The "Ultimate DC" RPG

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: To not confuse anyone, I will be using this dark, brown, Trebuchet MS font for Matt's dialogue and bolded, black Trebuchet MS font for his thoughts. The color of his thoughts may change so I will make a notice for that if and when that time occurs.

Clayface- 'Role of a lifetime'
----------------------------------

I'm standing in my agent's office, looking at this poster in complete awe. The original actor who was supposed to play the role, ended up getting injured in a plane crash on the way to his trailer right before productions were about to start rolling. And now, they are looking for a replacement; someone to fill his shoes. I look over at my agent, Doug.

"You have got to get me this role, Doug."

Doug, whose on the phone, looks up at me and scratches his head. It takes him a few seconds, but, he soon realizes what I'm referring to. He tells the person on the other end that he will get back to them and hangs up the phone; he chuckles a bit too.

"You gotta be kidding me, Matt."

Doug gets up from his desk and walks next to Matt and continues to look at the poster as well.

"Do you realize how many people want that part?"

"Yea, just about everyone."

"And do you also realize who one of those people are? Lemme save you the time to think: Jimmy Locks. You think you stand a chance against Locks? I mean, you're good Matt, believe me. But, Locks? Forget about it. There are other roles out there."

Matt turns over to Doug.

"You know how big I'll become if I can manage to snab this part, Doug. This character, Owlman, has been immortalized in the DC Comics for over 30 years. If I can get this part, just imagine what it'll do for my career!"

Matt walks closer to Doug, looking at the poster again, and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"Come on, man!"

And as Matt leaves his office, he pats Doug on the back.

"Make it happen!"
​

OOC: I forgot to mention when applying and in my first post but, my first few posts are taking place a few years from the present. The reasons behind this should be obvious if you read my application or my first post. I will make another OOC notice when my story is during the present time; so everything "now" is the past.
​

Clayface- 'Role of a lifetime'
----------------------------------
Matt Hagen is in a limo with two attractive, young woman at his side. The entire car is fulled with laughter as they have a good time and when the driver stops at a stop light, Matt recieves a phone call.

"Matt Hagen here."

"Matt. It's me, Doug."

"Tell me you got good news for me man. Tell me you got me the part."

There are a few seconds of silence that makes Matt uneasy; during this time the light turns green and the limo continues driving. He's afraid he didn't get the part. He's afraid his agent let him down; which was rare. Matt had faith in his agent though.

"Well, not the part, the audition for the part. Only you and 3 other actors got the audition slots. And before you ask, yea, Jimmy Locks is one of them. But don't worry, kid, you'll do 10 times better than he will. I'm going to get my assistant to pick up a few Owlman comics so you can really impress them at the audition. I bet those another goons don't know the character real well; but you will."

"Your the best, Doug. Hey, how about you meet me at the Marriot Hotel on 6th and 8th? I've got to beautiful lady friends here."

"Come on, Matt. You trying to bust my balls or something? You know I'm married. Yea...I'll meet ya there, but keep your lady friends to yourself."

Matt looks at both of the girls, one a brunette and the other a red head. He smiles a bit and continues his conversation.

"Oh, I think I'm doing a good job at that so far. Meet me at the bar, see ya there. And hey, I'm buying."

Matt hangs up the phone, and brings his attention back on his two lady friends.

"You're looking at the new replacement for the Owlman role, girls. You know...if you want, I can invite you two beautiful ladies to the set to see me in all my glory."

The two girls giggle as Matt smiles and the limo turns right onto 6th street, heading for the Marriot Hotel.
​

 

[Nightwing 52]

Star City

So after Bruce's party, I hopped on my bike again and headed back to Star. Felt good to be back home. The traffic, the night skys, people coming in and out of the city, looking for a bit of fun. Nothing else was better. And speaking of fun, I was looking for some myself. A guy like me can't live with out it. I was bound to find something to grab my attention...I hoped.

I stood tall on the building, then crounched down when pulling out my binoculars. I zoomed in every inch of the streets, maybe someone was getting mugged...Nothing. I looked up toward the buildings, there could've been somone about to fall that needed saving. To my own surprise, there was.

"Finally."

I zoom in a little closer, see a masked crook forcing a helpless man off a balcony to fall. The man kept holding on for his life, and luckily got back up. I watch as the crook grabs him by the throat, but turns away from the balcony. The crook then draws...what looked like a knife, and held it to the man's neck. I might have time to get over there. And see what was crackin' down. Even try to stop the guy from killing.

I put away my scope, then flip forth by hood. I jump down from the building, into an alley way, where my bike was stashed. Clean as a whistle. I rev up the engine, which roars to life, and I race to the streets, heading for the building. Once there, I look up to see the same balcony as before. I wasn't that high, maybe the fourth or fifth floor. I couldn't tell from down here, but maybe I could scale it. Hell, I've climbed higher.

I get off the bike, and pull out my bow and arrow with a line. I aimed high, for the balcony, and released the arrow. I hear the small noise the arrow makes, once hitting the balcony's railing. Then it's time to start climbing. I take it slow at first, then pick up my pace once passing the second floor. When I reach the blacony, I hop over the railing, then find myself crouching down again.

The door leading to the apartment is open, and I walk quietly inside preparing my bow. I hear a sudden breaking of glass, and a gun shot. Dammit...I'm not letting anyone die tonight. I also hear yelling, most likely from the crook.

"Where's my cash Joe? It's been two damn months!"

I look over, and see a mirror. Which was reflecting to the room they were in. I take another look, and the crook is standing by the doorway, with the other guy in the room, grasping his leg, which was bleeding rapidly. Didn't take long to know that, that was the gun shot I heard earlier. I couldn't waste any more time.

I pull out an arrow, and pull it back on the bow. Then sneak up to the crook, and point the arrow to his head so he felt it.

"Put the gun on the ground. Now."

I see his hand shake a bit in surprise, and he starts lowering his weapon, and sets it to the floor. Through his mask, I saw his eyes shift to my direction.

"Haha. He said I might run into you."

I look at him with a suprise look of my own.

"Who?"

I say before he quickly get up and gets a lucky shot at my jaw, knocking me to the floor. I see him then running back outside, and my eyes widen when he jumps off the balcony.

"Hey! Son of a--."

I'm cut off by the voice of the man that the crook shot in the leg.

"P-Please, help me."

I get up and run to him, when he falls. I tear off a piece of my suit, from my arm, and tie it to his leg. Hopefully it'll stop the bleeding for a little bit.

"Hang on pal, hang on. I'm gonna get you to a hospital."

I turn back to the entry way of the balcony, where the masked crooked jumped off from. With no kind of line, and sure didn't glide down. But he was gone, and couldn't tell if he surivived or not. Was he meta? I kept questioning until I remembered what he said before. Something that "he" said I might run into him. What the hell did that mean?

"Things just got really interesting."

 

[Andy C.]

"....uh-huh.....uh-huh.....listen, all I'm asking for is to come in and show you the design. I'd hardly call that a--......hello?"

Fine heard silence for a moment on the other line, then a dial tone.

"Damn it!"

He had been making telephone calls all day, using his old connections from his days in the think-tank to get a word in with over a dozen technological firms. His reputation in the field of nanotechnology was still enough to get the attention of a couple of representatives, but once he started talking about the device, they all hung up on him.

Kord Technology had pulled out.

S.T.A.R. Labs said no.

Wayne Enterprises wouldn't bite.

All of the reactions varied, from terrified stammering to practically laughing out loud. All across the board, however, the answer was no.

Fine sank down into his chair, letting out a frustrated groan. Every name on his list had been crossed out. Every name but one....

He stared at the name disdainfully, as if looking at it long enough would make it turn into something else. The name stayed the same, unfortunately, and Fine shook his head.

"Absolutely not," he said to no one in particular. "Not after what they did to me."

It appears, Milton Fine, that you have no choice.

The voice. It was back, and it wanted him to make the call.

"But....but they ruined me. I'd rather die than give that bastard my designs!"

Then you will. Out of all the possible firms, only this one has the financial power and the technological advancement to make your dream a reality....and cure your cancer.

Fine stared at the list, then his eyes slowly shifted towards the phone.

I will arrive in a few days' time to furhter our progress exponentially. In the meantime, I believe you have a call to make.

-----

Seconds later, a phone rang in the offices of LexCorp.

 

[Batman]

IC: Batman/Bruce Wayne

I speed past the holographic entrance to the cave, and enter the tunnels. The roar of the engine being the only thing to take my mind off of everything that's went wrong tonight. And that's a list that could go on. Reaching the end of the tunnels, I slow the cycle down, before coming to a stop in the main part of the cavern area. Shutting off the cycle, I stand, removing my helmet, before letting it drop to the ground. I'd pick it up... but right now, I'm at a bit of a loss for morality.

Walking up the trail that leads to the computer and labratory area that Alfred and I built, I stop, coming across a photo of the last people I want to see, right now. My parents.

They look so happy. So carefree of everything. I can't help but think of how quickly those smiles would fade if they knew how detiererated the city had become. And worse... I'm beginning to think of how much faster they'd fade if they knew about what I had become. I pick up the photo, and touch it. The only thing I see is the reflection of myself, in the cowl. A lost soul trying to make himself a new one. Damn it all. This isn't right. None of it is right.

I put the photo down, and quickly pull off my mask. The only thing that makes a sound for the next few moments are the chittering Bats roosted above me. But even they barely make a sound. Then, I do something I know I'll regret.

I kick over the table infront of me, in anger. Test tubes shatter on the cavern ground. Papers go flying. Batarangs sprawl across spilled chemicals. My work laid out infront of me... Literally. I imagine the table as The Creeper... as Dent... as Luthor. But then, I imagine it as myself. And the pathetic prentender I tried to be tonight. I almost kick it again, but I know that's not going to do any good.

I have to rise above this. I know I should. But too many people have died because of my compassion for humanity. And I know this wasn't the only path I could've taken... But it was the most logical. Now it just seems like all I've made is one big mistake. This wouldn't honor my parents; This would shame them.

"...Maybe this is a bad time."

I turn, hearing a voice that detracts me from the anger screaming in my head. Rachel stands at the cave's Souteast corridor. Great. She's seen me like this. As if the night couldn't get any worse.

"You stayed?", I ask, looking at the table again.

"Yeah. After the way you left... I wanted to make sure you were alright.", She begins, before looking at the table. "I guess I know that answer now."

I remember the reasoning behind our partnership. I was going to find and provide her with incriminating evidence towards Falcone. We were going to take him down through the legal system. And now-

-And now he's dead. And it's my fault.

"I failed.", I finally say, after a moment of silence. "I failed you. I failed them. I failed everyone."

"You can't honestly believe that."

"No. You don't understand.", I say, angrily, turning to her. "Falcone's dead. That madman murdered him. And I couldn't stop him in time."

She pauses, for a moment. I can't even tell her reaction at first.

"W-What? How? When did he...", She begins, before finally stopping and staring at me, point blank. "Falcone's dead? He's really dead?"

I turn away. I can't even face her, this was so closely tied to what our alliance was based off of. I feel like I betrayed that.

"His head was wiped clean off of his neck. His brains are splattered all over the inside of a candy factory in the East End, if you want to see it yourself.", I respond.

She visibly pieces the information together in her mind. I don't think it's really sunk in until now. "Oh my god..."

The Roman died tonight. His reign as Gotham's number one crimelord has come to an end. The man wasn't decent in any form of the word; He was evil. Plain and simple. The fact that he died doesn't win any remorse for me. It's the way he died. And the way he should've died not reaching fruition.

Rachel looks back up at me.

"Now what?"

I walk past her, heading towards the area where I store my costume.

"Don't ask me.", I say. "I'm obviously not capable of handling a situation like this."

She follows me, slowly.

"You tried, didn't you?", She argues. "That's all that anyone would've asked, Bruce. Don't blame yourself for something that was beyond your control."

"That's the problem.", I respond, stopping in my tracks.

"What do you mean?"

"I arrived there a minute before Falcone was killed. I was right infront of the man that did it. And instead of doing what should've been done, I ...threatened him. Because I was too afraid to do what Luthor would've done."

"Lex Luthor?"

"He was there. Had The Creeper at point blank range with a gun, ready to kill him. Would've done it too, had I not burst through the skylight and stopped him.", I respond.

She raises an eyebrow.

"You're saying that killing him is what you should've done?"

I sigh.

"It would've saved Falcone, wouldn't it?"

"And made you as bad as him.", She says, a little angrily. "Look, I know you're not feeling too good about yourself right now... But you did do the right thing. You didn't kill anyone, which still makes you better than many of the people I've come across in this city."

"And Falcone's dead.", I argue. "The right thing would've been to prevent that. No matter what the cost."

"Even your morality?"

"My morality kills people!", I yell.

My eyes widen, realising the tone I took. I almost expect to scare her off... But Rachel simply crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Don't look at me like that. You of all people know it's true. Vernon Fields died because I couldn't kill Two-Face. Falcone died because I couldn't kill Creeper.", I say, finally turning around. "Maybe my parents died because I couldn't kill their murderer."

"You were eight years old, Bruce! Eight! Just a kid.", She snaps, catching me off guard. "You're wrong in blaming yourself for their deaths just like you're wrong in blaming yourself for Falcone's, and I damn well am not going to stand by and let you tear yourself apart for it."

I remain silent, for a moment. She doesn't understand. How could she understand? And why does she even care? Falcone's dead. The only real reason we even know eachother is because we were going to take him down through the justice system. Now that can't happen... She has almost no reason to care anymore.

"Why do you care?", I finally ask, in a softer tone.

"About wha-"

"-About me.", I continue. "Why do you care about whether or not I tear myself apart? Falcone's dead, taking possibly the biggest case of your career with him.", I say. "Why should what I do even matter to you right now?"

She walks up to me. We're barely even inches apart, as she looks into my eyes, preventing me to look away. Which... I definatley want to do, right now.

"Why did you risk your life to help a person I considered a best friend?", She asks. "Why did you trust me with your identity? Why invite me to your party, even offering to take me home when Harvey came back? Maybe my answer's the same as your's, Bruce. Maybe it isn't. But in the short time I've known you, you've shown me something that no one else has, in my entire life. You've shown me that there are genuninely good people in this world. And in all places for it to be, it shows it up to save the worst city in the world.", She says. "And now you're beating yourself up for that. It just goes to show me how messed up this city can be, to where even the good people lose hope."

I try to look away, but she stops me, stepping into my path of vision.

"Sure, you dress up like a giant Bat. Your motives were questionable from day one... Alot of people thought you were just insane as some like the Creeper. Even I thought so, before I met you.", She admits. "But you know what you're doing. Or at least you did. I don't know if you still do, seeing how you're acting now. But Bruce... Batman is what this city has needed for years. If you can't see that, then you really are insane."

I slowly shake my head.

"But what about Falc-"

"-You also make mistakes. We all do it. Because we're human. You're not like that Flash or Nazi-Superman that I've heard about... You're just a man.", She continues, cutting me off. "But that doesn't mean you can't make just as big of a difference. You're already getting there, with all of the people you have stopped and brought to justice.", She says, looking up at me. "Remember them?"

She... No. She's wrong. Doesn't understand. Doesn't have blood on her hands... How could she ever under-

She's right. Damn it. I shouldn't give up just because I failed... I knew failures to be inevitable, even though I told myself they weren't an option. But what now?

"So what now?", I ask.

She manages one thing that I could've never imagined, in this moment: A smile.

"You could start by changing out of this suit and having a cup of coffee.", She says. I raise an eyebrow at that. "It'll help you relax a little more... not be as tense about tonight. Maybe even take your mind off of it."

"That's... a bit doubtful, wouldn't you say?", I ask.

"There's no harm in trying.", She answers.

I stare at her. This isn't a side I've ever seen of her before. I don't really know how to feel about it... But... somehow, I end up nodding my head, in agreement.

"Alright. I'll go upstairs and leave you alone to... well, however you take this stuff off.", She says, a little confused at the arrangement of the armor, before turning.

"Rachel..."

She turns, looking at me.

"You really think all of that?", I ask.

"Well... Yes. Actually, I do.", She says.

I nod, and she leaves leaving me alone in the darkness. Huh. A protector and firm believer in the good of Gotham City, an idealist, and a temper to match her dedication. Sounds like someone I used to know.

Maybe someone I need to find again...

 

[batnkevlar]

I wait around for the police to come by. I have nothing to hide, unlike the bat and the maniac. Or the batmaniac and the other maniac. Don't know yet. Have to decide soon.

He doesn't seem to have powers, unlike many of the other self-proclaimed "heroes" of the new world. He's much like me, in the sense willpower and determination drive his very being. He might be useful. Either that, or make his life a living hell.

A cop approaches me as I walk back inside the warehouse, a tall wide blonde man I know as Detective Flass.

"Mr. Luthor, I'll tell you, you're a lucky man."

I grab him by his collar.

"Lucky man? LUCKY MAN??? Freaks like these shouldn't have lives in Gotham!" I yell, showing him the body of Carmine Falcone, blood everywhere.

"I assure you, sir, it will never happen again."

"It better not. I donate much money to Gotham-"

"Err, Mr. Luthor sir, sure that wasn't Carmine Falcone. You donate to Metropolis PD."

"Then let me correct myself: I will donate much money to Gotham PD, and maybe even to the detective division. Got that?"

Flass's pac set goes off. ~Detective Flass, sir, maybe you should see this.~

I can see Flass's eyes turn to the handheld radio then to me then back to the radio. He's trying to show off.

"Yeah, I get it. I'll be right there, got that?"

~Yes sir.~

"GOT THAT?"

~YES SIR!~

"Good."

We head up to the overhang of the warehouse, with the security videos. A young redhead man by the name O'Shea was on the computers. Very meek and mild by the looks of it. Flass went in to take a look.

"It's a black video," says Flass, looking at the screen.

"Yeah, that's when the Creeper knock out the lights. But look here: this warehouse has nightlight cameras in case of such things," remarked O'Shea.

"What?"

"Don't worry Mr. Luthor, we'll get to the bottom of this," Flass says, and turning to O'Shea, "WHAT?"

O'Shea presses a button and the screen turns to a greenish tint. In it, a fuzzy and shaky image appears. The Creeper wrenches the gun from my hand and blows away Falcone's head.

"Well, look there Detective, looks like the detective department will be getting a raise real soon. And the computer department too, right O'Shea?"

I start walking away.

"Now that the proof is there, you should be able to hunt down the Creeper with a warrant, don't you agree?"

I get up into Flass's face.

"And you WILL hunt down the Creeper, yes?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. I'm leaving. My helicopter awaits. Let me know if there are any leads."

"Yes sir."

"And Flass?"

"Yes sir?"

"Grow a spine you *****in moron. Don't need cowards on the force, do we?"

 

[Byrd Man]

While Luthor and Batman fight, Jack slowly opens his eyes and watches them. Better time than never. He flips up into the air and breaks the cable in two.

"And the oscar goes to..Me!"

He turns abck and looks at Luthor and Batman.

"You fellas have a nice night."

He leaps through the broken window and out into the chilly Gotham night.

Sal Maroni was having a peaceful sleep, until he tried to rol over and found he was tied to the bed post.

"What the Fu-"

Before he could finish a rag with gaspline on it was stuffed into his mouth.

"Sssh! You'll wake th kids, Pooky."

Maroni mubmled obscenities through the rag, Jack just laughed at him.

"What was that? I can't hear you?"

Out of nowhere, Jack pulls a can of gas out and starts to splash it on Maroni.

"Burn out the day, Burn out the night
I see no reason to put up a fight.
I'm livin for givin the devil his due."

He leaves a gas trail next to the window and pulls out a gold lighter with the intials SM on them.

"And I'm burning I'm burning
for you."

He throws the lighter down and watches as the trail of fire runs up on Maroni's body, bruning him like a peice of firewood.

"Poor Sal, Don't you know smoking's bad fo your help?"

He leaps out of the window and swings on nearby lightpole.

"Spidey ain't got nothing on me."

He bounces off the lightpole and heads north towards the estate of one Rupert Thorne.

 

[Batman]

IC: Captain Jim Gordon

Christ, this city's going to hell in a handbasket. And no one's doing a damn thing to stop it.

I look over the next few assignments that Loeb gave me. Ever since I got promoted to Captain, I've been finding myself hoping for a series of carjackings, or muggings. Something easy... Something to get me out of this office she's got me creeped up in.

But no, Loeb just sends me the big stuff. The stuff I know I won't be able to crack, so I won't even bother getting out of the office. This guy that killed Chuckie Sol, for instance. No fingerprints were found at the scene, no witnesses... Nothing. It was like drawing blanks out of an empty room with nothing to show for it but a grinning corpse. Then I heard this morning that Carmine Falcone was killed. Said they got security footage of it. Turned out it was some yellow skinned maniac with a red boa. But the moment I heard the word "maniac", I knew Loeb would pin it on me.

And of course, Harvey. Damn it. When the guy you share a beer with every week goes out of his mind, you know something's seriously wrong. We're only lucky he didn't completely fade out of the picture... Thanks to The Bat, naturally. But even he's starting to see that Gotham's getting a hell of alot worse than it's been.

Still, though, I have to remain hopeful. Loeb may be keeping me on a tight leash, but she can't break my spirit. No matter how hard she intentionally tries.

"Dad, how do you spell 'tired'?"

I look up, seeing Barb, looking up from her history homework, still sitting where I told her to. Good girl. Just has a bad habit of getting into trouble. I've had to come and escort her back from the principal's office of Gotham Junior High so many times in the last few weeks that it's practically a second home.

"Huh... What? Oh. Tired. T-i-r-", I begin, rubbing my forehead in frustration.

"-That was a joke.", She immediatley says, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "You seriously look beat. Are you okay?"

I smile, a little, at that. She doesn't try to show it, given that she's going through a rebellious phase, but I can hear the concern in her voice. It's practically enough to keep me going in this damned city.

"Fine, honey... Just a bit overworked, is all. No need to worry about it.", I say, going back to my reports.

"Then why don't you take time off?"

I sigh.

"The Police Captain of an entire city doesn't get time off."

In between Dent, The grin guy, the man who murdered Falcone (Which was only a matter of time, with the enemies that man had...), the escaped prisoner from Arkham and an unidentified 'plant lady' roaming the streets... I'm beginning to wonder how much I can take. Or how much anyone can take, for that matter. Gotham's time could very well end with all of us tearing it apart, with the way things are now.

"You could ask your... friend... to take care of it all.", She says, a little uneasy.

I feel guilty for that. Maybe I shouldn't have introduced them. And I already feel bad enough about the nightmare she had, right after they met. But even she realises how much of a difference that he's making. If I could only contact him, somehow... We could really crack down on these cases. But he comes to me. I don't come to him. I guess that's just how it's going to have to work.

As I begin to answer Barbara's query, the phone rings. Great. What now?

"One second, Barb."

I pick up the phone and answer it. I just hope to hell it's not Loeb. She's in a meeting with the Mayor right now... But I wouldn't put it past her to stick me with traffic duty just to make sure I didn't do anything to meddle in certain affairs she may or may not be involved in. I just pray to god I'm wrong.

"Police Department.", I answer.

"Hi. Is this James Gordon? The Police Captain?"

Thank god.

"Yes. It is. May I ask who's calling?"

"This is District Attorney Rachel Dawes."

...

Holy hell.

I sit, upright, immediatley clearing my throat as I respond. The DA? She wants to speak to me, personally? What could this be about...

"Oh! Yes. I heard about a new DA being promoted. Congratulations.", I say, trying my best to sound... well, not annoyed beyond belief because of the files infront of me.

"Thanks. You're actually the first person who's said that."

"Well, I'm glad I had no one to live up to. Can I help you with something?", I ask.

"Actually... Yes. You can."

Her voice becomes uneased, a little. Maybe because she's nervous, or scared. I've heard the same tone everytime Barbara calls from home, after running into one of my co-workers.

"You see, this concerns a friend of mine. And yours, I believe. Harvey Dent."

My eyes widen, as I stand up from my seat, phone still at ear.

"Harvey?!"

I breathe, letting the shock set in. Looking over at Barb, I can tell my tone wasn't nessacarily soft when I heard his name.

"I-I mean... What about Harvey? Have you seen him recently?"

"Last night. At Bruce Wayne's benefit."

Wayne's party? Seems a little unwise for Harvey to be running around in such a crowded place... Especially after what he did to those medics. Which I still can't believe.

"You're sure it was him?"

"Positive. He even spoke to me. Told me to contact you and warn you about something he said... "Two-Face", or something to that effect... might do."

My god. Even he's calling it Two-Face? Harvey must really be losing it...

"Go on. What did he tell you?", I say, grabbing the notepad to my left and a pen.

She pauses, for a moment. I think she's actually hesitating. And while I wish I could say I could blame her... I can't. Especially after seeing Harvey that night he came to my home.

"He told me that Two-Face was planning to rob the Gotham Museum of Natural History."

I nearly drop my pen, hearing that. No. No, not Harvey. He can't seriously turn this into a profession.

"Did he say when?"

"That's the thing. I don't think he was sure. He said 'in the next couple of days'..."

Great. So if we scope out the place, we're liable to miss him. If he even plans to do anything at all. There's no telling, with what's happened to him... He's become damned near unpredictable.

"Have you told anyone else?"

"-No."

Wait a minute. Did she just... lie? I shake my head at the notion. What could the DA possibly have to lie about? Unless it concerns a case... But I don't have time to worry about that. Need to figure out what I'm going to do to stop Harvey. I'll take her word for it, for now.

"Alright. Now, be sure not to mention this to anyone. I'll look into it."

"Thank you, but... please. Don't hurt him."

I wish I could say I had a choice in the matter. Especially if that... monster still has a bit of Harvey left in him.

"I'll see to it personally. Thanks for calling."

Hanging up the phone, I sit back down, wondering just how exactly we're going to be able to catch a madman robbing the museum if we don't know when he'll strike. He must have a plan to take out the security... Only a fool would try to rob that place, otherwise.

Damn it. I need help. And I know exactly who I need, too. But without any way of contacting him, it's as good as useless to consider. I just have to hope he comes back before Harvey strikes.

"Dad, did really people communicate with lights in the past?"

I turn to Barbara, who's looking at her history book.

"What? Of course not. That's silly."

"No, I mean, in the older days. Ancient times. It says here that before phones and telegraphs were invented, farmers and solidiers communicated by shining a light onto a clouds in the sky.", She says. "It was sort of an early version of morse code. I was just wondering if you knew anything about it that I could add to my report."

Huh. Never heard that.

"Sorry, sweetie. But I wouldn't know anything about..."

-Wait a minute.

"... that..."

IC: Bruce Wayne

I hate this. As usual. But it's the only thing I can think to do, given my current circumstances.

During coffee, Rachel remembered something that Harvey Dent... Two-Face... told her during the party. He revealed that Two-Face plans to strike at the Natural History Museum in the next couple of days. She said he sounded confident in it. I wouldn't put anything past him... He's unpredictable, as I learned the hard way. Now I sit in the study, debating my next course of action.

But I just can't help but feel I'd only be wasting my time, by taking action in the first place. I lost Dent the first time. Who's to say I won't again? At the same time, however, I wonder what Dent is after in the first place. If he's really going to rob the museum... Has his Two-Face persona taken over, prompting a life of crime, so to speak? Or are there clearer intentions...

Alfred walks in behind me, sleeves rolled up, a protective mask on his face. He's finished his task, apparentally.

"Finish finding and deactivating all of those bugs that Atom planted?", I ask, with a slight whisper.

"That and more, Sir.", He answers. "It seems that, due to their satellite linking, the moment I deactivated one... I deactivated them all."

"Good."

At least that's out of the way. But there's still the matter of Dent. Maybe I should let Gordon handle it... Rachel did say she was going to him with Dent's message, aswell. But then again... Gordon's tied down by a sea of corruption.

Damn it. I need to wait a little while longer, until I can come up with something. I just have to wait. And I still hate that...

 

[twylight]

I know deep in my heart, that laughing was wrong at this moment, but I consider it stress management. What else was I supposed to do? I’d just been manhandled by some crazed man and seen the biggest crime lord of Gotham be carried off like a sack of potatoes.

Sadly I wasn’t allowed to enjoy much of it, Bruce Wayne sent me a disapproving look to which I shrugged and winked. Yeah, I get kinda wild when I’m stressed.

Josh quickly escorted Helena out and Jason was on the phone before Bruce Wayne had even finished his speech. Once we reached outside He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss. And I knew already what he was going to say.

“I have to go. I just got called in.”

I nod.
“I know. Don’t worry about me, I’ll get a ride home with Josh.”

I look him in the eyes and see how disappointed he looks, and I smile at him placing my hands on his chest.

“I know. You go do your job and we’ll take a rain check on tonight.” I say lightly as a police car pulls up, bathing us in lights. I give him a kiss on the cheek and watch as he slips into his car and drives away.

And in spite of the police officers getting eyewitness accounts and people trying to leave I have a moment of epiphany as I replay the last scene of Jason and I. e were so comfortable and his kiss while phenomenal was no longer dynamic. Instead it felt comfortable and safe.

“Dinah!” Josh waved from his car and I ducked away from the front of the house and slid into the rear seat of the car.

The drive home was quiet, I was surprised how silent Helena was, but we all knew what this meant. The biggest crime boss in Gotham taken at the largest social event held at the house of a man who was known to dislike him.

Josh didn’t say anything and instead of driving me home he took me directly to the office.

“I’ll let mom know you’re okay.” He said as I slipped out of the car.

“Thanks Josh.”
I said through his rolled down window, I turned toward the building only to be called back by Josh’s voice.

“Dinah…”

I turn back around knowing exactly what he’s going to say.

“…Be careful.” Helena finishes off what I knew Josh was going to say. I nod wordlessly and watch as they drive off. Maybe they were perfect for each other.

I knocked on the door and Steve the Security Guard let me in with a smile. He was used to me coming in at all hours.

“Another case?”

I nod as I hurry past.

“Turn on the TV..” I say as I race up the stairs. Maybe I should have taken the fire escape…or roof access…

I reach the office door and unlock it and close it softly behind me.
Making my way across the room to my desk. I quickly open it and pull out my costume. I undress and change clothes out of sight of the window.

Not exactly the most glamorous way to do things, but it was better than a phone booth, or the janitors closet.

I look at my reflection and smile, not that I expect action but it was easier to do it this way and to be honest if I did it in my street clothes I’d be identified. I slipped some jeans and my riding jacket on over my clothes. Yes, I have a variable wardrobe here. I grab a small tiny camera on my way out the door.

I race back down the stairs, ignoring Steve’s comment as the news runs and outside to the parking garage. I’m glad I left my bike here last night. I put my helmet on and raced out the parking garage, the deep tones of the bike echoing off the quiet buildings as I ride down the street breaking very traffic law in Gotham.

I wonder what I hope to accomplish, I don’t know where he went, and goodness knows if I do find him…what will I do? The bitter taste of defeat is still in my mouth, as much as I’ve been trained I obviously can’t handle these types. I bite my lip in frustration, I’m the last person to be happy about it, but it’s the way of the world.

This time I’ll be smart about it.

The intercom in my ear buzzes with life as it picks up the Police frequency.
Apparently the party was somewhat over.

“10-97 Kiddie's Kandies”

I should be more surprised, I turn my bike towards the location as other police chatter takes over.

“11-42”

Another voice butted in.
“ 11-44 for a DB and put in a 11-46“

My eyes went wide.
Coroner and an obvious Death Report.

“Send a 11-86C.”

Special Detail for capes…obviously Batman was there.

“44, 30s”

Yeah..it was Falcone…he was dead. My Phone vibrates on my waist and I stop the bike shutting it of as I pull it out, it’s Jason.

“What’s up?”

“Not like I need to tell you. But, Falcone is dead and I’d advise you to stay way from the scene.”

“Friction?” I ask concerning the inner feuds of the GCPD.

“I wish, it’s just not a pretty sight and Luthor’s in on it.”

His voice was in a hushed whisper.

“Just thought I’d let you know.” He said before hanging up.

I close my phone and slip my helmet back on. Like blood ever stopped me.

I spin around and zoom down the road, the Police reports flooding me with more information. The voices became familiar as the dispatch went back and forth about Falcone, till one pierced through.

“11-71 on –“

My eyes grew wide at the address. That was the known location of another well known Gotham Mob Boss: Sal Maroni.

I stop the bike with a screech and take the time to process it.

A week ago it was Chuckie Sol, he was granted minor league, but the one that ran Gotham and then the B-lister that would come up after him to take over Falcone’s territory? It might be a coincidence but…the memory of that Joker card at the Sol Crime scene comes to mind. A Candy factory? There seems to be a little bit of a link. It’s slim but I have to chance it. I pause for a moment longer, no, Sol was too tiny for this guy.
Falcone, Maroni…he’s going down the chain, starting large and going smaller, eliminating them methodically. Okay well as methodically as a deranged man can….

I throttle the bike and turn with a shriek laying down rubber on the empty street. I have to get to Rupert Thorne, before the Creeper.

 

[SuperFerret]

"Hey, you see that poor, poor man, laying there by his car? Yes, he looks hurt, wouldn't you say? You wouldn't!? How dare you! What was that? My mother was a saint! At least, she might have been. I'm not sure. But still, no bad language, unless I say so!"

I throw the disembodied head against the wall of the hospital parking garage, and it smacks oh so beautifully against the wall.

"Jackson Pollack eat your heart out."

I glance over at the headless body. It looks lonely, so sad, laying on the cold ground, a bloodied axe stuck in his back. Poor man, he looks like he could use a doctor. Ha! Luckily for him, we're in a hospital! HaHaHaHaHaHa!!

Oh well, time to search his car. I start humming the I Dream of Jeannie theme as I rummage through the man's stuff, and oh! that's too funny! He is a doctor! And what's this? Kidney transplant scheduled tonight?

"Hmmm.... looks like you won't be performing that surgery tonight, eh Doc?"

.....
......
.......
........
.........

"Oh fine! Be like that!" I yell at him, while changing into his scrubs, "The nerve of you, giving me the silent treatment, when I've volunteered to do the surgery for you! Some people have no manners."

I grab my axe and walk off.

-----------------​

-----------------​

Later, after following the trail of bloodied, hacked up, bullet-riddled corpses from the hospital waiting room to one of the operating rooms, the GCPD makes a horrific discovery.

Spoiler

Two unidentified men on operating tables. One had his lower torso chopped up and mashed so much that it was nearly unrecognizable. The other man had a human kidney shoved down his throat. And on the second man's body, lay a note that read:

It didn't fit.

And attached to the note was a simple playing card. A Joker.

 

[Byrd Man]

After the news of Falcone getting his head blown off and Maroni being burnt alive, Rupert Thorne wasn't going to let his current regin as Gotham's new crime boss end tonight. His whole estate was put on high alert. Thirty of his best men were patroling the grounds, each one armed with a AK-47 and the security cameras had been installed with infered lenses as well as night vision. Though he had went the extra mile, he didn't go far enough. A yellow blur rips through the hallways and breaks down Thorne's bedroom door with a crash.

"Rupie, You got some splain to do."

 

[Andy C.]

It had been silent on this particular stretch of highway; not a soul had passed by for hours. It was an unassuming length of asphalt just like a thousand others that stretched across the continent, packed with speeding vehicles during the day, quiet and empty in the darkest hours of the night.

The darkness was broken by two beams of light, piercing into the night as a lone Jeep sped across the open road. Inside it was the body of a dead park ranger, though it moved and operated the vehicle with as much ease as the living. Inside the body of the park ranger was something not of this world.

It had quickly learned how to manipulate the vehicle, having pried into the now-dead ranger's mind long enough to learn the English language. Were it able to feel anything, it would have fealt displeasure at having to take the Jeep so far across the land. It considered the transport crude and inefficient, and would have greatly preferred its own ship. However, the human vehicle was inconspicuous, and more than anything, it needed to infiltrate this planet as unobtrusively as possible. If they learned of what it truly intended, the humans would rebel against the upgrade.

As the Jeep went on, the driver became aware that a second vehicle had joined them. It seemed mere coincidence at first, but it soon became apparent that the humans in the other vehicle were in fact pursuing. Seconds later, blue and red strobes of light began flashing from the top of the vehicle.

Targeting? the being queried. No, a crude hailing signal. Some form of law enforcement, most likely.

Realizing the importance of not raising too much attention to itself, the driver slowed the Jeep down, bringing the vehicle to a halt on the side of the road. The police car followed suit, and out of it stepped a barrel chested man, his features barely distinguishable as the car's headlights only showed his silhouette.

As the officer approached, the being in the Jeep was able to better inspect the human. He was of intermediate age, estimated between 45 and 50 of this world's years, slightly overweight, and with short-cropped hair. A more introspective scan showed that he had a weak heart, enlarged prostate, rickets in his knee joint, and the first traces of lung cancer.

This one is not optimal for initial interface, but may be a worthy candidate for intensive remediation when the upgrade begins.

The policeman slowly made his way to the Jeep, a flashlight in one hand as he tapped on the driver's window. The driver obliged, rolling the window down in order to converse.

"License and Registration, please."

The driver looked at him blankly, not understanding what the officer demanded of him.

"Please clarify your statement."

"Your driver's license, pal," he said, irritated.

"I believe such indentification will not be necessary; I have not exceeded the posted legal limits for speed, nor is this vehicle containing any objects deemed illegal."

"Look, do you have your goddamned driver's license or not?"

As the policeman interrogated, a small myriad of nanites began scanning every inch of the car, searching for the object that was being mentioned. One of the millions of invisibly small machines probed into the park ranger's wallet, and found a small piece of plastic with corresponding words written on it. Relaying the information back to the central system, the driver was able to respond.

"Yes....yes I do have my driver's license. It is in my wallet, in the back left pocket of these pants."

"That's great. Can I see your license, then?"

The ranger's hand reached down as the rest of the body shifted its weight to allow proper extraction. With the license retrieved, the hand came back up and offered it to the policeman.

The man took the license, and brought it back to his own car, to report and look up further information. He returned to the car with a confused look on his face.

"Your criminal record is spotless, son. So why exactly have I caught you driving across state lines in a stolen vehicle?"

"I am a park ranger, officer sir. This is a park ranger's vehicle, is it not?"

"Way I understand it, that Jeep belongs to the park, not to you. You're in a lot of trouble; step out of the car, sir."

"That will not happen; I must reach my destination as quickly as possible."

"I said step out of the car, now."

"And I said that will not happen."

The police officer quickly brought his free hand to the holster of his gun. Before he could draw the weapon, the park ranger's hand jabbed out towards him, blue arcs of electricity surging outwards from it. The policeman spasmed for a moment, then fell limply to the ground.

The Jeep's door opened, and the driver stepped out. It pointed the ranger's hand at the police officer's car, emitting another surge of energy that disabled the electronic devices onboard, including the cameras. It then knelt down, putting its palm on the unconscious policemen's forehead.

"It is fortunate for you that you are still compatible for the upgrade, and your deletion is not immediately required. However, you cannot be allowed to alert further authorities to my presence. In order to ensure your silence, I will erase your memory, and remove your ability to communicate."

The ranger's palm pressed down hard against the officer's forehead, and for the next few moments, the dark road was brightly lit as energy poured into the human's body.

Moments later, the Jeep and its driver were gone, and laying by the side of the road was a man whose vocal cords no longer functioned, and whose mind was left completely blank.

And until the police car's battery went dead hours later, the only thing that its headlights illuminated was a green road sign:

METROPOLIS
65 MILES

 

[twylight]

After the news of Falcone getting his head blown off and Maroni being burnt alive, Rupert Thorne wasn't going to let his current regin as Gotham's new crime boss end tonight. His whole estate was put on high alert. Thirty of his best men were patroling the grounds, each one armed with a AK-47 and the security cameras had been installed with infered lenses as well as night vision. Though he had went the extra mile, he didn't go far enough. A yellow blur rips through the hallways and breaks down Thorne's bedroom door with a crash.

"Rupie, You got some splain to do."

"It's so rude to conduct business in front of a woman without a proper introduction."

I step out of the corner and sit down on the bed with a smile.

It had taken all my little Buell had to get here as fast as I could and then all of my illegal break-in equipment to get past security. Mirrors, spray, a nice little knock to the head of a few security guards.

Okay...more than a few.....but still..I got here didn't I?

I just hope Mr. Thorne stays quietly knocked out in his closet so I can deal with this...man..thing..animal?


[OOC] I can edit [/OOC]

 

[Byrd Man]

"It's so rude to conduct business in front of a woman without a proper introduction."

I step out of the corner and sit down on the bed with a smile.

It had taken all my little Buell had to get here as fast as I could and then all of my illegal break-in equipment to get past security. Mirrors, spray, a nice little knock to the head of a few security guards.

Okay...more than a few.....but still..I got here didn't I?

I just hope Mr. Thorne stays quietly knocked out in his closet so I can deal with this...man..thing..animal?


[OOC] I can edit [/OOC]

Jack's eyes light up at the apperance of Dinah.

"Darling! I knew you'd come back to me! The kids will be thrilled, espeically little Mia. She's missed you so much."

In a flash he appears next to Dinah

"What is it about slipping a girl the tounge that makes her comign back for more? "

 

[twylight]

Jack's eyes light up at the apperance of Dinah.

"Darling! I knew you'd come back to me! The kids will be thrilled, espeically little Mia. She's missed you so much."

In a flash he appears next to Dinah

"What is it about slipping a girl the tounge that makes her comign back for more? "

My smile never flinches..yes I am that good.

And so is he, he's so downright exuberant it's hard to hate him. Although..Mia?

and he obviously recognizes me from the party...I'll have to think about a wig.

I give him a sideways smile as I reast my chin on my shoulder, long hair would be useful right now.

"It's just one of those mysteries."

Okay, Dinah be careful.

"Kind of like why you're so much more interested in Mob Bosses then women."

 

[Byrd Man]

My smile never flinches..yes I am that good.

And so is he, he's so downright exuberant it's hard to hate him. Although..Mia?

and he obviously recognizes me from the party...I'll have to think about a wig.

I give him a sideways smile as I reast my chin on my shoulder, long hair would be useful right now.

"It's just one of those mysteries."

Okay, Dinah be careful.

"Kind of like why you're so much more interested in Mob Bosses then women."

"Maybe it's because Mob Bosses put up a better fight, but where are my manners."

In a blur he rushes over to the corner of the bedroom and grabs a old wooden chair.

"For you m'lady. Whatever you wish, I am yours."

 

[twylight]

"Maybe it's because Mob Bosses put up a better fight, but where are my manners."

In a blur he rushes over to the corner of the bedroom and grabs a old wooden chair.

"For you m'lady. Whatever you wish, I am yours."

Wow...he's got better manners than Batman.

I daintily take a seat in the chair.

"Well, you could start by telling me why you ran off with Falcone without giving a girl a proper farewell."

 

[Byrd Man]

Wow...he's got better manners than Batman.

I daintily take a seat in the chair.

"Well, you could start by telling me why you ran off with Falcone without giving a girl a proper farewell."

"Oh, That. I was trying to be heroic like a movie star, It sounds like something that Jimmy Locks would say. What else do you require m'lady?"

 

[twylight]

"Oh, That. I was trying to be heroic like a movie star, It sounds like something that Jimmy Locks would say. What else do you require m'lady?"

"A Margarita and a good back rub." I said lightly.


[OOC] How do you want this to go?[/OOC]

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Ion continues to fly over the city. He dips lower towards the streets. Something catches his eye. He speeds directly to it, and it causes him to stop in his tracks. What he sees in front of him is a large piece of grafitti. It's a beautiful piece of artwork. Ion places his hand onto the wall. Ion's costume then fades away, and he is now simply Kyle Rayner.

"It's been so long since I've seen this body. I almost forgot what I look like. There aren't many reflective surfaces in space."

Kyle then turns and walks out of the alleyway. He enters the street and becomes lost in the crowd.

 

[Byrd Man]

"A Margarita and a good back rub." I said lightly.


[OOC] How do you want this to go?[/OOC]

OOC: You'll see...

In a flash, Jac dissapears...Only to return a few mintues later with a pitcher of Margarita and baby oil.

"As you wish....."

Jack puts the pitcher next to Dinah and starts to oil up his hands.

"Sooo...Where is Thorne, M'lady?"

 

[twylight]

OOC: You'll see...

In a flash, Jac dissapears...Only to return a few mintues later with a pitcher of Margarita and baby oil.

"As you wish....."

Jack puts the pitcher next to Dinah and starts to oil up his hands.

"Sooo...Where is Thorne, M'lady?"

"Why do I think that means something else?" I ask as he rubs his hands.

The next question however catches me off guard, yes he's that good and at the same time thrills me. It's that 'moments before' feeling of excitement.

I keep myself loose and smile at him over my shoulder.

"Well..there's a way to ruin a perfect evening."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Why do I think that means something else?" I ask as he rubs his hands.

The next question however catches me off guard, yes he's that good and at the same time thrills me. It's that 'moments before' feeling of excitement.

I keep myself loose and smile at him over my shoulder.

"Well..there's a way to ruin a perfect evening."

The massive grin placed on Jack's face dissapears for a second, before he's back to his insane self. I reaches and pulls of Dinah Lance's coat and starts to massage her shoulders.

"You know, you have way too much tension in you neck M'lady. So what do you say we go out sometime, maybe have some chicken, have some sex, and kill Thorne together. Hell will even let him watch while we do it, It'll be his last thrill before he steps into the light. You have now idea how flexible I am."

 

[twylight]

The massive grin placed on Jack's face dissapears for a second, before he's back to his insane self. I reaches and pulls of Dinah Lance's coat and starts to massage her shoulders.

"You know, you have way too much tension in you neck M'lady. So what do you say we go out sometime, maybe have some chicken, have some sex, and kill Thorne together. Hell will even let him watch while we do it, It'll be his last thrill before he steps into the light. You have now idea how flexible I am."

"Hmm...now see..I love it up till the 'kill Thorne' part. Blood is a pain to get out of clothes."

I quip lightly knowing he has literally the upper hand with his hands so close to my neck. Yet there is so much he doesn't know about me.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Hmm...now see..I love it up till the 'kill Thorne' part. Blood is a pain to get out of clothes."

I quip lightly knowing he has literally the upper hand with his hands so close to my neck. Yet there is so much he doesn't know about me.

Jack appears right next to Dinah's face, a manical smile plastered on his face.

"Oh, we don't have to kill him. We could just maim him a little, a few fingers here. a few toes there."

He starts to more to her lower back, applying pressure to the small of her back.

"I've always wanted to know something from the time I meet you.....Does the carpet match the drapes?"

 

[twylight]

Jack appears right next to Dinah's face, a manical smile plastered on his face.

"Oh, we don't have to kill him. We could just maim him a little, a few fingers here. a few toes there."

He starts to more to her lower back, applying pressure to the small of her back.

"I've always wanted to know something from the time I meet you.....Does the carpet match the drapes?"

I let out a little laugh.

"What would that accomplish? Other than him sending his goons out to get us?"

I almosy flip him over my shoulder at the question but stop myself.

"There are just some things a lady should never reveal."