felt a square item in the left side pocket and pulled it out, I opened it to realize it was a brown wallet with nothing but 20's in it. I grabbed two, and left it for the waiter to pick up.

"Keep the change."

I finally turned over to the mystery woman beside me and took one sip from my Royal as I started talking to her.

"Why hello there, y'know I saw you sitting alone while walking in and couldn't stop asking myself, why would a lovely looking thing like you be drinking by herself here tonight?"

I turn to the voice next to me, to find a guy around my age. I raise my eyebrow and take another sip of my drink, looking at him over the brim of my glass as I unabashfully study him.

Tall, around my age, athletic, strawberry blonde hair, and rather cute.
Kinda glad I didn't bring Jason..wait what? Dinah don't think things like that...this is...what is this? Why am I even here?

To have fun before I relinquish my life to Crime fighting in a mask and fishnets.

I lower my glass, tilt my head and smile.

"I supppose a pretty thing like me would be waiting for something exciting to come along." I smile.

 

[Nightwing 52]

I turn to the voice next to me, to find a guy around my age. I raise my eyebrow and take another sip of my drink, looking at him over the brim of my glass as I unabashfully study him.

Tall, around my age, athletic, strawberry blonde hair, and rather cute.
Kinda glad I didn't bring Jason..wait what? Dinah don't think things like that...this is...what is this? Why am I even here?

To have fun before I relinquish my life to Crime fighting in a mask and fishnets.

I lower my glass, tilt my head and smile.

"I supppose a pretty thing like me would be waiting for something exciting to come along." I smile.

"Well, I hope to be what you're looking for."

I cracked a smile and took another sip then introduced myself.

"My name's Harper, Roy Harper. What's yours, if you don't mind me asking?"

I wait for her to reply, as I continue to drink. The funny thing was that about 2 hours ago I was tied up and came numerous times on the verge of losing my life, and now I'm on this yacht sitting next to a gorgeous woman. Harper, what did you do to deserve this? She had blonde hair, and seemed to be a chick that could hold her own if ever in trouble. This night just got a whole lot better...

 

[twylight]

"Well, I hope to be what you're looking for."

I cracked a smile and took another sip then introduced myself.

"My name's Harper, Roy Harper. What's yours, if you don't mind me asking?"

I wait for her to reply, as I continue to drink. The funny thing was that about 2 hours ago I was tied up and came numerous times on the verge of losing my life, and now I'm on this yacht sitting next to a gorgeous woman. Harper, what did you do to deserve this? She had blonde hair, and seemed to be a chick that could hold her own if ever in trouble. This night just got a whole lot better...

I smile, it's innocent Dinah, some simple flirting.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Harper. And I do think you fill the bill."


Okay... kinda past the flirting now....

"And I don't mind. I'm Dinah Lance."

 

[Nightwing 52]

I smile, it's innocent Dinah, some simple flirting.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Harper. And I do think you fill the bill."


Okay... kinda past the flirting now....

"And I don't mind. I'm Dinah Lance."

"Dinah Lance. A pretty name to add to that shiny blonde hair of yours, nice to meet you too and I appreciate the compliment."

I drank the last sip of my Kir, damn it's been a long time since I went to Europe. I hear music playing in the back of me where the rest of the guests were attending the party, and start dancing with their dates. I got up and asked Dinah if she would share one with me.

"Tell me, Ms. Lance, how do you fair on the dance floor?"

I extended my arm out in hopes that she would accept, and grinned.

 

[twylight]

"Dinah Lance. A pretty name to add to that shiny blonde hair of yours, nice to meet you too and I appreciate the compliment."

I drank the last sip of my Kir, damn it's been a long time since I went to Europe. I hear music playing in the back of me where the rest of the guests were attending the party, and start dancing with their dates. I got up and asked Dinah if she would share one with me.

"Tell me, Ms. Lance, how do you fair on the dance floor?"

I extended my arm out in hopes that she would accept, and grinned.

I blush. Me Dinah Lance, Gotham City P.I. blushing over the words of a strange man.

He is smooth and I have to watch myself, but why not throw care to the wind. I place my hand in his.

"Your feet will have to tell you that." I comment.

My dancing wasn't 'bad' so much as 'rusty.' Mom had taught us all how to dance when we were little, yet growing up, and with my other 'activities' I'd never had a chance to go out and dance. Even at a nightclub.

 

[Trigger]

Don collapsed on the ground, unable to continue. He struggled to get on his feet, but it was pointless. The sight of his slim frame quivering with effort tugged on Terra's heart strings. She lowered herself to the ground at walked over to Don.

"Ready to stop this?"

He grunted, "No...just give...me...a second."

Don tried once more to stand up. Terra gave him a swift kick to the ribs, and he cried out in pain.

"What was that for..?!"

"I won't allow you to fight me again. You're just too injured. My only goal is getting this deal for Kilo finished with. His client should be here soon..."

Don snickered through his bloody mouth. A pool formed beneath his head.

"What's so funny?"

"Where's Kilo?"

"He went to take a leak in the bathroom."

Don out right laughed at Terra. His body shook in a pained manner as he laughed.

"He figured it out."

"Wha...?"

"He knows this was a set-up."

"Set-up?"

"The only people outside this warehouse are cops and Lexcorp metahuman specialists."

Terra stomped her foot on the ground angrily. Her nostrils flared at the thought of being tricked.

"If there's a plug in that bathroom, I can assure you that you're friend has already left you here."

"Dammit! Kilo must be getting help or something..."

"...Or he's running back to your safehouse to collect any cash you guys had left."

Terra fell silent. She fell to her knees, unable to handle the realization of her situation. She threw her gloves to the floor and stared at her hands. Despite the rough condition of her clothing, her hands were soft and flawless.

"I...I never intended too live this kind of life."

"You have no one to blame but yourself."

"True, but I really loved Kilo. You know he was the first person to really help me? I came to Metropolis when I was 16. My parents wanted to help me launch a music career in a less oppressive enviroment. Our home of Markovia isn't really a place for the MTV generation, you know? When they were killed for not paying money to the mob."

"That's...that's really unfortunate."

"They gave up their home just to give me a chance at a career. I thought hanging out with Kilo would help me reach that goal, but now...."

"It's not too late. Help us defeat (or reason with) your friends, and maybe I could get you some help. Cure you of your powers, get you that recording contract, you know, the works."

"You're not just saying that because I could kill you right now?"

"No...."

Terra smiled, "It doesn't matter I wouldn't kill you anyway. How about I get you and your brother to a hospital?"

Don simply nodded. He was happy to have solved the situation with something other than violence. Terra helped Don to his feet and they started to leave the warehouse. They were so happy with their new resolution that they had even forgotten Hank, who was still lying on the ground.

 

[Logan Howlett]

As Jor-El stands the council deliberates amoung themselves. The audience themselves are found discussing their opinions on the matter. The roar of the great hall is tremendous, and then the balif stands forward.

"Order! Order in the house! We will maintain order"

With that the audience grows silent. The council continues to deleberate, and finaly one is chosen to stand and Speak. An elderly Kryptonian woman stands and faces the public.

"People of Krypton, we are now faced with a tremendous decision. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. We the council have taken both sides into consideration, and have all documenntaion from both sides. As we have been unable to reach an unanimus council decision, Kryptonian law dictates that we take the vote....to the people! It is you, the people of Krypton who will now decide our fate, it is you that shall bring us into a new era. I ask now that you take hold of your personal information devises, and enter your vote on the text screen now. The voting menu should already have apeared on your screen, and a D.N.A. verification will be necisary as always to cast a vote. Please.....vote now...."

A few moments go by and eventualy all the votes have been talied by the Kryptonian super computer.

"Brane' are you online?" said the woman.

"Yes abasidor Maray, I am online and have a complete listing of all Kryptonian votes."

"Thank you Brane' can you share that information with us."

"Yes of course ambasidor Maray, The totaly number of votes in favor of lethal war fare and the Kryptonian death Penalties are............26,209,005,087......"

A roar rolls over the crowd.....

"And those against lethality, and in favor of Jor-El's proposition?"

"Those against lethality, and the Kryptonian death penalty are............26,209,006,199."

With that Dru-Zod jumped out of his chair in outrage and began screaming....

"This is outrage! A mere 1,112 votes! With a population this size! It is outrage! Never in the history of Krypton has such a miniscual amount of people decided the fate of an intire planet! I demand that there is a change made! I DEMAND IT! I will not stand for this!"

"SIT DOWN GENERAL ZOD! You will not make a mokery of this house! The vote has been taken, Kryptonian law dictates that once the public majority has made a decision, THAT decision is mandate, no matter how close it was. This is our law! The very law YOU and your men have fought for! You will not disgrace us ZOD!"

"This is unexceptable! I will not stand for this! You mean to make us weak! You will kill us all!.........This is all your doing scientist! The death of Krypton is upon you JOR-EL! You have killed us all! YOU! I WILL SEE YOU PAY!"

"That is enough! BALIF! Escort General Zod from the chambers!"

The balif walks towards Zod and begins to place a hand on his shoulder, but with a quik military swiftness, Zod manuvers to the balifs side and breaks his arm at the elbow.

"No one touches me fool! I am ZOD!"

Still holding, and twisting the balifs arm, he looks at him with furious eyes and says,

"You shall bow before me as your superior......KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!"

"THAT IS ENOUGH ZOD! RELEASE HIM!.......NOW!"

"As you wish..."

With that, Zod grabs hold of the balifs neck and twists it completly around! The audience screams in terror, the house security rush into the room. They draw their weaponry at him and expect that he give in.....

"And what will you do? Kill me? You will be breaking Kryptonian law.....and then it will be you under punishment! Ask your council, Kryptonian law is MANDATE once passed! The law has been passed by the people! That means it is mandate, despite the fact that you are not yet equipt with Jor-El's new weaponry......so will you kill me? Will you face thier punishment, and be imprisoned eternaly?.........think carefully."

The soilders look at him, startled and suprised......they know what he says to be true....they can not kill him....Krypton is based on law as mandate, they would surely be punished. several of the guards lower thier weapons, while only a few remain against Zod...He looks at the remaining soilders with contempt....

"You are unwilling to see vision, so know before you die that you were fools...."

With that several soilders disguised as civilains reveal their weaponry and fire upon the oposing soilders, leaving only those that lowered their weaponry. Zod looks on at those men now faithfull to his cause....

"As you see my brothers......You are not alone........Our cause is a rightous one and you shall all be rewarded."

Zod looks across the room to see Jor-El, standing with the council members, frightened in the corner. Ambasidor Maray, whom spoke earlier, stand up in confrontaion of Zod and says,

"THIS IS TREASON! YOU SHALL BE........."

"Killed?.......Now you know.....only at the end do you see.....you very own logic dictates that I die for treason.......and only through treason could I show you my loyalty......I will not let you, or YOU JOR-EL! DESTROY KRYPTON! I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!"

Zod grabs hold of a Kryptonian rifle from one of his men, and fires it into the chest of Ambasidor Maray.

"Now for you.....Jor-El...."

As he aims his weapon at Jor-El he pauses, but only briefly and then fires.........The shot rings through the air and Jor-El is left standing there........yet......Zod can not see any wound......He could not have missed........He moves closer and fires again........still he sees no wound......again he moves closer and looks down at the chair in which Jor-El had been seated........a small mechanical devise lye upon the chair......

"A HOLOGRAM! DAMN YOU SCIENTIST! DAMN YOU! I would have killed you this day quikly! I would have righted your wrongdoings and saved this planet, and your death would have been swift......but now......I will not only kill you, but your whole family! LA-RA and KAL-EL will suffer for your mistake! There shall be no were you can hide from me scientist......NOWHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE!"

 

[Nightwing 52]

I blush. Me Dinah Lance, Gotham City P.I. blushing over the words of a strange man.

He is smooth and I have to watch myself, but why not throw care to the wind. I place my hand in his.

"Your feet will have to tell you that." I comment.

My dancing wasn't 'bad' so much as 'rusty.' Mom had taught us all how to dance when we were little, yet growing up, and with my other 'activities' I'd never had a chance to go out and dance. Even at a nightclub.

Another thing about her was that she made me laugh alot, even though we had just met about 15 minutes ago. Anyone who can make me laugh is already okay with me, another trait she carried with her was that she was sharp with her answers. Which is something we both have in common, I took her hand as we walked toward the music and saw all the people with their loved ones arm in arm. Don't screw this up, Harper. I gently put my left arm around her waist, and held her hand with the other as we began to dance.

"So, what brings you aboard Lex Luthor's yacht? Are you a personal friend of his, or were you just invited like half of the other guests here this evening?"

Ok, I wasn't the best dancer in the world. But it did come in handy during some of those undercover missions with my days in Checkmate, I could only remember a few moves and the least thing I wanted to do was step on one of her toes. So far so good as I looked into her eyes and saw them glowing above the pale moon light, I didn't want to get to close as we had just met eachother. But atleast I was glad to know we both came here alone looking for the same things, still, I hope I wasn't moving to fast. I may be a bit careless at times in certain situations, but I'm always a gentleman at heart.

 

[The Question]

I step out my limo beside my yacht into the constant flashes of cameras. I put on my “public” face as I wave to the countless photographers; I make my way across the walkway and onto the yacht and give the media morons, one last smile before I get on board.

I make my way across the ship shaking hands with every delegates and politicians that’s in my path. I spot some of my business associates, Falconeand Thorne Gotham twos biggest crime lords. I wonder what the paparazzi and reporters here would think if they knew who half of the people here really are? I make my way up the stage and raise the microphone to my height. I look at to the legion of people standing drinks in hand, smiling as they look at me.

This is true power. I smirk. “Welcome everybody. I would first like to formally thank everyone for coming. Whether you be a citizen, business associate, a reporter or just here for the school paper.”

The guests’ laugh quietly. “No in all seriousness this evening is important to us all it’s about raising support for Metropolises central hospital, buts it’s so much more than that. It’s about us all coming together not just as people but as citizens of Metropolises.”

"Way to pull the heart strings, Lex."

Clark, Lois, and Jimmy step onto the yacht just as Lex finishes his little speach. Clark, wearing a dusty old tux he borrowed from Perry, Jimmy wearing a green tweed suit about a size to large for him and a bow tie, and Lois wearing a rather stunning red dress she borrowed from her sister. Clark turns to Jimmy.

"Jim. You should probably get some pictures of the guests from out of town."

"Now, Mr. Kent. I know how to do my job. Hell, I've been working at the Planet longer than you."

"Sorry."

"Don't be."

Lois shoots a look at Jimmy.

"He has a tendancy to let his atention wander on the job."

"Now, I take offense to that. Ever since Mr. White handed my my first camera, I've been the pinacle of proffesionalism. Sure, I may not have the best atention span in the world, but when I'm on the job, my mind is on the job. In fact, I can recall times when I've had to remind you to ooh are those canolies?"

Jimmy rushes over to the bufet table. Lois smiles a bit.

"He can be a little weird sometimes, but he is a very good photographer."

"I've seen his work. He really has talent."

"Just needs to do a little growing up."

"Oh, he seems plenty mature to me. He has a few excentricities, but that's never a bad thing. Makes a person more interesting."

"You handle him well."

"Alot of experiance. I had a friend back in high school. Alot like Jimmy. Funny, a little quirky, and bit hyper at times. A pain to deal with sometimes, but you learned."

"You still keep in touch with him?"

Clark pauses for a moment.

"....not so much. Last I heard, he was running for town council back home. He'd be one of the youngest in town history if he made it."

Lois simply listens, doing her best not to seem disinterested. Clark is rambling a bit.

"Anyway, where here for work. We should get to it."

"Yeah. Right."

Lois and Clark find their way to Lex Luthor. Lois walks up to him.

"Mr. Luthor? Lois Lane, Daily Planet. We met at the opening of your new lab last year. I'd like to ask you a few questions."

 

[Charlie No-One]

“Very well,” whispered Pamela looking down at her legs. Bruce Wayne. They met in college and became good friends. Now he was the head of a major company and interested in Pam’s work. The botanist always had a crush on the playboy. He did have excellent looks. She admired him for a second before glancing at Lucius.

“Well, where did you discover this extraordinary plant,” questioned Lucius.

“It has a name you know,” Pamela hissed. She took a moment to collect herself. “I apologize for that small…outburst. As you can tell, I have been very stressed out from all the research that I have put into this specimen. Where did I find Rycogec? I found it on a small island north of Sicily. I was on a research mission with Project Regenis,”

 

[Red]

"Way to pull the heart strings, Lex."

Clark, Lois, and Jimmy step onto the yacht just as Lex finishes his little speach. Clark, wearing a dusty old tux he borrowed from Perry, Jimmy wearing a green tweed suit about a size to large for him and a bow tie, and Lois wearing a rather stunning red dress she borrowed from her sister. Clark turns to Jimmy.

"Jim. You should probably get some pictures of the guests from out of town."

"Now, Mr. Kent. I know how to do my job. Hell, I've been working at the Planet longer than you."

"Sorry."

"Don't be."

Lois shoots a look at Jimmy.

"He has a tendancy to let his atention wander on the job."

"Now, I take offense to that. Ever since Mr. White handed my my first camera, I've been the pinacle of proffesionalism. Sure, I may not have the best atention span in the world, but when I'm on the job, my mind is on the job. In fact, I can recall times when I've had to remind you to ooh are those canolies?"

Jimmy rushes over to the bufet table. Lois smiles a bit.

"He can be a little weird sometimes, but he is a very good photographer."

"I've seen his work. He really has talent."

"Just needs to do a little growing up."

"Oh, he seems plenty mature to me. He has a few excentricities, but that's never a bad thing. Makes a person more interesting."

"You handle him well."

"Alot of experiance. I had a friend back in high school. Alot like Jimmy. Funny, a little quirky, and bit hyper at times. A pain to deal with sometimes, but you learned."

"You still keep in touch with him?"

Clark pauses for a moment.

"....not so much. Last I heard, he was running for town council back home. He'd be one of the youngest in town history if he made it."

Lois simply listens, doing her best not to seem disinterested. Clark is rambling a bit.

"Anyway, where here for work. We should get to it."

"Yeah. Right."

Lois and Clark find their way to Lex Luthor. Lois walks up to him.

"Mr. Luthor? Lois Lane, Daily Planet. We met at the opening of your new lab last year. I'd like to ask you a few questions."

I lean toward and grab her fingers, then elegantly push my lips against them.

“A pleasure as always Miss Lane, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have. And who is this you have escorting you this evening?”