The "Ultimate DC Universe" RPG: Season 2.0

[Eddie Brock]

"Right. . .Atlantis," I repeat sardonically. "I'll humor you. Where, exactly, is Atlantis again?"

With a straight face, he reveals, "Atlantis can be found in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle."

I can no longer hold back the laughter. His attempt at being serious only makes it funnier. "Let me guess - the Loch Ness Monster guards the city gates, too? Right?"

"Well...there is a leviathan that resurfaces every couple years."

I stop laughing. This guy clearly isn't kidding.

"Ok. . .thanks for saving me, but I sincerely hope that your employer makes you take random drug tests," I respond. And with that, I roll my eyes and begin to walk away.

"No one ever told you how or why your mother died, did they, Orin?" he calls back at me. "In fact, to this day, you still don't know what happened to her."

I turn back and glare at McCaffery. "So?"

"I can explain it, Orin - if you're willing to hear me out," he suggests. "But you must put your disbelief aside."

He calls it disbelief. I call it LOGIC. But, for his sake, I decide to stop walking away.

"Whatever."

"Your mother died protecting you, Orin. An Atlantean extremist came to the surface to find you. But your mother refused to tell him where you were," McCaffery explains. "He intended to kill you...but he settled for Atlanna instead."

He's lost me already.

"Why did he want me dead?"

"The same reason that you were attacked today...political power."

"I'm not following. . ."

McCaffery sighs. "You are the Prince of Atlantis. Your father - your REAL father - is King Orin of Atlantis."

"King?"

McCaffery nods. "Your mother, Atlanna, had an affair with the King. It was going fine - until she got pregnant. The Queen accused your mother of being a listless harlot who seduced the King."

He stops for a moment so I could let this all soak in.

"Mind you, this was during a dark time in Atlantean history. One could compare it to the Salem Witch Trials. Law-breakers were exiled to the surface world - much like your mother and myself. So the Queen had your mother exiled here."

"What about you?" I ask.

McCaffery smiles to himself. "I tried to be a voice of reason. I pointed out that the King is as much to blame for the affair as Atlanna was. I reasoned that if they exiled one, they would have to exile the other. I was hoping that they would see the madness in their logic."

"They didn't," I continue his story. I'm starting to pick up on it - even if I don't fully believe any of it.

"No. Atlantis does not guarantee free speech. I accused the King. Of course it wasn't going to be taken well."

He sighs again, re-living these moments...if they ever happened.

"Your mother and I came up here - to Mercy Reef - to settle down. That's when Atlanna met Thomas Curry. The two fell in love and were married just before you came along," McCaffery explains.

"So what's all this about killing me?"

"Well...King Orin never had another child. Therefore, you - although illegitimate - are the sole heir to his throne. The political extremists realized that if you were dead, there would be no heir, no Prince. If that were so, then they could lobby for the throne and try to make themselves King. But when their first attempt failed, King Orin took every precaution necessary to protect his former lover - and his son."

"So why'd they come back now?"

"I suppose that King Orin's health is failing. He should be a relatively old King by now. When he passes away, the Royal Guard will come to bring you back to claim your throne. So the political extremists are trying to kill you before that happens."
​

 

[Batman]

IC:

​

Vengeance was a power best fueled by cold. No one understood this more than Victor Fries.

During a riot at the Arkham Rehabilitational Institute, a riot of which had been brought on by, ironically enough, it's former head doctor in Johnathan Crane, Victor had seized the opprotunity to escape the steel barriers that had held him in for so many months, now. So many months of waiting... waiting for his next chance to avenge his wife, who now lied helpless in the middle of Gotham City Genetics, waiting for a cure to her tragic condition. It would break Victor's heart to recall such... if he was sure he even had one left.

He stood atop a rooftop in the middle of the city. Were anyone paying attention, and he would've been easily recognisable, as the roof itself was covered in snow. Staring out the infared lenses of his goggles, feeling the below zero temperatures ease his body with comfort within the containment suit he was forever damned to be entrapped, Victor could only stare. Only dream. Dream of the day that he would turn the city itself into a winter wonderland.

"HAHAHAHA!"

The loud laughter echoed throughout the skies of Gotham, as Victor turned, somewhat confused... though evidently uncaring. All that mattered to him was Nora, now. What could possibly be coming his way was of no concern... he would kill it. Better yet, he would freeze it, and send it into an eternal preservation... to be the first of many of test subjects, in Victor's plan to succumb the entire populance in such a manner. But the moment the door busted open behind him, Victor's plans were halted, as he was greeted with, perhaps, the strangest sight of his life.

"When the weather outside is frightful! And deeeath is so delightful! Let the commoners hear the bell toll!", The Joker sang, adorned in a Santa Claus hat over his head, cheerfully making his way onto the rooftop. "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Mr. Freeze stared, for a moment, before raising his gun to the intruder on his thoughts. He didn't know who The Joker was, or the kind of chaos the madman had ensued within the months he had been active in the city... like many things, he pushed such news aside for the benefit of Nora. But he knew one thing: The clown was a source of clear annoyance. But Victor knew how to solve that.

"Indeed,", He spoke, his gravelly voice echoing through the bubble that encased his head, as he looked upon The Joker with a deathly stare. "Let it snow."

The Joker clasped his hands together, showing no evident fear in the face of Freeze's cold enducing weapon. "Oh, goodie! You're going to turn me into Frosty the clown! Mommy always said Christmas was a time of giving!"

Freeze paused. Somehow... it seemed unsatisfactory, if The Joker actually did not care to perish. It was as if, for the first time in a year, Victor was expeiriencing another emotion aside from vengeful love... curiosity. He moved the gun downwards, to his side.

"Leave me be.", Mr. Freeze commanded, looking back out at the city. "I do not care of your life. I only wish to be alone."

The Joker chuckled. "Pal, I don't even know my life! And that's the fun of it!"

Freeze ignored him. The Joker seemed to realize this, quickly, as he folded his arms.

"How droll. You're going for the old emo bit. Kids, these days... not a single original act left for 'em!", The Joker exclaimed. "But hey, here's a thought! Why not get off your icy perch, snowball, and live a little! Like, say... wreaking havoc? Beheading a few Gotham officials, perhaps? Hell, I'll even lend you a few tips! I know where a few spots in town that are simply to die for! HAHAHA!"

"Perhaps you do not understand,", Freeze interrupted, bitterly. "I do not share your desires of chaos. Nor your thrill of murder. I act only for my own purposes."

"Who said I wasn't?", The Joker laughed, before looking back up at Freeze. "But hey, if you need a little motivation, let's start with a little resume comparison! What's the one thing you, me, and every Gotham looney tune has in common?"

"We have nothing in common."

"Oh, I think we do.", The Joker argued, before stroking the longated chin of his harlequin mask. "I'll give you a hint. Starts with a B. Rymes with Gatman. And hopefully ends, hehe, with alot of blood on my hands."

Freeze's spine turned colder then ever, as he turned, realizing instantly what The Joker was referring to. Or more importantly, who it was. All too suddenly, Freeze's tone went from bitter as ice to enraged as an artic storm.

"Batman..."

The Joker snapped his fingers, in response. "Well, whaddaya know? You're not as dumb as you look, Vicky! Of course Batman. The one thorn in everybody and their mother's side, in this town."

"You waste words with me, clown.", Freeze responded. "If I am to have my revenge against Batman, I shall do it by my own hand. I need not your help."

"Because you did such a good job of bringing Dark Knighty Night down before...", The Joker sarcastically shot back with a chuckle. "But no. Believe it or not, I wasn't offering you The Bat himself. The honor of his demise shall go to me, and me alone. But I can offer you the next best thing..."

The Joker outstretched his hands, looking out at the city. Freeze joined his gaze, even more confused than before.

"Everything he so foolishly believes in!", The madman exclaimed. "Justice! Order! Truth! The right to bear capes! All lost within this scattered puzzle of anarchy we call a city. He'd bend over backwards and take it from the rear if it meant proving his idealist goals true! HAHA!"

Turning, The Joker placed his forearm on Freeze's shoulderguard, as if they had been friends for years. Though essentially, at a guess, neither one would consider the other even remotely so.

"But think of it, Frostbite. The chance to take the one thing that matters in life to most from Batface. It'd devastate him to the very core. NO! Better! It'd probably turn him into one of us! We'd finally have a poker buddy!", The Joker cackled. "Not to mention it would be the ultimate revenge. I mean, after all... he took that very chance away from you, didn't he?"

Freeze looked over, suddenly contemplative, as he considered the Clown Prince Of Crime's words.

"Wouldn't it be funny to see Batfink's face if you took everything from him?"

For the first time in his life, notably his career as a criminal, Freeze was beginning to consider the possibility of trust. And the greater possibility at his revenge against Batman, for placing Nora in her current state by not allowing him to steal the nessecary cure. It would be a cold day in hell before Victor was going to let the vigilante roam unjustified and free for that unforgivable crime.

"I fail to see the hilarity. However,", Freeze began, fully facing the maniac. "Your offer intrigues me. I wish to know more of your plan."

The Joker grinned. Oh, this was going to be fun indeed...

 

[Byrd Man]

Ultimate

​

Fort Bragg, North Carolina
1995

Fresh out of basic training, Private Slade Wilson walks down the hallways of the barracks. The past few months have been good, he's fitting into the army like a round peg. He gently knocks on an office door before going in and saluting his superior officer.

"Sir."

"At ease, Private."

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes. Take a seat."

Slade takes a seat across the desk from the man with graying hair. His nameplate reads General Rock.

"I was looking at your files, Wilson. You scored 100% on the PT exam, and near perfect on your sharpshooting tests. From the physical, you have 20/5. That's damn near the eyesight of a hawk. We ran a blood test, did you know you're a meta-human?"

Slade scratches his head and looks at the general, rubbing his fingers through his short hair.

"Umm, what?"

"A meta-human. You were born with enhanced abilites. Superpowers. You seem to have stamina, speed, and vision. We haven't administered a pysch test yet. But, you seem to be perfect candidate for someone in my buisness."

"And what is your buisness, General?"

Rock laughs as he lights up a cigar.

"Black ops, Private. Black ops."

Kowloon City
Hong Kong, China
1998

Through the busy streets of Kowloon City, a short fat China man walks flanked by three heavyset bodyguards. Unknown to him, a blond man with cold eyes and a goatee watches from a rooftop.

"John Wayne to team, status report."

Slade looks down the street to a taxi cab three or so carlengths back from the target.

"Matt Dillion, sitting pretty."

His eyes dart to a bum on the street as he holds his finger to his ear to speak.

"Hoss Cartwright standing by."

Slade finally looks at a young chinese woman sitting on a bench dressed in a buisness outfit.

"Miss Kitty, I've got him in my sights."

Slade smiles slightly as he hurries off the rooftop to get himself in position. He and his three teammates made up something so secret, only a few people knew about it. Not even the president knew about Project: Phoenix.

"Hoss to team. Target has gone inside the building."

Slade rushes down the steps and finally comes to a door and opens it. The building they picked was being renovated so nobody would even know if he had come or gone.

"Alright, Pilgrims. Scatter."

The team had done their job now it was his job to finish it.

Phoenix was a holdover from Vietnam. The CIA trained soldiers to knock off corrupt politicians. Hell, General Rock, his CO, was in the project and killed his share of folks.

"Miss Kitty, to John Wayne. Good luck."

Slade smiled as he started setting up his rifle. Lia was on the team because of her language skills, that and she can snap a guy's neck with just her thighs. Which, turned Slade on very much.

"John Wayne to Audie Murphy. Awaiting final approval."

His scope was trained across the office building right at Ling Seo's head. Ling was suppose to be the US's foothold into the door of China, but he showed his true colors once he was in office, denouncing democracy and saying China should invade America. Suffice to say, he had pissed the wrong people off.

"Audie Murphy to John Wayne, green."

Slade smiled and squeezed the trigger. There was a small delay in the time it took for him to pull the trigger and then see Ling Seo's head implode all over the office.

"That is a confirmed kill, John Wayne is riding off in the sunset."

In a mere moments, the rifle is dissasembled and Slade is running out the room and to the extraction area.

Hotel LeGrand
Hong Kong
6 Hours Later

"Good job, team. You're dismissed. We'll catch the next bird back to the states at 16:00."

Slowly, the team leaves the room. Until only Slade and Lia remained.

"That was a good shot, Slade. I saw it."

"Thanks, Lia."

There was a long pause as they both looked at each other.

"So...You're room or mine?"

"Yours."​

Slade Wilson smiled as he followed Lia out the door. Yep, Slade Wilson fit in the army perfectly.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Kid, if not for the millions I'm getting in endorsements? I'd starve. You saw how many pizza boxes I had at home. That was one day."

I smile as I dig back into my chicken chow main.

Five Minutes Later

Barry and I both sit back after literally cleaning out the whole resturant.

"That hit the spot, cuz. Well, we should be heading on out...."

I shift my eyes around and smile at Barry. I clear my throat and do some speed-taling.

"I frgt my mny, tke care of it. K? thnxz, bi!"

I dissapear out of the resturant while all eyes fall on Barry.

 

[Karem-Knight]

Edit: Double post.

 

[Karem-Knight]

[FONT=&quot]Hub City:


[FONT=&quot] I come back from prosecuting the adulterer and head for my main mission, Five 18 year old girls were killed in five months, All went to Hub City university, All buried in the same place, All were merely shot. Strange since most serial killers leave a “mark” on each victim that includes mutilation. And finally all bodies were found in the Woods, the same exact forest. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I take off my mask so that people don’t call the police and claim seeing a faceless man was driving round in a cab.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Starting the engine I head off to Hub University.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I come out of the cab going to a Coffee stand and order two cups, I analyse the area noticing any girls, All the killer’s victims had no similar look from the last victim. Must be careful not to make it look I’m the murder either.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]After an hour I notice how many cars are around the university and decide that the best place to go to is the forest, I head back to the cab.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I’m near the beginning of the forest notching the police tape every mile or so from each girl, Police haven’t picked up on this.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Finally I’m a mile and a half away from the last victim, Far enough to see and not be seen.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I walk a quarter of a mile towards the expected area and climb a tree, Perfect view.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Before I climb put my mask into my face a little hot but it’ll do.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]As I stand up here it’s obvious that the killer only comes out late at night, Must keep eyes open.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3:00 o’clock in the morning, I finally notice a car approaching, It parks just outside, I climb down quietly, I see the girl come out, She must be only 18.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]She looks nervous knowing about what happened here for the past five months.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I notice a man come out, quite young and handsome. Typical jock, this might not be the killer, Must not take that risk though.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I slowly come towards another tree, crouching behind it, I hear the girl screaming and him calmly talking to her.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I move from tree to tree until I can see him clearly, He must be the killer. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He pulls out a gun and hits the girl in the mouth I can hear him yell, [/FONT]“SHUT UP BICTH!”

[FONT=&quot]Without thinking I run towards him and leap behind him, Hat falls off.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have him in a headlock, He’s quite strong.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“You’re killing ends tonight!”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He hits my rib cage and pushes me away, [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
“Like hell you FREAK!”
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I punch him in the nose he falls to the ground.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I then pull out my 45.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“You sick twisted *******, I’m goanna enjoy blowing your head off like you did to those girls!”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I see tears in his eyes and slowly go up to him and put my gun to his forehead.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“Goodbye!”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Click.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“Oh ****!”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Before I fully realize that I forgot to put my ammo into the gun I fall to the ground as he trips me, He then kicks my head and gets his gun.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Despite the pain I grab his leg and notice the grave that he has dug for his former victim.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I wrestle him in the mud we both try to get the gun, Realizing this is wasting time I punch him square in the face and throw the gun away.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He then kicks me off again but I grab his neck and pull him to the ground and start pounding his body with my legs and fists.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Tired and exhausted I drag his battered body towards his grave.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
“NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! PLEASE I’LL DO ANYTHING PLEASE! THIS ISN’T FARE JUST SEND ME TO JAIL PLEASE…..!”

[FONT=&quot]I look at him and throw him towards the grave, He’s broken.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I then grab the shovel and hit him over the head.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“I’ll rather send you to hell.”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I then dislocate his jaw and batter his body even more making him into a vegetable, just alive to see his burial. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ripping out a piece of paper and write the words;[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]This is the murder,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Your welcome,[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Q,[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]I get a pin out and stick it to his chest and take his car keys and wallet then I throw him into his grave I give him the last words he’ll hear.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“Just to let you know, You have approximately 2 hours to think of what you’ve done before your last lung explodes from the pressure of serving your entire body air supply and soon after that you’ll suffocate, So you have 2 hours to think of those young girls you’ve killed, Even if I did find an ambulance they couldn’t help you.”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Then continuing digging after a while my mask becomes absorbed by sweat and slowly melts.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I walk over to the girl sitting there traumatized I put my hand on her shoulder.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“Take these.” [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I give her his car keys and most of the cash from his wallet, I keep the rest.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I then walk away into the shadows, I’ve done enough for one night.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]​

[/FONT]

 

[Batman]

I listen to his words. His explaination that humanity is hopeless, and that essentially, they cannot govern themselves or be trusted with their own destinies. He feels as if it's the only possible thing that can make those decisions. But Brainiac's wrong. Everything he says... everything he's strived to prove to us, for whatever purpose... it goes against every belief and every hope I've ever maintained for the good of mankind. The moment my parents were slain infront my eyes, I knew that somewhere, someway, there was a brighter side to humanity. And ever since, I've been trying to peel away the layers of darkness in this world to reach it.

I cannot, and refuse to believe that humanity is hopeless. But what I do believe is that, artificial or not, Brainiac is apart of the very evil I've sworn to oppose until my dying breath. And it's clear to me that he can't be allowed to continue this insane takeover of the human race.

My thoughts run silent, and observational, as the machine turns his attention to Superman.

"I suppose that now, since you are aware of my plan to disrupt your status quo, you will spring into action and try to destroy me. But before you do that, perhaps you would be interested in my...collection."

Superman seems curious to the meaning of what Brainiac just told him. My own curiosity is piqued, admittedly. But I can't help imagining. And each thought leaves my skin even colder than before. No doubt, Brainiac has managed to seize other worlds... other races, far beyond what any of us on Earth have ever dreamed possible. And if that's the case... his points are already proven false. He doesn't want to help Earth. It's merely the next in a concievably long line of worlds under his tyrannical control.

I won't listen to this. I don't even want to know. The time for words are over. Action must be taken, and Brainiac must be stopped. My fingers slide over a batarang beneath my cape, clasped to my utility belt. But before I attack, I feel the steel grip of one of Brainiac's machines behind me, as it grabs my shoulder, and pulls up my cape, revealing my hand on the weapon. Brainiac seems to turn to me, as I grit my teeth.

"...A precaution. Nothing more.", I state, sliding my hand off of it.

So much for a planned assault...

 

[Apprentice]

Kyle Rayner had barely slipped past Oa's atmosphere before the emerald image of Ganthet had sharply reminded him of the assignment he had unwillingly abandoned in the face of the real Alan Scott's demand. The small, red-robed alien had not questioned him as to the reason of his departure; he merely stated his message and dissipated into the black void of space. Kyle suspected that the Guardian had simply been too preoccupied with the thought of the mission to take note of the sinister nature of his journey. Although the concept of chasing down the source of his nightmares was almost too attractive to pass up, Kyle acknowledged that he would have to complete the task in hand first...

...and, of course, he could not deny that the opportunity to escort a real angel to Heaven itself greatly intrigued and appealed to him. Religions had debated and bickered fof centuries over their respective beliefs - and he, a lowly Earthman with no true Godly allegiance, was soon to hold all the answers! Despite everything he had experienced, this event seemed as though it would dwarf it all! It took him mere moments to zip across the dark velvet expanse and drop down onto the green-blue globe that housed the spiritual saviour. There had been no expressed co-ordinates that he had been given, and so he found himself hovering motionless in the sky, casting his senses out to catch any glimpse of the creature.

"Greetings, young one. I trust you are my escort?" the calm, soothing tones boomed outwards as an ivory light enveloped the Lantern. His instinctive reaction was to shield his eyes, but he swiftly remembered his power and his gaze pulsed green, allowing it to pierce the sudden, supernatural illumination. It ceased, then, revealing the majestic male he had been sent to assist. He couldn't restrain a startled gasp as he witnessed the angel unfurling its magnificent wings, each individual feather perfectly complimenting those around it. His lean, muscular body shone with a soft golden shimmer, and his gentle smile sent a tingle across Kyle's body. In that moment, all of his abilities as Ion seemed useless...
​

His voice returned to him and he responded: "Yeah. Yes, I'm your escort. I'm Kyle Rayner, also known as Ion."​

The angel's grin broadened, and he almost subconsciously traced the intricate patterns of his sheathed blade with his finger. "And I, child, am head of the Eagle Host. We have no need for designations on the spiritual plane, but for the purposes of this journey...you may call me Zauriel."

There was a soft chuckle within Kyle's mind, his connection with the battery flaring as its digital representative made contact. "Damn impressive, ain't it? I remember the first time I helped an angel get to the pearly gates..." Alan Scott muttered, nostalgia settling in. "This is about as good as it gets on this job."

Inwardly, Kyle grinned. I think this is about as good as it gets on any job... he 'thought' back. "Well then, Mister Zauriel, we should get moving. I admit, I'm quite anxious to get started."

"They all are, at first," the angel said, chuckling softly.

 

[Spike_x1]

The Man of Steel watched as the circuitry in Brainiac's "skull" fired off action potentials, just like a human brain, except this was many thousands of times more advanced and complicated in its process. As he observed this, he also noticed that several panels around them were firing the exact same sequence. That meant that Brainiac had to have been networked into the very ship, so destroying the body would achieve nothing because the consciousness would live on in the ship's systems.

As Superman watched this and listened to Brainiac's words, he was startled when robots suddenly grabbed Batman from behind, exposing his would-be strike. Of course, he couldn't blame Batman for trying.

"Let Batman go, Brainiac," the anger in his voice was barely noticeable as Superman decided to humor the machine for the moment, "and show me this collection of yours." As he said this, Superman gave the Dark Knight a sideways look, as if to tell him to wait for just the right moment of distraction on Brainiac's part.

 

[Andy C.]

I won't listen to this. I don't even want to know. The time for words are over. Action must be taken, and Brainiac must be stopped. My fingers slide over a batarang beneath my cape, clasped to my utility belt. But before I attack, I feel the steel grip of one of Brainiac's machines behind me, as it grabs my shoulder, and pulls up my cape, revealing my hand on the weapon. Brainiac seems to turn to me, as I grit my teeth.

"...A precaution. Nothing more.", I state, sliding my hand off of it.

So much for a planned assault...

The Man of Steel watched as the circuitry in Brainiac's "skull" fired off action potentials, just like a human brain, except this was many thousands of times more advanced and complicated in its process. As he observed this, he also noticed that several panels around them were firing the exact same sequence. That meant that Brainiac had to have been networked into the very ship, so destroying the body would achieve nothing because the consciousness would live on in the ship's systems.

As Superman watched this and listened to Brainiac's words, he was startled when robots suddenly grabbed Batman from behind, exposing his would-be strike. Of course, he couldn't blame Batman for trying.

"Let Batman go, Brainiac," the anger in his voice was barely noticeable as Superman decided to humor the machine for the moment, "and show me this collection of yours." As he said this, Superman gave the Dark Knight a sideways look, as if to tell him to wait for just the right moment of distraction on Brainiac's part.

The machines were unaffected by Superman's answer, not loosening their grip on Batman even slightly.

"A precaution. Nothing more," Brainiac said sardonically.

Indeed, the actions of the humans and metahumans were becoming far more difficult to control. Already the task force dispatched to Gotham had been disabled- a minor inconvenience, one that could be easily rectified if his mental faculties were not occupied on the remainder of the OMAC swarm- and the force protecting his ship was being assaulted on three fronts.

The Wonder Woman was providing stiff resistance, as was another woman who seemed to wield similar magical properties. And a third displayed abilities that matched those of a Martian...but such a notion was illogical. The Martians went extinct ages ago. Then again, the Kryptonian race was lost as well, and one was standing before his very eyes.

There was something very strange about this entire world, and Brainiac would take no more chances. Still, he could at least show Kal-El the collection.

"Observe, if you will, the objects on the outermost ring of my consoles. While they seem to be fairly unremarkable jars or bottles, they are in fact gateways into extra-dimensional space.

"You see, I have learned that reality as it is is not reality as it was. The Master Programmer began the experiment with an infinite number of parallel universes, infinite sets of infinity. However, my calculations indicate a cataclysmic event in which the multiverse collapsed upon itself, leaving only the one surviving universe we call our own. The dimensional frequencies which once made up entire strata of reality are now empty voids-- one of which your father, Jor-El, discovered during his studies, naming it the 'Phantom Zone.' The others, however, are where I keep my collection."

The bottles each contained what appeared to be miniature cities, all of which were drastically different in appearance. They hinted at wild architecture, materials unknown to this world or countless others.

"Captured by creating apertures in the fabric of time-space, I have taken samples of multiple populations, where I can store them in case the rest of the species is destroyed, and to conduct various social experiments to study cross-sections of all life. While they are mostly unfamiliar to you, this sample might hold your interest, as well as correct some errors in your beliefs."

Brainiac reached out with his mind, issuing a command to the mechanical tendrils that held the bottle-city in place. They lifted it from its pedestal, and brought it toward Kal-El.

"You believe that, with the destruction of your world, that you are the only survivor of your race. You believe all that Krypton was and all that it stood for resides in you, and only in you. You are wrong.

"This, Kal-El, is Kandor. Here, over five million of your kind survive. They are unharmed. They are untouched. And they are mine."

With the Kryptonian's attention fixated upon Kandor, Brainiac issued another command to the ship, charging up the wormhole generator and issuing coordinates. In a moment, Kal-El would be swallowed up in the time-space aperture, and taken into the collection.

All that he needed was a precious few more seconds...

 

[Spike_x1]

Superman stood, utterly transfixed by the city of Kandor, frozen in some sort of pocket of time and space and contained in something so contrastingly primitive as a jar.

Kandor. He couldn't believe it. Long ago, Kal-El had read through his father's archives, coming across several mentions of the famed city; but all of them were edited and nearly erased, as if his father had had second thoughts about chronicling anything that mentioned Kandor. And now its fate was revealed. This intergalactic parasite had stolen the city right off the face of Krypton! What could the planet's population have thought about such an act? How much did they even know? Did they fight back? Had any of them died while trying to take back their family and friends from Brainiac's clutches?

And Krypton wasn't the only world that Brainiac had done this to. Lining the room were hundreds more of these bottles, holding hostage many more cities shrunken and frozen in time.

As a tear managed to work its way out of Superman's burning eye, he caught the soft humming noise of something new starting up. Was it an engine or some kind of generator? Whatever it was, Superman had had enough. "YOU MONSTER!"

In the blink of an eye, he had swatted at the robot holding Batman's side closest to him, tearing through it in one stroke like tissue paper; and sliced through the drone holding Batman's other side with a beam of heatvision. As the other hero dropped skillfully back onto the floor, Superman was a blur and had his hand firmly around Brainiac's equivalent of a throat. "I'm putting a stop to this madness right here, right now."

 

[Batman]

Superman stood, utterly transfixed by the city of Kandor, frozen in some sort of pocket of time and space and contained in something so contrastingly primitive as a jar.

Kandor. He couldn't believe it. Long ago, Kal-El had read through his father's archives, coming across several mentions of the famed city; but all of them were edited and nearly erased, as if his father had had second thoughts about chronicling anything that mentioned Kandor. And now its fate was revealed. This intergalactic parasite had stolen the city right off the face of Krypton! What could the planet's population have thought about such an act? How much did they even know? Did they fight back? Had any of them died while trying to take back their family and friends from Brainiac's clutches?

And Krypton wasn't the only world that Brainiac had done this to. Lining the room were hundreds more of these bottles, holding hostage many more cities shrunken and frozen in time.

As a tear managed to work its way out of Superman's burning eye, he caught the soft humming noise of something new starting up. Was it an engine or some kind of generator? Whatever it was, Superman had had enough. "YOU MONSTER!"

In the blink of an eye, he had swatted at the robot holding Batman's side closest to him, tearing through it in one stroke like tissue paper; and sliced through the drone holding Batman's other side with a beam of heatvision. As the other hero dropped skillfully back onto the floor, Superman was a blur and had his hand firmly around Brainiac's equivalent of a throat. "I'm putting a stop to this madness right here, right now."

My shoulder loosens from the robot's grip in a blur of crimsoned navy. My right forearm is freed less than seconds later. And both of my attackers are reduced to little more than scrap metal, in less than that. It takes little time for me to realize what's happened: Superman's seen through this machine's facade. And he's angry about it, without question.

Good to know. I was beginning to think I was the only rational man aboard this construct...

More drones seem to come alive from the walls, posing as mechanical statues until this point. They come for us, obviously beaconed by Brainiac's command. I roll across the ground, loosen a pouch on my belt, and toss an array of miniturized Batarangs at them. Won't stop them... definately won't stop them, given my earlier encounter with an OMAC in Gotham. It'll just buy time. Which I'm sure we need, at this point.

"Handle Brainiac! Cut him off from his machines!", I call to Superman, throwing out another set, and sharply kicking one of the machines into the wall of the bridge. "I'll hold the remaining ones off as long as I can!"

Dammit, we need the Amazonian. Surely she's not still down there...

 

[Byrd Man]

Ultimate

​

Fort Bragg, North Carolina
2000

The North Carolina summer heat bears down as a group of friends eat on picnic tables outside.

"This is one fine hotdog. Thanks for the meal, Slade....or should I say, Colonel Wilson?"

"Don't mention it, Perkins. And you can cut that Colonel crap. Save that for when we're in the office."

Slade Wilson takes a bite of his hotdog and smiles, it was a group party. Slade had been promoted to Colonel and the boys were celebrating their 2nd birthday.

"Lia, honey. Let me hold Grant."

"Just be careful, Grant bumped his head the other day. He's so clumsy, good thing Joey's not like that."

Slade smiles as he lifts the baby in his arms and holds him. Yep, things were going good for Slade, he was a Colonel now. He had a nice desk job, actually helping General Rock run Pheonix instead. Lia had transfered from Pheonix and got a job on base as a translator for codes. Not too long after Kowloon Bay, she had become pregnant with their twins and they married soon after. Things were going good alright, better than good. Slade was the happiest he had ever been.
​

********

​

"Colonel Wilson, I'd like to see you ASAP."

Thirty seconds after his message, Slade walked through General Rock's office and was greeted by him as well as a few men in suits.

"Wilson, you're country needs you."

"What do you need, General?"

"Your body soldier, more importantly, your mind. These men are working on a new serum that can increase your mind power a hundred fold. Did you know that the human brain only uses 10% of it's potential? You're a perfect candidate for the project and we need you now more than ever. Remember soldier: Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

Slade smiled as he saluted General Rock, he was like a father to him, hell even better than his own father. General would never lie to him, he would never let him down.

"Sir, yes, sir."
​

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Spoiler

IC:

"Do you fully comprehend the charges laid against you?"

Despero was now before the entire council that makes up the Guardians of the Universe. The one who questions him now, is their leader Ganthlet. Despero becomes almost lost, looking around the chamber around him, as if ignoring Ganthlet's words; so Ganthlet repeats himself.

"Do you or do you not fully comprehend the charges--"

"I heard you the first time, Ganthlet. I was just admiring the beauty architecture of this room. Sure, it will need some tweaking...but it would make a most worthy throne room when I dispose your precious Corps."
​

"You are here before us, for the crimes of--"

"Pursuing my life long dreams and desires."

"No, Despero. Not unless your life long dream was to commit murder, after murder, after murder, until eventually you took the life of one of our own. Such a travesty as this, will not be taken lightly. For the consequences are much more dire."

Despero's eyes meet with Ganthlet's, and Ganthlet looks back at him with disgust as the brute smiles wide. He holds back his laughter the best he can, and speaks up.

"If I must dispose of any who oppose me, then I am merely defending myself. Show me such a law that is written that forbids me such luxury."

"Hardly, a death as result of immature bickering and a lost of control can hardly be called self defense."

"And what about your precious lantern, oh wise Guardian? Did he not attack first? You are the crafters of his said ring, as you are all Green Lanterns. I am sure you can somehow retrieve the data of that day, and find that I was merely defending myself. He assualted me--"

"You were a wanted criminal and remained to be--"

"He abused my rights--"

"Such rights are stripped once you commit murder--"

"Enough!"

Ganthlet interrupts, as if embarrassed that his colleagues would find themselves arguing like a child with one such as Despero, and Despero only chuckles at it.

"I know what this is all about, Ganthlet, as you do as well."

"The Flame of Py'tar."

"Oh, so you have heard of it?"

"Nothing but a legend now relegated to myth. It is a fool's dream."

"So, now it is a crime to pursue one's dreams? That is what started this all, isn't it Ganthlet?"

"If such a thing were to exist...if...then yes. Such power and knowledge cannot be taken under the wrong hands."

"So it does exist, doesn't it?"

There is a silence in the room, and Ganthlet closes his eyes. All of the other Guardians look over at him, and Despero takes notice to this. It only causes his smile to widen with glee even more. But since his socratic questioning is proving useless, he must rely on a naturally born talent; found in his third eye. He had warned the foolish lanterns that brought him in about bringing him before the Guardians. Despero tries to invade Ganthlet's mind.

"AAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGHHHHH!!"

Despero is attacked with such telepathic power that it causes him to get knocked back against the wall; such force that his shackles shatter. But the Guardians do not call in for any help, for the fool is now unconscious. Ganthlet hovers over to Despero's body.

"You fool...you resort to your trickery, a trickery trademarked by your people against one such as myself? We wrote the book on willpower, Despero."

Responding to the noise they heard, three Green Lanterns including Katma Tui enter, shocked when they see Despero unconscious before them and Ganthlet floating just above.

"And for committing such a crime as invading ones privacy of the mind...you shall be sentenced to solitary confinement."

Ganthlet looks over to the three lanterns, and nods to Katma and they take Despero away to his cell.
​

So...what did you do that the Guardians felt you deserved such a consequence?

Despero lays in his cell, silent and motionless. He has been sentences to solitary confinement, but it seems he is still not alone. It would appear that there are many who are now among him in solitary confinement. The walls are solid, and to hear a sound outside of one's own surroundings is near impossible. So why does Despero hear this voice? This voice as if the being was standing right next to him?

"Who's there?"

Despero now gets up, moving around his cell, trying to find a small hole or thinner part of the wall allowing him to hear; but there is nothing. It is then that Despero realizes what is happening. He grew up in a society of telepaths, but none before has he ever encountered another outside of his homeworld.

What do you want?

Ah, so you are a telepath as well. I sensed a strong will on your mind when they brought you to your cell, despite the fact that you were unconscious. Forgive me for the intrusion, for on my planet respect amongst telepaths is very important. I just had to be sure.

Well you have gotten my attention. Where do you hail from?

For a few moments, Despero gets no response back. He knows not the power nor the limits to this telepath's powers...so he figures perhaps either he has used up all of his power for the time being, or he is merely inferior and cannot hold his link for too long. Whatever the reason, Despero does not know; but the telepath does finally respond back.

Where I hail from is of no importance anymore...for all is lost. And me...I am to blame for my planet's destruction. The Guardians of the Universe have declared me the Scapegoat for the true suspect.

It is then that Despero realizes, even though he cannot see the telepath's face, that the reason it took so long was because his question affected him greatly on an emotional level. He thinks it is a sign of weakness, but he does not choose to ignore the telepath's following messages; he would be entirely alone after all. Who knows how long it would take until he went mad with the boredom.

But it wasn't...and was my fault. You see, I have this...personality disorder. And sometimes when I am one way, I just cannot control myself. Perhaps I do deserve to rot here...perhaps I am paying my just deserved.

Nonsense. The Guardians of the Universe are holding you captive for an action not of your own accord...as they are doing so to me.

Well, then as I asked before...what have you done to receive such punishment?

Despero's hands clench as his teeth grind together, his heart and mind swelling with anger. However, a thought comes over himself, and all that exhales from him is a smile.

I seek the glory that is the Flame of Py'tar. The Guardians wish to hide its location from me, so they keep me here as their prisoner. But when I find it...all will cower at my newfound abilities.

The Flame of Py'tar? I've heard a many things about it.

Despero's facial expression is a shocked one, and he turns his head towards the location of the telepath's cell, even though he cannot see him. He even leans up against the wall, with both hands as if pushing against it.

You know of the great Flame?

 

[Andy C.]

As a tear managed to work its way out of Superman's burning eye, he caught the soft humming noise of something new starting up. Was it an engine or some kind of generator? Whatever it was, Superman had had enough. "YOU MONSTER!"

In the blink of an eye, he had swatted at the robot holding Batman's side closest to him, tearing through it in one stroke like tissue paper; and sliced through the drone holding Batman's other side with a beam of heatvision. As the other hero dropped skillfully back onto the floor, Superman was a blur and had his hand firmly around Brainiac's equivalent of a throat. "I'm putting a stop to this madness right here, right now."

My shoulder loosens from the robot's grip in a blur of crimsoned navy. My right forearm is freed less than seconds later. And both of my attackers are reduced to little more than scrap metal, in less than that. It takes little time for me to realize what's happened: Superman's seen through this machine's facade. And he's angry about it, without question.

Good to know. I was beginning to think I was the only rational man aboard this construct...

More drones seem to come alive from the walls, posing as mechanical statues until this point. They come for us, obviously beaconed by Brainiac's command. I roll across the ground, loosen a pouch on my belt, and toss an array of miniturized Batarangs at them. Won't stop them... definately won't stop them, given my earlier encounter with an OMAC in Gotham. It'll just buy time. Which I'm sure we need, at this point.

"Handle Brainiac! Cut him off from his machines!", I call to Superman, throwing out another set, and sharply kicking one of the machines into the wall of the bridge. "I'll hold the remaining ones off as long as I can!"

Dammit, we need the Amazonian. Surely she's not still down there...

"I had hoped that this could be resolved without a violent altercation," Brainiac said, his voice heavy with resignation, "but if this is the only possible recourse, then so be it."

The Batman easily dispatched the drones who were attempting to restrain him; not surprising, considering that they were not programmed for combat protocols. However, Bruce Wayne would have to be subdued if he were to figure into the plan.

"You truly are an excellent combatant, Mister Wayne. Indeed, considering your comparable intellect and wider array of skills, I would venture to say that you are superior in several respects to the only other Ninth-Level intellect on this world, Lex Luthor. I should mention that he sent you here in the belief that I would kill the both of you. He betrayed you just as he plans to betray the rest of his species by turning them over to me.

"It hardly matters now, though; with your physical and mental capacities wired into the new Computer Tyrant program, humanity will be subconsciously persuaded to upgrade willingly."


With another command to his ship, a mass of mechanical tendrils sprung out from the walls, constricting around Wayne. In a moment, he would be secured, and dragged into the bowels of the ship for his upgrade to begin.

Kal-El, on the other hand, was moving quickly, nearly too quickly for his sensors to keep track. Nevertheless, he had planned on this. A blast of red energy burst forth from his right hand, catching Superman square in the chest and knocking him to the floor.

"I should warn you, Kal-El: I have installed multiple energy-replicating devices both on my own frame and throughout the ship. I can generate virtually any known form of radiant energy...including that of a red star."

He let forth another blast at the Kryptonian. If Brainiac was going to add him to the collection, he would need to keep him grounded.

"Just as I suspected. Your cellular structure readily absorbs extra solar energy under the conditions of an alien world -namely Earth- but goes back to its more dormant form when subjected to a more familiar radiant source. In effect, red solar radiation drains you of your power."

Even with the blasts of red light, Kal-El continued to advance upon him.

"And still you resist. I do not intend to end your life, Kal-El, no matter what Luthor's own wishes may be. Still, if I am to add you to the collection, you must stay in one place long enough for the wormhole generator to lock onto you. Therefore, I will implement a more potent method of keeping you down."

Brainiac re-calibrated the frequencies, instead issuing forth a violet beam, to no visible effect.

"Not quite..."

He shot out a bolt of blue energy next, again with no effect.

"Closer, but not quite..."

Finally, he let out a blast of sickening green light which washed over Superman, causing the Kryptonian to double over in pain.

"Ah. There we are..."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom makes her way back down to the Panic Room and changes back into Rhiannon.

She then enters the code and opens the door.

She says to Rachel, Commissioner Gordon & The Mayor, "It's safe now the robotic humans are sleeping."

Gordon asks, "Sleeping? I hope there is a better explanation to follow."

Rhiannon says, "I assure you there is Commissioner. I know someone who was able to fire off a low level pulse that caused everyone's cybernetic units to deactivate and they're now hibernating. Unfortunately there is a kind of master control, and once the Master Control unit is shut-down then everyone should wake up. Granted they'll have a terrific headache but overall they should be fine."

The Mayor says, "Well then I guess it's time for us to get things back to some sort of normallacy. Dr. Palmer would you care to assist us we could use all the help we can get."

She says, "Mr. Mayor I hate to say this but I have to decline at this time. My mother is in the hospital and not doing well. I think I should go see her as soon as I can."

The Mayor says, "Oh absolutely Dr. Palmer. Commissioner Gordon will see to it that you get a police escort to the Hospital."

Gordon begins to get out his cell phone, but Rhiannon says, "Thank you Mr. Mayor, but I know a quicker way through some of the back alleys and the last thing this city needs is valuble resources being used like that."

They two men nod in agreement and the Mayor says, "All-right Dr. Palmer good luck. Let's get going we have a lot of work to do."

Rhiannon says, "Ah Rachel could you please come with me to my office for a moment. I have the money I owe you."

Rachel replies, "Oh okay I'll catch up with you two outside."

Rhiannon and Rachel get to Rhiannon's office. Rachel asks, "Rhiannon you don't owe me any money, what's going on?"

Rhiannon replies, "I need a quick ride to the hospital."

Rachel says, "You had a police escort ready to go, you can't get much faster than that."

Rhiannon says, "No I need to reach out & touch someone for this ride."

Rachel smiles and says, "I see now." She pulls out her cell-phone and says, "What's the number?"

Rhiannon smiles and says, "Thanks Rachel, wait for me to change, dial the number and count 5 and hang up."

She tells her the number, shrinks down, hovers next to Rachel and says, "Dial it."

Rachel says, "Good luck Rhiannon, I hope things work out." She dials the number and The Atom dives into the phone and rides the current all the way to Gotham General.

 

[Saved]

Roy stood staring eye to eye with the coldblooded killer in front of him. His blue eyes scanned back to the crossbows at the man's hips.

S**t. This guy looks like he could take out a small army.

While he sized up his opponent, Merlyn did the same. Roy's eyes looked past Merlyn, behind him tied to the roof top was a hydrogen filled weather balloon.

Now there's an idea.

Roy instinctively reached for one of his match headed fire arrows, and at the same time dived out of the way as Merlyn fired one of his own off at blinding speed. The assassin's arrow ripped the leather on Roy's pantleg, but as his own arrow burst into flames, and sailed past Merlyn's head, the killer laughed cruelly.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I thought you were supposed to be a deadshot, not a lousy one."

"Who says I missed?"

***BOOM***
As the balloon exploded, Roy dived from the rooftop, two arrows in his hands. Freefalling, the archer used the arrows to rip into a canopy on the way down and slow his fall. As soon as he hit the ground he sprinted, hoping that he had bought enough time to regroup from the assassin.

(IC: Arsenal)

"Interesting. He's running from the fight." A figure says as he watches from the roof of a nearby building. The figure slouches with his arms folded, as he leans against a smoke stack. "Merlyn is probably pissed. I mean, I was suppossed to be his lookout. But its not my fault. He should pay better attention to his surroundings. That's what he always told me. 'Oliver, pay attention.' Maybe he should take his own advice sometimes."

Ollie takes out his bow, and holds it in front of him. He pulls an arrow from his quiver, and places it on the wire, as he begins to pull back.

"Ah, Green Arrow...why are you so foolish? You can't run from any problems. No matter how small." He looks at the end the sharp pointed tip of the arrow, and smiles. "Or painful."

Ollie aims his arrow calmly and with ease. He focuses on his target, and releases the arrow. It flies through the air smoothly and swiftly. Like a sniper's bullet, the arrow goes through the air quickly, and hits its target just as fast. Roy drops to the ground as the arrow penetrates his shoulder. Ollie moves out from the shadows, and puts his leg on the ledge of the building. He laughs, and calls out to the fallen hero.

"Looks like there's more than one of us with precision tonight, huh?"

 

[Andy C.]

(IC: )

The swarm of OMACs is slower now, less organized now that Brother Eye is no longer there to coordinate them. Still, they are powerful adversaries by themselves, and they strike with thousands at a time.

I keep moving as fast as I can, charging in and out of the cloud of cybernetic monsters and scattering them in all directions. I have to keep them off-balance, to buy Superman and the Batman enough time to defeat Brainiac...if that is at all possible.

Then, I realize I am no longer alone in this fight.

I returned to my dressing room and turned the radio back on...

::"Breaking News! Robotic monsters are taking over Metropolis! A huge spaceship is floating in the sky! Wonder Woman and the mysterious Batman and Superman have appeared on scene! They're destroying the city! Large-scale evacuations have been blocking traffic..."::​

I sighed and magically transformed my outfit into my crime-fighting suit.​

"A magician's work is never done. Siloportem!"​

I notice a flash of light far below me, and see a woman emerge on the streets. I can't get a better view with the legion of robotic creatures chasing after me, but it looked as if she had used some kind of teleportation magic...not unlike the witch Circe.

If there is another sorceress like Circe, then she may prove to be an entirely new threat. Unfortunately, I may not get the opportunity to see whether this woman is a friend or foe.

With my attention on the woman below, an OMAC manages to blindside me with a jarring blow. My sight blurs as more of them knock me back and forth between them.

I can't let my allies down. I have to keep fighting. Otherwise, this world will be lost.

That's all the motivation I need. I shake my head to regain my bearings, and throw the OMACs off of me. They tumble away, and I ready myself for the next wave.

Only the next wave doesn't come. The OMACs have turned their attention to someone else...

"Dear lord..."​

The hushed exclamation barely rang in J'onn's ears as his widened gaze settled on the swarm of androids that clogged the air beneath him. According to psionic intelligence that had been 'thought' out to him via one of Black's operatives from the Leviathan, Wonder Woman was somewhere within the mass of so-called OMACs, fighting for her life; her companions, though, had seemingly broken through the mechanical barrier and vanished. There had been news of some sort of extraterrestrial craft in orbit, at which point J'onn had severed the telepathic link. His main focus had to be reaching the Amazonian princess...any other goal would merely distract him.​

From his hovering position over the OMAC cloud, he attempted to single out his goal, with no achievement. If he was going to aid her, he was going to have to get inside. With that in mind, he directed himself downwards and plunged, a sonic boom rippling outwards from his body as he accelerated. His eyes burned with red-hot rage and then they struck outwards as he plummeted, ploughing into the herd mere moments before he himself did. Robotic whines and metallic pops assaulted his ear drums as he threw himself into a frenxy, whipping to and fro and sending the creatures careening out of control. Searing heat ionized the air around him, but he ignored the stench and continued to drive his fists and legs in all directions.​

And yet, still more rose, each of their attacks nearing him until one finally struck and he cried out, feeling himself being propelled free of their collective grasp. For a single moment, everything was black...and then he awoke again, a terrible sight greeting him.​

"Powers and abilities analysed. Appropriate defence mechanisms activated."​

The drone was in perfect synchrony, drowning out the Martian Manhunter's thoughts. A single drone dived towards him, the others returning to their previous stations; energy bolts slashed out of its steely visage, burning into J'onn's shoulders. He swung wildly as its blade-fist ripped into his stomach, opening a devastating gash through which blood freely gushed. Flailing, he bit through the pain and smashed his elbow into the OMAC's chest - to little effect. The robot barely faltered before continuing its brutality, seizing the alien by his neck and tightening his grasp. The sheer speed and viciousness of the attack had taken J'onn off guard, and he merely writhed as the OMAC lessened his air supply with each passing second.​

"I...uh...have survived the fury of the White Martians...and I will not...fall to...YOU!" His strength erupted as his hands snapped into the air and slammed with amazing force on either side of the OMAC's head. There was a titanic roar of air and the armour splintered, the Martian's might fracturing it. The human inside let out a whimper as their case fell away...​

...revealing a being with green skin and an elongated skull.​

A Martian.​

J'onn, paralysed with shock, could do nothing but watch as another of his own kind began their descent towards the Earth.​

Great Hera.

Whoever this being is, he wields abilities very similar to Superman or my own. While it comes as a relief to have this unexpected aid, it's nothing short of incredible that there is yet another being of such power in this place.

I see him stop in the middle of the fight, as if transfixed on one of the OMACs he'd just brought down. He doesn't seem to even notice the dozens of other machines bearing down on him.

"Watch out!"

I speed towards the green-skinned man, plowing into an OMAC and sending it careening downwards. Two more come in from behind him, and I kick them away. The numbers are growing again, and I won't be able to hold them off for long.

"I think we can hold off on introductions until this fight is over. Right now, we've got to keep moving. I've got allies taking on the monster that controls these things, and they need whatever help we can give them. Will you help us?"

Alone, the best I could hope for was to buy Superman and Batman some extra time. But if this man is as capable as he seems to be, then the two of us...

...or even the three of us...

I glance down to the woman below. Perhaps it's time to see if this sorceress is of a better quality than Circe was.

"Follow me," I say to the green-skinned man, "I need to find something out."

With that, I arc my flight downwards, trying to outrun the OMACs. If the spell-caster can be trusted, I just may have a plan.

-----
MEANWHILE:
-----

"Gentlemen," Lex Luthor said to the lines of heavily-armed LexCorp 'security' personnel assembled on the roof of his tower, "As you can clearly see, we are about to face the single greatest threat the human race has ever encountered. The future of this city -indeed, the future of the entire world- is in your very capable hands.

"You've been equipped with molecular disruption cannons, anti-gravity harnesses, and small-grade energy shields; all of which are my own patented designs. Nevertheless, the enemy is well-armed and extremely dangerous. You should show no mercy, because you will be given none. The alien menace must be eradicated from the Earth, and you are just the men to do it!"

The men cheered raucously before taking to the air, firing wildly into the OMAC swarm. Luthor watched them from the rooftop, grinning. The 'security' team was comprised mostly of militants and underworld mercenaries, brought under his payroll to protect his more...covert investments. They were really little more than tech-savvy thugs, but they were up there primarily to put on a show for the TV cameras to capture.

Superman and the other costumed freaks had been the only ones to fight back against Brainiac's invasion force so far. If they emerged victorious, then the world would fall under their influence. Humanity would become a second thought to the caped aliens and robots and magical beings and God-only-knows-what-else that had emerged in this and other cities, and that was something Lex Luthor could not abide.

True, he despised the stupidity of the common man, but that was something that could easily be fixed by someone smart enough to get the plebians to see things his way. They already trusted his company, and trusted his technology. But if he was really going to make the difference he always knew he could, the rest of the world would have to trust his philosophy. But that was something they'd never do, not while Superman and his kind were there to make everything better for them.

That was a problem, to be sure, but Lex Luthor was nothing if not a man who could solve any problem. Even problems wearing capes.

He watched as the LexCorp mercenaries charged into the fray, then reached into his pocket and pulled out the small vial he had stolen from Brainiac's ship. A vial containing a sample of the OMAC nano-virus, the most advanced technology in the universe. Brainiac was intelligent, obviously, but he lacked imagination. Once this was all over, Luthor would have all kinds of fun exploring what could be done with this.

"Attention, Security force Beta," he spoke into his wireless earpiece, "I'm giving you the greenlight for preparations. Doctor Quintum, Doctor Sivana, I want the binary fusion cannon ready to fire in under two minutes. Luthor out."

Even if the superhumans defeated Brainiac, he could still make it look like he had delivered the killing blow. And since none of the costumed vigilantes had any real legal authority, they would hardly be able to prove otherwise.

Lex couldn't help but keep smiling. He loved to see a plan come together.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Spoiler

Man-Bat

Kirk Langstrom had been waiting in the freezing cold for twenty minutes. With every breath he took, he felt every fiber of his being screaming at him to turn around and go home. But it didn't take any of his degrees to know that the clearly insane Black Mask was not someone you stood up. That, for all the good it did Kirk to deny it, he was in over his head.

"You Langstrom?" A deep voice boomed behind him.

Kirk swung his chair around and came face to face with five men, all of which clad in black leather jackets, black shirts, black pants and gloves, contrasting his rather bright blue suit.

"Y-Yes. That's me. Are you--?"

The biggest of the men impatiently nodded. "We're the thugs for hire Mr. Mask sent over. The boss wants this over with quickly, and personally, I'd prefer it if I was home in time for American Idol."

Kirk almost asked the man if he was serious, but decided against it, noting that he'd rather keep all his teeth.

"So..how is this going to w-" Kirk's obviously nervous voice was promptly cut off by the thug. " We get inside, we grab whatever the hell it is we're after, we get out." he stated in a matter-of-fact manner.

"Oh, alright. Oh, but before we go, " Kirk called to the men, who had already begun walking towards the building that housed his research, " there's not going to be any...uhm...killing. Right?"

All five men laughed coldly, regarding Kirk's question, Kirk himself noted, like one regards a toddler's request to go visit Santa Clause.

"Hahaha, yeah, sure Doc." said the leader, as the pack continued their silent approach to the university.

The journey to the front door seemed to last forever, Kirk thought to himself. For every inch he got closer to the entrance, a new bead of sweat trickled down his face. He felt himself being dragged through the night, towards the door. Towards something from which there was no return.
With clear-cut professionalism that surprised Kirk, who expected the thugs to simply blow their way inside, the leader of the group bent down so the doorhandles were at eye-level.
He pulled out a small device, no larger than a pencil, and pointed it towards the handle. Without a sound, a small red light shot from the device, and made quick work of the lock, burning a hole into it.

"I would advise you to stay out of our way at all times, Doc. Wouldn't want you to get hurt, now." the leader said, with a smile on his face that sent a chill down Kirk's spine.

The six men silently made their way inside, Kirk's wheelchair emitting a creaking sound that the others seemed to not notice.
The lobby, where every day hundreds of eager students marched back and forth, were now empty. Kirk's eyes shot in every direction, almost jumping out of his head every time he saw a shadow move.
But the five men were the only ones there.
They thought.

"Hey, who the hell are you?!!" Steve, the security guard, screamed at the group.

"Alright, DON'T MOVE!" Steve's hands were now enveloping a small pistol, aimed directly at the men.
Kirk felt a lump form in his throat. It was over now. Game over.

"D..Doctor Langstrom? Is...is that you?" Steve's voice was wrought with disbelief. And for a moment, and only an inch, he lowered his weapon.
In a blur of motion, almost too fast to really see, one of the men shot his hand inside his jacket. He pulled out a massive hunting knife, and threw it directly at the guard.
Kirk could've sworn he heard the blade cut air, before it hit Steve's throat. For the next seconds, Kirk could only hear the sickening, bloody gargles of a man trying to call out for help.
Steve's eyes were locked on to Kirk's, in an expression of pure shock and horror. And expression Kirk would never forget, as long as he lived.

Kirk couldn't breathe. He grasped at his neck, and he felt like he was going to faint.

"Well, whaddya know, Doc. Turns out you're good for something!" the murderer laughed cruelly.

"N..No. No but, but nobody was supposed to die! No! Why did you do that! That wasn't supposed to happen! WHY DID YOU DO THAT YOU MONSTER!!!" Kirk bellowed, in a fit of rage that echoed his state in this very room earlier that week.

"Shut the hell up! How the hell did you think this was going to go?!? You think we were just going to waltz in here and ask for your SH!IT politely?!? Wake up and smell the crap Doc!"

But Kirk Langstrom was in a monstrous fit of madness. He almost didn't hear the team's leader call to his men. "*****! Alright boys, I guess we're moving ahead of schedule. Grab him and move up to the labs. The boss told us to test the serum and kill Langstrom, I don't see why we kill two flies with one stone."

"Wh What?" Kirk said weakly, as one of the men advanced on him and buried his fist in Kirk's face.

--------------------

When Kirk awoke, he couldn't move. He immediately felt that he was strapped down.

"Wh...wha..." Kirk's throat felt like he had just swallowed a bucket of sand.

"Settle down Doc, save your strength." the familiar voice called out from the darkness.

"Our employer, who you know, wants to get his hands on this little serum of yours. Turns out you were on to something, and Mr. Mask thinks there's money to be made. However, before he invests any of his own, he wants us to make sure this little miracle juice of yours really works. " Kirk, as disoriented as he was, knew exactly what was coming.

"Please, don-" Kirks words were cut off by a punch to the face, and he could feel his nose break. He let out a painful scream.

"Turns out, you get to be our little guinea pig." As Kirk's vision adjusted to the dark, he could see the man whose voice echoed through the room extract a small dose of his bat-serum into a syringe.

Oh, God, NO!

He attempted to scream out in protest, but it was too late. He felt the syringe forced into his arm, it's contents emptied into his body.

"Bottoms up," laughed the man.

For a moment, all was still.
The silence was abruptly broken, however, was Kirk Langstrom began to violently thrash about. The straps barely held him in place, and his agonizing screams filled the room.
The table shook, and all five of the thugs backed away, expressions of pure shock on their faces.
Blood filled Kirk's eyes, his lungs felt as if they were on fire. Every nerve was being ripped apart and his head boomed as if it was going to explode.
His screams grew louder, more bestial.

"NOOOOOOOAOOAOOOAAAAAaaaAAAAAAaAArrrrhrrhrrrrgggghhhhH!!!!"

And the restraints snapped.​

​

Man-Bat

"Ugh....oooOOOohhh...God, my head.....wha...what happ--"

When Kirk opened his eyes, he immediately screamed.
What he saw was like something out of a horror movie. Splashes of blood stained every wall, and body-parts were everywhere. Every table was turned over, every glass and vial broken, strangely colored liquids mixing with the torrents of blood.
And the smell. The smell is what made Kirk hunch over and throw up.

"HEEEUUUGGGHHH!! Oh...Oh God...oh...what happened....oh..."

Kirk lowered his head and looked at himself. He was lying on the floor in a puddle of blood. He was completely nude, his body stained with crimson streaks. Again, his throat opened up and he threw up.
Kirk dragged himself over to a nearby lab coat and scrambled to cover himself. His bloodstained hands left marks on the coat.
He fought the urge to throw up once more, but everywhere he turned he could see limbs ripped off from their bodies.
The walls were cracked and riddled with bullet holes.

"Oh, Oh God.. Oh God...Gotta get out...out..home..Gotta go home...I..I can't do this...I...home.."

Kirk gasped, beginning to hyperventilate. He pulled himself over to his wheelchair, and found it in perfect condition aside from being soaked in the blood of thugs, just like everything else in the room. He clawed at the chair and pulled himself up into the seat.
He did not bother getting comfortable, a luxury not available to him. He grabbed the wheels and they creaked, and he hurriedly pushed himself to the door.
When he reached the door, Kirk stopped. Something was trickling down onto his head. As he felt the liquid run down his face, he lightly touched it. Fresh blood now covered his hand, and he looked up.
What he saw was almost too much for him to handle.
The leader of the team Black Mask had sent to kill Kirk and steal his research was hanging upside down from the ceiling.
His hands had been completely ripped off, massive gashes strewn all over his body. His face was almost unrecognizable.

"GAAAH!!! OH GOD!!! Oh please oh please oh please oh please just let me go home, I just want to go home. Oh God, Francine, I'm so sorry, oh please forgive me, oh please Francine"

Kirk's shaking hands grabbed the door and he pushed himself outside.

--------

2 hours later

----------

Kirks hands still shook. No matter what he did, he could not get his hands to stop shaking madly.
The steam began to dissipate, and he pulled up a towel to wipe his soaking wet face. He reached his hand into the shower and turned it off.
When he had arrived home, the first thing he had done was throw his clothes off and, in complete shock, pulled himself into his shower. He still didn't feel clean.

He rolled himself out of the bathroom into the hallway of his apartment. He stopped by a mirror and stared intently at his reflection.

What did I do? What happened to me? What....What am I?

Kirk thought to himself, the pure madness of the situation still not settling in. The last thing he remembered was the thugs beating him and strapping him down, and...

Oh my G....

...and they injected him with the serum. The panic started to rise again, and he frantically searched his body for the puncture wound.
He stared back up at his reflection, his face flushed. He couldn't believe he was looking at himself. His eyes were empty of any life they had previously held, his skin was dry and insanely red.
And he could see something in himself. Something that made him think that he wasn't looking at Kirk Langstrom. That he was looking at something....entirely different.
Something bestial.

*Knock Knock Knock*

Kirk swung his head around and stared at the door. Someone was knocking, quite fervently. A million scenarios ran through his head. Was it Black Mask, coming for what he wanted? To kill him? Or was it the police, here to arrest him for what he had done?
He sat still, staring at his door. He was completely frozen in fear. Until he heard a voice coming from the other side of the door. The one voice that could always make things right.

"Kirk? Are you home? It's Francine. I..I need to talk to you. I made a mistake, honey, I should never have left you. Please, Kirk, please forgive me." Francine's urgent voice made everything evil and blood-soaked disappear from Kirk's mind. He called out her name and rushed to the door.
Kirk grabbed the knob, turned it and swung the door open.
He expected to embrace Francine's beautiful body, feeling her warmth once again lift his spirits, and that everything would be okay.
What came to pass, he did not expect.
In the short time before her death, Francine was being held at gunpoint by a large, bald man. The shot rang through Kirk's head, and Francine's vibrant eyes turned dead and her lifeless body crumpled and fell in to his lap.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRHHH!!!! NO!!! OH god NO, oh please no, no don't do this. No, honey, Francine, baby, no no no, oh God no, baby!"

"You caused some problems for Black Mask. That needs to be rectified, Dr. Langstrom." the man spat out viciously, but smiled.

The man's smile soon turned to a grin and he raised his gun to Kirk's forehead.
Kirk rocked Francine's body back and forth, sobbing into her hair.

"Oh baby, please no, come back, it's okay now. Oh God no, please don't go away, please don't leave me, oh please oh please, I love you so much, honey, please don't go away, I need you, I don't want to be without you, oh god oh god no"

Kirk slowly tilted his head up, staring straight into the barrel of the gun. His tear soaked expression was one of unimaginable pain and sorrow, a man crushed by his own actions.

"Oh God...Oh do it. Just do it. Kill me. I don't want to do this...Please kill me, please!" Kirk's breaking voice screamed out, as he still rocked back and forth, not wanting to let go of Francine for even a moment.



​

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Continued

"I'd be happy to." came the killer's cold, emotionless voice.

Suddenly, Kirk felt nothing. No pain, no emotion, nothing. His hands ceased trembling, and he was at peace.
But salvation did not come. Without any control over his actions, he dropped Francine's body to the floor. Her cold body hit the floor, and Kirk could see nothing but red. He jumped out of his chair, his legs seemingly healed.
He grabbed the gunman's hand, causing him to pull the trigger. Another shot echoed through the apartment, and the bullet came flying into Kirk's chest, but it did not stop him. It didn't even slow him down.
The two men toppled to the floor, Kirk furiously strangling the killer.
His panicked screams rang in Kirk's ears, and it was unbearable.
His hands darted to his ears, trying to block out all the noise.

No sooner had he let go, than the transformation began. His hands snapped, giving way to monstrous claws. Large leathery wings grew pushed through his skin, ripping it like paper.
His flesh was tearing, his screams filled the room. His teeth flew out of his mouth, massive fangs growing in their stead. Soon, all of the skin on his body had fallen to the floor in a bloody heap. Everything was turning, Kirk felt nothing but rage and pain.
What was once Dr. Kirk Langstrom, now towered over the cowering hitman, and spread it's wings.
The massive form advanced on the hitman, who had closed his eyes tightly and was praying in between sobs of panic.

"RAAAAAarrgggggghhhoonna tear you apart!!!!"

Gigantic claws darted through the air, striking down at the man screaming out in agony. Blood flew in arcs in every direction. The beast's claws grabbed both the man's arms, and with a sickening crunch and rip, pulled them off his body.
The man's screams filled every corner of the building. But they did not last much longer, for the beast swung it's claws towards the man's head, impaling it on impact.
A cascade of blood covered the floor and walls of the apartment.
The creature stood up, and roared ferociously.

"RAAaaAAGGHGHHHHBL, BLLLLl...BLLAAAAAA... BLAAAACK MAAAAAASSSSK!!!!"

As if it were being pulled by an invisible force, the monster spread it's wings and hurled itself toward the window. With a booming crash, it broke through the wall.
A dark blur, it shot up in to the night sky. Roaring and screaming, it landed on the rooftop. Facing the sprawling cityscape of Gotham City, it roared with frightening rage.

"BLAAAACK MAAAAAAAASSSSK!"
​

 

[Catman_prb]

Black Mask

"BLAAAACK MAAAAAAAASSSSK!"

He heard it, but barely. On the edge of his senses. Something far away. In the distance. If he had been a dog he would've cocked his ear. But he wasn't. He wasn't even a man any more. He was the Black Mask. So he got his gun out of his desk draw, took his jacket off and put it on the back of his chair. He turned his chair to face the floor to ceiling window, making a loud, obnoxious scraping sound as he did so. Then he sat, looking at the full moon, and playing with the gun.

Load, then reload.
​

Load, then reload.

Load, then reload.

Load, then reload.

Load, then reload.

Load, then - He thought he heard something. Like wings.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Man-Bat

He could hear him. He could smell him. And as he crashed through the window, Kirk could see the man who had made him a monster. Killed him. And killed Francine.

The shock hardly registered on Black Mask's face.
The Man-Bat stood, a giant compared to the man standing before him. It spread it's wings and issued a bonechilling roar.
In a blur of motion, it was already upon Black Mask.

​

 

[Catman_prb]

Man-Bat​

He could hear him. He could smell him. And as he crashed through the window, Kirk could see the man who had made him a monster. Killed him. And killed Francine.​

The shock hardly registered on Black Mask's face.


The Man-Bat stood, a giant compared to the man standing before him. It spread it's wings and issued a bonechilling roar.


In a blur of motion, it was already upon Black Mask.​

​

Of all the things he'd been expecting; vengeful assassins, guys dressed as cats, police, Thorne's men; he'd not been expecting this. This thing was hgue. And if it was what he thought it was, he was in for some fun. He'd been batted halfway across the room by the force of the first blow. He picked himself up, and picked up his gun.

"Bring it, motherf***er" he shouted, firing three shots into the Bat creature's chest. It staggered slightly.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Of all the things he'd been expecting; vengeful assassins, guys dressed as cats, police, Thorne's men; he'd not been expecting this. This thing was hgue. And if it was what he thought it was, he was in for some fun. He'd been batted halfway across the room by the force of the first blow. He picked himself up, and picked up his gun.

"Bring it, motherf***er" he shouted, firing three shots into the Bat creature's chest. It staggered slightly.

The creature wavered for a moment. But the bullets did no real damage, and it wasn't long before it was ready for another attack.
It spread it's wings, roared and pounced on Black Mask, slamming him up against a wall.
Just like the wall beneath Black Mask, Kirk Langstrom cracked.

"RRooooaAAARRRGGHHH!!! YOU TOOK MY EVERYTHING!!! I'LL KILL YOU!" he roared.

 

[Catman_prb]

The creature wavered for a moment. But the bullets did no real damage, and it wasn't long before it was ready for another attack.
It spread it's wings, roared and pounced on Black Mask, slamming him up against a wall.
Just like the wall beneath Black Mask, Kirk Langstrom cracked.

"RRooooaAAARRRGGHHH!!! YOU TOOK MY EVERYTHING!!! I'LL KILL YOU!" he roared.

It was a voice that he recognised.

"Cripple? Is that you in that hulk of a body?" he choked, the claws of the bat cutting off his air supply. There was blood on the tips of it. Whether they were Romans, or some of his men, remained to be seen. It growled even louder.

"Oh, i always knew you'd be fun," he said grinning. He shot a bullet into the arm that had him pinned. The cracks in the wall were growing. Then it broke, and Black Mask went flying through the air, and landed on the secreatarys desk, breaking it in half.

He got up off the floor, and grabbed the splintered table leg, and faced down Langstrom.

"Lets go Bat-Boy," he growled.